Wild Nature

Deer Springs #2

by Lily Birch

This grumpy mountain man’s not looking for love.

Life is finally back on track after a series of missteps for grumpy mountain man Gabe Hudson. He’s a park ranger known for handing out the most tickets to tourists.

To keep himself in line, he follows rules and enforces them.

But with his job already at risk due to a few anger management incidents, he runs into serious trouble when he catches Lauren Sharp hiking in a restricted area, and gives her two tickets.

Does she have to threaten his job over those tickets? Evidently.

One verbal sparring match later, and they have a mutual hate-hate relationship started.

But when she starts popping up everywhere, including his best friend’s party, Gabe knows he’s in trouble. He has to stay away from this beautiful, hot mess of a woman, even as she invades his whole world.

Will these enemies find love on the mountain?

Author’s Ozark Mountain man, enemies to lovers small town romantic comedy. Hate to love. Opposites attract. Two adrenaline junkies whose hearts are on a collision course. Steamy, outdoor adventure romance. Full-Length Novel. Open door. Heat level 🔥🔥🔥🔥 out of 5.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Lily Birch writes short and steamy instalove romance featuring sexy mountain men and the curvy women who fall for them.

She publishes a new short read every Friday. ❤️

She lives in the Ozark mountains in a one-stoplight town with her mountain man husband, a diva pug and a devious beagle.

Visit her at lilybirch.com to catch every new release.

Reviews

[Mia Cavaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Deer Springs series by Lily Birch, it’s the story of Gabe Hudson and Lauren Sharp who meet unexpectedly and immediately dislike each other... after all, he’s a park ranger and she’s a hiker on a restricted trail... things go downhill from there!

As set by the author, Deer Springs is full of quirky, angsty characters who just seem to fit together... I’ve grown to enjoy their conversations, quarrels and gossip... all while peeling away the layers of each personality as hate turns to friendship and/or love... Gabe and Lauren have those complicated encounters and confusing feelings throughout the story until they make those tentative, but deep connections.

I have to admit that it felt very difficult to warm up to Lauren as the female lead. She is a total mess, adrenaline junkie, and always causing problems for Gabe. I kept thinking how annoying she was... carefree yes, but her careless disregard for Gabe’s concerns and need for more structure in his life had me on edge myself. Of course, he has his own issues, but she seemed to always make things worse. And, then he would try to counter her actions with attitude, which just pushed her respond. Lots of drama and angst in Deer Springs! As their backstories unfold, you realize why they are the way they are... and, just maybe, why they belong together.

I did enjoy reading Wild Nature, and recommend it to everyone who loves these cozy, enemies to lovers, small town romances... Gabe and Lauren fit right in with their crowd of friends, and you’ll like to meet them, too! Another endearing story from Lily Birch!.

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

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe & Lauren: Book 3 of Deer Springs Small Town Romance: Can be read as a standalone. Opposites attract/ enemies to lovers/ grumpy-sunshine/ park ranger & rule breaker/ adrenaline junkie/ small town RomCom: Love the characters and the crazy journey this book takes you on. This was a fun and enjoyable addition to the Deer Springs series.

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

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot mess, Lauren, a nature and adrenaline junkie tangles with a grumpy state park trooper by the name of Gabe who loves the quiet. A carefree attitude and a serious and lover of rules find opposites are definitely the way to go. Humorous romance fun to read.

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third story in the Deer Springs, Gabe Hudson and Lauren Sharp meet when she is doing something she shouldn't be. They are so different from each other. I found their story to be well worth reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with intriguing and interesting elements that hold your focus throughout. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities. The love story is fun and pulls you into their relationship. Highly recommend.

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

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Lauren and Gabe. I liked how it was told from both points of view and the great setting, but I did find Lauren a reckless character that I didn't warm to.

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

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooh I loved this! Gabe, a mountain man park ranger that follows all the rules, meets Lauren, an adreneline junkie rule-breaker, out on a danger trail she shouldn't be on, picking illegal shrubbery no less. Their relationship is fueled by their hatred for each other and the tension is delicious. It is so satisfying when they finally give into each other. However, this book lacked spice and some of the dialogue fell flat. But overall, really, really enjoyed the story. Would re-read. :)