Kept by the Mountain Man

The Blackwells #1

by Lola Gray

Cyrus Blackwell is, in his own words, too rough around the edges for polite society. He of the perpetual scowl and surly growl. I’ve been in love with him half my life, it seems, much good it did me.
The Blackwells were my closest neighbors, growing up, and the only real family I had left after my dad died and my mom lost her marbles. I spent more time with them than I did at my own house, and let's just say that the oldest Blackwell brother has had my attention for a very long time.
And while Cyrus was always patient, always ready to teach me, he couldn't wait to pack me off to college, and send me on my way. It's been months since I've seen him. He didn't come to check on me. Couldn't be bothered to take my calls, either. If I wasn't in love with the man, I'd hate him.
It's been long enough. Since he refuses to take my not-so-subtle hints, I came back home to surprise him. If I can manage to control my temper and my mouth, there's still a happily-ever-after in our future. All I need is a little cooperation from the mountain man next door.

Genres: Novella, Contemporary, Romance, New Adult, Age Gap Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2023

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm...I have a hard time with an older man who raises or helps raise a girl from a young age and then falls in love with her. Honestly it grosses me out. I liked the characters and the writing it's self were great but I can't get over the fact that Cyrus has known Maggie since she was ten. Not only that, he helped raise her like a father or big brother figure. We all have our deal breakers.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET N STEAMY

Damn this was hawwwttt!! And the banter between the siblings was so funny!

A super grouchy, growly, surly hero twisted around the little finger of a sweet, innocent and sassy heroine! This is my jam!

It was well written, with tension and emotion and yearning and lotsa steam. Definitely worth the read!

Safe. Celibate hero, no details on past, didnt come off as a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow/om, no cheating or sharing. Hea with epilogue and baby on the way!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot hot hot

If you want a sexy short read, this is it. Wow. Maggie and Cy are a great story and sexy!!!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

think about a quick book for a quick romance

Story runs a bit quick and before I knew it, it was a year later and they were married with a birthday party and a surprise of a baby on the way. Was cute and messy and the brothers were all sorts of fun stirring up trouble for a grumpy guy.

[Karen J Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept by the Mountain Man

Cyrus promised Maggie's father that he'd always take care of her and that's exactly what he's done to the point he doesn't want any other man to even look at her. Maggie has loved Cyrus for as long as she can remember. She just needs to make him admit that he loves her too.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story!

I love a good age gap story. Cyrus was the perfect man for her, and the fact that he kept control of his feelings for her as long as he did, said a lot about him. I loved how she made him lose control and they both admitted how crazy they both were for each other!

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I'm giving this one a 5 star rating, but I did enjoy most of it and I really like Gray's writing style. The characters are vivid, the plot is fast moving without time lapses that leave you wondering what happened, and the spice index went off the scale with their first real encounter. That one was a bit much and almost too graphic for even a tough old codger like me. Whew! If you're wondering what I'm referring to, you'll just have to read it because I'm not giving up any spoilers.

[Ryann Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

This was to fast - no character development, no tension, no depth. I didn’t care about either of the main characters bc the book happened so fast. And why such an age gap. And why did she need to be a virgin. I dont know to much didn’t make sense lol

[Riley 02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyrus & Maggie ♥️

*Contains SPOILERS* For the SAFE readers…

Book 1: Kept by the Mountain Man - Cyrus & Maggie
Short but spicy book. I loved that she has a spine and isn’t easily swayed by anything the H says. Yes, she has loved him forever. But that didn’t mean she was gonna let him off the hook for not contacting her during those months she was in college. She was a sassy spitfire, really keeping him on his toes. I wish I could read this type of h in other books. A girl with brains, a strong attitude, knows what she wants, and doesn’t tolerate shit. Love her. As for H, he was a coward. But I kinda get where he is coming from. I loved that she affected him so much that he had to do something finally.
He kinda tried dating ow while she was gone, but it didn’t work and he said he didn’t even held her hand. It doesn’t say those dates had intimate times. So, I want to think he was untouched.
I loved this story. The sexy scenes are hot!! But you can also see the connection between them.


SAFE-ish
- h virgin ; H idk, I’m gonna assume he is although he doesn’t say so
- H is possessive, jealous, alpha, protective of the h
- ow/om: her prom date appears but doesn’t get a chance
- separation/breakups: before the story starts (while she was in college)
- cheating/sharing: no
- possible triggers: no
- HEA: yes

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this one a 3.5 rating. This is a well written short quick read with great characters. This one for a lazy afternoon read when you just want to relax. I would encourage everyone to go get this one it is worth your time. This one is a feel-good story. I think you will enjoy it I know I did.

[Amanda Royston · Rating 3 out of 5]

good for a quick sweet & spicy read

Short story but even so, there’s character development and a plot - which connect and have me that flip flop occasionally. Worth a read if short spicy and sweet is your thing

[Mary Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally mine

She came home for spring break and told him she wanted him. He hadn't answered her text or calls. They had wanted each other forever but never did anything about it. That was changing now. It's a very sexy story.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and well written. She's crushed on him her whole life. He's got a thing for her but feels that he's too old. She pushes the issue and catches her man. Lots of sexy times and dirty talk on the way to their HEA.

[effin surrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely short read. The characters, the story, and the plot lacked any depth. Story was too quick to really enjoy.

[Tammy Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story, enjoyed reading. Recommend

[Princess Reptar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute, quirky read. Only about an hour to read.

[sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

i felt like there was really no story line and like i was thrown into a book i should have already had knowledge on. pretty unclimactic, but a quick read.

[Leah Alberda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy title that doesn’t make sense. Story was too short, like we were plopped in the end of a love story.

[Heather Goins · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kept by the Mountain Man" by Lola Gray is my first read from this author, and it didn't disappoint. This well-written short story features great characters and an engaging age gap romance. Despite its short length, there is meaningful character development and a plot that draws you in. It's a perfect little read for an afternoon when you just want to stay indoors and lose yourself in a book.

[Kimberly Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great age gap romance

A fun , quick read with great characters and a happy ever after. I am enjoying Lola Gray's books and can't wait for the next one.

[Debbie Zarate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her protector, her lover

Cyrus sent her away to college, he felt he didn't deserve her, too old, but Maggie came back home and proved to him she was his and always had been.