Tag Archives: Vivian Arend

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER (Six Pack Ranch) by Vivian Arend-a review

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER (Six Pack Ranch 12) by Vivian Arend-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 16, 2021

It’s never too late for love.

Years ago, Mark Coleman made the only possible choice and left Rocky Mountain House before he tore his family apart. When he hears the four clans—Six Pack, Whiskey Creek, Moonshine and Angel—are working together to create a memory book, Mark also discovers the one detail that finally triggers his return.

Because he’s not just coming back to the family. Now that Dana is free and ready to move on, Mark plans to give the only woman he’s ever loved all the devotion and happiness she deserves, no matter how much sweet-talking, or dirty talk, it takes.

Meanwhile, when a shocking truth is shared with the oldest of the Six Pack sons, Blake Coleman begins a journey of assessment. Can he really fill his father’s boots and be the leader his generation turns to for guidance?

With lots of visits with all your favourite Colemans, this is a celebration of love and the lessons learned along the way.

Warning: this book is full of happily-ever-afters. Lots of I love yous, lots of babies, lots of laughter and happy tears. Pretty much, readers familiar with the series have a ton of feel-good hours of reading ahead. If you want angst—this isn’t it

••••••••

REVIEW: ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER is the twelfth and final instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult SIX PACK RANCH erotic, Canadian cowboy romance series. ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as this particular entry is the culmination of several story lines and cross over romances with the author’s numerous series including Six Pack Ranch, Rocky Mountain House, Heart Falls, Colemans of Heart Falls, Holidays in Heart Falls, and the Stones of Heart Falls series.

Told from third person perspective using present day and memories (journal entries and memory book) from the past ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER follows several months in the lives of the Coleman family, and the return of sixty year old, prodigal son Mark Coleman. Years earlier, Mark Coleman walked away from the family that he loved in fear of destroying their tight knit relationship. The few times Mark returned to the family fold he was greeted with disdain and anger, and in this Mark stayed away until it was time to return, one last time. With the large extended family embarking on a memory book, Mark decides it is time to come home, and claim the woman he has always loved, a woman who once loved somebody else forcing Mark Coleman to chose between family and love.

Meanwhile, the next generation of the Coleman clans continue to spread their wings, with the numerous pregnancies and births, graduations and job offers, and the fear that life as they know is ever evolving but not necessarily in a positive direction.

We are up close and personal with several couple as they witness the birth of their children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friendships and relationships. The memory book and journal entries reveal unforgettable events that shaped the lives of the clans, a memory book that is ever evolving with each new addition, and the additions are many.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER is a wonderful and animated story of family, relationships, friendships and love; a story of one man’s heart breaking journey of yearning for a woman he could never have, and of one family’s connection to one another and the land they call home.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE BEAR’S FATED MATE (Borealis Bears) by Vivian Arend-a review

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THE BEAR’S FATED MATE (Borealis Bears) by Vivian Arend

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE November 19, 2019

He’s going to pick someone perfectly wrong for him—because fate isn’t in charge of his world!

A stand alone title in a brand-new shifter trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Vivian Arend.

As head of security for the family company, polar bear shifter Alex Borealis has intel warning something big is about to happen. His prime suspect? Tantalizing, infuriating Lara Lazuli, youngest daughter of Borealis Gems’ main competitor. But when mating fever hits, he decides she’s the perfect one to turn to. They’ve got chemistry hot enough to melt the polar ice caps, but he doesn’t trust her enough for a permanent connection to form.

Being with Alex is one step shy of torture for Lara. As a wolf shifter, she scented the truth the instant she met him months ago—he’s her mate. But she’s not about to trap anyone into being with her, especially not a man who thinks she’s up to no good. Add in her own suspicions of wrong-doing in her pack and Lara’s caught between heaven and hell.

But tangled sheets lead to real communication, and a bond of friendship forms that neither expected. When Lara asks for help, Alex finds himself living in the pack house, scaring off random Alpha wolves and fighting at her side.

Because the mating fever knows a thing or two about fate and forever.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAR’S FATED MATE is the second instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult BOREALIS BEARS erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Borealis brothers. This is head of security for Borealis Gems, polar bear shifter Alex Borealis, and head of security for Midnight Inc, wolf shifter Lara Lazuli. THE BEAR’S FATED MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Patriarch Giles Borealis is hoping to hand over the reigns of Borealis Gems to his three grandsons but in an effort to help things along, Giles blackmails his heirs into finding mates, or lose control of Borealis Gems. James, Cooper and Alex have no intention of tying themselves down with one woman but the mating fever is about to take control.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Alex and Lara) THE BEAR’S FATED MATE follows the building relationship between Alex Borealis and Lara Lazuli. Lara Lazuli knows that polar bear shifter Alex Borealis is her mate but the rivalry between companies weighs heavily between our leading couple. A surprise invitation to a local spa finds Lara fantasizing about the man with whom she would fall in love, a man whose polar bear is about to enter into the mating fever. Offering a week of no strings attached $ex, Alex will soon come to the realization that Lara is also his fated mate. What ensues is the enemies to friends to lovers quick building romance and the potential fall-out when our couple return to civilization, and Alex soon discovers that not all is well within the Yellowknife, NWT wolf shifter pack.

Lara Lazuli’s wolf knows Alex Borealis is their mate but the polar bear’s mating fever overrides all good common sense including the reality of forever and a happily ever after. When Lara challenges the pack Alpha for control, Alex will step up to assume the position of protector and guardian of the woman he loves.

The relationship between Lara and Alex is an enemies to lovers, fated mated romance that is given a kick in the pants by competing sides. Lara struggles with her attraction to a man she believes despises her existence, and Alex battles between head and heart knowing his grandfather has decreed that each of his grandsons must mate or lose control of Borealis Gems. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Alex’s brothers James Borealis and his mate Kaylee Banks: Cooper Borealis and his best friend Amber Myawayan; grandparents Giles and Laureen, as well as Lara’s sister Crystal, and Auntie Amethyst. Cooper and Amber’s story line is next in THE BEAR’S FOREVER MATE.

THE BEAR’S FATED MATE is a story of family, friendship, adversaries, destiny, and love. The premise is entertaining and energetic; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is captivating and seductive. THE BEAR’S FATED MATE is an imaginative and charming addition Vivian Arend’s BOREALIS BEARS paranormal romance series.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE

Copy supplied for review

Copy supplied for review

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THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE (Borealis Bears #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

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THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE (Borealis Bears #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2019

He’s going to accept his fate—but only with the woman he chooses!

Youngest brother James Borealis figures if he has to get mated, it should be with someone he already knows and cares about—his best friend Kaylee. But when the mating fever hits, she’s still stuck in friendshipland while he’s ready to move all the way to true love and forever.

Kaylee has heard about polar bear mating fever, but while James has held the starring role in her fantasies for a long time, she’s not about to leap into a permanent relationship that’s all wrong for him. He’s the PR powerhouse for Borealis Gems while she’s a quiet bobcat shifter with massive family baggage. He loves the spotlight; she wants to hide in quiet corners.

But mating fever knows best, and when the storm settles, there’s no use in arguing with a polar bear’s choice.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is the first instalment and novella in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult BOREALIS BEARS paranormal, romance series focusing on the polar bear shifters of the Borealis Bears. This is youngest brother businessman James Borealis, and feline shifter / photographer Kaylee Banks’ story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including James and Kaylee THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE follows the friends to lovers relationship between polar bear shifter James Borealis, and feline shifter Kaylee Banks. Patriarch Giles Borealis is hoping to hand over the reigns of Borealis Gems to his three grandsons but in an effort to help things along, Giles blackmails his heirs into finding mates, or lose control of Borealis Gems. James, Cooper and Alex have no intention of tying themselves down with one woman but the mating fever is about to take control. When the mating fever hits, James only wants one woman, his best friend, Kaylee Banks. What ensues is the mating dance between Kaylee and James, and the potential fall out as Kaylee doesn’t feel the urge to mate the same way James feels about his life-long friend.

THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is a quick, erotic, paranormal read; an introductory tale that hints at a possible threat to Borealis Gems. A character driven story line, THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is a fun, sassy and sexy look at shifters in love.

A couple of issues: I was hoping for a little more background history with regards to Kaylee and James; and the confusing addition of a shipment of ‘product ‘ from Kaylee’s parents, an addition that appears to come out of left field, without explanation or purpose-perhaps there is something in future instalments that explains this particular story line inclusion.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Cowgirl’s Forever Love by Vivian Arend-a review

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THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE (The Colemans of Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2019

Lisa Coleman committed to stay in Heart Falls until her sister’s baby arrives, but after that, she’s moving on. She’s not sure exactly what is on the agenda, so it’s good to still have a few months to figure out her dreams. While she’s waiting, there’s no reason she can’t enjoy herself with the very sexy local veterinarian. A naughty interlude with a man who knows all the right moves would be the perfect distraction from Coleman chaos: newborn baby! New dog! New found family?!

Josiah Ryder is beginning to feel women only want him for one thing. Playing fast and loose was fun in the past, but it’s time for a change. He’s ready to prove he’s in it for the long haul, but the one woman he truly wants insists she’s in town for six months and not a moment longer. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to make Lisa realize nothing out there can compete with finding forever right under her nose.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE is the first instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult THE COLEMANS OF HEART FALLS romance series-a spin off from the author’s HEART FALLS series. This is veterinarian Josiah Ryder, and Lisa Coleman’s story line. Josiah and Lisa have been secondary and supporting characters throughout the Heart Falls series.

Told from several third person perspectives including Josiah and Lisa THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE follows several paths including Lisa Coleman as she struggles with a direction in life. Staying in Heart Falls, Alberta while her sister Tamara awaits the birth of her baby, Lisa finds herself attracted to local veterinarian Josiah Ryder, a man who is more than aware of Lisa’s temporary time in the quiet, little town. Making his move Josiah Ryder will begin a slow seduction of our story line heroine, a seduction meant to lead to their own happily ever after. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Josiah and Lisa, and the potential fall-out as Lisa’s time in Heart Falls comes to a close.

Meanwhile, the Coleman family will quickly come to terms with their father’s past and the chaos that is about to ensue. As the daughters of a man who had distanced himself from his children, a surprise revelation will bring the tight knit family closer in the wake a stranger’s presence and the information she reveals.

Lisa Coleman is restless. Having successfully helped merge the Coleman family ranches, Lisa’s direction in life has come to a stop. With the impending birth of her sister’s baby, Lisa begins a bucket list of the things she wants to experience, and the places she wants to visit. Josiah Ryder is always busy and struggles to find time for himself but wanting Lisa Coleman means taking the initiative. When Lisa and local rancher Sonora Fallen uncover an illegal puppy mill, Josiah finds himself in for the long haul with the woman that calls to his heart.

The relationship between Josiah and Lisa is one of immediate attraction; a relationship that has been slowly developing throughout the Heart Falls series. Lisa has no plans to remain in Heart Falls, Albert but Josiah is determined to prove to Lisa that she has found her home with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lisa’s sisters Karen, and Tamara (Caleb Stone), and their father George Coleman; veterinarian students Finn Marlette and Zach Sorenson; ranch hand Ashton Stewart; firefighter Brad Ford and paramedic Julia Blushing. Karen and Finn’s second chance story line is next in The Cowgirl’s Secret Love.

THE COWGIRL’S FOREVER LOVE is a story of family, friendship, romance and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is sweet, passionate and seductive; the characters are familiar, friendly, fun and energetic. My only issue is the cover which, for all intents and purposes, does not truly represent the story line premise-the guitar is more of a prop for our story line heroine. Yes, I am that cover snob who struggles with the visual imagery when it does not meet expectations of the story within.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Rancher’s Heart
A Rancher’s Song
A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift
A Rancher’s Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rocky Mountain Home (Six Pack Ranch #11) by Vivian Arend-a review

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME (Six Pack Ranch #11) by Vivian Arend-a review

Rocky Mountain Home

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Chapters Indigo / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2017

There’s no distance you can run to escape the past.

Too stubborn to face his sins, Jesse Coleman bolted from the Six Pack Ranch, only to fall straight into the arms of a beautiful stranger. Twelve hours later, the seductive firebrand is nothing but a whiskey-laced memory—but one powerful enough to convince Jesse tracking down his elusive lover is worth the effort.

Darilyn Hayes figured it was her lucky night when the sexiest cowboy in Alberta interrupted her annual drink-until-I-fall-over wake. At least until four weeks later when she discovers she’s pregnant and her one-night-stand is nowhere to be found. Still, as she’s shared with her devoted blog readers, Dare has dealt with life’s not-so-gentle surprises before. She’ll make it on her own.

When an internet picture gone viral leads to their reunion, Jesse’s floored by Dare’s news. She’s very clear she’s not looking for a commitment, but screw that. He’s going to do the right thing by her and his unborn kid. The fact they lit the sheets on fire is a bonus, but with a baby on the way, both their lives are gonna change.

Jesse’s got a ton of family to reconnect with, including his estranged twin. Dare holds family loosely—even though she loves them—because she knows too well how fragile life can be. Between her and Jesse, they’ve got enough baggage to open a store.

But they still have a shot at forever—if they’re willing to fight for it.

This final novel in the series contains the following:
A sexy, dirty, cocky-as-hell prodigal son Coleman with massive bridges to rebuild. A woman able to see to the heart of the matter yet bold enough to speak the truth. A family of extraordinary resolve and endless love. A wedding or two. And babies—oh lordy, the babies…

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME is the eleventh and final installment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult SIX PACK RANCH erotic, romance cowboy series focusing on the large extended family of the Coleman clan. This is prodigal son and Joel’s twin Jesse Coleman, and blogger Darilyn ‘Dare’ Hayes’ story line. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jesse and Dare) ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME focuses on a drunken one-night stand, four months earlier, that results in a pregnancy for Jesse Coleman and Darilyn Hayes. Never catching one another’s last names, Dare Hayes takes to the internet, posting a picture of Jesse on her blog, in the hopes of locating her sexy one-night stand. Knowing his family would never accept anything less than a relationship with the mother of his child, Jesse proposes in the hopes of getting to know the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Jesse and Dare, and Dare’s overwhelming welcome into the Coleman clan.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME is a story of family and forgiveness as Jesse reluctantly returns to the family fold hoping to mend the bridges he burned several months before when guilt and betrayal forced Jesse away from the people he loved. Months have passed since Jesse’s disappearance but with his return comes love and acceptance that never waivered in light of his need to run.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most if not all of the previous story line couples, several Coleman/Thompson cousins, as well as the introduction of Dare’s extended family –the Stone family of Heart Falls- and the lead in to another spin off / cross-over series focusing on the Heart Falls cowboys with Tamara Coleman and Caleb Stone.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME brings together the growing Coleman clan; the loving family dynamics; and Jesse’s need to for forgiveness to move forward with his life. There are moments of humor and fun; heartbreak and guilt; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is energetic and inspiring; the characters are colorful, passionate and spirited; the romance is captivating and intense. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME and the SIX PACK RANCH series is perfect for lovers of cowboys, romance and happily ever afters.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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