Mountain Man Protector

Ozark Mountain Men Age Gap #2

by Lily Birch

When her dog gets sick, will she find love at the vet’s office? 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Pearl
Life hasn’t been easy.
But I’m a survivor and the one thing I know how to do is get by.
And now I have a chance for a fresh start.
Red Oak Mountain might be the beginning of a big change for me.
Until I meet Houston, the local single veterinarian.
The one every woman in town seems to be chasing.
The one whose heart seems to be permanently broken.
Could I be the one the heal this mountain man’s heart?
Or will he break mine instead?


Houston
Things need to change.
My local veterinary practice has devolved into chaos.
Largely because of the cute mountain lion cub I’m fostering.
It’s attracted all the single women of Red Oak Mountain.
And I’m drowning in them.
But all I want to do is sneak off with Pearl.
She’s the young, curvy, quiet girl who just moved to town.
For the first time in years, I can feel my heart again.
Will she teach me how to love again?
Or leave me for the man who stole my first love?
Sometimes it’s too big a leap to risk your heart. ❤️

Author’s Mountain Man Protector is an OTT instalove, curvy girl, age gap, two hour short read romance. The stories in the Ozark Mountain Men Age Gap Romance series are steamy short reads. This series turns up the heat. 🔥 They’re spicy, full of heart, and always have an HEA. If you like this one, check out the rest!


❤️ Age Gap
❤️ OTT Instalove
❤️ Alpha Male Hero
❤️ Older Man Younger Woman
❤️ Curvy Girl Plus Size Heroine
❤️ Mountain Man Scarred For Love
❤️ Small Town Gossip Shenanigans 👀😍❤️

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

Lily Birch writes short and steamy instalove romance featuring sexy mountain men and the curvy women who fall for them.

She publishes a new short read every Friday. ❤️

She lives in the Ozark mountains in a one-stoplight town with her mountain man husband, a diva pug and a devious beagle.

Visit her at lilybirch.com to catch every new release.

Reviews

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Houston and Pearl! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Whewwweee Chile, this book was sweet, sexy and very spicy. 🌶🌶🌶🌶 From the minute they met, Houston was all about Pearl and vice versa. However, Houston is still hesitant about opening his heart to another woman. Thanks to his ex Jolene. Pearl is green about a lot of things. No spoilers! But the one thing she firm about is her feelings for Houston. Can she convince Houston to open up his heart and allow her to love him unconditionally? Or will he let what could be the best thing that ever happened to him slip away?

This book was such a pleasure to read. One of the best and funniest parts was the interactions between Pearl and her grandmother Luellen regarding the house and her finances. I thought her grandmother was a hoot! That whole conversation had me laughing hard! Especially when it came to the part about the ice cream. Yes, this book is a great addition to my digital library. Thank you, Lily Birch, for another good read.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has this knack for crafting romances that sneak up on you and quietly tiptoe into your heart, until you realize you’re completely smitten. Her stories aren’t packed with over-the-top drama or glittering caricatures. Instead, she gives us something far rarer: real people. No artifice, no theatrics—just authentic souls with hearts in the right place. Houston is Red Oak Mountain’s resident veterinarian and the most eligible bachelor for miles. With an orphaned baby mountain lion curled up in his office, he’s unintentionally become the county’s most adorable double feature. Every single woman within a 20-mile radius seems to be dropping by—ostensibly to fawn over the cub, but really, it’s the man behind the stethoscope that’s got them batting their eyelashes. Then suddenly there’s Pearl. With mud on her overalls, sneakers well past their prime, she rushes to Houston’s clinic (and straight into his heart) with a sick dog named Smokey in tow. I loved Houston’s instant, unfiltered reaction to her with a flicker of genuine attraction he couldn’t quite hide. Watching Pearl fluster Houston was priceless. He saw her exactly as she was: “real, raw, unvarnished.” And she saw through him too—straight to the man beneath the rugged charm. Their slow-burn romance smolders sweetly, with both of them cautious, carrying hurt and heartbreak from their past. But just when things are getting good, Houston finds out Pearl is friends with Brad Jenkins (whom he despises), and reacts… poorly. Okay, I could have strangled him at the moment he kicked her out. Talk about emotional whiplash. But here’s the thing—Houston realizes his mistake almost immediately. His remorse is swift and sincere, and it sets the stage for something deeper: a mutual realization that neither of them wants anyone else. That misstep becomes a turning point, not a breaking one. Simply put - Houston and Pearl were always meant to be.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ She came to heal her dog… but maybe she’ll heal his heart too.

In Mountain Man Protector, Lily Birch brings together rugged Ozark charm, heart-tugging emotion, and the slow burn of an unexpected love in a town where gossip spreads faster than wildfire.

Pearl is used to survival—not fairy tales. She’s young, curvy, quiet, and determined to rebuild her life in the fresh air of Red Oak Mountain. Her only companion? A sick dog who leads her straight into the arms of the town’s most elusive heartthrob: Houston, the gruff and guarded local vet. He’s older. Brooding. A little wild. And currently trying to wrangle an orphaned mountain lion cub and a horde of lovestruck women who won’t stop showing up at his clinic with fake pet emergencies. But the only girl Houston’s heart beats for? The one who actually came for help. Pearl sees the pain he hides. He sees the strength she doesn’t realize she has. And together, maybe they’ll find that love can sneak up on you—even when you’ve sworn it off.

✔ Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
✔ Protective mountain man + resilient heroine
✔ Age gap romance with real emotional depth
✔ Small-town charm with a side of mountain lion chaos
✔ One sick pup = one perfect meet-cute
✔ HEA guaranteed

This book is everything you want in an age-gap mountain romance: slow sips of trust, stolen glances across a vet’s counter, and a man who falls first—and hard.

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

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one oh so very hot ebook you'll definitely want to read. I just loved it. If you like a hot mountain man turned Knight with a little rust in his armor and a young woman never having experienced caring or love and let's not forget witty conversations then this is one you shouldn't miss. Pearl has come to take care of her grandmother and help with the bills. Pearl's dog isn't acting right so she takes him to the Vet. One look at Houston a very handsome older man and she can't take her eyes off of him but still can't trust him or any man. Houston is closing up the clinic and sees Pearl a stunning young woman at his office's door and is instantly attracted to her but is cautious. The electric connection they both feel is undeniable but they both fight it. Will Houston and Pearl believe that what they could both have together is worth the fight? Can Pearl give Houston another chance after the pain he caused her and can she deny that her feelings for him are real and lasting? Does Houston fight to save Pearl because he realizes the big mistake he made and will he finally decide to give his heart to Pearl despite the heartbreak from a past relationship? This outstanding author will have you laughing and yes possibly bring a tear to your eye when reading this fantastic witty passionate 5⭐️ hi which I absolutely recommend. You will love it. I really did.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is the town veterinarian, and eligible bachelor. He hasn’t had an interest in dating since his heart was broken several years before, but when she walks into his practice, something changes. He looks at her and sees the possibility of forever. She is different. She has no artifice, pure and innocent. She has recently returned to town to live with her grandmother. She is used to simple things in a simple life, having grown up with a single mother in the Appalachian mountains. She is very attracted to the hot older man, but doesn’t know if he is ready to challenge the demons of his past to find something new. This is a quick story format so you don’t expect a lot of detailed character development or complex plot lines. I think as far as characters go the author did a good job building two very unique characters that make you want to invest in them and their relationship immediately. they have both strength and vulnerabilities. There’s a lot of sweetness in this one and a little bit of spice and a few unexpected turns including a bear and a baby mountain lion. There is also sweet happily ever after this one is a fun little turn from the usual of the trope.

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

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl Henry has a dog named Smokey who is not feeling well. She drives to Happy Paws but they are already closed. She goes up to the door hoping someone is still inside. Pearl is now to Red Oak Mountain. She is staying with her grandma, Luellen Henry. Her grandma is getting older and Pearl worries about her health. Pearl is twenty-three and determined to get her grandma’s house back in shape little by little. She also wants to get a job to help pay the bills. There is a lot around the house to be fixed.

Houston Reed is the local veterinarian. He hears a commotion out front while taking out the garbage. He walks around to the front of the vet clinic and finds Pearl and her dog. He tells her to come around back with him so he can turn off the alarm and take a look at Smokey.

Houston was cute crushing on Pearl even with her wearing mud splattered overalls when they met. I loved that Pearl was independent and wanted to help her grandma.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Man who hasn't been waiting for Houston's book. He has his baby mountain lion and every single lady chasing him using it as an excuse to get in his pants. Houston hasn't had anyone turn his head in a long time and he thought he was out of luck to finding that one perfect woman for him until this sweet, messy, covered in mud woman comes to his vet clinic for his help with her dog. Pearl is taken aback by this sexy mountain man with the most gentle nature with her dog. He is patient in letting her shy and timid dog get to know him and comfortable before assessing what is wrong. Meeting Pearl almost knocks him on his butt and Houston is instantly taken by her. It was so much fun to read this book I was sooo hooked. This was both sweet, and spicy all in one. I loved every single minute of reading this book. I highly recommend this author and her Mountain Men she has written about. They keep getting better and better!!!

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl and her dog,Smokey, had recently moved to small town in the Ozarks to live with and help her grandmother,Luellen. Smokey seems to be experiencing stomach problems;so she brought him to be examined by the vet with two minutes before closing time. Sign says "Closed"! She thinks that the guy, really Houston, is the janitor taking out the trash. Shock? Houston,the vet, had been betrayed in love years before and figured that he would never find love. An assumption? While Pearl has little memory of her dad since she has been told by her mother that her dad left them. Houston and his brother had been raised by their grandmother. Follow their bumpy road to learn truths from her grandmother plus learning about each other. Watch Houston learn to talk before believing assumptions. Will they take advice from their grandmothers. Talking frankly to each other!.

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

[Rachel E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ overall rating. This was a fun follow up to the first book in this series. I really enjoy the authors speech pattern and dialogue style. It flows so well and feels really down-home. Might seem like not a big deal but I love the characters names as well. This is the story of Houston, the town vet, and Pearl, a newcomer who has moved to the mountain to live with her grandmother. Her grandmother was such a ball busting fun character. it took me by surprise how much I loved her. Great, interactive, secondary characters are important to me, and this book didn't miss for me. Houston and Pearl's meet cute being an impromptu emergency vet appointment turned chat date was lovely. The plot and pacing moved well without feeling like it lagged in spots. This is a heartfelt adorable series and based on the first 2 books, I'm thoroughly looking forward to reading the rest.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louise J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in Lily’s “Ozark Mountain Men Age Gap Romance” series. Pearl is new to Red Oak Mountain and her dog Smokey has a stomach ache. Enter Houston, the local vet whose clinic is currently overrun with single women wanting to see his rescue mountain lion and catch his eye. Both have heartbreak in their pasts, but the attraction they feel to each other has them feeling hopeful about the future. As they get to know each other, their connection grows, but an echo from Houston’s past threatens their relationship just as it’s beginning. Despite their pasts, Pearl and Houston are sweet, kind and open, but also bold and resilient. Their story is a mix of hesitancy, teasing, openness, steam and drama which will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story!

Houston and Pearl were perfect for each other. Her being completely inexperienced, with men, meeting him with mud spattered overalls, and no makeup, he looked at her like something wholesome, and pure. Having been shattered by his girlfriend leaving him, for the town's bad boy, he had sworn off women completely. She showed up and suddenly he's seeing a future. After a very awkward first for real date, he never thought she was actually , without any experience with men, at all. There are some awkward scenes, and he reacts rudely to her, after her telling him about a friend, that she's going on a hike with. They have some hurt feelings, and have to work to get back to where she has to ensure him that he's the only one for her. Finally they get their HEA ending. Trish. A.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Man Protector is book two of the Ozark Mountain Men Age Gap Romance Series.

Houston and Pearl are super cute together. They had instant chemistry together and had some intersts in common. They both have a bit of a rocky past but for different reasons.

Houston almost messes everything up by overreacting about a situation. He just needed to actually listen and not jump to conclusions. The only thing going for him was he did realize his mistake almost immediately.

Pearl is such a nice person. She has a big heart and doesn't want to hurt anyone. When she finds some things out she does act in the best interest of Houston, but sometimes the damage is already done.

When Houston stops being stubborn and feels with his heart a lot of good happens.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ozark Mountain community from other series and books of the Author. And it is always special moment to get to read next Ozark short read. And now it was Book 2 of Ozark Mountain Men Age Gap Romance series to enjoy.
When new to town Pearl reached the local animal whisperer, namely veterinarian Houston, they have undeniable attraction. And it seems that her dog Smokey (and not only him) wants to let them explore it. It was funny and entertaining (maybe until the shutting the door scene) and so well written short story. Loved the local community, grammas and other supporters.
Will they learn to control their emotions and talk to each other?
Amazing short and steamy read to enjoy.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know how Pearl tolerated Houston. He was so wonderful at first, but then treated her like crap, then was wonderful to her again. Read this AWESOME story and see if you agree.
But, love is love and what works for one couple may not work for another couple. It has been so long since I have disliked a hunky male lead, but after Houston ditched Pearl, I was mad at him for a few chapters.
That said, I think you should read this book. If an author can write a character so well that I go from really liking him to thinking he is despicable, then liking him again, that is some incredible writing.

[Isabel Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ AHEAD

Agh! Such a good follow up/second book/ story to follow after Wade and Asters! I loved the dynamic between Pearl and Houston. Houston being such a gentle mountain man with a wild side(though, what more can we expect, all our mountain men have been perfect). And Pearl! I loved how she was written, but also, Luellen, the grandma that you are! The best! Don’t know what else to say other than I really love anything written by Lily! So excited for this series and also the other books that will follow. For now, onto my next series/book from Lily!



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl brings her dog Smokey in to the Veterinary Houston's clinic. Sparks fly immediately but Pearl is years younger than the handsome Vet. Pearl is living with her grandmother and new to town. Things progress quickly and they go on a horse back ride. The next day they go on a picnic in his back yard. Houston forgets how inexperienced Pearl is and takes her virginity. They have a big misunderstanding about exclusivity and he looses it and Pearl runs off in tears. Pearl ventures off on a solo hike only to come face to face with a bear. Thankfully Houston shows up to help Pearl and they fully make up.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Houston and Pearl
Genre- Mountain Man Romance
Heat- virgin heroine
Safety? Y
Tropes- Instalove, J/P Hero, Tough Cookie, Country Vet.

What I liked- the heroine. She was refreshing. I liked her personality and attitude so much that it made up for the hero being posterior headwear. And I liked that she narrated that she was in a sexytime discovery phase where she couldn’t keep her hands off the hero.
What I didn’t- the hero. He started off good, acted like an equestrian rear end, then somewhat redeemed himself by the end. I’m not a huge fan, but Pearl likes him *shrug*.

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

[Anime Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

He's broken. By someone with whom he had planned his whole life ahead.

She's young. Came to live with her grandma. On the mountain. With her dog.

When the little doggo got sick for no reason, when the vet clinic was closed 2 minutes before it's supposed to be closed, she decides to give it a chance and knocks.

Good that she does, cuz the doctor is
A hottie
A kind man
A built man
Little flirty
Such a gentleman

I mean, that's the whole package right there.
Oh and also, she still has her v card and he's much older than her. She's in her early 20s.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I love age gap stories and this one only disappointed me in the way that it ended before I wanted it to do so. This book has a couple of sweet dogs, a young mountain lion, a lovely horse and an annoying bear. It also has two ornery grandmothers, a small town and an un-mended broken heart. The hero is a small town vet who meets his match in an unassuming young lady who grew up in an even smaller town. They are brought together by her little dog or maybe not… I'm sure that you will enjoy reading the story to find out the answer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl has a dog with belly issues. She's at the local Vet's office trying to get home seen before they close for the day. She has two minutes until closing time.

Houston comes from the back of the building as he's tidying up before he heads home when he comes across Pearl and her Smokey. Thus begins their journey to love, plus they figure out they have to thank Peatl's grandma too for playing Cupid.

I enjoyed this read 📚!

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow the Ozark Mountain books you will probably remember Houston the Vet. Lily Birch has created this wonderful community with the most dynamic characters. Pearl is one of my new favorite female characters. The entire community is aware of how bad Houston screwed up.with Pearl His brother Miller who also had a big role in previous books, had the most humor in this book while giving Houston some brotherly advice. I adore this Ozark Mountain world. This series is as great as the ones before it.

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

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Houston is one hot, sexy gentle vet, with woman chasing him. It has been years since he has been in a relationship. When Pearl comes to his clinic with her dog, she bowls him over. Pearl is a true innocent in all ways. Never having an anyone show interest in expect her grandma, Pearl can’t believe Houston would want to be with her.
Throw in a baby mountain lion and bear this book has action and pure on romance. The spice is hot.

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

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ailing Smokey 🐕 leads to HEA

“Pearl was the kind of woman you set eyes on and know you want to marry her within minutes of breathing in the natural scent of her being.”

A wonderfully sweetly crafted story with steam, groveling, and romance. Pearl is in town needing work. Her dog Smokey takes ill and she meets Houston, the vet. He’s a cinnamon roll with a naughty “bed side manner”. Instalove all around and just smiled at Pearl’s grandma antics!! Expect some mild angst and danger. Great read!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Houston has got it bad for Pearl and despite the age gap she just seems so real and genuine not to mention beautiful. Pearl is shy and doesn’t know how to navigate the feelings she has for Houston nor does she believe he could feel the same for her. They come together in a steamy way to have old hurts come between them but they are still perfect for each other and fighting for something real is the only way they get their HEA.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mountain Man Protector” by Lily Birch

-Small-town charm, over-the-top instalove, and a heartwarming HEA make it a fun read. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Veterinarian Houston and shy Pearl fall fast in this sweet, spicy age-gap romance.
He’s scarred but tender; she’s curvy, kind, and stronger than she thinks.
Grandmas are an important and loving influence in this story.

Some of my favorite lines.:
“Hot Mountain Daddy”, “Wing woman”,“She could flirt the tail off a cat”, and “Not-a-date-date”.

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Man Protector By Lily Birch
Pearl is new to the mountain; she just moved in with her grandma after leaving her mom's trailer in Kentucky. Her dog isn't feeling well, so she takes him to the animal clinic. Houston is the vet and owner. This is a sweet and steamy story, and I can't help myself; I love the story and the characters. This is a short read and full of surprises. I recommend this book. I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest opinion.

[Terra keyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Birch's Mountain Man series is a must read. I've read all that have been released and have loved each one that much more.

You get all the feels in this mountain man silver fox meets shy young virgin short read. Reading about all the hot hunky mountain men that are about their women make me want to move to the mountain also. Ha!

This book will not disappoint. 10/10 definitely recommend not just the book but the entire series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl is new to town and living with her grandmother. Her dog is sick and she's worried. Houston the local vet has a look at her dog but mostly at Pearl. This is a good short story you can read in one sitting. There are spicy scenes with doors open. Alpha male virgin female all wrapped up in a continuing series. Each book is stand alone so no need to read them in order. Give this a try you'll love it.

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl has just moved in with her grandmother and she has rushed to the vet clinic when her dog starts acting funny. Houston is the loccal vet and the minute he meets Pearl he is a goner but he has a history with a woman breaking his heart. Things start moving fast and if Houston doesn't get his mind in the game, he's going to loose Pearl.

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

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl has a dog that isn’t acting right and she’s worried about her pup Smokey. So, she goes to the vet, unfortunately, the office looks closed when she technically has time to spare.
Ok, I’m just going to tell you now, grab it. Just don’t worry about reading anymore of this review, grab it. It’s a wonderful story, amazing characters and a hot man and a baby mountain lion. Grab it, you’ll love it!.

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