Take Me To The Cliff

Mountain Men of Whiskey River #6

by Kaci Rose

He's hiding from his past, she is running from hers. No one would could have guessed their pasts would collide in the Montana Mountains... Sage I need a safe place to get away for a few days. My college roommate's family cabin in the middle of nowhere Montana is perfect. Maybe I should have called to ask permission first, then I would have found out the cabin had been sold... to Jack. I go to leave planning to spend the night in my car... only my car won't start. Jack may take pity on me and offer to let me stay a few nights until my car is fixed, but he doesn't know I have no place to go from there. I won't be safe anywhere. But my past catches up with me all too quickly in the small Montana town and now I'm out of time... Jack I finally got my own cabin in the Whiskey River mountains. Only it wasn't supposed to come with a curvy temptress in my living room. I'm unsure of her intentions until I see the bruises on her skin. I vow whoever put them there will pay, I will protect this woman at costs. Only I never could have guessed how truly entwined our pasts really are and now I know I'm the last person who she should feel safe with. Even if she is the only person who can truly pull me from the darkness...

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Drama, Abuse, Suspense

117 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2023

About the author

Join Kaci's VIP mailing list and get 2 FREE Novellas at
http://www.kacirose.com/free-books

Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.

Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.

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Reviews

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take Me to the Cliff
Jack and Sage

I’ve read the earlier books in this series. I’m happy to see Jack finally get his happy ever after. That being said there were a few things I had trouble with.

This is a very short book (87 pages) set in the Mountain Men of Whiskey River series. I would not start the series with this book.
Sage is on the run from her abusive ex. She ends up in a cabin that she and her college roommate have used in the past. Unaware that it has recently been sold. And the new owner has just arrived home.
Jack has always wanted his own mountain cabin. After watching his friends happy and living off their land, he’s secretly longed for the same. Now he has it. As well as an uninvited guest.
He immediately sees Sage and knows something is not right. But he also can’t seem to send her on her way. He agrees to help her fix her car, hoping she’ll agree to stay with him a bit longer.
Like with most short stories, this one moves really fast and is short on details.
I was happy to see Jack getting his own story, he’s been around since the first book, he’s stepped up for his guys and their wives several times.
I liked seeing Axel and Emilie. Although she didn’t get the chance to play matchmaker in this one.
Things I had trouble with.
Editing, and the flow of the story. Transitions were choppy.
I missed the camaraderie of the mountain man group. We get a tiny bit of it, but the other stories seem to focus more on how they help each other.
And the babies. If you are going to write pregnancies and babies into the series, you need to follow up with that. There was no mention of kids anywhere. And at least two of the women have been pregnant and the epilogue in the last book, they had a little boy. But nothing.
Not a bad story, but not my favorite.
Dual points of view
No cheating
Happy ending
Mention of physical abuse

[Mia S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

80 pages super short, but also super rushed. It was a good story but resolved way too quickly author could have really lengthened this on out but just felt a little rushed/forced.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack buys a cabin and is trying to make it his own, when one night he comes home and has an unexpected visitor. Sage is trying to get away from her awful ex and decides to use her friend’s uncles cabin, only she doesn’t know he sold it and she meets Jack. Once they meet he has a strong sense of protection over her and her makes it his mission to do just that. All of the feels, a even a little plot twist I didn’t see coming.

[Susan Christ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Within a couple of days they are in love and getting married. A little to quick for me especially that the female lead is just getting out of an abusive relationship.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Mountain Men of Whiskey River #6
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

When Sage needed a safe place to get away for a few days, she heads to her roommate's family cabin in the middle of the Montana wilderness. What she doesn’t expect is to find out it was sold and someone is living there now. While she planned to leave her car won’t start and she finds herself staying with Jack.

Jack and Sage have a fast paced, instant love relationship. Sage is on the run from her abusive ex-boyfriend and Jack is determined to keep her safe in his cabin. Jack is a character that I have liked from the beginning and was glad to see him finally find someone of his own, and get his own mountain cabin. Sage has experienced generational domestic violence and has never had a healthy relationship but still is determined to break free of her past and live the life she wants. These two fell hard and fast.

Overall, this was a very quick story but a good instant love romance. The tension is very low-key even with the reappearance of the abusive ex, which I liked. This was just a quick and easy romance that hit the spot but won’t leave a lasting impression.

TW: domestic violence;

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great mountain man romance. It was a short, well written story with a good pace. The story is a part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone but if you have read the previous books it includes some bits with previous characters that are nice. Sage and Jack had great chemistry and I loved their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of a mountain man instalove book...with a secret connection. Loved catching up with the other characters from the previous books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.7 stars, it was short and cute. Everyone seems to fall in love so quickly and some of the parts are predictable, but I still enjoy them. There is some “will they or won’t they parts”, a bit of familiarity among the returning characters which I like. Again a cute quick read.

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars Predictable

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskey River mountain man and a HEA😍

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a love at first sight romance, and just like every book I’ve read by Kaci was good.

Sage needs a safe place to stay and to escape her abusive ex, so she heads to a friend’s uncle cabin that she’s stayed at before. Only the cabins been sold and is now owned by Jack who runs the local store. Jack also is the one who does Pro Bono work for women who are victims of domestic violence, trying to make up for having been a defense attorney in his past.

Sage has no place to go and her car does not work, (a fairly normal trope in Kaci’s books), plus she is already attracted to Jack even though he bites her head off. Jack says she can stay the first night, but by morning he realizes he can’t let her go. Because he wants to keep her forever, because when you know, you know. He knows she’s hiding from someone because he saw bruising and promises to keep her safe. Sage eventually tells him about the abuse. Jack promises to keep her safe. Lots of love and steamy spice commences.

This is part of a series and not the first time Kaci’s touched on the subject of domestic violence and it’s short and long term effects on its victims. The characters and dialogue were good, I would have liked more depth between the other girls and Sage. Sage had been alone so long, it would have had more depth if there had been a little more build up between all of them. The plot twist at the end, was awesome. I was surprised and gratified, I was so glad to finally get to read that. This one felt quicker, they’re all novellas but this one was more fast paced. It wasn’t any shorter. It was a great read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Me to the Cliff
Mountain Men of Whiskey River, Book 6
By: Kaci Rose
Narrated by: Oliver Highpoint, Celia Stone

What happens when you try to escape to your friend's uncle's cabin? Sage finds out that answer when she leaves her abusive ex-boyfriend to seek refuge on the mountain. When she meets Jack. Jack recently bought the cabin, looking for the peace and quiet only the mountain can bring. He has watched his friends enjoy the solitude and friendships they have formed and made the leap from his law office to nature. When he meets Sage though, an immediate protectiveness comes over him and he knows exactly what he needs to do. His love is quick, but strong and though he doesn't want to scare her, he isn't afraid to show her affection. Kaci Rose pens another wonderful love story with these Mountain Men of Whiskey River, and I was captivated once again. The alpha men are irresistible and this story not only has some meat to it, it is relevant to real life and left me thinking and in love. Plus it's always fun to catch up with the others on the mountain. Their family feel is what keeps me wanting to visit. Loved this addition to the series.

Oliver Highpoint and Celia Stone bring this gem to life. Highpoint is the alpha male, making his over-protectiveness apparent and his love feel strong. He also gave Jack a true vulnerability with a twist I didn't see coming. Stone creates Sage with a bit of fear, yet with an ease that shows she is a good judge of character. She grows her confidence and let me feel her emotions. This was a great team, and a wonderful listen.

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story, but just didn't have any wow factor for me to push me to a higher rating. I guessed from chapter 3 what the catch would be when Mark showed up and I was right. I also feel that the reader is cheated in the end as the results of the trial aren't revealed to the reader, although the verdict is implied. Perhaps having a bonus epilogue afterwards on the author's website would be nice and wrap up the story and give final closure.

I did like the camaraderie of the other ladies in town and how their men work together to watch over all the women and ensure their safety. I also like how they welcome Sage into their group without any hesitation.

I personally think that Jack was too hard on himself and that by changing his profession that he'd already atoned for his sins, but he's been beating himself up for years for it. It made me feel like Jack wasn't perhaps as steady of a male hero as he could have been had he already accepted what he'd done and moved on with life.

I did like that while harm was implied in the past tense, we didn't actually read about any of the harm on page in the story. However, it could be a triggering event for some readers. Perhaps having a trigger warning at the beginning would be a good idea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack gets his wonderful happily ever after!
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 4 stars narration

I loved this short but satisfying insta-love romance. It is a great addition to the series. It was so great that Jack, a minor character in previous books, found a great woman to love, Sage. Kaci Rose does a wonderful job writing in a way that immediately immerses me in the story with two characters whom I can relate to and like very much. There is one moderately steamy love scene. I am very pleased with this latest book in a series where the handsome mountain men heroes are protective, respectful, and romantic without being overprotective. This one has a bit of an age gap because Sage is about 22, and Jack is about 35 years old.

Trigger warning: mentioning of domestic abuse (by the heroine’s ex-boyfriend) and mention of nearly deadly abuse in a past legal case.

The pair of narrators both did a very good job. Oliver Highpoint has a wonderfully sexy voice for Jack and delivers a lovely performance all around. Celia Chase was very good, especially in emoting and pacing. I love her voice for the heroine, but her male voices sound like they are 20 years old, and Jack is probably 35.

I requested and received a free audio copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #PFPAudio #PinkFlamingoProductions #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ve gotten to know some things about Jack and I’m glad he’s finally getting his story. “Take Me to the Cliff” is a romantic, emotional and heartfelt insta-love protective mountain man story which was a great addition to the series.

Jack is the owner of the local general store in Whiskey River and has always been kind to anyone that has come to the store. He’s also finally purchased his own cabin in the mountains and is ready for the peace it offers. But on his first night there, he finds a woman in the cabin. Sage is a friend of the former owner and thought it was still an empty place to live. But car trouble keeps her there and Jack gets to know Sage, there is a connection between them neither was expecting.

This was a short novella in the series and I really wish it would have been longer. Jack is a great guy who was a former defensive attorney and now kept his license to help the residents of Whiskey Valley. He’s genuine, kind and protective. I loved how kind he was with Sage and made sure she felt safe even though she didn’t know him. Sage left an abusive relationship and ran to the mountain for the safety it offers. The two had an instant spark that was there from the first night and I loved these two together. Even when they had an unexpected connection, Sage still knew what kind of guy he was. The ending was so sweet and I can’t wait to start the next book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Mountain Men of Whiskey River series each can be read as a standalone with an overprotective guy and the girl who captures his undivided attention. Sage is on the run from an abusive ex. heads up to the mountains to a friends uncle’s cabin not knowing he sold it let’s herself in just for a little peace so when a huge mountain man walks in she is surprised to find out when he tells her he bought it all she is thinking about is her safe space but he assures she can stay. Jack is running from his past finally he has found his very own mountain cabin but waking into his home to a the most beautiful women sitting on his sofa covered in bruises knowing she needs protection, a safe space to lay low without even knowing her story so sharing his space with such a beauty won’t be so bad so convincing her to stay is the first step. Not realizing they have more in common then they realized her ex. is the common denominator between them and he feels her pain is his fault but she won’t allow him take that on himself but can they heal one another, will she trust him enough to protect her, will her ex. get the message leaving her alone, will Jack keep her safe, will his past, her ex. come full circle so that they can heal, and is there happiness for these two broken people?

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I don't need to be inviting this kind of trouble into my life, not now, not with everything going so well. But I also know I need to make sure that she is taken care of, and that she will be safe... There's a voice in the back of my head telling me I'd be a complete idiot to let her walk away right now.'

I really enjoyed this book. I've loved this series from the start and read all of them except the one right before this, which I somehow missed. Jack finally got his own secluded cabin in the mountains, but didn't expect to find a woman on his couch when he got home. Sage ran away from her abusive ex. His verbal abuse got in her head, but she made the choice to run. Her mom suffered through abusive relationships and did not offer help, so she went to her roommate's uncle's cabin- not knowing it had been sold to Jack. With her car broken down and no where to go, he lets her stay. He used to be a lawyer, and did pro bono work at a women's shelter and recognizes signs of domestic abuse. As they grow closer and a relationship builds between them, both their pasts are unexpectedly connected. A very good read, but a little short. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces. Can't wait until the next book! 4 stars.

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Me to the Cliff is book 6 of the Mountain Men of Whiskey River Series by Kaci Rose.

Sage is hiding from an abusive ex-boyfriend in a cabin she believes belongs to the uncle of a friend. Unbeknownst to her, the cabin recently sold and now belongs to Jack, store owner, and lawyer. He walks in and finds her with bruises and is surprised by that and also by his immediate sense of attraction and need to protect her. As the two quickly decide, they want to be together. They must overcome an unexpected way in which their pasts are connected.

Like all of the books in this series, this one is short with a good plot and great characters. While there is chemistry between these characters, I felt this one was not quite as steamy as in the previous books, maybe 🔥. I definitely enjoy this series. I like that we get updates on several of the couples in each book. There is supposed to be one more book left, and with the mention of a brewery opening in town and more people moving in, hopefully, there will be books or a series to come from that.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Destined Journey to Forever Happiness -
Sage was only looking for a safe place to regroup, but she discovered her safe space was no longer available, as it was now owned by Jack. Even though Jack wanted to live a life of solitude in his mountain cabin, he felt a connection with Sage the moment he met her, but his protective instincts kicked in after he realised she was in trouble. Fate stepped in and gave them the chance to spend t8me getting to know each other better, but just as they settled into a semblance of a relationship, Sage’s ex-boyfriend returned to reek havoc on their lives.

Unfortunately, meeting Sage’s ex-boyfriend triggered the pain from Jack’s last that he had been trying to get over, which nearly cost them their forever happiness. However, Sage was able to convince Jack to let go of the past, so they could have a future together. This is a fabulous instalove romance story, with smoking hot mountain men, great camaraderie, an intriguing storyline and steamy passionate encounters that will keep you turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack has spent years trying to make amends for his past when he took on cases as a lawyer that have shattered his heart and he still believes he has a long way to go. Spending his life owning the store in a small town where are the mountain men come to sale their homemade goods Jack knew he wanted what they had, a simple life living up on the mountain. When he buys a cabin and comes home one day to find someone else in his cabin he is floored in many ways. Sage is running from something and she seeks solace in a cabin she was once offered to stay in, but she didn’t know that it was already sold. She just wants to get her life back on track and away from the horrible past she has lived in, but now she doesn’t know how she will do that. Jack being a gentleman and kind hearted person can’t just let Sage walk away and he feels a connection to her, but little does he know that connection goes a lot deeper than he ever thought possible. The way Jack handled Sage’s situation without kid gloves but also by being kind and gentle letting her find her own path was incredibly sweet. This was a short read and I would loved to have more time with these two.

[Jennifer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack is finally a true mountain man. Yes, he still owns his store in town but now has a cabin on the mountain, and one day will be as self-sufficient as the other men on the mountain. It's all his. except on the evening, he goes to move in, he finds a beautiful woman wrapped up in his blanket on the couch. Sage was given permission by the previous owner to use the cabin and escaped there after running from an abusive relationship. When her car won't start Jack finds himself with a temporary roommate. One he soon hopes becomes permanent.

This was a letdown compared to the other Mountain Men books. It was rushed and lacked story. It was insta-love/lust. There was no relationship development at all. The community feel of the mountain was lacking and the conflict was far-fetched. Everything was tied up nicely with a bow but the wrapping paper was forgotten. Jack deserved more.

I listened to the audiobook with narrators, Oliver Highpoint and Celia Stone. Oliver has a wonderful, deep voice that is ideal for a mountain man. I thought he was the perfect Jack. Celia is good as a female but I am not a fan of her male voices.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, insta-love romance, and just like every book I’ve read by Kaci was excellent.
Sage needs a safe place to stay and to escape her abusive ex, so she heads to a friend’s uncle cabin. Only the cabins been sold and is now owned by Jack who isn’t expecting to come home to find a beautiful woman on his couch! With no place to go and her car not working, Jack insists she stays. He knows she’s hiding from someone and promises to keep her safe. But what he isn’t expecting is to learn that they both have a history with her ex, and he feels guilty and ends up blaming himself for her hurt. But Sage isn’t willing to just let him blame himself and push her away. She knows what she wants and it’s her mountain man!
This was such a great story, it touched on a sensitive topic but wasn’t delved into heavily. I loved Jack. His heart was so good. He was an ex defense attorney who left his job because putting away abusive men took its toll on him. He wanted to do something good for all the women who suffered and he did.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the perfect length story with characters that grabbed my attention from the very first page and didn’t let go until the very end. Sage needed to get away, to think and reevaluate her relationship with Mark. He was recently abusive and she wasn’t going to put up with it. Borrowing the cabin belonging to a friends’ uncle, she heads for Whiskey River, Montana. When a man arrives at the cabin, she learns that he is the new owner, Jack. Now what does she do? Her car won’t start and Jack agrees for to her spend the night and take care of the car in the morning. As a fast friendship and attraction develops between them; he takes her to the special places on the mountain including the cliff where the view is spectacular. Many of Jack’s friends have found the love they were looking for here on the mountain, but will it happen for him too? He is a former attorney, and in the past has defended men like Jack, how will Sage react to this news? A truly enjoyable romance! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Take me to the Cliff’ by Kaci Rose is the 6th book in her Mountain Man series. A novella, forced proximity, abusive ex, insta love/lust romance. Jack finds Sage in his cabin looking for a place to lay low for a bit. They have this connection that draws them to each other but there’s scars, drama, and guilt to overcome before they can let themselves be happy. Kaci uses a beautiful setting, efficient dialogue and narrative to create the tension and clarity to Jack and Kaci’s story. He’s protective, honorable, and very passionate which Sage adores and lets him In enough to show her how a man should treat his woman. A little danger, some dirty talk, and a great town with friends gives this story some umph! Love the ending!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the story of Jack and Sage in 'Take me to the Cliff' by Kaci Rose. I am addicted to the whole mountain men of Whiskey River series. I find each tale of how each man on the mountain find the woman that completes them fascinating. Jack finds Sage hiding in his cabin from an abusive ex-boyfriend that will not let her leave him. Jack, being a former lawyer that knows just how abusive some men are to women and how helpless the women feel, offers a safe haven to Sage. But he also feels an intense attraction towards Sage. Through his gentle and kind protectiveness she in turn comes to trust and love him. I also love how the tight band of mountain men and their wives gather around to protect Sage when her ex shows up. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 6 of the Mountain Men of Whiskey River series and focuses on Jack and Sage. I have been waiting for Jack’s story since the first book in the series and it did not disappoint! When Jack finally buys a cabin in the mountains, the last thing he expects to ever find in his cabin is a woman. Sage is on the run from an abusive ex and went to the cabin not knowing that Jack now owns it. When Jack notices her bruises, he feels protective over Sage and feels for her what he hadn’t felt before. He doesn’t expect to fall for her as fast as he did and for her past to be so closely tied to his. I absolutely loved Jack and Sage together! They were exactly what the other had been needing in life. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really happy to see Jack get his story. He’s been in all the mountain men books, running the store, and now it is his turn. He ran away from his life as a lawyer, being paid good money to defend the scum of the Earth. No longer able to deal with that. He now has a cabin in the Woods and a store he loves. And now he uses his free time to help those who he otherwise would’ve hurt from his past as a defense attorney. I guess he never thought he’d come home and find Sage in his house. Sage is on the run from her ex boyfriend. He turned out not to be who she thought. Jack cannot turn her away. This story shows that there is redemption, and true love finds a way to heal old wounds. Now, if they can only keep both of their pasts from catching up with them, or maybe they can defeat their past and start a new future.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take Me to the Cliff by Kaci Rose is a contemporary romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Oliver Highpoint and Celia Stone. This is the sixth book in the Mountain Men of Whiskey River series.

The relationship between Jack and Sage is fast paced but I enjoyed them together. My only complaint is I wish their story was longer. I liked that we got both of their points of views throughout the book.

I can't wait for the next book in the series Take Me to the Edge to be released on audio so I can get River and Storm's story.

Oliver and Celia did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a contemporary romance, mountain man romance, small town romance, or instant connection romance.

The Flock Team

[Loverulesall_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kaci Rose books and have read all the other Mountain Men books in the series. I'm so glad we finally have Jack's story!

He comes home one night to discover a stranger in his cabin. Sage has escaped to the cabin to get away from her abusive ex and tried to leave in her car, only to discover it won't start. Jack decides to let her stay for the night before heading into town to look for parts to fix her car.

Sage meets all the other Mountain Men and their other halves, who all welcome her with open arms. Mark, her abusive ex manages to find her but get locked up instead. Jack's past comes back to haunt him and realises Sage is better off without him...

However, in saying that the story does have its own HEA no need not worry 😉❤️

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack & Sage

I was so looking forward to Jack's HEA!! Unfortunately, this story left me disappointed. Compared to the rest of the series, this story felt rushed & was missing the comradry and continuous story feel of the rest of the series. Tho it's book 6, and Jack has been an integral part of all the other stories, we don't get to see as much of the other couples. And Emilie doesn't get her normal role, either! And! None of the kids are even hinted at, like they didn't exist!

Sigh.

I love Jack, & feel like Sage would be his perfect match, but she felt like her character didn't get fleshed out at all. 😭

I just love this series & had been looking forward to Jack's HEA from the beginning, & this didn't feel like he was given the full story he deserved.

😍