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Mountain Men #1
Rugged Guard
DEREK:
Parker was supposed to be off-limits.
After the military, I’ve never wanted to put down roots. My work as a bodyguard sends me all over the world, so protecting a quiet B&B should be a vacation. Guarding three brothers seems easy—but Parker complicates things.
I wasn’t prepared for romance, much less with a man, but Parker makes me want to break all the rules. I can’t stay away from him, and I don’t want to. A fire brings us together, and once we have a taste of each other we can’t slow down.
But I’m not the kind of guy who can stay in one place. Now that I’ve been with Parker, my heart’s torn between the need to keep moving and the urge to be his protector.
It isn’t easy guarding a man you can’t resist.
PARKER:
I’m in danger, and all I can think about is Derek.
My bed and breakfast needs protection, so my brothers hired a bodyguard. Derek is the hottest man I’ve ever seen, and he’s the only thing shielding me from threats. After my dad’s unexpected death, I’ve been feeling vulnerable, but it gets even worse when I discover a menacing letter that may be tied to what happened to him.
I can’t keep my eyes off Derek, but he’s either too professional or too straight to notice. I try to fight my feelings until he saves me from a fire, but the heat between us turns our relationship less than professional.
Once we find who was threatening my dad, I won’t need a bodyguard, but I might still need Derek. He’s more than just protection now—he’s the man I can’t resist.
He can’t fall for a client, but I might not be able to help it.
This is the first book in the Mountain Men series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
Parker was supposed to be off-limits.
After the military, I’ve never wanted to put down roots. My work as a bodyguard sends me all over the world, so protecting a quiet B&B should be a vacation. Guarding three brothers seems easy—but Parker complicates things.
I wasn’t prepared for romance, much less with a man, but Parker makes me want to break all the rules. I can’t stay away from him, and I don’t want to. A fire brings us together, and once we have a taste of each other we can’t slow down.
But I’m not the kind of guy who can stay in one place. Now that I’ve been with Parker, my heart’s torn between the need to keep moving and the urge to be his protector.
It isn’t easy guarding a man you can’t resist.
PARKER:
I’m in danger, and all I can think about is Derek.
My bed and breakfast needs protection, so my brothers hired a bodyguard. Derek is the hottest man I’ve ever seen, and he’s the only thing shielding me from threats. After my dad’s unexpected death, I’ve been feeling vulnerable, but it gets even worse when I discover a menacing letter that may be tied to what happened to him.
I can’t keep my eyes off Derek, but he’s either too professional or too straight to notice. I try to fight my feelings until he saves me from a fire, but the heat between us turns our relationship less than professional.
Once we find who was threatening my dad, I won’t need a bodyguard, but I might still need Derek. He’s more than just protection now—he’s the man I can’t resist.
He can’t fall for a client, but I might not be able to help it.
This is the first book in the Mountain Men series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2020
376 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 24, 2020
First off, I just want to say hats off to the cover designer cuz this cover and the man on it is scorching hot! If this first book is any indication this is going to be a totally awesome series! I absolutely ADORED Parker and Derek! Following them as they meet and progress in their relationship was not only easy reading but I could not put it down! All the people in this book feel like friends and I totally invested in Parker and Derek to the point where I one point it looked like something big was about to happen... and I was pissed at first that I was wrong! All ended well though so I was happy! Iris was a hoot! A awesome, sexy, fun and enthralling read!
January 20, 2021
I'm going to be completely honest with you guys. I picked this book off because of the cover. It's HOT. I didn't even read the blurb. And I am happy I didn't because I think i would've been disappointed if I had. The blurb is promising suspense. We didn't get that. Not even by my standards.
Parker owns a B&B together with his brother. After their fathers passing they receives some threatening letters and hires a PI to look into it. The PI recommends Parker having a bodyguard and in walks Derek. What follow is an insta attraction/lust story with plenty of steam and not much else. While I enjoyed it and really wanted Parker and Derek to have a their hea, I didn't care that much for the actual story. It was ok, not bad per se but not spectacular either. The whole reason Derek and Parker met was because Parker needed protection however that threat ended up with . Say what? That's it? Yup it turns out, that was it. This is around the 80% mark so the author has plenty of time to add some "I love you so much that I have to leave you to protect you from your own heart" action. I'm so over that.
However it ends with a nice little HEA and some hints for future books which I am going to read (the covers, hello!)
+ Likable main characters.
+ Small town
+ Great secondary characters
+ THE COVER
- Didn't deliver what it promised
- The story could've needed some tidying up.
Parker owns a B&B together with his brother. After their fathers passing they receives some threatening letters and hires a PI to look into it. The PI recommends Parker having a bodyguard and in walks Derek. What follow is an insta attraction/lust story with plenty of steam and not much else. While I enjoyed it and really wanted Parker and Derek to have a their hea, I didn't care that much for the actual story. It was ok, not bad per se but not spectacular either. The whole reason Derek and Parker met was because Parker needed protection however that threat ended up with . Say what? That's it? Yup it turns out, that was it. This is around the 80% mark so the author has plenty of time to add some "I love you so much that I have to leave you to protect you from your own heart" action. I'm so over that.
However it ends with a nice little HEA and some hints for future books which I am going to read (the covers, hello!)
+ Likable main characters.
+ Small town
+ Great secondary characters
+ THE COVER
- Didn't deliver what it promised
- The story could've needed some tidying up.
September 24, 2020
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DNF 32%
I usually keep reading until the end and there are very little books I DNF... But this is a waste of my time and there are far too many enjoyable books to keep reading this.
I don't understand how this has such high ratings... By 10% of the book both mains are infatuated with each other (first meeting and love eternal already!), and the only reason they are not getting married by the second meeting is because Derek, as the bodyguard, wants to keep things professional and doesn't want to get involved with a client.
The bodyguard thing in itself is stupid. They Brothers find some menaring letter sent to their late dad and the PI they hire to investigate them decides they need a bodyguard. Why? And not only that, Derek is always with Parker and just once accompanies Eddie... Why? They threats were for their dad, not for their B&B... it doesn't make any sense and it's just a pretense to have Derek and Parker together.
I don't need to keep reading to imagine the letters are from a secret lover and that they probably have a son in common (I would bet for Austin). Predictable and not that enjoyable.
If the romance, at least, were intense and good developed, I would have kept reading this. But as it is... I will drop this and start another book.
DNF 32%
I usually keep reading until the end and there are very little books I DNF... But this is a waste of my time and there are far too many enjoyable books to keep reading this.
I don't understand how this has such high ratings... By 10% of the book both mains are infatuated with each other (first meeting and love eternal already!), and the only reason they are not getting married by the second meeting is because Derek, as the bodyguard, wants to keep things professional and doesn't want to get involved with a client.
The bodyguard thing in itself is stupid. They Brothers find some menaring letter sent to their late dad and the PI they hire to investigate them decides they need a bodyguard. Why? And not only that, Derek is always with Parker and just once accompanies Eddie... Why? They threats were for their dad, not for their B&B... it doesn't make any sense and it's just a pretense to have Derek and Parker together.
I don't need to keep reading to imagine the letters are from a secret lover and that they probably have a son in common (I would bet for Austin). Predictable and not that enjoyable.
If the romance, at least, were intense and good developed, I would have kept reading this. But as it is... I will drop this and start another book.
September 5, 2020
1.5 Stars
I really wish Goodreads allowed half stars because I didn't hate this book but I didn't really enjoy it either. The whole story felt very...surface. Do I know why Derek and Parker love each other? Not really. I felt that there more emotion when Parker was telling Derek about his friend that died than there was in any of their romantic interactions. Also, the whole backstory about Parker and Eddie's dad was stupid. The affair would have been enough, especially since the "villain" turned out to be so flat. I saw the Austin reveal coming a mile away.
Also, I get that not all gfy stories have to be angst ridden but this felt too easy. What little angst there was was silly misunderstandings. I don't think I'll read any more of this series. It's too Hallmark channel for me.
I really wish Goodreads allowed half stars because I didn't hate this book but I didn't really enjoy it either. The whole story felt very...surface. Do I know why Derek and Parker love each other? Not really. I felt that there more emotion when Parker was telling Derek about his friend that died than there was in any of their romantic interactions. Also, the whole backstory about Parker and Eddie's dad was stupid. The affair would have been enough, especially since the "villain" turned out to be so flat. I saw the Austin reveal coming a mile away.
Also, I get that not all gfy stories have to be angst ridden but this felt too easy. What little angst there was was silly misunderstandings. I don't think I'll read any more of this series. It's too Hallmark channel for me.
August 28, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Derek and Parker. When Parker's father passed away, Parker and his brother found letters that showed his father was being blackmailed and threatened. Parker hired a private detective name Viv and she suggested they get a bodyguard. derek was a bodyguard that Viv usually uses and he went to stay with the brothers at their bed and breakfast. Derek was very serious about his job, but he found himself getting distracted by Parker. Parker was a really nice guy who only wanted to help people. Parker flirted with Derek, but Derek was straight. When Derek found himself thinking about Parker more and more, he told him he couldn't cross the line with a client. Parker understood, but still was attracted to Derek. The longer Derek was staying at the B&B and guarding Parker, the closer they got and Derek found himself caring more and more about Parker. Derek wondered if he could be with Parker, but also knew he could never settle down because of his job. Parker knew Derek would eventually leave, but he wanted to be with him anyway. I liked this book. I liked Derek. He was a good guy and seemed to really care for Parker. Derek was not scared to be with a man and never questioned his attraction to Parker, he just accepted it. Parker was a sweet guy and only wanted to help others. I think they were great together. Another great one from Jason.
September 4, 2020
This is a sweet new read from Jason Collins! I really liked Parker and Derek and their story, the bodyguard and client falling for each other. Parker and his brother are looking to discover the truth about their father and in doing so they put themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. The PI they hired advises them to get a bodyguard for the time being, and that bodyguard is Derek.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Derek and Parker. There's a lot of will-they, won't-they as these two try to figure it out. Derek has a job to do and it's important to him to keep his emotions separate, although with Parker that's a big challenge. Parker doesn't want to fall for someone only to have them leave. There's a great connection between them though, and they just can't deny their attraction to each other. I really liked getting to know these guys, they really are great characters. I did find the mystery/angst side of things to be a little less that I was expecting, but I still enjoyed the book and Parker and Derek falling for each other.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Derek and Parker. There's a lot of will-they, won't-they as these two try to figure it out. Derek has a job to do and it's important to him to keep his emotions separate, although with Parker that's a big challenge. Parker doesn't want to fall for someone only to have them leave. There's a great connection between them though, and they just can't deny their attraction to each other. I really liked getting to know these guys, they really are great characters. I did find the mystery/angst side of things to be a little less that I was expecting, but I still enjoyed the book and Parker and Derek falling for each other.
August 27, 2020
Waste of time
I was so disappointed in this book. I read it all the way through with the hope it would get better. It didn't. The story line was a joke. There was no suspense or anything at all to make it interesting at all. The love story was every 2 pages of them changing their minds about staying together or not. They couldn't figure out anything and constantly assumed the other would act this way or that. Even the sex was boring. The other characters were boring also and you were never sure what they actually did or why they even needed to be in the book. Derick was controlling, his love interest (see I cant even remember his name and I just finished the book) spent most of his time crying. Give me a break. This was a big waste of my time to even read past the first chapter. Save your money and if you get it for free on kindle unlimited save your space for a better book.
I was so disappointed in this book. I read it all the way through with the hope it would get better. It didn't. The story line was a joke. There was no suspense or anything at all to make it interesting at all. The love story was every 2 pages of them changing their minds about staying together or not. They couldn't figure out anything and constantly assumed the other would act this way or that. Even the sex was boring. The other characters were boring also and you were never sure what they actually did or why they even needed to be in the book. Derick was controlling, his love interest (see I cant even remember his name and I just finished the book) spent most of his time crying. Give me a break. This was a big waste of my time to even read past the first chapter. Save your money and if you get it for free on kindle unlimited save your space for a better book.
August 23, 2020
Parker’s father is a complicated man, to say the least. He’s left more than a few mysteries behind. Even when faced with unpleasant or bad news when it came to their dad, Parker and his brother faced it and were smart enough to seek out and follow advice. Derek has a bit of a chip and preconceived notions about Parker and a lot of other people and it makes him a bit prickly. Seeing those notions dispelled has him admiring Parker more with every moment. Both guys know that Derek’s time there is temporary but they can’t seem to stay away from one another. This creates a bit of push and pull between them. When Derek tries to be heavy handed about Parker’s safety, I was pleased to see him sincerely apologize. I loved that everyone in their little family welcomes another member so warmly.
August 24, 2020
Parker and Eddie run a B & B, when their dad died they hire a PI as it looked like their dad was being blackmailed. A lot of mysteries surrounded him, no spoilers you will need to read to find out. A quirky staff member in Iris and an interesting border. I loved the romance between Derek and Parker, hot steamy sensual scenes, I couldn’t get enough of. I devoured each page, so hard to put down. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
August 29, 2020
I could always rely on Jason Collins for a good story, so I was feeling a little sad when I just couldn't get into this book at first, it just seemed slow, but then the plot developed into a great story. Parker and Derek were amazing mc's, they made a great pair. Derek, a tough muscled bodyguard, was a really a gentle hearted cutie, while Parker was forever worrying about the coming time when Derek's job would be done and he would be leaving, it hurt my heart. The mystery around Parker's Dad and then the danger that developed made it a gripping and touching read.
September 1, 2020
Rugged Guard is book 1 in the new series Moutain Men. This book is about Parker and Derek. Parker's father has passed away and as he and his brother hire a P.I. to look into some threatening letters a bodyguard is also hired, Derek. It's love at first sight and with their close proximity they have a hard time keeping their hands off each other. I enjoyed the mystery in this book and the surprise of Austin. I was glad Parker and Derek figured out how to be together without crossing any lines, they deserve to be happy.
August 24, 2020
A great start to a new series. Derek is supposed to be guarding Parker and his brothers but he definitely wants more from Parker. Derek and Parker have an instant attraction and their chemistry is explosive. They try to stay away from one another for professional reasons but their attraction can only hold out so long! Apart from their relationship there is an added bonus of a mystery to solve. Looking forward to more from this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 25, 2020
Parker and Derek made a great pair. I enjoyed the mystery that was happening with who was sending the threatening messages to Parker and Eddie's dad. I kind of figured out who Austin was but it was satisfying to have my suspicions confirmed. The heat level between Parker and Derek was amazing and I loved all the scenes between them. I really enjoyed Iris and Viv and I hope that we see more of them in the rest of the series. I recommend this one.
August 26, 2020
The story revolves around two main plots. One is finding out about blackmail letters sent to their now deceased father and the second is the budding romance between Derek and Parker. There is a surprise at the end but that just adds to the story. This is a well written story that is entertaining and worth reading. I would recommend it as a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Prolific Works and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Prolific Works and are voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2020
Derek and Parker had a lot of doubts about their feelings, but the author dosed their insecurities in way that didn't become irritating and instead raised my anticipation to see how things would work out for them. Added to the excitement of the mystery and the danger, it made it so that this story was a fast paced, gripping reading experience.
Recommended.
Recommended.
September 1, 2020
Protecting your own
Wow this grabs your heart and relentlessly tosses it topsy turvy! Mr. Collins knows how to write a story within a story to the degree that when all the pieces are shared you know your emotions have been impacted and questions unasked are answered...totally heartwarming!
Wow this grabs your heart and relentlessly tosses it topsy turvy! Mr. Collins knows how to write a story within a story to the degree that when all the pieces are shared you know your emotions have been impacted and questions unasked are answered...totally heartwarming!
October 8, 2020
Not worthy reading
I had high hopes for the book but it's not very well written. The story drags on full of stupid angst about stepping over the line. There are very few editing or grammatical errors is about the kinky thing it had going for it. I just skimmed the last 2/3 just so I could say I finished it.
I had high hopes for the book but it's not very well written. The story drags on full of stupid angst about stepping over the line. There are very few editing or grammatical errors is about the kinky thing it had going for it. I just skimmed the last 2/3 just so I could say I finished it.
February 8, 2021
Oh my fantasies
Seeing the cover and choosing to read because the picture. Yes I’m that type of gay, haha ! I’m so glad I found Jason Collins as an author because his books are the best. Most follow the same storyline but like a hallmark movie each has something new of their own. 10/10 recommend.
Seeing the cover and choosing to read because the picture. Yes I’m that type of gay, haha ! I’m so glad I found Jason Collins as an author because his books are the best. Most follow the same storyline but like a hallmark movie each has something new of their own. 10/10 recommend.
May 27, 2022
Bodyguard trope
Collins starts this series with two brothers who have recently had their father die. They run a B&B in Park City, discover threatening correspondence and engage a PI and bodyguard. The elder, Parker, and the guard, Derek, fill out the plot as danger really never threatens. Some hot passion, a lot of miscommunication, but a HEA.
Collins starts this series with two brothers who have recently had their father die. They run a B&B in Park City, discover threatening correspondence and engage a PI and bodyguard. The elder, Parker, and the guard, Derek, fill out the plot as danger really never threatens. Some hot passion, a lot of miscommunication, but a HEA.
August 24, 2020
I loved Parker and Derek together. Derek was always there to protect him even when he was protecting him from himself. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
This was a sweet story between 2 people who felt they didn't deserve love. I love this kind of story where both MCs need to grow and learn they are worthy.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
August 25, 2020
This is such a sweet read. Parker and Derek are great characters. I love seeing how their relationship develops. This is a great start to this new series. I really like the mystery that was added for this sweet story. I can't wait for the next book.
August 29, 2020
A great start to a new series. This story had a little bit of everything. Suspense, romance & angst. Can't wait to see what's up next. *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*
October 18, 2020
I swear these boys!
What’s not to love about these two? Their relationship is a smoldering burn that takes a while to kindle into a flame, but once it’s started, there’s no turning back. They are amazing together!
What’s not to love about these two? Their relationship is a smoldering burn that takes a while to kindle into a flame, but once it’s started, there’s no turning back. They are amazing together!
did-not-finish-abandoned
February 21, 2021DNF = No stars
Poorly written. The dialogue was unpolished, characters were wooden splinters. "Straight" guy suddenly turns gay and that was it. Rolled my eyes and released this back to the ether of woo-woo.
Poorly written. The dialogue was unpolished, characters were wooden splinters. "Straight" guy suddenly turns gay and that was it. Rolled my eyes and released this back to the ether of woo-woo.
August 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the chemistry between Derek and Parker. And, their HEA was adorable. Can't wait to read Book2.
August 25, 2020
What a great way to start a new series...!
October 2, 2020
Derek and Parker are good together, although Derek keeps distance between them because Parker is a client. I liked them going to Vegas together but not the why they went. Seemed extra shady.
February 25, 2021
Loved
A good book with sweet characters. I’ll be reading the rest of the series for sure! Give this book a try
A good book with sweet characters. I’ll be reading the rest of the series for sure! Give this book a try
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews