Friend Crush On The Mountain Man: A Friends To Lovers Valentine's Day Later In Life Romance

by Lily Birch

He waited years for her. One Valentine’s night, it’s finally time to claim her. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

Cedar

I only stop by the Bear Den for one drink on Valentine’s night. That plan ends the second my friend Hope drags me to a quiet corner and with mischievous, meddling eyes says the words I can’t shake loose.

Jenna Bell is up at Lover’s Ridge. Alone.

Jenna has always been my friend. But she’s also the only woman who’s ever tempted me to take my heart out of its hidden vault and expose it, tender and raw.

But I’d told Jenna exactly how I felt one drunken night a decade ago, and I’d only been met with silence on the subject ever since. Was it possible her feelings could have changed since then?

When I realize she’s sitting alone under the winter stars on Valentine’s Night, something in me insists on finding her and trying again.

Lover’s Ridge is cold. The view is endless. And the woman waiting there has always been mine. ❤️

What starts as a night of quiet companionship turns into shared truths, and the undeniable spark that’s been waiting patiently for years gets uncovered. Sometimes love isn’t loud or reckless.

Sometimes it’s steady.
Sometimes it’s patient.
And sometimes it arrives exactly when you’re ready to believe in it again.✨

Author’s Friends To Lovers With The Mountain Man is a friendship-to-love Valentine’s romance featuring a mature hero and heroine in their forties, cozy mountain magic, second-chance-at-first-love vibes, and a Galentine’s sisterhood that proves it’s never too late for a happily ever after.

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!


❤️ Small Town
❤️ Later in Life
❤️ Friends to Lovers
❤️ Curvy Plus-Size Heroine
❤️ Alpha Male Mountain Man
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Spicy One-Hour Short Read Romance

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication is Important in all Relationships -
The moment Cedar found out Jenna was spending Valentine’s Day on her own at a lovers lookout, he quickly made way to spend time with her. Jenna had resigned herself to spend Valentine’s Night alone when Cedar joined her and made a suggestion, that made their Valentine’s Night together more memorable. Spending time together allowed Cedar and Jenna to finally confess their feelings for each other and cross the boundaries they had been tiptoeing around for years.

Even though Cedar and Jenna embarked on a permanent relationship, they still had to navigate the ongoing conflict between him and her family, but she ultimately managed to resolve the situation. It may have taken years of longing looks and frustrated moments, but Cedar and Jenna finally got to have a chance at a happily ever after. This was a nice, easy and heartwarming read, that flowed beautifully and the characters were exciting. If you looking for a short story, that will help you unwind from a tiresome week, then look no further than this book.

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

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friend Crush On The Mountain Man is the third book in Lily Birch's Friends To Lovers Valentines series and as a short, small town, friends to lovers, romance it had me hooked quickly with it's main characters, Cedar and Jenna.
Cedar and Jenna are both over forty and this was a refreshing change to see two singles that have been friends for years finally have the opportunity act on the hidden attraction they've had for each for years.
This Valentine's Day their friend group has ended up coupling off one way or another leaving the both of them alone. Cedar leaps at the chance to spend time with Jenna and circumstances align away from Red Oak Mountain allowing them to go with flow and eventually act on their mutual feelings.
The chemistry is undeniable even having been built on a solid friendship and the steamy and spicy scenes and some sweet, 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]

I’d buy this book for the cover alone. Rrowl! And the story itself is delightful. I love me some friends to lovers; it’s my favorite trope. I love that Cedar and Jenna are over 40, too. Midlife love is especially nice because the lovers know who they are and what they want in life. And the sexytime was super hot, with some humor, like when they find out that sex on the beach involves, well, beach and in sand getting inconvenient places. It was still hot. Cedar and Jenna are both planners, and I love that they chose to be spontaneous and impulsive together. The family feud complications added a layer of drama. This book was a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day love.
Cat’s Stats
Book is SAFE.
Heat is EXPLICIT.
NO TRIGGERS.
TROPES include Romeo and Juliet, Midlife Love, Friends to Lovers, Road Trip, Holiday, Be Mine, Secret Crush, Vacation (all I ever wanted).

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

[Smart Cookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Birch’s Friend Crush On The Mountain Man is a sweet conclusion to the Ozark Mountain Men Friends to Lovers Valentine’s series. This final story follows two longtime friends in their forties who finally stop ignoring their feelings and take a chance on something more.

I really enjoyed seeing slightly older characters step into their own love story. Their romance feels genuine and grounded, which makes their leap of faith even more meaningful. I especially loved their trip out of the mountains so the FMC can see the ocean for the first time. It adds such a charming sense of wonder and new beginnings to their journey.

This series has been such a heartwarming Valentine’s read. I love that all three couples in this friend group choose to take a risk on love this Valentine’s Day. It has been a warm, small-town mountain escape from start to finish.

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

[Keyyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so cute again, the feud felt a bit silly after all this time (understandable but still), but I liked how petty the mom was, it was kinda refresing to see someone so stuck in their hatred lol. I liked how they both realised along their journey that being together was inevitable, this silent understanding, knowing and seeing the person in front of you and just loving them. They'd make it work somehow, even if it's scary, because they love each other. I was a little taken aback that there was no mentiion of his drunken confession years ago ? I thought I imagined it, but it's in the synopsis ...
I like how they're older and don't have kids for now, just enjoying each other and showing that we can find love at any moment, it was a very enjoyable read.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kelly told Cedar where Jenna was sitting alone on Valentine's Day he finally made his move. It had been years in the making. What started out as sitting with her in the cliff turned into an adventure. When they finally admitted their feelings and Cedar told her it was her parents feud with his family that had been holding him back, Jenna knew she wasn’t wasting more time she wanted her forever with the man she had lived for years. This was a great Valentine’s Day love story with a great HEA. I love all the characters from Red Oak Mountain. Don’t miss out on this book or this Valentine’s series.

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

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the residents of Red Oak Mountain. This group of women who have been friends for years and the men they secretly had crushed on but were too afraid to admit. One by one the Valentine’s celebration at the Bear Den has the group of friends pairing up. Jenna is the only one of the girls spending Valentines alone. Planning to keep to tradition she heads to Lover’s Ridge to toss chocolate and curse the men on Red Oak. When Cedar heard what she plans to do, he heads there to finally admit how he feels about her. Which leads to a spontaneous adventure. Great series.

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

[Debdutch]

“Friend Crush on the Mountain Man” by Lily Birch

-Friend Crush on the Mountain Man delivers a cozy, small-town friends-to-lovers romance that immediately attracts the reader’s interest. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

Cedar and Jenna, both over forty, bring refreshing midlife honesty and warmth to their long-simmering connection. The chemistry feels earned through years of friendship, with sweet moments, humor, and satisfying spice.

A heartfelt Valentine’s Day read with a confident ending that celebrates choosing love when the timing is finally right.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna has loved Cedar for a long time, and now that she is in her 40's she has given up on love. She never knew her father had stepped in and threatened him or she would have put a stop to that. Cedar has wanted Jenna for a long time but due to the family feud made things hard for these two to get together. One Valentine's Day and finally taking the leap and just grabbing onto what they wanted these two come together with sparks, laughter, and a while lot of sweetness that makes for a best seller. I loved every moment of this read, and you won't regret getting into this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cedar seeks out his sweet Jenna sitting on the ridge on Valentine’s Day- he never thought he’d be throwing chocolates into the canyon with her. When he suggests they drive to the ocean it’s the beginning of a long-time crush on each other finally coming to fruition. It’s a wonderful romantic journey love story. Loved the spontaneity of this book. Fun times, love realized and future family make this an entertaining read.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend Crush On The Mountain Man, the third book in your Friends To Lovers Valentines series. It was refreshing to see a small-town romance featuring characters over forty, and I enjoyed how Cedar and Jenna finally acted on their years of hidden attraction while alone on Valentine’s Day. The transition from their solid friendship to undeniable chemistry outside of Red Oak Mountain was compelling, and the balance of steamy and sweet moments provided a very satisfying happy-ever-after. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friends to lovers story that is set later in life for these two and you know is going to last because of the solid friendship they have as their base. I cringed, hard, at the beach scene on their first night together as a couple. But the author was frank and accurate on her description of how awful sex on the beach really can be. It gave a bit of humor to the story. I also liked how Jenna's dad solved the issue of the produce stand feud once and for all.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books of the Author and I like this series - Friends to Lovers Valentines. Group of friends and their Friday evenings at the Bear Den bar. It was about the time for them to get some clarity on their love life. And I love their involvement in each others lives - support and engagement.
Cedar and Jenna's story came with the long history and family rivals. Will they overcome it and their own insecurities?
Loved the story and the characters. Short and steamy romance to enjoy in one go.

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

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedar and Jenna had been casual friends for years but a lonely Valentine's changes all

When Cedar found out that Jenna was all alone in Valentine's Day sitting on Lover's Ridge he finally decided to risk his heart. Jenna was part of the local group that hung out Friday nights at the Bear's Den playing pool and flirting. Cedar has loved her from afar for years but bad blood between the families stopped him from admitting his feelings. They decide on a spur of the moment adventure that lead to a HEA.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cedar has had feelings for Jenna for years but a family dispute between his uncle and her parents caused him to back off, but it's Valentine’s Day and she's alone and so's he! So he goes to find her. They go off on an adventure and things progress when they get home.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another great read in the series from Lily

[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 Cedar & Jenna is an amazing one. I could feel how deep their love was from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cedar has loved Jenna for a long time, and now, on the advice of a friend, he is going after her on Valentine's Day. Jenna is about to realize that she feels much more for Cedar than just friendship. I love the trip that they make to the beach! ;) This is an excellent book with lots of spice and a perfect happy ending.

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

[Sandy Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrequited love. That’s how I’d describe the start of this book. I love the main characters, older than most books. Part of a series with a friend group. Love how it progresses. Great spice and a sweet HEA.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Cedar took the hint and went to Jenna on Valentine's night. It was great that they finally admitted their love. I liked how they stood up to her parents to be together.

[Lisa McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, fast paced short romance. Classic friends to lovers theme with believable main characters. The writing really brought the story to life. Highly recommend.

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