Mountain Man Protector

by Debra Elise

Can I convince the curvy, relationship-avoiding therapist that what I’m offering goes beyond duty?

Addison London
One steamy night.
Two pinky promises.
Three weeks later, everything changes.

Ridge Beauchamp
After retiring from the Army, The Triple R Lodge became my life’s purpose. And it’s where two of my former unit brothers became my family. But it’s the last place I thought I’d find the impossible—love.

Addison and I had a one-night pact, but that didn’t stop me from thinking about her most nights—okay, every night. Regret rode me hard, but she didn’t want to be found. And then I did.

Now she’s part of our mission, and the sparks reignite. No sooner do we become friends-with-benefits that a life-changing event quickly follows.

She’s mine, and my heart is hers for the taking.

This is a he falls first, retired military silver fox and a curvy, younger therapist heroine in a second chance, fast-paced, steamy-short novella with a guaranteed HEA.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2025

About the author

Debra Elise, a USA Today Bestselling Author, lives with her husband and their two teenage sons in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her books are steamy & sweet featuring later in life characters across several genres.

A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com

Reviews

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4*
Things are heating up again at the Triple R Lodge. Addison has come to be a therapist and realizes that one of the owners is a past hot one night stand. Ridge is focused on making his beautiful girl realize that they are meant to be. A delightful, quick age-gap romance filled with humor, heart, sweetness, and undeniable chemistry. Ridge was so swoony as he patiently pursued the relationship shy Addy. The banter between the men was a delight. Sweet HEA. Can’t wait for the next book!

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

[Shawna]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Steamy, Sweet, and So Satisfying!”

If you love your romance fast, fiery, and full of heart, Mountain Man Protector is your next must-read. Debra Elise nails the he-falls-first trope with Ridge—an honorable, brooding, silver fox ex-military hero who’s fiercely loyal and instantly smitten. Addison, the curvy, guarded therapist with a no-strings policy, is his perfect match—even if she doesn’t see it at first.

Expect:
• Second chances and surprise baby drama
• A protective mountain man who knows what he wants
• Insta-love with depth and tenderness
• A confident, curvy heroine who holds her own
• A guaranteed happily ever after with lots of heat

This novella is a quick, spicy escape packed with emotional punch. It’s perfect for fans of Lucy Score’s Things We Left Behind and Hope Ford’s small-town protector romances. Mountain Man Protector delivers heart, heat, and hero vibes in one swoon-worthy package.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison was really excited as she was about to meet with the three owners of the Triple R Lodge. Mika & Zoe are her besties. Ridge Beauchamp and his two friends are retired Army Rangers. Addy’s elder brother had been a Marine so she was hopeful that she could help out with the therapy for those who would be staying at the Triple R Lodge. The Lodge would be for first responders as well as those who had served their country. Ridge is totally into Addy and vice versa but she wants to keep everything professional. Ridge has a cat, Beatrix who is preggers. Once Addy & Ridge get together they get a big surprise. The book is sweet, romantic, steamy and so much fun. Their antics remind me of how my maternal grandparents were.

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

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridge and Addison meet the night she's out with friends celebrating her 30th birthday. They agree to share a passionate night with no names or anything serious.

She turns up at the Lodge Ridge, and two buddies of his are opening for military or first responders. Once he sees her again, he knows she his one, and he sets out to prove it!

I truly enjoyed these two as they worked on their concerns and how they managed their journey to love.

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

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison is a therapist specialized in helping veterans.
Ridge is a retired veteran who is one of the owners of The Triple R Lodge, a place where veterans can find their way after service.
They had one night stand and now they work together, but not everything is so easy when life throws them a surprise that will change their lives forever.
This was a sweet and emotional story about the fear of being hurt again, but love always wins over fear.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instalove and hunky alpha make at its best! Addison is the new counselor that will be working at the Triple R, a place for military and first responders to heal. Little does she know that her one night stand is one of the owners of the Triple R until she is going over her plans. Ridge and his friends West and Lars, are former military and are owners of the Triple R in the Pineville Mountains. Ridge and Addison had one night with no names given and have now run into each other after neither one of them can forget their night together. Ridge has decided that Addison is the one for him and now he has to convince her that they can be in a relationship. With a few bumps along the way, the finally have their HEA.

Love this authors books! The stories always pull me from the beginning with the great storylines and characters. This is a must read!.

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

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge and his friends have set up The Triple R Lodge as a retreat for veterans who need peace, quiet and help. Addy is the new therapist, she's very attracted to Ridge, spending a night with him a while ago, but now she's going to be professional, if she can! And if he lets her! Can he persuade her to give him a chance?

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

An emotional read from Debra.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love watching these ex-military hero’s fall hard and this newest addition did that and more. Ridge gets mesmerized when he meets Addison and he does everything to make her realize they are meant to be together. Will she give him a chance? One click to find out in this quick but sweet romance story that did not disappoint.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge was determined to prove to Addison that they could be more than a one night stand. Addison was determined no matter what she felt towards Ridge it wouldn’t happen. She didn’t want a relationship. That’s when both of their stubborn determination started. Even being a short book, the story of Ridge and Addison is sweet.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back for the second in the series of Mountain Men of Pinevlle. These military men have created a place that's safe, yet beautiful for vets and active service alike to have a place tailored for them. They are almost ready for opening. Co-owner Ridge is working on getting a therapist specializing in trauma to be onboard with them.

He had no idea it's be the woman he spent one glorious night with, and has been searching for since. Addison didn't expect to run into him again, and keeping her borders up is getting worse by the moment. There is such a strong Alpha man, protector's, i've got you vibe that it feels you could reach out and touch it. Ridge might be a little bit of a reserved man, but he's determinded to not let Addison get away agan.

I love the appreciation Debra always brings to her stories, and the respect for service men and the trauma they ha to endure once coming home. I feel Addison really shows how much she can do her job, and do it well. Its taunt with tension as Ridge and Addison try to find a way to move forward.

I'm not mad at the fact that Ridge knew what he wanted from night one, and ihe determination to make sure Addison knows it and he'll take anything she's willing to give. Its a fast roller coaster that you want to ride over and over.

This is a deep love story that gives you humor, tons of spice and heat, and a rewarding HEA!! Love this series. Go dive into this series right Away!!!

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some rules are not meant to be followed

Mountain Man Protector is the second book in the Mountain Men of Pineville series. I am just going to say this....I felt lost through the first part of this short and intense story. I was missing details that made me question what was actually happening and why the characters were feeling and behaving the way they did. The story is about Dr. Addison 'Addy' London and Ridge Beauchamp. She is a counsellor who specializing in trauma therapy for first responders and veterans. He is a former Army Ranger who, with two other men he served with, bought and remodelled the Triple R Lodge. The men's plan was to have people who suffered trauma come to stay and recover, which included counselling for those that wanted to participate. This is when Addy finds herself arriving at the lodge to become the counsellor on-site. The thing is that she and Ridge had shared a toe curling, earth shattering night of passion a month before on her thirtieth birthday. She had stipulated the rules...no names, no details, just one night and then they would part ways and never see each other again. Well you know this is going to be complicated, especially when Ridge is determined to make Addy his forever and she tries to fight her feelings for the same.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her last bad breakup, she is determined to focus on her career and helping others, and that love isn’t meant for her. The night she meets him she lays out the rules, no names no attachments no callbacks, just one night of steamy passion. What she doesn’t expect is to walk into her new job and find out that he is one of the owners and he is having second thoughts about that one night only rule. It was special. She is special and he is determined to wear her down. He can tell she was hurt before and he knows he has to proceed cautiously, letting her think he is willing to keep it casual all while knowing his mission is to make her his. This is a short story format so you don’t expect to get overly complex plot line or a lot of detailed backstory. You get enough here to connect with the characters and understand where they’re coming from. they have a chemistry than even she can’t deny , and his determination to sneak into her heart is sweet.

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]

Mountain Man Protector is Book 2 of the Mountain Men of Pineville series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, one night stand to more, age gap, surprise pregnancy, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Addison "Addy" is a 30-year-old curvy, independent, trauma therapist who specializes in treating military vets and first responders. Ridge is a 42-year-old hunky, ex-military man who is now part owner of a retreat center for veterans. He and Addy had a hot, anonymous, one-night stand on her 30th birthday. It was at her request as she had a past traumatic relationship and doesn't so strings. Ridge has not stopped thinking about her since. So when they officially meet at an event, he is determined to win her over. She feels the pull too but is resisting. Can she let her walls down? These two had chemistry in spades and the ending was so happy after a bit of angst. I can't wait for Lars and Dylan's story next.

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

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like steamy passion, a hunky mountain man, and unexpected surprises? If so you will definitely want to get this exciting ebook written by this outstanding and very talented author. Addison goes to a bar with friends and is mesmerized by Ridge a very hunky mountain man. Ridge was struck by a bolt of lightning when he sees Addison aka Addy and only gets to have one night with her. Little do they know what the future has in store for them. Their passion is combustible and their attraction is instant. Will the pinky promise Addy and Ridge made keep or will the intense attraction they have because of the promise disappear? Can Addy ignore her fears and mistrust of men and be with Ridge and can she let Ridge into her heart? Does Ridge come up with a plan to get Addy to trust him and does he show Addy that he's in it with her forever? I absolutely recommend you get this fiery passion filled 5⭐️ ebook you won't be able to stop reading it's so good. I loved it and you will too.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are. On. Fire!

Ah! I LOVE Ridge and Addy, their chemistry doesn't just sizzle, it explodes off the page, add in the crazy lengths Ridge is prepared to go to to convince Addy they belong together and you cannot help but like them as a couple too. He doesn't demand, knowing she will just dig her heels in, but he uses his full arsenal of charm, hot kisses, dirty talkin' and finally he outright dares her to deny their feelings. I am so glad he goes all out to convince her how he feels and that he wants forever, before the surprise that freaks her out...but not him! He is loving it!
Yay! I love a man who knows who and what he wants and goes all out to claim her heart.
This is a great second book in the series and I look forward to Lars book later this month.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge has been busy getting the Retreat ready for opening, with West and Lars. Not too busy, however to have some "no names" fun. Problems arise when they have mutual friends, AND she's hired to work at the Retreat. Oops! Addison had a bad relationship experience and locked everything out to avoid another possibility. As a therapist, she KNOWS this isn't rational or reasonable, but... how exactly will these two manage to function in close proximity with chemistry that's still off the charts? Oh, and they get another unexpected surprise too. You gotta find out how this unfolds.

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy has a one night stand after her 30th birthday party, no names, no seeing each other again, just pure fun for one night. Problem is a month later she dicovers that her one night of fun is someone she will be working with. Ridge was captivated after one look from Addy and he knew he would eventually find her again, the fact thtat she's going to be working at the Triple R is just perfect, now he has to convince her they are meant for each other.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mountain Man Protector” by Debra Elise

-A one-night pinky swear turns into something deeper for Addison and Ridge. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Their chemistry sizzles, with plenty of heart, heat, and a surprise twist.
Ridge’s quiet determination and Addison’s strength make for a sweet match.

A short, steamy, feel-good romance with a satisfying happy ending.

My favorite line is “Walking sex on a stick”
Can’t wait for Lars and Dylan’s story.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison and Ridge have an one night stand, it was amazing but she never expected to see him again. She did not expect him to be one of the owners of the Triple R, where she just got a job working as a counselor. Ridge decided he wants more with her than they agreed, now he just needed to convince her.

Ridge turns up the heat, agreeing to friends-with-benefits convince her heart what her body already knows. This is a short and steamy read.

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

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Riadge and Addy's book, it was a sweet story with a little spice thrown in. I would have loved to see a flashback to the night they first met, since it was referenced so many times. At that point, throw in a flashback and let us know what happened. From our perspective, they had a relationship without us seeing the chemistry that brought them together in the first place. It was a good palate cleanser. HEA.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison has been hurt in the past but Ridge was too yummy to resist so they agreed to one night and boy was it spectacular. Now they are thrust together in a professional capacity but the chemistry is still insane and Ridge isn’t walking away again if he can help it. It’s a fun and steamy read with a OTT cinnamon roll and his high strung love that will capture your heart and mind from the first page.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridge and Addison meet each other at a bar and spend one steamy night together thinking they would never see each other again. Now she is applying for a job at the ranch he co-owns, and things take a steamy turn. Mountain Man Protector is book two in the Mountain Men of Prineville series. The writing is good, the characters are believable, and they get their happily ever after. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addy approaches Ridge at the local bar, but she has conditions like no strings. He agrees and makes that promise but later regrets it and wants to break it. Their story is definitely push and pull because he knows he is all in and she lets her broken heart of her past define her The story is sweet and spicy and all the things in between. 3.5 Stars.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Triple R Ranch romance. Ridge had met Addy at a bar and they had a one night stand but a month later she is a therapist at the ranch for the guests. They had never forgotten their night together and how they got their forever is a must-read. I look forward to reading more of the series.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet short story. Ridge and Addison had a one night stand but Ridge wanted more. They eventually got together more and then she found out she was pregnant. He was happy about it and they were sweet together.
The story had good characters and it was an easy story to read.

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

[JaneH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars short and sweet
Ridge and Addison’s story starts with what was meant to be a one night stand. Nup, didn’t work out that way. Ridge, after some longing for Addison manages to get her to give them a go. Some passion, some angst and a baby surprise wraps up this short and sweet story.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

I believed in the connection and chemistry between Ridge and Addison, I liked seeing them together and how Ridge never gave up on them. I enjoyed their story and am looking forward to Lars' story next.

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

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy mountain man

Ridge and two of his buddies are renovating a lodge on the mountain to give returning veterans and first responders a place to regroup. They would like to have a psychologist on staff to help the guests. Addison has applied for the job but finds Ridge attractive. What kind of trouble can they find?

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Mountain Men of Pineville brings as back to already known characters and gives us Ridge's story. Great characters and well written story.
Addison and Ridge has a whirlwind of relationship - their story keeps us engaged and entertained. Amazing short and steamy romance to enjoy.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Addison and Ridge hit this romance book right out of the park with their romance story. This book will have you burning up inside reading it because itis one HOT and AMAZING romance story. This is a HOT 10 star read.