Brody

Rock Hard Mountain Men #2

by Evie Riley

A falling tree. A forgotten name. A fight for survival.

Brody came to the mountain for peace—quiet mornings, honest work, and a simpler life. But when a routine tree clearing turns chaotic and he discovers an injured man beneath a crushed tent, everything changes. The stranger can’t remember who he is... only that he might be named Ellis.

Taking Ellis to the homestead to recover seems like the right thing to do—until masked men ambush them on the road. With no memory and no clear reason anyone would want him dead, Ellis clings to Brody as his one constant. His North Star.

Desperate to uncover Ellis’s identity, the two follow a trail of fragmented memories and buried clues—only to find themselves tangled in something far older and more dangerous than they expected. The deeper they dig, the more it becomes someone will do anything to keep them from unearthing the past.

When the earth literally shifts beneath their feet, revealing a hidden tunnel beneath the homestead, Brody and Ellis descend into the darkness—where answers might finally be waiting... and so is the threat that’s been hunting them all along.

Is Ellis just a lost man with a shattered past... or the key to something much bigger?
And in the heart of danger, can Brody protect more than just Ellis’s life?

Genres: M M Romance

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Evie Riley believes too much time spent at the beach is barely enough. She enjoys spending time puttering in the garden, cooking yummy things for her family, and has a quirky personality, described by her partner as ranging from cute to deadly, depending on her blood-chocolate levels.

Evie crafts steamy gay male romance filled with all the edgy angst, or dark and gritty romantic suspense where her men must overcome difficult obstacles and may find love along the way while dishing out their own brand of justice.

Evie spends her nights writing bad boys in love, and her days wrangling the sweet boys she loves.

Reviews

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good follow-up to book one. This mystery keeps getting more and more interesting as we go along. I also liked how Brody and Ellis were together. I'm looking forward to the next book now.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Brody. Sweet, grumpy, mountain-of-a-man Brody. If you thought Magnus brought the heat, tension, and suspense to the wilds of Rock Hard Mountain, buckle up, because book two comes crashing in—literally—with Brody falling right on top of an unsuspecting camper named Ellis. And that’s just the opening scene.

Evie Riley once again delivers a delicious blend of slow-burn romance, heart-pounding suspense, and secrets so old they’re practically wearing flannel and boots. After the events of Magnus, the lingering mystery refuses to stay buried (much like a certain century-old skeleton plotline that creeps back with a vengeance). And poor Brody—just trying to live his best post-service, cabin-in-the-woods life—gets dragged right back into the chaos when Ellis stumbles into his world.

But make no mistake: this isn’t just rugged-man-meets-adorable-camper fluff (although there’s plenty of that, too). What sparks between Brody and Ellis is something deeper. A tender, crackling chemistry built on mutual respect, unspoken trauma, and the kind of trust that’s hard-earned in a world full of secrets and shadows.

The suspense? Sharp. The twists? Juicy. The backdrop? Moody AF. And that haunting past? Let’s just say it’s not done playing games.

So if you're into protective mountain men, slow-building tension (of both the romantic and life-threatening variety), and mysteries with a spine-tingling historical edge—Brody will absolutely steal your breath and maybe your sleep. Because once you start? You’re not putting this one down until you’ve unraveled every last secret.

Rock Hard Mountain Men just keeps getting better. And I, for one, am already packing my emotional gear for book three.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right after book 1, and the blurb sets everything up really well. Aside from the developing relationship between Ellis and Brody, progress is made into the mysteries faced in Magnus’s story. We do find out the identity of the body discovered in the first book, and what Poppy’s key opens, but there are still unsolved parts related to the mystery, all left to be disclosed (at least I assume so) in book 3, Creed’s story. More is learned about the Milford sisters and The Mothers of the Mountain, building a clearer picture of the times and events of 125 years ago, but questions do still remain. What do the cultists on the other side of the mountain want, why are Brody and his friends important to the whole thing, and will there be more unveiled about the mysterious three sisters. Guess I’ll need to read book 3 to find out, hope it comes out soon.
Lots of action in this book in the “bedroom” and out of it, mysterious tunnels, kidnappers (but after who and for what), the disappearance of Creed, and an unexpected discovery below the surface make for an engaging and exciting continuation of the story begun in book one. I had a hard time putting this one down, wanting to learn more about the mystery and the ties to it by Brody, Magnus and Creed — are they just innocent bystanders or is there some connection to them and the three sisters, or is it just a case of right place, wrong time? The mystery still speaks to me, so if a serial mystery interests you, I think this series would be a good one to read.

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

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second book in the series
Wow this is another fast paced book , the second one in the series and in this one we get to know Brody better. The mystery is still flying about . when Brody is with his crew of lumberjacks taking down some trees one tree hits a tent injuring a man. His name is Ellis And he has no memory of why he is there or what he was doing.
Brody feels responsible so goes to the hospital to make sure he’s okay. The man Ellie has amnesia and has no memory of anything. Brody is a bit surprised at how protective he feels about him and takes him home when the hospital release him. And let me tell you it starts from there the attacks the mobs trying to get to Brody or to Ellis they’re not sure but one thing for sure is Brody will keep this man safe. And that’s all I’m gonna tell you because this book is so fast paced we learn a tiny bit more about creed which is the third book in the series. You just need to keep turning the pages. the story just grips you and you’re lost within seconds and lose hours at a time. I really like the connection that Brody and Ellis have. Especially when he does get his memory back to remember the kind of man he needs wink wink a fantastic read and I cannot wait for the third book in the series.

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

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rock Hard Mountain Men series. There is overall mystery and suspense that carries through all the series books. This book focuses on Brody and Ellis. Brody is a retired military that is setting up a base camp for him and his two best friends. We have already had Magnus's story in book one. Brody is a lumberjack and while working with his team, they accidentally drop a tree on a tent injuring the occupant. The land was supposed to be restricted but Brody feels responsible for the camper being injured. When Ellis awakes, he knows his first name and nothing else. He has amnesia. Brody brings him home to recoup and hopefully get back his memories. The two begin to bond just as people start trying to kidnap Ellis. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. It is an action packed adventure. Some of the mystery around Poppy's Key is solved. But there are still the mystery surrounding the Milford Sisters and the fanatical group Mothers of the Mountain to be solved. Now that Creed has returned home, the mystery will be hopefully solved in the next book. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody is a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and long-buried secrets. Magnus, Brody, and Creed—three military brothers in spirit—seek peace in the remote mountains after years of service. But serenity proves elusive when Brody’s quiet lumberjack life takes a turn: a falling tree injures camper Ellis, sparking an avalanche of mystery.
Ellis awakens with no memory, yet danger trails him relentlessly. As Brody offers sanctuary, their bond grows stronger, blossoming into a romance built on trust and quiet strength. The mystery that unfolds, rooted in events from over a century ago, is both chilling and intriguing, with twists that keep the reader guessing.
The story masterfully weaves together rugged wilderness, protective brotherhood, and a haunting past that refuses to stay buried. With threats looming and hearts on the line, this is a tale where love is forged in danger—and the answers are anything but simple.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'It was all meaningless. I couldn’t even drum up the energy to feel nervous.
My heart was as blank as my head.
Without memories or emotions, did I even count as a person, or was I just a doll pretending to be human?'

As much as I loved the first book, "Magnus," I loved this one even more. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Brody and Ellis. I can't imagine what it would feel like to have amnesia and remember nothing of yourself, your life, your home, family, or friends. To be completely lost without the help of strangers. I really liked the way their relationship developed.

This story was fast-paced and hooked me from the start. It had action, suspense, and danger. While we get some answers from the overall story arc, there are still more mysteries to be solved and I can't wait until Creed's story. 5 stars

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnus, Brody and Creed combined their earnings to purchase land in the mountains to retire after their military service. Brody and Magnus have been working to build homes as Creed still has time left to serve. Brody also works as a lumberjack where one day a cut tree falls onto a campsite. The person at the campsite is injured and ends up with amnesia. After getting out of the hospital Ellis the camper stays with Brody. When people keep trying to kidnap Ellis, they start questioning what’s happening. This is a mystery about things that happened over a century ago. It’s thrilling, romantic and danger intertwined until the end, with more to come.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former military, hurt/comfort

This is a continuation of an overarching story.
Brody works as a logger and a near fatal incident causes a man to be harmed.
He has no recollection who he is and only knows the name Ellis.
Brody feels a connection to him and takes on his care and recuperation.
Together they find themselves embroiled in a mystery that involves Ellis, the mountain and people trying to harm him.
There's lots of fast-paced action, danger and drama as they try to unravel the mystery before it's too late.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure! Brody, loves the mountains. He fells tries while maintaining an environmental balance. There is an accident and a man is injured. He has amnesia but believes his name is Ellis. Brody, tries to take Ellis to his compound and they are ambushed. Ellis, is not just a random camper injured with amnesia. We continue the adventure of mysterious strangers who ask confusing questions and Ellis' relationship to everything. Exciting, adventure that answers questions and creates new mysteries. A good bit of fun and well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody almost kills Ellis with a falling tree.
Brody's tree felling crew is rushed to move the site where they will be cutting trees but when he cuts the first tree something out of place is spotted. The area should be empty but the bright color of camping equipment is seen under the trunk. Climbing down finds a man who is still alive and stays with him at the hospital only to find the man only remembers his first name Ellis.

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

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book of the series, Brody's crew drops a tree on a man who can't remember anything but that his name is Ellis. Brody brings him home and in the midst of the suspense of people trying to kidnap Ellis, they fall for each other. Ellis is large like Brody but his submissiveness is a turn on for Brody. There is still the mystery of the cults to be explained and explored in the next book. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Rock Hard Mountain Men series and this is Brody's story and it continues the overall mystery that started in Magnus's book. Brody takes Ellis home after finding him with no memory other than the name Ellis and what follows is an action packed mystery filled with danger and suspense as well as the romance between Brody and Ellis, I really can't wait for book three Creed's story to see how this all ends.

[Shannon Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brody" is the second book in the Rock Hard Mountain Men series by Evie Riley. I am really enjoying this series and the mystery. The story flows right from the start with great characters. It is a quick, easy read with a that leaves you ready for more. I cannot wait for Creed's book.

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

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody finds a man that is tied to the mystery involving the sisters. The two find action while unraveling what it all mean in the end. They do throw some romance in while fighting off would be pursuers, to find a HEA.

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

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspenseful mystery. It starts with finding a century old body. While Brody is working a tree falls on a camping site that shouldn't be there and a man is injured and has amnesia. The man thinks his name is Ellis. Brody starts to have a feeling Ellis is connected to the dead body some how. I really enjoyed this book.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brody is the second book in the Rock Hard Mountain Men series and should be read in order. This is an action filled book about Brody and Ellis. I have enjoyed this storyline so far and can't wait to read Creed's story and see what happens next.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right after book one, this book focuses on Brody and Ellis, however, the characters from book one are involved in the story. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for book three.

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

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure about all of the other stuff, but I sure can appreciate a man who can build a house!