Just Friends With The Mountain Man: A Friends To Lovers Mountain Man Valentine Romance

by Lily Birch

Will this rugged mountain man win the key to Hope’s heart?

Hope always spends Valentine’s Day the same way. With chocolate cake, wine, and laughter shared with her three best friends. Together, they’re the final holdouts of the Hopeful Hearts Club, and their annual Galentine’s pact is sacred.

But this year, her friend Nolan asks her for a favor.

Just dinner.
Just friends.
Just to have a little company on Valentine’s Day.

So she’s skipping the Galentine’s party for a date with a big, burly mountain man. Nolan has been her friend for years. He’s a rugged mountain hunk with calloused hands, quiet strength, and a way of looking at her that makes her heart forget how to beat.

He’s older, sexy as hell, and completely off-limits… or so Hope has always told herself. Especially when she’s spent years believing a man like him would never want a woman like her.

But could he possibly want more?

One Valentine’s date turns into lingering glances and stolen touches. That’s when the line between friends and lovers begins to blur. Because when two good friends finally stop pretending, the sparks between them might just light up the night on Red Oak Mountain.

This is one Valentine’s Day Hope will never forget.

Author’s Just Friends With The Mountain Man is a friends-to-lovers, mountain man Valentine’s romance featuring a plus-size heroine, a protective age-gap alpha hero, cozy small-town charm, and the Galentine’s quartet that proves love comes when you least expect it…especially when it’s been waiting all along.

The stories in the Ozark Mountain Men Friends To Lovers Valentines series are steamy contemporary short reads. They’re spicy, full of heart, and always have an HEA. If you like this one, check out the rest!


❤️ Age Gap
❤️ Small Town
❤️ Friends To Lovers
❤️ Curvy Plus Size Heroine
❤️ Forced Proximity Only One Bed
❤️ Older Alpha Male Mountain Man

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has her Valentine’s Day routine down to a science: chocolate cake, wine, and her ride-or-die friends in the Hopeful Hearts Club. Love can wait. Friendship is safe. Until Nolan—her longtime friend, quiet protector, and very tempting mountain man—asks her to spend Valentine’s Day with him. Just dinner. Just friends. Nothing complicated… right?

What unfolds is a beautifully tender friends-to-lovers story filled with longing looks, years of unspoken feelings, and that delicious tension that comes from two people who already know each other inside and out. Nolan is everything you want in a mountain man hero—bearded, loyal, steady, and deeply emotional beneath his calm exterior. His quiet devotion to Hope over the years is swoon-worthy in the best way.

Hope is just as compelling. She’s relatable, hardworking, and carries insecurities that feel achingly real. Watching her slowly realize that she’s worthy of the love Nolan has always wanted to give her is incredibly satisfying. When she finally decides to stop waiting and take a chance on what she wants? Perfection.

The chemistry between them is effortless and electric, built on years of friendship, shared laughter, and mutual care. Their banter made me smile, their vulnerable moments tugged at my heart, and yes—there were a few tears along the way. Nolan’s fear of loss and Hope’s courage to step forward make their emotional payoff all the sweeter.

This story isn’t just about crossing the friend zone—it’s about choosing love, trusting yourself, and believing that sometimes the person meant for you has been right there all along.

If you love cozy small-town settings, swoon-worthy mountain men, plus-size heroines, and romances full of heart, heat, and healing, Just Friends With the Mountain Man is a Valentine’s read you won’t forget.

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

[Carolee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Friends with the Mountain Man is everything you want in a feel-good Valentine’s romance: a friends-to-lovers journey, a swoon-worthy mountain man, a sweet and courageous plus-size heroine, cozy small-town atmosphere, and a romance that illustrates sometimes love will grow you’re busy being “just friends.”

Nolan, the sexy bearded mountain man, is the perfect MMC—loyal, charming, and endearing. For eight years, he’s been quietly pining after Hope, turning their Friday pool games at the Bear Den into moments filled with furtive looks and longing. When he finally invites her out for Valentine’s Day (even if “just as friends”), you can’t help but cheer him on!

Hope is a heroine you instantly cheer for—hardworking, relatable, and full of hidden hopes. Her playful banter with Nolan, built over years of “just friends,” feels so wonderfully authentic. When she dreams that their Valentine’s date might become something more, you can’t help but cross your fingers right along with her!

The chemistry between Nolan and Hope is pure magic! Their flirty and hilarious banter keeps you smiling, while their deeper moments tug on your heartstrings. This isn’t just a spicy romance—it’s a celebration of authentic love, overcoming insecurities, and finding your soulmate in your best friend. I adored every bit of their journey and genuinely rooted for them to find their happily ever after!

Highly recommend for romance lovers! Lily Birch’s writing is excellent, breathing life into both the characters and the charming mountain town setting. You’ll laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a happy tear. Run, don’t walk, and grab this delightful friends-to-lovers Valentine’s romance!.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a Worthwhile Chance on Love -
Hope had been crushing on her best friend for years, so even though she was weary when he asked her out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, she was really overjoyed. Nolan had kept his feelings for his best friend secret for years, as he didn’t want to rock the boat. However, everything changed between Hope and Nolan after their whirlwind of chaos dinner date led to a mind blowing kiss and ended with a sleepover at his cabin.

Even though Hope and Nolan tried to take the change in their relationship slowly, everything changed when they woke up in the morning in the same bed, which led to them finally acknowledging and confessing their feelings for each other. Fortunately, Hope and Nolan took the opportunity to make plans that gave them an opportunity to build a life together. This was a heartwarming romance story with no drama and a bit of steaminess, that built anticipation with each page turn, as the characters navigated their feelings on their journey to a happily ever after.

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

[Smart Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Birch's Just Friends with the Mountain Man is such a sweet Valentine’s Day romance. Valentine’s Day is not just a background detail in this story; it is woven directly into the heart of the plot.

The story follows two friends who decide to go on a Valentine’s Day date together, even though things do not go exactly as planned. What makes this romance shine is how obvious their feelings are to everyone but each other. Even when they insist they are just friends, it is clear they are already in love. Their connection feels natural, warm, and full of those small, meaningful moments that make a romance so satisfying. It is a lovely reminder that a date does not have to be perfect to become one of the most memorable nights of your life.

This is the start of a new series, and I am already excited to read the rest of the Valentine’s stories. If you are looking for a sweet mountain man, friends to lovers Valentine’s romance, this one will leave you smiling from beginning to end, with just the right touch of steam at the finish.

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

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends With The Mountain Man is the first book in Lily Birch's Friends To Lovers Valentines series and as a short small town, age gap romance it had me hooked quickly with it's sweet story and both main characters, Nolan and Hope, proving very engaging.
The friends to lovers storyline between Nolan and Hope has been ongoing for eight years with both not quite having the courage for one reason or another to take the leap and declare their feelings.
This Valentine's Day Nolan invites Hope for dinner just as friends but with a kiss, a stray cat, parents and one bed, the attraction and chemistry finally moves things along.
The slow burn, communication and real trust, matched with steamy and spicy scenes and some sweet and heart warming moments all lead to a satisfying HEA.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is my favorite trope, and JUST FRIENDS WITH THE MOUNTAIN MAN is a lovely example of it. Nolan and Hope have been friends for eight years and have been crushing on each other since the beginning. It’s grown into true love, but both are too nervous to say anything until Valentine’s Day, when Nolan asks Hope out on a date… as friends… because he chickens out at the last minute. So the couple has a huge amount of history, but the book picks up just as they’re looking at romance. This is really good because it has the feel and excitement of an Instalove while having the full weight of a relationship to give it a more realistic seeming chance of success.
BTW…
Book is SAFE with NO TRIGGERS.
Hands-on Lovin is EXPLICIT.
…and it’s a good day for the cat.

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

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and Nolan have both had feelings for the other for eight years, but out of fear of losing the friendship they had never said or done anything about it. Until Nolan decided he’d finally grown a pair and asked her out on Valentines Day for a “Just Friends” Dinner. I swear when best laid plans go wrong is when I get truly invested in the books I read and when Nolan’s plans are thwarted by a case of mistaken identity will he be able to salvage the night and win the girl he’s been pining over for the last eight years? If you enjoy sassy romances where the FMC is quick with a witty remark and the MMC is one of the more sensitive men you’ve met/read about you will love this one as much as I did. I will definitely be reading more of this series very soon.

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

[Keyyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this, it's not my favorite trope for nothing ! It was so cute, I couldn't sleep after reading it because I was too excited. I thought it was really cute how Nolan was so nervous and even though they said they'd go slow ... it was still done in ONE night ! A bit contradictory but well, love isn't perfect and predictable.
It was a bit bittersweeet to realise that they loved each other almost since the begining of their friendship, they could have been together for a long time.
Can't wait to see the others in the series, it looks very promising and maybe after all that Amos can finally settle down, one of the last bachelor on the mountain lol.

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

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan grew up without parents, only his “uncle” Chuck to help grow into the man he would become. Chuck always told that he spent to much time thinking things through instead of living them. Hope feels like she is not doing anything with her life, just stocking shelves at the grocery store. Every Friday they would be together with their friends, both crushing on each other. For 8 years they danced around each other. Finally Nolan gets the courage to ask Hope out for Valentine’s Day. A crazy date where “Murphy’s Law” showed up. Kiss in the square, a stray cat, meeting her parents and finally visiting his cabin bring them together. 8 years of friendship turning into the love that was meant to be.

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

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan and Hope’s story, in Just Friends with the Mountain Man, is cozy, sweet, sexy, and spicy. Anyone that’s been friends with their crushes, too afraid to take that next step—you might feel this one deep. Really liked this one.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Nolan
FMC:
✨Hope
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Friends to Lovers Valentines
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉Valentine’s Day romance
👉friends to lovers
👉it’s always been you
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

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

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Valentine’s Day brings you the world you have been dreaming of ♥️

So much heart in this book. A little sadness that made me tear up but I loved how they finally came out of the friend zone. Nolan has known such terrible loss and is afraid that making a move on Hope, whom he has been quietly in love with for years, would cause him to lose her and their mutual friend group. I love that when Hope decided to take things into her own hands that he never stood a chance. And the Red Oak Mountain’s Hopeful Hearts Club loses a standing member🥰.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author: 'Just Friends With The Mountain Man is a friends-to-lovers, mountain man Valentine’s romance featuring a plus-size heroine, a protective age-gap alpha hero, cozy small-town charm, and the Galentine’s quartet that proves love comes when you least expect it…especially when it’s been waiting all along.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest story I have read in a while. The way these two got together with them both being shy. Nolan and Hope had loved one another for years but they were both so scared of losing what they had already gained by a friendship and putting themselves out there to declare their feelings. Nolan finally got enough courage to ask Hope out for Valentine's Day. It was the cutest and most fun read of a date. I enjoyed every single moment of this read!! This is a must read you won't be disappointed!!!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new series set around the most romantic time of year. Hope has spent the last eight years hanging out with a group of friends. But one of the men in the group, Nolan, she has had a crush on forever. Always flirting and joking around but to take it further she doesn’t want to lose his friendship. Nolan has finally gotten the nerve to ask Hope out for Valentine’s Day as friends or something more. Great series starter.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't tell if this couple was just painfully shy or truly afraid to share their feelings and open up to one another. I get not wanting to risk the friendship, but 8 years is a long time to pine after someone. Glad they were finally able to get over that hurdle. And I love when Nolan got all gooey over the kitten and that's when it all clicked home for Hope. Such a cute story and can't wait to read more about their friends getting their happily ever afters too.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest story! I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and this is such a fantastic romance. For eight years, Nolan and Hope have remained close friends, both hoping they will finally find that romantic connection without hurting their friendship. Nolan is such a kind and gentle man. He musters the courage to ask Hope to dinner on Valentine's Day. I enjoyed this book so much that I will definitely be reading it again! It is sweet and steamy with two people who are perfect for each other. Excellent book!

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

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eight year s-l-o-w burn!!

Nolan looked forward to Friday's at the Bear's Den because Holly would be there too. Poor Nolan grew up as an orphan and was just too shy to tell the woman he loved of his feelings. Hope too was living for their Friday meet ups. Nolan finally asks Hope out but the night just didn't go to plan. Thank goodness Hope could see he was struggling with his words and she eased him into the whole date thing. Cute story. They went from crawl to living together pretty quickly thanks to Queen Valentina.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan and Hope are the best of friends for 8 years now and are the epitome of those trope. It’s a beautiful slow burn (VERY SLOW) that blossoms exquisitely as they go on their first date in this lovely short story. Their adventures on that date win my heart and made me smile and swoon several times. Wonderfully written once again Ms. Birch.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just Friends With the Mountain Man” by Lily Birch

-A cozy, heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance filled with warmth, banter, and emotion. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Nolan and Hope’s long-simmering chemistry feels natural, tender, and deeply satisfying. With small-town charm, vulnerability, and spice, this story celebrates choosing love when it’s been there all along.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan and Hope were so afraid of losing their friendship that they wasted so many years both loving the other. This Valentine’s Day love story is adorable. Hope and Nolan make take forever to get together but in the end when they finally admit their feelings, they move warp speed to the future and their HEA. This was a really cute book.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope's dream man had never asked her on date. Yes, Nolan was never brave enough. Love affair in slow motion. And Valentine's Almost Date is their chance to change their friendship to something more.
It was so funny and engaging read - great start of new series - Friends To Lovers Valentines. So well written, entertaining and sweet. Loved it! And Queen Val couldn't disagree.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a chance on changing your routine

Just Friends With The Mountain Man is the first book in the Friends To Lovers Valentines series. This story may just make you look at a long time friend with the possibility of something more. Hope and Nolan have been friends for years but never anything more. But this Valentine's Day things may just change when he asks her to have dinner with him, nothing more than friends, and step out of her safe and predictable Valentine's Day routine.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Nolan and Hope's book. What a sweet and spicy friends-to-lovers holiday treat. They had been friends for so long and already had a wonderful relationship, so adding romance felt perfect.
Looking forward to this series.

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

[Paige Pangrazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish. This book is definitely a page turner. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. The relationship between Nolan & Hope is an amazing one. I could feel their love & connection from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.

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

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan and Hope have been friends for years, they've had feelings for each other for years but neither has acted on them. Then Nolan gets up the courage to ask Hope out on a date. On Valentine’s Day! Things don't turn out as they expect.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great short story from Lily

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5…Nolan and Hope are best friends and share a friend group. What happens when they both decided not to hide their true feelings anymore. This is a quick adorable read perfect for Valentine’s Day. These two have fun banter and undeniable chemistry…that had to be unlocked. I really Enjoyed this quick read and the characters that told the story.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short read of friends that don’t realize that both have the same feelings about each other. Enjoyed the friendship turning into the love they both need and want. Liked how nerves almost get the best of them, but both gear up to push past friends to something more.

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

[Sandy Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book, just long enough. Main characters danced around each other for 8 years. MMC finally asked the FMC on a friend date for Valentine’s Day. And the sparks finally catch. Great spice and a great HEA.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a really sweet Valentine's Day that started as friends and ended in love. I'm glad that Nolan and Hope finally told each other that they love each other.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my. This book was adorable! The friends-to-lovers, the date mix-up, the heartful confessions between Hope and Nolan. Yes, please... to all of it. Very cute novella!.

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