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Six Pack Ranch #3
Rocky Mountain Desire
Book 3 in the Six Pack Ranch series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend
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Nothing comes easy. You've gotta work for it.
Six Pack Ranch, Book 3
Matt Coleman always figured at this point in his life, he'd be settled down with a family. Since his ex split for the big city, though, no way will he give anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? Hell, yeah, he'll take--and give--with gusto, but nothing more.
Hope Meridan is working long hours to hold on to her new quilt shop, going it alone since her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Right, like she's got the time. Not that she doesn't have the occasional dirty fantasy about Matt. Fat chance he'd dream of knocking boots with her--the younger sister of the woman who dumped him. Nope, she'll just have to settle for the F-word.
Friends would be far easier if there wasn't something combustible going on between them. And when casual interest starts to grow into something more, their tenuous bond strengthens in the heat of desire. But it may not survive the hurricane-force arrival of the last person either of them ever wanted to see again...
Small-town rivals, men in pursuit and family meddling--in good and bad ways. Look for a cowboy who knows how to rope, ride and rein in a hell of a lot more than eight seconds of sheer bliss.
---------
Nothing comes easy. You've gotta work for it.
Six Pack Ranch, Book 3
Matt Coleman always figured at this point in his life, he'd be settled down with a family. Since his ex split for the big city, though, no way will he give anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? Hell, yeah, he'll take--and give--with gusto, but nothing more.
Hope Meridan is working long hours to hold on to her new quilt shop, going it alone since her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Right, like she's got the time. Not that she doesn't have the occasional dirty fantasy about Matt. Fat chance he'd dream of knocking boots with her--the younger sister of the woman who dumped him. Nope, she'll just have to settle for the F-word.
Friends would be far easier if there wasn't something combustible going on between them. And when casual interest starts to grow into something more, their tenuous bond strengthens in the heat of desire. But it may not survive the hurricane-force arrival of the last person either of them ever wanted to see again...
Small-town rivals, men in pursuit and family meddling--in good and bad ways. Look for a cowboy who knows how to rope, ride and rein in a hell of a lot more than eight seconds of sheer bliss.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2012
721 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
157 books2,624 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
March 15, 2012
Story Rating 5 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 5 Stars
Heat Level 5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 Stars
I absolutely LOVED this book as you can plainly see by my star rating above. This is the third book in the Six Pack Ranch series and can be read as a stand alone but is much better if you read all three in order.
The story was really good and kept me interested all the way. Their was lots of dialog and the H&h were very blunt and honest with each other. The chemistry these two had jumped off of the pages for me and the heat level was off the charts HOT, HOT, HOT!! Of course their was someone who tried to break them up but these two were just too smart to let that happened and figured what was going on right away. The ending was so darn SWEET I had a huge smile on my face.
I'm hoping that this was NOT the last book in this series because their are a few more six pack brothers for Vivian to write about.
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 5 Stars
Heat Level 5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 Stars
I absolutely LOVED this book as you can plainly see by my star rating above. This is the third book in the Six Pack Ranch series and can be read as a stand alone but is much better if you read all three in order.
The story was really good and kept me interested all the way. Their was lots of dialog and the H&h were very blunt and honest with each other. The chemistry these two had jumped off of the pages for me and the heat level was off the charts HOT, HOT, HOT!! Of course their was someone who tried to break them up but these two were just too smart to let that happened and figured what was going on right away. The ending was so darn SWEET I had a huge smile on my face.
I'm hoping that this was NOT the last book in this series because their are a few more six pack brothers for Vivian to write about.
July 24, 2021
YAY! An author who does NOT use ridiculous misunderstandings as the main source of angst in this book.
Of course, the Hxh don’t always communicate; of course, they are evasive when the time calls for it.
BUT this overused tactic by authors to add elements of conflict is NOT utilised to the hilt here
They actually communicate! Imagine that????
So, H and ow, whom he has loved for ages, were in a long-term relationship in previous books in the series. We see them in all their glory on-page in book 1 - utterly grossed me out
Ow left him and he is now on the rebound.
Heroine is the OW's sister
Somehow this works for me - I prefer the h to be his first love and didn't think I'd eventually enjoy this one, but I did. The plot isn't anything magical but it was worth my time. I also enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing if he was going to use the h to get over the ow. The anticipation was worth it, after all. It’s in the way he thinks and acts as the book progresses
She's practical and level-headed, not without her own insecurities, but is no pushover
They work well but if I find, in future books in this series, that their HEA is compromised in ANY way, shape or form, I will come back to this review and edit it like a stone-cold woman scorned
Of course, the Hxh don’t always communicate; of course, they are evasive when the time calls for it.
BUT this overused tactic by authors to add elements of conflict is NOT utilised to the hilt here
They actually communicate! Imagine that????
So, H and ow, whom he has loved for ages, were in a long-term relationship in previous books in the series. We see them in all their glory on-page in book 1 - utterly grossed me out
Ow left him and he is now on the rebound.
Heroine is the OW's sister
Somehow this works for me - I prefer the h to be his first love and didn't think I'd eventually enjoy this one, but I did. The plot isn't anything magical but it was worth my time. I also enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing if he was going to use the h to get over the ow. The anticipation was worth it, after all. It’s in the way he thinks and acts as the book progresses
She's practical and level-headed, not without her own insecurities, but is no pushover
They work well but if I find, in future books in this series, that their HEA is compromised in ANY way, shape or form, I will come back to this review and edit it like a stone-cold woman scorned
November 21, 2023
Working for It
Matt Coleman and Hope Meriden don't have it easy. Given who her sister is, she should be considered off-limits, but I like how they still move forward and let their attraction play out.
I sometimes forget that Hope is very much not an innocent angel, but I really love how she's quick to dispel that misconception. It's a bit hot and plenty fun. Ultimately, I love her and Matt together - possessiveness, protectiveness and all.
Helen continues to leave a less than stellar impression with her antics. I am left wondering if professional help should be mentioned as a consideration.
Unlike the first two books in the series, this one focuses mostly on Matt and Hope. There are Coleman family gatherings, so we still get time with them, but it's not quite the same.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is again Tatiana Sokolov. She continues to do well with all of the Colemans and their friends and family.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Matt Coleman and Hope Meriden don't have it easy. Given who her sister is, she should be considered off-limits, but I like how they still move forward and let their attraction play out.
I sometimes forget that Hope is very much not an innocent angel, but I really love how she's quick to dispel that misconception. It's a bit hot and plenty fun. Ultimately, I love her and Matt together - possessiveness, protectiveness and all.
Helen continues to leave a less than stellar impression with her antics. I am left wondering if professional help should be mentioned as a consideration.
Unlike the first two books in the series, this one focuses mostly on Matt and Hope. There are Coleman family gatherings, so we still get time with them, but it's not quite the same.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is again Tatiana Sokolov. She continues to do well with all of the Colemans and their friends and family.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
March 13, 2012
This review was posted at Under The Covers
Sexy and sweet cowboy yummy-goodness at its best! Rocky Mountain Desire and Matt Coleman rocked!!! I thoroughly enjoy my time with Ms. Arend's Canadian cowboys and Matt was no slouch! I know some of you readers have been waiting a lot longer for his story, but since I just recently discovered this series I was lucky enough not to have to wait too long for it. So let me tell you about Matt.
We have been through a lot with Matt. In book one he was dating his high school sweetheart, the only girl he'd ever had sex with (same for her, he was the guy she gave her virginity to). The sweet as honey middle Coleman brother wanted desperately to marry her and start their life together. She had other plans. First it started with wanting to have another man added in the mix of the sexcapades for spicyness. When that wasn't enough, she went chasing the dream of the big city and the occasional orgy. Cheated on him and then ran out of town, leaving him high and dry, humiliated and destroyed.
We suffered through all that with him. So when this book started out and he falls in immediately lust with a sometimes "dancer", I was dubious. When we find out this said "dancer" is also his ex's little sister, all my red flags went up. I'm not a big fan of the little sister of the ex girlfriend having had a crush on the guy since forever and then all of a sudden they can make a relationship work.
Well, I am here to admit that Ms. Arend shut me up on that, brilliantly! Matt and Hope are so perfect together! She gives as good as she gets, she's no floormat with either Matt or her sister. She's independent, a fighter, and she's not throwing herself at Matt at every chance she can get! He did the chasing!! And boy was it entertaining!!!! Watching him trying to out-do the other guy.
And when things finally started heating up and sizzling between these two they were ON FIRE! Hope wants to give up control and Matt was more than happy to help her out!
Then there's the whole Coleman family!! I love all of them, from the sexy and smexy twins all the way down to the Coleman mom & dad. He even helped his son make a quilt!! *wipes tear away* LOL
Now, when can I get some more hot, wild, cowboy lovin' again, Ms. Arend? I need another Coleman fix!
*ARC provided by publisher
Sexy and sweet cowboy yummy-goodness at its best! Rocky Mountain Desire and Matt Coleman rocked!!! I thoroughly enjoy my time with Ms. Arend's Canadian cowboys and Matt was no slouch! I know some of you readers have been waiting a lot longer for his story, but since I just recently discovered this series I was lucky enough not to have to wait too long for it. So let me tell you about Matt.
We have been through a lot with Matt. In book one he was dating his high school sweetheart, the only girl he'd ever had sex with (same for her, he was the guy she gave her virginity to). The sweet as honey middle Coleman brother wanted desperately to marry her and start their life together. She had other plans. First it started with wanting to have another man added in the mix of the sexcapades for spicyness. When that wasn't enough, she went chasing the dream of the big city and the occasional orgy. Cheated on him and then ran out of town, leaving him high and dry, humiliated and destroyed.
We suffered through all that with him. So when this book started out and he falls in immediately lust with a sometimes "dancer", I was dubious. When we find out this said "dancer" is also his ex's little sister, all my red flags went up. I'm not a big fan of the little sister of the ex girlfriend having had a crush on the guy since forever and then all of a sudden they can make a relationship work.
Well, I am here to admit that Ms. Arend shut me up on that, brilliantly! Matt and Hope are so perfect together! She gives as good as she gets, she's no floormat with either Matt or her sister. She's independent, a fighter, and she's not throwing herself at Matt at every chance she can get! He did the chasing!! And boy was it entertaining!!!! Watching him trying to out-do the other guy.
And when things finally started heating up and sizzling between these two they were ON FIRE! Hope wants to give up control and Matt was more than happy to help her out!
Then there's the whole Coleman family!! I love all of them, from the sexy and smexy twins all the way down to the Coleman mom & dad. He even helped his son make a quilt!! *wipes tear away* LOL
Now, when can I get some more hot, wild, cowboy lovin' again, Ms. Arend? I need another Coleman fix!
*ARC provided by publisher
October 12, 2021
This is another in the series where I feel like many parts of it I really liked and then there some parts that were just “ugh”. I actually liked Matt & Hope as a couple, how they got together, and a few of their outings were fun. For me, the biggest let down was the proposal and since that came at the end it sorted of tainted the rest of how I was feeling about the book. It started strong and then fizzled.
Tatiana Sokolov continues to do a good job on the narration.
Tatiana Sokolov continues to do a good job on the narration.
March 26, 2012
My only problem with this book is that the whole Helen thing wasn't resolved. Is she going to come back and cause problems later? Because I don't see her giving up. She was a major biotch! How she thought she could just come back to town and pick up where she left off with everything? And I mean everything? Like nobody had been inconvenienced or hurt when she decided Rocky Mountain House was the bane of her existence? It seems like she's been a selfish bitch all her life, with how she accused Hope of being the spoiled one. Maybe if Helen had taken an interest in anything but herself, their mom would have given her some stuff, too! Ugh, I don't like that woman. But I guess I'm not supposed to, lol! I have to half wonder if she's mentally imbalanced with some of the things she did, things she said, even before this book.
I was very happy with the pacing of this book. I thought it made sense for Matt to sort of try to back off, and yet not really back off. (Example: him following her after she left his home in the snow and getting stuck in a snow bank.) And I could understand why Hope thought it would never work. I thought Matt did a great job of making Hope feel comfortable that she was not a replacement for Helen, that he was not thinking of Helen when he was with her. And I loved how Matt handled Helen when she kept coming on to him. And I have to hand it to Hope for being so strong to carry on with her plans even after her sister bailed. I'm glad Hope structured things the way she did, ensuring Helen couldn't even try to get a part of what Hope had built. And I'm not sure what it is with the women and the Coleman boys... they're all insistent on keeping the sex out of it for a while so they can really get close without the physical intimacy first! Well, with Jaxi, that was Blake's idea, but she went along with it. :-)
Anyway, another good installment to the series. Will be interesting to see who will fall next and how.
I was very happy with the pacing of this book. I thought it made sense for Matt to sort of try to back off, and yet not really back off. (Example: him following her after she left his home in the snow and getting stuck in a snow bank.) And I could understand why Hope thought it would never work. I thought Matt did a great job of making Hope feel comfortable that she was not a replacement for Helen, that he was not thinking of Helen when he was with her. And I loved how Matt handled Helen when she kept coming on to him. And I have to hand it to Hope for being so strong to carry on with her plans even after her sister bailed. I'm glad Hope structured things the way she did, ensuring Helen couldn't even try to get a part of what Hope had built. And I'm not sure what it is with the women and the Coleman boys... they're all insistent on keeping the sex out of it for a while so they can really get close without the physical intimacy first! Well, with Jaxi, that was Blake's idea, but she went along with it. :-)
Anyway, another good installment to the series. Will be interesting to see who will fall next and how.
March 19, 2012
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
Rocky Mountain Desire was a good story, but it left something to be desired. It felt like the whole novel was building up to something that never happened. Did I miss something? I mean I really enjoyed Matt and Hope's romance, but where was the conflict? Their relationship was a little too perfect, in my opinion. They had a few struggles getting together, but once they were together everything was rainbows and sunshine. Yes, there was Helen, Hope's sister and Matt's ex-girlfriend. Yes, she tried to cause problems. But, she never even made a dent in their relationship. I guess that's a good thing. I should be happy that the characters were so honest and forthcoming that they didn't have any issues, but instead I feel let down. In a way, I am glad that Helen wasn't the source of their issues. I think that would have been a little cliched. However, I wanted to see them face some obstacles together. Not because I am cruel, but because I wanted to see them overcome something together. Does that make sense?
I liked Rocky Mountain Desire, but I didn't love it like I loved Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven.
I gave Rocky Mountain Desire by Vivian Arend 3 STARS (3.5 STARS). It's a good story. It's likable. It's sexy. It's sweet. I recommend this novel, but I strongly recommend Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
Rocky Mountain Desire was a good story, but it left something to be desired. It felt like the whole novel was building up to something that never happened. Did I miss something? I mean I really enjoyed Matt and Hope's romance, but where was the conflict? Their relationship was a little too perfect, in my opinion. They had a few struggles getting together, but once they were together everything was rainbows and sunshine. Yes, there was Helen, Hope's sister and Matt's ex-girlfriend. Yes, she tried to cause problems. But, she never even made a dent in their relationship. I guess that's a good thing. I should be happy that the characters were so honest and forthcoming that they didn't have any issues, but instead I feel let down. In a way, I am glad that Helen wasn't the source of their issues. I think that would have been a little cliched. However, I wanted to see them face some obstacles together. Not because I am cruel, but because I wanted to see them overcome something together. Does that make sense?
I liked Rocky Mountain Desire, but I didn't love it like I loved Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven.
I gave Rocky Mountain Desire by Vivian Arend 3 STARS (3.5 STARS). It's a good story. It's likable. It's sexy. It's sweet. I recommend this novel, but I strongly recommend Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
June 11, 2012
When Helen, Hope's older sister left town, she took Matt's heart with her. It was Hope who brought Matt out of the darkness and into the light. It was also Hope he began to fall in love with. When Helen made another appearance in their hometown and tried to break up Matt and Hope, a lot of fears came into play. However Matt wasn't letting the woman he truly loved get away and Hope wasn't letting Helen destroy Matt, a man she's always loved.
The book was alright. I loved our heroine Hope, she was an amazing character and very well written. Our hero Matt was alright too once he got his stuff together. Helen was a cunt, I didn't like her at all and the way her character played out, it makes me think she has some very severe mental issues. It was sick that she thought she could steal Matt from Hope, not to mention try to steal half if not all of Hope's business which she worked hard for. I'm glad the story got a happy ending. It would of been even better if Helen got a free trip to a mental institution. Brain imbalances anyone?
The book was alright. I loved our heroine Hope, she was an amazing character and very well written. Our hero Matt was alright too once he got his stuff together. Helen was a cunt, I didn't like her at all and the way her character played out, it makes me think she has some very severe mental issues. It was sick that she thought she could steal Matt from Hope, not to mention try to steal half if not all of Hope's business which she worked hard for. I'm glad the story got a happy ending. It would of been even better if Helen got a free trip to a mental institution. Brain imbalances anyone?
February 28, 2015
3.5 stars
May 25, 2013
Better than book one, but I kept shaking my head at Matt ('cause he's kind of an idiot in the first part) and Beth... I don't know.
I've lived in small towns, and the idea of small town strippers who own quilt shops frequented by grandmothers? Maybe there's less slut shaming in Canada, but I can't see that happening in the US. (Not that I object to the lack of slut shaming, but I've lived in too many small towns for me to find that anything less than weird. And given the treatment of Helen, I can't help but wonder if that was because Beth is the heroine.) (Also, yes, the stripping thing is a quasi-secret, but there's really no such thing in small towns.)
Hope's sister, Helen; I do not even know what was up with that storyline. She's an evil slutty/cheating ex-girlfriend and irresponsible sister who develops stalker tendencies. And maybe has a chemical addiction or mental illness? It's left unresolved, but it seemed really weird to me that her sexual history was a big deal when the Coleman twins' borderline twincest relationship seemed to be let go with a "boys will be boys" handwave. But nothing was really resolved with either Helen or the twins, so I'm left more baffled than annoyed.*
So, yeah. The romance was fine and I enjoyed the HEA, but there were a lot of things that puzzled me about the world building and secondary characters.
*Given how the Coleman boys' groping of the heroine in book one wasn't acknowledged as creepy, I am expecting to be annoyed once those storylines do become resolved. But we'll see.
I've lived in small towns, and the idea of small town strippers who own quilt shops frequented by grandmothers? Maybe there's less slut shaming in Canada, but I can't see that happening in the US. (Not that I object to the lack of slut shaming, but I've lived in too many small towns for me to find that anything less than weird. And given the treatment of Helen, I can't help but wonder if that was because Beth is the heroine.) (Also, yes, the stripping thing is a quasi-secret, but there's really no such thing in small towns.)
Hope's sister, Helen; I do not even know what was up with that storyline. She's an evil slutty/cheating ex-girlfriend and irresponsible sister who develops stalker tendencies. And maybe has a chemical addiction or mental illness? It's left unresolved, but it seemed really weird to me that her sexual history was a big deal when the Coleman twins' borderline twincest relationship seemed to be let go with a "boys will be boys" handwave. But nothing was really resolved with either Helen or the twins, so I'm left more baffled than annoyed.*
So, yeah. The romance was fine and I enjoyed the HEA, but there were a lot of things that puzzled me about the world building and secondary characters.
*Given how the Coleman boys' groping of the heroine in book one wasn't acknowledged as creepy, I am expecting to be annoyed once those storylines do become resolved. But we'll see.
June 17, 2021
Matt moves on
With Helen’s sister. Yuck. After being with Helen his entire adult. After doing Helen with his cousin Gabe. After being oblivious to Helen’s cheating and after getting dumped by Helen, Matt moves on with Helen’s baby sister Hope. Rocky Mountain House got a little too chummy for my taste.
With Helen’s sister. Yuck. After being with Helen his entire adult. After doing Helen with his cousin Gabe. After being oblivious to Helen’s cheating and after getting dumped by Helen, Matt moves on with Helen’s baby sister Hope. Rocky Mountain House got a little too chummy for my taste.
May 13, 2019
Rocky Mountain Desire is the 4th book in Vivian Arend’s Rocky Mountain Six Pack Ranch series. This book focuses on Matt Coleman and Hope Meriden, younger sister of Matt’s long time former girlfriend Helen.
Hope is pretty much a real sweetheart. She’s a ridiculously hard working, fiercely independent young woman. She paid her way through college working as an exotic dancer putting up with being objectified by drunken men to make ends meet. Now she’s struggling to start her new business running a quilting and fabric store in the little town of Rocky Mountain House. Older sister Helen was supposed to partner with her but left her high and dry when she broke up with Matt to move to the big city. Hope is honest and caring and unlike Helen loves the country lifestyle and people of Rocky Mountain House. Unfortunately she has had a huge crush on her sister’s longtime (now ex) boyfriend Matt for years. I assume that's the desire referenced in the books title. She realizes being Helen’s sister there’s no hope of ever having her infatuation with Matt satisfied the way Helen broke Matt's heart. It also becomes quickly obvious that while she may have been carrying a torch for Matt for years she didn’t let it stand in the way of getting herself her fair share of sexual experience. Obviously she was doing more than studying and dancing in college. She certainly knows what she wants and likes in bed as she spews a laundry list of likes to Matt before she and Matt even get naked the first time. In fact she’s almost as kinky as her older sister except she’s not into cheating or multiple partners. And while like Helen she’s up for almost anything sexually, she’s wants to be dominated and submissive where Helen was demanding in bed. Truth is Ms. Arend inserts a lot of erotic sex in this series, threesomes, light bondage, anal). Is it something in the water out there in Western Canada or maybe it’s the long brutally cold winters? Whatever the reason these folks aren’t satisfied with vanilla sex. Honestly since most contemporary romance books are written primarily for a female audience with female sexual fantasies, as a guy I'm sort of shocked at how often the heroines like to be bossed around in the bedroom, tied up and fucked in the ass. Who knew these were female fantasies?
Matt Coleman is a decent enough male lead. He’s a bit of an emotional mess after spending the past decade trying to convince Helen his former and only girl friend since high school to fully commit to their relationship (or even acknowledge she loves him) only to find her drunkenly trying to do multiple partners last New Years Eve and then being told by her, he’s boring and she hates the small town way of life he loves before leaving town. So Matt is determined not to give his heart to another woman and risk having it broken again and he’s sure not going to mess around with the younger sister of the woman who broke his heart. Except when he discovers the exotic dancer who made his heart race and his cock hard at his brother Daniel’s stag party is in fact Hope he’s in trouble.
As the story goes, Matt cautiously circles Hope drawn to her but reluctant to act on his attraction to her. That is until one of his brothers finally makes him realize that he’s wrong to mistrust Hope for Helen’s actions just as anyone would be wrong to judge him by his brother’s actions. There are a couple of things that happen around this point in the book that made absolutely no sense to me. First Matt and a hunky local mechanic, Clay get into a minor rivalry vying for Hope’s affections. She tells them both she doesn’t want to be in the middle of their dick measuring contest. But it doesn’t register with her that Matt, the guy she’s been mooning over for years must be interested in her if he’s trying to out do Clay? Then when Matt finally tells her he’d like to date her she immediately tells him they’re not having sex. So she tells the guy she’s been fantasizing about having sex with for years, that she even admits to him that if he’d approached her 5 months ago when he found out she was the dancer he was hot for she would have gladly bedded him, it’s not going to happen now? Which she quickly amends to, not right away anyway. I understand that as in the first two books in the series Ms. Arend wants to show the importance of her lovers getting to know each other and like each other as much as having great sexual chemistry. But since she’s been having Hope express her desire to have sex with Matt since the beginning of this book, the reason for Hope’s knee jerk response was lost on me. Then her big sister, Matt’s ex-lover Helen (who turns out to be an absolute lying, conniving bitch) returns. Unlike what’s implied in the synopsis her return doesn’t really threaten Matt and Hope’s fledgling relationship. Neither Matt nor Hope want anything to do with her. But Helen does make a nuisance of herself trying to break them up and generally make little sister Hope’s life miserable. The way the Helen problem is resolved annoyed me. As much of a part of the story that her interference in their relationship became I expected a more dramatic solution to the problem than what we got. It’s also implied Helen may have a drug or drinking problem but that’s also left as a loose end.
Lastly, I didn’t really find the ending of the story all that satisfying. Yeah, I get the symbolism of Matt using a quilt to tell Hope he loves her. But the whole he was so exhausted he didn’t know what day it was to be there to propose (nobody in his family reminded him?) or the idea that he’d been so busy that he and Hope hadn’t found any time to be together for the past three weeks just didn’t seem realistic. They were so in love and so hot for each other, you want to tell me that at the end of the day neither would make the short drive between where they lived to spend the night with each other rather than endure three straight weeks of celibacy?
Honestly as much as I wanted to love this book I thought it was a bit of a let down compared to the first two books in the series. IMHO it wasn’t a bad story, just sort of okay.
Hope is pretty much a real sweetheart. She’s a ridiculously hard working, fiercely independent young woman. She paid her way through college working as an exotic dancer putting up with being objectified by drunken men to make ends meet. Now she’s struggling to start her new business running a quilting and fabric store in the little town of Rocky Mountain House. Older sister Helen was supposed to partner with her but left her high and dry when she broke up with Matt to move to the big city. Hope is honest and caring and unlike Helen loves the country lifestyle and people of Rocky Mountain House. Unfortunately she has had a huge crush on her sister’s longtime (now ex) boyfriend Matt for years. I assume that's the desire referenced in the books title. She realizes being Helen’s sister there’s no hope of ever having her infatuation with Matt satisfied the way Helen broke Matt's heart. It also becomes quickly obvious that while she may have been carrying a torch for Matt for years she didn’t let it stand in the way of getting herself her fair share of sexual experience. Obviously she was doing more than studying and dancing in college. She certainly knows what she wants and likes in bed as she spews a laundry list of likes to Matt before she and Matt even get naked the first time. In fact she’s almost as kinky as her older sister except she’s not into cheating or multiple partners. And while like Helen she’s up for almost anything sexually, she’s wants to be dominated and submissive where Helen was demanding in bed. Truth is Ms. Arend inserts a lot of erotic sex in this series, threesomes, light bondage, anal). Is it something in the water out there in Western Canada or maybe it’s the long brutally cold winters? Whatever the reason these folks aren’t satisfied with vanilla sex. Honestly since most contemporary romance books are written primarily for a female audience with female sexual fantasies, as a guy I'm sort of shocked at how often the heroines like to be bossed around in the bedroom, tied up and fucked in the ass. Who knew these were female fantasies?
Matt Coleman is a decent enough male lead. He’s a bit of an emotional mess after spending the past decade trying to convince Helen his former and only girl friend since high school to fully commit to their relationship (or even acknowledge she loves him) only to find her drunkenly trying to do multiple partners last New Years Eve and then being told by her, he’s boring and she hates the small town way of life he loves before leaving town. So Matt is determined not to give his heart to another woman and risk having it broken again and he’s sure not going to mess around with the younger sister of the woman who broke his heart. Except when he discovers the exotic dancer who made his heart race and his cock hard at his brother Daniel’s stag party is in fact Hope he’s in trouble.
As the story goes, Matt cautiously circles Hope drawn to her but reluctant to act on his attraction to her. That is until one of his brothers finally makes him realize that he’s wrong to mistrust Hope for Helen’s actions just as anyone would be wrong to judge him by his brother’s actions. There are a couple of things that happen around this point in the book that made absolutely no sense to me. First Matt and a hunky local mechanic, Clay get into a minor rivalry vying for Hope’s affections. She tells them both she doesn’t want to be in the middle of their dick measuring contest. But it doesn’t register with her that Matt, the guy she’s been mooning over for years must be interested in her if he’s trying to out do Clay? Then when Matt finally tells her he’d like to date her she immediately tells him they’re not having sex. So she tells the guy she’s been fantasizing about having sex with for years, that she even admits to him that if he’d approached her 5 months ago when he found out she was the dancer he was hot for she would have gladly bedded him, it’s not going to happen now? Which she quickly amends to, not right away anyway. I understand that as in the first two books in the series Ms. Arend wants to show the importance of her lovers getting to know each other and like each other as much as having great sexual chemistry. But since she’s been having Hope express her desire to have sex with Matt since the beginning of this book, the reason for Hope’s knee jerk response was lost on me. Then her big sister, Matt’s ex-lover Helen (who turns out to be an absolute lying, conniving bitch) returns. Unlike what’s implied in the synopsis her return doesn’t really threaten Matt and Hope’s fledgling relationship. Neither Matt nor Hope want anything to do with her. But Helen does make a nuisance of herself trying to break them up and generally make little sister Hope’s life miserable. The way the Helen problem is resolved annoyed me. As much of a part of the story that her interference in their relationship became I expected a more dramatic solution to the problem than what we got. It’s also implied Helen may have a drug or drinking problem but that’s also left as a loose end.
Lastly, I didn’t really find the ending of the story all that satisfying. Yeah, I get the symbolism of Matt using a quilt to tell Hope he loves her. But the whole he was so exhausted he didn’t know what day it was to be there to propose (nobody in his family reminded him?) or the idea that he’d been so busy that he and Hope hadn’t found any time to be together for the past three weeks just didn’t seem realistic. They were so in love and so hot for each other, you want to tell me that at the end of the day neither would make the short drive between where they lived to spend the night with each other rather than endure three straight weeks of celibacy?
Honestly as much as I wanted to love this book I thought it was a bit of a let down compared to the first two books in the series. IMHO it wasn’t a bad story, just sort of okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2018
I actually stopped reading this story half way through for a few hours, because I thought I knew what was coming and didn’t really want the drama....boy was I wrong! No silly misunderstanding, no stupid drama between Matt and Hope, I love the blunt honesty between them. And I love love love that the return of a bad penny didn’t mess with their feelings for each other.
October 7, 2024
A quick read
August 20, 2021
Short, but nice to read a contemporary romance where the MCs actually talk to each other and trust each other instead of jumping the gun and making assumptions/throwing out accusations to create the drama - so I threw in another star
September 5, 2012
Rocky Mountain Desire is book #3 in the Six Pack Ranch series by Vivian Arend. This book was a nice read. It didn't knock my socks off, but it didn't bore me to death (or worse), either. It left me hanging in a few places, which is why I gave it a 3 and not a 4. Several issues were brought up about Helen's behavior being off, but was never explored and this drove me crazy. I am still wondering does she have a drug addiction, alcohol issues, mental illness, what? So frustrating! But, Matt was as sweet as can be, I really liked Hope and the sex scenes were excellent! Vivian Arend definitely knows how to write a great scene that drags you right into the book.
Hope Meridan has been screwed over by her sister one too many times. Left with huge debt and lots of work Hope is barely treading water. That is until her sister's ex, Matt Coleman, steps back into her life and offers his help and more.
Matt Coleman thought his life was set. He was going to marry his high school sweetheart and make a life with her. That was the plan until she cheated on him and left him for the city. She was tired of ranch life and wanted to see the world. Matt is done with trusting his heart to anyone. At least he thinks he's done until Hope comes dancing (literally) into his life. He finds she's exactly everything he's always wanted and she loves his ranch life and everything that goes along with it.
"If they don't care about you the way you are, then changing for them isn't goign to make them care more."
Hope Meridan has been screwed over by her sister one too many times. Left with huge debt and lots of work Hope is barely treading water. That is until her sister's ex, Matt Coleman, steps back into her life and offers his help and more.
Matt Coleman thought his life was set. He was going to marry his high school sweetheart and make a life with her. That was the plan until she cheated on him and left him for the city. She was tired of ranch life and wanted to see the world. Matt is done with trusting his heart to anyone. At least he thinks he's done until Hope comes dancing (literally) into his life. He finds she's exactly everything he's always wanted and she loves his ranch life and everything that goes along with it.
"If they don't care about you the way you are, then changing for them isn't goign to make them care more."
February 7, 2012
Guilty Pleasures Recommended Read AND Creme de la Creme
Ava's Thoughts:
I am so glad my friends at GP asked me to review this installment of Six Pack Ranch!! Miss Arend’s work has been patiently waiting in my TBR pile for a long time. I just never got around to reading her books. I’m almost glad I waited, because this newly released (expanded) series is now sitting up there with some of my favorite erotic western romances. You know the ones! Believe me when I say she had big cowgirl boots to fill.
I say this is the perfect read for anyone who’s had a sibling that deserved a swift kick in the ass! I personally feel you should start this series with Book 1, Rocky Mountain Heat. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!! ~Ava
DiDi's Thoughts:
I absolutely adore the Coleman family, from Mamma and Daddy Coleman to the little Coleman's. The Six Pack Ranch series is one not to miss and has a permanent spot on my favorite series and my will read over and over again shelves.
NOTE: Rocky Mountain Desire is a totally new release. Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven were the only books released as shorter books and have now been re-released as expanded full length books.
To read the entire TWO-FER review please visit:
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Ava's Thoughts:
I am so glad my friends at GP asked me to review this installment of Six Pack Ranch!! Miss Arend’s work has been patiently waiting in my TBR pile for a long time. I just never got around to reading her books. I’m almost glad I waited, because this newly released (expanded) series is now sitting up there with some of my favorite erotic western romances. You know the ones! Believe me when I say she had big cowgirl boots to fill.
I say this is the perfect read for anyone who’s had a sibling that deserved a swift kick in the ass! I personally feel you should start this series with Book 1, Rocky Mountain Heat. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!! ~Ava
DiDi's Thoughts:
I absolutely adore the Coleman family, from Mamma and Daddy Coleman to the little Coleman's. The Six Pack Ranch series is one not to miss and has a permanent spot on my favorite series and my will read over and over again shelves.
NOTE: Rocky Mountain Desire is a totally new release. Rocky Mountain Heat and Rocky Mountain Haven were the only books released as shorter books and have now been re-released as expanded full length books.
To read the entire TWO-FER review please visit:
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
April 21, 2014
Matt Coleman (as seen in the previous novel) has had his heart stepped on and his pride ripped to shreds. Hope Meridian is struggling to stay afloat after her sister abandons the business and the apartment they had been planning on, leaving her with all the responsibility.
This is a really sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers story with the additional baggage that Hope’s sister is the one who screwed them both over and of course, the one who causes the most drama between them. There’s actually a relationship between Matt and Hope, and it progresses in a logical manner. And the ending is over the top romantic and sweet.
Cross-posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
This is a really sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers story with the additional baggage that Hope’s sister is the one who screwed them both over and of course, the one who causes the most drama between them. There’s actually a relationship between Matt and Hope, and it progresses in a logical manner. And the ending is over the top romantic and sweet.
Cross-posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
January 26, 2017
Matt Coleman and Hope Meridan are the most unlikely pair in town due to Hope being the little sister of the woman that left Matt for big city living. Or so they both think until a little interest from a long time rival kicks Matt's protective gene into high gear. No way is he gonna stand by while Hope falls for someone else (heck if he knows why but who cares right) These two are so fun to watch dance around the lust in the room. Takes them both awhile to realize that they need to stop letting outside people influence their happiness and stop judging each other by their past. The bond they form is so genuine and strong from the get go that you just know they are building a forever.
I look forward to the next visit to the Six Pack Ranch
I look forward to the next visit to the Six Pack Ranch
September 26, 2018
#3 in the Six Pack Ranch romance series
I was looking forward to Matt's story, and it didn't disappoint. Matt is one of the middle brothers, not particularly noteworthy except that he was dating Helen for a number of years, and we saw the implosion of that relationship in the last book. So I was rooting for him to find someone nice. Turns out Helen's sister Hope has been left in the lurch when Helen left town also--leaving Hope to build her quilting shop while paying off the loan and rent on her own. When she and Matt get together, against both their better judgments, they find they are very compatible and combustible. It's a sweet relationship with some hot and sexy scenes as well. A very good continuation of this series, with some anticipation for the next book.
I was looking forward to Matt's story, and it didn't disappoint. Matt is one of the middle brothers, not particularly noteworthy except that he was dating Helen for a number of years, and we saw the implosion of that relationship in the last book. So I was rooting for him to find someone nice. Turns out Helen's sister Hope has been left in the lurch when Helen left town also--leaving Hope to build her quilting shop while paying off the loan and rent on her own. When she and Matt get together, against both their better judgments, they find they are very compatible and combustible. It's a sweet relationship with some hot and sexy scenes as well. A very good continuation of this series, with some anticipation for the next book.
March 29, 2012
The third brother, Matt, of the six pack is over Helen after the heartbreak in the previous Rocky Mountain book. The only hitch is, it is Helen's sister Hope that lets him move on with life and with love.
Hope is her own strong person, nothing like her selfish sister. Matt is wise enough to see that and after a faultering start he closes the deal. Hope who has always been attracted to Matt guides the deal closing. The proposal is, well, surprisingly touching. Helen appears and no one at least the readers of the book, support her. She tries to make trouble but a united front soon sees her game.
Great book.
Hope is her own strong person, nothing like her selfish sister. Matt is wise enough to see that and after a faultering start he closes the deal. Hope who has always been attracted to Matt guides the deal closing. The proposal is, well, surprisingly touching. Helen appears and no one at least the readers of the book, support her. She tries to make trouble but a united front soon sees her game.
Great book.
February 24, 2013
Matt is a sweetie!! Okay, he is all alpha-male in the bedroom but his actions and caring of Hope in his dating of her and helping her out around her store is so darn sweet. I love these Colemen boys, they are gentlemen down to the end and Matt is extremely considerate. The honestly that Hope and Matt agree to and recognize as so important at the beginning shows the maturity in their relationship. You rooted for these two from the start and their journey could have been a sad story but it was highlighted with joy. And hotness, holy, holy Matt and Hope sizzle!
July 9, 2022
This one starts very mild, and gets raunchy just over halfway through. The hero used to date the heroine's sister, until she betrayed both of them. Now he's attracted to her, but still running from memories of the sister. They begin dating, but keep it sorta platonic for a few weeks. Then the day after they finally scratch their itch, the sister shows up, at the heroine's apartment. The story slows down some, apparently to get enough sexy-times in. It's a pretty standard romance, with a whole lot of pretty kinky sex thrown in. It seemed like an odd mix, but it worked anyway. I liked it.
March 14, 2012
Vivian Arend has done it again. I loved Rocky Montain Desire soooooooooooo much a great story to add to the series. Also I have a stong feeling on what Travis story line will be I thought this before but after reading this book I'mm 99% sure and can't wait for Travis to get his story.
January 9, 2012
"This was a terrific story, you feel for both Matt and Hope as the sail into uncharted waters."
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=8508
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=8508
March 20, 2012
I love this book can't wait for book four..
January 25, 2013
I think something is missing concerning Helen...what was her goal in coming back was not enough and her reaction to the talk she got
January 30, 2013
Fast, hot, sweet, sweet love.
October 27, 2016
3.5 stars.
These cowboy brothers are such a delicious read, never would i have thought...
These cowboy brothers are such a delicious read, never would i have thought...
July 30, 2018
so, this one begins with Daniel's bachelor party, so, that was fun
but it's definitely NOT fun for Matt, poor Matt!
I was not a fan of Helen in the earlier book and, not surprising, she did not grow on me with another appearance. on the one hand, I was glad that Matt was moving on; other the other, he was only forced to do so because Helen decided to leave, not because Matt came to his senses and realized how awful she was.
I thought this was going to be really depressing, but it ended more funny than that, so, yay!
I loved Hope's sewing & crafts store and her quilting fundraiser , but I was not so wild about the almost triangle
both Hope and Matt had to go through a lot of thinking and baggage - mainly, the baggage called "Helen" - Matt wondering if there was anything he could've done differently, Hope wondering if she's just a substitute for Helen or that Helen-being-Helen was insurmountable
this book continued to involve the family, but it wasn't too bad and I liked the glimpses we got of the other happy couples
but it's definitely NOT fun for Matt, poor Matt!
I was not a fan of Helen in the earlier book and, not surprising, she did not grow on me with another appearance. on the one hand, I was glad that Matt was moving on; other the other, he was only forced to do so because Helen decided to leave, not because Matt came to his senses and realized how awful she was.
I thought this was going to be really depressing, but it ended more funny than that, so, yay!
I loved Hope's sewing & crafts store and her quilting fundraiser , but I was not so wild about the almost triangle
both Hope and Matt had to go through a lot of thinking and baggage - mainly, the baggage called "Helen" - Matt wondering if there was anything he could've done differently, Hope wondering if she's just a substitute for Helen or that Helen-being-Helen was insurmountable
this book continued to involve the family, but it wasn't too bad and I liked the glimpses we got of the other happy couples
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