Protecting Her Secrets

by Misty Walker

It shouldn’t be that difficult. Show up with divorce papers and make him sign.

Easy, peasy. . .

And it would have been had I prepared myself for how good fifteen years could be to a man or even checked the weather. Both would have told me I was in trouble. Because getting snowed in with my ex, who is now a muscled, bearded mountain man, wasn’t in my plan. Did I mention he runs the local search and rescue, bakes sourdough bread, and has a cow named Moodonna?

Now I’m trapped in his perfect cabin, with his perfect mountain views, and his perfect dog, and he’s refusing to sign the divorce papers. He asks me to give him until the storm passes to prove we’re meant to be, something he won’t have to try hard to do since I’ve always known we are.

It doesn’t matter, though. We can’t be together because my reasons for leaving him all those years ago haven’t changed. I’m still a Broken Rebels MC princess who is promised to the president, and Klutch always gets what he wants, no matter the cost.

I broke Walker’s heart before in order to protect him, and once the skies clear, I have every intention of doing it again. Except this new version of my husband won’t let me go as easily as he did before. While I spent the last fifteen years wallowing in self-pity, he’s been readying himself for my return to make sure I don’t want to leave him again.

Walker thinks he can protect me from a future I’ve spent my whole life trying to avoid. And I really want to believe him, but like I said. . .

Klutch always gets what he wants, no matter the cost. And the cost might just be Walker’s life.

Genres: Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Action, Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Misty Walker is a romance author with books in multiple subgenres, including gay, biker, and contemporary.

She's been in the book and audiobook industry for many years, though she's only been publishing since 2019.

Misty currently resides in the high desert of Reno, NV with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys camping in her comfy travel trailer, reading, and writing.

Book Titles:
Vindicated
Conversion
Bohemian Law (Traveler Series, book 1)
Bohemian Mark (Traveler Series, book 2)
Bohemian Patience (Traveler Series, book 3)
Cop-Out (An Everyday Heroes World Novel)
Birdie's Biker (RBMC: Reno, NV, book 1)
Truly's Biker (RBMC: Reno, NV, book 2)
Kian's Focus (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 2)
Adler's Hart (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 2.5)
Leif's Serenity (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 4)

Reviews

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~My Review(Arc)~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

~Protecting Her Secrets~Mountain Men of Culver Springs Book 1~ Misty Walker~

🐄 I wanted to start this review off by saying Happy Release Day Misty!! 🐐

♡Protecting Her Secrets was my first ever Misty Walker read & I loved it soooo much!! I'm an audio book girl, so I don't normally finish physical reads as fast as I would like.... I devoured this book in a day. That is how much I love it!! Once I started reading, I literally couldn't put it down. I came home from work and told my husband I needed to go and finish this book, don't need me 😂!!

This animal loving mountain man, second chance romance, has become a top favorite read for me! The friendships in this book are top tier and 100% what friends should be!! After 15 years of no contact, Walker comes face to face with his long lost high-school sweetheart Skyla when she shows up to his small town demanding something from him that he is not willing to give up. Walker takes it into his own hands to show Skyla that the love they had is not lost while Skyla fights with herself to protect who she loves. Feelings are found, and tension is built as secrets come out to test the limits of their relationship.

The suspense kept me on edge, the banter kept me happy, and the spice did not miss 🥵
I can not wait for the rest of this series!! I'm so excited to see how Walker’s friends find the love they all deserve♡

~As always happy reading~

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Skylar goes to give her soon to be ex, Walker Carter, “the papers” to sign there ends up being a snowstorm making her getting snowed in…with said ex. He doesn’t want a divorce so can this moment of fate help him change her mind? They haven’t seen each other in a very long time but I’m not going to tell you why. You need to read to find that out. What a great mix of a mountain man with the MC world. My heart breaks for what both have been through. Walker is such a perfect specimen of a man and I’m here for it...and his mouth! You’ll get all the feels with this enemies to lovers, second chance romance with a twist and some laughs too. Oh and I cannot wait for all his friends’ stories to come! Told in first person and dual POV.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a Misty Walker book but the cover and premise of this one has me bumping it to the top of my tbr and I'm so glad I did!

Snowed in with your estranged husband? Who never stopped living you? A gang of friends who band together to save you from your horrible circumstances? A man who loves your baby like it's his? SAY LESS

5/5 stars

[phia Tran · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 73%……. i usually push through all my books but this one i just could not get behind

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was soo excited to read this book when k learned about it. I’ve loved all of this authors books that I’ve read. And this was another great read. These characters and what they go through.. has you hoping they can find their way back to each other, and be together. And I just love Walker. He’s like.. the perfect grumpy man. Everything he does for Skyler when she comes back into her life.. and I absolutely loved all of his friends. And I’m ready for all of their stories.

[TheBookPlatypus]

DNF @35%.

This wasn’t it.
I love this authors biker series but.. I don’t know what this was.

Mountain Boss by SJ Tilly is where it’s at if you’re looking for a grumpy mountain man. And a 5⭐️ book.

[Kimberly Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Walker has done it again!! This book is absolutely amazing, and I can't wait for more!!

[Christina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Walker really knows how to tell a story! She creates complete stories while dropping little hints about other characters, which makes you want to know more about their lives. Her descriptions of the town and community make it feel real and relatable. Each mountain man is unforgettable, adding so much to the plot. Skylar and Walker’s story is especially touching—the classic tale of the one who got away, but with a happy ending that gives you everything you crave.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

In this first book in the Mountain Men of Culver Springs series, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept of small-town life, second chance at love, and a romantic suspense to boot!

The lead characters, Skylar and Walker, are terrific but then again so are all of the characters introduced in this story. Walker and his three best friends, Wilder the sheriff, Ridge the artist and Rowan the retired government conspiracy guy are all so different yet the same, too.

Skylar’s background is so interesting—being the MC club princess but not wanting that lifestyle. After reading so many MC stories it’s great to have a different perspective. I like how feisty Skylar is, and how strong and determined to do what she perceives as the ‘right’ thing to do.

Walker, who really should be bitter and not want to have anything to do with Skylar, is so forgiving. I mean yes, he tells her how much she hurt him fifteen years ago, so he is honest but he’s a remarkable guy not to kick her to the kerb. However, just like Forrest Gump said… “…goes together like peas and carrots.” And it’s so true of Walker and Skylar.

The descriptions of life on the mountain in winter are incredible, I truly felt like I was experiencing it. My only complaint is that I can’t go and actually see Walker’s place.

When things heat up, the community collectively does too. So much so it brings an enormous sense of togetherness that is often missing in so many places. I won’t go into the suspense element except to say, it gets mighty hairy and I read as fast as possible to find out what happens.

For my first foray into this author’s writing I am mighty pleased I decided to explore her words. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
In this first book in the Mountain Men of Culver Springs series, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept of small-town life, second chance at love, and a romantic suspense to boot!

The lead characters, Skylar and Walker, are terrific but then again so are all of the characters introduced in this story. Walker and his three best friends, Wilder the sheriff, Ridge the artist and Rowan the retired government conspiracy guy are all so different yet the same, too.

Skylar’s background is so interesting—being the MC club princess but not wanting that lifestyle. After reading so many MC stories it’s great to have a different perspective. I like how feisty Skylar is, and how strong and determined to do what she perceives as the ‘right’ thing to do.

Walker, who really should be bitter and not want to have anything to do with Skylar, is so forgiving. I mean yes, he tells her how much she hurt him fifteen years ago, so he is honest but he’s a remarkable guy not to kick her to the kerb. However, just like Forrest Gump said… “…goes together like peas and carrots.” And it’s so true of Walker and Skylar.

The descriptions of life on the mountain in winter are incredible, I truly felt like I was experiencing it. My only complaint is that I can’t go and actually see Walker’s place.

When things heat up, the community collectively does too. So much so it brings an enormous sense of togetherness that is often missing in so many places. I won’t go into the suspense element except to say, it gets mighty hairy and I read as fast as possible to find out what happens.

For my first foray into this author’s writing I am mighty pleased I decided to explore her words. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Skylar is a girl on a mission to have some divorce papers signed so that this can be over and done. However, things are never as simple as you think they are going to be. She sure never expected him to have changed so much in the last fifteen years. And she sure did not check the weather before setting out on this little paper signing mission. Now she is snowed in with the man she wants to divorce and things are about to get interesting very quickly. He now lives in a remote cabin, runs a search and rescue and even bakes now. And we can not forge the cow he adores Moodonna. Even more unexpected was that he would ask for a chance to prove they are meant to be if she will just ride out the storm and keep and open mind. However, Skylar is still in a mess and no matter how he thinks he can prove himself she is still promised to the Broken Rebels MC president and he always gets what he wants no matter the consequences. Walker, on the other hand is fully prepared to fight for and protect his woman. She might have been a little on the lack side for fifteen years but he has been preparing. And he is really prepared to win her back. I loved reading this book. I loved that this town has its whole cast of characters on the side that you can't help but want to know a whole lot more about. These two have some chemistry that they couldn't deny no matter how hard she might try. I loved how protective he was of Skylar and how adored she is and how she adores him just as much right back but is so afraid to take the chance. This is a second chance romance that will have you on the edge of your seat and swooning all at the same time.

[Kaylie Helfrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

This book was exactly what I didn't know I needed. This is a heavy story, but Misty handled this book was so much care and understanding and I loved reading it. Skyler and Walker were high school sweethearts that continued their relationship in college until they drunkenly got married in Vegas. Skyler had a complicated family situation and ran back to her father after realizing what she had done. Walker was so broken up about her leaving that he goes off the grid and finds the small mountain town of Culver Springs to seclude himself. Skyler finds Walker 15 years later demanding a divorce, but they get snowed in together.

The town of Culver Springs and the whole cast of characters were amazing and I can't wait for more stories set in this world. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a sad boy and a sucker for big mountain men and this town has multiple men who meet both qualifications. The chemistry between Skyler and Walker was so delightful, and I loved the level of respect and care that Walker treated Skyler with considering the circumstances.

This book was heavy so make sure you check the TW/CWs. This book also hit really close to home for me personally as I have been through a somewhat similar experience to Skyler in my past.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book.

[Rissareads0297 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🪴Lovers to enemies to lovers again
🪴second chance
🪴Biker Princess
🪴 Mountain Man (with a sourdough starter)
🪴Touch her and die 💀

Skylar and Walker were eachothers first loves and wanted more than anything to grow old together but Skylar is the daughter of the local MC club President and her dad has a different plan for her. After a night in Vegas Skylar and Walker make the quick decision to get married! But soon (like next day soon) Skylar leaves Walker and breaks both their hearts 💔 Fast forward 15 years later and Skylar shows up on Walker’s doorstep with divorce papers in the middle of a snowstorm…

This was another amazing one from Misty Walker! I really loved all the twists and turns that this story took. There was a little bit of everything that was done so well. It didn’t matter to Walker that it had been 15 years and he has been heartbroken the entire time he would still go to the ends of the earth for Skylar no matter way. Skylar’s life throughout the last 15 years wasn’t great and what she went through was heart wrenching (make sure you check TW/CW). I also loved seeing the dynamic between Walker and all his buddies and how they took in Skylar so easily as another one of their own!

So good and hope that there is more to come from the Mountain Man World!

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountain man meets biker, what a perfect way to start a new series. Protecting her Secrets is the first book in what I hope to be an extensive series.

Walker and Skyler are high-school sweethearts with a rocky relationship, while they loved each other they were young and life does what it does. Gets in the way. Now over a decade later, Skyler has tracked Walker down to his cabin in the woods to finalize their divorce. A twist of fate in the form of a snow storm lands the pair stranded in Walker’s remote cabin and gives Walker his chance to finally get his say in. All Skyler wants is for him to sign the papers, too bad Walker has other plans for her.

This was so freaking cute! I will forever be a sucker for a second chance romance, add in the smalltown vibe and you have yourself a loyal reader for life. Walker and Skyler have an interesting dynamic, you can tell they both love each other and don’t want to hurt the other, but they both want to protect the other and go about it in the wrong way. No spoilers of course, but I will say I was giddy when I got to the end of this book. Talk about a HEA.

4 ⭐
2.5 🌶️


Tropes

💚 Second Chance Romance
🏔️ Small-Town Vibes
🏍️ Touch Her and ☠️

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every MC romance that Misty Walker has written and was so intrigued with this new series. I was captivated by the first chapter. Walker is a book boyfriend that you never knew you were missing. Walker and Skylar were high school sweethearts that were never meant to be. 15 years later she shows up asking for the one thing he has been dreading for years. The one thing he doesn't want to give her and maybe this time things work out for them. Skylar has been through so much trying to do the right things but with Walker everything feels right. This book is a medium pace but you get to see the way the past truly changed Walker but also brings these two back together. Skylar is a strong woman who feels broken inside until Walker shows her what a true family is and will do anything to protect her. We also get a surprise entrance of some characters from her other books that will make you smile. This book has some heavy topics but is written in a way that truly makes you feel the emotions along with it. Can't wait to see what she will bring us next in this series. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous start to a new series by Ms. Walker. Protecting her secrets is a very well written book with characters you can’t help but root for. It’s a fast paced storyline that flows so well I found myself not wanting to put it down until absolutely necessary. It’s a second chance romance filled with love, heartache, alpha men (both good and bad ones), strong women, rugged mountain men, a small town with townsfolk who take care of their own and so much more. The storyline is emotional, dramatic, romantic and will hold you in its grasp from start to finish.

The synopsis above will give you the gist of the story but it doesn’t tell you how amazing this book is. A love that lasts for years, the comradery between four mountain men who are closer than brothers, a small sleepy town that sticks together through thick and thin. I can’t recommend Protecting Her Secrets enough. As for this reader, I can’t wait for book 2 in this outstanding Mountain Men Series.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Mountain Men of Culver Springs series, and it is an engaging, second chance romance that will have any reader pulling for Walker and Skylar. As kids, Walker and Skylar had a young love. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. However, sometimes things have a way of putting a wrench into one’s plans because as they attend a friend’s wedding in Vegas, they wind up married. Now Skylar being the daughter of the Broken Rebels MC president who forbids her to marry outside of the club realizes that it would be best for her to just leave and so she does. Fast forward fifteen years and Skylar is on the hunt for Walker to seek a divorce, but things are not going to be easy. Ms. Walker has done a fantastic job with this one. These two are spice on a stick and then some. The banter is enticing and watching them reconnect and fight for what they want just makes the heart go pitter patter. I cannot wait for more of these sexy mountain men.

[Becky Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series by Misty Walker and I'm here for it! I can't wait to get the other Mountain Men of Culver Springs stories! We get a glimpse of each of them and their personalities when they have to spend time with Skylar! This is Wlaker and Skylar's story. They get married young and then the next day she is gone. 15 years later she shows up wanting him to sign divorce papers. Why now? She gets snowed in with him and of course that's not how she planned for things to go. This is Walker's chance to prove to her that they still belong together.

"I've learned that a man has to protect what's his if he wants to keep it. And Skylar has always been mine. We both know it; she just needs to accept it."

Of course, she finally does but there are still the dangers that follow her. If you want to know what happens you will have to read! IF you love small town, forced proximity, second chance, suspense then go grab this book! 100% recommend!

[Carissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000% YES! If you’re wondering if you should read this book, if it’s worth the hype, the answer is a resounding yes! Walker is everything a mountain man should be. Big, burly, grumpy, but has a soft spot for his “pets” and his woman. I was on Walker’s side and really wanted to hate Skylar, but it was really hard to once she showed up in Culver Springs. I loved the relationships between Walker’s friends and how they didn’t hesitate to help when Walker asked. Their bond is strong and I can’t wait to see that continue in future books.

This book had a hold on me and I didn’t want to put it down. The story grabbed me and the push and pull between Walker and Skylar along with the suspense of what would happen kept me turning the pages to see what was coming next. It was nice to have an appearance from some of Misty’s other characters as well. This is definitely a must read!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar has loved Walker since she was a teenager but after their impromptu marriage, she leaves him not because she doesn’t love him but because she does. Fifteen years later with her future plans she tracks down Walker to arrange their divorce, but he has other ideas.

Walker has always loved Skylar and now that she has finally come back into his life, he isn’t about to just let her walk away. With the help of a snowstorm, he is going to show her that they have always belonged together, and he isn’t about to let anyone stand in their way.

The chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever and the found family Walker has created are there for them when the danger and surprises amp up. This was a great start to a new series, and I am looking forward to more stories centered around this group of characters and Culver Springs.

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the first book I’ve read by this author and boy, am i impressed. This story is emotional, heartfelt, action packed, found family, funny (the nicknames got me every time), and down right mesmerizing. Walker and Skyler fell in love and their love made them reckless even though they knew the path Skyler was on. After one night in Vegas, Walker wakes up alone. You get to see the before during the prologue and get right into the emotion fifteen years later at chapter one.

Walkers found family and friends in his little mountain town will make you wanna move right in just like Skyler did. They were able to pick up right when they left off even working through the hardships to finally get their forever kinda love. The one liners of this story will make you laugh, make your heart melt and even make you panties melt. Absolutely cant wait to see where the rest of this series goes.

[Charity Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty Walker has done it again. A book boyfriend to dream about and bad a** fmc who is strong yet soft and vulnerable. After 15 years, Walker is still in love with Skylar, but will his love be enough for her to stay this time. Walker made a new life for himself in the mountains with new friends and family when Skylar showed up to get a divorce. Skylar, an MC princess, starts to think this is the life she wants, but will the MC let her go? I absolutely love the appearance of The Sons of Erebus without is over shadowing the main characters.
Protecting Her Secrets is a must-read for me. You have your small town, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, touch her and ☠️, mountain man, and don't forget the spice.

[Heather McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a second chance romance where Walker and Sky get married out on a whim while they are in college and visiting Sin City for a friend’s marriage.
Skylar’s dad is Prez of an MC who does not let her marry outside of the club. Looking of for Walker she dips in the middle of the night

15 years later after Walker has disappeared and started his new life in the mountains, Sky shows up…. WANTING A DIVORCE!

Yeah this book was great. An amazing pallet cleanser for all the dark romance I read.

The plot was amazing and new to me !
The spice, oh yeah the spice was spicing !

It was good and funny and badass all at the same time! I loved it ! Now I was Rowan’s story even through Ridge is next 😂

[Hope]

DNF - same old, same old . tw - rape

H/h were high school sweethearts and each other's first but she leaves him immediately after their marriage to protect his life. he spends the next 15 years banging away anything and everything while she was getting raped by om.

H - What do I say to that without sounding like a man-whore? The last thing I want to do is bring up the years of fucking other women that have taught me what I do and don’t like, what kinks I have or don’t have, and how all of that made me a better lover. I doubt she’ll look at it like she’s reaping the reward of past experiences.

h - “That’s just it. You’ve clearly made your rounds while I’ve only had sex with two men. one is H and other is her rapist.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Walker and Skylar’s story.
Walker and Skylar are young and in love, when they drunkenly get married in Vegas, but know 15-years later, she needs him to sign the divorce papers. Skylar is an MC princess, whose dad is the president of the Broken Rebel’s MC, and he forbids her to marry outside of the club. These two end up snowed in together, but will Skylar convince Walker to sign the papers?
This is a well written action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, challenges, humor, witty banter, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and touching, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[M Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love how this book turned out. The author took suggestions from fans (such as myself) as she crafted this story. And it turned out fantastic! This second chance romance was filled with so much emotion. Hurt, loss, hope, healing. Skylar and Walker's ill fated young love never had a chance. Seeing them get a second chance after years was just so much fun to read. Lots of angst, love, drama, action and laughs between these two and Walker's band of brothers (found family). I absolutely love this small town and it's cast of characters. I look forward to reading the next installment.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mikayla Tague · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty Walker did again 😍 I absolutely loved Walker and Skyler. I was very interested to see how she wrote a mountain man book and loved the twist with the MC and even pulling in a little bit of my favorite character from Sons of Erebus.

Skylar was so relatable to me with the assaults she went through and seeing the anxiety she and panic she had to work through gives me hope that I can be as strong as she is.

Walker is the best grumpy match to Skylar’s sunshine. He never lost hope for them and fought for her all the way until the end.

Yes there is an hea which is Misty’s staple (thank you!) and I can’t wait to read Ridge’s story when it comes out.

[BrieReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker & Skyler’s story is emotional, heavy, explosive, it was impossible to put down. I read it in one sitting! If you’ve ever been in a relationship like Skyler has been in for the last 15 years, you would feel deeply throughout this entire book. I laughed. I bawled my eyes out on my couch with Skyler. I fell in love with Walker & Skyler. I HATED Klutch until the very last page. This book was breaking me and fixing me all at the same time and I can not wait to see what comes next with these sexy mountain men! I love love loved the Cameos too. 5 stars loved the ride.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just couldn’t stop reading this one!

I’ve been reading Misty from the beginning, I love how she tells a story, she makes her heroes human, filled with honesty and vulnerability, but also the ability to kick some butt and love like you didn’t know was possible.

This is Walker and Skylar’s second chance, she thinks she’s running away from her life but really she’s running towards her future. Walker sees the future that’s possible, now he just has to make it happen.

This is the first book in this series and I can’t wait to read more about these characters and this world.

[Adri (books.with.adri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty did it again with another amazing book!

Protecting Her Secret is a second chance dark romance – and boy was it a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!

When Skylar seek out Walker to serve him divorce papers, Walker decides to show her what their life could have been all these years. Of course, this comes with complications. Oh did I mention Skylar is engaged to the new president of the motorcycle clue, who is also a bad guy.

The emotional roller-coaster I went on while reading this book was crazy.

This is a 10/10 for me! So good!