Timberwolf on the Mountain

Watchdog Mountain Division #2

by Olivia Michaels

When the law can't protect you, Mountain Division can.Gabe O’Neil was a top Army Ranger until an explosion left him partially deaf. Medically discharged, he went home to Colorado, unsure of his next move. It took a time, but he’s finally reconnected with the world, his old friends, and the larger hearing-impaired community through learning sign language. Gabe is still wary of being judged but that doesn't stop him from regularly visiting Riversong Coffee House for a cup of joe -- and to admire the shy, pretty brunette who looks up from her book and smiles at him every time. When she offers to buy him coffee, he takes a chance and finds she’s as sweet as she is lovely. Soon, he realizes he’s falling hard and fast.

Rochelle Carlson loves reading in her favorite coffee shop when she isn’t translating books into English or French. Her life is words, words, words and that’s all she’s ever needed to protect herself from the world. Until she sees the handsome man who makes her believe that book boyfriends can exist. A cup of coffee leads first to embarrassment and then to a lesson in sign language—and she’s always up for learning new words. Gabe is patient with her where others have been unkind and she quickly warms up to this funny, warm, burly man. She never expected to fall in love, but she suspects that’s exactly why her heart pounds every time he walks through the door.

When a mysterious drive by nearly ends Rochelle's life, Gabe is wracked with uncertainty and guilt. Was she an innocent bystander or is there something deeper going on, something tied to Mountain Division defending an innocent girl? Can Gabe and the men of Mountain Division protect Rochelle before it's too late?

Genres: Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Adult, Romance

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Olivia Michaels is a life-long reader, dog-lover, gardener, and a certified beachaholic. When she’s not throwing a Frisbee for her fur-baby, harvesting tomatoes, or writing, you can find her playing in the surf, kayaking, or kicking back on the sand and cracking open a romantic beach read.

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're translating his soul"

Gabe and Rochelle are both lost, they are living lives that they have fallen into when their previous life imploded, they feel misunderstood and alone. But together they find a completeness they never knew possible, they find their missing half, they find hope.
For the first time ever Rochelle feels that somebody understands her and what makes her tick, Gabe doesn't care if she cannot find the words, they find other ways to communicate, no pressure, no stress and most of all no judgement. Gabe feels like a failure and that in turn makes him feel guilty, but Rochelle shows him that not everyone is judgemental, not everyone sees him as damaged. She takes time to really listen to what he says and finds a way to let him hear her, even when the world around them is too noisy and overwhelming.
Their journey really is a beautiful one, it is self discovery at the deepest level and will make your heart happy that these two gorgeous and generous people find each other.
Unfortunately as beautiful as their love is, they also seem to be a magnet for danger, both from the local dregs of society targeting the innocent, and political entities trying to reclaim control. They lurch from one dangerous and life threatening event to another.
I really like this latest Watchdog spinoff series, it is packed with amazing characters and it was lovely in this book to also have Gina and Lachlan appear too! We get a sneaky peek into Elias's book at the end and I already love his woman, she is very feisty and funny.... unfortunately we have to wait until April 2025 for their book!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in this wonderful series about friends that grew up in a small Colorado town together giveing each other names of animals as they played soldiers Now they are all returning to that town This is Gabe (Timberwolf) O’Neil's story. He is instantly attracted to the quiet woman he sees in the local coffee shop in fact he is so enamoured that he goes there every day but he knows he has no chance with her she wouldn't want a man hard of hearing who could go deaf at any time no matter how good his hearing aids are. Rochelle Carlson is that woman a woman who loves books and has made a career from it but who also knows she never measures up didn't her childhood teach her that add in the fact that she stutters and she knows she has no chance with the gorgeous man she sees every day at the cafe. When others step in to help them connect a instant bond is formed and when danger threatens Gabe is all in to protect the woman he has grown to love. This is a fast paced story that totally angages you and it was a pleasure to read

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with so many feels. This hero is physically challenged, the heroine is emotionally challenged, though more from her earlier environment. The love, empathy, and understanding between these two has them going above and way outside of their own comfort zones.
Enough action and drama keeping the reader (me) riveted, on the edge, and turning the pages. Finding out who the enemy, no, which enemy, and who they were really after, and which time, was definitely intriguing.
And the heat in here was ooo la la, so good and spicy, in a loving way.
A happy ending for Gabe and Rochelle right here, but there's more goodness in the Watchdog Mountain Division series. This is the second journey of these unique and brave men of the Colorado Mountains. Plus, they were introduced to us in the First Colorado Watchdog series. Those same characters, along with some from the original Watchdog series do make cameo appearances in here.
The books are all stand alone reads, but true goodness and depth come when reading all Ms Michaels' books. All series best when read in order, but not detrimental.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe O’Neil is a member of the Mountain Men.
Rochelle is a translator of books, etc.
Laurie is a little girl who was abused at the daycare.
Diane is Laurie’s Mom.
Jessie Is the person in question of daycare issue.

Gabe and Rochelle meet at Riversong cafe ( coffee shop) in town.
They each have their own set of issues to deal with. Rochelle she feels never good enough , as well as have difficulty with stuttering.
Gabe’s issue is his hearing was damaged in his time in the military.

This was a very heart warming novel I can relate to Rochelle’s shyness and insecurities. Overall the book was a great read.

This book has danger, suspense, intrigue, some trust issues and twists and turns.

Great Job Olivia Michaels !!!!!

[Carol Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

Loved this book. I started with number 2 not knowing it was #2. Well written and very fast paced. I hate books that take several chapters and talk about nothing. This book moves right along and every chapter is intense reading!

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one!

This was so sweet and romantic! 😍 I loved how action-packed this was as well. Two shy souls coming together! Can't wait for the next book!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this Watchdog Mountain Division series. Olivia Michaels has created an intriguing set of characters and surrounded them with interesting stories that have just the right mix of suspense, intrigue, danger, action and oh, don't forget lots of great romance. In Timberwolf on the Mountain you'll get the added bonus of a feisty and funny 73 year old, some international intrigue and a local family of crazies bent on revenge. Gabe O'Neil and Rochelle Carlson both know what it is to have self doubts. As a result they shy away from others and relationships. But, seeing her sitting in a window at the local coffee shop makes him want to put those self doubts aside. They get off to a bit of a rocky start (again fueled by their perceived inadequacies) but the spark is there. Unfortunately Rochelle ends up in danger with Gabe feeling it's his fault because of his work as a Watchdog. That couldn't be farther from the truth. It's all hands on deck trying to sort out the facts and plan for her safety. It gets a bit harrowing but Richelle proves her resilience, strength and resilve more than one. Gabe could not be more proud or more relueved when she comes out the other side safely. Not once but twice.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The opening to this one was a bit weird for me. I loved what the guys were doing to help Laurie, but hated that they even needed to in the first place, for what happened and then what continued to happen. So glad that this group of clowns got theirs in the end, but it was touch and go for a minute. It's just good that they were stupid and a woman did what she could to delay them, until help arrived.

Gabe and Rochelle were cute together, both so shy and awkward, it's not surprising that they needed someone to step in and help them get started. Once they got over that initial bump, things were good for them. It was nice for Rochelle that someone supported her and let her know it and it was nice for Gabe that someone didn't think his hearing issues were a no go.

The drama with Rochelle was crazy on both parts, but more especially the part that happened at the coffee shop and why. Glad that that ended as good as it could.

The ending to this one was great! Loved the wedding and how everyone was there to celebrate!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in

Gabe/Twolf and Rochelle. What a delightful couple! They both have insecurities / disabilities and they use that as a way to improve how they communicate and listen to each other. I found them and their steps toward an HEA adorable, minus the dangerous moments. Rochelle has a cool job, but it also puts her in danger in a very international twist I didn’t see coming. Gabe has a fun daytime job with the sassiest assistant ever, but also an impactful side volunteer gig that brings danger to them all. Stephanie, the assistant, is a hoot and I hope I grow up to be like her…or Gina😜. The team is all present and helping protect the little girl, but also there for each other. Gabe and Bear finally has out the tension between them and I loved seeing them relax and show their humor to each other, the readers and their loves (Ellie and Rochelle). Rochelle’s family was a conundrum and the ending was a great way to wrap up the original danger and present all the emotions necessary for an HEA. The epilogue had me cackling and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading the latest in the watchdog series and to say i was not disappointed. A few of the favourite characters from previous books make an appearance (I missed them! ) The characters Gabe and Rochelle are both very sweet, and just make you want to root for them so much for their happy ending. They both have personnel obstacles to over come, it’s heartwarming to see the patience and love they have for each other. For me personally I could really connect with Gabe on a personnel level, understanding of what he goes through on a daily basis,( made me feel emotional). I have read books with deaf characters in them but I have never really connected with the character the way I have with Gabe. Thank you Olivia Michaels for writing this story, it’s up there with my favourites, will stay with me. Will definitely recommend this book. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!!

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timberwolf on the Mountain

Another great story by Olivia! I love this group of guys. This story is about Gabe and Rochelle. Rochelle is a quiet gal because of her upbringing. Gabe is giving himself a pity party because he is no longer a Ranger. When Gabe sees Rochelle in River song coffee shop, he is smitten with her but feels like he can't approach her for fear of scaring her. When these two finally make a connection, sparks start to fly. Rochelle didn't know she had that kind of bravery in her until she finally talked to Gabe. When the guys keep on protecting a little girl from predators, that family thinks they can hurt the guys but they get taken care of. So happy that Gabe finally got the courage to propose to Rochelle. It was nice seeing that they were part of a double wedding - the other couple being Bear and Ellie! The epilogue was intriguing! FANTASTIC job Olivia! I would recommend this book!

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe was captivated by Rochelle from the first time he saw her in the coffee shop. Gabe is still learning to live with his hearing loss from an explosion. Rochelle is shy and while she thinks Gabe is book boyfriend material, she doesn’t think he could be interested in her. With a little help Gabe and Rochelle get a push into talking to each other. These two face several obstacles including some dangerous situations. Gabe being the protector he is has to face his guilt over not being able to protect the one person he loves the most from danger. These two have an amazing love story and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out because even when you feel broken you deserve to be loved. I can't wait for the rest of the series because there are so many amazing characters in these books to fall in love with!

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love always wins!

This is the second book in the Watchdog Mountain Division and the author has outdone herself. This book is full of suspense, trust issues, secrets, twists and turns, love and family.
You will read this in one sitting as this book holds all the feels you could ever want. The storyline is intense with many threads to keep it interesting. Gabe and Rochelle both have reason to be shy and their friends want to help them. This book is really about friendship and loyalty. This book can be read as a standalone but if you have read one book by Olivia Michaels you will want to read more. Her characters are expertly written. She understands what they feel and reacts. You will relate to them as they weave their way through relationships and suspense. I highly recommend this series.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rec center manager Gabe O’Neil and book translator Rochelle Carlson had been eyeing each other for quite a while but their personal damage kept them apart. Rochelle’s issue was low self-esteem coupled with shyness and Gabe was trying to fit his new normal of deafness with a new hearing aid in a dating he was unsure of.

The Watchdogs are proud they’ve helped a young child abuse victim get justice while her attacker’s family vow vengeance on the team since it’s affected their child care business revenue. Rochelle’s using her translation skills on an exiled Chinese author’s work and is much too familiar with their popular tactics by half! Also, someone’s watching closely, the team’s uncertain who or why but one answer would give them both.
Rating: 4.25stars

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timberwolf On The Mountain is a magnificent romantic suspense by the talented Olivia Michaels. Gabe is trying to adjust to being hearing handicapped and being out of the military. Rochelle is a book translator and sometimes her voice locks up on her and she just can't force the words out. Their story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. This book is number 2 in the Watchdog Mountain Division but can be read as a stand-alone . This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger . I loved this story!!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this fantastic new series by Olivia Michaels and I have been looking forward to this for a while. Gabe and Rochelle make a fantastic couple as they work towards their HEA. As I have come to expect from this author, this book really has it all, a fast paced plot, great characters and plenty of spicy romance. Although this book could be read as a standalone, it was great to catch up with characters from the Watchdog Security series, as well as characters who I am sure we will be meeting in future instalments. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the next in the series.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Gabe and Rochelle. It was such a sweet meeting with the help of a friend, otherwise they never would have gotten together. Loved the cute names, "luggage", "bookworm" and "book boyfriend", Gabe is definitely a book boyfriend! You have to move forward, don't look back. Loved all the little details in this book, especially the rings. You can feel another story brewing between some secondary characters in this book as well. This is a great series and a great author. Don't forget to do your laps and track your activity, LOL!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real-life Book Boyfriend!!

Mountain Division, a group of men righting wrongs, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Perfect for those ex-military who are looking for purpose again. A shy reader/ translator spending her days in the cafe catches Timberwolf’s eye.

Distant parenting, a nervous stutter, and coming into your own. Transformational, romantic and entertaining. Protective canines as a bonus. Thoroughly enjoyable.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to series

This is Gabe and Rochelle's story. In their own eyes, two slightly damaged people who admire each other from afar (actually in a coffee shop) but don't do anything until the coffee shop owner gives them a nudge and they connect.
They, of course, embark on a relationship but it's not without obstacles. It's a delightful story with some suspense thrown in. We're also introduced to some really interesting supporting characters whose stories, I'm sure, well be reading soon. Bear and Ellie play a part from the Watchdog series.

[J.T. Kingsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Rounded down to 3

This one was a little hard to get through. I have a habit of starting series wherever I get a book recommendation, and starting on #2 was not the way to go here. I’m guessing there is maybe even another series or two that would help make sense of all of the characters. As far as plot goes, it drug a little for me in the middle and the dual climax was kind of strange. Characters were just fine, I did like that the MMC had hearing loss; we love some disabled representation. Probably won’t be reading any other books in this series.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timberwolf On the Mountain is a great addition to the Watchdog Mountain Division series. Olivia Michaels outdid herself with this story. I loved Gabe and Rochelle. They are two lost souls who came together and supported each other. Watch dog comes to their aid when trouble comes knocking in their little town. Their story is romantic, steamy, and suspenseful. I couldn’t put it down.

[mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timber wolf on the Mountain

Another home run for Olivia Michaels! Such a wonderful romance about normal everyday people. Of cohrse, the guys are all hunky ex military, the women are strong but flawed heroines. I really loved this one, especially because the heroine goes to great lengths to be able to communicate with her man.

[Stacy Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story with great characters. This story grabs you from the start.
This is a great addition to the series. Can't wait to read more.
I was given an advanced reader copy and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's different scenarios going on in this story. This is Gabe's story and his hearing loss and insecurities. Rochelle is shy and doesn't know how to approach Gabe. But when their different worlds collides, danger is the outcome. HEA.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

This is only my second Olivia Michaels book, I’m loving this series! I mean it has it all, hot imperfect warriors, smart imperfect women, hateful villains, danger, intrigue and let’s not forget the 🌶️🌶️🌶️ love scenes with a swoon worthy HEA!

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

“Really? You’d let me bring my cat to your house the first time I’m there?” “I’d let you bring an elephant.”

Gabe and Rochelle's story was good - but not GREAT. The ending felt rushed, the whole Chinese government angle just fizzled and made little sense. HEA

[Rhonda Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!

Great book. Poor Rochelle has such a low self esteem that she can’t possibly talk to Gabe. Gabe is so self conscious of his hearing aids that he doesn’t want Rochelle to look at him with pity. They both couldn’t be further from the truth.

[Barb Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child abuse....

There are not only sick people in books but they exist in the real world. I've always appreciated the statement, 'I've got your six'. To use it in a text as just the number 6, what a wonderful idea. And learning: ASL, self defense and how to forgive.

[Regina S. Konior · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.