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Three ex-military men. One remote mountain. Zero plans for drama.
Magnus, Brody, and Creed made a pact at eighteen—serve their country, then build a quiet life off-grid. Now in their mid-forties, Magnus and Brody are settling into their hard-earned peace, waiting for Creed to return and complete their dream homestead.
But everything changes the day a century-old casket is unearthed in their garden.
When the local police come knocking, they bring Trent—a charming antique dealer with a keen eye and a hidden longing for something more. He’s lived in Emberwood his whole life, where nothing ever happens... until now.
Drawn into a century-old mystery, Magnus and Trent must unravel secrets buried deep in the mountain’s history—before someone makes sure they stay buried for good.
A body. A mystery. A sizzling connection neither man saw coming.
Can love bloom while danger looms—or will the past drag them down with it?
Magnus, Brody, and Creed made a pact at eighteen—serve their country, then build a quiet life off-grid. Now in their mid-forties, Magnus and Brody are settling into their hard-earned peace, waiting for Creed to return and complete their dream homestead.
But everything changes the day a century-old casket is unearthed in their garden.
When the local police come knocking, they bring Trent—a charming antique dealer with a keen eye and a hidden longing for something more. He’s lived in Emberwood his whole life, where nothing ever happens... until now.
Drawn into a century-old mystery, Magnus and Trent must unravel secrets buried deep in the mountain’s history—before someone makes sure they stay buried for good.
A body. A mystery. A sizzling connection neither man saw coming.
Can love bloom while danger looms—or will the past drag them down with it?
- GenresM M RomanceRomance
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
81 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Evie Riley
54 books25 followersEvie Riley believes too much time spent at the beach is barely enough. She enjoys spending time puttering in the garden, cooking yummy things for her family, and has a quirky personality, described by her partner as ranging from cute to deadly, depending on her blood-chocolate levels.
Evie crafts steamy gay male romance filled with all the edgy angst, or dark and gritty romantic suspense where her men must overcome difficult obstacles and may find love along the way while dishing out their own brand of justice.
Evie spends her nights writing bad boys in love, and her days wrangling the sweet boys she loves.
Evie crafts steamy gay male romance filled with all the edgy angst, or dark and gritty romantic suspense where her men must overcome difficult obstacles and may find love along the way while dishing out their own brand of justice.
Evie spends her nights writing bad boys in love, and her days wrangling the sweet boys she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 16, 2025
4 stars. I’m not even sure what to say about this book. The ending was weird, can’t argue that and the random “twist”, was it really necessary? It ended on a cliffhanger, so clearly I have to read book two now, but am I gonna enjoy it?
July 16, 2025
💀🔍🌲🔥💘
Let me paint you a picture: two ex-army hunks move into the woods to live off-grid and—surprise!—dig up a coffin in the backyard.
Welcome to Magnus, the bold, broody, and irresistibly rugged first book in Evie Riley’s brand-new Rock Hard Mountain Men series. And when I say rock hard… well, I’m not just talking about the landscape. 😉
Magnus and Brody are ex-military besties - well there is a third, Creed, currently still serving - turned lumberjack dreamboats, settling into a remote cabin life that’s more "HGTV with emotional baggage" than "Little House on the Prairie." Their idyllic peace is shattered (in the best way) by the discovery of a hundred-year-old coffin, mysterious artifacts, and a swirling gothic whodunit involving a hidden mausoleum, an unidentified corpse, and a coven of mountain witches known as The Mothers of the Mountain—because why have one mystery when you can have an entire cursed legend?
And then, there is Trent, ex professional weight-lifter turned antiques dealer with sharp eyes and sharper cheekbones, who’s called in to assess the creepy treasure trove. Sparks fly faster than Magnus can chop firewood shirtless (I assume), and the slow-burn chemistry between these two gruff, guarded men is nothing short of delicious. Their connection is tender, tentative, and yes, very steamy—with just the right amount of emotional excavation.
The romance is satisfying, the banter bites in all the right places, and the world-building is perfectly preparing the scenes for the series. Riley doesn’t just give us a love story—she serves a full platter of action, small town mystery, paranormal intrigue, and emotionally complex characters wrapped in flannel and secrets. And though Magnus and Trent’s arc finds a solid resting place (for now), don’t get too cozy—there’s a cliffhanger humming in the trees, and Brody and Creed are waiting in the wings with more mysteries (and, let’s be honest, more smoldering glances) to come.
So yes, this series has claws—and it knows how to scratch.
I read it in one sitting. Regret nothing. Except that Brody’s book isn’t already in my hands.
Verdict:
If you like your romance with a touch of ghost story, a splash of suspense, and a lumberjack or two with trust issues—welcome home. Just… maybe check the backyard for unexpected graves first.
Let me paint you a picture: two ex-army hunks move into the woods to live off-grid and—surprise!—dig up a coffin in the backyard.
Welcome to Magnus, the bold, broody, and irresistibly rugged first book in Evie Riley’s brand-new Rock Hard Mountain Men series. And when I say rock hard… well, I’m not just talking about the landscape. 😉
Magnus and Brody are ex-military besties - well there is a third, Creed, currently still serving - turned lumberjack dreamboats, settling into a remote cabin life that’s more "HGTV with emotional baggage" than "Little House on the Prairie." Their idyllic peace is shattered (in the best way) by the discovery of a hundred-year-old coffin, mysterious artifacts, and a swirling gothic whodunit involving a hidden mausoleum, an unidentified corpse, and a coven of mountain witches known as The Mothers of the Mountain—because why have one mystery when you can have an entire cursed legend?
And then, there is Trent, ex professional weight-lifter turned antiques dealer with sharp eyes and sharper cheekbones, who’s called in to assess the creepy treasure trove. Sparks fly faster than Magnus can chop firewood shirtless (I assume), and the slow-burn chemistry between these two gruff, guarded men is nothing short of delicious. Their connection is tender, tentative, and yes, very steamy—with just the right amount of emotional excavation.
The romance is satisfying, the banter bites in all the right places, and the world-building is perfectly preparing the scenes for the series. Riley doesn’t just give us a love story—she serves a full platter of action, small town mystery, paranormal intrigue, and emotionally complex characters wrapped in flannel and secrets. And though Magnus and Trent’s arc finds a solid resting place (for now), don’t get too cozy—there’s a cliffhanger humming in the trees, and Brody and Creed are waiting in the wings with more mysteries (and, let’s be honest, more smoldering glances) to come.
So yes, this series has claws—and it knows how to scratch.
I read it in one sitting. Regret nothing. Except that Brody’s book isn’t already in my hands.
Verdict:
If you like your romance with a touch of ghost story, a splash of suspense, and a lumberjack or two with trust issues—welcome home. Just… maybe check the backyard for unexpected graves first.
July 8, 2025
A great start
This is a brand-new series from Evie Riley called rockhard mountain men. And it’s basically about three guys who met in the army and bonded and had this brother type relationship now you’ve got Magnus Brody and Creed. Creed is still in active service but Magnus and Brody are building a future on a plotter land that they brought. And in this book it mainly about Magnus although we get to see loads of Brody.
When they were getting the land ready Brody had already built his house. Magnus house was going up and while Magnus was waiting, he wanted to get a greenhouse up because he wanted to grow vegetables and fruit. And this is where everything changed because whilst he was digging up an old floor plate, he came across a coffin. And that’s when the police got involved and a guy called Trent who was the local antique dealer because the police had found a few items within the coffin when they were trying to identify the skeleton remains. And there was a weird attraction between Magnus and Trent. When the search for the clues left behind in the coffin gets a bit dangerous. Items go missing and somebody tries to break into Trent antique shop one night to get to the locket he was doing research on. Magnus and Brody take Trent’s safety very seriously. Magnus and Trent decide to investigate the clue while Brody stays home. But the more time that these men spend together the more the attraction grows. I’ve gotta say I enjoy the banter throughout this book.
Looking forward to the next book in the series and get to know Brody a bit better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brand-new series from Evie Riley called rockhard mountain men. And it’s basically about three guys who met in the army and bonded and had this brother type relationship now you’ve got Magnus Brody and Creed. Creed is still in active service but Magnus and Brody are building a future on a plotter land that they brought. And in this book it mainly about Magnus although we get to see loads of Brody.
When they were getting the land ready Brody had already built his house. Magnus house was going up and while Magnus was waiting, he wanted to get a greenhouse up because he wanted to grow vegetables and fruit. And this is where everything changed because whilst he was digging up an old floor plate, he came across a coffin. And that’s when the police got involved and a guy called Trent who was the local antique dealer because the police had found a few items within the coffin when they were trying to identify the skeleton remains. And there was a weird attraction between Magnus and Trent. When the search for the clues left behind in the coffin gets a bit dangerous. Items go missing and somebody tries to break into Trent antique shop one night to get to the locket he was doing research on. Magnus and Brody take Trent’s safety very seriously. Magnus and Trent decide to investigate the clue while Brody stays home. But the more time that these men spend together the more the attraction grows. I’ve gotta say I enjoy the banter throughout this book.
Looking forward to the next book in the series and get to know Brody a bit better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
This brand-new series from Evie Riley introduces us to three former army buddies—Magnus, Brody, and Creed—who forged an unbreakable bond during their time in service. While Creed remains on active duty, Magnus and Brody are laying down roots on a remote plot of land they purchased together, dreaming of a self-sufficient life off the grid.
Brody’s house is already built, and Magnus is in the middle of constructing his own. While waiting for his home to be finished, Magnus focuses on creating a greenhouse to grow his food. But everything changes when he uncovers an old floor plate—and beneath it, a hidden coffin. The discovery draws in the local police and Trent, a knowledgeable and charming antiques dealer, who’s called in to help identify the mysterious items found with the skeletal remains. From the moment Magnus and Trent meet, there’s an undeniable spark between them—an attraction that only intensifies as they’re pulled deeper into the mystery. As the investigation heats up, so does the danger. Items go missing, and someone breaks into Trent’s antique shop, targeting a locket he’s researching. Magnus and Brody step up to protect Trent, but it’s Magnus who grows closest to him. Together, Magnus and Trent follow the trail of clues, uncovering secrets—and each other—along the way. With action, suspense, a touch of the paranormal, and plenty of steamy chemistry, this story delivers not just thrills but heart. The banter is sharp, the romance is slow-burn and satisfying, and the emotional depth between two tough men learning to trust again makes this a standout start to the Rockhard Mountain Men series.
Brody’s house is already built, and Magnus is in the middle of constructing his own. While waiting for his home to be finished, Magnus focuses on creating a greenhouse to grow his food. But everything changes when he uncovers an old floor plate—and beneath it, a hidden coffin. The discovery draws in the local police and Trent, a knowledgeable and charming antiques dealer, who’s called in to help identify the mysterious items found with the skeletal remains. From the moment Magnus and Trent meet, there’s an undeniable spark between them—an attraction that only intensifies as they’re pulled deeper into the mystery. As the investigation heats up, so does the danger. Items go missing, and someone breaks into Trent’s antique shop, targeting a locket he’s researching. Magnus and Brody step up to protect Trent, but it’s Magnus who grows closest to him. Together, Magnus and Trent follow the trail of clues, uncovering secrets—and each other—along the way. With action, suspense, a touch of the paranormal, and plenty of steamy chemistry, this story delivers not just thrills but heart. The banter is sharp, the romance is slow-burn and satisfying, and the emotional depth between two tough men learning to trust again makes this a standout start to the Rockhard Mountain Men series.
July 10, 2025
4.5 stars
The blurb for this book sets it up very well. There is a 125 year old mystery that comes to light when a coffin is discovered in Magnus’s back yard. This leads to Trent, an antique dealer, entering the scene to look at some items discovered in the coffin. It also leads to interest on the parts of Trent and Magnus to find out if the other happens to be gay, and if so, can something come of it. As the two become immersed in solving the mystery, they make a connection which quickly grows into a relationship.
Characters are realistic and interesting, there is good world-building relating to the mystery and there is a lot going on on a couple of fronts with an unidentified body in the coffin, 3 items that raise many questions, a hidden mausoleum, an accusation of an old murder, and legendary witches known as The Mothers of the Mountain still causing problems today. Trent and Magnus only find partial answers to one of the objects, so I’m guessing the mystery and significance of the other two objects must be up to Brody and Creed to solve, along with their unknown love interests, before the mystery is truly solved.
This book does have a cliffhanger of sorts, so you will need to read the whole series to get to the bottom of the mystery, although Magnus and Trent’s story is pretty well set (at least for the moment). The book kept me engaged the whole time, reading it in one sitting, and I am now looking forward to Brody’s story and further revelations as the plot thickens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb for this book sets it up very well. There is a 125 year old mystery that comes to light when a coffin is discovered in Magnus’s back yard. This leads to Trent, an antique dealer, entering the scene to look at some items discovered in the coffin. It also leads to interest on the parts of Trent and Magnus to find out if the other happens to be gay, and if so, can something come of it. As the two become immersed in solving the mystery, they make a connection which quickly grows into a relationship.
Characters are realistic and interesting, there is good world-building relating to the mystery and there is a lot going on on a couple of fronts with an unidentified body in the coffin, 3 items that raise many questions, a hidden mausoleum, an accusation of an old murder, and legendary witches known as The Mothers of the Mountain still causing problems today. Trent and Magnus only find partial answers to one of the objects, so I’m guessing the mystery and significance of the other two objects must be up to Brody and Creed to solve, along with their unknown love interests, before the mystery is truly solved.
This book does have a cliffhanger of sorts, so you will need to read the whole series to get to the bottom of the mystery, although Magnus and Trent’s story is pretty well set (at least for the moment). The book kept me engaged the whole time, reading it in one sitting, and I am now looking forward to Brody’s story and further revelations as the plot thickens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2025
This is the first book in the Rock Hard Mountain Men series. Magnus, Brody and Creed have an unbreakable bond from their time together in the military. Creed is still on active duty so Magnus and Brody have started building their off grid homestead. Being completely self sufficient is their goal. Since there will be a delay in constructing Magnus's house, he decides to start on his desired greenhouse. Unfortunately, under the cement slab on the property he discovers a coffin. Their peace and quiet is about to be disturbed. The police come to investigate and bring the local antiques dealer with them. Trent really knows his antiques but is not so sure about people. Magnus and Trent are both awkward when meeting and trying to make small talk. This is their story. Brody, Magnus and Trent get caught up in investigating the body and the artifacts found in the the grave with it. The spark between Magnus and Trent grows as quickly as they mystery does. Missing evidence, attempted break ins, and a suspicion about the local police causes them to investigate alone. There is action, danger and the mystery continues into book 2. I really enjoyed the slow burn between Magnus and Trent. I liked how they both had insecurities and supported each other. The book is written well and is easy to read. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2025
This is a Great Story to Read!! This is the first book in a new series. This is Magnus's story. Magnus is retired military and is living outside of Emberwood. Magnus and Brody are starting to build their homestead while they wait for their friend Creed to join them when he retires. Magnus does Underground Cage Fighting to earn some extra money for the concrete that was not in his budget for his Greenhouse. Brody's house is almost finished while mine is a work in progress because my focus has been on crops and trees and the Chicken Coop. While digging up the concrete in the yard where the new Greenhouse is going to go Magnus finds a coffin with a body inside. Trent is an Antique deal in Emberwood and he arrives with the police to look at some items that were found with the body. Trent takes the locket home to see if he can recover the picture that is in it. Will Trent and Magnus be able to solve the mystery of who was in the coffin???? Will they find the secrets of Emberwood??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Slow-Burn Mystery with Heat, Heart, and a Hint of Danger
Evie Riley’s Magnus kicks off the Rock Hard Mountain Men series with an irresistible blend of suspense, small-town charm, and emotionally rich M/M romance. Magnus and his longtime buddy Brody just want peace and quiet in the mountains—but a buried casket, a century-old mystery, and a captivating antique dealer named Trent have other plans.
Magnus and Trent’s chemistry is undeniable, unfolding slowly and tenderly as they’re forced together by circumstances none of them saw coming. Their romance feels grounded and mature—two men navigating the scars of life while stumbling into something neither expected.
The mystery adds an atmospheric, edge-of-your-seat quality without overshadowing the romance. And Trent? Utterly endearing, with layers that peel back beautifully as the story unfolds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evie Riley’s Magnus kicks off the Rock Hard Mountain Men series with an irresistible blend of suspense, small-town charm, and emotionally rich M/M romance. Magnus and his longtime buddy Brody just want peace and quiet in the mountains—but a buried casket, a century-old mystery, and a captivating antique dealer named Trent have other plans.
Magnus and Trent’s chemistry is undeniable, unfolding slowly and tenderly as they’re forced together by circumstances none of them saw coming. Their romance feels grounded and mature—two men navigating the scars of life while stumbling into something neither expected.
The mystery adds an atmospheric, edge-of-your-seat quality without overshadowing the romance. And Trent? Utterly endearing, with layers that peel back beautifully as the story unfolds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2025
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I like the set-up of three military men, who bonded during their service, plan to live on their own homestead; they knew it would be a lot of work, but a coffin with a dead body was an unexpected find. I liked the characters. You can feel the chemistry between Magnus and Trent from the start. It was cute how they were both a little awkward, with Trent's rambling and Magus putting his foot in his mouth. Once Magnus's chihuahua, who'd growled at Trent at the beginning of their meeting decided to take a nap on his lap at the end of it, I knew these two would be solid (a dog always knows!). The story had mystery, suspense, and some danger and it was exciting to see what was going on and what would happen. A great start to a new series and I'm looking forward to the next book. 5 stars.
July 9, 2025
When Magnus digs up some old concrete he finds a coffin.
Magnus, Brody and Creed joined together to buy a block of land to build homes on and live off the grid when their service is up. Magnus and Brody have already retires and are now working on the second home. Magnus plans to build a large greenhouse to keep them in fresh supplies over winter. The concrete base he was going to use is too old and crumbling so he starts digging it up. He notices something under the concrete and digs around it revealing a coffin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Magnus, Brody and Creed joined together to buy a block of land to build homes on and live off the grid when their service is up. Magnus and Brody have already retires and are now working on the second home. Magnus plans to build a large greenhouse to keep them in fresh supplies over winter. The concrete base he was going to use is too old and crumbling so he starts digging it up. He notices something under the concrete and digs around it revealing a coffin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2025
Magnus is an underground cage fighter to supplement his military pension. He lived out in isolation with a buddy while they waited for a third to retire, grow their own food, live off the land. After finding an old coffin, Trent , the local antiques dealer gets involved. Both men are attracted and grow close trying to solve the mystery. In this action filled, suspenseful Romance there is a touch of the paranormal and lots of steam for the two big tough guys that have a soft side for each other. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.
July 7, 2025
Magnus and his two fellow soldiers bought a property in the mountains to retire. When clearing the area an old coffin is discovered. Trent an antiques dealer was called in to look at the items in the coffin. The sheriff’s department seems to be dragging the investigation, so Magnus, Trent and Brody a fellow retired soldier decide to start their own fact finding mission. That is where the mystery starts, but there is also danger, drama and romance. This is a great beginning to a new series of stories for this author.
July 9, 2025
Umph, totally hot! Magnus, Brody and Creed as teenagers, make a pack to retire together off the grid in a self sustaining homestead. Magnus and Brody are waiting for Creed to retire. When they find a coffin on the property, antiques dealer, Trent is called to help identify contents. Trent and Magnus, are instantly attracted. This is a story of intrigue, mystery, hopes and secretx. As the men explore the mystery, they learn a bit about themselves and each other. Very exciting, great flow, likeable characters. Nice cover art, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2025
Magnus, Brody and Creed made a pact when they were 18. They would join the military and then settle on some land off the grid and build a home. While developing their home Magnus and Brody, who are waiting for Creed to join them, find an old coffin buried on the property. Trent is the local antiques dealer. This story is about the development of Magnus and Trent's relationship as well as the mystery surrounding the coffin. I loved this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2025
Magnus and Brody are ex military waiting for their buddy Creed to retire so they can live their homestead life off the grid and away from the strife of society.
An old casket found on their property brings Trent, an antiques dealer from town.
Along with some danger, drama, an intriguing mystery and a touch of the paranormal.
I really enjoyed seeing Magnus and Trent slowly get to know one another.
I can't wait for Brody's story.
An old casket found on their property brings Trent, an antiques dealer from town.
Along with some danger, drama, an intriguing mystery and a touch of the paranormal.
I really enjoyed seeing Magnus and Trent slowly get to know one another.
I can't wait for Brody's story.
July 6, 2025
"Magnus" is the first book in a new series by Evie Riley. I really enjoyed this book. The story flows right from the start with great characters and an intriguing mystery. I cannot wait for Brody's story in the next Rock Hard Mountain Men installment.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
This is the first book in the author’s new series called Rock Hard Mountain Men and it was a great start, the series seems set around three Army buddies who have bought a plot of land to live on, this first story is Magnus and Trent’s and is full action, suspense and romance that kept my attention from the start until the end of the story, I’m looking forward to reading Brody’s story next.
July 9, 2025
This is going to be a great series with the mystery and intrigue abound. I love to read about romance when there is a strong plot to go along with it. Awesome start!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
July 9, 2025I don't think it's 490 pages, but it's not important
I won't read the next books
the author need a beta reader or at least a friend that can point out inconsistencies and typos
it's not clear where the story will go but I am not invested enough to keep reading
maybe mystery maybe magic 🤷♀️
I won't read the next books
the author need a beta reader or at least a friend that can point out inconsistencies and typos
it's not clear where the story will go but I am not invested enough to keep reading
maybe mystery maybe magic 🤷♀️
July 9, 2025
This is a good start to this new series. I enjoyed the mystery and can't wait to find out what happens next. Magnus and Trent were a great match for each other.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
July 10, 2025
Magnus is the first book in the new Rock Hard Mountain Men series. The series is set around three ex-military friends, this one is based on Magnus. I loved the story, the mystery and the characters. I just can't wait for the next one.
July 9, 2025
3.75 stars.
August 10, 2025
A spicy cozy romantic mystery.
I'll check out the second book.
I'll check out the second book.
November 19, 2025
It took a bit... but it finally clicked... 🤦♀️
December 23, 2025
Get a proofreader
Then I wouldn't have DNF'd it. Held promise, but when every chapter has a wrong word or misspelling, it's takes away from the story.
Then I wouldn't have DNF'd it. Held promise, but when every chapter has a wrong word or misspelling, it's takes away from the story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews