He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.
That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

Title: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Six Pack Ranch, book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance,
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, November 15
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
“Are you sure you can’t last a bit longer?”

Memorable Scenes:
- Blake playing Peeping Tom while Jaxi is in the shower > awesome clash of conflicting feelings warring within Blake
- the pool game > the triple play challenge took the scene beyond fun and into sizzling hot
- the hot scene in the Coleman kitchen > No when I see or hear the mention canned peaches I will not only think of Inez Kelley's TURN IT UP but of Vivian Arend too!
- Jaxi's exotic dance for Blake > HOT!


The hero and heroine of ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT have known each other for quite some time. Ever since Jaxi was a little girl and only child she’d come and hang with the rambunctious Colemans on their ranch and from the moment she knew what it meant to desire, she desired Blake Coleman, the oldest son of the bunch.

Jaxi has been in love with Blake forever and when she is asked to stay on the ranch for a while, taking care of his mom after a fall from an apple tree, she seizes the opportunity to show Blake exactly how much she wants him and hopes she can convince him to want her back.
Little does she know that Blake hardly needs any convincing as Jaxi has been his forbidden fantasy for quite some time and it's getting more and more difficult to keep seeing her as a little sister. He tries to hold on to their age-difference, seeing it as a reason for them not to be together but the feelings and attraction are too strong to deny.

Jaxi is giving, selfless and outspoken. She’s also a goal-getter. She sets her mind on something she wants, she’s bound to get it. In this case she has set her mind on Blake and will not rest until he’s where she wants him.

Blake is the oldest son. The one who thinks he needs to set a responsible example for his younger brothers. He’s honorable, stubborn (oh my God is that man stubborn!) and commanding. He resists Jaxi for a long time but when he eventually gives in to the feelings he can no longer deny, he gives his all

Vivian Arend definitely turned up the heat in this one...it took a little while for the chemistry between Blake and Jaxi to combust but when it did it was full steam ahead all the way to the last page. Scorching, sizzling, steamy heat made for some awesome love scenes. I also loved the romance even though there were moments where I would think they should just come out and express their feelings towards each other since it was so plain to everyone else.

I fell in love with the Colemans the first time I read about them and fell even harder this second time! I'm still fascinated by the twins, I still swoon for Blake, down-to-earth Daniel and considerate Matt and I still think Travis can be a major, major jerk whom I just want to smack upside the head sometimes.

An extra treat was a secondary romance involving Matt. Though I definitely don’t want them to end up together because the woman is annoying and selfish as heck, their story was intriguing and I loved getting to know Matt a bit more and see an interesting side of him. Still I don’t think Helen is worthy of sweet, caring Matt. There has to be a better woman out there for him.
One thing about this secondary romance storyline was that I didn’t like that this storyline (even if it covered one of my favorite tropes) almost overtook Blake and Jaxi's story. Although I'm sure Vivian Arend incorporated so much of their story in ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT for a good reason. So I trust it will all be revealed in Matt’s book.

I don't know what to say about Vivian's writing anymore without gushing about it. I like it so much and it fits me because though she broaches serious subjects she still manages to keep it light, fast-paced, humorous and emotional yet free of melodrama. Vivian Arend is my go-to author for feel-good romance, the kind of books you pick up knowing when you’ve finished it you have a smile on your face and a happy sigh leaving your mouth.

Favorite Quotes:
A bright red mark on his neck caught his eye, and he groaned in frustration. Like he was going to be able to explain that one easily. He shook his head and aimed the truck for home. In his lap, Jaxi’s feverish cheek burned a hole into his thigh while his unanswerable lust burned a hole in his conscience.

“She’s too young for me. Be my guest and go for it, I don’t think of her that way.” Sweet mercy, what a bunch of bull . He thought of little but Jaxi. It was no use though. She was too young. She still looked up to him as a big brother, and he wasn’t going to step over that boundary like some hormone-crazed animal.

Blake bit back the urge to lay his mouth on hers and lick over the wetness, tasting her skin and her sweet flavor. He needed to retreat, needed to stand and flee from temptation and the heavenly smell of her warm breath on his skin before he did something they would both regret. But heaven help him if he could budge.

Blake watched, motionless and noiseless for so long he felt like a statue, every bit of his body gone as hard and rigid as his aching shaft. Indecision held him, immobilized him. The rush of blood through his veins drowned out the part of his common sense saying he needed to leave. The pounding faded everything logical and rational away in him and stripped him bare to need and desire.

Damn, he wanted her so bad he had to restrain himself from tossing her over his shoulder like a caveman and hightailing out to his truck for a little action in the back. Or forget even making it to the truck, he’d slip them into the back room and fuck her against the wall, hard and fast, until they both made more of those noises of pleasure she was so good at producing.

“Damn it, stop with the questions and give me what I need.” Jaxi arched hard, thrusting her hips against his hand. She was on fire, and he was keeping her at such a steady burn she was liable to pass out from need.

He grinned at her with his new cocky smile that made her heart melt and her panties wet all at the same time.

Their wolves are howling at the moon. Their human halves are on different planets.

Lone wolf Shaun Steven’s automatic response to the words “happily ever after”? Kill me now. Yet with all his friends settling down he’s begun to think there may actually be something to this love-and-roses crap.

One thing’s for sure: his dream mate will have to out-cuss, out-spit and out-hike him. So he never expected the one to push his forever button would be a blue-blooded Southern debutante with a voice as dark and velvety as her skin.

When Gemmita Jacobs steps off the plane in Whitehorse, Yukon, it’s about more than her research project. It’s her declaration of independence from an overprotected upbringing. Except there’s something in the air she can’t quite define—something that unexpectedly rouses her mating instincts.

Moments after their eyes lock, the deed is done—and done thoroughly. When the pheromone dust settles, though, all the reasons they don’t belong together become painfully clear.

It’s enough to make a wolf learn a whole new set of cuss words…

Warning: Two strong wolves getting exactly what they deserve. Includes wilderness nookie, shifters being naughty in public places, the Midnight Sun as a canopy for seduction and grizzly shifters on the loose. Oh, and don’t forget the sarcasm.

Title: BLACK GOLD
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Takhini Wolves, book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, September 13
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from author for review

First line:
“Excuse me, ladies.”

Memorable Scenes:
- drunk Shaun > hilarious!
- lunch scene with Evan and Caroline > there had better be yummy stuff coming for Caroline and Evan!
- Caroline's dominance fight > awesome fight scene


Gemmita 'Gem' Jacobs is on a quest for adventure and independence in the form of a field excursion to the Yukon area. She’s stubborn and determined. I loved Gem and her genuine enthusiasm and zest for life. Her attitude of not wanting to be controlled and wanting to taken serious by the men in her life was what I loved most about her.

Shaun Stevens is a helicopter pilot. The pilot charged with flying Gem to her research location. He’s rebellious, blunt and unpretentious. He’s also a little restless and listless and sort of going through the motions of life without a goal or mission. Seeing his friends find their mates he realizes he’s longing for a mate of is own too. I liked Shaun more when he was being his whatever and rough round the edges self. When he was trying too much to be a gentleman to Gem he didn't wow me that much and I'd want him going back to his swearing –forgetting to hold the door for her or pull her chair– self.

I loved the romance in this book, loved Shaun, Gem and how they matched together! Their chemistry is explosive, intense and scorching. At first I thought things were going very smooth for them, a bit too smooth. Then Shaun put his foot in his mouth, Gem was insulted by his lack of trust in her abilities and the fireworks started. I loved the battles of will and wit between them. They were one of the things that made this a great book next to the nice balance between action, romance and characterization.

I welcomed all the newly introduced characters and I suspect there's lots of yummy to come in this series. Evan and Caroline were interesting to say the least. But I was also very happy to have a small reunion with TJ, my very favorite Granite Lake wolfie, when he made an appearance. I’ll always have a soft spot for TJ ;)

BLACK GOLD is a great start of this new shifter series by Vivian Arend. Her trademark humorous and lighthearted writing style remains strong even when she ups the ante and takes the characters to a more complicated emotional level. BLACK GOLD was longer than the books in the Granite Lake Wolves series and this left room for more depth and complications in the characterization and story lines. Since that was the one thing I was missing in Vivian Arend’s previous books, I really liked this and look forward to future longer stories by her.

And yes, the ever-present humorous wit and banter wasn't missing in BLACK GOLD either. All the characters, main and secondary, contributed to the fun vibe and great dynamics of the book.

Again Vivian Arend's wonderful writing made this book another great reading experience. The ease with which the world building is done and the paranormal elements are meshed with characterization and romance made for a fast-paced fluently flowing book. The writing shines in its simplicity and clarity. No elaborate plots or intricate world building. Just straightforward and enjoyable storytelling that's spiced up with a sweet and sizzling romance.

Favorite Quotes:
There was no doubt Evan was the strongest wolf in the area, but the dude was nuttier than a fruitcake at times.

There was a pause—only a second—as they stared into each other’s eyes. Then the world exploded as they both moved.
He hadn’t kissed her before. Now he consumed her, feasting at her mouth as if he was starving. She returned as good as he gave, nipping and licking, her tongue tangling with his. The exhilarating flavour of her mate burst onto her taste buds, adding to the richness of her pleasure.

He tasted wild. There was raw energy in his kiss, the hint of a sweet aftertaste that made her smile against his lips.

Any pain she’d experienced was gone, replaced with the urgent desire to use him like a pogo stick.

His grin was mesmerizing. “I would love to be your guide. Put yourself entirely into my hands.”
Into his hands. The coals in her belly fanned to high heat, and she forced herself to ignore them. Not now. They had already established they could have sex. Hot sex. Melt-the-sheets sex.

Then she lifted her chin and calmly stepped away from the table, leaving a stunned Shaun in her wake. He watched her walk a few paces before leaping to his feet.
“Shaun,” Evan warned. “You might want to give her a little space to cool off.”
His friend turned back in the middle of the room, the most pleased expression on his face. “Are you kidding? She’s got a freaking backbone. I love it!”

Then she snorted, and his ego got a little bruised. “Oh yes, the legendary wolfish sex drive. It’s okay, Evan, I think I can handle anything you want to dish out. Only I’m not doing kinky things with you when you’re in your wolf form. I draw the line at that.” (Caroline & Evan)

He was going to lose his ever-loving mind at this rate.
A dozen measured strokes later he was praying for a miracle. If he didn’t do something now—stop, recite the times table— something, he was about to go up in smoke.

Evan chuckled. “I know everything, man. It’s politics. Every so many years—and no one seems to know exactly how many—the bears meet to redistribute territory and such. Their hierarchy is way more formal than the way we wolves do things. They vote and shit.”
No way. “Like, no beating each other up or ripping out throats for leadership? They vote on bits of paper and that decides the leaders?”
“Barbaric, isn’t it?”

GIVEAWAY========GIVEAWAY========GIVEAWAY

Vivian has gracefully offered another full set of the Granite Lake Wolves ebooks (Wolf Signs, Wolf Flight, Wolf Games and Wolf Tracks) and I'm giving this set away to one of the commenters on this ARC-Review.

My reviews of:
WOLF SIGNS
WOLF FLIGH
WOLF GAMES
WOLF TRACKS

Besides the Granite Lake Wolves ebook set (offered by Vivian) I'm also personally giving away an e-copy of BLACK GOLD because I really think it has a lot of appeal for paranormal romance readers.

Giveaway Rules:
- This giveaway is open internationally.
- I will draw and announce the two winners on Sunday September 25st
- If you have a preference for either just the Granite Lake Wolves set or just the BLACK GOLD ebook, make this clear in your entry
- Make sure you leave a way to contact you if it is not included in your profile. Please note that if your are picked as a winner and I have no way of contacting you, I will draw another winner
- To enter: Do you prefer novellas or full length stories? And why?

Tomorrow marks the first release date of the Bandicoot Cove Experience, a feature on the Blog beween now and and September 21st with Previews, ARC-reviews and Guestposts from the authors Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee. And it's a twofer! Because not only does Vivian Arend's PARADISE FOUND come out, there's also the freebie EXOTIC INDULGENCE, which kicks off the series with an sizzling hot introduction. My review of EXOTIC INDULGENCE can be found HERE

Today I have my ARC-review of PARADISE FOUND for you to enjoy. My only warning for this book: Have a tall glass of ice-water ready once you start reading this one! It's smokin' hot!!

Coming up next:

• Vivian Arend’s Guestpost on PARADISE FOUND and the series – Thursday August 25th
• Preview of TROPICAL SIN by Lexxie Couper – Friday September 2nd
• My ARC-Review of TROPICAL SIN by Lexxie Couper – Monday September 5th

Fate is a wind that can change at the drop of a heart…

Paige has enjoyed every no-strings-attached minute with her two Australian lovers, Trent and Mason. Over the past eleven months, they’ve surfed, hiked…and explored their seemingly limitless sexual chemistry.

Her lovers’ invitation to the opening of a new resort comes at the ideal time, because in a few days she’s returning to Canada. It’ll be a fitting swan song for their easygoing relationship. A chance to fulfill a few fantasies and then escape before her men realize she’s broken the rules by falling in love with them both. Better to take flight than be forced to choose.

Unaware of Paige’s self-imposed deadline, Trent and Mason scheme to get Paige on their yacht for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage with one goal in mind: break the news that they’re ready for something more than casual—and hope she doesn’t run like hell.

It’s a delicate operation that’ll require close attention to which way her emotional winds are blowing. One wrong word, and their paradise-perfect arrangement could be lost in an instant.

Warning: This book starts with the heat turned way up high. Two men entirely focused on one woman’s pleasure. One woman stepping outside the box to please her men. An exotic resort suite featuring an erotic piece of furniture that makes ménage a trois even hotter than usual. Really

Title: PARADISE FOUND
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Bandicoot Cove, book 2
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, August 23
Format: eBook
Source: Received e-ARC from author for review

First line:
Trent dropped the engraved invitation back into his shirt pocket and dug out the access code he’d been given for the computerized keypad.
Memorable Scenes:
- Mason's entry into the story, misinterpreting the role play > awesomely written
- Paige and Trent baking and naming a heavenly dessert for a wedding at the resort > perfect example of the excellent mix of humor and heat
- the erotic piece of furniture scene > all I could think was OMG Viv, OMG!



Paige Kingston is a pastry chef who’s adventurous, bold, uninhibited, sensual, and headstrong. Her guys are two yummy Aussies: Trent Sullivan, a customs inspector and Kylie's younger brother (Kylie is heroine of book 1). Trent is passionate, wild, a talker (exactly how I like ‘em!). He’s also a little dominating and a little rough around the edges. And then we have Mason Wood, a writer of erotic romance novels (YAY!). He’s impulsive, gentle, protective, and chivalrous.

Paige is a Canadian pastry chef on an Australian adventure for over a year and during that adventure she's also explored sexually, getting hot and heavy with not one but two gorgeous guys. But her adventures are coming to an end as she's about to head back to Canada
Trent and Mason are best friends and both in love with Paige and while she is planning and sad about her departure they are planning how to keep her with them forever, taking it from casual to permanent.

The (sexual) dynamics between Trent, Paige and Mason is awesome. Paige likes to be dominated a bit by Trent but with Mason it's she who likes to be the one calling the shots and giving the commands. And yet Mason seems the one more sure about their feelings for Paige whereas Trent seemed to be a tad more uncertain about the future and hesitant to dive in with both feet at first.

I loved the secondary cast and their introduction into the book. Most of them are the main characters in the other books and they form a group of family and friends that I know I am going to have an awesome time with reading their stories. I really liked how they were subtly introduced without intruding on the main characters of this book.

Viv's writing suits me so well. The way she's able to suck me into her stories every time is not only because of the tropes but also because of her easy, fluent and crisp writing. Lots of fabulous dialogues, no heavy-duty stuff yet still enough going on to hook me emotionally. And the humor, OMG, the humor is so on point and so my kind of humor I read her books with a either a big smile on my face or laughing out loud in between fanning away the hot flashes.

I love that Vivian Arend started the book in the here and now and with a sexual bang and then goes back and subtly inserts back-stories and there's even a flashback of how the three of them met. I love that as it gives the characters depth, keeps the pace fast and yet you get the full story feel even if it is a fairly short (novella-length) story/book.

What I also love is Vivian Arend's approach of the ménage trope. Next to all the hot sexy times she never lets the characters go into a permanent threesome mindlessly. There are doubts and insecurities that make her characters likeable, keeps them down-to-earth and easy to relate to and it they make her ménages realistic and less ultimate fantasy-like.

PARADISE FOUND is explicit, so if you're looking for sweet non-smutty romance without words like c#ck, f#ck or p#ssy...turn the other way because it will not be for you. However if you're okay with explicitness and ménages (like I am) you will gobble this one up. This book was so hot it made me think sexual stuff even when they weren't talking about sex. An example:

A resounding groan slipped from his mate’s lips, and Mason chuckled under his breath as Trent popped the top button of his trousers and stretched his legs under the table.
“I’m going to explode,” Trent complained.

Guess where my dirty mind went...
And then:

Paige shook her head in mock sympathy. “Really? Why does that not surprise me? Wait, let me guess. Maybe it was the four helpings of crepes you hoovered down? Or the six-egg omelet?”
“I think it was the tarts. I’ve never seen a selection of pastries like that before.”

So much for my dirty mind... :)

If EXOTIC INDULGENCE (the freebie first book) was the appetizer that started off this indulgent and yummy meal of ménages that is Bandicoot Cove, then PARADISE FOUND was the entrée that makes me look forward to the main course with bated breath. As far as ménages go, this series is definitely going to be a the top of my favorites list and Vivian Arend has set the bar high for her fellow authors in this series.

Favorite Quotes:
“Touch yourself.”
Paige instantly covered her breasts.
He rumbled with laughter. “That’s not what I meant.”

Trent rose from the ground. All six-foot-four of him looked pissed, although with his dick hanging out of his pants, a little of the overall intimidation factor was lost. Mason snickered in spite of fearing he might be smacked in return.

Mason picked her up and returned the squeeze as he attempted to ignore the soft swell of her breasts peeking above the low scoop of her top. Tried to refrain from grinding his half-hard c#ck against her body and rutting on her like a sex-crazed maniac. It was tough considering the moment her knees left the mattress she’d swung her legs around his hips and now clung to him, an erotic body wrap. The wet heat of her sex sat directly over his dick, and things were not getting any less impressed below his beltline.

Mason kissed her, drawing a moan of satisfaction from her in the way he made love to her mouth. He really was the most fantastic kisser. Plus all the other things he did with that mouth—sinfully good.

As she pulled on her swimsuit, her thoughts whirled.
Was she going to enjoy the weekend? Physically, she had no doubts that she’d be sated and completely satisfied long before their time together ended. Emotionally? She needed to brace her few remaining walls, or the coming heartache was going to kill her.

Paige snatched his wrist in both her hands and actually bounced with excitement. “We’re going to the water slide. You want to come?”
Jesus. No . Sliding with his c#ck the size of a cricket bat he was liable to put out an eye.

Trent’s jaw swung open. “Holy f#ck, are you hitting on me?”
“No! Bloody hell, I mean with Paige. I see no reason why we can’t both be with her, for good. If she wants a marriage license to make it official, that’s fine with me, but I don’t care if it’s your name on the piece of paper next to hers, or mine. There’s enough room for me to care for her, and you—in a totally nonsexual way—and I just…” Mason trailed off. The look of amusement on Trent’s face pissed him off a little. “What?”
Trent sniffed dramatically. “My first marriage proposal. Mason, I’m touched.”

“Kylie was appreciative, although also a little distracted.”
“That makes sense. She’s responsible for a lot right now.”
Her laughter increased. “Oh yeah, I’m sure that broom closet I saw her getting dragged into by Mr. Tall, Dark and Studly was high on the priority list for the soft opening.”

She ran a finger along the edge of the bowl, scooped up a smear of the chocolate sauce onto her fingertip and offered it to him.
[...] He sucked her finger into his mouth and moaned. The dessert was tasty, but having her finger to suck and tease, to be able to watch her eyes widen and hear her breath catch as he twirled his tongue around the digit? Torture.

Mason leaned in on her right, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. He stared at her legs before giving a low growl. “I’m so going to strip those stockings off with my teeth.”

Buy links: Samhain | Amazon |Barnes & Noble

Vivian Arend | Lexxie Couper | Jess Dee | Bandicoot Cove
Paradise Found | Tropical Sin | Island Idyll | Exotic Indulgence

This ARC-review kicks off my Bandicoot Cove Experience. Between today and September 21st there will be Previews, ARC-reviews and Guestposts from the authors Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee.

Coming up next:

• Preview for PARADISE FOUND by Vivian Arend, which releases August 23rd, together with this freebie – Tomorrow, Friday August 19th
• My ARC-Review of PARADISE FOUND – Monday August 22nd
• Vivian Arend’s Guestpost on PARADISE FOUND and the series – Thursday August 25th

It’s time for an indulgence, or two…or three.

There’s something magical about Bandicoot Cove. It’s where Kylie Sullivan’s dream of managing a luxury, five-star resort is about to come true. And it’s where people tend to fall in love. Kylie should know. She’s fallen hard—for three very different men.

There’s Brad, who knows just how to relieve her stress and send her body on a crash course through pleasure. Hemi, her untamed Maori, who awakens her primitive side. And Finn, the sexy bartender whose specialty is Screaming Orgasms.

The three men fulfill all her sexual fantasies, but Kylie knows reality will eventually set in and she’ll have to choose. But how? For now she decides not to decide—at least until she makes sure the resort’s soft opening comes off without a hitch.

As far as Brad, Hemi and Finn are concerned, Kylie’s life is too much work and not enough play. The only choice they plan to give her is to say yes to their wildly passionate proposal…

Warning: Three sexy men pleasing one uninhibited woman—how much more warning do you need? This short story is long on heat, with a drool-worthy setting and sexual interludes in the office, at the beach and the bar. You want a day job like this.

Title: EXOTIC INDULGENCE
Author: Co-written by Vivian Arend, Lexxie Couper and Jess Dee
Series: Bandicoot Cove, book 1 (freebie)
Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, August 23
Format: eBook
Source: Received an e-ARC from the authors for review

First line:
You Are Personally and Cordially Invited to Attend The Soft Opening of Australia’s Newest FIVE-STAR Luxury Resort BANDICOOT COVE on Bilby Island.
Bring a plus one if you desire. All expenses and needs will be catered for as we test our customer services in preparation for the Grand Opening.

Kylie stared at the embossed card once more.

Memorable Scenes:
- final chapter > loved how the guys persuaded Kylie



QuickScore-Verdict:
Holy cow, that was some opening chapter. The minute I read it I knew I was in for some hot, sexy times with this series. I didn't get in depth characterization or an emotionally touching story and that wasn't what I was expecting either. I expected a ménage, hot and dirty and that is what I got, poured into some crisp, humorous writing and some sizzling hot sex scenes.

This very short story is the perfect appetizer for what's to come in this series. I know it was co-written by the three authors whose books form the series but I really couldn't discover who wrote what. The writing blended together perfectly and delivered what the blurb promised: a quickie introduction into this fabulous series!

If you love ménages-a-quatre and you're looking for a quick but satisfying read, don't let this freebie pass you by. Get it and make it your lunch-break quickie!

Favorite Quotes:
(Brad) “I’d love to talk about dessert. Sweet, dark chocolate, smeared all over you so I can lick it off, is my first choice.” The husky tone of his voice shot into her ears and melted her spine a little.

How did this happen? How had she been caught under the spell of three different men? Brad was incredibly persistent. Hemi almost caveman-like in his sexual domination of her body, and Finn…God, she couldn’t even find the words to describe his power over her.

(Finn) The instant their lips met, she melted. Any semblance of resistance to his charms evaporated as his tongue sought and found entrance to her mouth. She opened for him, let his tongue take possession of her mouth and his body take possession of her mind.

Maxwell Turner considers his stubborn and resourceful attitude a plus. After all, it usually gets him what he wants—except for Natasha Bellingham. The long-time family friend may be ten years older than he, but so what? He’s plenty old enough to know they belong together. Now all he has to do is convince her.

Over the past few years Natasha’s love life has degenerated into a series of bad clichés. Her biological clock is ticking—loudly. As a proven architect with her own house-design company, she’s financially ready for a baby. Who says she needs a permanent man in her life for that? She just needs a “donation”.

When Max discovers Natasha’s future plans include artificial insemination, he’s outraged. She wants to get pregnant? No problem. He’s more than willing to volunteer—no turkey basters involved.

But there’s one non-negotiable clause: He wants forever. And he intends to do everything in his power—fair and unfair—to make it happen.

Warning: This title contains one younger man ready, aimed and hell bent on giving one woman everything she wants. Includes interludes against the wall, in a Jacuzzi, on a car hood and even—shockingly enough—on a bed or two. Oh, and about that porch swing? Yup…

Title: TURN IT UP
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: The Turner Twins, book 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2011, February 8
Format: eBook
Source: Bought via Samhain’s eBook store

First line:
The doors of the Sugar Shack swung shut behind her and Natasha Bellingham drew a sigh of relief, thankful to get out of the blinding morning sunshine.

Memorable Scenes:
- the dry hump scene at the building-site > wow...
- porch swing scene > double wow...
- ultrasound scene > sweet and emotional


The book TURN IT UP is a prequel to was TURN IT ON. I have fond memories of TURN IT ON as it was my very first unsolicited ARC-review request and it was my first encounter and the beginning of a beautiful bookish online relationship with the fabulous and lovely Vivian Arend. Soon after I reviewed TURN IT ON in January 2010 I discovered (Viv told me) Max’s story was in the making and from that moment on I was anxiously awaiting this story. When it was finally available and loaded onto my e-reader I read it like a starved person at an all-you-can eat buffet and I wasn’t disappointed.

TURN IT UP is the story of Natasha "Tasha" Bellingham. A talented architect who is also a bit of a control-freak and she likes to be in charge and on top of things. She’s cool, unflappable, pragmatic, bossy and let’s not forget as stubborn as they come. Her co-star is Maxwell "Max" Turner who owns Computer-software Company. Max is caring, sweet, laidback, smart and most of all very patient. The man has the patience of a saint and paired with his tenacity Tasha never stood a chance against his persuasive and seductive powers!

Max has been in love and pursuing Tasha since he was 17. When in a drunken stupor she lets it slip she wants to start a family by becoming a single mom he grabs his chance to finally get his woman. Max and Tasha were a perfect match and I really enjoyed their story. Banter and little internal emotional battles alternated with sexual chemistry that just burst off the pages. I was sucked in from first page to the last and rooting for Max all the way.

If you read my reviews or know me well enough to know my reading preferences you’ll be sick of hearing that one of my favorite tropes is the older woman-younger man trope. I have a few others, such as the friends=to=lovers and the ménage tropes and Vivian Arend once again combined two of my favorite tropes into a wonderful contemporary read.

One itty-bitty thing that bothered me in this book was the Lila (Tasha's friend and Max's cousin) situation. I kept waiting for a logical explanation for her behavior and attitude but the only one given was plain age-old jealousy and since I am not familiar with that emotion and think being jealous is a waste of time I couldn’t relate to her very much and took Tasha’s side in the “fight” to the very end.

This is definitely another one of my favorite Vivian Arend books. It had it all: heat and explicitness, pace, tropes I love and main characters I totally clicked with, a hero who shot to the top of my favorites list and last but not least the right amount of back-story and secondary stuff to create a perfect balance. Thank you, Ms. Arend for once again keeping me entertained and for never disappointing me when I open one of your books to read.

Favorite Quotes:
Max sank his fingers into her thick mane of dark hair and let his satisfaction escape in a low moan. God, he’d wanted to do that forever, and last night refusing her sexual advances had taken him to the breaking point. He needed this so badly he felt raw inside, aching with need for a taste of her.

His brain and body fought a battle for which could react the fastest. She was accepting his proposal. He was going to be with the woman he’d longed for his entire life. They were going to have sex and start a lifetime together. And have sex.

Max: “You tell me what you like and I’m game to try.”
“ Jesus . How can you talk while you’re fooling around?”
(...)
“I like talking when I’m fooling around. I like to tell you the dirty things I want to do to you. You make me hot.”
Tasha growled at him. “Bastard. I was so close.”
“I know, but you’ll get there again. And again. And again.”

Tasha ached as Max wept, his arms cradling her tenderly. That something inside that longed for a love without end—that place she’d had tied up tight and hidden away fearing it could never, ever be—snapped wide open.

Tasha wiped away the tears flooding her eyes. There was no more denying it—how much she loved him. It had taken far too long to admit it, but it was there, inside her.
No rockets went off, no loud thunderclaps or brilliant fanfare accompanied her realization. Only tightness in her throat, and a building joy to melt the final layers of icy fear that had coated her heart for so long.

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?"

Score one for the underdog…er…wolf.

TJ Lynus is a legend in Granite Lake, both for his easygoing demeanor—and his clumsiness. His carefree acceptance of his lot vanishes, though, when his position as best man brings him face to face with someone he didn’t expect. His mate. His very human mate. Suddenly, one thing is crystal clear: if he intends to claim her, his usual laid-back attitude isn’t going to cut it.

After fulfilling her maid-of-honor duties, Pam Quinn has just enough time for a Yukon wilderness trip before returning south. The instant attraction between her and TJ tempts her to indulge in some Northern Delight, but when he drops the F-bomb—“forever”—she has second thoughts. In her world, true love is a fairytale that seldom, if ever, comes true.

Okay, so maybe staging a kidnapping wasn’t TJ’s best idea, but at least Pam has the good humour to agree to his deal. He’ll give her all the northern exposure she can stand—and she won’t break his kneecaps.

Now to convince her that fairytales can remake her world—and that forever is worth fighting for.

By popular demand: Clumsy sidekick wolf grows up, sarcasm reigns, and the wilderness gets wilder. Includes hot nookie in places you expect—like a remote cabin—and places you don’t.

Title: Wolf Tracks
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Granite Lake Wolves, book 4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, October 26
Format: eBook
Source: Received digital ARC from author for review

First line: Pam let out a long, slow whistle and stared out the window to admire the scenery one more time.

Memorable Scene:
- TJ singing a-capella to Pam > so lovely

TJ is the younger brother the Granite Lake Wolves’ Alpha and from the moment he appeared in WOLF SIGNS and WOLF GAMES I fell for him and his klutzy, clumsy ways. He’s a wilderness guide and has the keenest and best sense of smell in the pack. His clumsiness makes him prone to accidents. TJ is a sweet, cute combination of lighthearted and goofy with protective, calm and reassuring. His boyish charm and confidence come across very clearly and he has many hidden talents. When I read TJ sang I got a little giddy, when he whipped out a guitar I positively swooned.

Pam is a dog handler for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Maggie's (heroine WOLF GAMES) best friend. She’s a little cynical and very outspoken. She’s competent and doesn’t hesitate to say what’s on her mind. The last thing she’s looking for is a relationship, let alone a life mate but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that when you’re the mate of a wolf shifter like TJ.

The chemistry between Pam and TJ is strong and palpable. It carried the story wonderfully next to the witty bantering between them. There were moments it seemed Pam would outshine and predominate TJ but those moments were rare.

Pam took the news of TJ, Maggie and the others being wolves better than I thought. The being mated to TJ was more difficult for her to come to terms with but eventually she took that in stride too. I thought it was very refreshing and inventive of Vivian Arend to pair TJ with a full human, this was new to the series as previous pairings have all been werewolf with werewolf (full-blood and half-breed). It just fitted TJ and the set-up for his character perfectly. Why take the easy road when the hard road is so much more likely to trip you up?

While my very high expectations for TJ's book were definitely met in terms of heat, chemistry and humor I did miss some sort of conflict in the story...expected something like TJ having to make a choice between Pam and his pack or Pam resisting more. However, I understand that with the low page count (in other words WAY too short) there was no room for a conflict to be set up and resolved without sacrificing the strongpoint of the story.

I would have liked a more elaborate epilogue though, especially after finding out this is the final book in the Granite Lake Wolves Series. But...as I also found out there'll be a spin-off series (Yay Shaun! Yay Jared?) I'm hoping for glimpses of the Pam, TJ and the others of the Granite Lake Pack.

Having thoroughly enjoyed reading this series I know that if you loved the previous books in the series, you shouldn’t miss WOLF TRACKS. It’s a worthy last installment of a lovely and humorous set of books and I’m glad I won’t have to miss the wolfies forever as there is more coming from the same world and setting.

I was all hot and bothered and laughing at the same time. I really like this combination in Vivian Arend's writing that never fails to please me. The humor, her signature humor was there in full force from the start. The smile that leeched itself on my face from the second sentence stayed there throughout the entire book. Another great read from one of my favorite Samhain Publishing authors.

Favorite Quotes:

He leaned forward and kissed her knuckles. An icy chill slipped up her spine and oh my God, her body grew instantly wet. Damn! Did he just lick her skin? She knew she was staring, but there seemed to be no way to tear her gaze from his. Even after he straightened, he refused to let her fingers drop and she stood there like some freaking garden gnome statue with her hand limp-wristed in his, hoping by some weird circumstance they’d magically turn out to be standing alone in a bedroom with a mattress on the firm side bumping the back of her knees. Lust stole her tongue.

It was a good thing Maggie had warned him, because incredibly his first impulse upon laying eyes on the beauty was to shift and bury his nose in her dark brown hair. He wanted to sniff her all over, then change back to human form to lick her, starting at her toes and getting delightfully distracted long before reaching anywhere near her throat.

This was driving him mad. He smelled her skin, the natural perfume of her body. Her arousal. His heart pounded, and he strove to keep his face neutral and not pant like a dog.

“I can feel your heart in my soul.”

==================
Make sure you stop by Vivian's Blog to check out her 'Fans and Favorites'-week in honor of WOLF TRACK's release. Just click on the image below to get there.

Soft shoulders and dangerous curves…

Braden can’t deny he’s always wanted Chelsea, but getting involved wouldn’t be fair. She has college and big dreams ahead of her—he has no desire to leave Jaffrey’s Cove. Plus, there’s the fact merfolk women often take more than one lover. Share her? Not in this lifetime.

When Chelsea’s plans for the future fall apart, the only bright spot remaining is Sheriff Braden Marley. She’s been angling for a shot at the gentle giant’s heart—and the rest of him—for a long time. Except he not only holds her at a maddening arm’s length, he somehow manages to keep other men away, too.

Enter Jamie Powell, a human marine archeologist who’s in town for a cataloging project. His instant chemistry with Chelsea inspires her to try a sexy new tactic: make Braden jealous enough to stop dragging his feet and start leaving his shoes under her bed.

The ensuing storm generates a boatload of complications none of them saw coming. A forbidden attraction no amount of merfolk magic can erase. And the danger that their secrets could be exposed to the outside world…

Warning: Seductive shimmering lights, a sexy interlude on the strip club floor, mysterious Spanish lovers, and a trio caught in an eddy of intense sexual attraction. Swim at your own risk.

Title: Whirlpool
Author: Vivian Arend
Series: Forces of Nature, book 2
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2010, August 10
Format: eBook - pfd, 118 pages
Source: Received for ARC-review from the author
First line: A shot of lust hit him hard as he looked into the brightest blue eyes he’d ever seen.
Memorable Scenes:
- Opening scene of the book > It started with a bang and never let up
- Jamie's solo sexy times scenes > Can I say HOT?
- Chelsea and Braden's first time together scene > culmination point of a lot of sexual tension and chemistry

Chelsea has had a crush on Braden Marley for 10 years but he keeps shooting her down and Chelsea is getting frustrated with it and with his every attempt to keep other male merfolk at a distance. Braden has had a hard time resisting Chelsea and now that she's not taking away the temptation by having to stay in town instead of leaving for college, it takes all his willpower not to give in. The arrival of Jamie Powell offers possibilities for a solution to Braden's dilemma, only not in the way he expected.

Chelsea is a young woman who has too much responsibility to carry on her shoulders. Her college plans are hindered by financial family problems but she is protective of her family and carries the burden by herself. Chelsea is stubborn, willful, vivacious and a very smart cookie.

Braden is the sheriff of Jaffrey Cove. He’s a big bald giant who loves to be in control, he’s commanding and straight to the point. His only weakness is his forbidden attraction to the young Chelsea, which he tries very hard to ignore and resist.

Jamie is an archaeologist who comes to Jaffrey Cove to do an assessment of a marine-artifact/nautical collection, inherited by Alexia (heroine TIDAL WAVE, book 1). He’s a little scatterbrained and sometimes forgetful about mundane things. Jamie is my kind of hero, very observant, sweet, calm and analytical. But there’s also that very seductive and sexual edge to him that fascinates and attracts. There were so many moments in WHIRLPOOL where I wanted to say to him: “Come to Pearl, I’ll make you feel better.”

From the start Vivian Arend pulled me straight into this story. Contrary to TIDAL WAVE, which took me a few pages to get into and stayed slow paced well into it, WHIRLPOOL reeled me in straight away and kept me utterly captivated. I really liked how the world building that was (understandably) prominent in TIDAL WAVE was toned down to a subtler and less intrusive level. This definitely benefitted the pace and the story.

The small plot of the crazies/vandalism spree was intriguingly woven through the romance. And resolved wonderfully and in a way I never saw coming. I was speculating about what could have caused it but never thought it to be what it turned out to be. I also loved how once again Vivian Arend created a love-triangle that totally worked though I was feeling a bit sorry for Jamie at the beginning but he got his and got it good in the course of the story and my consolation was definitely not needed anymore. I also admire the solution for the practical sides of this threesome and the way it still was a great HEA, though not a conventional one.

The build-up of the romance is excellently done, Vivian Arend created wonderful tension, building it up slowly and when the climax it was building up to came, it was titillating. Though, as might be known by now, I am not a m/m reader I did enjoy the subtle m/m parts of the ménage in WHIRLPOOL. they were beautifully done and not once did I feel uncomfortable with it. Kudos for Vivian Arend for joining the two other authors (Lorelei James and Lauren Dane) on my shelves who managed to keep me in my comfort zone while reading male on male sexy times!

Opposites and sex-on-sticks Jamie and Brady and bubbly, charming Chelsea carried the story wonderfully and provide some scorch-the-pages scenes that are guaranteed to set your reader on fire and keep you warm on a cold winter night. Ms Arend turned up the heat for this one, and I can’t say I had any objection to it. The sensual heat bar was set high from the first chapter and never diminished and her writing never fails to draw me in and keep me glued to the pages.

Favorite Quote:
Braden tweaked her nose and she smacked his hand away with a laugh. “Okay, baby. We give. You’re right, and we promise not to organize your life without you again. What’s our punishment? You want us to take you out to dinner?”
“I want to watch.” She crawled up on the back of the couch. Jamie flushed bright red and Braden grinned from ear to ear.
“Watch?”
“Yes, Jamie.” She fluttered her hand at him. “Just pretend I’m not here and go back to what you were doing before I came home.” Her sex tingled in anticipation.
“You don’t want to join us?” Braden asked, giving her a slow clothing-melting stare from top to bottom, and the tingle increased to an electric pulse.
“Oh, I’ll let you know when I want in on the action.” She crossed her arms and tapped her lips. “I think you should start by taking everything off. Makes it easier for the watching, you know.”
Jamie leaned over her to nuzzle at her neck, caging her on either side with his strong arms. “You’re a naughty girl.”
She reached down and pulled his shirt from his slacks. “You, Braden. Naked. Now.”

Slippery when wet…
From her first kiss to her first sight of dolphins dancing on the waves, Alexia Colten has always held a special place in her heart for Jaffrey’s Cove. Now that she’s back to help her grandmother settle into a home, she discovers this place has lost none of its remembered magic. In fact, it seems more magical than before—and more erotic.
After she’s gifted with a beautiful, dolphin-etched medallion, she finds herself surrounded by the golden boys of summers past. Her body is filled with longings she can’t explain and dreams of blue lights that turn into lovers.

Joshua Marley and his cousin Anthony are merfolk, a people capable of living beneath the waves as either dolphin or human. Alexia holds the medallion that marks her as the next in line to lead their people—if she can prove she can transform. Working in tandem, they’re sure they can arouse her passion and protect her from those who would use her simply to gain power.

But their strength alone may not be enough to help her face the challenge of her new position…

Warning: This title contains a conniving granny, naked men in the surf and shifters who take fun in the water to new depths. Snorkels not required.

Title: Tidal Wave
Author: Vivian Arend
Series:Forces of Nature, book 1
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year of release: 2009, July 21
Format: eBook - pdf, 95 pages
Source: Won this book in a contest organized by the author
First line: “Gram, where do you keep the rice?” Alexia rummaged through another cupboard in frustration. “Gram?”
Memorable Scenes:
- The flashback scene to when Alexia first meets Joshua > so sweet and endearing

Alexia Colten is a city girl but she has always been drawn to the sea and dolphins. It turns out this is not without reason. She is the Keeper, holder of the medallion and the heart of the merfolk and the next matriarch and leader of the merfolk pod in Jaffrey Cove. Alexia has a sense of humor and a sense of justice. There’s also a simmering sensuality and a backbone beneath the shy, reserved veneer. I liked how strong and decisive she was. Though not a fan of flashbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed Alexia's little trip down memory lane in the beginning of the book. It was nicely set up and was a very functional flashback that helped provide a clear back-story for her, a background for the romance and really worked for the world building.

Joshua Marley is an artist and the youngest of the many Marley brothers and cousins. As the youngest and the artistic one he’s always felt out of the loop. This doesn’t improve when he breaks a few merfolk traditions by first touching (kissing) Ally without permission when they were youths and then again by making sure the other unattached merfolk men don't feel and hear her summoning when she dons the medallion and "activates" the magic of it to summon all the unmated male dolphin shifters...Joshua is impulsive and sometimes leaps before he thinks but in his impulsive ways he was also endearing. He’s selfless yet ready to take what he thinks belongs to him and he can be pretty stubborn.

The third in this ménage is Anthony. He’s Joshua's closest friend and a high school teacher. Anthony is always the peacemaker ready to step in when things threaten to get out of hand. He is calming, caring and gentle and I really liked him. I found it remarkable how first Joshua was the lead male in the threesome and then almost unnoticed, Anthony took over that role in the course of the story. I liked that because Anthony did seem the more mature and controlled of the two. I wasn’t quite taken with Joshua in the beginning as his impulsiveness made him come across a bit immature and acting up like a stubborn youth.

Though I really loved the story, I did find the pace to be a bit slow and I missed the trademark humor I've grown to adore in Vivian Arend's books. Later, when I had finished the book and was commenting about this on Twitter she told me that this was the first or second book she’d ever written so I’ll just assume she hadn’t found that witty, fun voice yet that I do enjoy in her later books. This being said, she absolutely delivered with the world building and hot ménage. And I loved that Alexia questioned the sexual urges that were suddenly coming over her and that she didn't mindlessly accept it.

With TIDAL WAVE Vivian Arend introduced me to a new-to-me kind of shifters: dolphins. And, contrary to the selkies (seals) I once read a story about, this type of shifters did work for me. TIDAL WAVE is a wonderful story with some intricate world building combined with hot erotic scenes, well-drawn characters that intrigued to no end and even a little action in the plot. So if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying paranormal read that for once isn’t about witches, vampires or werewolves, TIDAL WAVE is a great pick for your next read.

Welcome to the Six Pack Ranch, where one sweet young thing plus the Coleman boys equals trouble with a capital T.

Back Cover:
Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a blonde wearing a cowboy hat with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. Hell, he was the one that taught her to ride a horse and now all he can think about is riding her. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for his hands, and his heart. She may have considered Blake a big brother once but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s just what he’s been waiting for.
Add the complication of two sexy younger brothers who have suddenly noticed Jaxi and things heat up fast. Blake’s gonna have to decide if a little trouble is worth fighting for.

After a particularly hot prologue that sets the scene for the rest of this novella, the story truly starts when Blake Coleman’s mom breaks her arm in an apple picking accident. Jaxi is the one to take care of her until she’s better and this puts her in close proximity to Blake, her childhood’s crush, a proximity she welcomes because she’s ready to make her move on Blake. She’s had her friendly fun with the other Colemans, even dated Travis, which didn’t work out but now it’s time to rope in her man.

Jaxi is a sweet, loyal and quick-witted young woman. She has always considered the Colemans as her second family because of her close friendship with the younger brothers, the twins, and the neglect by her own family.
Blake is caring, giving and responsible, the typical traits of a first-born son.

Even though on the surface Jaxi and Blake relationship seems a big brother-little sister relationship type of thing, it’s soon clear that they have feelings for each other that defy any brother-sister type of relationship. Both fight those feelings though, Jaxi because she is sure Blake doesn’t reciprocate the feelings and Blake because he is ten years older than Jaxi and feels like he’s too old for her. At first Jaxi’s relationship with Travis seems to be the big problem but this is soon taken care of. Travis does have some sort of secret that was a very intriguing given in the book. I am fairly certain I know what that secret is and am anxious to see it confirmed. I must also admit that Travis’ character puzzled me a bit, certainly if my suspicions about his secret turn out to be correct. I am not a fan of him. He treated Jaxi badly and acted like a first-class jerk. Am very curious to see what Vivian is going to make of his story

For a short novella, I have to say it was a very good read. It had development in the characters, spanned a reasonable and believable period of time and the romance, sex and characters were very well balanced. Kudos to Vivian Arend for proving that short novellas can be satisfying too and the length of a story doesn’t have to impede the storytelling qualities.

So if you’re looking for a hot and sweet contemporary with Canadian cowboys, ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT would be the perfect choice because it was a short and sweet and above all, a HOT read. I loved it from start to finish and when I was done I couldn’t wait to see what Vivian Arend had in store for the other Coleman boys/men.

Rating: 8 out of 10



Welcome to the Six Pack Ranch, where learning to live again takes some sensual twists.

Back Cover:
Beth Danube has escaped to a small Alberta town to make a new start for herself and her three little boys. Her emotionally abusive husband may be dead and buried, but so is her heart. What she doesn’t want is another man in her life—not now, maybe not ever. Yet when her libido reawakens after ten years of unsatisfactory sex in the missionary position is any woman strong enough to turn down sex-in-boots, Daniel Coleman?

The middle child of the rowdy Coleman boys, Daniel’s the quiet one who has always subdued his desires and acted as peacemaker. His powerful attraction to the young widow takes him by storm, and he’s willing to pursue her until they both find satisfaction—in and out of the bedroom.

Only Beth isn’t sure she’s ready to cross the line. Becoming friends with blazing hot benefits means she’s still the one in control. Letting her heart trust again? She isn’t that brave—or foolish. Daniel is going to have to be mighty convincing to help her overcome the past.

Beth Danube and Daniel Coleman meet during a night on the town in a Calgary bar. Sparks sizzle but Beth is not planning on pursuing anything with the first man who makes her want to explore her sexuality after an abusive relationship. Then faith lands her right in Daniel’s arms again when she moves to his hometown and ends up in a farmhouse owned by his father. Daniel always wondered why the woman he shared some hot moments with months ago, ran off leaving him with no way to contact her. Now that she’s fallen into his lap, he’s not letting her go again.

Beth has had a rough past, after a terrible accident in which her abusive husband died and she was left with a severe leg-injury, she’s trying to build a new life for her and her three sons Lance, Nathan and Robbie. She’s resilient and strong, despite the adversities she’s been through.

Daniel is the quiet Coleman brother, the peacemaker. He’s confident and direct but he’s also intuitive and compassionate.

I loved this second installment of the Six Pack Ranch series as much, if not more, as the first one. I loved the contraction in Daniel. He is quiet and sweet but also sexually dominant at the same time. I also loved Beth’s strength and her love for her sons and as a reader who likes children as characters in romance, Beth’s sons stole my heart and Nathan broke it when he opened up to Daniel about his fears. No I didn’t keep it dry, but don’t tell me you were expecting me too because by now everyone knows I’m a crybaby when it comes to emotional stuff in books.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAVEN is another hot, hot, hot book in this series. Vivian Arend is very talented and creative when it comes to sex scenes. They are explicit and beautifully written and I can guarantee you need something to cool down with once you’re done with her books.

In a rather small page count Vivian Arend delivered a beautiful story, full of loveable characters, hot sex, family dynamics and sweet romance. I didn’t think she could top ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT with its sequel but she certainly did by giving me the emotional, tear-jerking ending I crave so much in the romances I read.

Quotes:
She came undone. Between the relentless strokes, the dirty talk and the whole
naughtiness of the situation, the earth unraveled and took her with it. His mouth clamped down on hers as she started to cry out, the need to express the pleasure tearing her apart, overriding the logical sections of her brain.

"Tonight, you're mine. No games, no playing. Just open yourself up and give
yourself to me, Beth. Let go and let me catch you." Her throat was tight as he suspended himself over her, thigh to thigh, nose to nose. His eyes, oh damn—his eyes were beautiful. Full of tenderness and need and she wrapped her arms around his torso and pulled him down on top of her, sighing as his bare
skin touched hers as if for the first time.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

In general about this series and the writing:

I have found another pack of cowboy siblings to love and add to my keeper shelves because next to the McKays from Wyoming (yup, I’m talking Lorelei James here) I now have the Colemans from Alberta. All the Coleman brothers are undeniably and deliciously yummy, from Blake down to the oh-so naughty double-teaming twins Joel and Jesse whose story I am awaiting with abated breath. From the obnoxious Travis to the quiet Daniel and the mediator Matt, they all have that “come-to-mama-and-let-me-make-you-feel-real-good” vibe that just pulls you in. The bond between them is strong and heartwarming and the banter is highly amusing.

Though I’ve only read these two books in the series (because there are only two so far…I’m pining for the next), I already know that each book has a different and unique vibe to it. Each book fits the personalities of the main couple both sexually and emotionally. I appreciate this in series and Vivian Arend did a great job of it.

Whether it’s straight contemporary, paranormal or cowboy romance, Vivian Arend's writing is so easy and natural it’s no hardship to read. Humorous, hot, down-to-earth…I really like that combination and they keep pulling me back to her books. Shortly I’ll have read her complete backlist and yearning for more if I keep this up…