Longing for the Mountain Man

Willowbrook Ridge Lodge #4

by Julia Stone

Thanks to understaffing and forced overtime, I miss dinner. Unwilling to leave the lodge and risk going down the mountain for a meal, I sneak into the kitchen for a quick bite—until I’m caught red-handed by Justice, the lodge’s new head chef. I brace myself for a lecture or worse, but instead, he serves me a meal with a smile. The cost of his silence? I have to come back tomorrow night to eat something fresh.


I catch this beauty stealing food, and all I want is for her to sit down and eat something I’ve made—something I’ve put real care into like I rarely get to do. But soon, cooking for her isn’t enough. I want more than her empty plate; I want her heart, too. If she keeps returning, I’ll make sure she leaves craving more than just my cooking.

42 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2024

Reviews

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is food really the way to someone's heart?
Frankie is a housekeeper at the lodge in Willowbrook Ridge. After a long day, she needs something to eat. She might have walked down to town, but she's afraid of the animals she could encounter on the mountain road. So she decides to sneak something out of the kitchen. No one will know. Except when she comes out of the walk-in, she realizes she's not alone. The new head chef is leaning on the wall, watching with amusement. Busted.
Justice is the new head chef at the lodge. He catches Frankie stealing some soup one night and not only helps her, but tells her to come back the next night so he can cook something fresh for her. He's seen her around, but hasn't gotten the chance to talk to her. She intrigues him, and he wants to get to know her. He figures the best way to do that is to cook dinner for her. Every night.
Frankie's shy, and she's not really sure why Justice would offer to cook for her. But she doesn't mind spending time with the handsome chef. When she offers to buy him dinner as a thank you, and he turns it into a date, she gets her answer.
Oh they're so cute! Justice is really sweet as he woos her with his cooking, putting his whole heart into the task. Frankie knows people talk about her, but she feels safe with Justice.
This was a fun read, with a shy housekeeper and the hot chef who cooks his way into her heart.
I'm loving this series!

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

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to the kitchen of the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge and Justice catches Frankie helping herself to some food after working all day without a break. He is instantly smitten with the young woman wanting to take care of her by cooking her dinner each night. Frankie finds herself wishing for more with the handsome chef, is she brave enough to make a move?

A sweet insta-love novella involving two characters who didn’t know they needed each other until a surprise meeting. I did find there was not as much depth to the characters as the previous stories. I’m unsure what the purpose of mentioning other staff were complaining about Frankie when there was nothing else mentioned later? Also, it’s stated that she is working hard enough to not have her break, so why are other staff complaining about her? There was no conflict or unnecessary involvement of other people, and a brief epilogue included. A quick enjoyable read and I’m hoping for more from the lodge.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She works in housekeeping at the resort, they have been shortstaffed recently and it’s a busy time so when she gets to the kitchen and it’s after hours, she can’t help but look around for something to eat, even though it’s against the rules. He is the chef and he has had his eye on her for a while so when she ends up in his kitchen, he decides the timing is right. This is a short story format so you don’t expect detailed character development or complicated plot lines. It is a pretty simple story in the hearing and now you don’t really have much background on either main character. Once they start their nightly kitchen dates, things start to sizzle quickly. They get steamy and he is all in, knowing she is the one for him. He just has to convince her that they can cook up their own happily ever after in his cabin in the woods.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie (h), a housekeeper at Willowbrook Ridge Lodge, sneaks into the lodge kitchen after a long shift, and unexpectedly crosses paths with head chef Justice (H). What begins as a playful standoff over stolen potato soup quickly turns into something much deeper. Justice sees through Frankie’s tough exterior, drawn to her wit and hidden vulnerability, while she finds herself captivated by his quiet confidence and unshakable kindness. Through nightly shared meals and candid conversations, their connection deepens, shifting from lighthearted banter to undeniable attraction. Justice is determined to show Frankie that she’s worthy of love and care, while Frankie learns to let her walls down, trusting someone for the first time in years. Sweet and steamy mountain man, romance, exploring love, vulnerability, trust, affection, and connection.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably one of my favorite in the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge Series.

I love how Frankie might be down and out, but she's not afraid to do the hard work. She gets busy with all the rush of the Lodge, and meal time has long gone. I love how she deciedes a little snack isn't going to hurt anyone.

I love even more how Justice is just there, watching, waiting, willing to feed her. How you can gush a little over this hunk of man wanting nothing more to feed Frankie, and see her joy in having his food. They always say food is the way to the heart, and BOY is that true here!!!

This is fast, sweet, kind that touches you when you see a man wanting to genuinely take care of a woman, and some good ol fashioned Spice, and Romance. Its just the insta-love read we could all use right now. This series has all the hits you need to get us thru those long cold nights!

[Gwynne Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longing for the Mountain Man," the fourth book in the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series, is a romance novel that portrays the developing relationship between Frankie, a lodge employee, and Justice, the newly appointed head chef. Their connection begins with a chance encounter in the kitchen and grows into a deep and meaningful romance.

The beautiful mountain lodge is a picturesque and romantic background for their love story. Their attraction to each other are palpable.The characters are well-developed, and their clear chemistry is a potent addition to their journey of love and self-discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend it.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie is one of only two housekeepers for the lodge and she hasn't had any dinner;so when she missed dinner. What does she decide since she doesn't have car to go get a meal;decides to grab something from the cooler. Justice,the chef, catches and help her fill a container. Plus he tells her to come back tomorrow and he will have something for her. Justice has heard gossip, but he wants to learn who she really is for himself by spending time to talk with her. He keeps feeding her every day even on his days off. When will either one of them express their true feelings to the other,if ever? What does Frankie do to step up what seems to be happening?.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

small town romance.
Frankie is a young woman who works as a housekeeper in a lodge. when she finds herself understaffed and overwhelmed by work she finds herself sneaking into the lodge kitchens after hours to prepare a meal. she then meets Justice the lodge's chef.
Justice is a gruff cook when he comes across Frankie stealing food outside of hours it's love at first sight. he then wants to prepare all her meals and more.
Will Frankie and Justice be able to live a romance or will the lodge gossip condemn them before they even start a story...

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back on the mountain, Justice and Frankie, the main characters of this story, find themselves sharing time over meals. Stone gives a good sense of both MCs in this story. Frankie is a bit of a loner, though a good worker despite some rumors. Justice has taken over the kitchen since Donnie stepped down, and he finds he likes creating special dishes for a certain lodge maid. Neither is looking for "things" to develope, but...

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice and Frankie’s story
Book Title-Longing for the Mountain Man: An OTT Instalove Short Romance
Author-Julia Stone
MMC/FMC- Justice and Frankie
Genre-Mountain man Romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 4 of Willowbrook Ridge Lodge
What I liked-Frankie and Justice are too cute for words. They’re a little nerdy and timid around each other at first but their chemistry only grows. I love the character build up and the development between the two main characters.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice and Frankie. Hes the lodges new head chef. She works at the lodge. She had to work overtime and missed dinner. Not wanting to walk up the mountain she goes to the kitchen to grab a bite and is caught my none other than the new chef. He gladly makes her a to go plate and says come back to eat a fresh meal for his silence. She does night after night then meals in her room and then his cabin and then .. well you know LOL. Great short sexy feel good story.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Instalove quick read is WONDERFUL. Even though this is a standalone with no cliffhanger, it fits in nicely with the “Willowbrook Ridge Lodge” series. I really enjoy hearing about characters from previous books.
As a hopeless romantic, these books give me such enjoyment. In about 90 minutes I can immerse myself in a lovely, steamy story, and this one was FANTASTIC.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short, sweet story, Frankie is a housekeeper at the lodge. When she misses a meal, she sneaks into the kitchen after her shift and is caught by Justice, the new head chef. She fears she is in trouble, but Justice invites her back for his cooking the next night. And the next. And the next. They get to know each other and both are smitten. Expect a HEA.

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

["They Did What?" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an insta-love story with Justice and Frankie. They are so cute together and I love how Frankie is the perfect amount of strong and shy. The love scene is well done and has some humor laced in which was nice. I enjoyed this quick read, and it worked well for a short break in my busy schedule.

[Ineta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Instalove Short Romance stories of Willowbrook Ridge Lodge. And Love characters who are just perfect for each other. Frankie, with her nighty ritual of sneaking into the kitchen. And Justice who just wants her at his side... forever.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series. Tropes: age gap, chef, and innocent FMC . Frankie is a housekeeper at the lodge and Justice is the head chef. Frankie doesn't make friends easily and finds herself drawn to Justice. Quick read. Read in under an hour.

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

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longing for the Mountain Man is book four of the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge Series.

Frankie and Justice were just the cutest together. I really liked how caring Justice was about Frankie. He wanted to make sure she didn't go hungry so he took care of her the way he knew how, but ensuring she always ate. They had instant chemistry and I loved being there for their relationship journey.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is the cook and she is the maid at a lodge. He catches her getting food and helps her. She thinks he is up to something. These two are cute and at the epilogue she will have you laughing. I loved the story and characters. Cannot wait for the next story.

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

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series, this is such an excellent series of quick-read romances! Justice wants to cook for Frankie and build their relationship by providing excellent meals for her. Food is Justice's love language!

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read in this series Willowbrook Ridge Lodge. This is book four. The author gives us characters that you will enjoyable and get invested into. The story flows well, and the characters have great chemistry. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining mountain man chef Insta love short story, romance, book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 4 in The Willowbrook Ridge Lodge Book Series has an intriguing story, a well-crafted world and engaging characters. These characters have unique personalities, believable interactions and complicated histories. This story has a woman sneaking a meal, the new loner Head Chef, price of meal: come back for a fresh meal, sharing meals, a connection, twists, turns, chemistry and love.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie works at the lodge and during a long shift decides to sneak into the kitchen to sneak a bite to eat. Justice, the new head chef, catches her but all the can think about is making her something she will enjoy. He knows she is meant to be his but will Frankie give love with Justice a chance?

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willowbrook Ridge Lodge book 4

Frankie was a house keeper at Willowbrook Ridge Lodge, and the lodge was very understaffed and she missed her dinner and was hungry. Frankie went to the kitchen of the lodge to get some food and she met the Chef with a large container of soup in her arms, UhOh

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5….The new lodge chef and a housekeeper find love when they least expect it. Justice finds Frankie sneaking in his kitchen for food. He is more than willing to make her fresh meals whenever she stops by. Because he is totally smitten. This is a cute and steamy work romance that I enjoyed. The characters were fun and the chemistry was spicy.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of Willowbrook Ridge Lodge story for Justice and Frankie. Wow wee what a beautiful story with the best match for these two.

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

[Silindile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, it was sweet charming and romantic I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a quick read.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story. This is book four in the series. Frankie and Justice's story, I love how he takes care of her and I loved the chemistry between them.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aw! This was just too cute! Both characters were super sweet and easy to love. I loved how they met and how Justice took the initiative to get his girl. It was such a feel good story. Swoon.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Justice captures Frankie's love with food.