Rising, Freestyle (Xtreme Adventures, #2)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Rising, Freestyle (Xtreme Adventures #2)

by Vivian Arend (Goodreads Author)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 146 ratings · 17 reviews

Stuck between a rock-solid man and a hard place…

Xtreme Adventures, Book 2

Melanie Dixon’s body may have recovered from a horrific climbing accident, but her nerve is long gone. So is the natural enthusiasm for life she took for granted. Tired of being scared, beyond ready to conquer her fears, she pulls up stakes and moves to her brother’s new hometown to start over. Her fi...more

Kindle Edition, 262 pages

Published July 5th 2011 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Voyeur / Exhibition Erotica

30th out of 44 books — 11 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 327)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 31, 2012 Darcy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, e-book, erotica

I really loved the spirit of this book and how Derrick was open to anything that helped Melanie heal. Her climbing accident sounded horrific and I can understand why she had body issues afterward and of course it didn't help that her first time to be intimate with a man he bailed on her. So I was glad that Derrick's reaction was 100% different.

I wasn't sure what Nathan showing up would do to Derrick and Melanie's relationship. In some ways I was glad of Nathan's plans when he first came back to...more

like · see review

Jul 19, 2011 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

2.5 stars

Three years after suffering from a horrific climbing accident and rejection at the hands of her lover because of the scar tissue riddling her body, Melanie starts to develop a relationship with climbing instructor Derrick when her old crush Nathan shows up to take photographs of her successful recovery.

First up, Nathan... um, maybe I'm just not the right demographic for human interest stories, but his whole job assignment -- to find victims of horrific crashes years later and take pictu...more 2.5 stars

Three years after suffering from a horrific climbing accident and rejection at the hands of her lover because of the scar tissue riddling her body, Melanie starts to develop a relationship with climbing instructor Derrick when her old crush Nathan shows up to take photographs of her successful recovery.

First up, Nathan... um, maybe I'm just not the right demographic for human interest stories, but his whole job assignment -- to find victims of horrific crashes years later and take pictures of them -- seemed creepy and, I don't know, fetishy?, exploitative? But, those sorts of stories sell reams of tabloids and newspapers, so maybe I'm in the minority on that. Melanie seemed ok with it, and that's really the important part for the story.

Melanie. I didn't really get her need to have an extra guy along to admire her body when she was already happily developing a relationship with Derrick. But, I also don't get the appeal of rock climbing, so I was totally willing to accept that as a personality quirk -- I still don't get it, but it does have enough internal logic within the story for me to be ok with it.

Strangely, it's Derrick that I found to be the most disappointing character. Nathan, I quite honestly didn't like, and Melanie isn't someone I totally relate with, but I admired her willingness to take risks despite her fears. But Derrick? He's too shiny, perfect. He's strong, smart, adventurous, gets along with Melanie's family, owns his own business, sees the internal and external beauty of Melanie, is happily willing to bring in another man to fulfill Melanie needs... just until the point when it would interfere with their relationship. I mean, he's perfect... perfectly boring. He has no quirks, no bad habits, no communication issues, no personal problems of his own. He's like wish fulfillment, not a real character.

But, like my lack of interest in human interest stories, I do expect to be in the minority on this. The writing is smooth and the characters and plotting are internally consistent. It was all just a little too smooth for my personal preference.(less)

like · see review

Jul 02, 2011 Natasha A. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

For anyone who loves:
Characters that need a reminder that they are strong and beautiful
Men who stand by their woman
Voyerism
Why did I read it?
Because I love Viv.

My Rambles:
Ok, right up front I will let you know that I adore Viv. She was one of the very first ebooks I ever read (her first ebook published actually!) and she was one of the first authors who befriended me over on the Samhain yahoo group. It truly has been amazing watching her grow and become the author she is today. I really do wish...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Barbara ~*Lindt Ninja*~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, sexy-stuff, series, arc, purple-covers

One slip of a rope, one safety failure and Melanie Dixon's life as she knew it was gone. Once a confident rock climber, she's scarred physically and mentally - years later she's still locked in a box of fear. Taking a class at Derrick James' climbing center is going to be her first step back to scaling something bigger than a set of stairs and the longer she works with the gorgeous instructor, scaling him is starting to look pretty good too. Holding her back are those lingering scars that seem t...more

like · see review

Aug 09, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
This is just really a fabulous book. Melanie had a horrific fall from a mountain a couple of years ago (she was a world class climber at the time) and is still dealing with the scars both mentally and physically from that. She has scars that run down the entire side of her body and is VERY self-conscious about them (to the point that she wears only long sleeves and pants all the time.) She is trying to gain back some of her love for c...more Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...

My Review:
This is just really a fabulous book. Melanie had a horrific fall from a mountain a couple of years ago (she was a world class climber at the time) and is still dealing with the scars both mentally and physically from that. She has scars that run down the entire side of her body and is VERY self-conscious about them (to the point that she wears only long sleeves and pants all the time.) She is trying to gain back some of her love for climbing by climbing at the gym with Derrick and they quickly become involved, but he is aware of her self-doubt issues and wants her to see how beautiful and competent she still is. When Nathan comes with the article proposal and camera in-hand, Derrick sees a way to improve Melanie's self esteem in all the areas of her life.

OMG, Derrick is an AMAZING guy. He knows (Melanie has been very upfront with him) that there is huge sexual chemistry between her and Nathan. Rather than feeling threatened by that, he sees it as the perfect way to help Melanie. What's better for your self esteem, but to have two gorgeous guys panting after you?!? He's willing to take the risk of losing Melanie to another guy if it will help her in the long run. All together now....awwww.

There are some fabulously sexy scenes in this especially when the photography comes into play. Nathan...really just another fabulous guy. He really, really likes Melanie, but he sees how good she and Derrick are together and doesn't ruin that for her. And then there's Derrick...let me just tell you, a guy that handles ropes all day...WOW!! Derrick could tie me up any time he wanted. Some seriously sexy scenes with the ropes...HOT!

There is so much emotion and warmth and friendship in this book. It is really wonderful. I LOVED the relationship between this trio. They are blurring the lines where things could get really uncomfortable really quickly, but they NEVER let any of that interfere with their friendship...always keeping things light and healthy. It was really wonderfully written and made me happy just reading it. And the ending...simply perfect! Fabulous book!(less)

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Ni_kii rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-male, bdsm, dreamy-men, menage, short-read, steamy, strong-female-charcter, voyeurism

Review done for http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.com

Mel used to love climbing until a horrific accident left her with massive scarring and a fear of heights. She turns to Derrick, and his climbing tuition, after deciding that she has lived in fear for long enough. Watching each other’s body closely day after day leads to an attraction that neither can deny. Pretty soon, they are starting to enjoy their after-hours sessions as much as the climbing. A spanner is thrown into the works by the ap...more Review done for http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.com

Mel used to love climbing until a horrific accident left her with massive scarring and a fear of heights. She turns to Derrick, and his climbing tuition, after deciding that she has lived in fear for long enough. Watching each other’s body closely day after day leads to an attraction that neither can deny. Pretty soon, they are starting to enjoy their after-hours sessions as much as the climbing. A spanner is thrown into the works by the appearance of hunky photojournalist Nate. Mel has had a crush on Nate ever since she was in her teens, and he proves to be even less resistible than she remembers. Nate has tracked her down to do a “where are they now” piece on famous athletes. (Well, that’s the reason he gives her anyway!) It’s clear that Nate and Mel are attracted to each other, it’s equally clear that Mel and Derrick have started to develop feelings for each other beyond lust. The scars that the accident has left Mel aren’t only physical so can Derrick and Nate put aside their differences to try to heal her together?

My, oh my, I loved this book. I know you’re all in shock that I liked a ménage tale :D However, this is NOT a typical ménage. Melanie was a fabulously complex heroine. Before the accident, she was this fabulously talented and confident woman. The accident left her with physical scarring and this, along with the horrible comments made by a man she took to her bed, had left her introverted and ashamed. She had made the decision to begin her mental recovery long before she met Derrick and that strength of will made me like her. Derrick was amazing. Not only was he sexy, not only was he completely kinky but he was also the most generous lover I think I have met in a story such as this. Everything he did was to make her feel beautiful, to make her see that the scars were not the only thing that he saw. The sex scenes were explosive; I can safely put my hand on my heart and say Vivian Arend writes good sex! My favourite (yes, I’m going to put a spoiler) is a Shibari scene... I do love a man that can put rope to good use :D

At first, the addition of Nate caused me a little dismay. I don’t normally like bringing a third person into an existing couple, it tends to feel a little wrong. However, Nate isn’t brought in as traditional third. Nate is brought in as an aid to making Mel feel good about herself (Don’t worry readers, he enjoys being used in such a way!) He is another lovely man, a contrast to Derrick, but it’s clear that he cares about Mel just as much. One thing that I admire about this story is its foray into voyeurism. Anytime this has been touched on in other stories I’ve read, it has tended to feel a little seedy, a little peeping Tom-esque. In this book, it’s accepted and even used as a plot device. It was hot...I liked it!

This novella was fabulous. It had complex characters, kinky sex and a plot that you could sink your teeth into. I haven’t read the first in this series, but I managed to keep up OK so I don’t think sequential reading is essential!

I want a Derrick.
(less)

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Lea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Rising, Freestyle, the second novella in Vivian Arend’s Xtreme Adventures series is the story of a woman’s journey to emotional heath and happiness following a life altering accident. Melanie was a world class climber who suffered severe injuries after a 30 foot fall down a granite cliff. Three years have past and while she has physically healed she continues to suffer a lack of confidence and low self esteem due to massive scars that cover half her body. To make matters worse, she endured rejec...more Rising, Freestyle, the second novella in Vivian Arend’s Xtreme Adventures series is the story of a woman’s journey to emotional heath and happiness following a life altering accident. Melanie was a world class climber who suffered severe injuries after a 30 foot fall down a granite cliff. Three years have past and while she has physically healed she continues to suffer a lack of confidence and low self esteem due to massive scars that cover half her body. To make matters worse, she endured rejection at the hands of the first man she dated because of her scars. Melanie also experiences panic attacks related to climbing, a sport that was her life before the accident. She desperately wants to regain her confidence and control, and therefore signs up for private lessons with seasoned coach and instructor Derrick James who owns a local climbing center.

Derrick is one of my favorite Vivian Arend heroes. He is a confident, kind, tall dark and handsome athlete, with an eye popping ripped physique. He is also inherently patient and kind. Derrick does not see Melanie as a victim with scars. He sees a beautiful determined woman and he wants her. He not only coaches her regarding climbing technique, he works to help her regain her confidence, and when the time is right he asks her out.

"After the lust-inspiring grope they'd shared, she wasn't that concerned Derrick wouldn't be able to get a response out of her.

But would he be able to handle what her body looked like under her clothing? And was she really ready to let anyone see the scars? The lingering pulse of interest said she might be willing to find out.

She walked back to the climbing center, the air warm enough she didn't need a jacket with the long-sleeved shirt she wore like protective armor. Hiding from the stares of other people on the street had become second nature to her by now--and took far less energy."

Rising, Freestyle © Vivian Arend

Rising, Freestyle, is another smoking hot Vivan Arend erotic romance and like it’s predecessor Falling, Freestyle, the love scenes combine sport and sensuality. ;) Derrick nurtures Melanie through her fears about being intimate with a man and she rewards him with a passionate response.

Enter photographer Nathan King, the older brother of Melanie’s best friend and a man she had a major crush on as a kid. Nathan approaches Melanie about taking photographs of her for a magazine human interest story concerning her accident and recovery. Nathan's interest in Melanie is for more than just photographs.

I thought Ms. Arend created a very unique relationship dynamic between these three people. This is not a ménage story, the erotic scenes do however include voyeurism, exhibitionism and bondage using climbing ropes (lol). Thanks to two exceptional guys, at the end of the day Melanie regains her self esteem and confidence. I will say that Melanie has a heartwarming HEA with one man. As for the ‘other’ guy? Well never fear, because of the way Rising, Freestyle is crafted I didn’t feel sorry for him but would love to read his story and hope Ms. Arend has plans for him.

Kane, from Falling, Freestyle is Melanie’s brother and he, Jack and Dara play minor roles in this story. I do feel Rising, Freestyle can be read as a standalone, but I think most readers will be interested in reading the first novella in the series. I am very much looking forward to reading more of Ms. Arend’s Xtreme Adventures. :-)

4.5/5 stars(less)

like · see review

Jul 06, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: novella, review, read-in-2011

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/07/06/...

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: eARC from author

Arend is one of my favorite authors, but with the trend of menage books popping up all over, there are a few of her works that don’t always sit well with me. I was excited to read this one, then halfway through I got a little leery, but I should have known that Arend wouldn’t disappoint

Melanie was once a fearless rock climber, but an accident left he...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/07/06/...

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: eARC from author

Arend is one of my favorite authors, but with the trend of menage books popping up all over, there are a few of her works that don’t always sit well with me. I was excited to read this one, then halfway through I got a little leery, but I should have known that Arend wouldn’t disappoint

Melanie was once a fearless rock climber, but an accident left her scarred and petrified to attempting climbing again. But she wants to face her fears and goes to the local rock climbing center to try and face her fears once again. At the hands of Derrick she starts to come more and more out of her shell, more willing to push further and further along.

As the two get closer and closer to each other and Melanie gets closer to overcoming her fears, things are suddenly disrupted as someone from Melanie’s past comes back into her life. But, Nathan might just be able to provide the little nudge that Melanie needs to not only overcome the mountains, but also learn to accept the scars that have taken her self esteem.

From the moment Derrick stepped out onto the page, I was in love. He was strong willed, handsome, and the kind of guy who wanted to stand behind Melanie; he was supportive and loving in everything he did for her. He was the perfect kind of sexy romance hero. I absolutely loved the two of them together. They had instant chemistry, both emotionally and physically.

When Arend introduced Nathan to the story, I instantly didn’t like him. He wanted his chance with Melanie, and while he was willing to take a step back because of her involvement with Derrick, I wasn’t too sure I would like the dynamic with their little mountain experiment. But, I have to admit that I didn’t hate him forever. I did appreciate the way that he was able to help Melanie get over her insecurities with being scarred from her accident. That and the fact that he was so willing to play second fiddle to Derrick made him redeemable in my eyes. This wasn’t the typical menage interlude, and for that I was so happy!

One of the other things I really liked was the different sport that Arend introduces in her Xtreme Adventures series. The rock climbing moments were intense and exciting. If I wasn’t so afraid of heights and falling, I would be tempted to try it out! Plus, if I got a sexy instructor like Derrick who was willing to do some of the same sexy things to me… *fans self* Well, I might be willing to take a chance!

All in all, I was really happy with the second installment of the Xtreme Adventures Series. The romance between Derrick and Melanie was sweet and the characters had me falling in love with them. The sexy times were (as always for Arend) totally hot. For any sports or adventure lovers, this book is a must read.

I give Rising, Freestyle a B(less)

like · see review

Feb 03, 2013 gremlin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable story of a woman finding her way to love, and rebuilding her confidence after a devastating accident.

Melanie was a climber, until a rope broke, and she fell. She rebuilt some of her physical strength, but she's had no nerve for several years. She decides to try to get it back by taking climbing lessons from the sexy Derrick.

Derrick doesn't care at all about the scars on her body - he just thinks she's hot and a great person. It takes him a while to get that across to Melani...more

like · see review

Aug 07, 2011 Helyce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-for-smexybooks

Previously reviewed for Smexybooks.com rating B+

Rising, Freestyle is the story of Melanie Dixon and her struggle to take back her life and regain confidence in herself after a horrible rock climbing accident. When we meet Melanie it’s been about three years since her accident. She’s physically recovered from the injuries she sustained in her fall, but emotionally she still has a long way to go. She wants to get back to the active life before her fall, but her fear overwhelms her at times. But re...more Previously reviewed for Smexybooks.com rating B+

Rising, Freestyle is the story of Melanie Dixon and her struggle to take back her life and regain confidence in herself after a horrible rock climbing accident. When we meet Melanie it’s been about three years since her accident. She’s physically recovered from the injuries she sustained in her fall, but emotionally she still has a long way to go. She wants to get back to the active life before her fall, but her fear overwhelms her at times. But regaining her body’s athleticism is minor compared to her need to see herself as a desirable and attractive woman. Melanie’s body is scarred on one side of her body from her shoulder all the way down to her ankle. She hides her scars with long-sleeves and pants. When she attempted intimacy with a man after her accident, he reacted horribly when he saw her scars so Melanie has not been with a man since.

Melanie takes a big step, moving to a little town where her brother lives and slowly gets back into climbing at the local gym owned by Derrick James. Derrick knows about Melanie’s accident because he’s friends with her brother, but he really has no idea about Melanie’s emotional struggles and her body image issues. All he sees is an attractive, athletic woman and he wants her. Melanie is attracted to Derrick as well, but she’s afraid, worried that he’ll react badly to her scars. When Derrick asks Melanie out to dinner she accepts and they begin to date. When they move forward to sex, Melanie shares her worries with Derrick and realizes very quickly that he doesn’t care one bit about her scars.

Derrick and Melanie are enjoying their new relationship when Nathan King shows up at the gym one day. Melanie has known Nathan for most of her life. His sister is Melanie’s best friend and Melanie had lusted after Nathan for most of her teenage years. Melanie is thrilled to see Nathan and surprised that her old feelings of attraction have surfaced. Nathan is a photo journalist and he’s come to photograph Melanie for a “where are they now?” piece for his magazine. Derrick knows Melanie well enough by now that he can see clearly her attraction to Nathan and Nathan isn’t even trying to hide his attraction to Melanie. The kicker, Derrick doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he sees an opportunity to convince Melanie how beautiful and desirable she is once and for all. When he approaches Nathan with his idea, Nathan is shocked. When he realized that Melanie and Derrick were together, he wasn’t about to step in and ruin what they had. Derrick’s plan, however, put things into a different perspective.

What follows is a weekend in the wilderness where Melanie, Derrick and Nathan learn things about themselves that they never realized.

Rising, Freestyle is my first read by Vivian Arend, and I really enjoyed it. This is a very different kind of ménage story and it’s really done in such a beautiful way. It seemed so odd to me initially that Derrick would want to include another man when his relationship with Melanie was so new but Ms. Arend wrote it in such a way that it just seemed like the most logical step in order to finally free Melanie of that last strand of self doubt she had about herself as a woman. The author’s beautifully descriptive writing, detailing positions against the backdrop of the wilderness as Nathan snapped his photos was so well done I swear I could see them in my head. In the end, when Nathan presents the photo book to Derrick and Melanie, their emotional response to the photos just leapt off the page. I’m thoroughly impressed that the author packed such a touching story in just over 100 pages!

(less)

like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Carol Ward rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think the thing I liked best about this book (aside from the smokin' hot sex) was the way the hero, Derrick, stood by Melanie and encouraged her to do whatever it takes to help her recover. I also really admired Melanie's determination to overcome her trauma. The descriptions of climbing were so well done it really tempts a person to give it a try (too bad I have a fear of heights).

like · see review

Jun 07, 2012 Mary Lauer rated it 3 of 5 stars

I didn't like this one as much as Falling. I didn't realt feel like I had insight into Derrick, why he loved her. You understand why he makes the choice he does about Nathan (and boy do I want to readhis story!), but his feelings aren't as clear as Jack's in Falling.

like · see review

May 30, 2011 Melissa Porter rated it 5 of 5 stars

HOT!!! I loved the tension and story line. Sorry I dont want to give away the story. I did not want to put this book down. I was sitting on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. I am hoping there will be more to come. B-)

like · see review

Jul 09, 2011 Michelle the Romance Witch rated it 4 of 5 stars

very sweet, sensual and a remarkable story of the power of human (female?:) ) determination. was looking forward to this story for a while, i just hope that we get to have Nathan's book sometime in the future too.

like · see review

Jul 06, 2011 Laura YA indie princess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Way better than the first book.

like · see review

Jul 15, 2011 Leontine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

review to come soon

like · see review

Jul 04, 2011 Booklover1335 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-june, to-review, 2011, 2011-favorites

review coming soon! 4.50/4.00

like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Danielle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, kindle, contemporary-romance, erotic, author-arend-vivian, series_xtreme-adventures

Derrick and Melanie

3.5 stars

Read 14th December 2012

like · see review

May 21, 2013 Tammy marked it as to-read

May 21, 2013 Sue Tidd marked it as to-read

May 20, 2013 Angel marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 Treasa Ryder marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 14, 2013 Kari rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 13, 2013 Mary Iacobelli marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 08, 2013 Margarida added it

May 03, 2013 Laura marked it as to-read

Apr 24, 2013 Kristine marked it as to-read

Apr 21, 2013 Misty added it

Shelves: 2012-read, kindle-own-copy, loanable, romance

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Romance

10 users

Contemporary

10 users

Adult Fiction > Erotica

8 users

Romance > Erotic Romance

5 users

Erotica > Menage

5 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Vivian Arend

Vivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

Her optimistic outlook also meant that when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictiv...more

More about Vivian Arend...

Books by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Heat (Six Pack Ranch, #1)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Rising, Freestyle

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Rising, Freestyle
avg rating	preview: Rising, Freestyle Goodreads rating: 3.90 (146 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11053332-rising-freestyle?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1303692164l/11053332.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11053332-rising-freestyle?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Rising, Freestyle by Vivian Arend[/url]

Rising, Freestyle (Xtreme Adventures #2)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website