Some stories can't be written—they can only be lived.
BRYNN I came to Montana to find the passion I've only ever written about. Manhattan's suffocating walls and my publisher's cutting criticism have pushed me to the edge. They say my love scenes lack authenticity, that I know nothing about real desire. A sudden mountain storm, a slick road, and one catastrophic skid later, I'm stranded in a ditch, freezing and terrified. Just when I'm certain I'll become another cautionary tale, he appears—a mountain of a man with eyes that have seen things no one should ever have to see.
MACK I didn't want company. I didn't want connection. The mountains were my sanctuary, my dog my only companion. After what happened on my last mission, people were the last thing I needed. My scars—both the visible and invisible ones—were a warning to stay away. But there she was, shivering and half-frozen in a crashed car, looking more lost than any human I'd ever seen. Something in me couldn't just walk away. Something in me knew rescue was about more than just saving a life.
Some boundaries are meant to be crossed. Some walls are meant to be torn down.
This book is part of Annee Jones' interconnected LOVING A MOUNTAIN MAN. Other titles - My Mountain Man Valentine - Marrying the Mountain Man - My Bad Boy Valentine - The Mountain Man's Untamed Bride ...and more.
Each book can be read as a standalone. All titles can be found by going to Annee Jones' Amazon Author Page.
About the WHISPERED ECHOES Multi-Author Mountains keep their secrets, but can love heal their scars? The untamed beauty of the mountains is no match for these scarred men. Fate brings women who hold the power to mend their wounds, but first, they must navigate the rugged terrain of their pasts. As they confront their scars, they discover that true healing can only come from one thing… love.
Each story in ‘Whispered Echoes’ delves into the lives of our wounded heroes and the courageous women who dare to love them.
International bestselling author Annee Jones writes romance that ranges from sweet to scorching, sassy to dark, contemporary to fantastical. Perfect for your coffee break or midnight escape—quick reads for wild hearts.
Outside of writing, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit. She loves practicing Barre, relaxing in the sauna, and staying up way too late reading.
Brynn Ashcroft is an author known for racy books but truth be told she has never ..well she’s inexperienced let’s say and this is keeping her creative juices away. No other juices are flowing free either. Lacking in authenticity and fervour ,no heat. So a new horizon she seeks. She goes to Montana but when terrifying weather hits and she ends up ditched she thinks she’s going to die right here. Mack Thornton ,he lives in the mountains knows them well , he’s a heavily scarred veteran ,once a Marine there’s plenty that he has lived through and seen . These days he’s a recluse ,not wanting company except for that of his hound. He’s happy away from it all and has been her three year. His scars are deep ,not just the visible ones but hidden in his very existence enough to make a big burly mountain man weep. When he happens upon a woman who crashed her car. Something about her so raw and forlorn tugged at his heartstrings and he couldn’t walk away .so he crossed a boundary he’d set himself anyway in order that he might help.And wow this mountain man so sweet and just what she needs. They slowly come together and learn about each other’s lives . He’s a true mountain man who was born and bred . She a city girl truth be known and though writing about love it’s one thing she’s never known . But the two of them they have grown and once they have grown closer the love shines through and suddenly she has subject matter aplenty but is that what she now wants? Because here and the now , her mountain of a man Mack she doesn’t want to leave nor go back . He’s feeling it too. What will they do…. Well read this well written beautiful book and find out for yourself .Yes it really is great storytelling and worth it indeed. Take it slow and delve into their story with greed ,it’s not a race but a nice steady pace. I loved it in any case ,it’s by Annee Jones so I knew it would be great at any rate.
Rescued by the Mountain Man by Annee Jones is part of the multi-author Whispered Echoes - A Spicy Wounded Mountain Man series. The story is also part of the author's Loving a Mountain Man world, so there are characters from the other books which pop in and around, but nothing that you cannot get around. The story is about Brynn and Mack who end up snowed in together i the mountains of Montana.....let the fire ignite.
Brynn Ashcroft is an author having writer’s block and needing to get away for some inspiration. She decided a cabin in Montana would give her the atmosphere that New York could not provide to find the inspiration she is currently lacking. But driving the treacherous mountain roads in a bad storm, she crashes her car. Fortunately, she is found by a mountain man, a Marine veteran, who grudgingly takes her to his cabin to tend to her injuries -- consisting of minor cuts, and a possible concussion -- while they wait out the storm causing flooding everywhere. Brynn and Mack slowly recognize something between them, something that may actually heal both of them. And helping the town get through the serious flooding is a wonderful way to open up to others and build new relationships as they get closer to each other. Are they willing to give love a chance? Will he accept the Operations Manager job offer that is perfect for his skillset and will provide him a true sense of purpose again? This story is very well-written and will keep the reader cheering for the two of them finding each other and learning to open their hearts again. Grab your copy and see whether fate really does offer second chances to those willing to try.
After a stormy crash on a remote Montana road, NYC romance author Brynn (h) is rescued by Mack (H), a reclusive ex-Marine living off the grid with scars he doesn’t talk about. She’s supposed to be writing. He’s determined to stay alone. But as days in the cabin turn into unexpected connection, their guarded walls start to crack. When a flood forces them into town and Mack steps up in a crisis, Brynn sees a different side of the man behind the silence—and starts wondering if her next love story might be real. A steamy grumpy sunshine, mountain man, veteran, small town romance, exploring love, connection, trust, healing, second chances, and finding home in the unexpected places. It’s about letting someone in—even when it’s the hardest thing to do.
This novella sucked me in from the first page. The story was compelling and emotionally riveting. These main characters, Mack and Brynn, were so caught up in their heads that verbally communicating thoughts and feelings was either foreign or intimidating. Trapped by the very storm that brought them together, they slowly form a kind of bond... or do they? In forced proximity, it's difficult to discern what's real and what's not. Jones does a wonderful job conveying the character's emotions throughout their journey, and the storyline is superb. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
*Rescued by the Mountain Man* is the first book in the new multi-author series *Whispered Echoes: A Spicy Wounded Mountain Man Series.* Brynn, a romance author, travels to the mountains seeking inspiration for her next book. However, during the worst rainstorm in the area, Brynn wrecks her rental car. Luckily, Mack, an ex-military man, happens to be behind her and is able to rescue her.
Due to the flooding caused by the storm, Mack takes Brynn to his cabin for safety. Since leaving the military, Mack has secluded himself in his cabin, haunted by his memories. After dancing around their mutual attraction, Brynn and Mack finally give in to their feelings for each other. Mack begins to let his emotional walls down, starting to embrace life once more, while Brynn is eager to experience her life in the mountains with her newfound mountain man.
This sweet instalove story is well-written and fast-paced, making it hard to put down. It strikes the perfect balance of spice, leaving readers wanting more. I am looking forward to this new multi-author series and the Wounded Mountain Men finding their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brynn Ashcroft is a successful romance author. Her readers would be shocked to realize that although she's known for her hot, sexy, and steamy novels, she's actually very inexperienced with sex and love. Videos and vivid dreams fuel her writing.
She's had six successful books published, but the last one wasn't as well received as the others. She's having trouble with her current book. Then her literary agent, Jillian Ferris, tells her her latest manuscript needs to be completely rewritten.
She's decided to temporarily move to Ashwood, Montana, where she's rented a cabin. She hopes to regroup and try to restart her writing career.
She's run into a bad rainstorm as she nears her destination. She's not accustomed to the hairpin curves on this highway, and her inexperience leads to an accident. Her car door is resting against the guardrail, and her seatbelt won't unlatch, so she can't get out on the passenger side either. There's also no cell phone service. She's stuck in her car until someone finds her car. Luckily it's not that long of a wait.
Mack Thornton was her rescuer. He's a Marine veteran who was discharged three years ago after an IED explosion. He's having trouble readjusting to civilian life and has become withdrawn from everyone. Other than for the burn scars marring his jawline, down his neck, and onto his chest, Brynn thinks he'd be an ideal model for the cover of one of her novels.
Since she has a bleeding head wound that needs tending, he's taking her to his place since it's closer than going to the town. However, with the heavy rain continuing, the roads are underwater and will be so for an undetermined number of days.
At first, he regretted bringing her into his cabin. He's used to being alone, except for Scout, his German Shepherd. Soon he's carrying on actual conversations with her. He's attracted to her, but he's almost a hermit who sporadically does odd jobs for people in the area. In his mind, he feels that he has nothing to offer her and will only be holding her back if he becomes involved with her. His heart didn't get that message.
She's been fighting the attraction she feels towards him. In her eyes, his scars only show his strength and determination. She's seeing the hero for her book. She's been writing about him in her journal. When he finds the journal on the floor, he picks it up and begins reading. To him, she's just using him as a model for her book; she has no interest in the actual man.
A mayday message comes over his radio from his older brother, Ian, the town's chief of police. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered, but Harriet Lindstrom, the owner of the orchard where he sometimes works, needs his immediate help. A dam has failed, and the orchard is about to be hit with the surging floodwater. Unless something is done quickly to divert the floodwater, the orchard will be wiped out, and Harriet will lose everything she owns.
Once a Marine, always a Marine. And the Marines are excellent at teaching leadership. Crisis response had been drilled into him: assess, decide, and execute. He's somewhat surprised that no one questions him; they're excited to have someone who knows what to do in a crisis like this.
When they arrive back at the cabin, the power finally comes back on. With that, her cell phone comes back to life. Her deadline has been moved up. If she misses it, her book won't be released until next year. That would be a disaster! She has to return to New York to finish up her book and do some promotional tours, but she promises to return to him.
He begins to withdraw from everyone and go back to his old self, especially when her return date keeps being extended. Nightly phone calls just aren't enough!
When he finally contacts Harriet, she offers him a job as operations manager at the orchard. At first he declines, until Brynn urges him to accept. He's in charge of everything except the actual trees. He accepts and actually loves the job.
Finally Brynn tells him her return date. He plans to pick her up at the airport. Then she mentions she has a surprise for him. What could that possibly be?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This just pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Brynn is a romance writer who has never experienced love of her own. After several successful novels, her last book had a lukewarm reception, and her current manuscript was rejected. For inspiration, she decides to rent a cabin in Ashwood, Montana. Maybe a little solitude in a quiet and beautiful place will help. But she's traveling on a winding mountain road in the pouring rain when she hits a curve too fast and runs off the road. Mack is a former Marine. He is scarred, physically and emotionally, from his time in the service, and he feels like he doesn't belong in society anymore. He lives in a remote cabin up on the mountain. Just him and his dog, Scout, in his fortress of solitude. But when he comes across a car that ran off the road, his training kicks in. He pulls the driver out. Her head is bleeding and she probably has a concussion. His cabin is closer than town, so he takes her there to tend to her. The thunder already has Mack on edge, Scout the only thing keeping him grounded. Having Brynn in his space is almost too much. When the storms continue and she's stuck there for a few days, he's forced to interact with her. She cooks for them, saying it relaxes her, and she turns his meager rations into something delicious. Brynn is fierce and vulnerable, and Mack can't help but be drawn to her, despite his efforts to shut her out. But she has a way of looking at him that makes him feel like she sees too much. When a neighbor is in trouble, Brynn convinces him that he needs to help, and he puts his experience to use. He's surprised that people are happy to see him, and his skills do not go unnoticed. Brynn helps Mack see that he can be useful, if he just tries. He never thought he would fit in again, but he finds his place and thrives in it. People are more accepting of him than he thought they would be. And the two of them share a connection that fills a need in each of them. It was such a good story. You could feel Mack's pain in everything he did. He was reluctant to let anyone in, but once he did, he started to realize what he was missing. And Brynn found out that the best stories are the ones that are actually lived.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She was on her way to a mountain retreat, to get a change of scenery and break her writers block. The storm is much worse than she expected, and when her car goes off the edge, she is rescued by a scarred mountain man. He grew up on the mountain but since his return from the military scars physical and emotional, he has kept to himself. Not believing he was fit company for anyone but his dog. He feels the pull towards her the minute he pulls her from the wrecked car, but he fights it to protect her and his heart. She is a romance writer who has never had a true romance, and what she feels for him is like nothing she has felt before and she is not going to be scared away from experiencing it... even from him. These are two really good characters, especially for a short format when you do not expect to get a lot of character development. The author does an especially good job depicting the pressure and effects that combat can take on a veteran. They have a slow burn as they get to know each other, but once they ignite, they are fire. They have to figure out if it is worth risking everything for a chance at a life together. Both will have to give up some of their safety, her the life in the city and him his seclusion to protect himself, but there is no reward without the risk. And a happily ever after is in the cards for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some stories can’t be written—they can only be felt. And this one? I felt every page. From the first chilling moment on that snowy Montana road to the slow, smoldering unraveling of two broken souls, this story had me completely captivated.
Brynn is a heroine you can’t help but root for—creative, vulnerable, and just bold enough to chase the real thing when her world tells her she’s only good at faking it. And Mack? Let’s just say he redefines the phrase “strong and silent.” He’s raw, rugged, and carrying enough emotional weight to bury a lesser man. But under the scars is a protector’s heart and watching him fight against everything he's built to keep people out... whew. It’s magnetic.
What makes this story shine is its emotional depth. Yes, the chemistry is off the charts—the kind of heat that practically steams off the page—but it’s the connection between Brynn and Mack that stays with you. This isn't just about finding love—it's about rediscovering what it means to feel safe, seen, and wanted.
If you’re looking for a deeply emotional, snowy rescue-meets-sizzling-redemption kind of romance, you’re going to want to get lost in this one. Grab a blanket, cancel your plans, and settle in. You won't want to come down from this mountain anytime soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars and a full heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mountain Man Romance. Brynn is a young author lacking inspiration, so she rents a cabin in the mountains to find inspiration again. But on the road, she slips in the snow and is saved by a handsome mountain man, Mack. She then finds herself stranded with this man, whom she has a crush on at first sight and who is her new inspiration for her book despite all the mysteries he hides. Mack returned from the army broken after everything he's seen and experienced. He lives alone in a cabin in the mountains with his only contact being his brother. But then his solitude is shattered when he meets Brynn trapped in her car following a car accident. He is instantly attracted to her but wants to protect his heart after everything he's been through. Will Mack be able to open up to the beautiful Brynn, and how will he react when he learns she used him for his book….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brynn had written six best selling steamy romance books but now she is facing a serious problem where her total inexperience in a relationship has shown that her writing is not making her editors happy. Time to leave Manhattan for a rental cabin in Ashwood,Montana. A severe storm intervened with her car accident. A rescue by a scarred ex-Marine, Mack, who lives like a hermit up the mountain with his German Shepard. His demons of losing his unit from an IED in Afghanistan 3 years ago keeps him isolated. Brynn is interested in Mack; she is writing notes about Mack in her journal for thoughts for her writing. What is Mack's reactions when he accidentally finds her journal and reads her notes? The storm caused flooding and evacuations; will Mack step-up and help his community? Is there a chance for Brynn and Mack?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brynn is going for a get away when an accident leaves her stranded and hurt. She didn't see Mack as he stopped to help her.
Sometimes we don't see the person we have been looking for until they save you from a wrecked car in the middle of the storm. I appreciated how authentic Mack was. He is ex military, and has his own wounds inside and out. He didn't expect Brynn to offer him a peace he hadn't imagined would come again.
There are some hiccups in their union, and a few misread words. Brynn doesn't meant to use him a study but also her journaling to let her thoughts out of just being in her head. Brynn finally realized she has a chance at something real. something she's been writing about, but no chance to live it.
I love that she breathed life back into Mack. His brother is about to do a cheerleading parade he's so happy to see his brother finally finding some happiness. Its a great read. Its got steam, heat, intrigue, and a touching HEA!
Mack who's honorary discharged Marine saves Brynn on the brink peril. She has smashed her car in the middle of the most dangerous and craziest rainstorm. The rain wash out trails and the creek's overflowing. He had no choice but to take her to his cabin. As long as he radioed his brother, and alert him of the situation they were both in, things would be fine. Injured from his time in the service, he is extremely grumpy and someone's in his sanctuary. Brynn is in his sanctuary and was sorry that she intruded but knows it's necessary. Their relationship builds over her recovery of a concussion and bruising through the rainstorm proves to be a very real situation. So much for her writing inspiration trip. she is a romance novelist, after all. But there are things that she needs to learn and he vice versa. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a sweet, story with two people who are trapped in a cabin in a mountain due to weather. Mack rescued Brynn from her car after it went off the road. Mack was a very solitary man he had been through a lot of trauma overseas and is now just trying to get through life one day at a time. Bringing Brynn to his house has changed his normal day and its a whole new feeling for him. Brynn is drawn in by Mack's broodiness and even for all his faults he is a sweet guy who takes care of his dog and her without saying anything. I enjoyed this story it was a joy to read and a feel good story. I loved how these two damaged people came together and became a cute loving couple that healed one another and became stronger together.
I am loving Annee Jones’ books and this was up there as my favourite. A broody ex military man, Mack, who is broken and does not think he is worthy of being put together by anyone and Brynn, a romance novallist who, believe it or not, has never experienced the love and intimacy she writes about. Brynn is on a sabbatical because of her writers block and when she crashes her car it is Mack who comes to her rescue and helps her heal in more ways than one. The characters were so good and grounded and the story is really what us romance lovers seek. I enjoyed this book very much and I can honestly say that Annee Jones is becoming one of my go to authors when I want an amazing read.
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Brynn is a romance author who has been told that the best way to improve her stories is by new experiences. This is why she finds herself in the middle of a rainstorm in Montana when Mack comes to her rescue.
The emotional and physical scars of serving his country still affect Mack daily. When he sees Brynn trapped in her vehicle on the side of the road he doesn’t hesitate to bring her to his cabin to heal. Normally he is uncomfortable around others but there is something about Brynn that give him a sense of peace he hasn’t felt in years.
This is a heartwarming story about two people who are going through the motions but not really living until they meet each other. After everything that Mack has been through I enjoyed seeing him find the happiness he deserves.
This is the second book I’ve read by Annee Jones and I have to say I love her style. This is a sweet romance with no cheating and the sex scene is tastefully done. It’s easy to relate to the characters. I enjoyed how she used Brynn to encourage Mack to overcome his fears and grow to become a valuable member of his community despite his PTSD. Mack was equally supportive of Brynn and her career as an author. To me, that is the best foundation (after love) for a successful relationship and Annee Jones shows she understands how important it is with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brynn and Mack Brynn is a romance writer from Manhattan. Having writers block, she decides to rent a cabin in Montana mountains. She wrecks her car during a flooding rainstorm and gets rescued by Mack. Mack is a Marine vet. He has physical and emotional scars. He rescues Brynn from her car wreck and patches her up. Their close proximity leads to romantic entanglement. Sweet story full of heart, drama, a natural disaster, a cinnamon roll, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, heat and HEA. Loved the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, mountain man and ex military go so well together. And Mack...he's just so perfect.
Why? He's grumpy, brooding, obviously a recluse but he's also kind and a born leader, something he doesn't think much of. So it's not a surprise when he helps Brynn after her accident! He tends to her wounds and let's her in his space. And after he's stuck with her thanks to mother nature, well, he's got no choice to but to let Brynn break down his walls. Ans boy does she! In epic and wonderful fashion, giving you no choice but to love it.
Brooding men for the win here with a woman who isn't afraid to back down!
This was a good story. The characters were well developed and the story flowed very well. I always deduct a star from any author who referees to a soldier as ex instead of retired or former especially a marine. Their motto is once a marine always a marine even in his thoughts Mack would not have said he was an ex marine. He would have referred to himself as a broken or damaged marine. The rest of the story was clear, concise and had minimal typos. I appreciate that she showed how he could use the skills he learned in the service to benefit others. Overall I would recommend this book to others and will read other books from this author.
This is book is part of a multi author series called Whispered Echoes. Tropes: recluse mountain man, ex military, PTSD, romance writer, and innocent FMC. Brynn is heading to the mountains hoping for inspiration due to her last manuscript lacking any real romance. Mack rescues Brynn when she wrecks her car forcing them in his cabin due to flooding. An instalove novella with a scarred MMC and a romance writer looking for something real. Enjoyed all the characters including side characters. Enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Matt is an ex marine who was in Afghanistan. He’s become a recluse due to scars inside and out. Brynn is a romance author who has a car accident while going to a cabin near Mack. He rescues her and has to take her to his home. This is a forced proximity romance and it is so well written. It’s a feel good story, I loved the characters and it’s sweet with just a bit of steam. Just a wonderful romance with a great happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mack and Brynn are like two injured and caged animals circling each other, neither one sure of the other or themselves. Gradually the walls fall and the feelings grow...but their self confidence doesn't. It takes a car crash, a flood, community emergency and huge misunderstanding before they finally open their hearts and voice their feelings. This is a really sweet journey to HEA with two lovely characters who steal your heart from the first meeting. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
OMG this was a great book and it was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was addicted. Mack rescued Brynn from her car after it went off the road. Mack was a very solitary man he had been through a lot of trauma overseas and is now wanting some kind of attention. Could they find love in this moment and the desire of romance. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
Brynn is a writer headed to a mountain cabin for some much needed inspiration. Unfortunately, her car is no match for winding mountain roads and spring storms. She is rescued by Mack, a wounded veteran who has fled to these mountains for solitude. As these two navigate the days of imposed cohabitation due to flooding they begin to slowly learn more about each other an discover that love is the greatest healer of all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun novella set within the interconnected series Loving A Mountain Man as well as being part of the multi author Whispered Echoes - A Spicy Wounded Mountain Man Series. I enjoyed getting to know Brynn & Mack in this story and seeing how their story came together as well as how the two of them supported each other when needed. I look forward to reading more books by this author and from the Loving A Mountain Man series in the future.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first story of this author, but definitely not my last.
It’s a super sweet, forced proximity, damsel in distress story with a brooding, but sweet, gentle and loving veteran with past trauma and a sunshine FMC. Their attraction instant, the chemistry sizzling and all that set in reclusive cabin.
It’s sweet, fast, spicy, emotional and intriguing. It was a pleasure to read them get their happy ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an excellent book that captivates you from start to finish. Brynn is headed to a rented cabin to write a new book but has a car accident along the way. Mack witnesses the wreck and takes Brynn to his home because the storm is severe. I appreciated how Brynn supported Mack with all the emotional baggage he carried from his time in the military. They make a great couple. It's a fantastic book with an engaging plot and the ideal happily ever after (HEA).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rescued by the Mountain Man: Whispered Echoes - A Spicy Wounded Mountain Man Series and this is Mack and Brynn's romance story..a former military suffrering with PTSD living alone in the mountain away from everyone crossed path with a romance author from the city looking for inspiration to finish her book..they have an instant attraction,but his not easy to trust and what he will do when he found out what she's doing there? a quick,heartwarming,interesting,steamy and wonderful read..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.