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Ren
The one with her dad's best friend.

Wylder Bluffs Mountain Men Book 4 is a friends-to-lovers, happily-ever-after, short and STEAMY romance. No cliffhangers, no cheating. *Yes, the heroine is old enough to consent and there is NO blood relation.* This is a standalone story part of the Wylder Bluffs MOUNTAIN MEN series.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2020

75 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Tarin Lex

123 books219 followers
Hi! I’m a mama of four living my dream writing romance out in the country with the love of my life! I’m a busy bee like you, so writing & reading short romance is my jam. I hope each of my stories makes you smile, makes you sigh, makes you...swoon. ;) Most of all I hope you reach “The End” feeling ever-inspired and optimistic. With me, it’s always safe, steamy & sweet, with happily-ever-afters guaranteed!

Write to me: tarin@tarinlex.com
Join my tribe: facebook.com/groups/tarinlexreaders
Visit my site: www.tarinlex.com

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5 stars
108 (54%)
4 stars
46 (23%)
3 stars
35 (17%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Chris.
1,321 reviews38 followers
July 6, 2020
So after reading Ren and Khadija's story, I changed my mind! Their story is my favorite one! Just perfect!
412 reviews
March 18, 2020
If "Ren: An Alpha Mountain Man and Best Friend's Daughter" were to be expanded and, the characters personalities, how and why their pasts are influencing their presents, and the interaction/relationship between Ren & Khadija explored more thoroughly, then I think I would enjoy this book more. There is too much left out, for me, to feel any of "insta" attraction, heat, sexiness, obsessive and possessiveness that usually encompasses the main characters. The "influences" from Ren's past is repeatedly brought up, his withdrawal from society, why he is spending so much time with this best friend/family but the actual "why" isn't touched on until the very end of the book, so the emotional response in the reader that could lend strength to Ren's character goes unfulfilled. Because the intensity and passion that is usually "felt" between the "insta" couple doesn't get explored enough between Ren and Khadija, their "falling into bed" scene feels out of place.
708 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2020
Ren has known Khadija for years and it’s dawning him that she’s all grown up now at 18. Especially when she’s wearing his clothes, cooking him breakfast and cleaning his house. He tries to fight his feelings for her out of respect for her father, his best friend Hale. But when Ren sees Khadija in a compromising situation - it gets harder to ignore the obvious. Their mutual attraction can’t be denied. Will Hale understand the depth of their feelings for each other? This is a short and steamy romance that delivers a big punch of taboo goodness! I like the great characters, Khadija’s personality, the way she used situations to her advantage, Ren’s inner struggle to do the right thing and the way he communicated with Hale. “Ren” is so entertaining I will be looking for the other books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,463 reviews49 followers
March 18, 2020
Another fantastic short story by Tarin Lex I enjoy these instant heart pumping sexy older mountain men stories and this one is about Ren who falls in love with his best friends much younger daughter Khadija aka DJ who is 18 turning 19 and she has had a crush on Ren for a few years but DJ has this whole other secret life and Ren is the one that finds out DJ’s secret and instead of being angry he gets turned on. I gave this story 4 and a half ⭐️ because I would of liked DJ to at least be in her early 20’s and her being 18 was just a bit icky for me, but this is a fantastic story and I recommend this book.
908 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2020
Really really good book! It's got a lot going on - age gap, Dad's Best Friend, friends to lovers, mountain man. Each aspect was VERY well done. DJ, although only 18, is very mature and has loved Ren for a long time. Ren is older, and only recently noticing that she's grown. But they have a mature relationship, and are committed once they give in to their feelings. This is a quick read, but oh so good! Perfect for a break from reality!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
168 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2020
Oh wow! This was really good. Of course you knew Ren and Khadija were going to end up together, but the journey to the end was so unpredictable. I was surprised - in a good way - many times. Khadija is amazing, and Ren is honestly the type of guy I wish there was more of in the world. I was a little nervous about the best friend’s daughter bit, but it was really well done. All together it was another great book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,113 reviews31 followers
June 22, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the 4th book in the Wylder Bluffs Mountain Men series, it is a wonderful well-written standalone older man/younger woman, best friends daughter novella.

Khadija has always loved Ren, since she was small she knew she was going to marry him. Now, she's still attracted to him and he notices how she's grown into a beautiful woman. Can they have a HEA after the secrets and drama surrounding their relationship?

Entertaining story, wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Booknook Reviews .
443 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2020
Yum, this story has the sexy taboo element of the daughter falling for her father's best friend and I liked it. A lot. Our main gal is almost 19 and her crush is a respectable 31 year old tattoo artist. Their chemistry lit my Kindle on fire!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
118 reviews
June 9, 2020
Age doesn't matter when you're in love....

I really enjoyed reading this story. As a girl DO knew a who she would marry. And told Ren that. Even though it was taboo love has no boundaries.
11.7k reviews49 followers
March 21, 2020
She dances her way into his heart and life

Ren is the fourth book in the Wylder Bluffs Mountain Men series and has a bit of taboo to this story of OM/YW and best friend's daughter/Dad's best friend. This is the story of Ren and Khadija.
Ren is thirty-one years old and owns the tattoo shop in town, where everyone goes as he is talented. He is single as no one seems to keep his attention for long. Actually it is because he has fallen in love with Khadija. But she is completely off limits as she is the legal teenage daughter of his best friend Hale.
Khadija (DJ) Kostas is eighteen years old, almost nineteen as she likes to day, and is the daughter of Hale. He brought her up as a single father until he met Hope Evans, their story is told in the previous book. DJ is the perpetual bookworm and good girl who always does for other people in whatever way she can and never asking for anything herself. She is also smart, beautiful and a really good dancer. It is her dancing skills that she puts to work for her when she gets a job as a stripper/exotic dancer at a club in town using the name Angel. She is doing it to earn money to pay for college and her expenses as she knows her father cannot afford it now with Hope and a new baby coming shortly. She has kept this a secret from everyone as no one would ever expect her to do such a thing. But for her it is freeing and when she dances she is Angel and making a lot of money.
One night Ren takes his new employee to the strip club to celebrate his first tattoo and after half a beer he spots DJ, or at least he thinks it is. When he calls out her name she knows her two worlds are about to collide in a big way. This is not going to be good at all!!! It seems DJ is quite popular in the lap dance department and the only way Ren can protect her is to have all of her dances that night, that is until a drunk man tries to get one and crosses the line. Ren become a protective Wylder Bluff Mountian Man at that point with the results being all three of them kicked out and Angel fired.
Ren is having a hard time now as he has seen and felt more of the young woman of his dreams, the one that he craves in his bed and in his life forever. Meanwhile DJ is dealing with her feelings, as she finally got to kiss Ren and feel his hands on her body, by manically writing a book day and night.
It is going to take a lot for these two to finally come together but that opportunity presents itself the next Friday when DJ shows up to clean Ren's house as she has always done, as he pays her for it. They end up cleaning a lot more than the house, or actually they end up not cleaning the house and instead getting the sheets all sweaty. But when the call comes that that baby is in it's way then they agree they cannot tell Hale right now. Instead for the next few weeks they steal moments together when they can. But when Ren finally tells Hale he may end up dead, as Hale wants to murder him after he beats him up. It will take DJ ended up in the hospital for emergency surgery for Hale to calm down and Ren to show he really is in love with her and ready to take care of her in any way she needs.

This is a short story that packs a wonderful punch. It has drama, humor and of course lots of sizzling hot chemistry and a couple sex scenes. But it is also has a more gentle love story to it as Ren and Khadija have loved each other for years, actually when she first met him ten years ago when he moved to Wylder Bluff she fell in love and told him she was going to marry him. She is still sure that she is going to marry him and he is ready to admit his love to himself, her and declare it to everyone. I really enjoyed this well written book and recommend it.
Profile Image for Just a Little Reading & Reviewing.
375 reviews126 followers
April 6, 2020
Apologizing in Advance – This whole pandemic situation has really put me in a funk. I’m finally feeling the need to read again (yay me!) and the few books/stories I’ve managed to read all the way through, have really helped me emotionally distance myself from the news and the overall depression this situation brings out. Sadly, my reviewing has suffered so I’m really trying to push myself to stay motivated and stay connected, at least through my reading. Reviews may be shorter than normal but bare with me!

🖤 ~ My Thoughts ~ 🖤
This is a sexy older man (31), younger woman (18 – going on 19) romance that’s also extra taboo because it involves Dad’s best friend.

As an escapism read, this was perfect. It was sweet, sexy, endearing, had a great Hero who was caring, protective and alpha possessive – in the best way possible! Did I mention he’s also a yummy, muscle-y tattoo artist?!?

Ren has always been drawn to DJ, his best friend’s daughter but lately he can’t seem to stop seeing her in a whole new light. But out of respect to his friend, who is protective of his little girl, Ren has pushed his feelings away. When DJ gets caught dancing at a strip club, all hell breaks loose and they both realize that they are finally going to cross that line and nothing will be the same again.

What made this book for me and why I’ll come back to re-read again is DJ. I loved that she wasn’t this femme fatale, she was the good girl, the one that always followed the rules and never got out of line. Her decision to dance was because she didn’t want to burden her newly married father, with a baby on the way, to help her financially - in college. I also love that her and Ren have a history and their relationship grows from that friendship, into a more realistic and stronger love story. It would have rated a bit higher if we were given a smidge more detail about Ren’s past and a bit more page time dedicated to why he had been living like he has.

I would highly recommend this short, sheet and 100% safe read! It’s part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. Only $0.99 on Amazon right now!

Heat Level: 5/5

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books28 followers
October 5, 2020
Ren is the fourth book in Tarin Lex’s Wylder Bluffs Mountain Men. In this romance short story, we meet Khadija and Ren. Theirs is a love that should be forbidden as he is an older man and her father’s best friend. Although Khadija is young, 18 years old, in her core, she is an old soul. Since she was ten years old, she knew that some day she would marry Ren. Ren is a dynamic character in that he undergoes substantial internal changes as the plot evolves. When we first meet him in this book, he is mood, withdrawn, and plagued with guilt. As he comes to terms with accepting his love for Khadija, and with the help of Hale, he comes to terms with his guilt thereby allowing himself to love. What happens to these two? Will they find happiness? How will her father handle their love?
Ms. Lex does a spectacular job capturing Khadija and Ren’s journey. She cleverly provides the Ren’s backstory as she weaves this plot. We see glimpse of it through the dialog between characters and through internal dialog. I liked how she merged two romantic themes together. The first being the “forbidden love” and the second being “older man/younger woman.” I was pleasantly surprised how she ratcheted up the tension using Khadija’s burst appendix to solidify the lovers’ journey and bring it out in the open. Well done, Ms. Lex.
3,522 reviews
March 15, 2020
Khadijah is Hale‘s daughter. She is on the verge of turning 19. Ren is Hale‘s best friend. He has known Khadijah for at least 10 years. The problem is is ran has been spending more time at Hale’s house then his own. When he goes out one night to a strip club in the salivating over one of the dancers. That’s where the problems begin. It’s not just any woman but Khadijah. His attraction for her has not magnified times 20 knowledge he seen her in this type of light. Khadijah has always had A crush on him. Once recognized, Ren will stake his claim in order to “protect her “. The rest of this gets pretty dicey. Nice shirt and sweet story no cliffhanger above Khadijah and REN have to iron out their problems in order to find their HEA, if that is what fate has planned.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam&Dean.
969 reviews21 followers
January 20, 2024
This was short and sweet with a bit of steam. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't my favorite.
Khadija (Dj) is the 18-year-old daughter of Hale, from the previous book.
I loved Dj but was not a massive fan of Ren. He fought their attraction way too hard and ignored Dj for days even after saying she was his. Then they wait weeks longer before they tell her dad, his BFF. Needless to say, it comes out by accident and does not go over well with Hale, who then tries to kill his bestie. THEN despite knowing each other for over 10 years and being completely in love, it takes 8 freaking years to even propose??? What the h*ll?? And they say many more years before they think about having kids? I mean I guess ok for her but they've got quite an age gap so he's almost 40. Let's get this show on the road here people!?!
Profile Image for Veeper.
4 reviews
February 20, 2020
If you enjoy a May/December romance with the added naughty best friend's daughter twist this is definitely up your alley! I enjoy quick hot stories. This novella is a hot read. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I loved when Ren finally realizes his feelings for Khadija and notices her as a grown woman. Khadija knows what she wants and she goes for it. I have not read the others in the series but definitely feel that it would have enhanced the story to have read the others(and will be doing so now).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,700 reviews28 followers
March 19, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the friends to lovers romance between Ren and Khadijah. Khadijah is the daughter of Ren's best friend and he watched her grow up, but he never noticed her until now. Khadijah always had feelings for Ren and when he finds her working in s strip club to earn money for college, he gets possessive and wants to claim her for himself. Ren doesn't know how to handle these new feelings and he wonders how her father will react. I enjoyed this older man/ younger woman romance. Khadijah was mature for her age and i think she understood Ren and his loss. Well done.
2,200 reviews
March 20, 2020
This book part of the Wylder Bluff Mountain Men series. This is Ren's story where we get to learn more about him and serve him realize who his forever woman is supposed to be. Khadija is a strong, dependent and talented woman who is still quite young but she knows what she wants. She knew what she wanted years ago. Conflict, she is Hale's daughter and Ren is his best friend. This is a fast paced paced, exciting story that unfolds.to show you something beautiful is there around the corner, waiting. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,907 reviews
February 23, 2020
Short and enjoyable romance.
He is her father friend, but not the same age. Ren is older 12 years then Khadija When she was about 10 she told him that she will marry him.
They are both in love when they starting deep relationship. It was sweet and sexy too.
But if you looking for burly mountain man it’s not him. He is a tattoo artist and go skiing to the mountain where he lost his sister.
There you go. Enjoy reading

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,990 reviews10 followers
March 16, 2020
This book is fantastic! These mountain men are hot, sexy and sweet all rolled into one! Ren and Hale have been friends for 10 years and he has watched Hale's daughter, Khadija grow up. Now she's a sexy, smart woman and Ren tries not to think about her that way. An encounter with her somewhere he never expects to find her, leads to some hot and steamy times. Things get rough for a bit but in the end, everyone realizes that love is what matters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,349 reviews10 followers
Read
March 18, 2020
This older man and younger woman romance was an interesting read. Ren knew Khadija since she was a child because his best friend is her father. Khadija has grown into a beautiful young woman and Ren can't help but notice. When Ren catches Khadija doing risky activities at her job, he loses it and claims her as his...finally. Their attraction is intense and can't be denied. A good quick read full of steam and sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
March 18, 2020
Ren and Hale are best friends, but Ren can't let anyone know that he's secretly in love with Hale's daughter, Khadija. She has the hots for Ren, and before long, she acts on her feelings. Actually, they both do. How will Hale take the news? There's nothing sweet about this story - it's flat-out steam and spice. And it's wonderful! Ren is just like all the men in this series - hot, sexy, hunky, smart enough to fall in love with smarter, beautiful women.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,168 reviews58 followers
March 18, 2020
Ren is staying at his best friend Hale house with his pregnant wife Hope and his daughter Khadija. Deeje (Khadija) nick name has loved Ren since she was 10 years old. She is now 18 and ready to have Ren make his move. They finally lose the stronghold they have on their feelings and act on those feelings. Such a great short story. Hale and Ren finally come to an understanding. If you want a short sweet read this is the book for you. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,230 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2020
DJ is a gorgeous, young, independent woman who has always loved Ren, her dad’s best friend. She has had a crush on him forever. One night on their own, it leads to something neither of them can explain. Can they be more than friends? Will they be able to work through this? The age difference? The dad’s best friend? It has family drama, passion, sweetness, forbidden love. It was a great read and I will read it again! Fabulous!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,385 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2020
I liked it more than I thought I would. I’m not a big fan of barely legal women dating their dads best friend which is like an entire genre in romance which I don’t really get. I also am not into either male or female leads being strippers. So my expectations were low. I only read it because it was a part of a series and I like to read complete series if a book isn’t too objectionable. It was well written and I actually enjoyed it. If the end and epilogue hasn’t been so rushed, I probably would have even rated it a 3 1/2-4 star.
4,329 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2020
For those who love older man - younger woman romances this is for you, she has always been the good girl until she takes that chance to do something for herself. I liked that the connection has been simmering between Ren and DJ for sometime, just never crossed that line. Great ending to the story, shows his love willing to wait for the right time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2020
4.5 stars. This is Ren and DJ story. Ren is recovering from his accident at his friend,Hale, house. He is secretly falling for DJ, Hale daughter. They have issues to overcome in order to get together. Great characters with great chemistry. I like the fact that it is a subtle kind of falling in love instead of instant attraction. This makes it more relatable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,217 reviews26 followers
March 19, 2020
This was a great story from Tarin Lex. I fell a little in love with Ren. Sorry Khadija! Ren and Khadija couldn't deny the attraction between them. Ren has known Khadija for years since he is best friends with her dad Hale. Lately he has been seeing her as more than just his buddy's daughter. And when he learns her secret, his possessiveness takes over. If you enjoy young woman/older man romance, you will love this story. I enjoyed reading more from Hale and Hope as well.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,218 reviews
March 18, 2020
Was it love that was meant to be? DJ knew she’s going to marry him at a young age and it took time for him to realize the same. Telling it to her dad, that would be hard.

I liked Ren, he knew what he needed to do, though his efforts were bungled, he proved that he really loved her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
March 18, 2020
A superbly written older man younger woman book four in the Wylder Bluff Mountain Men series. It is emotionally deep, compelling, well written, engaging, funny, and passionate. Likeable characters; their chemistry is off the charts! Definitely recommended!

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