Melanie Dixon’s body may have recovered from a horrific climbing accident, but her nerve is long gone. So is the natural enthusiasm for life she took for granted. Tired of being scared, beyond ready to conquer her fears, she pulls up stakes and moves to her brother’s new hometown to start over. Her first step is the most terrifying—to tackle the wall at the local climbing center.

Derrick James is mesmerized by Melanie’s dark beauty, and equally impressed with her climbing abilities and determination. Watching her retune rusty skills spurs a desire to partner with her—on and off the ropes. Melanie’s a compelling mix of wit, sensuality and vulnerability, and it’s his delicious task to convince her the scars on her body are no match for the heat rising between them.

Then a man from Melanie’s past shows up, pushing their relationship to the edge. Nathan King wants photographs for a “where are they now” series, but his side agenda is more personal in nature. A proposal that brings her out of her sensual shell and onto a precarious sexual ledge. Where trust is crucial…and too easily shattered.

Warning: This book may cause heart-pounding, body-shaking adrenaline attacks—and that’s before they leave the climbing gym. Contains blindfolds, ropes and a healthy dose of voyeurism. Go on—you know you like to watch.

Title: RISING, FREESTYLE
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Xtreme Adventures, book 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, July 5
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line: “Go on, you can do it.”

Memorable Scenes:
- Derrick tripping while kissing Melanie and still secured to her with the climbing ropes > the idea of Melanie suspended in the air above Derrick made me LOL.
- the photoshoots at the climbing gym > had to go in search of a fan...so freaking HOT
- Nathan wearing a sports bra > you have to read it to understand why I LOLed so loud I startled the hubby .
- the camping trip > amazing combination of emotions and heat! The picnic table scene immediately comes to mind...*fans self*
-the bondage/suspending scene at the climbing gym > I have no words to describe this scene's blazing hotness

The heroine of RISING, FREESTYLE is Melanie Dixon and I loved her! She’s saucy, vivacious, tomboy-ish and headstrong. She’s also trying to overcome her fear of heights (acrophobia) and climbing, after a major fall, head on by learning to free climb again. Melanie is Kane’s sister and Kane was one of the heroes of book 1 in this series (FALLING, FREESTYLE)

The hero is Derrick James, who is the owner of the climbing center where Melanie is reacquainting herself with climbing again and a friend of Kane’s.
Derrick is patient, thoughtful, considering and calm but still as intense as any alpha male.

The chemistry between Melanie and Derrick is sizzling but there was also a sense of ease and trust between them. Then a blast from the past, Nathan King, sails in and brings emotional turmoil on more than just a sexual level. Nate is Melanie’s best friend’s brother and she used to have a huge crush on him. Nathan is stubborn and compassionate and I’ve already told Vivian what I want for him (can’t tell you guys as it would spoil this story a little). The chemistry between Melanie and Nate was on a different level yet equally fiery as between Derrick and Melanie and was made even steamier by Derrick's reaction to it.

Though I hardly mention secondary characters by name in my reviews unless they play a very important role in the story, I must mention that the main characters of the first book (Dara, Kane and Jack) form a minor secondary cast for this one and when Jack appeared on the page I loved it. Brief as it was it made my heart go pitter-patter like crazy! I loved seeing Kane and Dara too and reading how their story had progressed after their book.

With every book from her I read Vivian Arend gets better and better. The way she builds up the sexual attraction and tension is explicit, powerful and unique without getting crass or rude. Her writing style is so easy and agreeable and at the same time it's sizzling hot. Once I start reading I just want to keep on going and before I know it, I'm done and craving her next book. I really loved the twist Vivian Arend gave to the ménage and voyeurism themes in this book. It was refreshing and smokin' hot to read and fit the characters and their stories so well.

I think (I’m still on the fence because I REALLY loved the first book too) I loved this book in the Xtreme Adventures Series even more than the first book, though it's a tad more complicated emotionally. My heart broke for Nathan every time Melanie would express her physical desire for him but turn to Derrick for the emotional connection. I know it's more realistic but my erotic romance reading, permanent threesome trope loving heart was left just as unsatisfied as Nathan was, despite having hot flashes from the steaminess of it all. And yet my romantic side was totally on board with Derrick and Melanie's bond and them not wanting to engage in a full-fledged ménage.

If you can a write book that makes me ponder doing stuff like rock climbing (even the explanation of rockclimbing terms at the beginning of every chapter had me interested!), touch me emotionally and still be as steamy as this, I have to take a deep, deep bow and declare this book an awesome read and Vivian Arend an amazing author!

Favorite Quotes:

Oh man. There were many things she wanted. She wanted to drag her fingers through his long hair and pull his head to hers for a kiss that would make her toes curl. If he happened to use his strong fingers on her back for a massage that somehow turned into a more erotic playtime, that would be fine as well. Maybe letting her crawl over him as they writhed together in wild, passionate lovemaking that would leave her gasping for breath and sexually sated. All of those were on the instant “hell, yeah” list.

She’d sworn to be honest in her relationships, and she wasn’t the type to let a situation start that could cause them trouble down the road. “I need to tell you about Nathan and me.”
One brow snuck upward, his expression highly amused. “You mean the fact he wants to get in your pants, or the fact he turns you on?”

Every time Nathan helped position her on the wall, his hands firm and confident on her body, Derrick’s dick got harder.
Melanie’s breathing accelerated, that telltale flush covering her chest. Derrick took another long swig of his water bottle and wondered if the two of them would notice if he pulled out his c#ck and jacked off right here and now.
F#cked in the head, that’s what he was. Watching his girlfriend get as good as fondled in front of him, seeing her get turned on, and all he could think was how happy he was for her and how much he needed to ease his balls.

(Nathan) Love them—thoroughly—then leave them happy had become his motto.

“Level with me—do you find her attractive?”
Nathan reeled back. -Just the type of question I want to answer to a seemingly jealous boyfriend with enough muscles to beat me silly.- Fine, Derrick was going to ask the tough ones? Nathan went for broke. Maybe he was about to get a fist to the face, but screw it. “Hell yeah. I’ve been thinking about her ever since I got the bloody assignment.”

Sunlight wavered around them, the tall trees swaying in the breeze making the shadows dance around the clearing. It was the most peaceful of settings, and she closed her eyes and soaked in the serenity around her to force out the fears rocking her world.
Sexually aroused, emotionally anxious—and stunned by what she grew more certain was love shining in Derrick’s eyes.

(Nathan) “I want to kiss you, Mel.”
He waited for her response, his long dark lashes that she’d envied as a teen lazily fluttering as he stared at her mouth.
A kiss would be good. If she remembered how to talk, she would tell him that. Instead, she managed a nod, and his smile arrived right on cue.

(Nathan) He was surrounded by the freaking animal kingdom, and he’d just shot his brains out the end of his dick.

Derrick was a rock, her rock. Solid, and completely there for her. Not to take over her life, but to provide a firm place to stand while she took back control.

He touched her, inside and out. Her body, her mind. Her soul.
And there were no more scars there.
Time blurred, sensations shot to a tantalizing edge before rocketing her off the cliffs and setting her into freefall. Her climax tore her apart and rebuilt her as her body squeezed tight around his shaft.

He laughed, and the lightness of the sound broke into sparkling pieces and bounced off the walls of the room to fill her ears with joy and her heart with hope. “Damn it, Mel, you missed your cue. It’s like climbing. You ask ‘On belay?’ and I respond ‘Belay on.’ So when I say ‘I love you’, you’re supposed to say it back.

Never venture out of bounds without a buddy–preferably two.

Dara’s past four incredible years have been lived to the fullest. Along with her best friends, Kane and Jack, she’s left no local wilderness unexplored, no ski slope unchallenged. Yet lately she wonders why they’ve never seen her as more than a buddy with breasts. When—or if—either man will cross that unspoken line.

It’s a line Kane eyes harder every day. Since high school, he and Jack have shared everything. A condo, vacations—and their best girl. Kane’s ready to get serious about his wilderness school and outfitter business, and that includes putting down roots. Preferably with Dara.

Wary of the men who’ve recently been sniffing around Dara, Jack has a growing sense that he or Kane better make a move soon, or they’re going to lose out on their perfect match. Question is, who does she prefer…and who’s going to bring their easygoing trio to an end?

Overhearing the boys arguing over her, Dara’s floored—and torn. Choose between them? No way. Drastic measures are called for, a plan for their annual holiday getaway that will clarify her feelings once and for all—or lose everything in a sexual storm of whiteout proportions.


Warning: Old friends turned lovers can get into the most trouble—exhibitionism, bondage, spanking. Anal sex, oral sex, unauthorized use of ski safety harnesses, icicles in the hot tub…the author apologizes in advance for any melted monitors.

Title: FALLING, FREESTYLE
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Xtreme Adventures, book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, November 30
Format: eBook
Source: Received e-ARC from author for review

First line:
The bright yellow safety marker passed behind them as Dara leaned back on the solid wood boards of the chairlift, easing her skis onto the rests.

Memorable Scenes:
- first sex scene > good thing I'm read this book during a pretty cold spell or I'd have spontaneously combusted
- Jack and Kane discussing erotic romance > I love Viv for this scene
- icicles in the hot tub scene > the thought of coldness never crossed my mind


The main characters of FALLING, FREESTYLE are Dara, Kane and Jack. Three lifelong friends who embark on something that goes beyond close friendship. What a delicious, awesome read. It had everything I want in an erotic romance: well-written, steamy hot, funny, emotional and attention-grabbing.

Plain and ordinary is how Dara sees herself. She has a thing for her two best friends but doesn't dare going for either of them for fear of ruining their three-way friendship. She's pure and straightforward, what you see is what you get. I really loved how she handled both men and could match them in practically everything they dished out.

The two main men are Kane and Jack. Kane is a goofy, loud daredevil. He’s the kind of man who throes himself into a situation and then doubles back to think about it…maybe… Jack is the opposite of Kane. He’s solid, instinctive and supportive and is most happy when all is ordered and pristine

Though Kane definitely was a drool-worthy character, it was Jack who made me weak in the knees and that's not just because of my soft spot for heroes with his name. I loved how Kane, the boisterous, dare-devilish character, was the one who had the most trepidation about the ménage (at first) and it was Jack, the more cautious one, who dove in headfirst and was reassuring and encouraging Kane. He was also the more adventurous one in the bedroom, making Kane look the tamer one of the two. This dynamic in the book was just fascinating.

FALLING, FREESTYLE is, without a doubt, my favorite Vivian Arend read to-date, it just ticked all the right boxes: ménage, friends-to-lovers, sizzling hot sex, witty banter and genuine emotions. And when I started trying to picture in my head how certain things would work (using safety harness from skis as improvised handcuffs for example), I knew I had me a winner! The start of the book was more intense than the ending but still it was still the best Vivian Arend book I've read up till now. There was even a little bit of conflict to resolve, which is something that's not standard in her books.

I just love Vivian Arend’s writing. With FALLING, FREESTYLE I was once again drawn in from the very start by the ease and humor in her writing. The banter, camaraderie and chemistry between Dara, Kane and Jack are great and a big positive in this story.

One thing I MUST mention is the Alpine Responsibility Code that was quoted rule by rule at the beginning of every chapter. They were so fitting the stuff going on in the actual chapters, I just loved them and I wonder if there will be something similar, like a Rock Climbing Responsibility Code, in the next book.

The skiing stuff in this book brought memories back for me I'd rather forget. Years ago I discovered at a former job's teambuilding day that involved skiing lessons, in a what might be hilarious to some but in a disastrous way for me, that skiing is not my forte. I think there's still a traumatized ski instructor out there who will run screaming should I ever go down a slope in his vicinity. Still I enjoyed the joy of going down the slopes through Dara, Kane and Jack's characters.

I'm a sucker for the ménage trope as well as the friends-to-lovers trope and with FALLING, FREESTYLE Vivian Arend gave me a lovely combination of both that will definitely go on the favorite list.

Favorite Quotes:
"What's the solution? You going to step back and let me show her who's the better guy?" Jack's husky voice sent a shiver racing over Dara's skin.

She took his mouth like she took to the hills, full out, full speed--caution be damned.

"Did I offend your delicate feelings with my wicked proposal?"
He leered at her as he rose to his feet. "Hell no, I was just trying to figure out how you managed to avoid suggesting it a long time ago. Two righteous studs at your beck and call for years, and it took you this long to finally come to your senses?"

She tried to regain his lips, but he pressed his finger against them. She growled and muttered against the single digit. "Why not?"
Kane cleared his throat. "Because I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy? One step at a time."
"I'll totally let you run the bases before you hit a home run with me."

Kane and Jack exchanged glances. "She likes a little restraint?" Kane asked.
Jack nodded. "Looks that way. You want to get her legs?"
"Hey guys, she’s right here, listening to you...holy--"
Kane pulled her knees up and to the side. With no further preamble, he dropped his head between her legs, and suddenly she couldn't breathe.

Sensory overload approached like a freight train, and she let herself go, knowing they would catch her.

He [Kane] crawled on top of Dara and nuzzled her neck. His lips touched the lobe of her ear and he licked it before whispering softly, "I want you. Will you take me?"

Jack came to his side. "Kane? Are you going through Dara's bag? That's dangerous. Women have killed for less--"

(Kane) "You know I've got four sisters. Nothing was sacred when I was growing up. The things those girls talked about when I was around would have scarred a lesser man."


Dara was up to something, and she deserved the right to play this one out as she desired. She lifted her chin and her gaze darted between him and his friend. There was none of her usual submissive softness in her stance, just an all-out sensual burn that threatened to ignite the entire room.

(Dara to Jack) "Kane and I are going in the hot tub to f#ck like bunnies. You want to come?"