I use my family connections to land an internship at Blackwood Lodge...only to fall face-first into an off-limits crush on the gruff, tattooed man who runs it.
Thanks to my mom's recent marriage to Ford Callahan's brother, the big, bearded giant who runs the luxury resort is…well, technically he’s family.
Which is fine, because I’m here to intern. To bulk up my resume before heading back to the city.
Not to tumble head-over-sort-of-related-heels for a man twenty-six years older than me who barely speaks unless he has to, but always growls when I wear leggings.
He’s off-limits. Too old. Too serious. Too close to my family.
And yet…he watches me like he wants to break the rules.
So maybe I’ll tease him a little. Maybe I’ll wear my bikini in the hot tub, hoping he finds me. Maybe I’ll see what happens when I push just hard enough to make him snap.
Because this is more than just lust for me. And if there's a chance he feels the same, I'm willing to risk everything to know what it feels like to be his.
Her Mountain Boss is a short and very spicy instalove novella, starring a gruff, tattooed mountain main, and an adorable heroine with a massive, forbidden crush.
Sophia has just graduated collage and is about to start an internship at her step uncles lodge, Blackwood lodge. When she arrived at the lodge she met eyes with the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Tall, slightly sliver at his temples, rocking the lumber jack look and exuding daddy vibes. Turns out Mr.lumberjack is her step uncle, Ford Callahan. Sophia is determined to show this daddy that she can excel at this internship, prove her worth, and perhaps he can teach her a few things along the way.
Sophia Monroe has just arrived at the Blackwood Lodge near the small town of Honey Ridge. She'll be interning here for the next three months.
The road to the lodge is almost hidden by the pine forest; the large sign directs the way. The pines give way to trees in their autumn glory of red, orange, and yellow leaves. There's even an apple orchard. The main lodge building is an A-frame nestled near a mountain lake at the foot of the mountains. Cabins are scattered among the trees. The property itself looks as if it belongs in a fairy tale or a movie. It may look rustic, but it has a five-star rating and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Cabin reservations are made a year in advance, while the spa is booked full for the next six months.
Sophia had a hard time in college deciding on what really interested her. By the time graduation rolled around, she had earned a degree in philosophy and archeology along with a minor in art history. She had jokingly told others that her minor degree was what made her completely unemployable. She had worked at a hotel the summer before her senior year. That she found to be very interesting, so she started thinking of a career in the hospitality services. It took her two years to earn a degree in hospitality management. She may have a degree, but she has no job offers. That's where family connections came into play.
Sophia's mother married Derrick Callahan last spring. Derrick's younger brother, Ford, owns and operates Blackwood Lodge. Derrick pressured Ford to give Sophia a three-month internship to gain the working knowledge needed to actually get a paying job.
Ford isn't happy about being forced to create an internship for some young woman who can't make up her mind about what she wants to be when she grows up. But technically she is his new step-niece.
As she approaches the main building, a man steps outside. If she had to describe her perfect man, this man would be him. He looks like a lumberjack with arms and legs reminding her of tree trunks she'd like to climb. He has dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard, both with streaks of silver. He's wearing a flannel shirt over a white tee shirt. His sleeves are rolled up with tattoos peeking out from under the flannel. His voice is gravelly, and OMG, he seems to be a grump, too! He's her fantasy unicorn! He's her step-uncle?!?
Ford has never been as gobsmacked by a woman as he was by Sophia. He had expected a kid, not a beautiful young woman, to show up. His mind is filled with thoughts of what he'd like to do to her and with her, if only she wasn't his niece. At fifty, he's too old to start lusting after a young woman like Sophia, even if she wasn't his niece.
She fits in so well with both the guests and the staff. She notices things that need to be dealt with and does it. She's a natural for this type of job. If only she wasn't his niece!
If only they didn't have to explain their relationship to her mother and his brother! But even if those two never accept their relationship, that can't and won't end their love for one another.
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
With a fresh degree in hospitality management, Sophia is thrilled to land an internship at Blackwood Lodge. Sure, she may have leaned on a few family connections—her mom just happens to be married to the owner’s brother—but Sophia is determined to prove she’s more than capable and not just along for the ride. Enter Ford Callahan. Technically, he’s her uncle by marriage, but that doesn’t stop Sophia from being completely floored the moment she meets him. Twice her age and every inch the broody, commanding man of the lodge, Ford leaves her tongue-tied and buzzing with a spark neither of them can ignore. They both try to maintain a façade of professionalism, but the pull between them is undeniable. I adored how Sophia pushed Ford’s buttons; flirty, wicked, and even daring enough to call him “grumpy” to his face. The hot tub scene was absolute perfection, ratcheting up the sexual tension, the unspoken desire, until it practically crackled off the page. Ford was masterful in his balance of strength and tenderness. He saw through Sophia’s brattiness, recognizing the vulnerable young woman who longed to be cherished, guided, and adored by her Daddy. The way he gave her permission to surrender, while holding her with unwavering care, was as intoxicating as it was steamy. Their intimacy was both scorching and deeply intimate, woven with just enough kink to heighten the passion without overshadowing the romance. But of course, one burning question lingers: what happens when their family discovers their little secret? Will they see it for what it is, a real, undeniable love, or will their romance cause an insurmountable rift? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forbidden love in the mountains where every glance sparks fire
Sophia arrives at Blackwood Lodge for an internship, eager to prove herself and figure out her future. What she doesn’t expect is the pull toward Ford Callahan, her rugged older boss who’s twice her age and determined to keep things professional. The more they fight it, the stronger the tension grows.
Ford tries to resist, but his protective streak and obsession for Sophia break through his walls. Their connection is a mix of dominance and tenderness, power and vulnerability, where she learns how good it feels to give in and he discovers what it means to love again.
Their bond is tested when outside pressures threaten to tear them apart. Secrets, family judgment, and the weight of what they stand to lose push them to the edge, but instead of breaking, they choose to fight for each other and for the future they want.
Sophia grows from uncertain intern into a confident woman who stands tall in her choices. Ford shifts from solitary mountain man to partner who embraces love and commitment. Together they transform forbidden attraction into trust, devotion, and the kind of love that lasts.
A steamy, forbidden, age gap, instalove, mountain man, small town, workplace romance that explores devotion, power and submission, family conflict, personal growth, and the risks of choosing love against the odds. It’s about a guarded man and an innocent woman whose taboo connection forces them to face judgment, confront fear, and ultimately build a life defined by strength, honesty, and unshakable commitment.
When Sophia lands an internship at Blackwood Lodge, she expects a résumé boost, not a slow-burn obsession with the man who runs it. Ford is older. Broodier. Technically “family” thanks to her mom’s marriage. In other words: completely off-limits. And yet, every glance, every growl, every protective flicker in his stormy eyes makes resisting him impossible.
What I loved here is the push and pull. Sophia’s playful teasing—the bikini in the hot tub, the leggings he can’t seem to ignore—meets Ford’s iron will, and their forbidden attraction simmers until it finally snaps. And when it does? The mix of dominance, tenderness, and vulnerability is explosive.
But this isn’t just a story about heat. It’s about growth. Sophia transforms from uncertain intern into a confident woman who knows what she wants—and who she’s willing to fight for. Ford, scarred by solitude and weighed down by responsibility, learns to let someone in. To love openly. To claim happiness, even if the world says he shouldn’t.
Family judgment, secrets, and the reality of their age gap threaten to pull them apart, but what makes this romance shine is how they choose each other anyway. Forbidden becomes forever. Lust becomes devotion. And Blackwood Lodge becomes the place where both of them finally find home.
If you love grumpy/sunshine, forbidden age-gap tension, and a hero who goes from “absolutely not” to “absolutely mine,” this one delivers in spades.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
💛 Age gap 💛 Insta lust 💛 Forced proximity 💛 Workplace romance 💛 No 3rd Act Break Up 💛 novella
I feel like most people who will object to this read will because of the familiar connection of the two main characters… but honestly, I knew that was part of it going in so it didn’t shock me. Like you can’t be mad when you know that’s what you’re getting yourself into. No, my issue was the length in which it took to set up. This book is only 111 pages and it took nearly 70% for ANYTHING to happen, if you know what I mean. In addition to that, when we got there, it’s like no one reread any of the spicy scenes because they were riddled with typos. Simple things like missing a word, or the wrong “to” was used(should have been “too”). That sort of thing.
This book had the weirdest rollout. Usually this author is really good with the promo and talking about her release. This one was weird. It was radio silence leading up to the original release date and then all of a sudden the release date was moved and the book title had been changed. I get it, the author doesn’t owe anything to her audience but it’s hard when you’re trying to support them and they make it incredibly difficult to find out literally anything about their releases even when signed up to their newsletter. I’m also frustrated with the amount of AI this author uses to promote their work. It might be time for me to move on.
4/5 ⭐️s 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - heavy spice, a whole lot of explicit content
First of all, Alyson is a really solid writer. It’s easy to find insta-love novellas that are smutty and not very well written, but that’s not what this is. It’s so easy to read and it flows really nicely. Plenty of variety and doesn’t feel awkward even when the subject matter could go corny.
This is on that edge of an age gap that feels readable for me. And the taboo element was addressed well, except one time when she called him uncle in bed and I wasn’t a fan 😬 personal preference.
I would have liked more conversation about protection and birth control in advance, but it was all super hot. 🥵 The way she kept things interesting through imagined fantasies and out-loud descriptions felt fresh to me.
Honestly, I feel pretty indifferent about the good girl/Daddy dynamic, but this might be one of my favorite ways I’ve seen it written. The way they talked about the dynamics and felt each other out seemed natural and sweet.
Would definitely recommend if any of the above appeals to you!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases September 19th!
Twenty-four year old Sophia Monroe arrives at Blackwell Lodge, a five-star resort outside the small town of Honey Ridge, Canada, fresh from earning her degree in hospitality management and anxious to learn from her boss Ford Callahan, younger brother to her mother’s new husband Derrick. But as she meets him for the first time, she is gobsmacked by his size and rugged looks, only to experience an intense chemical reaction when they shake hands.
Fifty year old Ford is as surprised as Sophia, not only because he is expecting someone younger but because of the sexual attraction that immediately overwhelms him. Trying to tip toe around each other only makes them more skittish until they finally acknowledge that they are both very single and needy, which leads Kitten and Daddy to a place where dreams and fantasies come true.
Another emotionally-charged, passion-filled age gap romance from Alyson Archer, queen of instalove stories. If you are a fan of this genre, don’t miss this gem! I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
HER MOUNTAIN BOSS can be read as a standalone novella filled with spicy scenes. I'm warning you now! 😁
Sophia is twenty-four years old and has an internship at her step-uncle's lodge. Ford is fifty, single, and happy with his life. The insta-lust is immediate, and things get hot pretty much straight away. Ford knows what he wants, and luckily, it seems Sophia wants the same. He is more than happy to teach her anything she wants to know.
Alyson Archer is a queen of insta-smut, and this book delivers on all levels. I have to say, it's not my favourite of hers by a long shot, and no, I don't know why. I just didn't gel with Sophia from the beginning. However, that will not stop me from reading the next thing that Ms. Archer delivers the minute I can.
Fast-paced, hot and spicy, and emotional too, this novella has everything you could wish for, and finishes with a great little epilogue. Definitely recommended by me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Sep 20, 2025
It’s the third time @AlysonArcher has taken us to Honey Ridge and this was by far my favorite! I don’t know why I loved this one so much, especially because the age gap here was quite large. Can anyone say new step-uncle? But listen – this was slightly taboo, but I honestly loved it. Ford rolled up and just screamed MINE and I’m here for it. I loved this winter setting, the mountain resort, and all the ways that these two teased each other and tested the waters before diving right in. There was some great flirting and our sweet Sophia, at the mountain lodge for a hospitality internship, pushes all of Ford’s buttons and I loved watching it unfold. This was fun and sweet and the perfect winter Daddy-vibe. I mean, Ford was the ultimate silver fox who knew what he wanted. When he put her on that truck hood…. Whew.
Rating – three and a half stars Format – kindle unlimited
Her Mountain Boss is a sizzling age-gap, forbidden crush romance that delivers exactly what it promises—heat, tension, and just enough sweetness to balance the spice. Sophia’s determination to prove herself in her internship collides beautifully with Ford’s gruff, broody exterior, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that’s as fun as it is fiery.
The Honey Ridge setting adds charm and atmosphere, but it’s the chemistry between Sophia and Ford that makes the story impossible to put down. If you enjoy quick, spicy romances with boss/employee tension, family ties that complicate everything, and a growly mountain man who can’t resist the heroine, this novella is a treat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.25 stars. This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and spicy, age gap, step-uncle boss (Ford)/step-niece intern (Sophia), daddy/little, contemporary romance. I enjoyed Sophia’s confidence and her initiative in working towards what she wanted both personally and professionally. I empathised with Ford’s initial reluctance. I enjoyed his business acumen and the space he had for love in his life, once he accepted his own emotions. I deeply enjoyed the spicy intimate scenes and the active enjoyment of the characters. I enjoyed their willingness to acknowledge their relationship publicly immediately. I enjoyed the ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! Alyson Archer really knows how to write a steamy story. This was an amazing read, as in spicy and building up the tension from page one until their (very happy) ending. Age gap, Daddy/praise-kink: I loved it and devoured it! Sophia knew exactly what she wanted. Luckily for her, Ford wanted the same thing. Their chemistry was off the charts!
~~No one’s ever done that for me before. I should feel infantilized, but I don’t. I feel safe. Cherished. Important. I feel like I belong to him.~~
~~She’s the sweetest, prettiest curveball that I never saw coming, but I’m not mad about it. Not even a little.~~.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Boss romance. Sophia is a young woman who came to the mountains for an internship with the brother of her mother's new husband. She didn't expect her new uncle to be a handsome mountain man chopping wood. So when she has to spend time with him every day, resisting temptation becomes increasingly difficult. Ford is a gruff mountain man who owns a mountain lodge. Wanting to please his brother, he agrees to take his new niece on as an intern. Expecting to meet a young woman, he is surprised to see a beautiful woman. Will Sophia and Ford keep their distance for the sake of their family or will they give in to their attractions….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Honey Ridge Series by Alyson Archer. I didn't get to read the first two in the series but that didn't get in the way to me enjoying the book. This was a standalone novella that was filled with semi-taboo, age-gap, instalove romance. To be frank, I'm not a fan of age-gap trope, but I don't really see it as something hot. In fact, I kind of find it predatory and depending on how big the gap is, often time pretty gross. However, I was able to overlook the HUGE age gap to some degree to enjoy the story. But, if you're really into that, you'll like this one very much. It's a quick read with good spice. Overall, I give it 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderfully written , this amazing age gap romance was a real page turner. I was captivated and compelled from the very first page. This type of attraction is very rare between two people with a very huge age difference. When Sophia arrives in the small town of Honey Ridge to work at the Blackwood Lodge, a luxury resort and to meet her future boss Ford and brother-in law to her mother, she doesn’t understand her immense attraction to him and neither does Ford. This is a « soulmate » type of reaction; you can’t deny it nor stay away from it. Filled with unexplainable desires, heartfelt emotions and a forever every woman dreams of makes this reading a must ! 5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 all the way!
This is everything we expect from this series, and has all the "Daddy" energy you need.
Ford should know better than to get involved with Sophia, as she is half his age, and supposed to be working and learning at the Lodge. Only, one look at the fresh faced beauty, and he's consumed.
I whipped through these pages, caught up in the steamy connection between them. Her initial brat behavior quickly spins to a "good girl", that is rewarded by Ford - time and time again. There's a lot of this banter between these two, and it's easy to turn pages.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you), and happily leave my review.
This is a story of Ford and Sophia. It's a forbidden love with an age gap. This is the third book in the series. And as with all of her books, it is a page turner, it is short, spicy and hot. The author never disappoints. There was a nice little buildup along with good character development.Which is hard in a shorter novel. Alyson always finds a way to make sure that we know the characters even though it is a quick read. As a reader, I always appreciate that because I like to get to know the characters just as much as I like the spice. Thank you for the opportunity to read this and I look forward to more books.
Sophia recently graduated with a degree in hospitality management. With the help of family she has secured an internship at Blackwood Lodge. She is determined to provide that she is capable and willing to do the job. The owner of the Lodge, Ford happens to be her Uncle by marriage. Their attraction was sizzling and both were determined to have only a professional relationship. Sounds reasonable, but somethings are just undeniable. Their passion and chemistry just sparks off the page. There are just as many sweet and tender moments as there is hot steamy ones. Is their relationship strong enough to handle whatever raff may come when/if the family finds out?
Sophia came to Blackwood Lodge to get some experience in the hospitality industry. She didn't expect to be so attracted to it's owner. Who also happens to be her step uncle. Her much older step uncle. Ford didn't know what he was getting himself into when he he agreed to let his step niece work at the lodge. But as soon as he sees her, he knows he's in over his head. Mmm, yummy. Plenty of forbidden vibes, even though they're only related by marriage. And there's quite the age gap. What will people think? Especially her mother and his brother? But maybe some things are worth the risk.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A little slice of smut heaven in a quick read that is jam packed with totally forbidden, has a huge age gap, a virgin FMC, edging, connection you just can’t deny, and that so wrong it’s right vibe that makes every little thing about it work. There is just something electric about that rugged mountain man thing, Ford has it in spades, and when it turns into mine and the Daddy kink kicks in, lord have mercy, it’s no wonder the step-niece he just met falls all over herself to be exactly the good girl he needs. A well worth it tiny read with a big and juicy story.
This was a quick, fun read. Sophia is interning and meets her step uncle, Ford. Neither puts up too much resistance before they give in to their mutual attraction. While I do wish the characters had been just a bit closer in age (a 24 year old and a 50 year old is a stretch for me), I found the writing style to be really engaging. The author has a great voice and her descriptions made the setting of the story come alive. If you’re in the mood for a short and sexy read, this one should hit the spot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 3 in Honey Ridge series. I love an age gap trope. Ford is technically Sophia's step uncle who she just met when she goes to intern at his lodge. Ford and Sophia has an instant attraction but try to fight it due to age gap, he's her boss, and the whole step uncle thing. There is a light Daddy/good girl theme. Ford is definitely a dirty talker which leads to some spicy themes. Really enjoyed his novella .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A steamy and spicy forbidden age-gap romance that sets the pages on fire. He's your step-uncle and definitely a person yoy should not be lusting over but Sophia can't stop thinking about Ford, her new boss and her step-uncle. One look at Sophia has Ford thinking dirty thoughts. She is forbidden and not someone he should be fantasizing about, but all he can think of is ruining her for anyone else. Sophia likes to push the limits but when Ford set the rules for his "Kitten" she is eager to please him.
This story blends romance and chemistry and forbidden attraction. The protagonist, Sophia, arrives for a three-month internship at a luxurious lodge, bringing her eclectic academic background and curiosity into the hospitality world. The author skillfully weaves together rich descriptions of the lodge and its surroundings with the growing connection between the characters, creating a story that is both engaging and emotionally charged.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-Age gap -Forbidden -Forced Proximity -Workplace Romance
Sophia is just trying to pad her résumé, but she unexpectedly finds herself attracted to her grumpy boss and step-uncle. She wants to prove herself, while Ford just wants the internship to fly by. Neither of them counted on how they would toe—and cross—the line.
This is an over-the-top, insta-lust read about Ford and Sophia. It's a quick read with some spice, and it had a slower pace for a novella.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quick, fun read about a young woman who is loosely tied to this man who is now her boss on the mountain. It's a super spicy short read, perfect for when you need something to hit the spot with not a lot of time.
She really gets her way with this man in a short period of time, but honestly, it was refreshing to see a woman go after what she wanted and reap the rewards. I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this amazing novel and am leaving a review of my own thoughts and feelings.
Phew this book was hot! The spice was 4🌶 and well written. Seeing the relationship grow between them after Ford tries to hold himself back is sweet and charming, whilst still being steamy enough to give you a facial. The forbidden aspect of Ford being her boss and Step Uncle obviously adds a touch of enticing taboo to the book and the age gap is just the cherry on the top. A fantastic short, spicy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A perfect, steamy, entertaining, sweet and fun story full of forbidden desire, passion, love and a great sense of humor.
Sophia is a bratty, flirty and pushy young woman, but that just conceals a gentle soul, who searches for guidance and care and Ford is the perfect man for her. He sees her for who she really is and gives her exactly what she needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Give me an age gap romance any day, and I will devour that book in one sitting. Ford was SO HOT. That man could do anything, and I would still swoon for him. The man was trying so hard not to fall for Sophia, but couldn't help his feelings and connection with her. I loved their story. It's one of my favorites by this author. The storyline was entertaining, and the spice was just perfect. Give it a try!