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Mountain Men of Pine Valley #3

Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man

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One night of passion with a possessive mountain man changed my life forever. Now I'm carrying his baby, and he'll move mountains to prove he's all in.

Jennifer

All I wanted was to chase my dreams as a singer at Timber Trail Tavern. But one look at Dane—with his intense blue eyes and commanding presence—and I knew my life would never be the same. One passionate night together turned into the surprise of a lifetime when I discovered I was pregnant.

When he disappeared for a month without a word, I thought I'd have to face this alone. But now he's back, more protective than ever, and determined to prove that what we have is real. The way he looks at me—like I'm his entire world—makes me wonder if sometimes the best things in life are completely unplanned.

Dane

I never expected anyone to break through my solitary life in the mountains. Then Jennifer walked into that bar with her sultry voice and curves that drove me wild, and suddenly my quiet existence didn't seem enough anymore.

When family obligations forced me away, I thought I'd lost my chance at happiness. But now I'm back, and she's carrying my child. She thinks this might be too much, too fast—but she doesn't realize she's everything I never knew I needed.

The mountains have always been my home, but Jennifer and our baby? They're my future. And I'll do whatever it takes to prove that this rugged mountain man can be the partner and father they deserve.

If you love steamy instalove romances featuring protective alpha mountain men, curvy singers who know their worth, unexpected pregnancies, and small-town charm that leads to forever love, Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man is your next obsession!

With a virgin heroine experiencing her first passionate night with an experienced alpha male, this one-night stand leads to a forever kind of love that will make your heart race and your kindle steam.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

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Rica Lane

369 books82 followers

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5 stars
87 (50%)
4 stars
45 (26%)
3 stars
27 (15%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
2,337 reviews23 followers
February 10, 2025
This story will make you believe in the power of destiny. How else can you explain the serendipitous meeting of two people who couldn’t be more different, at least on paper. Jennifer is new to town, chasing a fresh start and a lifelong dream of becoming a singer, with an important audition at the Timber Trail Tavern. Dane is a rugged, solitary mountain man who rarely ventures into town. And yet, on this one fateful night, their worlds collide in a way that feels meant to be. From the instant their eyes meet, the connection is electric—intense, undeniable, as if the universe itself conspired to bring them together. When Jennifer takes the stage, it’s as though she’s singing just for Dane. And after the show, when they speak, their words are bold, honest, and stripped of pretense. No games. No hesitation. Just raw, mutual desire. One night—no strings attached. Jennifer is tired of playing it safe, and for once, she’s ready to embrace the unknown. But morning comes, and Dane is gone. And this—this is where I had a bone to pick with him. Yes, he had his reasons, but come on, Dane! A ten-second note? A phone number? Something? But instead, Jennifer is left wondering if she was just another fleeting moment in his wild, untethered life. And honestly, who could blame her for feeling abandoned when he vanishes for an entire month? Yet, when Dane returns, everything changes. The stakes are suddenly much higher, the emotions deeper, and Jennifer finally discovers the reason behind his sudden departure. And let me just say, I absolutely loved the way Dane stepped up when he learns he’s going to be a father. No hesitation. No excuses. Just a man determined to prove where his heart truly lies. The way he scrambles to prepare for Jennifer and their future together is absolutely swoon-worthy. If you love possessive, fiercely devoted mountain men and a romance that feels like fate, this book is definitely for you. 😊
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nova.
2,736 reviews107 followers
March 7, 2025
I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.

Jennifer hadn’t planned on staying anywhere until she happened upon Pine Valley and saw that the local tavern were holding auditions for a singer. A dream she had always had, she was trying to get her nerves under control when she met a man that changed everything. Dane and she had an instant connection and whilst singing she could only concentrate on him, she should have been surprised that he inspired feelings she’d never had before and ones she acted upon, but he only ever promised one night and he was gone when she woke up. That was over a month ago and she believed that she’d never see him again but now he is back claiming that they are meant to be, but he’s left her once before can she trust him to stick around especially when she shares her own news?

Dane very rarely ventured off of Pine Valley Mountain, but something made him go to the tavern that night, the night he met Jennifer, he had never felt this all consuming passion before and knows he need to have her at least once, he never expected to want more than a night. But when he is called away by an emergency he is loathe to leave her. So much time had passed and he is devastated he didn’t leave a note. Dane wants his woman so after his mum is ok he is off to find and claim her as his. Will Jennifer give him the opportunity to explain or has he missed his chance at love?

Dane was a recluse and Jennifer was his sunshine, there was no way that you can’t want them to be together. This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed the story. 4.3* read.
548 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2025
Dane was a loner living up on the mountain. People tended to stay out of his way. But he was in the tavern one night when a young woman started to sing, and he questioned his whole solitary life.
Jennifer was auditioning at the tavern, but she wasn't quite ready to go in. This was a bit of a turning point for her, make or break. When she finally worked up the courage, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. She looked up into piercing blue eyes. Eyes of a predator. And she was squarely in his sights.
After such an intense first meeting, they could barely keep their eyes off each other, and later, their hands. But when a family emergency happened, Dane had to leave in the middle of the night, without so much as her number.
A month later, he was finally able to return, but things had changed. Jennifer was no longer the open hearted woman he had fallen for. There was hurt in her eyes.
Could Dane convince Jennifer that she hadn't been just a one night stand, and he never wanted to walked away? That she was his, and he would spend the rest of his life proving how much she meant to him?
OK, so Dane was a bit of an idiot, but he made up for it many times over! He was really sweet in his efforts to show Jennifer how much he cared, turning his bachelor's cabin into a space that was ready for her and their future.
This was a good little instalove story, with a gruff mountain man and the woman who brings music to his life.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,396 reviews65 followers
February 13, 2025
Sometime fate steps in changes things to have things her way so hangs on until the last page has been turned 😊. Dane sexy as all get out lone wolf so to speak lives up in the mountain rarely interacts with others if we are honesty, he doesn’t we could say he doesn’t like humans, he heads to the tavern after not leaving the mountain in months and runs into the most beautiful sight or person. Jennifer is new town trying her hand at her dream of being a singer so attending an audition at the tavern, where she gets lost in the song, she is singing along with everyone else especially a loan ranger mountain man, and when she steps down off the stage one night of letting go. They didn’t expect the magnetic pull to be so strong but when she woke up, she was alone with no note just nothing and Dane is nowhere to be found adding to that new town what’s a girl to think but she pulls it together moving on the only issue she couldn’t forget him oh, and she finds out he left her with a precious gift. Dane is upset with himself for not thinking of leaving a note or something but the emergency, but will she understand, will she give him a chance to even explain, will she still be in town considering she was new to town, especially with the way he left her, and are they meant to find happiness somewhere along the way?
Profile Image for Toni.
2,627 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2025
Jennifer is clutching her guitar case standing outside Timber Trail Tavern. The owner comes out and tries to make her less anxious. When she hears something she turns and is stunned with gorgeous hunk of male standing in front of her.
Dane escorts her into the tavern. He;s a lone wolf, and a survival expert. An alpha over all alpha males. He is mesmerized when he hears her sing. He goes and tells her that he's found a reason to head down his mountain. The he tells her what he wants and that she will know what it's like to be wanted and her body claimed.
Jennifer is 30 and tired of being a good girl. So she gives in to him because her body is begging for him. He tells her one night no strings.
The next morning when she wakes he's gone. She feels lost and alone but remembers it was just one night. So she focuses on her new job of singing at the tavern. What she doesn't know is that Dane's mother called needing him. So he goes to her without waking Jennifer up.
A month later he heads back to his mountain. He knows it's been too long for a wolf to leave his mate unguarded. She is so much his.
But will she want him?
A beautiful love story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angi.
2,766 reviews
February 1, 2025
Dane comes off the mountain for the first time in months, while heading to the tavern he runs into Jenifer and is instantly attracted to her, when she is done with her set and comes off the stage, Dane asks her to give him one night with her. She accepts and they share a steamy wonderful night together. When Jenifer awakes Dane is gone. She may have fallen in love but it seems Dane only wanted his one night. A month later while she is preforming Dane walks into the bar right as she collapses on the stage. Soon they find out she is pregnant, Dane wants to explain what happened and why he was gone but she doesn’t want to hear it and asks him to leave. She is overwhelmed with all the changes her life has taken over the last month. Will Dane win her back? What happens with their child? Read the next journey in Pine Valley and see what happens with Jenifer and Dane this charming story is full of emotion and will have you hooked.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gwynne Wallace.
162 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2025
Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man" is part of the Timber Trail Tavern series by Rica Lane.

This is a delightful and charming love story about Dean and Jennifer. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it captivating from beginning to end. The chemistry between Dean and Jennifer is palpable and intense. Dean was immediately smitten when Jennifer began singing in the Timber Trail Tavern. However one passionate night led them on a journey that neither of them foresaw.

I appreciated how Dean embodies the ideal of a mountain man: rugged, possessive, and the quintessential alpha, yet also careful, gentle, thoughtful, caring, and very protective of Jennifer and her needs, which adds warmth and security to the story.

Although their initial journey presented some difficulties, it enriched their character development and the narrative as a whole. A delightful bonus epilogue also provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.

I absolutely adored this novella and can't recommend it enough.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.5k reviews374 followers
February 11, 2025
Jennifer and Dane’s Story . . .

Jennifer is a nervous wreck as she stands outside the door of the Timber Trail Tavern where she is about to become the night’s musical entertainment as she auditions. The owner gives her a pep talk, and she is about to head inside when she collides with a solid wall of muscle. Dane Parker’s blue eyes capture her, her body reacting to his closeness. Dane hadn’t left his cabin for 6 months, but heard there was new talent and he came down to hear her sing. Then he escorts her inside. The crowd faded away and she sang directly to him. But the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, whistles, and cheers while Dane walks to the stage and lifts her into his arms. He wants a night with her. Then he disappeared without a word and when she collapses on stage a month later, she discovers she is pregnant.

Dane wanted to tell her about his reason for disappearing as he did. But will she be willing to listen? Could he convince her they have a future waiting for them? Or will she choose not to risk her heart?
481 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2025
Oh boy this is one sizzling hot ebook you don't want to miss. Jennifer is going to sing at the local bar when she plows into a hard wall of muscle. She looks up into the eyes of Dane, a local hot looking mountain main and she's mesmerized. Dane is thunderstruck by the animalistic feelings he suddenly has for Jennifer? You can just feel the electricity that crackles in the air when they're together. Their heated passion is undeniable. Will Jennifer and Dane feel that some things are worth fighting for? Can Jennifer forgive the pain Dane has caused her and can she trust that she's worth all of the risk taking? Does Dane explain that he didn't mean to hurt her and does he find a way to show Jennifer how strong his feelings for her really atr? This amazingly talented author will have you involved in the characters lives from the beginning. I definitely recommend you get this electrically charged deliciously hot 5⭐️ winner. I loved it and you will too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
8,172 reviews87 followers
February 10, 2025
Jennifer (h) came to Pine Valley for a fresh start, not to fall for a brooding mountain man. But from the moment she crashes into Dane (H) outside the Timber Trail Tavern, everything changes. He’s rugged, possessive, and makes it clear he wants her. Just for one night. No strings. That night is unforgettable. And in the morning, he’s gone. Dane never planned to leave, but when circumstances pull him away, he vanishes without a word. A month later, he’s back, ready to claim what’s his—only to hear Jennifer say the two words that change everything. She’s pregnant. With his baby. Jennifer doesn’t trust him to stay. Dane refuses to let her push him away. He’s determined to convince her that she belongs with him. That their baby isn’t the only thing tying them together. That one night was never enough. Steamy instalove, second chance, mountain man romance, exploring love, connection, taking chances, and belonging.
123 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2025
Another excellent book by Rica Lane! :-) This book has chemistry, passion, sexual scenes and drama!

Jennifer is nervous about singing and playing the guitar on stage at Timber Trail Tavern, in Pine Valley. Jack is the owner and said she will be a regular performer there because everyone loved it. Jennifer meets Dane, a handsome and mysterious man. It is instant chemistry and attraction between them, and a thirteen-year age difference. Dane is a true alpha male. He came up with a cute nickname, little songbird, for her. He is usually away from everyone, in his cabin up in the mountains. Jack is surprised to see him there for talent night. Dane said he will be coming there more often too. He offers one night of passion to Jennifer. He is very persuasive and sexual. After they leave Timber Trail Tavern together it gets very interesting… and one month later in is ALL changes…

Remember to sign up for the exclusive bonus epilogue ;-) I did!.
Profile Image for Shelly Joyce .
1,534 reviews11 followers
February 7, 2025
Dane and Jennifer‘s story
Book Title-Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man
Author-Rica Lane
MMC/FMC- Dane and Jennifer
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-Novella
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Mountain Men of Pine Valley Book 2
What I liked-This is a great and interesting love story about Dean and Jennifer. I quite enjoyed it and found it intriguing from the start to end. The chemistry between Dean and Jennifer is strong and intentionally. Dean was instantly smitten when Jennifer began singing in the Timber Trail Tavern. However one passionate night led them on a journey that neither of them knew what would happen.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa H.
857 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2025
This story of Dane and Jennifer has a lot of action, drama, feelings, SPICE, and love.

Jennifer is just trying for a fresh start, but was drawn to Dane from the moment she saw him. Shooo ladies....Dane has a confidence and a swagger that'll make you fan yourself in the middle of winter. He's bold, but he knows what he wants, even if he lets her think its just one night.

Sometimes life gets in the way and made them lose their way with each other. Dane isn't afraid to fix his mistakes as soon as he's back in town, and Jennifer needs a little convincing. She is giving Dane all the things he's ever wanted, and she's getting the chance for a HEA she didn't see coming moving into the small mountain town.

Its got fire, heart, drama, and a beautiful HEA.
Profile Image for mrsljgibbs.
866 reviews35 followers
February 9, 2025
i am really enjoying books from this author and the more that i am reading the more i want to read!! This book pulled me in right from the very first page and it did not let me go again until i had turned every single page and very quickly devoured it all in one go - perfect!!

I love books that involve a rugged mountain man and this one was definitely no exception, i thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.

There was insta-love and small-town romance and a mountain man and do not forget the all important and wonderful spiciness too…..

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
5,596 reviews79 followers
February 20, 2025
Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, curvy virgin gets her mountain man romance. Jennifer is a 30 year old curvy singer. Dane is a 33 year old hunky, burly, and intense mountain man. He's used to solitude, but when he sees Jennifer singing at the local tavern, he is drawn to the curvy beauty. He proposes one night of passion, and she agrees. The night is amazing, but when she wakes up, he is gone without a trace. What happened? These two had insane chemistry. The separation bothered me a bit, but I am glad this couple got their HEA after the drama.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,592 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2025
mountain man romance.
Jenifer is a young singer who starts her first day at the tavern. She then comes across a beautiful mountain man Dane. But while he lets himself go to a hot night, Dane disappears and leaves her pregnant.
Dane is a lonely mountain man he did not think that his solitude would be challenged by a beautiful singer. Unfortunately after their night together he must leave to settle family problems.
Dane will come back to get Jenifer and how will he take Jenifer's little secret...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
444 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2025
I loved this short story! Dane is HOT! Sizzling hot!! The chemistry between the MC's was great. Dane was so sexy. It was like love at 1st sight. They just clicked and decided to spend only one wild night together. But only one.
They both fell hard for each other. But the next morning Dane was gone.
Jennifer didn't see him for a month. When she finally sees him she wants nothing to do with him. Not until he proves himself to her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kate.
92 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book; it was quick, steamy, and heartwarming. Although it is an Insta-love romance, I would almost say it is Insta-lust, and then you have a little time gap for our MCs to mull things over and then come back together, and I liked that component. Dual POV was nicely done, the story was reasonably developed for the intended length, and there were a few supporting characters to help the story feel more complete.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for laura.lovesreading.
1,917 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2025
Dane, a protective, rugged and possessive mountain man, is instantly infatuated with our female lead, Jennifer, when he hears her singing in the Timber Trail Tavern.
The attraction is mutual and leads to a passionate night, which leads to an unexpected pregnancy.
They reach their happy ending though they have to overcome a few bumps in the road.
It’s a beautiful story with a thoughtful, protective, caring and gentle male lead, an innocent and ambitious female lead, explosive chemistry and lots of love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shalalah.
1,139 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2025
Dane is a reclusive mountain man hasn't graced Pine Valley with his presence in forever. It is like he has been drawn down from the mountain by his siren, Jennifer and hearing her angelic voice is all it takes to have him asking her for one night together. Rica Lane is a master of short, fast-paced, instant love, steamy reads with well developed, likable characters that will have you fully vested in their happily ever after! Don't miss your chance to read the extra epilogue by signing up for her newsletter!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
79 reviews
February 13, 2025
Dane and Jennifer first meeting was fate. Dane took one look at her and fell in love instantly. He was used to being alone but she made him feel like he didn't need to be anymore. But then an emergency made him leave and him leaving her devastated Jennifer. As soon as he's able, he makes his way back to her and fights for her love. Add an unexpected surprise and you have a winner of a story.

This book is so sweet. The story made me want to reread it as soon as I had finished it, it was that good.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,250 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2025
Jennifer and Dane
Jennifer is auditioning for a job at the local pub. Dane a mountain man that rarely comes to town. After one night with innocent Jennifer, he wants more. When his mom has an emergency, he ghosts Jennifer. Jennifer is mad when Dane returns to town after many weeks ghosting her. Will she ever forgive Dane?
Drama filled with a mountain man that falls hard for his curvy woman. Surprise pregnancy, wonderful characters, steamy and HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan.
931 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2025
For anyone that’s a believer in love at first sight …this book is for you. Short, sweet, steamy and right to the point of the matter. Barbara and Marcus are the epitome of finding their perfect counterpart with just one encounter. This series is the ideal place for finding a soulmate. This magical mountain, along with the devastatingly handsome rugged men that inhabit it - are a beautiful lure to their happily ever afters. Instalove perfection.
116 reviews
February 11, 2025
Songstress Jennifer and mountain man Dane had strong chemistry from first look. Dane was a solid man not only dropping everything to take care of his mom, but also then coming back and proving himself to Jennifer. A little redundant at times, but good story and Dane was a great example of how a man should treat his woman (despite having have left for a month without word).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
7,974 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2025
I have three words for you when it comes to this romance book by Rica. MUST READ BOOK. Dane and Jennifer are going to rock your world with their story and romance. So, if you are new to reading books by Rica I can 110% guarantee you that every single one of her romance books are on fire and a must read. You will fall head over heels in love with her writing skills that she delivers to us in her AMAZING books.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
2,444 reviews11 followers
February 22, 2025
Jennifer is singing when Dane walks into the bar she's singing at and falls for her instantly. They hit it off and spend the night together but he left without a word when he was pulled away due to family issues. Jennifer finds out while he's gone that she is pregnant and figures she's on her own. When Dane returns, she tells him about the pregnancy. Dane will do anything to prove to Jennifer that he's all in with her and their baby. Will Jennifer take a chance on Dane?
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,224 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2025
Dane is present when Jennifer is auditioning for a job at the local pub.

Dane a mountain man doesn't come to town often. He and Jennifer share a wonderful night together. He knows he wants more with Jennifer.

His mom has an emergency, and she calls him for assistance. He unwillingly ghosts Jennifer.

Upon his return, Jennifer lets him know she's pregnant. Will she be able to forgive Dane?

I enjoyed this read 📚!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
708 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2025
Jennifer had dreams of singing on stage.
Dane is the Hunky, Grumpy Mountain Man who claims Jennifer as his. Unfortunately, life happens. That makes for a delightful storyline with a wonderful HEA.
This is a standalone book with no cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,667 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2025
“Claimed by the Rugged Mountain Man” by Rica Lane

A short and steamy instalove romance set on a magical mountain of soulmates. Jennifer and Dane’s journey weaves passion with life’s challenges. With a rugged alpha hero this heartwarming story delivers a sweet escape for fans of quick, swoon-worthy love stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilson.
1,695 reviews9 followers
February 7, 2025
Tropes: grumpy mountain man, one night stand, surprised pregnancy, and innocent FMC. Jennifer is a single new to the mountain town. Dane is a recluse and wanted Jennifer as soon as he seen her. What started out as a one night stand became so much more. Fast paced instalove novella. Quick read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews