Longing for the Mountain Man

Rosewood Ridge Heroes #1

by Lilah Hart

Plenty of scammers hit town after a tornado, but this one I can’t resist.

I don’t want to be a shark in the water, but my boss has left me no choice.

It’s been exactly one day since a tornado struck the small mountain town of Rosewood Ridge. According to my boss, there’s no shortage of people who need contractors, and we need the business.

I’m only in town a few minutes when I meet my match—a protective mountain man who wants me gone. But I manage to convince him to let me stick around a little longer.

And I may just never want to leave.

Longing for the Mountain Man is an OTT age gap romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It’s designed to be read in only one hour. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Rosewood Ridge Heroes series!

Genres: Romance

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2024

Reviews

[♡ᓚᘏᗢⲊⲒⲚⲒⲊⲦⲄⲈᗢᘏᓗ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presley (23) has been sent to Rosewood Ridge by her boss to offer repair services after the town was devastated by a tornado.

She meets local resident Trace, who is an ex military vet. Trace is digusted by the opportunistic nature of Presley's boss upping his prices and sending her to town to prey on victims and the two get off to a bit of a rough spot.

Presley doesn't let his behaviour get to her and she digs in and helps the town and its members clean up and support each other. Trace sees her genuine kindness and the deep caring that she has for others. He winds up asking her to dinner and drinks but then he is MIA for the next three days.

He shows back up from helping his sister who lives in another town, with a family emergency and things between him and Presley heat up fast. They have dinner that night, she gives him her V Card and they immediately start working on baby number one. This was all after knowing each other for less than a week.

I love OTT stories but this one was just a miss for me. It was too shallow and quick and I felt no connection to either character. There was no developement that made me feel invested in their journey.

I will keep reading this author though because I have loved her other books ❤️

I generously received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was sent to their town to get them to out , he wasn’t allowing it what neither expected was to find someone who made them feel alive , to find their other way . Possessive small town MMC, V FMC . Instalove, spice.

[Katie B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll never get this time back.

[Suelen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ansiando Pelo Homem da Montanha

Eu tive uma péssima primeira impressão da mocinha, já no capítulo 1. Presley estava em Rosewood Ridge 1 dia após a passagem de um tornado, em nome da empresa dela, pra "ajudar" com os reparos disponibilizando materiais. Só que com os preços elevados, já que o chefe dela queria se aproveitar da tragédia para lucrar com a desgraça alheia. A mulher nem piscou, e ainda defendia o chefe como um cara de bom coração. O pior é que esse assunto foi todo tratado como se não fosse nada demais, até mesmo por Trace - o mocinho - que havia ficado uma fera assim que descobriu o motivo dela estar ali. Mas depois foram só passando o pano. Achei Presley bem fria e calculista, pois realmente não pareceu incomodá-la o fato de que o chefe dela aumentara os materiais em 10% num momento de tragédia, ao passo que vários voluntários estavam no local buscando ajudar (e não lucrar). Não fui com a cara dela e, portanto, não consegui curtir a história. E toda aquela pose do mocinho de que "lucrar com a tragédia era erado" caía por terra ao mero sorriso da mulher. Na verdade, ela só precisava respirar perto dele pra ele esquecer seus princípios e só pensar em levá-la para a cama mais próxima (se bem que eles nem esperaram uma cama. Improvisavam onde quer que estivessem). Não, não. Cadê a história? Só luxúria num livro não dá. Tem que ter uma história legal dando base. E a série tem mesmo uma trama legal: "um tornado atinge a cidade, que tem mais homens do que mulheres, e de repente várias pessoas aparecem, de vários lugares, para ajudar a reconstruí-la. Assim, cada homem da montanha vai encontrando o amor". Olha que trama interessante! Pena que foi mal explorada nos dois primeiros livros da série que li (o prequel e esse livro 1). Desisti de ler a série.

O primeiro livro que li da autora seguiu a linha desse aqui (mocinha com intenções duvidosas sem ligar se o que ela fazia era certo ou errado, ou se prejudicava outras pessoas, só pensando nela mesma) e não curti, mas depois li outro livro dela e amei. Então me animei pra ler essa série aqui, mas depois desses dois livros iniciais, estou começando a acreditar que o jeito da autora contar as histórias e as coisas que ela prefere dar mais foco (e as que ela não dá) não é para mim. Não quer dizer que não seja ótimo para outros leitores (os livros estão bem avaliados e tem bastante gente que gosta), só não fez o meu estilo. Ainda tenho outros livros da autora, mas sinceramente não sei se insisto ou desisto. Uma pena, porque as sinopses realmente chamaram a minha atenção.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosewood Ridge has been hit by a tornado and the town has been cleaning up the aftermath. (This even is mentioned in Rosewood Ridge Rescue) Trace has been in town helping friends and other townspeople pick up their lives that had been tossed around in the tornado. -He gets so upset when he sees a woman going around talking to the townspeople trying to make money off them during the time of a disaster. He confronts her and tells her to leave. Presley is in Rosewood Ridge for work, she was at the court house and saw the destruction. She lent a hand at a handsome stranger and then he told her to leave because she was just a shark preying of the victims for the tornado. Presley knew the stranger was right, but is it too late to gain his trust because there was something definitely there between them. Lilah Hart has continued the tornado clean up efforts into this series (event started in the Rosewood Ridge Rescue Series) . You can read any of Lilah Hart’s books as a standalone but it is so much better. Each book adds onto the town and the people around town. Really gonna enjoy this series I can already tell. Insta-love, action packed, drama filled, a spicy scene to wrap up the short story.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the Rosewood Ridge Heroes series you have mountain men and the one who captures his undivided attention. Presley is sweet with a back bone stands up for what she believes in when her boss sends her to Rosewood Ridge after it was destroyed by a tornado to help with repairs she is welcomed by most of the residents they see she digs in, helps the town clean up but one he of course is disgusted with her has no problem with showing it but she doesn’t let it bother her and continues to show her support. Trace sexy as all get out retired military vet disgusted with the young women’s boss who sent her to his town to capitalize on their trouble taking on her was wrong he knew that but couldn’t help himself especially after seeing how much she really cared for the people of his town, helping them without hesitation and so he of course apologize asks her out to dinner /drinks they enjoy each other’s time but then he doesn’t call. But after understanding it was a family emergency the magnetic pull between them was just as strong and the more, they were around one another the strong it grew will she stay in their town or will she return to her home, will he understand, and will they find their very own happiness?

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short insta-love story of Presley and Trace. I am so excited for this new series of Rosewood Ridge Heroes.

Presley comes to town under her bosses instistance to offer help as they rebuild after destruction. Trace automatically tells her off, and gives a nice little message to his boss.

Presley doesn't let that stop her. It isn't about the job. She falls in love with the town and people. Maybe even just a little bit with Trace. It doesn't feel like insta-love, but more like meeting your soulmate in the wierdest way.

These two really take a chance to get to know each other, even if they feel they might be seperate sides. Or at least Trace feels that way, and Presley is just taken with Trace.

You really couldn't get over the sweet moments as they got to know each other, the strong fast passion they felt (at the courthouse of all place....now you gotta read to find out what thats about!!!).

These two are able to prevail in making a connection that means more than helping the town. I love how Trace gets Presley to stay in town, and work on a life together.

Its got the yummy vibes, the passion and heat, and a whole lotta small town Rosewood Ridge love.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely has an enmities to lovers vibe to it and I loved it so much, I’m such a sucker for that trope. Though it wasn’t fully enemies to lovers, more of they get off on the wrong foot. The book is short enough that it’s a quick read for when you’re short on time, or just want a good mountain man.

Presley goes to Rosewood Ridge to try and help out the tornado damage victims for her job, but she wasn’t expecting to meet a handsome man that told her to pretty much get lost. But can a meeting that started off wrong get better over time.

Trace was hooked from the minute he saw her, until he found out she was doing business for her boss. But that doesn’t mean he’s gonna be able to forget about her, or even get over his feelings for her. After disappearing for a few days, Trace is determined to make it up to Presley.

After some fun in a Judges chambers, it seems that maybe Presley can be convinced to stay with him.

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

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longing for the Mountain Man is the first book in the newest series about Rosewood Ridge, TN. Lilah Hart, who is a master of short age gap, alpha hero, virgin heroine, steamy stories, has done it again with this series about a tornado that rips through Rosewood Ridge, and how the citizens come together to repair their town. The first book is about Trace and Presley. Trace is a military veteran that meets Presley the day after the tornado while he is volunteering with clean up. Presley is in town as a sales rep for a contracting company that provides help with repairing buildings, and Trace is not impressed, and calls her boss a shark for preying on victims. Presley’s job was to get in, distribute business cards, and get out; however, she is intrigued by the town and Trace. While the plot is predictable, it is still fun to read. I enjoyed the world the author created. It is a sweet, low angst story with lots of love. A good, short read.

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

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley is in Rosewood Ridge for a week to promote her boss's company's contracting/repair business because the town has just recently been hit by a tornado, which was featured in the previous series Rosewood Ridge Rescue, which was a fantastic series to read too!

Trace is annoyed that he is so attracted to Presley and at the same time thinks that Presley and her company are trying to make a quick buck out of the tornado victims. Fair enough, and Presley sees his POV too, but she is quick to help out where she can. Trace is called away from town for a few days and with that time apart they miss each other and decide to act on it.

This book was short and an easy to read fun insta-love that is light-hearted. I like that we see the Rosewood Ridge Retreat Center again, and a few stories have featured The Bar there. Some readers might think this story is a little fluffy, but as with many of the author's work, I find that the stories have more depth when you read the whole series together.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley goes to Rosewood Ridge just after the tornado and while everyone and everything is in clean up mode. Total chaos reins pretty much everywhere. Her boss sent her there to try to offer ‘their’ services to help with windows, doors, roofs, cabinetry, etc and their rates are reasonable. The first person she meets is Trace. He blows up at her because to him ‘their’ services is that of a shark coming in smelling blood in the water of Rosewood Ridge. I was a bit upset by this myself. She realizes that her boss and the business is actually not nice and after watching everyone for a while she begins to get why Trace is so upset. Finding out about Presley’s past and Trace’s makes you understand them more. Small towns always stick together and help each other out. I really like how the story changes Presley and that she stands up for herself and decides what she does. The end is great and I really enjoyed the story and it got steamy and sweet at the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The only thing I wish was in there was a response from her boss.

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

[Madelynne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace thought Presley was the loveliest woman he'd every seen and Presley thought he was insanely hot.

Then Trace learned why Presley was in town. She was sent by her boss to take advantage of tornado victims and charge them ten percent over the fair market price to do their repairs and or remodeling. He told her to tell her boss to fuck off.

Instead, her boss (Who never heard Trace's comment)) gave Presley money to buy lunch for the tornado victims and their helpers. Trace helped Presley get sandwich fixings, chips and snacks and disposable plates, napkins, silverware and cups. Trace was impressed by the display of generosity and told her to tell her boos to consider lowering his prices.

Trace and Presley finally got their date night, complete with insta-love insta-lust and Presley never left town, marrying Tracee and having a couple of kids with him. It's so nice when something good follows a natural disaster!.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trace and Presley. They meet in the courthouse when he asked for her help to move a table him thinking she was one of the volunteers. Helping with the cleanup from a storm. She offered him hr card about services for windows doors etc and said not a volunteer. He was angry and accused her of basically being an ambulance chaser. He gave her a message for her boss...oh my. Shewent to Sugarplum Lane anyway to say her boss offered to buy lunch for all volunteers. So off to the store Trace and Presley went. He doesnt like what shes doing but man oh man what was he thinking would be nice to grocery shop with a woman. After they left the store she actually was thinking t was nice to go shopping with a man. These two have it bad. Loved the story it had that small town vibe of people knowing one another and helping one another and then there was Trace and Presley thrown into all that emotion with theirs. Loved it.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s a good thing she doesn't easily scare. 

Presley has shown up in Rosewood Ridge after the tornado struck to drum up business for her boss' construction firm. She knows his prices are inflated, but her job is to get in, get people signed up for repairs, and get outta town. Besides, she needs the job, and if she didn't do it, someone else would. 

Trace, although he finds her to be a beautiful curvy woman, tells her to get out of town and gives her a much harsher message for her boss. She surprises him later when she pops up, saying her boss wants to treat all the volunteers to lunch. 

The longer he's around her, the more he feels his first impression of her as being caring and kind was correct. Now he just has to convince her to stay. With him. 

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[BurgundyKitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I was a little irritated with Presley. The book didn’t advertise itself as a curvy girl romance, which made me happy, as curvy girl romances, in general, are not my cup of tea. So I got irked when Presley mentioned her size and weight; but, luckily, it was mentioned really briefly and then dropped, so it was okay. I think she made one more comment deeper into the book, but it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” thing, so it was easy enough to ignore.

The story itself was fine. I liked that Trace wanted to help Presley see the situation in town as a tragedy, rather than a business opportunity. And I liked that Presley wasn’t a “vanilla” virgin; she had a kinky side and wasn’t afraid to lose her virginity in a more creative way than usual.

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

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh! This mountain man really heats it up!
Trace is working with the volunteers trying to clean up Rosewood Ridge after the tornado tore through.
Presley is in town trying to drum up business for her boss, offering home repairs. She meets Trace, but he's not too happy about someone trying to make money off of his neighbors' misfortune.
They start out rocky, but he keeps telling her about the perks of small town life, and she definitely sees the appeal. Especially if Trace is part of that equation.
Oh boy! They start out butting heads, but once they give in to their attraction - watch out!! Trace is really sweet and Presley can't help but give in!
Rosewood Ridge seems to be where all the hot mountain men are! Can't wait to meet the rest of them!!

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

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Judges Chamber 😂😂😂

I absolutely loved this. Presley coming into town after the tornado and hawking her bosses company she ran into Trace who was working to clear out the damaged furniture from the courthouse. She started her spiel to Trace and he pretty much stopped her right away and told her he had a message for her boss. She certainly wasn’t expecting a message. He told her to tell him to F*ck off!! Well I laughed because that’s what SOME not all kickem while they’re down do. She was attracted to him immediately as he was to her. He took her out to Sugarplum Tree Farm so she could look at the damage and help so that she’d have a better idea of the town and how they all pulled together after any tragedy. He wanted to ignore her in the worst way possible. So… 😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presley (h23) arrives in Rosewood Ridge to offer repair services after a devastating tornado, she doesn't expect to meet Rosewood Ridge local Trace (H), who initially mistrusts her intentions. Determined to prove she's more than just a business opportunist, Presley becomes involved in the town's recovery efforts, and as they work alongside one another, their connection grows through shared efforts and conversations that reveal their vulnerabilities. When Trace and Presley spend some time apart, they begin to realize much they already mean to one another and things heat up between the two. Hot and steamy age gap, instalove, mountain man, small town romance, exploring finding love in unexpected places.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mewsings
I was on the fence about this one because some of the story was cute, but I wasn’t feeling the chemistry like I wanted. I didn’t feel like they were on fire for each other, and an Instalove, particularly a novelette, needs to have crazy sparks between the MMC and FMC. Hart normally writes books that I really like, but I’m just not feeling this one.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Trace and Presley
Genre- Mountain Man Romance
Length- Novelette (1-hour read)
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 They do the thing and use the P word.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- explicit erotic content, defilement of public property
Tropes- Instalove, Virgin Heroine.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley had been gone to network clean-up jobs for her boss after a tornado went thru Rosewood Ridge. She met Trace when he asked her to help him move a table at the courthouse; after she handed him a business card--he told her to "fu** off" since he hated to see businesses try to make money off disasters, even if she is beautiful. But later that day, she offered the volunteers a 'free lunch from her boss'. He couldn't get her off his mind. She decided to stay a week to help people in need. The more time he spends with her; the more he wants her. If he asks her to stay, would she? Is he willing to follow her if she leaves?.

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

[Esmeralda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilah Hart delivers a captivating tale of love, tornadoes, and mountain men. This OTT age gap romance follows a determined contractor and a protective mountain man as they navigate their differences and growing attraction. With its steamy instalove, alpha hero, and V-card heroine, this book will keep you hooked. The tornado that struck Rosewood Ridge brings more than destruction - it brings a chance encounter that will change their lives forever. Hart's writing is engaging, and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. If you enjoy short, steamy instalove novellas, you'll devour "Longing for the Mountain Man" in one sitting.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Rosewood Ridge Romance series. While it is a series each story can be read as stand alone, though characters may come up in subsequent stories making it more nuanced if you have read the others. These are short story format, so I really do recommend that you read them in order because each story will feel more detailed if you have the previous story to enhance the experience. She is in town to do a job, he is protective of his hometown. They start off on a grumpy note, but quickly their chemistry takes center stage. There was good character development and you got to see a few familiar faces from other stories. This series is a quick fun read.

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

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longing for the Mountain Man is Book 1 of the Rosewood Ridge Heroes series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, curvy virgin gets her hunky mountain man romance. Presley is a curvy, 23 year old sales and marketing rep. Trace is an older, hunky, ex-military man. They meet when Trace is involved in the tornado cleanup, and Presley is there to sell their services. The two are instantly attracted to each other, but Trace is worried her boss is taking advantage of the tornado victims. As they work together, though, Trace knows he needs to be with her forever. Will she stay? This was a fun, fast-paced, spicy read and a great start to the new series.

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

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are short stories that are for your enjoyment of falling in love and watching couples in and out of the bedroom. Presley shows up in town for her boss to hand out cards to help residents who were affected by the storm. When one man stops her in her tracks with his growling attitude and his take no crap persona. Trace is ex-military and will protect his town and the people at all costs including the beautiful woman who just stepped into his path. Trace will show Presley there is more to life than working for someone who is trying to destroy others. Can he change her mind? Presley falls in love with the town and the man can she drop everything for love?

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley comes to town for work after it has been hot by a tornado. Her company wanted to offer some discounts for any rebuilding they did. However, she meets Trace her first day in town and he is rude once he knows why she is there. Its doesn't take her long to see how her company truly is and to fall in love with the town. Will she find something she wasn't looking for there?


This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to take a stand! This is about Trace and Presley. She is out there to spread the word about what her boss's company had to offer to the tornado victims of Rosewood Ridge. After meeting Trace, he suggested first meeting and getting to know the people there before she handed out the business cards. It is great seeing much help out, but when people come in to take advantage of them in the weakest time, it is something many mountain men are unwilling to take, especially not Trace. She agrees, and I love the decision she makes in the end!.

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

[Deanna Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darling Story, Short & Sweet!

I had just finished reading the most boring story of the YEAR! Then I came across this sweet and well paced story. Both characters were very believable and interesting. Not sure but think this was first book to read by Ms. Hart. I will definitely read the next book in this series. Spoiler Alert - post tornado cleanup is chance encounter of the couple. I loved it because post storms are stressful and uncertainty of "why me?" This Insta love was perfect to give us hope. Thank you Ms. Hart.

Thank you again Amazon for creating Kindle Unlimited. Please don't change a thing about KU. On to next book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the tornado hit Rosewood Ridge, Presley is sent in to try and sell building supplies to those who are rebuilding.
Trace is helping with the clean-up after the tornado. He doesn't like it when companies prey on disaster victims, even if their representatives are captivatingly beautiful.

Rosewood Ridge has multiple series, and this book is the start of the Rosewood Ridge Heroes series. Each and every books is excellent.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presley has come to Rosewood Ridge to sell items to fix up the homes in the area after the tornado ripped through town.
Trace is a Rosewood Ridge native. He did not take kindly to what Presley had come into town to do, swindle those already hurt by the storm.
Presley falls in love with Rosewood Ridge and Trace.
Fast read, HEA. Steamy, mountain man story.

A huge thank you to Lilah Hart and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Rosewood Ridge Heroes series. After the tornado ripped through Rosewood Ridge these are the mountain men who step up and help to rebuild the town. Along the way they find the forever love they have always been looking for. Presley enters the town hoping to drum up business for her boss’s remodeling company. Running into Trace who has a few choice word to give to her boss. Love these short steamy reads.

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