Mountain Man Protector

Cole Brothers #4

by Crystal Monroe

On the run from her stalker ex, Audrey needs my help.
She may get more than she bargained for.

I know what they think of me in this small town.
Broken from the Marines. Dangerous.
That reputation suits me just fine.
I swore long ago I’d never get close to anyone again.

But then a frightened city girl shows up on my mountain.
Audrey’s running for her life.
She needs a hero.
Her wide-eyed innocence wakes the savage protector I’d locked away.

I’ll wage war to keep Audrey safe.
Her ex-boyfriend will regret the day he set foot in my town.
And when I’m done, I’ll claim her as mine.

But is my dark secret the biggest threat of all?

Genres: Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2021

Reviews

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Page Turner
This is the 4th of the Cole Brothers series but can be read as a standalone. This is Audrey and Noah's story. There are five books in this series and they can be read in any order. Noah is a broken man suffering from PTSD and other things from his stint in the Marines. He loves his seclusion on the mountain and his 'dark' reputation provides him the isolation he wants. He has dark secrets and deep losses in his past. He's sworn to never risk his heart again but Aubrey comes into the picture. She's on the run from her abusive stalker ex and needs protection. Something about her sweet nature and innocence awakens something in his frozen heart. He is determined to protect and claim her. This was a great book that was hard to put down. The characters are well developed and interesting. There's no cliffhanger and a happy ending. I read an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Jubi ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star rating 🌟

I really enjoyed this book, picked it up in one day and finished it on the same day so basically yeah it’s a fast read but a really grabbing one. The sex scenes though lol I cringed half the time 😭✋🏽 their dirty talk was NOT it. I ended up reading really fast through the sex whenever it showed up.

Someone tell me who says this irl or during sex “I’m feeling really hot Audrey”???? 💀 pleasee stop that killed me lol it reminded me of a pervy old male that finally got in bed with a young lady😭 and the first time they had sex in the woods what was that introduction??? The words they exchanged before getting down and dirty?? I mean Noah’s wasn’t bad but Audrey’s words before his made me cringe and their first meeting when he offered to take her home since she got lost lol, h(female protagonist) went straight into it got horny was all up in his face and tired to be ‘seductive’ 🧍🏽‍♀️ LMFAOO I mean I stan the confidence but baby y’all literally JUST met and he only offered to take you home because you got lost and you aren’t even sure he felt a connection with you or wanted anything (I know he felt something) but I would be offended if I were him because I would feel like she’s offering her body to me as a payment for my generosity tsk.

All in all I loved both characters they each had their demons and conquered. Noah and Audrey are a close third to my favourite couples in the Cole brothers series so far. I definitely recommend 🪐

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating so be careful you may just get burned all the heat coming off these pages. There were some "oh no" "oh wow" " what the what" moments and add in uncanny mishaps, and shenanigans the good kind that makes you keep turning the pages till last page has been turned. Audrey is on the run from an abusive ex, and she teaches biology and while out in the forest she sees footprints and assume her ex found her. In the clearing there is a cabin, and this is where she meets Noah. Noah is just returning from the military still fighting ghost of the past, so he has hidden himself off from everyone including his family. With Audrey being new to town doesn’t any of this about Noah she just needed help as she is lost and needs to stay safe. If you have read the previous books, then you know the Cole brothers stick together and protect their own. Will Noah protect her, Can Audrey ever feel safe again, maybe they can help each other heal and will Noah and Audrey finally get their own HEA?

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Man Protector by Crystal Monroe is a heartwarming,steamy,enjoyable with a bit of suspense and action to put you on edge while reading..a romance story of Noah and Audrey..Noah is one of five Cole brothers,a former marine with a chip of the shoulder..Audrey is a city girl,a teacher and on the run from her stalker..An Ex who doesnt know the meaning of a "No"..Audrey just move to a small town to hide from her ex and renting to a small cottage and decided to walk and found herself lost and while walking she foud a cabin in the woods and met a gorgeous mountain man who help him and brought her home..even though he was a jerk to her ,their attraction is still there and they couldnt take off their hands..when her ex found her and theatened her,Noah is still their to save the days eventhough she broke his heart by telling no when he asked her to marry him..and now after all the things happened hes still there to support her and once and for all to put her ex in jail where he belong.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey is running from an abusive ex and this has her moving to New Haven. Noah is an ex marine living alone in a cabin isolated in New Haven. Audrey stumbles upon him when she runs onto his property when she thinks her ex has found her and takes off running through the woods. Noah offers her a ride back to her place and then they run into each other again sooner than they had planned. Audrey was taking her students on a tour into the woods and Noah was the guide for them. Sparks fly between them and its not long before something more comes from that. However when her ex finds her Audrey worries about putting her new friends in danger and starts planning to run. Will Noah convince her to stay and let him help her? Can they safely handle her ex?

This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[CL · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the previous Cole Brother book and I really loved it so I looked forward to this one with a different trope, but with only 204 pages the story and plot was very different than expected. I had to double check it was by the same author. The connection between Audrey and Noah was none existent and with the first time they were together there was zero build up.
My biggest issues though:
It being a romance book common sense is usually at a negative, but her 'stalker' ex comes to town and goes INTO the school she works at and says he's looking for his wife who has dementia. People with severe causes who are confused and lost don't move to a different state and get teaching jobs...Also just the whole relationship with her ex was weird. He goes from controlling to proposing and saying if she didn't marry him he'd kill her. You don't get much else from their relationship other than those few lines, but he is here to murder her.
The characters weren't very fleshed out. I didn't connect with anyone in this book because they were all one dimensional.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was electric, and the sensual chemistry between us made me tremble". A well-written, suspenseful romance with charm. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts from the beginning.

Audrey as a biology teacher at the local middle school. While jogging in the woods, she tried to stop the panic from consuming her, but her breath caught in her lungs. The dark night seemed to close in around her. Not only was I lost, but my stalker ex was probably out here somewhere, just waiting for me. How had my insane ex-boyfriend discovered my hiding place?

Noah is a former Marine. He lives deep in the woods by himself. He feels bad things happened to everyone he ever got close to, so he'd learned the best thing he could do was keep to himself. That was until Audrey showed up at his cabin. Now I can't stop thinking about her, even though I know I have to stay away from her. But when trouble shows up, it's up to him to keep her safe.

[Book Nook Kitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm considering giving up reading, that's how bad the books I've been suffering through have been for a very long time now. No matter what genre I try, dark romance, mafia, MC, werewolf, hometown hero, mountain man, HEA, they're all utter rubbish. I haven't given more than a strained three stars since what feels like hundreds of books.

I thought maybe the issue was clicking on Facebook posts for books, so this time I entered a search into Amazon's search directly and because I wanted an easy, warm, sexy read i searched Mountain Man, and this came up but it's still completely tedious and basic.

No depth to the characters, painfully boring and irritating to push throughthe endless pages of the tortured hero's inner angst, just as a previus book Totally Folked by Penny Reid I read and gave 1 star to. Don't get me wrong, I love a tortured hero/anti-hero but this, like Totally Folked, was just totally torturous to read. Not to mention the tedious abusive ex. Not enjoyable at all.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey is running from an abusive relationship. She ends up in New Haven and is a Middle School Biology teacher. She meets Noah, one of the Cole brothers, when she trasspasses on his land. She explains that she got lost so he takes her home but he acks a total jerk. He feels like his life has been cursed and he doesn't want to lose anyone else he loves. They finally start talking and there is hot sexy chemistry. She tells him why she's hiding and he decides to take her to his cabin to keep her safe. There is action, adventure, drama, danger, and extremely hot steam. This was such a great story I would highly recommend it. This is the first book I've read from this author. I plan on reading the other "Cole" brother books. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the fourth book in the Cole Brothers series and it is about Noah. He has come back from the military and decided to become a recluse on the mountain. Audrey gets lost in the woods while trying to escape her abusive ex. She runs into Noah who decides to help her. Both of their lives are going to change in that moment. Noah may have met the one person he wants to keep around, protect and care for. Audrey feels safe with Noah, when she had not for a long time. Their story has danger, suspense, family, healing, lust and love. They were perfect for each other even with their baggage.

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

[Lea Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. Drama, adventure, steamy passion and love.
Audrey is running from an obsessed abusive ex and has settled in the small town of New Haven. She is a 7th grade biology teacher and has been given the Explorer Club. She has to work with the grumpy Noah...
Noah is working to open the lodge his father started but never opened. A former Marine, he carries a bad reputation and so much guilt over his losses. He pushes everyone away to avoid any more pain. He was attracted to Audrey at first sight just like she was to him. As they spend more time together, they can't deny that attraction. Can she open his heart and let go of her own past or is it all too much to overcome?

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

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these Mountain Men stories. She is on the run from her abusive stalker of an ex. He is an ex-Marine that has issues. He does not want to let anyone in his heart or life. He stays clear of everyone in town. That is till she shows up and makes him feel things he does not want. All of these stories have shown that the other brothers are all protective of what they deem as theirs. This is no exception. Can she get help from him to keep her safe? Will his heart open up to her always being in his life?

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

[Kimberly Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Audrey moved to a small town in the middle of nowhere to get away from her crazy ex.
Noah is a bit of a loner that doesn't even talk to his 4 brothers. He lives in a log cabin in the Woods and doesn't like people visiting.
Audrey got lost one night and ended up at Noah's cabin. They don't get off to a good start.
Noah soon realised that Audrey isn't as bad as he thought and when she comes to say goodbye after her crazy ex found her he won't let her go. He moves her in with him so he can protect her.
A brilliantly written story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah is suffering from PTSD after coming home from the Marines, living in isolation in the mountains. He encourages his scary reputation which keeps people away from him. He does have dark secrets which torment him. He doesn’t want to love because the loss is too painful.

But when Audrey gets lost in the woods as she is running from her abusive ex-boyfriend, she catches his attention and arouses his protective side. And when it’s all over, after he has kept her safe, he will claim her as his own. Will she be willing to stay with him? Will he be able to love her?

[GM · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoilers*

I enjoyed all the first three Cole brothers’ books and I knew I’d enjoy this book as well. Although, you’ll see glimpses of the other Cole siblings from the previous books, here you’ll see the reclusive Cole brother and how he shields himself from all the world through his gruff manner and scowls. But all it took was one feisty damsel to make him open up and reveal his vulnerability that eventually proved that the brute was not cold-hearted at all.

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two souls lost and trying to heal come together in the mountains. Noah is back from the marines. He has PTSD and is trying to overcome the guilt of being g the sole survivor. Audrey is running from an abusive ex who has tracked her down. When she runs into Noah will he be able to protect her or will his PTSD and guilt be to much? This is a fast paced action romance with much drama. Great read. I could not put the book down and finished in one day.

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

[MJ Bookreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noah was grumpy.

The book was good. I do not think the threats were taken serious enough towards the end. The ex was stalking her and he had been abusive in the past but no one really took it serious. Her parents to me did not seemed concerned. Most dads you would think would be checking on their daughter often if they knew she was running from a crazy ex. I liked Noah and Audrey. The relationship moved very fast and that did not flow well to me. It was just too soon to me. Glad he reconciled with his brothers.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey, who escaped her abusive ex and moved to the mountains, is out jogging in the woods and gets lost. Noah, who became a hermit after being in the military, has a cabin in the woods and they cross paths. They are instantly good for each other and stay together until a major miscommunication occurs. Suspense rebuilds as her ex finds her and comes back to threaten her again. Friends and family show up to provide major support. Loved the ending and where they are going. Well done.

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

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

struggled Through This One

So, I liked the first book in the series then did not at all like the second but the third sounded okay and I did like it a bit more so I continued on to this one. It was more like the second book, very odd wording, immature writing, not believable connection. I mean the author used wet slot during a “steamy scene” and I’ve never heard a less steamy description. I just wouldn’t recommend and even though I made it through most of the series I just can’t read the last one.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! This is the fourth book of the Cole Brothers and Noah is hiding in the mountains since he came home from the war thinking he doesn't deserve love because people die around him that is until Audrey comes into his path, Audrey is running from her mean ex boyfriend but when she gets lost in the woods and meets Noah she feels safe. Can he protect her and can she show him he can love?

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! This one checks all the boxes...awesome storyline; amazing characters—even the evil ones—plot twists and turns that literally keep you flipping those pages; and the HEA? Totally kickass! Those Cole Brothers are something else...and Noah Cole is scorching hawt! 🔥 You definitely want to grab this one today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!) ❤️

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah has returned from the military and has hid himself away in the mountains. He wants no human contact whether it be from his brothers or the residents in town. Audrey is new in town, trying to escape from her abusive ex-boyfriend. While running in the woods, she becomes lost and runs into Noah. Will he drive her away or will they be able to help each other?

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in the series and the second one I have read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing their relationship develop over time as well as seeing their relationships with friends and family develop. Thier connection and chemistry was believable and I liked them as a couple. The story has suspence, drama, pasts, romance, trust, honesty and love.

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

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic, entertaining, captivating, and interesting on the edge of your seat book four in the Cole Brothers series! It is well written story, well-developed, relatable, emotionally deep, and consistent with action, steam, suspense, a vindictive ex, stalking, and drama. The characters are amazing; their chemistry is potent, instant, and sizzling hot. Definitely recommended!

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

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh start in a small town.
Audrey was running from an abusive controlling boyfriend. Noah was running from his demons and self-imposed guilt. Can they heal each other? Can he protect her from her ex? Loved the small town vibe and the friends Audrey made. Is one of Audrey’s friends going to be the next Cole bride? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole - Live Life Leisure Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Man who finds love

Who new that teacher and this mountain man would connect like they did. There the start of love hate relationship to lust during discussion lands them in love with each other. Even beyond that he keeps her safe which says alot when your past Colan and does back to you. With second chance for them happens it all forces ahead for the love and him reuniting with his brothers. Nothing better than that.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual!

Noah is the unknown Cole brother, wild as a boy, joining the Marines immediately after high school. He was wounded in an ambush, many comrades were killed, and he suffers from PTSD. He lives in an isolated cabin outside of town. Audrey, the new middle school science teacher, is running from her psycho ex and meets Noah when she is lost in the woods. This is their fairy tale, as he protects her from her pursuer!

[Fantasy Book Review Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah came back from war changed. He hid out from his family and was gruff with the town. But when Audrey got lost on his land he instantly fell for her.

These two are totally goals. She sees the best in him and he’s willing to whatever it takes to protect her. Their dynamic makes you want them to have everything and have it right now. Even the climax (hahaha) was amazing and exactly how each would react.

I can’t get enough of this quaint town and all the Cole brothers.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romantic couple

This is book four and it’s still good with this Cole brother Noah, the former Marine and black sheep of the family is what he called himself. Noah lives remote up in the hills. The new teacher Audrey was running and got lost. She ended up running right into Noah. Audrey asked for help and Noah gave it, begrudgingly. These two are so cute, especially Audrey because she really helped Noah’s PTSD and balance. Read On!

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an arc for my honest review

This book was okay for me but not as good as the previous books. The beginning of the story felt rushed and I felt like that had a bad influence on the connection between Noah and Audrey. The second half of the story was better and I liked the ending.