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Eden Ridge: Lost & Found
Claimed Mountain Man
Wild things come through my veterinarian's office daily.
None wilder than the gorgeous young woman desperately clinging to a wounded fox.
Lyla Jackson is a lot of things. Smart. Witty. Sexy. And absolutely delusional. But when she looks at me with those haunting green eyes, begging me to play the role of her boyfriend, I can’t bring myself to say no.
What I hadn’t anticipated was a whirlwind week filled with her sister’s wedding, a family gathering, pet fox training, and the feelings I didn’t mean to develop while pretending.
Now we’re sharing my one-bedroom cabin until she returns home to the city. But each night, her body seeks mine for warmth, and it’s getting harder to deny what this woman, half my age, stirs within me.
This was meant to be fake, temporary. She promised she’d go back to her life in the city, and I’d get to return to my small-town existence. I thought that was what I wanted. But stolen kisses and forbidden touches feel too real just to let her go. The time we agreed to pretend may be over, but I won’t make the same mistake twice…I’m going to fight for what’s mine.
Claimed Mountain Man is an age-gap, mountain-man, fake dating romance with a small town protective veterinarian, and a free-spirited firecracker of a woman who has bitten off more than she can handle alone. Filled with one-bed shenanigans, a wild pet fox, and high heat tension. Guaranteed HEA.
None wilder than the gorgeous young woman desperately clinging to a wounded fox.
Lyla Jackson is a lot of things. Smart. Witty. Sexy. And absolutely delusional. But when she looks at me with those haunting green eyes, begging me to play the role of her boyfriend, I can’t bring myself to say no.
What I hadn’t anticipated was a whirlwind week filled with her sister’s wedding, a family gathering, pet fox training, and the feelings I didn’t mean to develop while pretending.
Now we’re sharing my one-bedroom cabin until she returns home to the city. But each night, her body seeks mine for warmth, and it’s getting harder to deny what this woman, half my age, stirs within me.
This was meant to be fake, temporary. She promised she’d go back to her life in the city, and I’d get to return to my small-town existence. I thought that was what I wanted. But stolen kisses and forbidden touches feel too real just to let her go. The time we agreed to pretend may be over, but I won’t make the same mistake twice…I’m going to fight for what’s mine.
Claimed Mountain Man is an age-gap, mountain-man, fake dating romance with a small town protective veterinarian, and a free-spirited firecracker of a woman who has bitten off more than she can handle alone. Filled with one-bed shenanigans, a wild pet fox, and high heat tension. Guaranteed HEA.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
About the author
Raine Holt
23 books14 followersRaine Holt writes short, steamy romances about rugged mountain men who will burn the world down to protect the only woman they’ll ever love. Her stories are packed with gruff, emotionally intense alphas, irresistible age-gap tension, and small mountain towns where secrets run deep and love runs hot.
When she’s not writing about broody recluses falling for women they shouldn’t want (but can’t resist), Raine is probably lost between the pages of a good book, bingeing cinnamon roll heroes, or dreaming up her next grumpy lumberjack with a soft spot for the one woman who wrecks his peace.
If you like your romance fast, filthy, and full of heart, connect with Raine on her newsletter, and follow her on:
IG: @raineholtbooks
FB: @raineholtbooks
TT: @rainesrebels
When she’s not writing about broody recluses falling for women they shouldn’t want (but can’t resist), Raine is probably lost between the pages of a good book, bingeing cinnamon roll heroes, or dreaming up her next grumpy lumberjack with a soft spot for the one woman who wrecks his peace.
If you like your romance fast, filthy, and full of heart, connect with Raine on her newsletter, and follow her on:
IG: @raineholtbooks
FB: @raineholtbooks
TT: @rainesrebels
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 26, 2026
CLAIMED MOUNTAIN MAN is Book 3 of The Eden Ridge: Lost And Found series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, fake-dating, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Lyla is a 23-year-old curvy hot mess. She is from Eden Ridge but has been living in the city for two years, lying to her family about her job and lifestyle as feels she is a failure. Ethan is a 37-year-old hunky, grumpy veterinarian in Eden Ridge. When Lyla returns home for her sister's wedding, lies continue to build. She saves a fox, taking it to Ethan and ends up with a fake boyfriend. Ethan doesn't know how he agreed to it but feelings turn all to real, but what happens when the week is over. Will she come home? Can Ethan show her that he is all in? I loved this couple. I felt for Lyla, and Ethan was such a grumpy golden retriever. I wanted to smack them both at times but am glad it all worked out. Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved it.
March 20, 2026
If you love small-town romances with a rugged, protective hero and a heroine who crashes into his life like a storm, Claimed Mountain Man by Raine Holt is one you won’t want to miss.
Lyla Jackson doesn’t just enter Ethan’s life—she explodes into it, clutching an injured fox and demanding help like it’s the most normal thing in the world. She’s chaotic, passionate, and completely impossible to ignore. And Ethan? He’s the steady, gruff, small-town veterinarian who’s used to dealing with wild animals… just not ones quite like her.
What starts as a fake relationship quickly turns into something way more complicated. Between a family wedding, small-town expectations, and being stuck together in his one-bedroom cabin, the line between pretend and real starts to blur fast. The tension? So good. The slow shift from “this is just for show” to “I don’t want to let you go”? Even better.
Lyla is such a fun character—she’s messy in the best way, full of heart, and fiercely determined, especially when it comes to animals. Watching her care so deeply (yes, even for a stubborn fox) makes it easy to see why Ethan falls for her, even when he tries not to. And Ethan? Total mountain man perfection—protective, grounded, and the kind of guy who shows love through actions more than words.
What really makes this story stand out is how their relationship grows. It’s not just about attraction—it’s about two people from completely different worlds finding something real and meaningful together. The age gap adds a little extra tension, but it never feels forced—just another layer to their connection.
Packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth, this book pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The mix of fake dating, one-bed moments, and that undeniable “this is becoming real” feeling makes it completely addictive.
If you love:
✨ Grumpy mountain men
✨ Free-spirited, chaotic heroines
✨ Fake dating that turns real
✨ Small-town vibes with big feelings
✨ A love story that sneaks up on you
Then this is definitely your next read.
💕 Sweet, a little wild, and impossible to put down—this story proves sometimes the best things in life start completely unplanned.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lyla Jackson doesn’t just enter Ethan’s life—she explodes into it, clutching an injured fox and demanding help like it’s the most normal thing in the world. She’s chaotic, passionate, and completely impossible to ignore. And Ethan? He’s the steady, gruff, small-town veterinarian who’s used to dealing with wild animals… just not ones quite like her.
What starts as a fake relationship quickly turns into something way more complicated. Between a family wedding, small-town expectations, and being stuck together in his one-bedroom cabin, the line between pretend and real starts to blur fast. The tension? So good. The slow shift from “this is just for show” to “I don’t want to let you go”? Even better.
Lyla is such a fun character—she’s messy in the best way, full of heart, and fiercely determined, especially when it comes to animals. Watching her care so deeply (yes, even for a stubborn fox) makes it easy to see why Ethan falls for her, even when he tries not to. And Ethan? Total mountain man perfection—protective, grounded, and the kind of guy who shows love through actions more than words.
What really makes this story stand out is how their relationship grows. It’s not just about attraction—it’s about two people from completely different worlds finding something real and meaningful together. The age gap adds a little extra tension, but it never feels forced—just another layer to their connection.
Packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth, this book pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The mix of fake dating, one-bed moments, and that undeniable “this is becoming real” feeling makes it completely addictive.
If you love:
✨ Grumpy mountain men
✨ Free-spirited, chaotic heroines
✨ Fake dating that turns real
✨ Small-town vibes with big feelings
✨ A love story that sneaks up on you
Then this is definitely your next read.
💕 Sweet, a little wild, and impossible to put down—this story proves sometimes the best things in life start completely unplanned.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
What starts as one harmless lie to her family, quickly spirals into something far more complicated for Lyla Jackson. Before she knows it, she’s spinning stories about everything—her apartment, her career, even her love life—until the truth feels completely out of reach. For two years, she’s been performing a version of herself she thinks her family will be proud of, driven not by malice, but by the quiet, aching belief that she would somehow be a disappointment. Now, she’s heading home for her sister’s wedding… with a completely imaginary boyfriend. However, a chance encounter with an injured baby fox leads Lyla straight to veterinarian Ethan Wilson, and in a moment of panic (and questionable decision-making), she ropes him into playing the role of her very fake boyfriend. Ethan never expected to get tangled up in someone else’s mess, especially not one wrapped in equal parts charm, vulnerability, and irresistible energy. But there’s something about Lyla he can’t walk away from. Beneath the lies, Ethan senses a woman with a huge heart, someone who loves fiercely. And that emotional core hits hard. Both Lyla and Ethan are beautifully drawn, imperfect in ways that make them feel real. Ethan’s steady, protective nature is the perfect counterbalance to Lyla’s impulsive chaos. Their age gap adds a subtle tension, but it’s their emotional push-and-pull that truly shines. Ethan doesn’t do temporary and Lyla is only in town for a week. So naturally, nothing about this arrangement is simple. Between wedding festivities, family events, and a whole lot of loaded glances, the chemistry between them simmers into something impossible to ignore. And when forced proximity enters the equation, thanks to Ethan’s cozy one-bedroom cabin, the emotional stakes skyrocket. By the time their “fake” relationship reaches its inevitable end, it’s painfully obvious to everyone (except them, of course) that their feelings are anything but pretend. Ethan’s quiet determination to fight for Lyla and to claim a future he never saw coming, delivers the kind of emotional payoff that lingers long after the final page. With compelling characters, a swoon-worthy romance, and a hard-earned happily-ever-after, this one truly hits the mark.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
She lied to survive. He sees the truth she can't keep buried.
Lyla comes back to a small mountain town carrying years of shame and a life that doesn't quite hold together anymore. Ethan keeps his world quiet, controlled, and contained until a desperate favor, a wounded fox, and a chaotic woman pull him straight into the mess she'd rather no one see. What begins as a fake relationship to get her through one impossible week starts turning into something far more dangerous when neither of them can keep pretending the tension is only an act.
The closer they get, the harder it is to separate comfort from hunger, or desire from the sharp relief of being seen too clearly. Lyla keeps bracing for the truth to cost her everything, while Ethan keeps falling for the parts of her she's worked hardest to hide. Their connection grows hotter, rougher, and more intimate as forced closeness, late nights, and rising pressure push them toward the things they want most and fear most at the same time.
Lyla starts out split between the woman she performs and the woman she actually is, and her arc centers on facing her shame and finally wanting a life that feels honest. Ethan begins guarded, rigid, and determined to keep his distance, but loving Lyla draws out a softer, more vulnerable side of him that he'd rather keep locked down. They move from a desperate arrangement into something intimate and hard-won, where trust has to be built, desire keeps raising the stakes, and honesty becomes the only thing that makes them real.
An ultra-steamy, age gap, fake dating small-town romance about two guarded people pushed into closeness before they're ready, and what happens when shame, vulnerability, and desire strip away the lives they've been performing. It's about being truly seen, choosing honesty over self-protection, and finding healing, belonging, and love in the truth.
The Elevator Pitch: A woman built on secrets lands in a mountain town with a lie she can't control and a gruff veterinarian who sees straight through her. What begins as a temporary arrangement turns dangerously intimate as shame, desire, and forced closeness strip them both down to the truth. Beneath the heat and tension, it's about two guarded people stumbling toward something raw enough to ruin them or remake them.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Lyla comes back to a small mountain town carrying years of shame and a life that doesn't quite hold together anymore. Ethan keeps his world quiet, controlled, and contained until a desperate favor, a wounded fox, and a chaotic woman pull him straight into the mess she'd rather no one see. What begins as a fake relationship to get her through one impossible week starts turning into something far more dangerous when neither of them can keep pretending the tension is only an act.
The closer they get, the harder it is to separate comfort from hunger, or desire from the sharp relief of being seen too clearly. Lyla keeps bracing for the truth to cost her everything, while Ethan keeps falling for the parts of her she's worked hardest to hide. Their connection grows hotter, rougher, and more intimate as forced closeness, late nights, and rising pressure push them toward the things they want most and fear most at the same time.
Lyla starts out split between the woman she performs and the woman she actually is, and her arc centers on facing her shame and finally wanting a life that feels honest. Ethan begins guarded, rigid, and determined to keep his distance, but loving Lyla draws out a softer, more vulnerable side of him that he'd rather keep locked down. They move from a desperate arrangement into something intimate and hard-won, where trust has to be built, desire keeps raising the stakes, and honesty becomes the only thing that makes them real.
An ultra-steamy, age gap, fake dating small-town romance about two guarded people pushed into closeness before they're ready, and what happens when shame, vulnerability, and desire strip away the lives they've been performing. It's about being truly seen, choosing honesty over self-protection, and finding healing, belonging, and love in the truth.
The Elevator Pitch: A woman built on secrets lands in a mountain town with a lie she can't control and a gruff veterinarian who sees straight through her. What begins as a temporary arrangement turns dangerously intimate as shame, desire, and forced closeness strip them both down to the truth. Beneath the heat and tension, it's about two guarded people stumbling toward something raw enough to ruin them or remake them.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
March 23, 2026
Falling Harder Than He Planned
Claimed Mountain Man is one of those novellas that charms you from the very first page. Raine Holt blends humor, heat, and heart into a story that feels both playful and unexpectedly tender.
Lyla is a whirlwind in the best possible way—smart, impulsive, and showing up at Ethan’s vet clinic clutching an injured fox like it’s her emotional support animal. She’s the kind of heroine who barrels into a room and changes the air without meaning to. And when she asks Ethan to pretend to be her boyfriend, you can practically feel his quiet, orderly world tilt.
Ethan, though… he’s the real star here. A protective, soft‑spoken veterinarian who’s spent years living a simple, steady life in Eden Ridge, he’s not the type to get swept up in chaos. But Lyla’s green‑eyed desperation hits him right in the chest, and suddenly he’s agreeing to a fake‑dating scheme he has no business saying yes to.
Their week together is pure delight—wedding events, family gatherings, fox‑training mishaps, and the kind of slow‑burn tension that makes every shared glance feel loaded. And when Lyla ends up staying in his one‑bedroom cabin, the emotional stakes shift beautifully. Ethan’s quiet longing, Lyla’s restless energy, the way they gravitate toward each other at night… it all builds into something that feels too real to keep pretending.
What I loved most is how the age gap is handled. Ethan’s steady maturity balances Lyla’s firecracker spirit, and their connection feels natural, not forced. He falls first—hard—and watching him try (and fail) to keep his feelings in check is half the fun.
By the time their “agreement” ends, it’s obvious to everyone except them that this was never fake. Ethan’s determination to fight for her, to claim the woman he never expected to want this badly, gives the story its emotional punch.
If you love fake dating, protective mountain men, sassy heroines, and small‑town romances with heart and humor, Claimed Mountain Man is a fast, feel‑good read that delivers exactly what it promises.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Claimed Mountain Man is one of those novellas that charms you from the very first page. Raine Holt blends humor, heat, and heart into a story that feels both playful and unexpectedly tender.
Lyla is a whirlwind in the best possible way—smart, impulsive, and showing up at Ethan’s vet clinic clutching an injured fox like it’s her emotional support animal. She’s the kind of heroine who barrels into a room and changes the air without meaning to. And when she asks Ethan to pretend to be her boyfriend, you can practically feel his quiet, orderly world tilt.
Ethan, though… he’s the real star here. A protective, soft‑spoken veterinarian who’s spent years living a simple, steady life in Eden Ridge, he’s not the type to get swept up in chaos. But Lyla’s green‑eyed desperation hits him right in the chest, and suddenly he’s agreeing to a fake‑dating scheme he has no business saying yes to.
Their week together is pure delight—wedding events, family gatherings, fox‑training mishaps, and the kind of slow‑burn tension that makes every shared glance feel loaded. And when Lyla ends up staying in his one‑bedroom cabin, the emotional stakes shift beautifully. Ethan’s quiet longing, Lyla’s restless energy, the way they gravitate toward each other at night… it all builds into something that feels too real to keep pretending.
What I loved most is how the age gap is handled. Ethan’s steady maturity balances Lyla’s firecracker spirit, and their connection feels natural, not forced. He falls first—hard—and watching him try (and fail) to keep his feelings in check is half the fun.
By the time their “agreement” ends, it’s obvious to everyone except them that this was never fake. Ethan’s determination to fight for her, to claim the woman he never expected to want this badly, gives the story its emotional punch.
If you love fake dating, protective mountain men, sassy heroines, and small‑town romances with heart and humor, Claimed Mountain Man is a fast, feel‑good read that delivers exactly what it promises.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
"Claimed Mountain Man" by Raine Holt, the third installment in the Eden Ridge: Lost and Found series, offers readers an irresistible blend of heartfelt romance and vibrant character dynamics. From the very first chapters, the story hooks you with a quirky and memorable introduction—Ethan Wilson, a rugged small-town veterinarian, is thrown into chaos when Lyla Jackson bursts into his clinic, fiercely protective of an injured fox. The chemistry between these two is immediate and undeniable, setting the stage for a romance that is both playful and deeply emotional.
Holt masterfully weaves in the beloved fake dating trope, but with a fresh twist. When Lyla, a smart and witty city girl, asks Ethan to pose as her boyfriend for her sister’s wedding, he reluctantly agrees. What follows is a whirlwind week packed with family gatherings, pet fox training, and a series of events that draw them closer together. The forced proximity in Ethan’s cozy one-bedroom cabin amplifies their connection, delivering plenty of tension and heat that romance readers will adore.
What makes this book truly shine is the depth of emotion beneath the sizzling attraction. Both Ethan and Lyla are wonderfully developed yet flawed characters. Ethan’s protective, caring nature contrasts beautifully with Lyla’s free-spirited and bold attitude. Their age gap adds another layer of complexity to the relationship, making their journey toward love all the more compelling. The genuine moments of vulnerability and the struggle between what’s temporary and what’s real are handled with sensitivity and authenticity.
"Claimed Mountain Man" is a delightful, high-heat romance filled with small-town charm, one-bed hijinks, and the unforgettable presence of a mischievous pet fox. Holt delivers on every promise, including a satisfying happily ever after. If you’re a fan of age-gap romance, protective heroes, and stories that balance humor, heart, and spice, this is a must-read. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holt masterfully weaves in the beloved fake dating trope, but with a fresh twist. When Lyla, a smart and witty city girl, asks Ethan to pose as her boyfriend for her sister’s wedding, he reluctantly agrees. What follows is a whirlwind week packed with family gatherings, pet fox training, and a series of events that draw them closer together. The forced proximity in Ethan’s cozy one-bedroom cabin amplifies their connection, delivering plenty of tension and heat that romance readers will adore.
What makes this book truly shine is the depth of emotion beneath the sizzling attraction. Both Ethan and Lyla are wonderfully developed yet flawed characters. Ethan’s protective, caring nature contrasts beautifully with Lyla’s free-spirited and bold attitude. Their age gap adds another layer of complexity to the relationship, making their journey toward love all the more compelling. The genuine moments of vulnerability and the struggle between what’s temporary and what’s real are handled with sensitivity and authenticity.
"Claimed Mountain Man" is a delightful, high-heat romance filled with small-town charm, one-bed hijinks, and the unforgettable presence of a mischievous pet fox. Holt delivers on every promise, including a satisfying happily ever after. If you’re a fan of age-gap romance, protective heroes, and stories that balance humor, heart, and spice, this is a must-read. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Claimed Mountain Man by Raine Holt is part of the author's Eden Ridge Lost And Found series and it was a good read.
As a small town, age gap, fake dating, mountain man romance the plot and storyline was engaging especially with the main characters of Ethan, the older, protective mountain man veterinarian, a confirmed bachelor, and younger, gorgeous, sassy Lyla, back in town for her sister's wedding.
Lyla is the youngest of the Jackson children and hasn't been truthful with her family regarding her life in the city. After confirming she was bringing her boyfriend to the wedding circumstances align for her in the form of the town vet Ethan. Ethan can't say no to Lyla when she brings an injured fox in to his surgery and ends up agreeing to be her fake boyfriend for the wedding festivities.
Public couple performances and time together soon blurs the line of fake or real for them making for some steamy and spicy moments but Ethan is adamant that he won't make things more than casual between them whilst Lyla hasn't come clean with her family and still lives in the city.
The story is well paced for a short read and contains plenty of steam, heart, a cute fox and some rom com moments to keep you hooked and turning the pages to see their sizzling chemistry end with a satisfying HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a small town, age gap, fake dating, mountain man romance the plot and storyline was engaging especially with the main characters of Ethan, the older, protective mountain man veterinarian, a confirmed bachelor, and younger, gorgeous, sassy Lyla, back in town for her sister's wedding.
Lyla is the youngest of the Jackson children and hasn't been truthful with her family regarding her life in the city. After confirming she was bringing her boyfriend to the wedding circumstances align for her in the form of the town vet Ethan. Ethan can't say no to Lyla when she brings an injured fox in to his surgery and ends up agreeing to be her fake boyfriend for the wedding festivities.
Public couple performances and time together soon blurs the line of fake or real for them making for some steamy and spicy moments but Ethan is adamant that he won't make things more than casual between them whilst Lyla hasn't come clean with her family and still lives in the city.
The story is well paced for a short read and contains plenty of steam, heart, a cute fox and some rom com moments to keep you hooked and turning the pages to see their sizzling chemistry end with a satisfying HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
Book 3 of the Eden Ridge: Lost And Found series. Can be read as a standalone.
'Claimed Mountain Man is an age-gap, mountain-man, fake dating romance with a small town protective veterinarian, and a free-spirited firecracker of a woman who has bitten off more than she can handle alone. Filled with one-bed shenanigans, a wild pet fox, and high heat tension. Guaranteed HEA.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Claimed Mountain Man is an age-gap, mountain-man, fake dating romance with a small town protective veterinarian, and a free-spirited firecracker of a woman who has bitten off more than she can handle alone. Filled with one-bed shenanigans, a wild pet fox, and high heat tension. Guaranteed HEA.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
Small town romance.
Lyla is a young woman who works and lives in the city. While her whole family believes she lives in a penthouse and works in a beautiful office, she actually lives in a small one-room basement apartment with a roommate and dropped out of school to work in a cafe. But now she's forced to attend her sister's wedding in front of her entire family, to whom she's lied, and forced to find a fake boyfriend. Then, when she stumbles upon a handsome veterinarian while trying to save what she thinks is a dog, she thinks she's found a solution.
Will Lyla and Ethan have a beautiful love story, or will all of Lyla's lies ultimately destroy them….
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lyla is a young woman who works and lives in the city. While her whole family believes she lives in a penthouse and works in a beautiful office, she actually lives in a small one-room basement apartment with a roommate and dropped out of school to work in a cafe. But now she's forced to attend her sister's wedding in front of her entire family, to whom she's lied, and forced to find a fake boyfriend. Then, when she stumbles upon a handsome veterinarian while trying to save what she thinks is a dog, she thinks she's found a solution.
Will Lyla and Ethan have a beautiful love story, or will all of Lyla's lies ultimately destroy them….
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2026
This is a truly enjoyable read that brings heartfelt sentiment, steam, and a HEA in its plot.
Layla has been running from the truth for the past 2 years, when she has to attend a family wedding, she is going to ask Ethan to help her fake a relationship. Ethan has sworn off relationships -after past breakups- but when Layla asks him to help her fake a relationship., he will decide to help her not knowing that the chaotic family, the close proximity, the pet fox, and their attraction will make it difficult to differentiate between fake and real
One bed, magnetic attraction, explosive passion, and complete undersanding of each other leads them to claim HEA together.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Layla has been running from the truth for the past 2 years, when she has to attend a family wedding, she is going to ask Ethan to help her fake a relationship. Ethan has sworn off relationships -after past breakups- but when Layla asks him to help her fake a relationship., he will decide to help her not knowing that the chaotic family, the close proximity, the pet fox, and their attraction will make it difficult to differentiate between fake and real
One bed, magnetic attraction, explosive passion, and complete undersanding of each other leads them to claim HEA together.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After rescuing an injured fox/puppy from tangled barb wire, she barges into Ethan's Vet Clinic. She's like a tornado and a hurricane all wrapped into one. Next thing he knows, he's agreed to a fax relationship with a much younger woman. This page turner of a book will grab your attention right at the beginning and you won't be able to put it down. Enemies to lovers, fake to real and lies to truth all unravel into a beautiful love story with an ending you'll like and no cliffhanger. I read a free arc via Heart & Holt VIP and voluntarily chose to write a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Lyla is a hot mess and Ethan loves her. That’s the bottom line of this fake relationship story. The domesticated fox kit is the icing on the cake. I’m normally nervous when I read a story where the heroine tells lies, but this one was easy and exciting when it needed to be. Lyla was just so likable and so was Ethan; both were relatable as well.
Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit
Bechdel test- passed
Safety? Y
Triggers- injured animals (Ethan is a veterinarian)
Tropes- Fake Relationship, Instalove, Secrets and Lies.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit
Bechdel test- passed
Safety? Y
Triggers- injured animals (Ethan is a veterinarian)
Tropes- Fake Relationship, Instalove, Secrets and Lies.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
She has been lying to her family for two years about her life. When she goes home for her sister's wedding it culminates with her claiming the veterinarian is her boyfriend. He goes along with it but makes her promise to tell everyone the truth after the wedding. How will her family react? Will their relationship grow or will it end too? Great characters, engaging storyline, good pacing, good ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
2 years of lies, an injured animal, a sexy vet and a family member's wedding. Ethan and Lyla’s relationship definitely had an unconventional beginning. Throughout the book I cried a couple of times, once because the dialogue hit close to home and again toward the end of the book when it got funny, romantic. Raine’s work has quickly become some of my favorite, and even what the emotional rollercoaster this one took me on I loved every minute and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Book 3 of Eden Ridge: Lost And Found story of Lyla Jackson and Ethan. That one is filled with a complicated relationships from family to the fake. I have to say I was excited by Lyla and her reaction to animal. I loved reading this one for the changes these two find in faking their relationship to making it real and finding what brings them joy together.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Enjoyed this book. Nice continuation of the series. The FMC is the youngest in her family, home for a family wedding. She finds an injured fox. She takes it to a local vet, the MMC. He’s closed himself off because of past heartbreak. There story moves fast from there. It has good spice and a sweet HEA. Make sure to get the bonus epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
These two meet when she rescues a fox kit, thinking its a puppy. It has a bit of drama. These two fake date for her sisters wedding, but will it stay fake? I enjoyed their characters especially Mischief.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2026
This is a sweet, steamy Mountain Man age-gap romance. With a great story, character's and a injured fox who brings together a woman who is trying to figure out her life. And a veterinarian with wall's who has convinced himself he doesn't need anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
Looks like the fox isn't the only wild one in the story. Unnecessary pressure leads to unnecessary lies, so it's great that because of the wounded fox and Lyla's empathetic nature, she connected with Ethan, who likes her true self and encourages her to show that side to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
This is a standalone book in the Eden Ridge: Lost And Found series. While Ms. Holt is a wonderful storyteller, I couldn't connect with the FMC. I found her very immature. However, I did enjoyed catching up with the characters from the earlier books.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2026
Lyla has been living a lie for two years. Returning home to face her family and survive her sister’s wedding. Running to save a hurt animal leads her to Ethan the town vet and her fake date savior. It’s fun and entertaining but also showcases the depth of her fears as she forges a path forward.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2026
Overall, I really liked this book. I understand why Lyla was scared to tell her family the truth. I enjoyed this book for its story and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Heart & Holt VIP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
Due to health problems, I am late with my reviews, but I am getting them done slowly. This is a well written story with great characters. I would encourage everyone to get this one you will enjoy it. The fox makes this one. This one is worth your time.
April 21, 2026
Claimed mountain man was Ethan and Lyla’s story. It was an engaging read. Great characters. And voluntarily leaving this review.
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