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Six Pack Ranch #8

Rocky Mountain Retreat

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Finding white-hot love in a white-out... Eight months ago, Lee Coleman met the woman of his dreams...then lost her to another man. He buried his disappointment by throwing himself into work on the family ranch, but when a winter storm leaves him stranded, Lee finds more than shelter in the rustic safety of a hunter's cabin-he finds a second shot at love. Rachel Malone's heart has been broken and stomped on by her cheating ex, and she's determined to never fall in love again. But a rebound fling? Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, especially when she's snowed-in with a gorgeous, sweet-talking Coleman. Despite their off-the-charts chemistry, Lee makes it clear he wants more than a temporary romp. In fact, he's made it his mission to put a smile back on her face, even if it means taking it slow and resisting the scorching heat between them. This time around, he wants forever, while Rachel is positive that forever is a fool's dream. Lee can't wait to prove her wrong...

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First published February 17, 2014

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About the author

Vivian Arend

157 books2,625 followers
New 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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5 stars
1,035 (42%)
4 stars
825 (33%)
3 stars
446 (18%)
2 stars
102 (4%)
1 star
32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,716 reviews205 followers
February 10, 2024
Shelter from the Storms

It may be the shortest Coleman story that I've read to date (the in-between-books vignettes not included), but it doesn't skip a thing. The high heat, tender and sweet moments, and that little bit of friction between various characters is right where I expect it to be. I am DEFINITELY not disappointed. 😉

I love Rachel Malone (Ricardo)'s courage to leave a toxic relationship. While she occasionally lets that alter her reactions with Lee Coleman, I love how she backs herself out of that line of thinking.

As for Trevor's shenanigans.... Boy, I can't wait to see how they get their revenge! 🤣

I read along with the audio book. The narrator continues to be Tatiana Sokolov. I really do like her, even though I'd sometimes like her to have a male voice to assist. If you've been following my reviews, you already know I'm greedy. 😉

Even though each is a standalone, this series is better enjoyed / understood if read in order. It's not a requirement, but the characters and their stories are very intertwined as the Coleman family is large, and they're all active in each other's lives.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x
Profile Image for Aly.
3,181 reviews
September 30, 2020
This was a pretty cute read and makes me want to read the other books. I picked this up for a challenge, but it's the kind of book I'd read in general. The series revolves around the Coleman family finding love. The siblings and cousins live in a small town and work on a ranch. They all seem sweet and welcoming, especially to Rachel, who just divorced her cheating ex and could use some comfort.

Lee is pretty perfect, he absolutely loves Rachel and would do anything for her. He doesn't care that she was married or is ten years older than him, he knows she's the one. I liked his interactions with his family and how he protected her from her ex.

This was sweet, sexy, and fun. It sped by and had great narration on the audiobook. I will be looking at the other Six Pack Ranch books!
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,716 reviews205 followers
February 4, 2024
Shelter from the Storms

Vivian Arend Rocky Mountain House bk 08 Rocky Mountain Retreat

As I've been reading along in series order, I already knew that Lee Coleman has a crush on the recently married Rachel Malone. Sadly, her hubby doesn't understand the fundamentals of what to love, honor, and cherish mean as he repeatedly steps out on her. This picks up after she has become aware of Gary's extracurriculars.

It may be the shortest Coleman story that I've read to date (the in-between-books vignettes not included), but it doesn't skip a thing. The high heat, tender and sweet moments, and that little bit of friction between various characters is right where I expect it to be. I am DEFINITELY not disappointed. 😉

Strange how emotionally torn she was. One minute she didn’t give a damn about the spread of years between them, and the next, it seemed huge.
-- Rachel Malone (Ricardo)

I love Rachel's courage to leave a toxic relationship. While she occasionally lets that alter her reactions with Lee, I love how she backs herself out of that line of thinking.

As for Trevor's shenanigans.... Boy, I can't wait to see how they get their revenge! 🤣

I read along with the audio book. The narrator continues to be Tatiana Sokolov. I really do like her, even though I'd sometimes like her to have a male voice to assist. If you've been following my reviews, you already know I'm greedy. 😉

I hinted at this before, but I'll come right out and say it. Even though each is a standalone, this series is better enjoyed / understood if read in order. It's not a requirement, but the characters and their stories are very intertwined as the Coleman family is large, and they're all active in each other's lives.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

H = 24; h = 33
Profile Image for Tanielle.
Author 0 books38 followers
January 22, 2016
I thought Lee and Rachel's story would be more interesting but it was just okay. Not much going on and once they got together I was ready for it to be over. Hopefully the next one will be better.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,663 reviews227 followers
January 12, 2015
Things I enjoy in books: Two people with loads of sexual tension being snowed in and forced to share body heat. Seriously, that's one of those THINGS that makes me pick up a book practically sight unseen. I just... love it.

AND THIS BOOK HAD THAT.

*swoons all over the place*

Okay, okay. Besides the AWESOME snowed in scenario, Lee and Rachel have some smokin' chemistry. Leery of the age difference between them, Rachel had blown him off in the past and made the colossal mistake of marrying another man. The mistake wasn't in marrying another, mind you (although Lee might argue that point), but in getting caught up in the whirlwind romance and missing the signs the now-ex was a cheater. Poor girl.

Okay, fine. The other mistake was in letting the age difference between her and Lee come between them in the first place. To be fair, Lee is an older soul than his physical age would indicate. He knows what he wants and he goes for it. And when what he wants goes for someone else, he steps aside and nurses his hurt in private. *sniffle*

Then the stars align and that SNOWED IN thing happens and all is right in the world again.

I'm loving these Coleman's. They're strong, the women they fall for are strong, and they're willing to fight for the things that matter to them. *slow thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog).
1,886 reviews504 followers
September 7, 2015


Ahhhh, I’m back in the six Pack Ranch world. I have no idea how I missed this release, but I have now rectified this error by picking up the audiobook. And it’s actually the first time I listened to the series and I have to say, I like! The narrator does a great job!

So ROCKY RETREAT is a short story about Lee Coleman and him finally getting the woman he’s been in love with for eight months. Lee is much younger than Rachel (9 years!) and she’s been burned by her ex before (who cheated on her) so he has his work cut out for him if he want more than a sexual thrill.

First of all…. You go Rachel! LOL Lee knows exactly what he wants and that is her. He’s not interested in the young chicks running around him, he only has eyes for her. But she’s never paid much attention to him until they are stuck together at a cabin while they both take refuge from a winter storm. Snowed in for a bit, the sexual chemistry between them explodes right away. But when Rachel wants to leave things as just that, Lee pushes for more.

Can I just say hot? ROCKY RETREAT was hot and sweet. It was sweet to see Lee break down the walls Rachel had put up in her mind while trying to protect herself from sure heartbreak. But also it’s beautiful to see how he loves every part of her and wants to show her just how beautiful she is. It also helps that Lee is very mature for his age, so in my mind his age was just a number.

I think this story could’ve been stretched to a full length story so we would’ve gotten to read more about the things that were left unsaid and implied. One of my favorite things about these Coleman men is how strong and determined they are in the pursuit of the woman they set their sights on. And I wanted more of those moments in this book. But definitely enjoyed every bit of what we got. But it leaves me ready for the next one!
208 reviews
July 16, 2018
If you wait...

The story of Lee and Rachel was yet another adventure into the lives and loves of the Coleman claim in Rocky Mountain House. Very enjoyable.

Onto the next one - I'm addicted!
Profile Image for Karen.
475 reviews69 followers
October 30, 2023
Free on Amazon so had to give it a go and then purchased the audiobook. Narration was okay as was the story. It was a little short and therefore lacked detail and seemed rushed at times.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
January 16, 2015
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


** Rocky Retreat will be available as part of the Cowboys Last All Night anthology, available now. The anthology will be on sale for $0.99 until February 15th. Then, on February 17th, Rocky Retreat will be releasing as a solo book. **

I’m always up for a May/December romance story and Vivian Arend gives us a treat with Rocky Retreat. While Lee Coleman may be the baby of the Moonshine Clan he’s always had a good head on his shoulders and has acted older than his 24 years. Crushed after Rachel Malone refused to date him because of their age difference and devastated when she married someone else quickly he can’t believe his luck when he finds the newly divorced woman holed up in a cabin during a snowstorm. A raging storm, simmering seduction, and a man determined to get the woman he wants in his life Rocky Retreat will warm you up on even the coldest winter night.
There’s always been something about Lee I admired and I think it’s partly due to the fact that even though he’s young he is responsible and takes life seriously. That’s not to say he hasn’t had his fun but once he makes up his mind about something or someone he goes full speed ahead to make it happen. He had no choice but to sit back and watch Rachel be wooed and marry a man who was in his opinion was not good enough for her and when he caught him out cheating he did what he felt he needed to for retribution for Rachel. Now with an opportunity to spend quality time with her, he’s made up his mind to do it right and proves he may be young but he knows exactly how to treat the woman he’s falling in love with.
I liked these two together and while I understand Rachel’s hang ups about their age difference and it is a pretty decent one at 9 years, it was so obvious that it didn’t matter to Lee. I personally would have liked to see them discuss this more especially after their night out at Trader’s where Rachel felt somewhat out of sorts but Lee took it all in stride. I loved that his family didn’t make an issue of their age difference though and most were blatantly honest about Lee knowing his mind and being stubborn when his mind is made up.
Their snowbound time was entertaining and it was implied they had plenty of time to talk and share about their lives but again I would have loved to have been privy to some of those conversations. What I loved most that when push came to shove and Rachel was freaking out it was the Lee who remained call and with a cool head to smooth it all out.
I never tire of reading about the Coleman Clan so it was fun to see several of them throughout the book and I especially loved seeing a little more of Trevor, Lee’s older brother and can’t wait to see how hard he falls given some of his more interesting observations in this book.
Sexy yet hear warming Rocky Retreat is another fine addition to Vivian Arend’s Rocky Mountain House/Coleman Family/Six Pack Ranch series.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,261 reviews123 followers
February 2, 2015

*** I generously received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***

What a sweet, sexy, fun quick read.


Rachel is trying to come to terms with her ex cheating on her and move on with her life. Heading to a cabin far from prying eyes, as well as out of cell tower range, to start the process, she soon finds herself stuck in the middle of a snowstorm and with the last person she needs as her cabinmate. Lee has felt a pull towards Rachel from the first time he laid eyes on her and knows that much of her resistance to going out with him is due to the difference in their ages, but know that he has her to himself, he’s determined to show her that age is only a number and that he is the man for her. What I enjoyed about Lee and Rachel’s story was how Lee subtly bullied his way into Rachel’s heart. The little things he did to show her he was truly into her were sweet and well thought out. Rachel proved herself to be a strong woman and what I appreciated about her is that while she did have concerns over the age difference between her and Lee, as well as working to get past her hurt over her ex, she didn’t allow it to keep her from pursuing a relationship with Lee, or sabotaging it. There were some very sexy moments and I loved Lee’s quick and considerate thinking in the barn . And while there are a few things that were left unresolved for me, I found the ending perfect for them. Also, catching up with a few of the members of the Coleman clan is always fun, though Jesse is well, being Jesse grrr, but Trevor...all I can say is that I can’t wait for his story.
1,668 reviews41 followers
May 16, 2019
3.5 stars
This was just a nice pleasant contemporary romance. The only angst involved our heroine Rachel being willing to open up her heart after her whirlwind romance and marriage to Gary ended just as quickly when she discovered him cheating on her after only a month of marriage. Well that and the question of whether she'd be able to accept dating our hero Lee Coleman who at 24 years old is nearly 10 years her junior? I totally get that. Given that most 33 year old women are far more mature than most 24 year old men it's reasonable that without getting to know Lee she shot down his requests 8 months prior to go on a date out of hand. But then after being snowed in with him in a remote cabin for a few days she discovers he's more than she first thought. As it turns out Lee is more than mature enough to be well suited to Rachel. The book had a nice flow and pace to it as their relationship developed. As per the usual the heroine fell in love not only with the male Coleman but also with being part of the huge loving and supportive Coleman family. There was of course sex scenes but none of the kink that Ms. Arend often used to spice up so many of the previous stories in this series. The ending was perfect for where they found themselves in their relationship. I've really got nothing negative to say about this story.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,530 reviews92 followers
January 15, 2015
Sweet! Another Coleman bites the dust, and another one of the babies, Lee of the Moonshine clan in this case

The blurb pretty much explains what happens with the story, so no need to repeat. What is great about the story was just how darn sweet both of our characters are when they deal with each other. I mean super-duper sweet, and with all sorts of things going on around them, Lee slowly and carefully woos his lady. He isn't concerned with what others think or say, and he continually lets her know not only he doesn't care what others think, but that he is committed to her

Not too short, not too long, but a perfect complete story with our slightly older woman and her wise beyond his years man!
Profile Image for Shannon .
2,375 reviews160 followers
January 14, 2015
Rocky Retreat

The Characters

Rachel Malone: I liked Rachel but almost identified with her too much. I’m an over thinker and second guesser and it drives me nuts so to read about someone else doing the same kinda turns me off.
Lee Coleman: He’s a good guy. Very mature and seems to know exactly what he wants in life.

The Story

I love they way they came together. Stranded in the cabin, swoon. I can understand Rachel’s hesitation in dating Lee, 9 years is a lot. But, Lee’s maturity is unexpected so hey never say never. This story was good and left me happy, I quite enjoyed it.

The Random Thoughts

This story can be found in Cowboys Last All Night boxed set.

3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Connie N..
2,794 reviews
February 15, 2024
#8 in the Six Pack Ranch western romance series

Right away we start with a snowed-in-together in a remote cabin scenario, which was good. But the rest of the book was pretty ho hum. I know, from the previous book, that Lee Coleman (Steve's youngest brother) has been loving Rachel from afar for months (years?), but he had to watch her marry another guy. Now that she's free again and he has this chance while they're alone together, he takes the opportunity to build their relationship in a new way. He's taking it slow, though, starting with friendship and dating, giving her time to come to terms with their age difference (he's 9 years younger) and to get over her failed marriage. Then, all of a sudden, things go from dating to permanence. It seemed like the author had to meet a deadline or something because the ending of the book felt rushed, with the book shorter than usual. The characters felt less fleshed out than usual, and I just didn't get the vibe of rightness between them that I've felt with other characters. I enjoyed the interaction with previous characters, though. And the family closeness was evident, as always, although there wasn't as much of that either. A bit of a disappointment, I'd say, but I'm still looking forward to continuing with Trevor's story.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,956 reviews128 followers
November 10, 2019
Rachel Malone is a woman betrayed and having found a temporary, out-of-the-beaten-path sanctuary she is prepared to cut the hurtful memories loose by herself in a cabin that has no amenities except for its remote location. Of course like all good plans this one goes south when the weather changes for the worse and her alone status becomes a moot point with the arrival of the youngest Coleman brother, Lee.

Lee was also seeking a place to ride out the storm as he had been trying to save cattle earlier and became caught out in the same remote area.

Eight months prior Lee Coleman watched helplessly while Rachel married the wrong man, now given a second chance to prove that 9 years age difference really does not matter, he finds himself living in heaven and hell while the two are stranded together in the cabin during a freak snowstorm.

Going from zero to sixty this romance was exactly what the series is known for and worked once all the bugs were worked out to the mutual satisfaction of Lee and Rachel.

Short, fast, easy read by an author who delivers steamy scenes throughout that are balanced by family and friends gatherings.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,182 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2023
This book is shorter than the other books,
But does not lack in content,the steam and romance it still very much apparent.
Lee and Rachel are meant to be.....Lee has always loved Rachel but she married someone else,her husband was a horrible cheater.
Rachel is in the middle of a divorce and needs a break going to a remote cabin for a while,but there is a snowstorm and she is trapped.
She didn't expect to be trapped with Lee Coleman as he suddenly turns up at the cabin too.
This is were something special happens between them for the first time they are spending time together and sharing fleeting and passionate kisses.
This is an age gap story Rachel is 10 years older than Lee and it is this worry that plagues Rachel when they are rescued.What will happen now ?..Can she be enough for Lee or will he soon turn to someone his own age.
This is a quick, steamy, Romantic read that will keep you enthralled from the start.
I am loving Vivian Arend and her cowboys.
Wonderful story.
Loved it.
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,822 reviews19 followers
January 24, 2024
Great read

I really enjoyed this story! I loved Rachel and Lee. This book can be read as a standalone but we did get a tease in the last book that Lee liked Rachel (she was married at the time to a cheater) but that Lee had liked her and asked her out prior to her getting together with him. In this one, we start off with her having figured out about his cheating and she’s left her ex and things are over. She is at a cabin to deal with some emotions before letting go, when in comes Lee who needs shelter from the coming storm since his sled won’t start. It allowed them to start talking and figuring out where they both stood now. I loved how Lee supported and treated Rachel while also putting himself out there without too much pressure on her. This story was on the shorter/faster side compared to some of the others in the series but still well written and had plenty in it for the growth and development needed. The story didn’t feel rushed or cut short. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for what’s coming next.
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
November 11, 2017
*I was gifted this book from the author and freely give my review”

Lee has never forgot Rachel even when she married someone else and moved away. Now she’s divorced and back, Lee intrudes on her pity party at the cabin she’s renting when a snow storm traps him.

This was a good story and especially liked the age difference, she’s older then him, go girl!!

Easy writing style, no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and lots of dialogues makes this a joyful read, as always from Arend.

Rachel has some reservations about starting a new relationship and that’s understandable, but Lee is willing to take it slow. The fooling around and the slow approach is very well described with a lot of emotions. Hot love scenes is warming up the pages.

If you enjoy fun, hot and sweet HEA, READ READ READ!

This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone!
819 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2019
Things heat up during a white-out!!

Lee Coleman gets a second chance at love when a winter storm leaves him stranded and he ends up at a rustic cabin looking for shelter. He finds the woman of his dreams at that cabin and ends up snowed in with her.

Rachel Malone is seeking some alone time to heal from heartbreak when she discovers her ex has been cheating on her. That alone time will heat up when she ends of snowed in with sexy, sweet-talking Lee Coleman. Maybe a rebound fling is something she needs and will enjoy.

Even though it's obvious that there is a sizzling chemistry between them Lee makes it clear he wants more than a temporary fling. He just has to convince Rachel that love can be a lasting possibility.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,729 reviews
January 27, 2019
Lee Coleman has been interested in Rachel Malone for a long time, but Rachel felt their age difference was too great. After her whirlwind romance and marriage ends as fast as it began, Rachel takes some time away in a small hunting cabin in a remote area. When a storm comes in, Lee finds his way to the cabin and the two are stranded for several days. And Lee takes the opportunity to convince Rachel there's more to love than their ages. I'm not usually a fan of the older woman/younger man trope, but this one worked for me. I really liked Lee and he was much more mature than his 24 years. This was a fun, short and very sexy story and with each one I love the Coleman's even more!
Profile Image for Loz.
1,711 reviews22 followers
October 26, 2019
It's ok.

By 70% I was mostly over this story. It just wasn't really my thing - heroine is not even divorced when she's burning the wedding photos at a secluded cabin in the hills when local farmer Lee stumbles along and they're stranded together - major rebound vibes. He's always had a thing for her but she refused his offers time and time again, because... their age difference. It was a factor for me.. NOT because she's 9 years older (33 v 24) but because she does NOT come across 33!
Lee was incredibly likeable but I just don't get his interest in her.

So yeah, I skimmed the last 30%, no surprises just pretty much what I expected.
1,260 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2025
Wonderful age gap story where she is older and they get snowed in together in a one room cabin

Lee has been fry by to get Rachel to go out with him but she always refuses because he is younger (eight years) and she doesn't think he is serious. When she gets married, he does to move on. When she comes back to town and disappears to a friends cabin to lick her wounds after filing for divorce after only a few months, she is surprised to see Lee show up in the middle of the storm. What will happen while they are snowed in for three days? Will Rachel want to continue seeing Lee once they get back to civilization? What will everyone think if they start dating?
Profile Image for Dan.
321 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2019
What do you do while in at a remote cabin with the one man who makes you feel safe? Rachel and Lee know each other since they live in the same small town in Alberta, Canada. Lee felled in love with Rachel 9 months ago but didn't let his feelings be known. Now they are trapped during a white-out and he vows to keep it platonic. Ms. Arend writes a steamy story that will keep you turning the pages just to see if they survive the white-out and to see if the heat between them blossoms into something special.
Profile Image for Sharyn.
3,142 reviews24 followers
August 30, 2020
Snowstorms

I am definitely living vicariously in these books. I would never live in a place where it is below zero and I am stuck in a cabin in a snowstorm even if it is with a hot hunk. Rachel has just divorced from a 6 month whirlwind marriage after her husband cheated on her more than once. Meanwhile Lee has been in love with her for before she married and now is stuck in a cabin with her. He had asked her out many times, but at 33 she thought at 24 he was to young for her. He set out to prove her wrong.
Profile Image for Lisa Michelle Pichner.
180 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2022
Phenomenal read

I thoroughly enjoyed Lee and Rachel’s story.
Lee, the most quiet of the Coleman clan, but so much like the rest of the family loving, hard working, amazing man who loved Rachel even after she married a man who just kept cheating on her.
Rachel, a waitress who trusted the wrong man who cheated on her from the beginning, but she is strong and a fighter.
Being stuck for days with Lee was the best thing to happen to Rachel.
This was well written and fun to read.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a great love story.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,769 reviews41 followers
March 24, 2025
Audiobook review:
Overall - 5
Performance - 5
Story - 5

Lee never thought he’d get a chance with Rachel but being stranded in a storm changed everything. This was a great forced proximity story. It’s a little shorter than most of the other books in this series but it still packed the emotional response I’ve come to expect from Vivian Arend’s writing. Tatiana Sokolov continues to do a great job performing Vivian’s words.

I requested and received a copy of this audiobook from the author but this didn't affect my review.
Profile Image for Annemarie.
2,186 reviews16 followers
October 13, 2019
Loved this story! Rachel goes to a cabin to get away and heal from her cheating ex-husband. Lee happens upon the cabin as a blizzard approaches, they get snowed in together and become close. He knows he loves her and wants to be with her forever. Now he just has to ease her into the idea that he's different than her ex.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews99 followers
October 24, 2019
Happy Beginnings

Rachel is at the cabin to get herself together after finding out her almost ex husband had been cheating on her forever. Lee is taking care of the cows because of an expected storm and his sled broke down.They end up in the cabin she is staying in, but it's the start of the relationship.
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