Kept By The Mountain Man

Sweetheart Falls

by Shaw Hart

I’m her boss, but she’s my everything.

Evie
I have three problems.
The first is my grumpy boss, Hendrix, making my job ten times harder.
The second is Claire and her mean girl clique in town.
The third problem is my biggest.
See, I just lied and told everyone in town that Hendrix, and I have been secretly dating.
I only did it to get Claire and her friends to stop making jokes about me being perpetually single.
Now I’m just hoping that Hendrix never finds out what I did.

Hendrix
I’ve been shot at and almost blown up while I was in the Marines, but I think that the hardest thing I’ve ever done is try to ignore my attraction to my curvy assistant.
Then I find out that Evie has told people that we’re dating, and I start to wonder why I’ve been fighting my feelings so much.
When Evie asks me to pretend to be her fake boyfriend and go with her to the towns fair, I agree, but I’ve got bigger plans than being my dream girls fake anything.
Evie is meant to be mine and I intend to show her that and once she’s mine, I aim to make her my very real wife.

Genres: Romance, Novella

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

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Email: contact@shawhart.com

Reviews

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie works for the grumpy reclusive mountain man Hendrix. He makes her life complicated, but she has a huge crush on him and thinks he would never go for a curvy girl like her. Well, Hendrix is obsessed with Evie but can't find the right words to tell her how he feels. When Evie needs to tell them(mean girls) they are dating, Hendrix finally gets his chance to make her fall for him. What started as fake dating never really was and quickly changed into the real deal. 😊 Instalove, boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine, fun to read, romantic , steamy , sweet and totally safe(for me it was dual virgins) with an awesome HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is a curvy girl. She left her hometown of Wolf Valley, Oregon to travel. She lost her purse while traveling and ended up in Sweetheart Falls. She took a job with Hendrix nine months ago to save enough money to move back to Wolf Valley and be closer to her best friend Olive. He is grumpy and partly a recluse, but Evie can’t help having a crush on him. Since coming to town, she has been constantly harassed by a mean girl named Claire and her friends. When cornered in the bookstore, Evie lies and tells them that she and Hendrix have been dating.

Hendrix is a retired Marine who got out of the service two years ago after being shot in the shoulder. He started his own IT company about 18 months ago because he prefers to be by himself. He bought a cabin on the outskirts of Sweetheart Falls. He hired Evie to be his assistant so she can deal with the clients while he does the actual IT work. When he goes into town to get them lunch, he hears about the rumor that he and Evie are dating. He asks Evie about it and agrees to be her fake boyfriend. He secretly has been in love with her since he met her and hopes to find out if she feels the same about him.

Individually, both Evie and Hendrix had their issues. It was cute how they both had to get out of their comfort zone to try to make the ruse work.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Sweetheart Falls series each can be read as a standalone with a mountain man and the one who captures his undivided attention. Hendrix sexy as all get retired Marine isn’t patient with people owns his own company needing an assistant but so far, the turnover is quick because of people skills, not accepting other people’s non-work ethic or work like him, and it has been that way until his latest assistant walked through the door, he knew she was going to be his. Evie is sweet, curvy girl who has been looked at funny because she looks like all the other girls, but she likes herself so getting hired as the new assistant to the sexy military mountain man never believing he would see her as anything but his assistant and when some of the mean women start in on her again she of course says the first thing that pops into her head or her what she has fantasized about for so long that the two of them are dating. Now without knowing she open the door for Hendrix he has wanted that open for a while now they start the fake relationship that doesn’t feel so fake right from the beginning but will he be honest about his feelings, will she be honest about her feelings, can they make believers out of the nay sayers, will she accept all of him, will he make her see that he likes all of her curves, and is it happiness they find?

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

Kept by the Mountain Man is part of the multi-authored Sweetheart Falls series but has a Wolf Valley connection. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, slight age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, fake dating, curvy virgin gets her boss romance. Evie is a 23 year old curvy virgin from Wolf Valley. She ends up in Sweetheart Falls until she has enough money to return home. Hendrix is a 28 year old ex-marine, now IT business owner. He is a bit stoic and reclusive. He hires Evie as his assistant and is immediately taken with the bright and sunny, curvy beauty. She is crushing on her grumpy boss, too. One day, when she is teased by the town mean girls for being plus-sized and single, she tells them that she's dating Hendrix. Hendrix finds out and sees it as the perfect opportunity to win her over as his real girlfriend. I just loved Hendrix. He was a man of few words but loved her so much with his actions. He took such good care of him. They were perfect together! They had great chemistry, and we got an amazing HEA after some minor angst. I loved it!!.

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

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve got you,” I whisper against her lips. “I’ll always have you.”

“I’m not used to feeling like this, not used to having someone get under my skin this way, but that’s exactly what she does to me whenever she’s close, whenever I see her, whenever I think about her. Every. Damn. Time.”

Be prepared to have a smile on your face, and a full heart for the entire story. Hendrix is the quintessential Grumpy cinnamon roll H, so attentive to her, which she hadn’t seen, even though she has worked for him for the past 9 months. When he gets the chance to “fake date” her, he jumps at the chance. Sweet, yet so hot and sensual, you don’t want the story to end. Hope one day Shaw writes love stories for their kids - it would be great to experience the interactions between them and their adult children as the new generation gets their chance for their soul mate. Don’t forget the bonus scene!.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Sweetheart Falls series and focuses on Hendrix and Evie. Hendrix owns his own company and was in need of an assistant when he hired Evie. He fell for her at first sight and hired her so he could be closer to her. Hendrix had loved Evie for 9 months when his golden opportunity to win her over fell right into his lap and he ran with it. Hendrix knew that Evie was his forever and was determined to show her that he was the perfect person for her and that she was the one for him. He just wanted to love and care for her in any way that he could and when he was finally able to do that the way he wanted, he finally felt like a piece of himself settled. 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.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is the assistant to Hendrix in his business. He is well known for having no people skills, and he doesn't put up with their crap. So Evie is valuable to him. She doesn't know how strongly he is attracted to her. Evie tells them she and Hendrix are a couple to get the mean women to shut up their mockery of her. Of course, this is just the opening that Hendrix takes advantage of. Here is where the story begins: a fake relationship that becomes real. I love these two characters. The spice is excellent, and they have a great HEA.

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

[Keilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendrix is an antisocial software programmer and Evie was doing a cross country trip when she ran out of money and got stranded in the town he lives in. She applies to work for him and immediately sparks fly especially. The mean girl clique was really trashy considering that Evie is new to town. They’re all supposed to be adults and here they are picking on someone. But it worked out because it made Hendrix realize he didn’t need to hold back. I was glad of the end, I don’t want to spoil it but it made me happy they wouldn’t have to deal with those girls all the time.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kept By The Mountain. Evie has a crush on her boss Hendrix and when the town bully pusher her too far she says they are dating. Hendrix takes this as his chance to show her how he really feels. He will treat her so good that she never wants to leave him. She’s planning on moving soon but the thought of leaving Hendrix leaves her upset. Is this fake relationship taking a real turn? They both hope so but don’t tell each other. I loved the storyline and the characters. He’s grumpy and she’s sunshine. I woukd definitely recommend this book.

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

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!
Hendrix is a man of few words but when he talks, people tend to listen. He's grumpy, tends to be pessimistic and so in love with Evie.
Evie is happy, full of life, optimistic and so in love with Hendrix.
But is being in love with each other enough? How will Hendrix react when he hears a rumor that he is secretly dating Evie? Will they each finally tell the other the truth? Evie is working to make enough money to go back home to Wolf Valley. Will Hendrix just let the love of his life walk away?? I think we all know the answer because this is a Shaw Hart book after all😍
5⭐
2.5🌶

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaw Hart joins the fabulous multi-author series Sweetheart Falls with Kept by the Mountain Man. My favourite romance trope is fake relationship and Shaw Hart delivers is wonderfully in the entertaining boss-employee romance between Hendrix and Evie. When Evie tries to get some mean girls off her back by claiming she's dating her boss, Hendrix is more than happy to play along. In fact, the sexy mountain man is intent on making her his. Swoony and steamy, Kept by the Mountain Man is an entertaining and fun read.

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

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story to read if you are in the mood for something quick and light. Hendrix (H) and Evie (h) were in love with each other but never made a move. Fake dating turned to real love. I liked how it wasn't drawn out or angsty. It was a very sweet and steamy read!

H-28 yrs old. He said he never dated and there was never any mention of previous women or experiences. Virgin?!?!

h-23 yrs old. Virgin

No condom use

No OW/OM drama

Safe read.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie has a crush on her boss, Hendrix but thinks the grumpy mountain man would never look twice at her. Hendrix is in love with Evie but doesn’t know how to tell her how he feels. When Evie tell the towns gossipy mean girls they are dating to get them to leave her alone Hendrix takes his chance to show her they are forever. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a loving, if grumpy, hero and a wonderful HEA.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series called Sweetheart Falls. Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, ex military, fake dating, and innocent FMC. Evie was such a sweet character. Hendrix was a grump but he paid attention to his assistant Evie. I enjoyed the characters and how Hendrix just adored Evie. Sweet short instalove story.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept by the Mountain Man is soooo cute! Evie and Hendrix are absolute perfection together. I love Evie’x sassy mouth and kind heart, and how she stands up for herself when necessary. Hendrix is a bit of an enigma, and I love how he pays attention to all the little details. Their story is sweet. Hot. So much fun!

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hendrix and Evie

Sweet and heartwarming story.
Evie has been in love with her grumpy boss since she first started working with him, but she was under no illusion that her feelings would ever be reciprocated.
When she declares that she is dating him to fend off the mean girls in town, she only hopes he never finds out.
But he does, and his reaction has Evie wondering why she didn't do it earlier.
Good read.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another hit for Shaw.

The slow burn of a powder keg can be felt between these two characters. They both have their own ways of dealing with things, and well....its not always something you can pick up on.

The way Evie is polar opposite of Hendrix, but compliments his grumpy side so well. The yearning and want for each other really ingrains itself on every page. This was a great story, lots of humor, and very much sexy smouldering moments.

Give this a read today!!

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie and Hendrix's story is quick read that takes your heart on a fun ride that starts with a little white lie and turns into the HEA.

Evie works for Hendrix and has a crush on him. Hendrix questions himself for hiring Evie as he wants her more than an assistant. I love that fate brings them together in an unexpected way and show the protected side of Hendrix.

Good read for that afternoon escape.

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

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrão x Funcionária

Ah, eu estava com saudades de ler um livro da Shaw Hart. Eu aguardei muito esse aqui, desde que li a sinopse, ainda na pré-venda, e a espera valeu a pena! Evie e Hendrix são completos opostos, mas são perfeitos um para o outro. Que prazer acompanhar esse romance, que teve tudo o que eu gosto: patrão x funcionária, opostos que se atraem, relacionamento de mentira e um leeeve toque de enemies to lovers no começo. Eu amei demais, super recomendo!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie left home for an adventure but got stranded on her way home

Hendrixs is an ex-Marine recluse who's better with computers than people. Evie interviews for a job as his assistant and he was smitten immediately! She brought sunshine to his grumpy life and when he finds out that people think they're a couple he insists they 'fake date'. Feelings get real quickly and they finally declare it's never been fake. Cute story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Evie and Hendrex, they suited each other so much and I wanted them to be brave enough to be honest about their feelings. I believed in their connection and chemistry, and in their future together. I loved the ways that Hendrix showed Evie that he cared and how well she understood who was.

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice quick read with a fake dating trope that reveals feelings that both MC's were secretly harboring. The two main characters have chemistry and the protector instinct in the MMC is a favorite book boyfriend trait.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie has been in love with her boss since they first met, but he is the biggest grump she has ever met. He hardly even speak to her, all he does is grunts and maybe says two words strung together. Hendrix has been in love with Evie since he hired her to be his assistant. Evie makes a crucial mistake, or maybe not so bad when she tells some bullies that she is dating Hendrix. He goes along with their fake dating, hoping that it turns into a more permanent solution. Will Hendrix and Evie end up together?

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun quick story. Hendrix is a grumpy boss and he fell for his assistant Evie when he was interviewing her. He has kept his feelings to himself. Fast forward almost a year and he hears a rumor that he and Evie are dating! This is his chance to make his move he will go with her idea of faking the relationship then show her they are made for each other!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is tired of being bullied by mean girl, Claire, she tells her she is dating her boss, Hendrix. Hendrix fell for her on their first meeting, and he hired her. Now nine months late opportunity falls in his lap and he is not going to waste it. They go on a "fake" date but to him it is real.

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

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick, fun and light steamy small town read. A boss employee story about Evie and Hendrix, who have been attracted to each other since they met, but they've never done anything about it.

Now that a little white lie has been told to some mean girls, Hendrix realizes he should make a move.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story

It’s a fake dating where both love each other but are afraid to admit it. When Evie is made fun of by some cruel girls she tells them she’s been dating her boss Hendrix. When He dries finds out he thinks he finally has his chance for the woman he loves. Loved this story it’s sweet and steamy and a fast read.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Evie and Hendrix love each other but don't say anything. It is good that mean girls can be good for something. I liked how Evie and Hendrix finally get together for good.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. It was full of steamy chemistry, passion, a little bit of drama, and a fake relationship which never really ends up being fake. I enjoy this storyline and I enjoy reading how they try to fight their feelings for each other. It makes the ending that much better.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie is working as a personal assistant for Hendrix. He's grumpy and speaks very little. She falls for him. He fell for her at first sight. Loved that their fake relationship became real. Received a free copy.