Coming Home to the Mountain

Protective hero, high heat, all the feels, characters with strong moral compasses, super steamy in all the right ways, small-town romance: The Coming Home to the Mountain has it all. Enjoy the first three books of the series: Rough and Tumble, Rough Deal, and Rough Waters.

I’m Bartlett Rough, and I’ve never left the mountain where I was raised with my six brothers and sisters. Cheesy as it may sound, Home really is where the heart is. But we’re all growing up, building cabins of our own, taking claim of our land. Things are changing. I feel that more than ever, when the winter winds sweep Abby into town. This wild, fierce beauty is everything I’m not.

I’m Rye Rough—the oldest of seven kids, with a family tree that built this town. I understand more than most that reputations matter. Which is why I keep my mouth shut—and that secret? I’m not telling a soul. It’s clear it’s causing problems. Working as my dad’s right-hand man, I’m angrier than ever—it’s messing with the family construction company. My father forces a deal: Go to the rural family cabin and don’t come back until I get my head on straight or I lose my place in the business. As if spending more time alone is going to solve anything. One day into my retreat—I find Prairie

Everyone thinks I’m sour but really, I’m just lonely. I’m twenty-four years old and have never been in love. How could I? I’m Lemon Rough—a girl with five protective brothers who don’t believe any man in this town is good enough for me. For my birthday I’ve requested one thing—alone time. I packed my car with books and wine for a solo trip at the family cabin on Stout Lake. When I arrive I find we have a new neighbor. A shirtless, muscular, and ridiculously handsome neighbor. Hey, maybe this will be the best birthday ever.

My wife died in a tragic accident when our daughter was just a year old. After losing her, I never thought I would love again. It’s been four years and my little girl is my whole world now. When I meet Meadow, a musician in a traveling band, my heart grows in ways I didn’t think possible. I can see it all—a life with this fair-haired beauty who sings songs that sweep me away. I’d forgotten how good life could be. Meadow reminds me that there is more beauty to be seen. More living to be had.

When Graham volunteers to help at the mudslide a few towns over, he never imagines finding Tallie. She is a woman who lost everything, clinging to a baby, destitute by all accounts. Graham and Tallie have an instant connection—but love is not so simple when you are trying to outrun your past, scared of an unknown future. Can Tallie find a forever family in Home, WA, with the Roughs?

When I leave for a hunting trip to the family cabin, I don’t expect to find the woman of my goddamn dreams squatting there. She’s on the run. She wants a life that is full and staying at her parent’s compound meant she would forfeit her future. I am a real Rough man, with a desperate urge to protect her. Whatever the cost, justice will be served.

Coming back after my fashion internship was supposed to be a short-term stop…but my heart is telling me I belong right here at Home, WA. When my brother’s oldest friend Hank shows up at family dinner, I am reminded how smitten I have always been of this rough and tumble man. He’s returned to his roots, too, and he is looking to settle down for good. My dreams have changed, and I am terrified of letting my family down—but I am even more scared of letting myself down. We have one wild and precious life…and right now, I am determined not to waste it.