My Mountain Man's Secret

Rock Creek #5

by Lena Rae

Answering the ad for a mail-order bride is supposed to save me.
But the rough and gruff mountain man has me questioning everything.
Soon, the heat between us is stronger than the danger I left behind.


Ava
Running to Rock Creek to be a mail-order bride is a desperate gamble, but I don’t have a choice. I need to disappear, and answering Jaxon’s ad feels like my last shot at safety.

What I don’t expect is him—a towering, rough-around-the-edges mountain man with eyes that make my heart race and a brooding silence that leaves me wondering what he’s thinking. Every time he looks at me, I feel like I’m burning alive.

But he doesn’t seem to want me the way I want him. His gruff demeanor and suggestion of a trial period make me think I’ll never be enough for him. I’m left with one prove to him that I’m exactly where I want to be—by his side, in his bed, and in his heart.


Jaxon
The second I see my mail-order bride, I know I’m in trouble. Ava's gorgeous, soft-spoken, and too damn tempting. She’s here because of an ad, but I can’t bring myself to believe she actually wants a rough, mountain man like me.

So, I give us a week—a chance for both of us to test the waters. But with every glance, every innocent touch, my control slips. She’s everything I didn’t know I needed, and holding back feels impossible.

But when I stumble across messages that make me question her intentions. I thought Ava could be my forever, but now I’m wondering if she was ever mine to begin with.

Genres: Romance

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Lena Rae is the secret spicy pen name of a USA Today Bestselling romance author.

She delivers sizzling hot, Instalove romances with strong alpha heroes who know what they want and don't waste any time going after it.

Writing from her mountain home Lena draws inspiration from her rugged surroundings to create stories with the perfect mix of heat, heart and happy ever afters.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Med burn

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 of rock creek which follows the Wolf brothers as they find their mates. He has seen his brothers find their women, but it hasn't happened for him so he decides to place an ad for a mail order bride. When she gets off the train she is more than he hoped for, and only hopes he make her feel the same. She has no family or support system since aging out of foster care and being on her own. When her boss at work makes threats when she finds out his nefarious deeds, she decides a fresh start is something she wants. When she finds his ad, she thinks it could be exactly what she wants, a quiet, safe life with a family of her own. When she gets off the train and meets the huge, gruff mountain man she isn't sure he even likes her, let alone wants to marry her. They experience some mutual pining as both are attracted to the other, but bogged down by their unusual circumstances and not sure how to communicate with each other. When they finally figure it out, things get very spicy with the mountain man. The author not only gives you their happily ever after but two epilogues showing where their story goes. I love this, especially in a short story, so it feels like you got a longer experience with the characters.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is arriving in the mountain town as a mail-order bride, but she is hiding a secret that could derail the whole deal. What is it? Jaxon is last son of 5 sons in his family that is not married or even dating. Even his ad for a bride is his requirements without an emotional connection. Ava couldn't find anything in social media about Jaxon Wolf with the Wolf name connected to businesses in a neighboring town. When they meet at the bus stop in Granite Falls, there are two men waiting; one tall gorgeous guy and the other a pudgy balding guy. Gorgeous guy definitely wouldn't need to order a bride. Image her surprise when it is gorgeous guy and Jaxon's has stirring of attraction. Ava's secret involves keeping her location hidden;off goes her cellphone and hiding it. When will her secret come out? Jaxon sets a week trial before they decide if marriage would work for the long term. Jaxon sets rules so Ava is not sure whether he wants her to stay or go. What is her reaction to his rules requirements? How does Jaxon react to Ava's secret when it comes out?.

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

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

My Mountain Man's Secret is Book 5 of the Rock Creek series centered around the hunky Wolfe brothers. It's a short and steamy OTT, instalove, opposites-attract, age-gap, curvy mail order bride gets her gruff mountain man romance. Jaxon is a hunky. 39 year old mountain man tired of his family's matchmaking attempts after they have all found love. He decides to put up a profile on a mail order bride site. Ava is a curvy, 23 year old virgin raised in the foster care system. She is on the run from her boss, who has been threatening her after she discovered he was embezzling from the company. She applied to be a mail order bride and was matched with Jaxon. When the two meet, it's love at first sight for both. However, they both think the other is not interested. Can they show each other they are all in? Can Jaxon protect her? This couple had such great chemistry. I wanted to smack sense into both of them to just communicate with each other. Luckily, we get a great HEA after some angst over a misunderstanding. I loved it.

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

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Can you say hot!? This is one fantastic ebook written by an amazing author that you don't want to stop reading. Ava is going to meet her husband to be of whom she actually hasn't met. As she gets off the bus she can't believe that this gorgeous hunky of a mountain is who she's meeting. Jaxon can't believe his eyes when Ava practically falls into his arms. He's instantly smitten and feels a sizzling connection with Ava. Will they have hope for the future after secrets are revealed? Can Ava keep danger away and protect Jaxon and her heart? Does Jaxon admit he feels about Ava and does he find a way to keep her safe? I just loved this super exciting 5⭐️ outstanding hit So I absolutely encourage you to get this winner. You will be so very glad you did.

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

[Anya Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaxon & Ava

💚 ARC Review 💚

My Mountain Man's Secret by Lena Rae is the next book in her Rock Creek Series. It is Ava answering a mail order bride request that Jaxon placed. Jaxon is the last remaining grumpy, unmarried Wolf Brother. He is tired & annoyed of all his brothers' marital bliss. His solution is to place a mail order bride advertisement. Ava is all alone & escaping her dangerous ex-boss. Both of them are learning to adjust to each other in their new life in Jaxon's lig cabin. Unbeknownst, they are instantly attracted to the other. There is miscommunication between them & some pining...

But O.M.GAWD... when Ava first sees Jaxon in his shower and *what* he was saying & doing...🥵🔥💋 That is going to live rent free in my mind!

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaxon and Ava’s story
Book Title-My Mountain Man's Secret: Age Gap Insta-love
Author-Lena Rae
MMC/FMC-Jaxon and Ava
Genre-Mountain Men Romance
Length-Novella
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 5 of Rock Creek
What I liked- This was a very heartfelt story to me, in that the way that the characters were written they were drawn in a way that was refreshing and new. Jason with his rugged exterior but softer on the inside, and Ava going through turmoil whether her status was safe and secure. I love how their love came together with a sweetness to it that ended wait a great happily ever after. I just loved it!.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaxon placed an ad for a mail-order bride. Little did he know that when Ava answered the ad, she was looking for a safe haven. When she steps off the bus, it is instalove. She is what he was looking for but he appeared overbearing. They agreed to a trail period to see if it would work. As the time went by, Jaxon realized his behavior was overpowering and started to be nicer. Will Jaxon find out about Ava’s past? Will their hidden desires convince them they are meant-to-be? Their chemistry was wonderful. The plot was well-written. Highly recommend this hot, steamy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this entire Rock Creek series by Lena Rae, and this fifth book did not disappoint either! Jaxon and Ava are an unlikely couple brought together by desperation, his family pressure, and her running from her past, each turning to a mail-order agency for a quick answer to their problems! Lena Rae did a fantastic job developing the main characters' personalities and pulling you into their emotions and feelings of self-doubt. This love story was a perfect example of why communication and being open are so crucial in every relationship. You will love the journey of Jaxon and Ava!!!

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

[Kazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was such a sweet read. Ava and Jaxon really are a great couple. Both into this arrangement but for different reasons. Ava and Jaxon click straight away and it's great to read. I liked how this book is laid out and it does flow well. I love Jaxon's character because he really is a mountain man and has trouble talking and saying what he really feels to Ava. I think the drama with Mark should have been written about, as I think it would have lifted the book more. I feel like I have missed out knowing what happened. A sweet instant love story.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew that angst could be so ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. This story captured me from the start, and I hated for it to be over, even though it had a FABULOUS HEA.
The author wrote the characters of Ava and Jaxon so PERFECTLY. I felt everything they went through, and thoroughly enjoyed how they finally got together.
The story was LOVELY, STEAMY, and one I couldn’t put down.
This is a book to DEFINITELY read. It is so pleasurable and left me feeling satisfied.

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

[Book Dragon Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electrifying addition to the Rock Creek Series. The story revolves around the intriguing dynamics between Ava and Jaxon, drawing readers into a world where love, secrets, and personal growth intertwine. The themes of misunderstanding and yearning are expertly woven into the narrative, creating a tapestry of emotions that captivates readers. Writing style is both engaging and steamy, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. This book is a must-read for fans of romance and those who enjoy a story of love overcoming adversity.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this modern mail order bride-story. Considering the fact that they’re strangers when Ava steps off the bus, she and Jaxon are surprisingly good together. After a rough start that is. But will it last, because Ava has a secret….

Favourite quotes:

- She's perfect. This is perfect. We are perfect.

-"How could I not love you, Ava? From the moment you arrived, you've been a spot of sunshine brightening up my days.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mountain Man’s Secret is a delicious blend of spice, sweetness, angst, drama, and emotion. Ava is running for her life and finds safety and love with mountain man Jaxon. Larger than life, grumpy AF, and a terrible communicator, the angst between him and Ava all stems from their fear of having an open conversation about their feelings. The sexual tension is off the charts and when they do come together it is explosive! I enjoyed every page and every moment of this gripping tale.

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

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava- 23 years old, Virgin

Jaxon- 36 years old, Experienced

There was a lot of miscommunication between Ava and Jaxon. They both though the other didn't like them and regretted the deal. It got a little old when they kept doubting each other. Jaxon was a jerk pretty much through the whole book, but redeemed himself at the very end.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaxon and Ava. Shes on the run and doesnt know where to go and who to ask for help. Thats when she sees a mail order bride ad. When they see each other its instant attraction. But his actions suggest to her he may not want her. Hes trying to protect his heart and then he sees messages that make him second guess himself. Great short sexy feelgood read.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Wolf brothers of Rock Creek story. Ava answers Jaxon's marriage ad to hide from her boss who is threatening her for exposing his fraud. Jaxon wants a wife and children like his brothers but doesn't want to tell them about how he gets his wife. This entertaining book is a must-read.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never expected such kind of vibe from the book. Absolutely amazing reading! Mountain Man Jaxon who ordered bride on-line. And Ava who accepted the deal. So good! Steamy and so well written.
Perfect short reading!.

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

[Thee_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these short instalove stories.
Jaxson & Ava fall for each other with in days of meeting.
Ava so sweet trying to do anything and everything to please Jaxson.
Jaxson is a total Alpha male protective and gruff. Totally sweet on Ava.😍

Total HEA

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jeannette Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was cute, quick read that had so many tropes I loved like arranged marriage/marriage of convenience, and insta love. I loved the added element of suspense I would have loved a little more of that but I understand that can’t always happen in a novella.

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

[sherri hughey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old fashioned mail order Bride. Instant Love at first sight! A big handsome Mountain man and girl from the city. Two complete opposites but find their perfect "one".

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mountain Man's Secret: Age Gap Instalove
Book 5 of Rock Creek
nicely written with great storyline and amazing characters.

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

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed It

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and an instant love with an age gap between Jaxon and Ava. Definitely a must read for anyone looking for a sweet and great read

[Irene Menolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

non lo so raga, avevo bisogno di qualcosa di sereno e spegni cervello che mi facesse respirare tra un tentativo di lettura di Sunrise on the Reaping e l’altro. altrimenti hello depressione my old friend.

[Jessica Tittermary Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

short, spicy, and adorable

Great short book that hits all the right spice notes. Love a virgin/mountain man trope. Really nicely wrapped up and was a nice continuation of the series.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two had a miscommunication problem from the start! It took them most of their courtship to get to truth of what they thought about each other, and moved on from there to their HEA <3

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mountain man’s secret was Jaxon and Ava’s story. It was an entertaining, fun read. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Shyanne Blankenship · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun. A modern day mail order bride. The communication was just lacking for the good majority of the story and that was frustrating

[Coline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sympa. Ava et Jaxon sont mims.

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Wish there was a little more of the suspense surrounding her ex-boss, but the length couldn’t have allowed it.