Joint Review – Rocky Mountain Freedom by Vivian Arend

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: November 19th
How we got this book: eARC from author

Over the past year, Travis Coleman lost the two people he allowed closest to his heart. Both gave him ultimatums—then left. Hell if he needs that kind of pain again. Time to move forward without the friends he thought might save him from his dangerous cravings.

When Ashley Sims returns to Rocky Mountain House, her rambling lifestyle isn’t all she’s hoping to change. Travis snagged a piece of her, and while getting tangled in his issues again might be crazy, she hasn’t given up on him.

Nine months ago, Cassidy Jones walked away to stop his best friend from making a huge mistake. Temptation lingers, though, and when Travis shows up on his turf accompanied by a sensually uninhibited woman, the combination tosses fuel on the banked fire.
Passion flares among the three of them, as hot as the summer days. But are they willing to push the limits, and fight for love?

Warning: Dirty fighting, dirty talk, dirtier sex—secrets are coming out. Get ready for ménage a trois and cowboy-on-cowboy action, with ropes and crops and the kind of relentless love strong enough to set a man free.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

MinnChica: I have been chomping at the bit for Travis’ story since the first Six Pack Ranch book. I couldn’t wait to find out what the deal was with this sexy and mysterious cowboy. Arend has been so secretive about his kink, his sexual preferences, that we’ve all been left to wonder what exactly Travis’ deal is! I have to say, I loved it!!! I loved him with both Cassidy and Ashley, I loved getting to see what really drives him, and the sex scenes were OMG HOT!

E: I have to say that Arend really kept me waiting for Travis’ story. I have wondered and suspected so many different things about him throughout this series. Some things he enjoyed Arend shared but it was only bits and pieces not the complete picture. I am very glad to say that his story made up for the excruciatingly long wait. Watching him deal with both his demons and desires as he struggled to find a balance that satisfied his needs yet did not continually alarm those who cared about him was such an emotional ride. I also agree with MinnChica about the sex scenes. Very intense and smoking hot!

MinnChica: I just want to say that I am usually not a fan of menage stories, especially m/f/m ones. But, since Travis and Cassidy were just as interested in each other as they were in Ashley, I found that I was able to believe in their happily ever after more than with other stories. One of my favorite aspects of their relationship was watching Cassidy and Travis fight themselves and their desires to be together, especially Cassidy. He was so scared of losing Travis as a friend, that he feared acting on any of his desires, even after he knew they were returned. Both Travis and Ashley had to almost coax Cassidy into a relationship with them, but once the three were together, they were so perfect for one another. I adored their relationship, and just how willing they were to fight for their triad once they left the seclusion of their camp.

E: Reluctant Cassidy was so much fun. The way he kept himself separate despite their urging and his own desires. I also liked how he agreed to help Travis because he cared so deeply about him and Ashley. He would have preferred to deal with emotional pain than to see Ashley hurt. Even though he seemed self-sacrificing at times he also knew what he wanted and was willing to fight for it once he knew it was welcomed. In some ways I think Ashley had a harder time believing that what she wanted was possible and that she did not have to be ashamed of it. I liked how she relaxed during their time out at the camp but she also had some unfortunately valid fears for their return to town.

MinnChica: Yes, poor Ashley seemed to be the one who was most hurt by their unconventional relationship, especially once they returned to town. I was so glad to see her strong spirit come out though, because she was such a good fit for both Travis and Cassidy. I always love when unconventional romance books deal with the aftermath of their relationship, not just the getting there and the sex scenes. Watching Travis, Cassidy and Ashley ALL deal with the fall out of their friends and the town was so great. I loved getting to see not just the good aspects of their menage, but the bad as well. Plus, seeing the Coleman crew surround Cassidy and Ashley with their awesomeness was a total bonus!!

E: Oh I loved seeing the Coleman’s pull together around Travis, Cassidy and Ashley. It really showed how they grew as a family from the first installment through Rocky Mountain Freedom. While I felt horrible for what happened I think it also cemented their commitment to their relationship and made me buy into the HEA since it wasn’t all flowers and rainbows. Once again Arend had demonstrated why I eagerly await each new release. She just keeps getting better.
I give Rocky Mountain Freedom an A.

MinnChica: All in all I adored finally getting to read all about Travis! I loved that he had not only a secret regarding his bisexuality, but also a big secret regarding the way he deals with stress, pain, and the day-to-day bull shit. It was wonderful to see the way Cassidy and Ashley and Travis were all able to close ranks around each other, and provide for one another in ways they never expected. Again, I am super anxious to read more and more of the Coleman family books!
I give Rocky Mountain Freedom an A

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