Hero

Alpha Mountain #1

by Renee Rose, Vanessa Vale

She’s my best friend’s sister. Off-limits.
Before he died, I promised I’d never touch her.
After years in the military, I’m back in Montana determined to clear his name.
No one’s hero. Just a mountain man. A mercenary set on revenge.
Now, I owe it to my friend to protect his sister.
Except being near her shreds my resolve. She tempts me at every turn.
Each day is a brutal torment, and my honor and willpower
…are about to snap.

Welcome to Alpha Mountain, the powerful new series by USA Today bestselling authors Vanessa Vale and Renee Rose. Where strong, alpha men will move mountains to protect and claim their women.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2022

About the author

15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.

For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp

**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:

"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright

"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley

"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews

"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews

"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol

"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith

"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight

"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]

"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers

"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t been ready for Indigo Buchanan, but I sure as shit was now.

4.5 stars!

I always love when these two authors come together for a new series because I know they deliver all of the sexy steam and plenty of action, and this first book was no exception! Indi and Ford had a complicated past that prevented them from acting on their simmering attraction, but when Indi's life is in danger, Ford throws his excuses out the window in order to protect his girl and avenge his best friend's death. My only complaint is that I was missing the shirtless model on the cover, but I am so stoked for the rest of this series! ♡

Tropes: brother's best friend, forbidden romance, second chance, retired military special ops, murder mystery, heroine in danger, band of brothers, small town, forced proximity

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved it when these two authors get together and co-write stories and now they've given us the first book in a new series! While this is Ford and "Indi's" story, we also get to meet the other guys who I assume will be getting stories in the future!

This one starts off great, best friends little sister and try as he might, Ford can't resist Indi for to much longer. She tempted him years ago but he was warned off by her brother, Ford's best friend. After Buck (the brother and best friend) is killed, Ford wants to find out what really happened that day. Once I started reading this story, I couldn't stop. Indi is a strong woman who is used to dealing with hard things in life but Ford is still a weak spot for her. When danger comes calling, it's up to Ford and his buddies to try and keep Indi safe but can they? Filled with all the drama and angst, this will keep readers turning the pages. And of course, with these two authors, you get all the hefty doses of steamy, sexy scenes!!! Loved it and can't wait for the next story!

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Alpha Mountain series and features Indi and Ford. It is a brother's best friend romance with heat and heart.

"I hadn’t been ready for Indigo Buchanan, but I sure as shit was now."

Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale brought their A game with this story. It's full of sexy steam, suspense and action and alpha goodness. Indi and Ford had a rough go when Ford was on leave from his military service and since that fateful day, Indi has been harboring a lot of shame and Ford knows he made a huge mistake. When Ford returns years later with scars from the past and runs into Indi, he tries to fight his attraction to her. But when Indi's life is in danger, Ford knows he has to make her his and avenge his friend's death.

I loved Indi...she was strong and fearless and took no crap. Ford was all possessive and obsessive and I loved his "mine" mentality. This had a strong plot to go along with the steam and I enjoyed their second-chance at love. Overall, a solid read.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: brother’s best friend
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Hero is the exciting first book in the new Alpha Mountain series by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale. As always, the ladies deliver on a well written story with tons of action and plenty of steam. Hero is fast paced with a swoon worthy, jealous-possessive alpha and a strong and likable female lead. Great read with lots of breadcrumbs of whom we’ll be seeing down the road. Can’t wait!

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful start to this new series by two writers who always deliver on action and steam. Sparks Montana is full of SEALs-turned security for hire, and their leader is the swoony and mercurial Ford, Sparks native. But Ford has a LOT of baggage, not only did he lose his best friend Buck in mysterious circumstances while in service in Afghanistan, but he also has unresolved feelings for said best friend’s little sister Indigo, the girl he’s longed for since she once tried to seduce him as a teenager. The sister he’s not crossed paths with since that confusing to him, embarassing to her, night almost a decade ago. But they’ve lived in the same small town all this time, and soon mother nature ensures they’re forced to face each other yet again.

This has a bit of everything- suspense, mystery, action, romance, a band of brothers, small town shenanigans. And, as always, these two deliver on the steam. Indigo and Buck have a great love-hate, push-pull tension at first, but all that fire is just buried feelings, unrequited longing, and denial. Buck is super stubborn at first in his resolve to push Indigo away and honor what he thinks are Buck’s dying wishes, but once he caves this one spices and up and Buck gos all in, and he goes HARD. Alpha possession, super protector, dirty talking, swoony leading man hard. And Indigo is also super sassy and strong- she’s a great match for Buck’s energy.

The former SEAL team has some DELICIOUS fellows- excited for more!

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alpha Mountain: Hero by Vanessa Vale and Renee Rose was such fun. We have the usual hotness from this writing duo, a yummy Alpha hero, and the kicka$$ and sassy woman who loves him. The story moves at a great pace with a mystery to solve and I’m loving the whole idea of giving the both of them a second chance. And well, wow! Seriously hot story. Ford and Indi are so great together and the other guys? Mmm, can’t wait to read their stories.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY BEAUTIFUL BLUE

The new Alpha Mountain series revolves around a group of men who served in the SEALs together. They have been a team, had each other's back, and when things go wrong, one dies, one loses his career, and he returns to his hometown of Sparks, Montana. As other team members leave the military, they will join together, starting a company, Alpha Mountain Security. One of the first orders of business is finding out who are the moles in Beta company that lead to Buck's death and dishonor.

Ford Ledger has returned to Sparks and moved back in with his grandmother. As other members of the Alpha team reached the end of their contract, they left the service and joined Ford in Montana and formed a business, Alpha Mountain Security.

Indigo 'Indi' Buchanan is the younger sister of Buck and has been in love with Ford since they were kids. When she is eighteen, she tried to get him to take her 'v-card' when he was home on leave. For years she has been hurt by his rejection--and the way Buck made her feel cheap for throwing herself at his friend, Ford. But, she is all grown up, and Ford is someone from her past.

The story's plot will have Indigo on a hike when the weather turns bad, and she needs to find shelter from the thunder, lightning, and downpour. Indigo is a trail guide, leading hikes, but on this day, she was by herself. The closest place is the Ledger home, and she will come upon a greenhouse and break-in. Knowing she needs to get out of her wet clothes, she does just that--and then Ford comes in and things go from bad to worse.

"You have a real habit of taking your clothes off and making yourself at home where you don't belong."

There is still so much angst between Indi and Ford, but that will change over time to passion. He feels bad for having feelings for Indi, and his promise to Buck to leave her alone. But Buck is gone, and the chemistry between Indi and Ford is explosive. When her place is ransacked, Ford refuses to leave her alone, and these two finally come together--and once they do, once is never going to be enough.

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly. Buck is dead, Ford lost his best friend and his career as he tried to follow the leads as to what happened to Buck. Even the Buchanan family seems to want to distance themselves from him. When Indi comes back into his life, he tries to fight it, but the connection is too strong, and when he discovers she is also looking into Buck's death, he needs to get her to let it go. He keeps secrets from her, not letting her know everything, while his team is still working on leads. Somebody higher up is dirty, and the last thing they need is for Indigo to become a target.

I like this new series, the characters, and the interactions. The comradery of the former SEAL members is strong and each offers a different level of strength to the team. The chemistry between Ford and Indi must be pursued. Life and death danger will be the final act to seal their commitment. The story does have some power exchange and explicit scenes.

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes to these thrills and chills!!
Montana mountains sound so inviting and beautiful in this action packed thriller romance.
Ford a Navy Seal is dishonorably discharged shortly after his best friend Buck is killed in Iraq, he returns home still trying to figure out what happened.

Indigo Buchanan is Buck's little sister who hasn't seen Ford in 12 years. Sparks fly between them both instantly after she breaks into his greenhouse during a bad storm.

So swoon-worthy with all these retired Navy Seals in their 20's and 30's sizzle sizzle. I was on the edge of my seat dying to know what would happen next as they all dig in to find out who set up and Killed her brother.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It read easily and smoothly, the characters were likable and the story engaging. I thought that this book offered a well-crafted and entertaining blend of emotion, heat, tension, action, danger and drama. An intriguing cast of secondary characters are introduced and has left me eager & excited to learn each of the guy's stories and watch them fall hard for whoever manages to steal their hearts. Ford and Indigo were an amazing couple that tugs on your heartstrings, raises your temp and leaving you basking in the swoon! I am posting an objective review of my own accord.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book! These two authors write fabulously and seamlessly together and when I heard they had a new book coming out I jumped at the chance to read it and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Ford returns to the small town where he grew up a changed man. He was dishonorably discharged from the SEALs on a trumped up charge because he was asking too many questions on his best friends death and murder charge. He returns and opens A security firm with former his former operative after they were discharged. He’s never been able to get the one woman from his past that was off-limits out of his head- Indi. She is his former best friend’s/ brother’s Little sister that he was warned away from when they were on leave the first time. She throws herself at him but he shoots her down and crushes her in the process. Years later when he returns they butt heads at every turn that they bond over the tragedy of her brother. This was a complex story with thrilling and suspenseful aspects. I can’t wait for the rest of the SEALs stories.

[Katie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alpha Mountain Hero Book One by Vanessa Vale and Renee Rose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Ford is back in his small hometown in the mountains. Being back is a reminder of all things he has lost and can’t have. Indi, his late best friend’s sister, is the only woman he wants but can’t have. While trying to investigate his best friend’s demise, he is working hard to protect Indi from threats all around them. While protecting her he is finding it harder and harder to not be with her. Will Ford be able to protect Indi while also finding out the truth about his best friend? Will their love see them through or will it be the thing that ruins them? This is a Alpha Male Military Romance with a splash of Forbidden Romance that don’t want to miss! 😉

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this new series already! This author duo never disappoints.

I love Indi with her fierceness, her resilience, her strength and also her vulnerability. She was not afraid to put Ford in his place but also opened up to him. And in return, ford took her heart and safe guarded.

The moment Ford found out Indi was in danger *swoon* - i stan an over protective alpha male and ford did not disappoint.

The steam was also top notch, but then that's to be expected with this duo.

The only thing I would have liked was a longer story. It didn't feel rushed or too short but it could have, in my opinion been longer. But that's also cause i loved it and wanted more lol!
So excited for the next book!

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new series of former military men, Ms. Rose and Ms. Vale captures my attention with alpha man Ford and small-town girl, Indi. As a second chance and best friend's sister romance, this is enjoyable from, beginning to end. The former military parts may be a bit stretching it, but it makes for a good story.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I am hooked. Ford and Indy are hot together and their sexy escapes had me needing a cold shower more than once. But the story is also entertaining with action, suspense, and danger. Indy is a kickass heroine and ford is the ex-military alpha mountain man we all fantasize about.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale! No shifters in this one, the alphas are former SEALs. Ford has returned to his hometown of Sparks, Montana after being dishonorably discharged from the Navy. He has returned without his childhood best friend, Buck. Buck's death and posthumous conviction for the murder of an Afghan police officer, were the reason for Ford's separation from his SEAL team. He has no idea what Buck was up to on the day he died, but he knows the official explanation is a lie and his attempts to ferret out the truth resulted in his discharge. Now he and other members of his team who'd refused to re-up when their commitments ran out, have formed a security company based at his grandparent's farm. They have had no problem finding clients for their high-priced services, but Buck's death is Ford's major focus. At least it is until the day Buck's sister, Indigo, breaks into his greenhouse/workout area during a Spring thunderstorm.

Indigo had a very embarrassing failed seduction attempt with Ford nine years ago when she was eighteen. When she needs shelter from a storm she refuses to go to Ford's grandmother's front door and instead breaks into the nearby greenhouse, unaware of the newly installed security on the property. We will just say that sparks fly when the two get together. A break-in at Indigo's house brings out Ford's protective nature and he is determined to protect Buck's little sister. He is also determined to make Indigo his, but there is an unseen enemy that might not let that happen.

Lots of hot SEALs to go. Can't wait! I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! I loved the plot twist mystery aspect of this. 4 stars

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa Vale and Renee Rose have teamed up again for a new series - Alpha Mountain, which will have ex Navy Seals forming a security company while also claiming and protecting the women meant to be theirs!

Up first is Ford’s story. He’s had a thing for his best friend’s little sister for almost a decade, but with the bro code and always being gone on deployment he never acted upon it. But, when Buck was killed and then framed for murder, Ford found himself back in their hometown anddiscovered Indigo was even more difficult to resist than ever!

Indigo is sassy and independent. As a wilderness guide, she can take care of herself. She doesn’t need Ford as a big brother, she wants him as her man. She also knows there is no way her brother murdered anyone. But, when she digs a little too deep and danger comes for her, she’ll need all her skills as well as an alpha willing to do anything to protect what is his!

I’m so excited this writing duo has teamed up again! Hero starts the series with a bang and sets up an overarching story that I am guessing will play out over multiple books. (No cliffhanger, but a mystery left unsolved). Indigo is the perfect foil to Ford. She is definitely strong enough to stand up to him and his overprotective alpha ways so she doesn’t lose herself. And, watching Ford learn just how capable Indi really is was pretty awesome! It was also nice seeing the softer and vulnerable side to Ford as well.

Extremely sexy and definitely not safe for reading at work, Hero also had fantastic suspense and a quick moving plot. Ford and Indigo were a lot of fun together and I can’t wait to see the rest of the team find their matches! 4.5 stars.

[❁ Ashton ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book!!

It had it all - likeable FMC/MMC, a strong plot packed with suspense, secrets, murder mystery and danger. Although this book was gripping me, it had plenty of banter. Sassy one liners and heat!!

Ford, an ex SEALS was discharged and set camp in the mountains with his Gram ( who is a whole vibe!!) and his team of other ex military men. He battled with guilt and grief while trying to be strong enough to protect his family and discover truth of his best friends death. Ford made a promise to Buck that he would protect his sister..

Indigo "Indi" had always liked Ford and at 18 she offered her virginity to him and was shot down (not literally!) by Ford. This left her feeling embarrassed, unwanted and later, resented him. She avoided him for years, until a storm caused her to break into his property and that's the start of their story.. "You have a real habit of taking your clothes off and making yourself at home where you don't belong"

This book held so much emotion, where past and present came together. Ford and Indi had to deal with loss, grief and guilt all while trying to navigate their relationship. I enjoyed the suspense aspect, the more secrets that was uncovered the more of a target they had on their backs..

A possessive ex military man that protects his woman? YES PLEASE!!! ✨4/5✨

[Nancy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

An age gap and best friend's little sister romance is right up my alley. Indi's brother, Buck, was killed in action and accused of murder. And then his best friend, Ford, who looks into the matter, gets dishonorably discharged in a set-up. Ford wants to get to the bottom of the situation and so does Indi. Ford comes home to set-up his security business and recruits some of his SEAL brothers. A freak rainstorm brings Indi into Ford's orbit and its all he can do to stay away. Or can he? Indi (Indigo) is a trail guide and a very independent woman. She's been looking into her brother's death, too. These two have serious chemistry and belong together. Unfortunately, Indi is in danger. Can Ford save her before it's too late? The story was steamy and suspenseful! Don't miss the debut of this new series! 4 stars

[Becky]

When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. Indi is a strong woman who is has dealt with hard things in her life but Ford is still a weak spot for her. When danger comes calling, it's up to Ford and his buddies to try and keep Indi safe.

This has a bit of everything- suspense, mystery, action, romance, a band of brothers, small town shenanigans.
And, as always, these two deliver on the steam. Indigo and Buck have a great love-hate, push-pull tension at first, but all that fire is just buried feelings, unrequited
longing, and denial. Buck is stubborn at first in his resolve to push Indigo away and honor what he thinks is right, but once he gives up Buck goes all in, and he goes HARD. Alpha possession, super protector, dirty talking, swoony leading man hard. And Indigo is also super sassy and strong- she's a great match for Buck's energy. A great start to a new series!

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are Ford and Buck? What do we find them doing? What do they do for a living? Who is Indie? What do we learn about her? Other than dead presidents, who are Kennedy, Hayes, Lincoln, and Taft? What do we learn about Buck as Kennedy pushes Ford to think back? Who is William Gentry? What does Kennedy tell Ford and Hayes about him? Talk about suspenseful just 1/4 of the way into the story, holy smokes!!! What happens at Indigo's house while she is gone for work for 3 days? Why do all of the men plus Gram show up at Indie's house the morning after she returns home? What happens when Taft spills Ford's secrets? Who is Tully? Where and how do we meet him? Read and see what happens in this suspenseful romance. If this first book is any indication of how the series is going to go, I cannot wait to read the rest of it!

[JJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. I just had some things that bothered me and made it less enjoyable for me. For example, at the beginning the fmc was so insufferable with that whole ovaries talk she brought up several times and made me cringe so badly. The mmc lying to her and keeping things to protect her for some might be a little thing to overcome but it hit too close to home for me and I don't know if I'd forgiven him so quickly. Her brother being so overprotective wasn't cute and it did more damage than good to them both. Also the man she stabbed and then he threw off the cliff or whatever, wouldn't the fact he was stabbed come up in autopsy? Why was that not thought out better? Other than that, it was a quick fun read.

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC but I had a mor of fun reading this one. I liked so many things about it, the themes, the angst, the romance, the suspense, the plot. It was just a little harder for me to get into this one at times but I still really enjoyed it.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

Another story by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale and another hit for me. It's a military romance with a bit of second chance (which usually isn't my favorite, but it makes sense here) and best friend's little sister trope. Besides that you get a bit (or more) of suspense that is very well woven into the story - the main thread remains open at the end of this book and it probably continued in the upcoming ones (I have yet to read them and definitely will!), but the Buck's chapter of it finds closure, so it's a perfect mixture of said closure and a tiny bit of cliffhanger that doesn't leave you frustrated, since there was an actual HEA.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale have teamed up again with Hero, the first book in a new series. Unlike their previous series, this is not a paranormal romance. Instead, it features a group of former military operatives that have turned to private security while still trying to unearth the secrets that ended their military careers. Ford has come home determined to find out what led to the death of his best friend. But of course, this book is also a romance so to that end we have Ford fighting his feelings for his best friend's little sister. Can he fight those feelings while still protecting Indie from the very same threat that killed her brother? With the dead best friend's little sister trope, there are plenty of steamy scenes to keep the drama going with just enough suspense added into the mix. Given the cast of secondary characters, this promises to be a fun series to read!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale. This co-written book worked exceptionally well and was a great world building book that didn't over power the story of Indi and Ford. This brother's best friend, small town is the start to a greats series.

[Kay H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this is a Stuff Your Kindle Day and it languished in my library. Finally picked it up on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Also, the books and audiobooks are both on Kobo Plus, so will be grabbing them all over there. The more we use Kobo Plus, the better it will get!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was just what I needed a fast-paced story. The suspense was great, I love a brothers best friend story, and this was no exception. Indi and Ford are so adorable together.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. However, I felt like the spicy moments were told, but I didn't FEEL them if ya know what I mean.

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz August 13, 2024