Playing with the Mountain Man

Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency #1

by Julia Stone

Falling for Luna was never part of the plan. As her boss, I knew better than to cross the line, no matter how much I wanted her. Ignoring my feelings has gotten me nowhere.

Desperate to move on, I turned to Cupid’s Bloom Co. to find a wife and maybe some peace of mind. Instead, I’m matched with Luna, and everything I’ve tried to bury comes rushing to the surface.

She says she wants this. She says she wants me. Can I believe her—or is this just another cruel trick fate likes to play?


Wyatt thinks signing up for a mail-order bride service will help him find his happily ever after. Too bad he’s looking in the wrong place—because I’ve been right here, loving him in silence, for years.

When Cupid’s Bloom Co. matches us together, he assumes it’s a joke. Well, I’m not laughing. This is my chance to finally show him I’m the one he’s been searching for. Even if it means risking everything, I’ll marry the man of my dreams and prove that I’m his perfect match.

Genres: Workplace Romance, Romance, Contemporary

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna (h) has spent years scheduling meetings, organizing files, and secretly obsessing over her boss, Wyatt (H). But when she finds out the grumpy, no-nonsense billionaire has signed up for a matchmaking service to find a wife, she takes a risk most would call insane—she rigs the system so she’s the one he gets paired with. Wyatt never expected his so-called perfect match to be the one woman he’s spent years trying (and failing) to ignore. Luna showing up at his remote mountain home is the last thing he saw coming, but now that she’s here, sending her away is the one thing he can’t bring himself to do. The lines between boss and assistant blur fast, and when Luna makes her move, Wyatt’s self-control shatters. But Wyatt has a secret—one that makes him wonder if he’ll ever be enough for her. What starts as a reckless plan turns into something dangerously real. And now, Luna isn’t just proving she belongs in his bed—she’s making it impossible for him to imagine life without her. A steamy, forbidden workplace romance about a determined woman, a reclusive boss with a guarded heart, and what happens when a risky plan leads to an all-consuming love.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna and Wyatt’s Story . . .

Luna took a peek at her boss’ laptop where his personal email was on display. She wasn’t exactly “snooping” but it was there in plain sight. She saw kissy type emojis on the subject line and was intrigued since her boss, Wyatt Quinnson, was stone-hearted and grumpy most of the time. Why is he looking for a mail-order bride when Luna, his personal assistant, would gladly marry him? He doesn’t need any help finding a girlfriend or a wife! But she is willing to do whatever she can to be the one he chooses, and she repeatedly sneaks into his office to delete any emails that try to steal him away from her. She had no idea he was already interested in her and had joined Cupid’s Bloom to make certain he didn’t cross an inappropriate line and give in to his feelings for her. But she is now determined to make sure she becomes his match. When they finally meet, will she tell him the truth? Will he believe that she could really love him? Can this be the HEA each one has been dreaming of?

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is how Cupid's Bloom series is going to go...we are in for some GREAT reads!! There are so many troupes, and lots of tingly heart melting vibes.

I love that Luna has one goal.....getting the man who is her boss to be more than just her boss. Its not often you hear of a woman going to such lengths to try to find a way to connect with a man (sorry you gotta read to find out the juicy details).

Wyatt has gone off the deep in...singing up for a mail order. bride service to take his mind off his young beautiful assistant. I totally dug how Luna was shy, but TOTALLY took a chance and was bold with Wyatt. It was just the catalyst to change their relationship.

It was sweet that these two weren't afraid to wait til they felt they were with the right person, and BOY do they leave you with a few breathy moments when they finally give in. The truths the come out leading to their HEA.....are sweet, heat, and swoon worthy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Luna snoops through her boss' Wyatt's laptop and finds his application for a wife to Cupid's Bloom Agency, she engineers that they are match! Why does Wyatt to search for a wife when his assistant is eager to fill the role. When Luna reveals herself as his match, little does she know that Wyatt was only looking for someone to keep him from Luna. I love the Luna is brave to go for what she wants and isn't afraid to communicate to Wyatt that she wants him. As Wyatt fights his concerns over their age gap and fear of his inability to please her, Luna keep showing him that she is all in. Loved the intro of Luna giving herself a peptalk as she drives to meet Wyatt at his home. Set the tone for a delightful story of two people finally confessing their love for each other and getting their HEA.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book is fun: a personal assistant (Luna) discovers her boss (Wyatt) has signed up for a service that provides mail-order brides, so she joins the service herself to be his match.
But the actual book is not nearly as compelling. The pacing is off as there are areas of the book that read slow. The characters aren’t very interesting. They don’t have much chemistry, either. The concept should have set the book up to be funny- a rom com even- but it just wasn’t.
I found the book itself to be underwhelming, which surprises me as I have enjoyed this author’s work before. But this one just misses the mark.

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]

Playing with the Mountain Man is part of the Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, mail order bride, opposites-attract, curvy girl gets her boss romance. Luna is a sweet and curvy personal assistant in love with her boss, Wyatt. Wyatt is a hunky CEO and mountain man who is a bit older. He signed up for a mail order bride service to get over Luna. Luna saw the emails and was able to get herself matched to him. When she shows up to his house, she's determined to show him that his wife material has been next to him this whole time. This couple had great chemistry. Wyatt was so sweet, and we got a happy ending. I loved it.

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

[Gwynne Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, I found it quite challenging to put down this book once I finished reading it. I am strongly tempted to reread it from the very beginning. I deeply empathize with Luna's situation, working once for a remarkably attractive boss, though I, unfortunately, lack Luna's courage. I wonder if... oh well, it's too late now!

This novella, though short, is brimming with sensuality, and the palpable chemistry between the protagonists is captivating. Julia Stone's writing is impeccable, masterfully developing the characters and the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and wholeheartedly recommend it.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

boss romance.
Wyatt is the boss of his successful business which has cost him his love life. So when his crush on his young employee Luna becomes too strong he decides to sign up on a mail order bride site. However, he didn't expect his bride to be Luna.
Luna is a young woman with a huge crush on her boss. When she finds out he signed up on a mail order bride site, she does everything she can to be matched with him.
Will Luna confess her little secrets to Wyatt and will Wyatt let down his walls to make room for Luna...

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

[Danyell Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna is the one Wyatt has been talking to online. She is Wyatt’s personal assistant. All Wyatt knows is CoffeeLover1205 from Cupid’s Bloom Company: Mail Order Bride. He is SoulfulRunner1234. There is twenty years between them, she is in her twenties and he is in his forties. They are engaged to be married. She is willing to do anything to be the one and only for him ;-) Luna is a bold woman. He believes there is a mix up or misunderstanding but invites her to stay at his home for the night. She wants him to see her as a long-term partner and wife. He cooks chicken alfredo for dinner. They learn more about each other and are surprised with the new information.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt and Luna’s story
Book Title-Playing with the Mountain Man: An OTT Instalove Short Romance
Author-Julia Stone
MMC/FMC- Wyatt and Luna
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency
What I liked-This was a sweet and spicy story about Luna going after what she wants and that’s Wyatt. I love how her snooping gets her into a situation that finds herself as a mail order bride for Wyatt which only signed up to forget his feelings for her. Sweet how things work out! Love the epilogue in the end.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna has been Wyatt personal assistant at the office and wanted him for some time and by accident discovered that he had joined a website to find a wife. Won't have that; so she joined also and now take a chance of intercepting his emails from the site. She has been the sending him emails and deleting ones from the website. A meeting from his future wife,her, is set to take place at his cabin an hour from their offices. He is shocked when Luna shows up as his prospective bride. What are the odds? What does Wyatt know that he didn't tell anyone? What is his reaction when Luna admitted what she did?.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency series. Tropes: age gap, mail order bride, and boss/ assistant.This is a mail order bride instalove novella. Luna is in love with her boss and when she finds out he has signed up for a mail order bride she orchestrated it so she's Wyatt's match. Quick and enjoyable read. I really liked how Like an went for what she wanted.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna was in love, and was delightfully devious in weaving her way into Wyatt’s life. I absolutely loved the lengths Luna went to in order to win her man. You GO Girl!
Wyatt was strong and a take charge type of guy….at the office.
This story is positively FABULOUS. I really got into it and enjoyed it immensely.
If you are looking for a quick read standalone book with no cliffhanger, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt is amazing at running his company but awkward in other ways.
Luna is a very determined administrative assistant.
Tropes:
Quick read, small town, mail order bride, secret crush, workplace, boss/employee, off-limits, age-gap, virgin hero, HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Julia Stone and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt went onto Cupid's Bloom Co to find a wife. He needs someone to help him "forget" about his beautiful, much younger personal assistant, Luna.
Luna has been in love with her boss for some time now, so when she learns he's looking for a mail-order wife, she's determined that it will be her.

Good read with lots of hot and steaminess. Wyatt being a virgin at the age of 40+ is a bit unbelievable, but still a good read.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Playing with the Mountain Man” by Julia Stone

-A steamy, fast-paced novella packed with chemistry and bold romance. Luna’s clever determination to win Wyatt’s heart is both devious and endearing. The age-gap and mail-order bride tropes are handled with charm, making it an irresistible instalove story. Perfect for a quick, satisfying standalone read.

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

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt, our grumpy very successful business man and boss of Luna.
He wants to overcome his crush on her and for that he signs himself for a mail order bride.
When Luna finds out about that she does everything she can to become his match, because she is also very in love with him.
The story develops into a beautiful, and lovely romance story full of love, spice, a bold female lead, forbidden love and age gap.

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

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think you can't have the woman of your dreams due to circumstances and blurring the lines what do you? Sign-up for a mail order bride, that's Wyatt's answer when he thinks he can't possibly have his personal assistant, Luna as his own. Julia Stone has started this new series with a bang... I can't wait to see where Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency takes us!

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, where do I start? This is a fantastic short book. Luna discovers her boss, Wyatt, is going through the process of getting a mail-order bride, and she does everything she can to get matched with him. She succeeds! It is time for the big reveal because Wyatt doesn't know he's been matched with Luna. I love this book! Excellent short read.

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 1 in The Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency Book Series has an intriguing romance story, a well-crafted world and interesting characters. These characters have unique personalities, believable interactions and complicated/intertwined histories. This story has a Woman who loves her Boss, he signs up for a mail-order bride to forget her, they are a match, he assumes it is a joke, will he try, a connection, twists, turns, chemistry and love.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a quick read. Luna works for him and she really likes her boss. She finds out he is looking for a mail order bride and takes control of that to make her his intended. He only did it as he was attracted to her and did not think she would want him. I enjoyed the story and characters.

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

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing with the Mountain Man is part of the Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency Series.

This was a really cute story. Both Luna and Wyatt want the other but because they work together nothing happens. However, Luna finds a way to take matters into her own hands and get the fate she wants.

These two had great chemistry together and it made for an enjoyable story.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Luna decides to play Cupid for herself and to take the risk to go for her man. Loved the story and amazing characters. Enjoyed the reading so much - funny, steamy and so positive vibe.
Can't wait for more books in this Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency series.

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

[Michele Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna and Wyatt work together but they both have a secret. They each long for the other. When Luna sneaks around to get onto Wyatt's radar little does she know, she's been the only thing on his radar! This is a quick read you won't want to put down.

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what was going to happen between these main characters, Wyatt and Luna, with all the secrets. It was interesting and fun to see how Stone got them to go from strictly business to monkey business in nothing flat. 😆 😉

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new story in the "Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency" series. It is a very short and quick read about Luna and Wyatt. This story is about a determined women who is in love with her boss. She decides to take matters into her own hands. When he finds out they have been matched he is not happy. He has been in love with the one women he cannot have. This is a sweet, steamy and cute story.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt and Luna have had feelings for each other for a while but he is her boss so he knows he can't cross that line. Trying to get over her, he signs up for a service to find a wife and is surprised to find that he's matched with Luna. Now there is no way to ignore what he feels. Will they finally admit there feelings and give love a chance?

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupid's Bloom Co. Agency story for Luna and Wyatt. Well that will have you laughing and shaking your head at these two. What a wonderful story.

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. Luna is a woman who knows what she wants and gets it. Wyatt doesn't resist for long as it is what he wanted too.

[Pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a short, steamy story with a v-card hero, age gap and mail order bride tropes. It’s a very fun book, it’s sweet and spicy, perfect for reading at one sitting.

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