What do you think?
Rate this book
Mount Blanc Rescue #9
Mountain Challenge
Ryland (Ry) Harrison likes women a lot more than he likes commitment. He's a charmer, a no-strings-attached kind of guy, hyper-competitive in a way that makes him really good at his job as a medic for the Chamonix mountain rescue team. He's used to women finding him charming, so he's totally unprepared—and rather intrigued—to meet a woman who doesn't even give him a second look.
A rescue mission gone wrong changes everything, making him realize he has much bigger problems than whether or not a particular tattoo artist likes him or not. Suddenly, everything he's worked for is at risk, and Ry doesn't know what parts of his life he'll be able to salvage. The one thing he knows for sure is that he's going to need all the help he can get from his team and his friends.
Isla Bernard has left the past behind. At least physically. Emotionally, that's something else. The image of her husband and one of her best friends getting to know each other in the biblical sense is burned into her retina and not something she's likely to ever forget. But she's put space between them, exchanged the hustle and bustle of Brussels for the quiet of Chamonix, a small town in the French Alps, and she's busy rebuilding her life. Busy being the operative word, because as the new owner of the local tattoo studio, she's working seven days a week. But it's work she loves, and she's going to make the business thrive, no matter what.
She needs a man like she needs ... nope, she simply doesn't need a man. Doesn't need the distraction, and doesn't need the potential heartache. Even if this particular man happens to be scalding hot, even if he makes her heart beat to a firm disco rhythm every time she lays eyes on him.
Then something happens that has her reevaluating everything she knows about him and about herself. And she realizes she has a choice to make, and the choice is not as simple as she once imagined it to be. Because if she can't trust herself, then who can she trust?
A rescue mission gone wrong changes everything, making him realize he has much bigger problems than whether or not a particular tattoo artist likes him or not. Suddenly, everything he's worked for is at risk, and Ry doesn't know what parts of his life he'll be able to salvage. The one thing he knows for sure is that he's going to need all the help he can get from his team and his friends.
Isla Bernard has left the past behind. At least physically. Emotionally, that's something else. The image of her husband and one of her best friends getting to know each other in the biblical sense is burned into her retina and not something she's likely to ever forget. But she's put space between them, exchanged the hustle and bustle of Brussels for the quiet of Chamonix, a small town in the French Alps, and she's busy rebuilding her life. Busy being the operative word, because as the new owner of the local tattoo studio, she's working seven days a week. But it's work she loves, and she's going to make the business thrive, no matter what.
She needs a man like she needs ... nope, she simply doesn't need a man. Doesn't need the distraction, and doesn't need the potential heartache. Even if this particular man happens to be scalding hot, even if he makes her heart beat to a firm disco rhythm every time she lays eyes on him.
Then something happens that has her reevaluating everything she knows about him and about herself. And she realizes she has a choice to make, and the choice is not as simple as she once imagined it to be. Because if she can't trust herself, then who can she trust?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
44 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 22, 2024
This is the first book I've read by J.R. Pace and I wasn't disappointed. Ry is a part of the PGHM Chamonix mountain search and rescue team and loves his job. Isla is new to town and owns a tattoo shop and loves designing the pieces of art that will be displayed on her clients body with her tattoos. They meet when Ry come to Isla's shop for a tattoo. The instant attraction is strong on both sides so Ry can't understand why Isla turns down his offer of dinner. You get to follow along as they learn to work out their different challenges and past hurts. There is some spice, lots of danger and intrigue and plot twist or two. This is a fast paced enjoyable read with lots of emotion. It is well written with good supporting characters and solid plot. I received an ARC of this book and I'm giving my honest review voluntarily.
November 29, 2024
Ry and Hugo were laughingly jokingly at Alex as he was gathering the remainder of his belongings to move in with his fiance, Yvette. Ry, Hugo and Alex were all on the elite Mont Blanc PGHM team, specializing in mountain rescue in the French Alps. But then they turned the tables on him saying Ry was afraid of relationships.
Ry's thoughts on a long-term relationship are two dates. He was happy for the members of his team who were settling down, but he wanted nothing to do with it. On the rare occasion that he made a third date, she was already planning their future and being exclusive. There was no fourth date. Luckily, his sister had just given birth taking away the pressure from their mom for grandkids.
Ry enjoyed the freedom and excitement that his job as a medic for the PGHM team brought him and had no plans of a relationship tying him down.
As soon as they arrived at their office which was conveniently within walking distance they were told they were needed. When Ry asked if he needed anything special for his med-pack he was surprised to hear that the local vet would be meeting them.
When they arrived at the top of the mountain they found out why their boss had given them a smirk as they left the office. He hated Valentine's Day. The man thought it would be romantic to propose and although he had to agree it was an amazing view the idiot went further by having his dog act as ring bearer. A dog who, although uninjured, was refusing to move forcing Hugo and Ry to cart the large dog down the mountain on a stretcher.
Isla hated Valentine's Day. As a tattooist the tattoos all revolved around hearts and the couples were the worst. She had three more appointments before she could happily close for the night. After her divorce, she knew that life wasn't all about hearts and roses.
But then the tall, gorgeous policeman walked through the door and she lost all words staring into his mesmerizing green eyes. She didn't date clients, but maybe one night...
I loved this story! Each of the Mont Blanc series books gets better and the stories more intense. This story is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this book has its own HEA, I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning as the characters are recurring and take active roles in each book in the series.
I love the relationship and camaraderie of the men and women of the PGHM. Each time I read a new book in the series it feels like catching up with old friends.
This book is action-packed, full of danger, highly emotional and smoking hot. The antagonist in this story has a few screws loose so if you have triggers regarding violence toward women be aware.
If you haven't read anything by JR Pace, I highly recommend this author! Her romantic suspense stories will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend and can't wait for Hugo's story.
Ry's thoughts on a long-term relationship are two dates. He was happy for the members of his team who were settling down, but he wanted nothing to do with it. On the rare occasion that he made a third date, she was already planning their future and being exclusive. There was no fourth date. Luckily, his sister had just given birth taking away the pressure from their mom for grandkids.
Ry enjoyed the freedom and excitement that his job as a medic for the PGHM team brought him and had no plans of a relationship tying him down.
As soon as they arrived at their office which was conveniently within walking distance they were told they were needed. When Ry asked if he needed anything special for his med-pack he was surprised to hear that the local vet would be meeting them.
When they arrived at the top of the mountain they found out why their boss had given them a smirk as they left the office. He hated Valentine's Day. The man thought it would be romantic to propose and although he had to agree it was an amazing view the idiot went further by having his dog act as ring bearer. A dog who, although uninjured, was refusing to move forcing Hugo and Ry to cart the large dog down the mountain on a stretcher.
Isla hated Valentine's Day. As a tattooist the tattoos all revolved around hearts and the couples were the worst. She had three more appointments before she could happily close for the night. After her divorce, she knew that life wasn't all about hearts and roses.
But then the tall, gorgeous policeman walked through the door and she lost all words staring into his mesmerizing green eyes. She didn't date clients, but maybe one night...
I loved this story! Each of the Mont Blanc series books gets better and the stories more intense. This story is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this book has its own HEA, I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning as the characters are recurring and take active roles in each book in the series.
I love the relationship and camaraderie of the men and women of the PGHM. Each time I read a new book in the series it feels like catching up with old friends.
This book is action-packed, full of danger, highly emotional and smoking hot. The antagonist in this story has a few screws loose so if you have triggers regarding violence toward women be aware.
If you haven't read anything by JR Pace, I highly recommend this author! Her romantic suspense stories will draw you in and keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend and can't wait for Hugo's story.
November 19, 2024
Ryland (Ry) Harrison is a medic with the Chamonix mountain rescue team and is very good at his job. He's also a lady's man and is used to getting attention from women so he's shocked when he meets a woman who seems uninterested. Then he finds himself in a situation where he's really going to need the support of his friends when a rescue goes wrong and everything he's worked for is at risk. With bigger problems in his life, he can't worry too much about a certain tattoo artist and whether she likes him or not. Isla Bernard has moved the small town of Chamonix in the French Alps and has tried to put her past behind her. However, trying to forget the image of her husband and one of her friends together isn't easy and she's decided that she doesn't need a man. Besides, she's busy trying to build her business, a tattoo studio. Still, the two are drawn together and Isla finds herself having to decide if she can trust herself in a relationship while Ry finds himself in an unusual situation of wanting something permanent.
I've absolutely loved this series and this book's no exception. It was well-written with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was drawn into this captivating story from the start and kept hooked not wanting to put it down. This was an amazing read full of action, intrigue, romance, and suspense. JR Pace is a simply amazing storyteller who'll pull you into her world allowing you to escape as you read. I enjoyed this book immensely and am really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series. I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
I've absolutely loved this series and this book's no exception. It was well-written with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was drawn into this captivating story from the start and kept hooked not wanting to put it down. This was an amazing read full of action, intrigue, romance, and suspense. JR Pace is a simply amazing storyteller who'll pull you into her world allowing you to escape as you read. I enjoyed this book immensely and am really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series. I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review.
November 24, 2024
After getting this as an ARC book and not reading the previous books it was easy to slip right in like reading it as a standalone. This is the first book from this author I've ever read and I absolutely loved the suspense and budding romance between Ry and Isla.
Isla who is a tattooist as she prefers to be known as and Ry who is an Aussie transplanted to Chamonix as mountain rescue find each other in a chance encounter in Isla's studio from the appt. Ry made to have some ink done. After a bit of trouble from a teen, Isla finds her tires slashed and Ry goes into protective mode and finds himself asking Isla out a few times until she agrees but that's after the fact that they wind up together the night of her tire problem. The story just escalates from there when Ry finds himself on a mountain rescue and one of the hikers gives him and Isla a whole bunch of trouble but I won't spoil the story from that.
After reading this book, now I need to catch up and read the series in order from the beginning to get to know the rest of the team and I'm definitely looking forward to Hugo's story to see if he gets his HEA.
Isla who is a tattooist as she prefers to be known as and Ry who is an Aussie transplanted to Chamonix as mountain rescue find each other in a chance encounter in Isla's studio from the appt. Ry made to have some ink done. After a bit of trouble from a teen, Isla finds her tires slashed and Ry goes into protective mode and finds himself asking Isla out a few times until she agrees but that's after the fact that they wind up together the night of her tire problem. The story just escalates from there when Ry finds himself on a mountain rescue and one of the hikers gives him and Isla a whole bunch of trouble but I won't spoil the story from that.
After reading this book, now I need to catch up and read the series in order from the beginning to get to know the rest of the team and I'm definitely looking forward to Hugo's story to see if he gets his HEA.
December 6, 2024
I always find books like this to be adorable. When 'he falls first' comes into play, normally because she's had some sort of trauma that she is attempting to move past, it feels so real.
It's hard to move forward when something big happens to us. But it's even worse when we can tell someone is one of those womanizing types who goes through the women around him like socks. It's easy enough to at least pretend not to be interested, but darn if it doesn't get harder the more they try to put themselves into our space like that.
On the other hand, what's a man got to do in order to show just how interested he is, when most of the time, he's not the one chasing but the one being chased after? The tables have certainly turned and it's going to take some sort of miracle (or natural disaster?) to see things through at this point.
Love is on the line when trouble hits. Dive in and see if these two who have been batting heads finally manage to come together in the end!
I definitely recommend for those that love a good "he falls first" book!
It's hard to move forward when something big happens to us. But it's even worse when we can tell someone is one of those womanizing types who goes through the women around him like socks. It's easy enough to at least pretend not to be interested, but darn if it doesn't get harder the more they try to put themselves into our space like that.
On the other hand, what's a man got to do in order to show just how interested he is, when most of the time, he's not the one chasing but the one being chased after? The tables have certainly turned and it's going to take some sort of miracle (or natural disaster?) to see things through at this point.
Love is on the line when trouble hits. Dive in and see if these two who have been batting heads finally manage to come together in the end!
I definitely recommend for those that love a good "he falls first" book!
November 23, 2024
Captivating, intriguing, intense, suspense, romance and steam, steam, repeat steam. I adore this series. The main characters have layers, lives of interests, friendships which all around the Chamonoix Mountain. You are taken on exhilarating rescues while navigating relationships. Thrilled to see some members from the the original Chamonoix Search and Rescue. Top it off with some heartbreak and early look into book 10. Mountain Challenge has a lot of steam, frequently. That is not my happy place, ha, that being said I know it ill be in the books and do not rate on anything but the plot, characters and does it hold my interest and intrigue me. 5 stars, it does. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #MountainChallenge, #MountBlancRescue #JRPace #Bookfunnel
November 28, 2024
Confirmed bachelor Ry meets Isla, a tattoo artist when he gets a new addition to his tattoo. She turns him down when he asks her out, a first for him but it doesn’t stop him from thinking about her, just more determined. Isla has her reasons for turning him down but he keeps earning brownie points until she can’t deny the attraction anymore. One night leads to more and soon the two are inseparable but a misunderstanding and a vengeful enemy may just finally put an end to their beginning.
A great read with suspense, steam, surprises and great characters. I loved the no over the top drama and the real emotions from Ry, not afraid to show them when it mattered. The story flowed nicely with a few intense moments and I couldn’t put it down.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
A great read with suspense, steam, surprises and great characters. I loved the no over the top drama and the real emotions from Ry, not afraid to show them when it mattered. The story flowed nicely with a few intense moments and I couldn’t put it down.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
November 26, 2024
Afraid of relationships?
Ah! This book runs Ry and you through so many different emotions, like a roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and sudden unexpected drops, some give a thrill and some are down right terrifying! But we also get to see a side of Ry that even he didn't think existed, a side that craves time with Isla, that misses her touch, longs for her smile, one that wants a relationship! Shocking as it is Ry isn't scared by this and the play boy becomes an attentive, committed boyfriend.....eek!
A great book, I read this on Kindle Unlimited and look forward to Hugo's book, coming soon.
Ah! This book runs Ry and you through so many different emotions, like a roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and sudden unexpected drops, some give a thrill and some are down right terrifying! But we also get to see a side of Ry that even he didn't think existed, a side that craves time with Isla, that misses her touch, longs for her smile, one that wants a relationship! Shocking as it is Ry isn't scared by this and the play boy becomes an attentive, committed boyfriend.....eek!
A great book, I read this on Kindle Unlimited and look forward to Hugo's book, coming soon.
July 17, 2025
This is book 9 in The Mont Blanc Rescue Series. I’ve read all of her books and this one does not disappoint. It has action, suspense, romance, humor and a great friend group. It’s always nice to see characters from previous books pop up. I enjoyed Ry and Isla’s story and look forward to more books in this series.
I would always recommend anything JR Pace writes is a must read. If you enjoy action and romantic suspense with a HEA check out this series. Each book can be read as a standalone but to get the best effect I recommend reading them in order. I would also check out some of her other series they are all full of action, interesting characters with emotional storylines.
I would always recommend anything JR Pace writes is a must read. If you enjoy action and romantic suspense with a HEA check out this series. Each book can be read as a standalone but to get the best effect I recommend reading them in order. I would also check out some of her other series they are all full of action, interesting characters with emotional storylines.
November 27, 2024
Awesome:
I loved every moment of this book, from the nail biting action to the sweet and tender moments and everything in between. It was lovely being back with this search and rescue team and catching up with past characters, however it could totally be read as a standalone.
Ry and Isla made a wonderful couple and I liked how well these two communicated and that there wasn't any unnecessary drama.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I loved every moment of this book, from the nail biting action to the sweet and tender moments and everything in between. It was lovely being back with this search and rescue team and catching up with past characters, however it could totally be read as a standalone.
Ry and Isla made a wonderful couple and I liked how well these two communicated and that there wasn't any unnecessary drama.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 4, 2024
This is book 9 in the series, where it can be read as a stand-alone (as I did) I think you would have more knowledge by this far in the series of the layout of land and residual characters. There are several couples already and I can only assume the prior books are their stories.
I did still enjoy this book even though I had not read any of the previous books. It's your typical romance though honestly. But still a cute story. I was intrigued the whole time, and truly devastated when Hugo was hurt. Happy to hear the next book is his story.
I did still enjoy this book even though I had not read any of the previous books. It's your typical romance though honestly. But still a cute story. I was intrigued the whole time, and truly devastated when Hugo was hurt. Happy to hear the next book is his story.
June 18, 2025
3.5 stars
Ryland is the medic for the team and Isla is a tattoo artist
Ry goes to her for a tat and asks her out. She says no as she is not totally over her ex husband sleeping with her best friend
He doesn’t give up and goes back and asks her out again. She says no and he takes it. When he walks her out someone has slashed her tyres
Ry gets called to save two guys who are high. One of them pushes the other and he nearly falls. Ry has to grab him and hurts his shoulder in the process.
The man tries to sue saying he was hurt in the process. There’s an investigation and Ry is cleared and its obvious the man is going to do something
He kidnaps Isla and honestly out of all the books and all the abductions she goes through the worst. He doesn’t rape her but he touches and its rough.
One of his teammates gets hurt in the rescue and I think his book is next. She is ok just a bit bruised.
I liked Ry and Islas relationship, it seemed to grow organically but these books are all basic copies of each other by now
Ryland is the medic for the team and Isla is a tattoo artist
Ry goes to her for a tat and asks her out. She says no as she is not totally over her ex husband sleeping with her best friend
He doesn’t give up and goes back and asks her out again. She says no and he takes it. When he walks her out someone has slashed her tyres
Ry gets called to save two guys who are high. One of them pushes the other and he nearly falls. Ry has to grab him and hurts his shoulder in the process.
The man tries to sue saying he was hurt in the process. There’s an investigation and Ry is cleared and its obvious the man is going to do something
He kidnaps Isla and honestly out of all the books and all the abductions she goes through the worst. He doesn’t rape her but he touches and its rough.
One of his teammates gets hurt in the rescue and I think his book is next. She is ok just a bit bruised.
I liked Ry and Islas relationship, it seemed to grow organically but these books are all basic copies of each other by now
November 21, 2024
Awesome romantic suspense with it all. There’s lots of action, drama, angst, mystery, wonderful characters and, storyline. There’s Ry an Officer with the Mountain Rescue teams, who is also a known playboy. Isla is new to town and owns the tattoo shop. She loves designing tattoo’s. Danger comes to town that no one saw coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Ms Pace.
November 28, 2024
I have read this entire series and am glad that we finally get Ryland's story and bonus he is a Aussie he is the medic for PGHM Chamonix mountain search and rescue team and he is also their resident playboy he has seen his team mates fall and now it is his turn Only problem the woman he has fallen for is Isla Bernard the new to town tattooist who after having her husband betrayed her with one of her friends But when danger stalks her and a rescue goes wrong they and the team will have to work together if they are all to survive
This was a fast paced read with plenty of suspense and drama and a fair bit of heated romance a great read that I enjoyed until I turned the last page
This was a fast paced read with plenty of suspense and drama and a fair bit of heated romance a great read that I enjoyed until I turned the last page
December 4, 2024
This series is just so amazing I never want it to end! The men a hunky heroes and the women they fall for are strong and brave. Ry and Isla are perfect for each other and have amazing chemistry. I love the exciting story line and the spicy romance. This is a fantastic book that had me on the edge of my seat. Great series I definitely recommend! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
January 27, 2025
A Closet Teddy Bear
Who knew that Ry was a closet teddy bear. Behind the womanizer and happy-go-lucky persona was a professional who truly cared for his victims and colleagues at great mental and physical cost to himself. I fell more in love with Ry as the story went on. He and Isla made a great couple. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat a few times, especially at the end. I can’t wait for Hugo’s story.
Who knew that Ry was a closet teddy bear. Behind the womanizer and happy-go-lucky persona was a professional who truly cared for his victims and colleagues at great mental and physical cost to himself. I fell more in love with Ry as the story went on. He and Isla made a great couple. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat a few times, especially at the end. I can’t wait for Hugo’s story.
November 19, 2024
Wow! Another exciting read in the Mount Blanc rescue series. Even though it’s book 9, it’s a standalone. This series keeps on getting better and better in my opinion. So much action and suspense between Ry and Isla. Some edge of your seat type moments and I must admit that one part brought tears to eyes. This is one book that doesn’t disappoint!
November 19, 2024
He loves women but not commitment and he is enjoying his life until an accident makes him realize that he may just lose everything. One woman wants nothing to do with him as she does not want the issues again. She caught them in bed with another woman and it may be a new chapter for them both. See how they both get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and is a very beautiful love story
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and is a very beautiful love story
November 21, 2024
Both Isla and Ry are guarded about relationships for different reasons. Two difficult rescues put Ry out of action giving him some free time and threats to Isla mean she gravitates to Ry. However, the danger escalates alongside their relationship. Both Ry and Isla are great characters and I was rooting for them. Also love seeing the rest of the team. Very much looking forward to Henry's book.
November 23, 2024
This is another fantastic addition to an amazing series. The men of PGHM are unwavering in their courageous rescue efforts and are all in when it comes to their women. Ry is no exception. The suspense is edge of your seat and I love the imagery Pace paints regarding the beauty and vastness of the Chamonix Mountains.
November 26, 2024
I was very excited for this and I did overall enjoy the storyline as well as the characters. However - I lately just wish the author gave us a little more… This book would’ve been SO much better if (specifically the middle and ending part) it would’ve been a little longer and more planned out…
2.75⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
2.75⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
November 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from this extremely talented author.
The storyline is well written with wonderful characters.
The story is fast paced full of suspense and intrigue with a definite happy ever after.
Can’t wait for more from this author
A must read.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
The storyline is well written with wonderful characters.
The story is fast paced full of suspense and intrigue with a definite happy ever after.
Can’t wait for more from this author
A must read.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
November 20, 2024
Action, adventure and romance all rolled into one with this book.
Two people, not wanting commitment, meet and want a no-strings relationship.
Again, a lot of adventure in this book.
Book 9, but may be read as a standalone (I have not read previous books).
Two people, not wanting commitment, meet and want a no-strings relationship.
Again, a lot of adventure in this book.
Book 9, but may be read as a standalone (I have not read previous books).
December 30, 2024
The ninth story in the Mont Blanc Rescue, Ryland (Ry) Harrison and Isla Bernard's story is well written and kept me turning pages. There is drama, action, suspense, twists, turns and romance. I want to read the next book.I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 27, 2024
So happy to have another book out in this amazing series! Ry and Isla make a wonderful couple, simply loved their story!
December 1, 2024
This book was great! I loved every minute of this book. It was full of romance, action, and adventure. I would highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read more by J.R. Pace!
February 13, 2025
I havevloved every single one of this series, cant wait for the next one to be published.
January 2, 2025
Once I started, I couldn't put this one down. I really love this series and how close the characters are to each other. The plot was good and flowed smoothly throughout. I thought the characters were well developed and easily relatable. Another great read in this series from JR Pace.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy from Hidden Gems.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews