Review ~ Rocky Mountain Heat ~ Vivian Arend #ShelfLove

Rocky Mountain Heat by Vivian Arend
Six Pack Ranch #1
Release Date: August 21, 2009
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
He's the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.

Black Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but trouble. But when trouble's a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what's a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.

Jaxi has other plans for Blake's hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She's all grown up now and ready to convince him that she's perfect for him. Except he can't seem to see past the big "don't touch" sign that's apparently still hanging around her neck.

When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake's nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi's brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.

That is, if Blake's finally ready to let go of the reins and fight for what he wants...

Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?

I'd had Rocky Mountain Heat on my ereader forever but finally decided to add it to my Take Control of Your TBR list (back in March) after seeing JoLee's 5-star review of it @WickedDeliciousBookBlog. It's a friends-to-lovers romance and since that's a favorite trope of mine, I was excited. 

Blake and Jaxi have been friends since childhood since they are neighbors and she, an only child, hung out at the Coleman house with the six boys quite often. Problem is, Blake is 10 years older than Jaxi and he feels like, now that their age-difference shouldn't be a big deal, it still is, no matter what she's making him feel. Jaxi though, she's wanted Blake since...well, forever. And she's quite tenacious.

It was fun watching Jaxi "set her trap" so to speak and Blake gets all caught in it. These two are so good together despite the age difference - probably because they're both the oldest child, even if Jaxi doesn't have siblings. She's always wanted to be a rancher's wife - and she and Blake work well side-by-side.

Rocky Mountain Heat also introduced the other 5 Coleman brothers - with little glimpses into the lives/romances of a few. Arend incorporated just enough to get me interested in them without overpowering the main story - Jaxi and Blake. I think each of the boys' stories are going to be fun, learning more about them, with the exception of Travis. I think his story might be a bit dark. The twins though - I'm eager for their story.

Rocky Mountain Heat was a good read. Arend's writing is easy to read with a nice flow. Her characters are well drawn and she has me invested in the Coleman family. The heat level was just right as well. I look forward to diving into more of Arend's work - I have quite a few accumulated. ;)