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Thompson & Sons #5
A Wild Ride
He’s the golden boy with a secret past
When Nicole Adams abruptly cancels their secret fling, Troy Thompson is stunned. The sex between them is sizzling, but she’s ready to move on—find a reliable guy, settle down, pop out a few babies. The thought of Nic in another man’s arms is maddening. And while her agenda freaks him out, Troy knows there’s no one in town nearly good enough for her. No one, that is, except him.
She’s his redemption and his future
Nicole doesn’t regret her sexual romp with Troy, but when he insists on taking the next step with her—marriage and parenthood—she figures he’s out of his mind. Troy? Husband and daddy material? Oh, he’s sexy beyond belief, with the ability to melt her panties with a single command, but the man’s not known for being responsible. Trying for forever with Mr. Frivolous? Everyone thinks it’s a fool’s game.
Everyone except Troy, who’s determined to make Nicole see the real him under the shiny exterior.
When Nicole Adams abruptly cancels their secret fling, Troy Thompson is stunned. The sex between them is sizzling, but she’s ready to move on—find a reliable guy, settle down, pop out a few babies. The thought of Nic in another man’s arms is maddening. And while her agenda freaks him out, Troy knows there’s no one in town nearly good enough for her. No one, that is, except him.
She’s his redemption and his future
Nicole doesn’t regret her sexual romp with Troy, but when he insists on taking the next step with her—marriage and parenthood—she figures he’s out of his mind. Troy? Husband and daddy material? Oh, he’s sexy beyond belief, with the ability to melt her panties with a single command, but the man’s not known for being responsible. Trying for forever with Mr. Frivolous? Everyone thinks it’s a fool’s game.
Everyone except Troy, who’s determined to make Nicole see the real him under the shiny exterior.
258 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2016
169 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
157 books2,626 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 111 reviews
May 9, 2016
3.75 stars
May 18, 2016
I'm sad to see this series about the Thompsons end but it went out with a bang!
Troy has been a constant in the other Thompson & Sons books and I was really looking forward to reading his story. I really loved him and the way he went for what he wanted. I also really liked Nicole. Though in the beginning I wasn't too keen on Nicole's family and their dismissal and disapproval of Troy and Nic's relationship with him. I really hate it when secondary character family members are like that and I don't think there was enough on-page grovel from them towards Troy.
I've loved Vivian Arend's writing from the very first book of hers I read and now, several books and series further that love has only grown stronger and stronger. Her writing is uncomplicated, her characters are easy to relate to and she has the ability to combine this all in books that just make you feel good during and after reading them. I look forward to every new book or venture she releases and hope there will be a worthy successor to this series.
Favorite Quote:
“I want you. Fine, I’m a f*cking rainbow. It’s how I show love, and I’ll probably keep being one because that’s who I am. But even rainbows need the sunshine to bring out their magic, and that’s you, baby. You’re the one who makes me shine.” ~Troy to Nicole
Troy has been a constant in the other Thompson & Sons books and I was really looking forward to reading his story. I really loved him and the way he went for what he wanted. I also really liked Nicole. Though in the beginning I wasn't too keen on Nicole's family and their dismissal and disapproval of Troy and Nic's relationship with him. I really hate it when secondary character family members are like that and I don't think there was enough on-page grovel from them towards Troy.
I've loved Vivian Arend's writing from the very first book of hers I read and now, several books and series further that love has only grown stronger and stronger. Her writing is uncomplicated, her characters are easy to relate to and she has the ability to combine this all in books that just make you feel good during and after reading them. I look forward to every new book or venture she releases and hope there will be a worthy successor to this series.
Favorite Quote:
“I want you. Fine, I’m a f*cking rainbow. It’s how I show love, and I’ll probably keep being one because that’s who I am. But even rainbows need the sunshine to bring out their magic, and that’s you, baby. You’re the one who makes me shine.” ~Troy to Nicole
May 30, 2024
A Man Worth Keeping
Troy Thompson proves throughout that he is full of surprises, mostly because people underestimate him. I love how humble and quiet he is about things. It's unfortunate that he's given so much of himself and no one around him has noticed, but I love that his heart is in the right place.
I like that Nicole Adams slowly realizes that the guy she's been hooking up with is an enigma and not as straight forward as she thought. When she starts standing up to her family's barbs is when I started liking her.
I love how Troy pursues Nicole, putting the brakes on some of their fun times so they can focus on truly getting to know each other. Her frustration is hilarious. Her getting him to break is hot.
There are two scenes that I absolutely love. First, the babysitting and how he takes to it. Then there's the ending which is absolutely perfect for them. I was worried how this booty call to forever would play out, but I should've known better. 😘 Vivian has written yet another man that any woman, including me, should be happy to call hers. 🩵
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is Tatiana Sokolov, who continues to do a wonderful job with these characters.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Troy Thompson proves throughout that he is full of surprises, mostly because people underestimate him. I love how humble and quiet he is about things. It's unfortunate that he's given so much of himself and no one around him has noticed, but I love that his heart is in the right place.
I like that Nicole Adams slowly realizes that the guy she's been hooking up with is an enigma and not as straight forward as she thought. When she starts standing up to her family's barbs is when I started liking her.
I love how Troy pursues Nicole, putting the brakes on some of their fun times so they can focus on truly getting to know each other. Her frustration is hilarious. Her getting him to break is hot.
There are two scenes that I absolutely love. First, the babysitting and how he takes to it. Then there's the ending which is absolutely perfect for them. I was worried how this booty call to forever would play out, but I should've known better. 😘 Vivian has written yet another man that any woman, including me, should be happy to call hers. 🩵
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is Tatiana Sokolov, who continues to do a wonderful job with these characters.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
May 3, 2016
Vivian Arend has become one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint. I always look forward to her new releases. This book was sweet and sexy and romantic. I loved it!
May 11, 2016
Troy has always been seen as the happy-go-lucky type just rolling through life and not serious about much of anything, even to his own family. His secret fling with his best friend's sister is no different until it suddenly is...and he wants forever. Nicole wants to get more serious about life and get on what she feels is the right track into adulthood. She feels Troy was a great time, but not long-term quality material. She goes into dating Troy never expecting that he could end up being perfect for her, but Troy has unexpected depths to him that truly make him everything she has always dreamed.
I enjoyed this one, but I wasn't blown away by it either. These two have plenty of chemistry, but I think the characters lacked sufficient development to really allow me to connect with them fully. I was expecting more from Troy's secrets, and we don't really get to know much about Nicole at all beyond her wanting what her sister's have and that she went to college. I just wanted more I guess. It wasn't a bad read, and it was quite steamy and sweet. I love how this series weaves into the Rocky Mountain House and Six Pack Ranch series, so maybe these characters will make an appearance in the future so we can see what happens. I kind of figured since she was so baby hungry that we'd find out she was pregnant by the end, but alas we were left with that lingering. It seemed kind of central to the plot, so I was a bit surprised by that. Anyhoo, overall definitely a book worth reading to wrap up the series with a bow and I did enjoy it despite a few issues I had. I really do hope we get to revisit these guys down the road though.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Check out this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
I enjoyed this one, but I wasn't blown away by it either. These two have plenty of chemistry, but I think the characters lacked sufficient development to really allow me to connect with them fully. I was expecting more from Troy's secrets, and we don't really get to know much about Nicole at all beyond her wanting what her sister's have and that she went to college. I just wanted more I guess. It wasn't a bad read, and it was quite steamy and sweet. I love how this series weaves into the Rocky Mountain House and Six Pack Ranch series, so maybe these characters will make an appearance in the future so we can see what happens. I kind of figured since she was so baby hungry that we'd find out she was pregnant by the end, but alas we were left with that lingering. It seemed kind of central to the plot, so I was a bit surprised by that. Anyhoo, overall definitely a book worth reading to wrap up the series with a bow and I did enjoy it despite a few issues I had. I really do hope we get to revisit these guys down the road though.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Check out this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
May 1, 2016
These Thompson boys, man oh man, they are quite the package - good looks, sensitive emotions, kind, caring and super-duper sexy!!!
This is baby boy Troy's story, and while Clay and Mitch were out there for the whole world to see, and their dad at least saw what was running deep for Len and Katy, nobody seemed to, even still, know and see Troy. He takes it all in stride and buries it all, giving a good face to family and friends. He breaks my heart because he hides to protect everyone, and they don't see it at all. He is truly under appreciated and misunderstood
Nicole sees what he presents, and that matches her completely, for fun. Then she is miserable when she tries to find something serious, and after Troy refuses to give up, gives him a chance. He tries to be what she wants, but that doesn't work, so they both are just themselves. That is when Nicole notices that Troy is hiding, again, my poor heart broke for her and him. She takes control and brings him out, and blocks everyone else out but him, and that is where they find their happiness
It was sweet, beautiful and a whole lot of fun, and I am so sad to see all the Thompson boys, and girl, paired off, but caught wind of a few guys for those wayward Coleman ladies, and met the girl for Rafe, and possibly some circumstances, for their book
This is baby boy Troy's story, and while Clay and Mitch were out there for the whole world to see, and their dad at least saw what was running deep for Len and Katy, nobody seemed to, even still, know and see Troy. He takes it all in stride and buries it all, giving a good face to family and friends. He breaks my heart because he hides to protect everyone, and they don't see it at all. He is truly under appreciated and misunderstood
Nicole sees what he presents, and that matches her completely, for fun. Then she is miserable when she tries to find something serious, and after Troy refuses to give up, gives him a chance. He tries to be what she wants, but that doesn't work, so they both are just themselves. That is when Nicole notices that Troy is hiding, again, my poor heart broke for her and him. She takes control and brings him out, and blocks everyone else out but him, and that is where they find their happiness
It was sweet, beautiful and a whole lot of fun, and I am so sad to see all the Thompson boys, and girl, paired off, but caught wind of a few guys for those wayward Coleman ladies, and met the girl for Rafe, and possibly some circumstances, for their book
July 8, 2020
4.25
April 17, 2016
I've been a fan of this series ever since I read the first book, they're perfect for when I'm in the mood for a humourous, small town romance with a great cast of characters, brilliant chemistry and a lot of laughs on the way to a happily ever after. Vivian Arend is an autoread author for me, she has an extensive back list so I'm still not caught up with all of her books (I'll get there one day!) but she never lets me down whether it's with her contemporaries, paranormal romances or even romantic suspense.
Although this story does work well as a stand alone I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read the series in order because each of the previous couples make ongoing appearances before and after their own book. If you've read the other stories you'll already be familiar with Troy, the youngest of the Thompson brothers. He has always been shown as someone who doesn't take life too seriously, he likes to have fun and he's in no rush to settle down. He isn't particularly a player but he doesn't really go for serious relationships either. What we haven't really seen until now is how much he really adores his family and how many quiet little things he does in the background to make everyone else's lives better. I always liked his character but I fell for him even more when I started to realise how he is the glue that ties the Thompson family together and that everything he does has had a lot of thought put into it.
Nicole has been seeing Troy for a few months, he's her older brother's best friend and roommate so they've kept things secret but they've shared a lot of very passionate encounters when nobody was around to see them. She's known all along that Troy isn't the man she'll settle down with but their friends with benefits relationship was just what she needed at the time. Now though she finds herself thinking about the future, she wants to get serious and find the man who is going to be her partner in life so it's time to end things with Troy and start dating guys who are interested in settling down. It isn't until Nicole tries to walk away that Troy realises how important she has become to him but how can he convince her that he's changed enough to want a serious relationship when she only thinks of him as someone who is happy to sail through life without making any plans for the future?
I have to admit that Nicole took a little while to grow on me, in the beginning she was so determined to date other guys and I was annoyed with the way she refused to listen to Troy and talk things through properly. Thankfully that doesn't last long though and at least her attempts at dating were disastrous enough to be amusing. I loved Troy from the very beginning though, he's just such a great guy and I enjoyed seeing all the little ways he tried to make life better for the people around him. I ended up getting really annoyed with his family for not noticing how much he looked out for them but it was nice to see Nicole wise up and have his back when he really needed her. They make a brilliant couple, the chemistry between them was smoking, and I think this was probably the hottest book of the series but that wasn't all there was to their relationship. They had fun together both in and out of the bedroom and I loved that Troy was able to show Nicole that settling down and planning a future together didn't mean they had to stop enjoying life and messing around sometimes.
This book was pretty much perfect from beginning to end and I'm kind of hoping that Vivian Arend can pull out a few long lost Thompson siblings (or perhaps cousins?) so that the series doesn't have to end here. I guess since this series is loosely linked to her Six Pack Ranch series I now have a perfect excuse to buy more of her books in the meantime though and I'm hoping the characters we met here will at least start to appear in those books if nothing else.
Although this story does work well as a stand alone I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read the series in order because each of the previous couples make ongoing appearances before and after their own book. If you've read the other stories you'll already be familiar with Troy, the youngest of the Thompson brothers. He has always been shown as someone who doesn't take life too seriously, he likes to have fun and he's in no rush to settle down. He isn't particularly a player but he doesn't really go for serious relationships either. What we haven't really seen until now is how much he really adores his family and how many quiet little things he does in the background to make everyone else's lives better. I always liked his character but I fell for him even more when I started to realise how he is the glue that ties the Thompson family together and that everything he does has had a lot of thought put into it.
Nicole has been seeing Troy for a few months, he's her older brother's best friend and roommate so they've kept things secret but they've shared a lot of very passionate encounters when nobody was around to see them. She's known all along that Troy isn't the man she'll settle down with but their friends with benefits relationship was just what she needed at the time. Now though she finds herself thinking about the future, she wants to get serious and find the man who is going to be her partner in life so it's time to end things with Troy and start dating guys who are interested in settling down. It isn't until Nicole tries to walk away that Troy realises how important she has become to him but how can he convince her that he's changed enough to want a serious relationship when she only thinks of him as someone who is happy to sail through life without making any plans for the future?
I have to admit that Nicole took a little while to grow on me, in the beginning she was so determined to date other guys and I was annoyed with the way she refused to listen to Troy and talk things through properly. Thankfully that doesn't last long though and at least her attempts at dating were disastrous enough to be amusing. I loved Troy from the very beginning though, he's just such a great guy and I enjoyed seeing all the little ways he tried to make life better for the people around him. I ended up getting really annoyed with his family for not noticing how much he looked out for them but it was nice to see Nicole wise up and have his back when he really needed her. They make a brilliant couple, the chemistry between them was smoking, and I think this was probably the hottest book of the series but that wasn't all there was to their relationship. They had fun together both in and out of the bedroom and I loved that Troy was able to show Nicole that settling down and planning a future together didn't mean they had to stop enjoying life and messing around sometimes.
This book was pretty much perfect from beginning to end and I'm kind of hoping that Vivian Arend can pull out a few long lost Thompson siblings (or perhaps cousins?) so that the series doesn't have to end here. I guess since this series is loosely linked to her Six Pack Ranch series I now have a perfect excuse to buy more of her books in the meantime though and I'm hoping the characters we met here will at least start to appear in those books if nothing else.
April 23, 2016
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 19, 2016
He’s the golden boy with a secret past
When Nicole Adams abruptly cancels their secret fling, Troy Thompson is stunned. The sex between them is sizzling, but she’s ready to move on—find a reliable guy, settle down, pop out a few babies. The thought of Nic in another man’s arms is maddening. And while her agenda freaks him out, Troy knows there’s no one in town nearly good enough for her. No one, that is, except him.
She’s his redemption and his future
Nicole doesn’t regret her sexual romp with Troy, but when he insists on taking the next step with her—marriage and parenthood—she figures he’s out of his mind. Troy? Husband and daddy material? Oh, he’s sexy beyond belief, with the ability to melt her panties with a single command, but the man’s not known for being responsible. Trying for forever with Mr. Frivolous? Everyone thinks it’s a fool’s game- everyone except Troy, who’s determined to make Nicole see the real him under the shiny exterior.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: A WILD RIDE is the fourth (and final ?) installment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult THOMPSON AND SONS erotic, romance series focusing on the four Thompson brothers-a spin off from Vivian’s Rocky Mountain House Series (Six Pack Ranch). This is mechanic Troy Thompson, and Nicole Adams’s story line- a friends to lovers/forbidden romance story that follows our couple from friends with benefits to lovers and more. A WILD RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Troy and Nicole) A WILD RIDE follows Nicole and Troy from sex partners to being in a committed relationship. For six months our couple has kept secret their ‘liaisons’ from family and friends, including Troy’s best friend/roommate-Mike-Nicole’s older brother and a man who has decreed his sister off limits for the likes of Troy. Troy has always been the good-time Thompson brother, and his reputation with the ladies; his laid back attitude; and his apparent lack of motivation have not endured our story line hero to his or Nicole’s extended family. What ensues is the building of a more permanent relationship while our couple struggle for approval from family and friends.
A WILD RIDE looks at first impressions, family, secrets and truth. Troy is a man who keeps secret the events of the past, and in this, revealing the truth to the woman he loves keeps everything in perspective and shows Nicole that there is more to the story than everyone thought. Troy is a great story line hero; a man who knows what he wants, and is determined to keep Nicole in his life. Nicole’s family is not impressed with her choice of mate, yet our heroine never struggles with her love for Troy. Her family’s constant disregard for the man that Nicole loves finds Nicole on the offensive more times than not.
All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story. We get up close and personal with the growing families, their plans for the future, and Troy and Nicole’s growing love for one another. We are introduced to Nicole’s extended family, and there are some issues with regard to their acceptance of Troy, and his undeserved reputation.
A WILD RIDE has moments of humor and fun; heartbreak and pain; letting go of the past and moving forward. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive. The premise is entertaining, sexy and fun; the characters are charismatic and colorful; the romance is a well deserved happily ever after. A WILD RIDE is worth the price of admission.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
He’s the golden boy with a secret past
When Nicole Adams abruptly cancels their secret fling, Troy Thompson is stunned. The sex between them is sizzling, but she’s ready to move on—find a reliable guy, settle down, pop out a few babies. The thought of Nic in another man’s arms is maddening. And while her agenda freaks him out, Troy knows there’s no one in town nearly good enough for her. No one, that is, except him.
She’s his redemption and his future
Nicole doesn’t regret her sexual romp with Troy, but when he insists on taking the next step with her—marriage and parenthood—she figures he’s out of his mind. Troy? Husband and daddy material? Oh, he’s sexy beyond belief, with the ability to melt her panties with a single command, but the man’s not known for being responsible. Trying for forever with Mr. Frivolous? Everyone thinks it’s a fool’s game- everyone except Troy, who’s determined to make Nicole see the real him under the shiny exterior.
••••••••••••
REVIEW: A WILD RIDE is the fourth (and final ?) installment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult THOMPSON AND SONS erotic, romance series focusing on the four Thompson brothers-a spin off from Vivian’s Rocky Mountain House Series (Six Pack Ranch). This is mechanic Troy Thompson, and Nicole Adams’s story line- a friends to lovers/forbidden romance story that follows our couple from friends with benefits to lovers and more. A WILD RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Troy and Nicole) A WILD RIDE follows Nicole and Troy from sex partners to being in a committed relationship. For six months our couple has kept secret their ‘liaisons’ from family and friends, including Troy’s best friend/roommate-Mike-Nicole’s older brother and a man who has decreed his sister off limits for the likes of Troy. Troy has always been the good-time Thompson brother, and his reputation with the ladies; his laid back attitude; and his apparent lack of motivation have not endured our story line hero to his or Nicole’s extended family. What ensues is the building of a more permanent relationship while our couple struggle for approval from family and friends.
A WILD RIDE looks at first impressions, family, secrets and truth. Troy is a man who keeps secret the events of the past, and in this, revealing the truth to the woman he loves keeps everything in perspective and shows Nicole that there is more to the story than everyone thought. Troy is a great story line hero; a man who knows what he wants, and is determined to keep Nicole in his life. Nicole’s family is not impressed with her choice of mate, yet our heroine never struggles with her love for Troy. Her family’s constant disregard for the man that Nicole loves finds Nicole on the offensive more times than not.
All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story. We get up close and personal with the growing families, their plans for the future, and Troy and Nicole’s growing love for one another. We are introduced to Nicole’s extended family, and there are some issues with regard to their acceptance of Troy, and his undeserved reputation.
A WILD RIDE has moments of humor and fun; heartbreak and pain; letting go of the past and moving forward. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive. The premise is entertaining, sexy and fun; the characters are charismatic and colorful; the romance is a well deserved happily ever after. A WILD RIDE is worth the price of admission.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 12, 2016
Troy has a way with words, “damn straight. Unless you want me to eff you right here in the parking lot.” Troy could be an animal at times and it was pretty sexy, "a wave of satisfaction and relief hit nearly as hard as his climax had. “No arguments from me. Unless you’re p****d I made you wait and then lost it against the side of a damn barn.” I really liked this book, the story moved naturally and the characters were likable.
January 1, 2017
The Last Ride
Everyone thought he was easy going, high school football star but no real focus or ambition for more, but no one really saw him and what he did to keep his family together. Troy is that silent good guy that everyone underestimates and he wants Nichole. This was a great end to the Thompson family absolutely loved it.
Everyone thought he was easy going, high school football star but no real focus or ambition for more, but no one really saw him and what he did to keep his family together. Troy is that silent good guy that everyone underestimates and he wants Nichole. This was a great end to the Thompson family absolutely loved it.
June 9, 2019
Final book in this series and I must say the second half saved this story for me.
Unusual for me to not be happy reading a book by this author but I just didn’t like the start of this book.
Troy acting like such a sleaze, his attitude was just off for me. Remembering having threesomes with his friend Mike, seriously checking out another woman’s backside, even if it was Nicole, he didn’t know that at the time. It just felt off.
Nicole states she wants to settle down, get serious about someone and go the marriage and baby route but then has sex with him, then seems to go on a date with every guy she meets as fast as possible. She came across as desperate.
After that start, I couldn’t say I was invested in these two. Too many things annoyed me. I only went on to finish the book as it is one of the few I haven’t read before and I do love all the other characters.
Glad I did as the second half was more what I expect from this author.
Troy was deeper than his family knew but I just wished he had stood up for himself. That would defeat the how he was wired though and I was glad he was going to finally go in a direction that suited him.
Nicole also came through eventually and put her family in their place over their attitude but only when Troy was in trouble. Letting their attitude give her doubts was weak but sort of understandable.
Connection, family and life’s ups and downs but not repairable enough to erase my first half impressions.
Still find it annoying that Keith, the father, dived into alcohol after Meg’s death, when he had FIVE children to raise. His attitude in the last two books has made me want to slap him silly.
Explains a lot about the family dynamics.
Unusual for me to not be happy reading a book by this author but I just didn’t like the start of this book.
Troy acting like such a sleaze, his attitude was just off for me. Remembering having threesomes with his friend Mike, seriously checking out another woman’s backside, even if it was Nicole, he didn’t know that at the time. It just felt off.
Nicole states she wants to settle down, get serious about someone and go the marriage and baby route but then has sex with him, then seems to go on a date with every guy she meets as fast as possible. She came across as desperate.
After that start, I couldn’t say I was invested in these two. Too many things annoyed me. I only went on to finish the book as it is one of the few I haven’t read before and I do love all the other characters.
Glad I did as the second half was more what I expect from this author.
Troy was deeper than his family knew but I just wished he had stood up for himself. That would defeat the how he was wired though and I was glad he was going to finally go in a direction that suited him.
Nicole also came through eventually and put her family in their place over their attitude but only when Troy was in trouble. Letting their attitude give her doubts was weak but sort of understandable.
Connection, family and life’s ups and downs but not repairable enough to erase my first half impressions.
Still find it annoying that Keith, the father, dived into alcohol after Meg’s death, when he had FIVE children to raise. His attitude in the last two books has made me want to slap him silly.
Explains a lot about the family dynamics.
March 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! I loved Troy and Nicole and watching them come together. Troy quickly figured out that he wanted a real shot with Nicole when she told him that she was ending what they had in order to find something serious and settle down. Troy definitely had to put some thought and work into convincing Nicole to give him a shot, that he could change and wasn't just a fun, impulsive, fancy free individual that couldn't be serious or want something serious. I loved as Troy opened himself up to Nicole to let her see the deeper side of things, the sides of himself that he had kept hidden and quiet. Nicole finally starting see the deeper sides of Troy and the different way that he cared for and helped his family and those around him. He didn't need to be obvious about it or get the credit, he just did what they needed. I was engaged with the story and these characters the whole time and really enjoyed it. It held my attention easily throughout and I was really rooting for Troy to end up with Nicole and for Nicole to realize that she didn't have to change too much in order to find the right person for her and to move forward with the next steps of life. This story was well written and a great read. I loved getting to see how the rest of the Thompsons were doing as well.
The narrator did a great job with this and adding that extra dynamic to the story to bring it to life.
The narrator did a great job with this and adding that extra dynamic to the story to bring it to life.
July 23, 2024
A Wild Ride follows the youngest Thompson brother, Troy, as he tries to convince Nicole that he is ready to settle down.
Troy and Nicole started out as friends with benefits. Their "relationship" had to be kept a secret since Nic is his best friend's twin sister. When she decides she wants more and is ready to settle down, get married and have children, she breaks up with Troy for no reason.
Her first date is a co-worker of one of her brothers-in-law. He is a nice guy, but a little dull. His idea of an exciting date is playing Monopoly after dinner. While setting up for the game, Troy drops by. He ends up crashing her date.
Her second date is another co-worker of one of her brothers-in-law. When they have car troubles, Troy gets the tow call and heads out (not knowing that Nic is there). When he gets there and she finally tells him what the date has done and said, Troy puts her in the tow truck and leaves. Without the car. When she tells her brother-in-law what happened, he gets the guy transferred away from Rocky Mountain.
Next, Nic goes to a speed dating event. Her first "date" is a dud. Her second "date" is, yep you guessed it, Troy. He is trying to prove to her that he heard her and he is ready for everything she wants.
When they finally sit down and have a long conversation, she realizes she does not know him as well as she thought she did. He tells her things he has never told anyone, not even his own family, and he swears her to secrecy.
Over the next little while, they share their secrets, dreams, hopes and love. But when a tragedy prevents him from meeting her as planned, will she decide he is back to his playboy ways? Or will she know him well enough to know something is wrong and he needs help?
Oh, and about the twin brother. Yeah, just wait for the confrontation between him and Troy. But I must admit I did not appreciate Nic's sisters treating Troy like a mistake she is making and she could do better. When the constant yammering comes to a head, will Nic still be speaking to her sisters? Or will her relationship with her family be forever altered?
As the final book in this series, Tatiana Sokolov finishes up with a bang. She brings out all of the emotions that are running through all of the characters.
Troy and Nicole started out as friends with benefits. Their "relationship" had to be kept a secret since Nic is his best friend's twin sister. When she decides she wants more and is ready to settle down, get married and have children, she breaks up with Troy for no reason.
Her first date is a co-worker of one of her brothers-in-law. He is a nice guy, but a little dull. His idea of an exciting date is playing Monopoly after dinner. While setting up for the game, Troy drops by. He ends up crashing her date.
Her second date is another co-worker of one of her brothers-in-law. When they have car troubles, Troy gets the tow call and heads out (not knowing that Nic is there). When he gets there and she finally tells him what the date has done and said, Troy puts her in the tow truck and leaves. Without the car. When she tells her brother-in-law what happened, he gets the guy transferred away from Rocky Mountain.
Next, Nic goes to a speed dating event. Her first "date" is a dud. Her second "date" is, yep you guessed it, Troy. He is trying to prove to her that he heard her and he is ready for everything she wants.
When they finally sit down and have a long conversation, she realizes she does not know him as well as she thought she did. He tells her things he has never told anyone, not even his own family, and he swears her to secrecy.
Over the next little while, they share their secrets, dreams, hopes and love. But when a tragedy prevents him from meeting her as planned, will she decide he is back to his playboy ways? Or will she know him well enough to know something is wrong and he needs help?
Oh, and about the twin brother. Yeah, just wait for the confrontation between him and Troy. But I must admit I did not appreciate Nic's sisters treating Troy like a mistake she is making and she could do better. When the constant yammering comes to a head, will Nic still be speaking to her sisters? Or will her relationship with her family be forever altered?
As the final book in this series, Tatiana Sokolov finishes up with a bang. She brings out all of the emotions that are running through all of the characters.
May 5, 2021
A Wild Ride is the fifth in Vivian Arend’s Thompson & Sons series, set in the small town of Rocky Mountain House in Alberta, Canada.
Troy Thompson is the "baby" of the family, and is used to playing the peacemaker, the showman, the clown, the playboy, the jock... Nicole Adams has her own big family to contend with, and they're used to being all up in her business. When Nicole decides it's time to get serious about finding someone to settle down with, Troy is disappointed when she won't consider him as a candidate...
A Wild Ride is a fantastic story--Vivian Arend does a terrific job letting us see how Troy and Nic not only figure out what they want and need, but how they can both love and redefine their roles with each other and their families. This is an excellent close to the series and a great read on its own.
Troy Thompson is the "baby" of the family, and is used to playing the peacemaker, the showman, the clown, the playboy, the jock... Nicole Adams has her own big family to contend with, and they're used to being all up in her business. When Nicole decides it's time to get serious about finding someone to settle down with, Troy is disappointed when she won't consider him as a candidate...
A Wild Ride is a fantastic story--Vivian Arend does a terrific job letting us see how Troy and Nic not only figure out what they want and need, but how they can both love and redefine their roles with each other and their families. This is an excellent close to the series and a great read on its own.
March 4, 2019
It was emotional toward the end. Troy was hiding from himself by doing things 4 his family since his mom died when he was young. Her family was total assholes except 4 her twin. They need 2 stop being assholes until they truly understand where he's coming from in his life. They have no right 2 act like he doesn't measure up cause he's not well 2 do on money and he works at his family owned garage. Her sister needs a beat down 4 her attitude after he did her a favor by watching her kids. It's good that they r willing 2 move forward with their relationship whether anyone likes it not. What happened about his accident caused by that asshole driving wrong? It doesn't say but it should have. I hope there will be more in the future for all the Bros and wives after all the babies and futures.
December 8, 2019
I've really loved this series, but for some reason I couldn't get into this book. Troy Thompson and Nicole Adams have been having a secret affair for the past several months. Nic is the sister of Troy's best friend (hence the secrecy) and they've been having fun - neither has been ready to settle down. Until all of a sudden Nic is. She calls things off with Troy so she can find a 'real' relationship. Troy's not happy with this and starts working hard for Nic to look at him as someone could have a future with. The book was cute, sometimes funny, sometimes sexy and sometimes sad, but it didn't hold my attention as well as the other books in the series. 3.5 stars.
October 14, 2020
2 1/2 meh
It starts with them already together in a friends with benefits situation. She wants a serious relationship to start a family and doesn't even consider him as she thinks of him as a player. OK this trope, that you don't even consider your pretty long great sexual relationship or even tell him. At least tell him. So after getting over that, they are a cute couple but the "love" he gets from her family /not was irritating. The judgmental attitude would be hard to get over, especially since he is "such a good" guy. So what is wrong with him? He works at his family's garage? Well I never really got over this
It ends up nice but was a bit boring too. There was a created drama at the end to try to fix feelings of others IMO and it was just, what is was. So didn't mesh for some of the characters IMO. It was OK to good.
It starts with them already together in a friends with benefits situation. She wants a serious relationship to start a family and doesn't even consider him as she thinks of him as a player. OK this trope, that you don't even consider your pretty long great sexual relationship or even tell him. At least tell him. So after getting over that, they are a cute couple but the "love" he gets from her family /not was irritating. The judgmental attitude would be hard to get over, especially since he is "such a good" guy. So what is wrong with him? He works at his family's garage? Well I never really got over this
It ends up nice but was a bit boring too. There was a created drama at the end to try to fix feelings of others IMO and it was just, what is was. So didn't mesh for some of the characters IMO. It was OK to good.
February 28, 2025
From secret booty calls to lovers and the struggles to get there
This is a great story of best friends twin sister. They have been in a secret no strings attached relationship for months and then Nicole decides it is time to find someone to get serious with and start a family. Troy realizes that he has feelings that he didn't realize when he starts seeing her out with other guys. He conspires to make her realize that they would be great together and to give him a chance. Their chemistry is off the charts but can they make a real go of it? Will they get through her family cutting him down all they time? How does his best friend feel when he finds out?
This is a great story of best friends twin sister. They have been in a secret no strings attached relationship for months and then Nicole decides it is time to find someone to get serious with and start a family. Troy realizes that he has feelings that he didn't realize when he starts seeing her out with other guys. He conspires to make her realize that they would be great together and to give him a chance. Their chemistry is off the charts but can they make a real go of it? Will they get through her family cutting him down all they time? How does his best friend feel when he finds out?
May 19, 2020
Good, as always
I love this author and her Rocky Mountain people is a fascinating selection of different personalities. I really liked Troy and the description of him as a rainbow was accurate. Nicole is a strong and decisive women so Troy has to prove he is more than people see on the surface.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Love scenes that gets more intense the more they realise how they feel about each other.
I love this story 5 stars for a story that had me for a wild ride!!
I love this author and her Rocky Mountain people is a fascinating selection of different personalities. I really liked Troy and the description of him as a rainbow was accurate. Nicole is a strong and decisive women so Troy has to prove he is more than people see on the surface.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Love scenes that gets more intense the more they realise how they feel about each other.
I love this story 5 stars for a story that had me for a wild ride!!
Read
February 13, 2017This was the final book in the Thompson & Sons series, so it was kind of bittersweet. Troy and Nicole have been friends with benefits for a while and she decides she needs to settle down, but that she needs someone more serious than Troy.
They are explosively hot together and watching them battle their preconceived ideas of who each other, and themselves really are was entertaining.
As with all the Thompson & Sons books, able to bring a few tears dealing with this family dynamic.
They are explosively hot together and watching them battle their preconceived ideas of who each other, and themselves really are was entertaining.
As with all the Thompson & Sons books, able to bring a few tears dealing with this family dynamic.
May 11, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
My favorite of the series. Another very emotional story and had me nearly sobbing (I love it when a book does that to me) mostly happy tears. F-buddies turns to more but her family isn’t very accepting of that. They finally come around after a near disaster happens.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
My favorite of the series. Another very emotional story and had me nearly sobbing (I love it when a book does that to me) mostly happy tears. F-buddies turns to more but her family isn’t very accepting of that. They finally come around after a near disaster happens.
July 5, 2017
This one did not rate high for me. I was B.O.R.E.D. Maybe it was character development, but I just couldn't connect with this two at all. Troy seemed very surface. And was shocked when Nic delved more because nobody else did. But he really didn't allow anyone else to.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
January 7, 2018
A Wild Ride
Definitely a great story, the Thompson boys are a tough bunch of men but when they set their sights on the female that turns their world upside down they will do what ever it takes to make them theirs.
Definitely a great story, the Thompson boys are a tough bunch of men but when they set their sights on the female that turns their world upside down they will do what ever it takes to make them theirs.
December 13, 2018
Favorite of this series
OMG! I loved this heart warming,breaking love story
. All the feels in one short story. It wasn’t really short but I could’ve continued reading so much more of these two love birds....
OMG! I loved this heart warming,breaking love story
. All the feels in one short story. It wasn’t really short but I could’ve continued reading so much more of these two love birds....
March 20, 2022
For me this was a 3.5 book. Some of it was ok but some of it I didn't really care for. I was surprised by all the sex which seemed over done. I had read some of her other books and enjoyed them, so this was a surprise to me.
February 4, 2023
This was an amazing story to end this series. Loved that he was the clear glue that held the family together in a dark time, and continued to do it. That she could see what others couldn’t was why they were perfect together. A great finish.
Narration was awesome.
Narration was awesome.
December 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
February 1, 2017
Love the story, as most of Vivian Arend's book her characters specially the male lead have this real quality to them which make their stories more enjoyable.
May 15, 2017
Definitely my favorite of the series, love Troy Thompson!
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