Tangling with the Mountain Man

by Debra Elise

Being an Army Ranger hadn’t prepared me for running, literally, into the curvy, beautiful chef.

Beckett Rivera
I didn't plan on moving to Pineville, Idaho, but after connecting with the half-brother I never knew about, he and my best friend convince me it's the perfect place to settle down. And if there’s one thing I crave after spending twenty years of war, eating my weight in dust and sand, and living out of a duffel bag, it's peace and quiet—which I find in a mountain cabin that needs a bit of TLC.

Meeting Taya changes my plans. I cannot get enough of her musical laugh, sexy curves, and yes, even her Christmas cheer.

My focus turns to convincing the beautiful single mom that taking a chance on a grumpy former ranger is more than just friends with benefits. It can be the love of a lifetime.

Taya Davis
I wasn't looking, literally, when I found myself wrapped up in the beefy arms of the slightly growly, incredibly magnetic former ranger. He's become a regular in the pub where I've found my second family. I'm a widow and a recent empty nester, so getting my groove back was on my to-do list, but getting tangled up with Beck has me bumping it to job one even with his scrooge-like view on the holidays.
★♥★
Each short story in the Tangling Series features characters in their 30s & 40s who decide to live their lives to the fullest. From second chances to insta love, each story guarantees a HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger, no triggers.

All are standalone stories - enjoy in any order ♥

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2022

About the author

Debra Elise, a USA Today Bestselling Author, lives with her husband and their two teenage sons in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her books are steamy & sweet featuring later in life characters across several genres.

A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com

Reviews

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to move to Pineville!!

Wow! I have to say these men and women of Pineville sure keep the temperature elevated! Cause these books are fire!! 🔥🔥🔥 When I first read about Cole and Scarlett's book I was hooked on how this author told their HEA journey. And I knew I had to read the series. I bought this book immediately after reading the synopsis. Something told me this book was going to be awesome in more ways than one. And, yes I was right. 💯

I loved how bold Taya was about what she did and didn't want when it. Sometimes a woman only wants to have fun and call it a day. But.... when the guy you want looks scrumptious, handsome, sexy af like Beck? Honey, you need to rethink your wants and your needs. Cause everyone needs a Beck in their life! This book was everything!! I loved that Taya was so relatable. She's someone I would love to hang out with. Her daughters Dylan and Lauren were sooo amazing and supportive of their mom. And funny as heck. 😂😂 Overall this book gave me good vibes, smiles, laughs for days, and interesting thoughts about chandeliers. 😆 You have to read the book to understand what I mean. I will say this, you will not walk away disappointed. Nope. This book is a book worth having in your digital or physical library. Even though I'm 55 I still say life doesn't end when your grown kids leave the nest. No ma'am. If there's still gas in the tank, drive that car until the wheels fall off. And have lots of fun while you're doing it. Cause Taya and Beck sure did!! 😁

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Each Other . . .

Retired Army Ranger Beckett Rivera has discovered family he didn’t know he had and has moved to a mountain cabin in Pineville, Idaho, to live near his half-brother and best friend. Bumping into (quite literally) the pasta-laden waitress, Taya Davis, who is waiting tables until she can start her own catering business, Beck knows he has found his other half. The trouble will be convincing her. She doesn’t have time for a long-term serious relationship, but Beck wants forever. Can he convince her they belong together? What will Taya decide is best for her and what is her heart reaching for? Can they both find the HEA they deserve?

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. I wanted to read this story as soon as I saw the cover a few months ago. I have been waiting impatiently for it to come out.


We got a single chef mom of twin college girls. And a smexy hot ex military. From the start of the story I was very engrossed in those truffle fries I could almost taste them. This was a very quick read. It seemed to go faster than the other novellas. I really wish it was longer cause I wanted to know more. How did her daughters take the news? What did they think. Other than cat calls;) how is he adjusting to an instant family not just the twins but a half brother and nephews? I am sure we visit these characters again in future stories since many of the authors stories take place in this awesome town in Idaho.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Instalove Connection -
This was a sexy, steamy and entertaining love ay first sight romance story, with great characters, a heartwarming storyline and no drama, that will draw you in from the beginning and keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The story has a good flow to it and the camaraderie of the characters made me wish I lived in Pineville. If you are looking for a feel-good romance story to read, the grab a copy of this book now.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tangling with the Mountain Man: A Pineville World Christmas Novella. Taya literally runs into Beck, spilling food all over him. Beck felt something different about Taya the second she ran into him, he never believed in love at first sight until now. Taya isn’t looking for forever but Beck has other plans, can he convince her? Such a sweet storyline and lovable characters. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

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

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck and Taya were awesome! Beck was happily single until Taya literally crashed into his life, and once she did, be was instantly smitten with her! These two were both immediately attracted to one another, but Taya didn't want a relationship. Beck knew he couldn't let her go, so he was committed to convincing her that they were perfect together. Loved it!.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had loads of chemistry between Taya and Beck and some very hot sex. Beck had just moved to town after being in the service for 20 years and Taya was starting her own catering business. They knew right away they were right for each other. I liked the back story of Beck finding out he had a half brother and Taya's girls wanting her to go for it. Very cute story.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Taya and Beck and you are immediately drawn into their story. When they meet, the attraction and chemistry is immediately present and Beck is immediately in love with her. You think that because they are attracted to each other they are going to have a beautiful relationship, but it doesn't quite work out that way. Taya doesn't want a relationship and Beck knows he can't live without her and doesn't want to let her go. The storyline and structure are well described and it was an enjoyable read.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in this series. Taya is a single mom of twin college aged girls. She works had and does what she has to do for her girls. She meets Beck at a mutual friend’s house and the attraction and chemistry are instantaneous. Beck had retired from the military and has found some long lost family. Meeting Taya is the answer to his dreams. A fast paced read with lots of sparks and chemistry. What starts off as something casual becomes so much more to last a lifetime. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of a wartime vet and a chef meeting over a plate of pasta and embarking on a instalove attraction. Beck and Taya are older, seasoned adults so when they crash together and fall hard for each other neither wants to waste any time.
Great story and quick read!

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, but steamy, delight of insta-love where when eyes meet your heart knows. Loved it ❤️.

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

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another novella in the Tangling Series set in Pineville, Idaho is an instant hit! If love story at first sight is your jam, you’re in luck! Beck and Taya are instantly drawn to one another. But there are obstacles in their path!
I lived this short, hot read. I think you will too!

[casvec]

After raising her twins, at forty-one Tanya has worked hard to achieving her dream, opening her own catering company, she does not think she has time for more. Beck has just moved into towns, after learning who his father was and his half-brother. Once in the military, now he is retired to become a mountain man.

When Beck runs into Tanya they feel a spark they never experiences, but now he needs to prove to Tanya she can have both her career and love. Great fast read that is a hot whirlwind love.

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

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed latest book about two of the characters who live in Pineville, Idaho. Beck and Taya are bit older than other couples from this series. And I like that about his book. Taya is a widow and now an empty nester with her twin girls going off to college and Beck is recently retired from the Army. He chose Pineville for a few reasons. He found out he has a half brother, TS another character featured in his own book by Ms Elise and the fact that he is able to live in a cabin in the mountains where he finds the peace and quiet he craves after years of service. The attraction between Beck and Taya is strong. I like how Beck encourages Taya in her dream to open up her own catering company and how Taya is able to help Beck with his own dreams. A wonderful read with a wonderful HEA

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the newest book in the Tangled series. Moving to be close to his brother, Beck has been looking for family his whole life. Taya is a chef and she meets Beck in the funniest way. Love every book Debra writes, and always love all her amazing characters and stories.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taya has two daughters in college and is starting her own catering business! She doesn’t have time for a relationship, that is until she meets gorgeous ex military mountain man Beck! Beck takes one look at beautiful Taya and knows instantly that she is his! Now he just has to show her that they belong together! Can they find their happily ever after! Great book that I would highly recommend!.

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

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck and Taya met, when she came out of the bar kitchen not particularly paying attention slamming straight into Beck's chest with a plate of pasta into each their chest. The chemistry was powerful as they instantly knew the other was special. Enjoy this powerful read as Beck and Taya negotiated their relationship.

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

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An instant attraction between Taya and Beckett, liked the maturity of the characters, yet they still seem tongue tied when approached by a good looking man or woman. Enjoyed the take charge attitude and the pure honesty from Beckett.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bells ringing while hot food is splattered is all it takes to find the right one. A sweet feel good HEA just before Christmas can't go wrong.

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

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taya and Beck

Taya is working in a restaurant until she has enough money to start her own catering business. While working or day she literally runs into Beck with a plate of pasta. They're instantly attracted to one another. They then discover that they have the same group of friends. Will they get together and make it work?

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taya and Beck met when she literally bumped into him covering him in the plates of pasta she was carrying. Their connection was instantaneous. Beck wasn’t going to let her go. Taya was nervous, she was a single mum, her girls had gone off to college and she was starting a new business, she didn’t have time for a relationship. Beck knew she was his forever and didn’t give up. Sweet, steamy romance with amazing chemistry, a wonderful hero who would do anything to get his woman and an amazing HEA.

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

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widowed Taya is starting to spread her wings now her ids have left home. She meets the gorgeous former ranger at the pub where she's found her second home. New to the area Beckett can't get enough of her. I've enjoyed reading the Tangled series by Debra Elise and can't wait for the final book Tangling with the Silver Fox. Debra's books are easy to read and have great characters, with story lines that have you unable to put the book down.

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

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taya is a single mother and a chef, she is planning on opening her own business soon.
She literally bumps into Beck when serving food to her kids. They are both attracted to each other, but Taya is not looking to start a new relationship when she is just about to open her catering company. Can Beck convince her that he wants more than one night together and will Taya give them a chance at a HEA.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short, sweet story of Beck meeting Taya and both of them falling in love at the same time. Beck knew for sure but Taya needed to admit it to herself. I love how Beck got Taya to listen to him about his feeling. An enjoyable, beautiful Story.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great insta-love romance in the author's Pineville, Idaho world. Taya has raised her twin girls to adulthood mostly on her own. She is a chef and on the verge of starting her own catering company. Beck is an Army buddy of Cole (from Worth the Wait), who decided to settle in the mountain near Pineville. Not only is his army buddy Cole there with his family, but he has some new-found half-brothers in the area.

This book was really sweet; very little angst, but still interesting. Beck literally runs into Taya at O'Malley's restaurant, where they both get covered in pasta; talk about meet-cute! He instantly knows she's the one for him. Now he just has to convince her! The romance is swoon-worthy and the steam level is high. I like that the steamy parts include romantic feelings and are without a plethora of f-words and c-words, even though it's otherwise pretty explicit.

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

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author, and I am so happy to add them to my favourite list. Beck and Taya's story is a classic Hallmark Holiday. No drama, low angst, good dialogue and good spice. But what I loved about this book was the mc's ages; the H and h were both in their early 40's, and it was no refreshing to read something that didn't include an 18-year-old virgin. I am going back to read the rest of the series now.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Taya and Beck. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, denial, determination and steam.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has one of the best meet cutes! A unique way of meeting that could have been awkward if it wasn’t for the sizzling chemistry! Single mom and chef Taya meets former Army Ranger and current mountain man Beck and the heat instantly flies. As a woman with two newly adult daughters and a catering business about to about, she doesn’t think she has time for romance. Possibly friends with benefits if he’s willing. Only Beck doesn’t want her for right now, he wants her forever.

There’s plenty of sweet and steam in this mountain man romance. I liked the six degrees of separation between connected characters and how protective and brotherly some of them could be. I liked the side story about Beck’s half brother and finding each other, trying to build a relationship. I also really loved the ending and the use of chandeliers. This was a great romance for anyone who enjoys mountain man, single mother, Christmas romance tropes with plenty of heat.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've become a bit of a sucker for these steamy, fast, fun "Hallmark" holiday reads. Beck has just retired from the Military and discovered a half brother he didn't know he had and a great mountain town to put down his roots. Taya, divorced mother of college aged twin girls, is living her best life as a chef and getting ready to start her own catering business. Whenthey collide, it is insta-lust for them both, but will it become more. I love the mature characters, they are well written, interesting people. The book is fast paced, sizzling, full of steam, and just an overall great read. Less than the cost of a cup of coffee, get yourself a gift this season.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beck promised his mother he would look up his father when she became sick. His father was gone but he found a half-brother. Now living in the same town as his half-brother and best friend, all he wanted was his chance to get Taya to agree to be with him. Beck and Taya may have connected through a pasta dumping but what happens next between them will have you in their corner to get their chance to find happiness!

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