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Mountain Pine
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
About the author
Briana Michaels
41 books1,564 followersBriana Michaels grew up and still lives on the East Coast. When taking a break from the crazy adventures in her head, she enjoys running around with her two children. If there is time to spare, she loves to read, cook, hike in the woods, and sit outside with a fire. She does all of this with the love and support of her amazing husband who always has her back, encouraging her to go for her dreams. Aye, she’s a lucky girl indeed.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 27, 2026
4.5. This was excellent. It had some slow parts and felt longer than it was. Lots of repetitive “I have a terrible feeling” ends of chapters that felt forced and eye-rolly after a few. But nonetheless I got very attached by the end. Both Taylor and Connor won me over and I was rooting hard for them. Connor especially had me tearing up once we learned what his father returning did to him and his confidence and self-esteem. As with the first book, I absolutely loved the Taylor going batshit on the bad guy (in this case Connor’s father) and giving him absolute hell. What a baddie. I love this series trend and hope it continues. The spice was spicing and wooo not sure I’ve met an MC who loves to eat like Connor does before, and I am not complaining one bit. Love this so much for both of them. Book one is still my favorite but this one was still lovely.
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“It’s not in me to ignore someone disrespecting you.” I stare at her and for a moment, I think time stops. My gaze travels to her cute little pointy nose with freckles scattered over the bridge and then my eyes land on her mouth again. She’s biting her lip. I’d like to bite her lip. P62
I kiss her softly and then lie next to her so we can cuddle while she rides her drop. Not gonna lie, I’m pretty proud to have her in this state, even if I feel a little sorry for her. Taylor has no idea what’s she’s in for with me. I’ve been obsessed with this woman for most of my life and now that I’ve been given permission to have my way with her? There will be no end to my torment and pleasure. P94
Using some of the coping skills I learned in therapy a while back, I try switching my thought process from doom to bloom. What if it doesn’t work out turns into what if this works out better than I ever imagined. What if I screw us up turns into what if I am the best man she’s ever dated? What if I can’t figure out my job situation turns into what if I lean into my pie-in-the-sky dreams and make it all happen for not just me, but all of us? By the time I get home, my worries aren’t as heavy. Perspective is a wild mental ride. P163
From playing naked in the stream under the full moon last night, to wiggling her butt to one of her favorite songs while repotting succulents, she’s perfection. I wish I had an ounce of her positivity. I think it’s one of the most attractive things about her. She’s the sun and I’m a prickly pear cactus that thrives under her warm rays. P166
“It’s not going to fit,” she whimpers, and her arms shake. “Yes, it will.” I wipe the hair from her face and kiss her. “Keep going, baby. Take me in.” She moans and sinks further down. “Mmph.” “That’s my good girl. Nice and slow.” Every inch is a mile and soon I’m floating in bliss. “You feel so good, baby.” I keep our gazes locked. “That’s it. Fuuuuck. Keep going. Nice and slow. Take your time.” “I feel so full. You’re stretching me out.” “Does it hurt?” She shakes her head and breathes through another inch of me sinking into her. “Keep going until you take it all.” My head falls back on the pillow. “That’s it. Fuuuuck yeah. You’re doing so well, baby.” P173
“I’ve walked around with my heart missing for most of my life, Taylor.” When I see she doesn’t understand me, I add. “I left it with you a long time ago. Never got it back. Never wanted it back either.” The air in the shower seems stifling. “So yeah,” I clear my throat. “Walking around with a missing piece takes some getting used to.” “Does it still feel that way, Conner?” “Yes. I still feel like my heart is gone.” I’m not going to lie. “But it’s nice to come home to it now.” P207
***********
“It’s not in me to ignore someone disrespecting you.” I stare at her and for a moment, I think time stops. My gaze travels to her cute little pointy nose with freckles scattered over the bridge and then my eyes land on her mouth again. She’s biting her lip. I’d like to bite her lip. P62
I kiss her softly and then lie next to her so we can cuddle while she rides her drop. Not gonna lie, I’m pretty proud to have her in this state, even if I feel a little sorry for her. Taylor has no idea what’s she’s in for with me. I’ve been obsessed with this woman for most of my life and now that I’ve been given permission to have my way with her? There will be no end to my torment and pleasure. P94
Using some of the coping skills I learned in therapy a while back, I try switching my thought process from doom to bloom. What if it doesn’t work out turns into what if this works out better than I ever imagined. What if I screw us up turns into what if I am the best man she’s ever dated? What if I can’t figure out my job situation turns into what if I lean into my pie-in-the-sky dreams and make it all happen for not just me, but all of us? By the time I get home, my worries aren’t as heavy. Perspective is a wild mental ride. P163
From playing naked in the stream under the full moon last night, to wiggling her butt to one of her favorite songs while repotting succulents, she’s perfection. I wish I had an ounce of her positivity. I think it’s one of the most attractive things about her. She’s the sun and I’m a prickly pear cactus that thrives under her warm rays. P166
“It’s not going to fit,” she whimpers, and her arms shake. “Yes, it will.” I wipe the hair from her face and kiss her. “Keep going, baby. Take me in.” She moans and sinks further down. “Mmph.” “That’s my good girl. Nice and slow.” Every inch is a mile and soon I’m floating in bliss. “You feel so good, baby.” I keep our gazes locked. “That’s it. Fuuuuck. Keep going. Nice and slow. Take your time.” “I feel so full. You’re stretching me out.” “Does it hurt?” She shakes her head and breathes through another inch of me sinking into her. “Keep going until you take it all.” My head falls back on the pillow. “That’s it. Fuuuuck yeah. You’re doing so well, baby.” P173
“I’ve walked around with my heart missing for most of my life, Taylor.” When I see she doesn’t understand me, I add. “I left it with you a long time ago. Never got it back. Never wanted it back either.” The air in the shower seems stifling. “So yeah,” I clear my throat. “Walking around with a missing piece takes some getting used to.” “Does it still feel that way, Conner?” “Yes. I still feel like my heart is gone.” I’m not going to lie. “But it’s nice to come home to it now.” P207
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) — A sweet, fluffy, and super spicy best-friends-to-lovers romance with the perfect amount of heart! 🌲💖
"I’ve walked around with my heart missing for most of my life, Taylor.” When I see she doesn’t understand me, I add. “I left it with you a long time ago. Never got it back. Never wanted it back either.” The air in the shower seems stifling. “So yeah,” I clear my throat. “Walking around with a missing piece takes some getting used to.”
“Does it still feel that way, Conner?”
“Yes. I still feel like my heart is gone.” I’m not going to lie. “But it’s nice to come home to it now.”
I absolutely adored Connor and Taylor!! 🥰 This was such a sweet and fluffy best-friends-to-lovers story. But be warned: alongside the fluff, there are some heavy topics and emotions, as well as a very healthy dose of spice!! 🌶️🥵
The Characters: 👥
• Connor (MMC): He is a professional landscaper who posts thirst traps online to earn some extra money on the side. 📸🌲 He's been in love with his best friend, Taylor, since he was 5 years old and basically built his entire life around her. He dealt with severe childhood neglect and abuse (both emotional and physical), so he has a lot of anxiety and fear in his adult life. Even so, he is the most loyal and giving friend. There is absolutely nothing this man won't do for her!
• Taylor (FMC): She has also been in love with Connor since they met as little kids. Every man she brings into her life she compares to him, and it never works out because her heart is never in it. 💔 Taylor dealt with bullying growing up because she was different—labeled a "witchy woo woo" weirdo because she liked crystals, magic, flowers, and herbs. 🔮🌿 However, Connor never made her feel weird; he accepted and loved everything about her.
Honestly, their love was just so damn cute! I really loved the setup of this book. Instead of waiting almost the whole story for the best friends to finally get together, this one is a bit different. We get our two lovebirds finally together at about 28% into the book! 👏 Then we spend the rest of the story in a fantastic mix of them navigating their new relationship dynamics alongside flashbacks of their friendship through the years. I really loved that pacing. 🕰️
The Spice: 🔥
The spice was definitely spicing!! Phew!! And not just with Connor, but with both of them. Connor is a man who loves to eat! 🍽️ And Taylor is someone whose love language is worshipping her partner and their body. These two had me blushing quite a few times with their words and actions during spicy time! 🫣🔥
This was a fun, fluffy, spicy read with the perfect amount of heart. (The wedding vows?! Cue me tearing up! 🥹💍) I loved the first book in this series, and I love this one just as much. Hopefully, the 3rd book will keep up the streak, but honestly, I have no doubts it will. Bring on Nick and Carly! 📚🏃♀️💨
"I’ve walked around with my heart missing for most of my life, Taylor.” When I see she doesn’t understand me, I add. “I left it with you a long time ago. Never got it back. Never wanted it back either.” The air in the shower seems stifling. “So yeah,” I clear my throat. “Walking around with a missing piece takes some getting used to.”
“Does it still feel that way, Conner?”
“Yes. I still feel like my heart is gone.” I’m not going to lie. “But it’s nice to come home to it now.”
I absolutely adored Connor and Taylor!! 🥰 This was such a sweet and fluffy best-friends-to-lovers story. But be warned: alongside the fluff, there are some heavy topics and emotions, as well as a very healthy dose of spice!! 🌶️🥵
The Characters: 👥
• Connor (MMC): He is a professional landscaper who posts thirst traps online to earn some extra money on the side. 📸🌲 He's been in love with his best friend, Taylor, since he was 5 years old and basically built his entire life around her. He dealt with severe childhood neglect and abuse (both emotional and physical), so he has a lot of anxiety and fear in his adult life. Even so, he is the most loyal and giving friend. There is absolutely nothing this man won't do for her!
• Taylor (FMC): She has also been in love with Connor since they met as little kids. Every man she brings into her life she compares to him, and it never works out because her heart is never in it. 💔 Taylor dealt with bullying growing up because she was different—labeled a "witchy woo woo" weirdo because she liked crystals, magic, flowers, and herbs. 🔮🌿 However, Connor never made her feel weird; he accepted and loved everything about her.
Honestly, their love was just so damn cute! I really loved the setup of this book. Instead of waiting almost the whole story for the best friends to finally get together, this one is a bit different. We get our two lovebirds finally together at about 28% into the book! 👏 Then we spend the rest of the story in a fantastic mix of them navigating their new relationship dynamics alongside flashbacks of their friendship through the years. I really loved that pacing. 🕰️
The Spice: 🔥
The spice was definitely spicing!! Phew!! And not just with Connor, but with both of them. Connor is a man who loves to eat! 🍽️ And Taylor is someone whose love language is worshipping her partner and their body. These two had me blushing quite a few times with their words and actions during spicy time! 🫣🔥
This was a fun, fluffy, spicy read with the perfect amount of heart. (The wedding vows?! Cue me tearing up! 🥹💍) I loved the first book in this series, and I love this one just as much. Hopefully, the 3rd book will keep up the streak, but honestly, I have no doubts it will. Bring on Nick and Carly! 📚🏃♀️💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored this book! Connor and Taylor are the best friends that love one another so freaking much- but don’t see what everyone else does. When the light bulb moment comes for them it seems almost too late. Things get said, lines crossed but like all great things the fight and effort are worth it.
In true Briana fashion there is humour, spice and moments you just can’t stop grinning. This book was great. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Can’t wait for the third book in the series to come out in June.
In true Briana fashion there is humour, spice and moments you just can’t stop grinning. This book was great. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Can’t wait for the third book in the series to come out in June.
May 30, 2026
💗 New Review 🌲
Briana you absolutely incredible woman, how have you done it again? How have you topped every other book, I never thought Click would be dethroned, Mak and Carson are everything. But this book? Immediate favourite, from beginning to end.
Review:
Oh. My. Fucking. God. I think I'll be thinking about this book every day until my last breath, I'm never moving on from Conner, he was truly beyond perfect. Don't get me wrong I LOVED the first book, but this one? Utterly speechless, truly, from beginning to end I was fucking hooked, I never wanted this book to end. I could read 1000 more pages about them and still need more.
It's insane how perfect for one another Conner & Taylor were. Everything about them made sense, I will admit, I cried like a fucking baby, I hate knowing they both suffered, truly. But the way Conner NEVER hesitated to be there for Taylor, despite everything, no matter what it was, he was right there, to help, to defend and to protect. His reaction when he thought Austin was cheating? What. A. Man. Fucking iconic. Truly, this man was so down bad it's insane.
And Taylor? I loved her so fucking much but she was so blind, the way Conner loved her was PAINFULLY obvious and my girl had no fucking clue, but honestly, I loved her so much. She was such an amazing character, in every way. I 100% wanna be friends with her. Who wouldn't?
Once again, absolutely phenomenal book from Briana, but honest, I'd expect nothing less, she nails it every damn time. She has such an addictive writing style, it just draws you in. I'll be thinking about this book for a long damn time, while I'm so excited to continue this series, I also never want it to end, I could spend the rest of my life in this world and I'd love every fucking second.
Briana you absolutely incredible woman, how have you done it again? How have you topped every other book, I never thought Click would be dethroned, Mak and Carson are everything. But this book? Immediate favourite, from beginning to end.
Review:
Oh. My. Fucking. God. I think I'll be thinking about this book every day until my last breath, I'm never moving on from Conner, he was truly beyond perfect. Don't get me wrong I LOVED the first book, but this one? Utterly speechless, truly, from beginning to end I was fucking hooked, I never wanted this book to end. I could read 1000 more pages about them and still need more.
It's insane how perfect for one another Conner & Taylor were. Everything about them made sense, I will admit, I cried like a fucking baby, I hate knowing they both suffered, truly. But the way Conner NEVER hesitated to be there for Taylor, despite everything, no matter what it was, he was right there, to help, to defend and to protect. His reaction when he thought Austin was cheating? What. A. Man. Fucking iconic. Truly, this man was so down bad it's insane.
And Taylor? I loved her so fucking much but she was so blind, the way Conner loved her was PAINFULLY obvious and my girl had no fucking clue, but honestly, I loved her so much. She was such an amazing character, in every way. I 100% wanna be friends with her. Who wouldn't?
Once again, absolutely phenomenal book from Briana, but honest, I'd expect nothing less, she nails it every damn time. She has such an addictive writing style, it just draws you in. I'll be thinking about this book for a long damn time, while I'm so excited to continue this series, I also never want it to end, I could spend the rest of my life in this world and I'd love every fucking second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Absolutely loved Connor….
Interesting perspective on the alpha male role. Connor was written so well and Taylor was his perfect match. Loved her so much and their story was such a great read. I love the way this author writes such rich, interesting characters from all walks of life.
Interesting perspective on the alpha male role. Connor was written so well and Taylor was his perfect match. Loved her so much and their story was such a great read. I love the way this author writes such rich, interesting characters from all walks of life.
May 20, 2026
disappointing
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. Unfortunately this book was loaded with insecurities and sex. Otherwise it lacked substance. The flashbacks were not fun. There weren’t any real surprises.
I’m not sure that I’ll read the next book when it’s released.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. Unfortunately this book was loaded with insecurities and sex. Otherwise it lacked substance. The flashbacks were not fun. There weren’t any real surprises.
I’m not sure that I’ll read the next book when it’s released.
May 14, 2026
Adorable love story
I loved this book❤️ Taylor and Conner are such a sweet couple. This is a cute story with fun banter between characters. It was such an easy book to fly through.
I loved this book❤️ Taylor and Conner are such a sweet couple. This is a cute story with fun banter between characters. It was such an easy book to fly through.
May 21, 2026
Mountain Magic
Mountain Pine is a fun instalment in the Mountain Men Thirst Trap series. Taylor and Connor are adorable together. This a steamy, slow burn, second chance. I recommend for fans of witty banter, witchy women, and sexy mountain men.
Mountain Pine is a fun instalment in the Mountain Men Thirst Trap series. Taylor and Connor are adorable together. This a steamy, slow burn, second chance. I recommend for fans of witty banter, witchy women, and sexy mountain men.
May 25, 2026
Very strong emotional finish. I admit I did not love this book, but that’s a me thing. Connor’s insecurities made it tough for me to like it.
May 25, 2026
This book was full of yearning, "will they or won't they" and so much discovery of life as more than just friends. I will say it didn't end up being the book for me because it wasn't my ideal trope type and the MMC's insecurities became too much but I think for those who are super into the yearning "can I be enough for her?" trope it will be great!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews