Enemies with the Mountain Man

Willowbrook Ridge Lodge #5

by Julia Stone

Running Shady Pines is no easy task, especially with the new landscaper who drives me up the wall. Lance is all bad boy charm, teasing me at every turn and pretending he doesn’t hear a word I say. I should be furious, but there’s something infuriatingly enticing about his reckless confidence. I won’t let him see how much he gets under my skin, even as I feel an undeniable pull toward the man I know is trouble.


I first discovered who Sofie was from the shadows of high school. That bashful wallflower never dared to look my way. Now, she’s transformed into a fierce and beautiful woman who owns this lodge, and I’m determined to get her attention. Teasing her is just the start; I want her to see me as someone who can match her drive and ambition. She might try to resist, but I’ll prove that what we both crave is worth taking a chance on.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sofie (h) took over the Shady Pines Lodge, she thought her biggest challenge would be keeping her business afloat, not dealing with Lance (H), the infuriatingly laid-back landscaper who seems to spend more time smoking than working. Tasked with maintaining the lodge’s grounds, Lance doesn’t seem to care that Sofie is constantly breathing down his neck. But under their fiery clashes, there’s a spark neither of them can ignore. Sofie’s all about control and professionalism, but Lance’s rugged charm and teasing smirks make sticking to her rules impossible. As their mutual frustration heats up, their undeniable attraction threatens their carefully constructed facades. Sofie’s guarded heart starts to crack, and Lance begins to see her as the girl he remembers from their shared past. When tempers flare and lines blur, Sofie and Lance have to decide if they’re ready to risk it all for a connection that could change everything. Hot and steamy instalove, mountain man, opposites attract romance, exploring love, connection power dynamics, vulnerability, belonging, commitment, and the challenge of reconciling personal desires with professional responsibilities.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at the lodge.
Lance is the landscaper at the lodge in Willowbrook Ridge. He took over the job from his father when he retired. It's not his choice, but he gets the job done. The best part of his day, though? When the owner storms out to argue with him. He loves to get her all riled up.
Sofie owns the lodge. She works long days, and it's stressful. All of her employees seem to be scared of getting fired, so they're always on their toes. Except for Lance. He takes so many breaks, it's amazing he gets anything done! And when she goes out to yell at him, he just pushes her buttons more! She shouldn't like that quite so much.
Oh, boy! These two love to rile each other up! But it's only so long before the dam breaks. When will they stop dancing around each other and give in?
Ooh! A yummy quick read, with the straight laced lodge owner and the dirty landscaper who helps her loosen up.
A perfect bedtime story that will put a smile on your face, and a great addition to the series. It was nice to see our stressed out lodge owner finally get her turn.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She took over running a lodge from her parents, she takes a very seriously and has lots of big plans. One thing that keeps riling her up is the landscaper. He seems to do everything at his own pace and doesn’t seem at all phased when she confronts him. He took over the landscape business from his dad and is happy to pay himself throughout the day as long as he gets everything done on time. But he also really likes getting a rise out of her. Short story format so you do not expect to get detailed character, development, or complicated plot lines. The author give you enough detail about each of the characters that you feel like you understand who they are. This is also the fifth book in the series and so if you read them in order, you will have picked up other details about the lodge and them. The story is definitely about opposites attracting, and their undeniable chemistry. The first kiss is panty, melting, and they go from that to all in.

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

[Gwynne Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enemies with the Mountain Man by Julia Stone is the fifth book in the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series. It is another captivating romance set against the charming backdrop of a mountain lodge.

In this enemies-to-lovers narrative, Sofie and Lance's outwardly antagonistic relationship masks a simmering attraction and sexual tension. Julia Stone crafts complex characters and engaging storylines, enhanced by steamy romantic elements. This book rates a 7/10 Jalapeños.

Despite its positive aspects, this novella is my least favorite in the series to date. Sofie's abrupt character shift from her established portrayal as a strong, assertive individual feels unrealistic following a brief interaction with Lance. The rushed conclusion diminishes the overall impact.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is managing the lodge and Lance is doing the landscape work. He has been taking and appearing to taking too many cigarette breaks; things to get her attention. Lance remembers her from high school 10 years ago as a wallflower;trying not to be noticed. Now she gets pissed that he is not getting his work done. When she decides to ignore him and his work for 3 days, he decides it's time to go see her in her office. When she doesn't challenge him about his work, Lance kisses her roughly, but when she says that it's her first time. He rushes out of the door. She is worried that he is not interested in her. Is she right? Does she need to tell him how she feels? Can they actually talk together without arguing?.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love we are back in Willowbrook Ridge Lodge. We are getting to the younger sister and owner of the inn, Sofie.

I love that she is a shy woman who is trying to hardest to be strong and professional to all around. Its a cute, yet funny watching her interact with landscaper Lance.

These two have that kind of pick on each other, drive each other crazy but hella hot chemistry vibes. These two can't seem to not be around each other, even if its frustrating.

The banter and sarcasm are the bread and butter of this book. The heat and spice between the two just fuels the flames. You won't be disappointed reading this fast insta-heat novella!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Sophie's story, and this doesn't disappoint! The chemistry and tension between she and Lance practically dances on the page. With his ability to see beyond her learned demeanor of control and confidence to the insecure person within simply unnerved her. Yet, his caring nature seemed so contradictory to his domineering, cocky attitude, displaying his ultimate internal vulnerability.

This was a quick read, and well worth the time. There's cameos from characters from former books in the series, but not many reveal anything that would require having read them first. This book was a gift and I voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies with the Mountain Man is book five of the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge Series.

Lance and Sofie have a bit of an interesting relationship. They both seem to dislike the other for their own reasons. But they have a lot of chemistry together and the sparks fly whenever they are together.

I enjoyed the banter between these two and how Lance seemed to fight his more intense feelings to make sure that Sofie was comfortable. When these two got together the sheets went aflame with how hot they were.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short but steamy novella. It had the perfect winter vibes!

The setting at Sofie’s lodge was idyllic and the tension between the two was so good.
I really enjoyed getting the background information about Sofie & Lance, I felt it really helped me enjoy their banter and how he felt about her even more.

If you like banter, a rough around the edges mmc and a sweet but feisty fmc - this one’s for you!.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

enemies to lovers romance.
Sofie is a young woman managing a lodge, while her gardener has retired she inherited her son as a new employee Lance. with his bad boy looks and his nonchalance he only irritates her.
Lance has been a lonely man for many years he has a crush on Sofie his new employer. he spends his time provoking her so that she can spend more time with him.
Will Lance manage to confess his feelings to Sofie or will he make her run away….

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. It didn’t wow me. It was pleasant enough reading, but I didn’t particularly care for the heroine. She was unreasonable and a bit of a spoiled brat. I did like that the hero was decidedly blue collar and there was some honest dirt and sweat that added another layer of attractiveness. But if I’m going to like a book, I need to either relate to the heroine, find her likable, or at least find her interesting.

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

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and Sofie’s story
Book Title-Enemies with the Mountain Man: An OTT Instalove Short Romance
Author-Julia Stone
MMC/FMC- Lance and Sofie
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 5 of Willowbrook Ridge Lodge
What I liked-Lance and Sofie loved to hate each other. Their chemistry was intense, and the steaminess was palpable. I wished there was more to the ending.

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]

Enemies with the Mountain Man is Book 5 in the
Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series. It's a short and steamy, OTT, enemies-to-lovers, virgin gets her hunk office romance. Sofie is the driven owner of Shady Pines. Lance is the hunky landscaper who remembers Sofie from high school and wants her. He is laid back and paces himself with lots of breaks, which upsets Sofie. These two just loved to rile each other up. The banter was funny, the chemistry was hot, and the ending was happy.

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

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofie is struggling running the family lodge and her constant battles with the landscaper only add to her frustration. Their attraction finally erupts into a heavy make-out session, but Sofie is left with more questions when Lance runs off at the news of her virginity. Lance guilt of being too rough with Sofie leads him to ignore her, but he can't stay away. Finally, they talk and admit they both want each other.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Willowbrook Ridge Lodge, to Book 5 of the series. It is like homecoming again, back to known characters from previous books. Loved it!
Sofie and Lance's tension is undeniable, they challenge each other, but for how long?
Steamy Instalove short romance story, with lot of tension and emotional episodes! Great reading!.

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

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Willowbrook Ridge Lodge and get to meet Sofie, the owner of the inn and Lance, the infatuating landscaper.
Sofie is shy, but try’s her best to appear professional and strong.
Lance riles her up and that is the start of their banter, chemistry and steam.
It’s fast paced, hot and super entertaining.
I extremely enjoyed "watching" their interactions and seeing them getting their happy end.

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

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Stone has another great addition to the Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series with this story of Lance and Sophie! Lance has had a thing for Sophie since they were teenagers, though she can't remember him from that time years ago...he sure gets her attention now though! They truly have a love hate relationship with constant banter! You have got to give this book and series a chance, you will not be disappointed!

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and Sophie. She owns and runs Shady Pines. Hes the new lanscaper. He loves to push her buttons while all along she wants him. He remembers her as the quite girl from highschool who has grown into a strong dependant resoursful woman that he wants so he takes matters into his own hands and makes the first move. Then she says something that has him running. Loved loved this short sexy emotional story.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in Willowbrook Ridge Lodge series. Tropes: bad boy, boss, opposite attracts, and innocent FMC. Sofie owns the lodfe that Lance landscapes at. There is a lot of bickering between the two. Both attracted to the other. Good addition to the series. Quick read.

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

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

We get to see a different side to Sofie who owns the lodge. She is struggling with Lance who is the landscaper because he doesn’t do anything she expects him to do. Lance and Sofie butt heads a lot but it isn’t until Sofie pushes too far that things flip into a more intimate relationship. This is an easy, one sitting read for when you need a quick break.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quick read standalone with no cliffhanger. The characters were well-written, I liked the roughness of Lance.
The epilogue was more like another chapter in the book. I was hoping for something more, so the ending left me wanting.

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 5 in The Willowbrook Ridge Lodge Book Series has an interesting romance story, a well-crafted world and intriguing characters. These characters have unique personalities, believable interactions and complicated histories. This story has a lodge Owner/former wallflower, the new Landscaper, teasing, a building connection, twists, turns, chemistry and love.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was short enough for a quick read, and the chemistry between the main characters was good enough to reveal at something more in their future. Although, the banter between them in the beginning did feel a bit off, like they actually hated each other.

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

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sofie has a lot on her shoulders running the lodge. One thing that is seriously driving her crazy is the new landscaper. Lance is doing his job what he does not need is Sofie dropping by to let him know what he is doing wrong. But this hate/hate quickly turns into adorable passion. These two definitely belong together. This was a fun series that I truly enjoyed.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow she has a serious issue with him. He loves riling her up. Will they go from enemies to lovers? You will need to read it to find out. This is a quick read with entertaining characters.

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

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of Willowbrook Ridge Lodge story for Sofie and Lance. These two are super cute and totally hot together the enemies to lovers is right on the money.

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

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable read. This is book six in this series Willowbrook Ridge Lodge. The story is a quick and steamy read. Great book to read on your lunch break or just before bed. The characters fit well together and have great chemistry.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sofie is running her family's lodge working closely with Lance who is the new landscaper for the lodge. They went to high school together but she was the shy girl trying to avoid attention. They have strong chemistry between them but will she give him a chance to see what they could have?

[Tina Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little enemies to lovers action!

Boss lady Sofie finds any reason to reprimand Lance. Lance has had a secret crush since high school and now finds any reason to aggravate his boss. They can’t fight the attraction.

[Yoneidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie is Lance's boss and let's say they spend the day arguing, although there is also a lot of sexual tension, unreleased until now🔥
Short and sexy story.