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The Sovereign Mountain #3.25
All These Gentle Birds: Bittern & Janie's Story
After getting out of rehab, Bittern settles in at Ryder Ranch. Still recovering from a difficult past back home, he’s determined to build a new life for himself in Montana. Working on the ranch is the uncomplicated life he’s always wanted.
Until he sets eyes on the ranch manager’s daughter.
Fresh off a breakup, Janie returns to Ryder Ranch for a long weekend. She’s not interested in dating again so soon, but when she sees the newest wrangler, stoic and unassuming Bittern Hatfield, she can’t stop thinking about him.
Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but fate has other plans. Slowly, Bittern opens up to the idea of having a better future and Janie begins to wonder if her life in the city is what she wanted after all.
All These Gentle Birds is the short and sweet story of Bittern and Janie, characters found in Deacon, the third book in The Sovereign Mountain Series. It is not a standalone and must be read after reading Deacon .
Until he sets eyes on the ranch manager’s daughter.
Fresh off a breakup, Janie returns to Ryder Ranch for a long weekend. She’s not interested in dating again so soon, but when she sees the newest wrangler, stoic and unassuming Bittern Hatfield, she can’t stop thinking about him.
Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but fate has other plans. Slowly, Bittern opens up to the idea of having a better future and Janie begins to wonder if her life in the city is what she wanted after all.
All These Gentle Birds is the short and sweet story of Bittern and Janie, characters found in Deacon, the third book in The Sovereign Mountain Series. It is not a standalone and must be read after reading Deacon .
- GenresNovellaDark Romance
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
38 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Raya Morris Edwards
25 books964 followersRaya Morris Edwards is the author of the Sovereign Mountain Series, the Welsh Kings Trilogy, and more! She lives near the mountains, but never close enough. When not writing, she's probably spending time with her family and dogs somewhere in the hills or traveling in the Blue Ridges.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 2, 2026
5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Wow, I love the Sovereign Mountain Series something fierce. And when Raya announced we were getting Bittern and Janie’s story I was beyond excited to return to Ryder Ranch. Bittern has had a rough life. After rehab, he returns to Ryder Ranch to live and work. He’s slowly finding his way when he sees Janie across the yard one day and everything changes. Janie just broke up with her boyfriend and is a little lost and confused about what she wants. Deacon meddles and tells both of them they’re going out Saturday night. The date is sweet and ends spicy. They both know that this is it for them. From there they take things relatively slow, they find a routine and soon she’s moving in. He tells her he’s never been able to just be happy and wants to do that with her but it’s all leading to the same of them getting married and having a family.I loved seeing Freya and Deacon, especially when Deacon meddled and set them up on a date.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“We don’t say a word, but she feels my heart beat fast for her all the way home.”
“From my crown to my toes, I’m swooning, colors going off like fireworks in my mind, my body tingling with electricity.”
“I think my k!nk is gentleness, because I’m burning up.”
“I don’t care what you do,” I breathe. “You can come in five seconds. Just make sure I get there too.”
“No work,” I say, slipping into the hall. “Maybe if you’re good, I’ll bl0w you later.”
“He’s got the whole damn package: the body, the voice, the tongue, and the personality. I stand by what I said last night—come hell or high water, I’m locking this man down.”
“The axis of the world shifted and ground to a halt, spinning out in a new direction when we laid eyes on each other. Nothing’s ever gonna be the same.”
2.5🌶️
Wow, I love the Sovereign Mountain Series something fierce. And when Raya announced we were getting Bittern and Janie’s story I was beyond excited to return to Ryder Ranch. Bittern has had a rough life. After rehab, he returns to Ryder Ranch to live and work. He’s slowly finding his way when he sees Janie across the yard one day and everything changes. Janie just broke up with her boyfriend and is a little lost and confused about what she wants. Deacon meddles and tells both of them they’re going out Saturday night. The date is sweet and ends spicy. They both know that this is it for them. From there they take things relatively slow, they find a routine and soon she’s moving in. He tells her he’s never been able to just be happy and wants to do that with her but it’s all leading to the same of them getting married and having a family.I loved seeing Freya and Deacon, especially when Deacon meddled and set them up on a date.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“We don’t say a word, but she feels my heart beat fast for her all the way home.”
“From my crown to my toes, I’m swooning, colors going off like fireworks in my mind, my body tingling with electricity.”
“I think my k!nk is gentleness, because I’m burning up.”
“I don’t care what you do,” I breathe. “You can come in five seconds. Just make sure I get there too.”
“No work,” I say, slipping into the hall. “Maybe if you’re good, I’ll bl0w you later.”
“He’s got the whole damn package: the body, the voice, the tongue, and the personality. I stand by what I said last night—come hell or high water, I’m locking this man down.”
“The axis of the world shifted and ground to a halt, spinning out in a new direction when we laid eyes on each other. Nothing’s ever gonna be the same.”
February 1, 2026
ALL THESE GENTLE BIRDS is not a standalone — you’ll want to read it after Deacon, book three in the Sovereign Mountain series. Trust me. Reading order matters here 🫶
When Raya announced a Bittern & Janie book, I was instantly thrilled because Bittern deserved happiness. He was the softest, most gentle soul in Deacon, and seeing him finally get his HEA healed something in me.
The way this story unfolds is so tender and intentional. You can feel the huge emotions between Bittern and Janie, but everything moves at a slow, careful, gentle pace that fits them perfectly.
Also… Deacon was an absolute menace in this book 😭 Every time he showed up, dropped a few words, and made it law, I was cackling.
This story is truly beautiful. Soft, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying. I’m so happy Bittern got his happily ever after — he earned every single bit of it 🐦✨
Things to know
Cowboy romance, cozy & low stakes, she upgrades, small town, instalust, Discussion of past drug use and rehab, Discussions of abusive parent & past home environment, Discussion of poverty & its effects, Discussion of depression/PTSD and the effects of it, Brief discussions of pregnancy
February 7, 2026
✨ • Book Review • ✨
All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards
@rayamorrisedwards
Book Review : 5 ⭐️
Spice Level : 2.5 🌶️
All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards was such a soft, healing read, and I loved every second of it.
After everything Bittern has been through, seeing him land at Ryder Ranch and slowly start to rebuild his life felt so earned. His journey from surviving to living was beautifully written, and I was genuinely so happy that he finally got the happy ending he deserved.
Janie and Bittern’s love story was pure wholesomeness. Two people carrying their own hurts, not looking for anything serious, yet finding comfort, safety, and understanding in each other anyway.
Their connection unfolded gently and naturally, and watching Bittern open his heart while Janie questioned the life she thought she wanted made their story even more special.
This short and sweet glimpse into their relationship was the perfect addition to the Sovereign Mountain world.
If you’ve read Deacon, this story feels like a warm reminder that even the quiet, broken characters can find love, peace, and a place to belong.
All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards
@rayamorrisedwards
Book Review : 5 ⭐️
Spice Level : 2.5 🌶️
All These Gentle Birds by Raya Morris Edwards was such a soft, healing read, and I loved every second of it.
After everything Bittern has been through, seeing him land at Ryder Ranch and slowly start to rebuild his life felt so earned. His journey from surviving to living was beautifully written, and I was genuinely so happy that he finally got the happy ending he deserved.
Janie and Bittern’s love story was pure wholesomeness. Two people carrying their own hurts, not looking for anything serious, yet finding comfort, safety, and understanding in each other anyway.
Their connection unfolded gently and naturally, and watching Bittern open his heart while Janie questioned the life she thought she wanted made their story even more special.
This short and sweet glimpse into their relationship was the perfect addition to the Sovereign Mountain world.
If you’ve read Deacon, this story feels like a warm reminder that even the quiet, broken characters can find love, peace, and a place to belong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
Oh my gosh! This is so beautiful. I was really happy that Bittern got his happily ever after. I'm so glad for him. This is such a beautiful story.❤️ I really adore Bittern and Janie. They are such a great couple. I loved their chemistry. There’s something so calm about their relationship. Even though I'm just reading their story, it feels like there’s a peacefulness, gentleness, love, respect, care, and understanding, even in silence, which made it so wonderful to experience. 🤌🥹💞
The spice is just incredible. Every scene hits right in the heart and warms you up. It's a deep connection, both physical and emotional.🥵 I really love these kinds of relationships. Plus, I found it fun to watch how everyone in the small town was working to make Bittern and Janie a couple.🤭😂😉
Overall, this story is sweet and spicy, and it is fast-paced. Although it's a novella, it doesn’t feel like one at all. It has everything you could want—chemistry, character growth, love, and funny moments. It's so amazing and beautiful. 💯👌
The spice is just incredible. Every scene hits right in the heart and warms you up. It's a deep connection, both physical and emotional.🥵 I really love these kinds of relationships. Plus, I found it fun to watch how everyone in the small town was working to make Bittern and Janie a couple.🤭😂😉
Overall, this story is sweet and spicy, and it is fast-paced. Although it's a novella, it doesn’t feel like one at all. It has everything you could want—chemistry, character growth, love, and funny moments. It's so amazing and beautiful. 💯👌
February 5, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
Sweet cozy novella, Loved to see Bittern find his happily ever after 🥹 and more of Deacon and Freya, it was just the best novella to conclude the two love stories.
Bittern fresh out of rehab, looking to find his north, trying to find his new identity and get away from his traumatic past 💔
Janie, left town to live in the city with her boyfriend, but things are no longer working between them so the break up, and she goes visiting Deacon’s ranch where her parents work and live.
The two share those tender looks that makes one believe in sweet romance again 🥲
Add to that everyone seems to be pushing the two to go out and enjoy life, hoping they get together 🤞🏼
I truly enjoyed this sweet courtship, the steadiness and patience Bittern showed while Pursuing Janie 🫠
Another fact I loved to see more of Deacon and Freya, how gentle he is with he and how he listen to her 🫠 ( my favorite trope a Man that listens )
🌶️🌶️
Sweet cozy novella, Loved to see Bittern find his happily ever after 🥹 and more of Deacon and Freya, it was just the best novella to conclude the two love stories.
Bittern fresh out of rehab, looking to find his north, trying to find his new identity and get away from his traumatic past 💔
Janie, left town to live in the city with her boyfriend, but things are no longer working between them so the break up, and she goes visiting Deacon’s ranch where her parents work and live.
The two share those tender looks that makes one believe in sweet romance again 🥲
Add to that everyone seems to be pushing the two to go out and enjoy life, hoping they get together 🤞🏼
I truly enjoyed this sweet courtship, the steadiness and patience Bittern showed while Pursuing Janie 🫠
Another fact I loved to see more of Deacon and Freya, how gentle he is with he and how he listen to her 🫠 ( my favorite trope a Man that listens )
January 31, 2026
When RME announced she was doing a Bittern and Janie book, I was so happy. Bittern deserved to be happy. He was the most gentle sweet man in Deacon and I’m just happy he got an HEA.
I loved how through her writing you could feel these big feelings between Bittern and Janie but they moved at such a slow, gentle pace.
Deacon was such a menace in this book, I was laughing every time this man came in and just said some things and it was final.
For a novella, I was so damn giddy reading it. I smiled through this whole thing bc it was absolutely perfect for them.
Janie saying it took her 17 seconds to decide Bittern was going to be her husband, I was done for. The spice was just right in this book and it was overwhelming in the best way. You could tell that it was deeper than just hookups. These two people needed each other and it was beautiful.
I loved how through her writing you could feel these big feelings between Bittern and Janie but they moved at such a slow, gentle pace.
Deacon was such a menace in this book, I was laughing every time this man came in and just said some things and it was final.
For a novella, I was so damn giddy reading it. I smiled through this whole thing bc it was absolutely perfect for them.
Janie saying it took her 17 seconds to decide Bittern was going to be her husband, I was done for. The spice was just right in this book and it was overwhelming in the best way. You could tell that it was deeper than just hookups. These two people needed each other and it was beautiful.
February 3, 2026
This was 160 pages and I must have cried at least 160 times while reading. This was such a perfect novella, absolutely beautiful. I loved Bittern and Janie’s happily ever after so much. Bittern literally deserves the world! Also, loved how much of Deacon and Freya we got throughout this little novella. I just adore them! Deacon Ryder is truly that man and I will never not be obsessed with him!
February 1, 2026
the way this novella just became one of my fav reads by her omg
this was so so good and i could’ve read hundreds of pages about them, i can’t believe how well fleshed out this couple was by the end
TALENT
this was so so good and i could’ve read hundreds of pages about them, i can’t believe how well fleshed out this couple was by the end
TALENT
February 6, 2026
short but sweet
Bittern is so gentle. Janie is a filled with insecurities. They both are, but it works for them. This one is short, but it still shows Deacon is very much still Deacon. He was the highlight for me.
Bittern is so gentle. Janie is a filled with insecurities. They both are, but it works for them. This one is short, but it still shows Deacon is very much still Deacon. He was the highlight for me.
Read
January 7, 2026BETA.
January 31, 2026
This was so sweet. Like warm molasses. I loved Bittern’s gentle nature and how kind Janie was. No notes.
February 1, 2026
5/5 NO NOTES.
I’m so glad she wrote Bittern’s story. This was one of my favourites in the series. As always, Raya knocked it ojt of the park!
I’m so glad she wrote Bittern’s story. This was one of my favourites in the series. As always, Raya knocked it ojt of the park!
February 1, 2026
This was such a lovely story. It was very slow paced, but in the best way possible. I loved being able to see Bittern's story and get a glimpse of Freya and Deacon!
February 6, 2026
This was incredibly sweet and loved how their entire relationship felt as natural as breathing
5/5 stars
5/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews