Love on Mountain Men of Caribou Creek Book 1 A Small Town Mountain Man Curvy Woman Romance
Riley
I kissed my brother’s best friend when I was 15, right before he left for basic training. He didn’t kiss me back. Fourteen years have gone by since I’ve been home. I heard he’s back but haven’t wanted to face him. But when my grandma fractures her ankle and needs in-home physical therapy, I can’t say no.
Caribou Creek is too small to avoid running into Zac Ashburn. Especially since my brother works at his brewery. He’s even hotter and more tempting than I remember. It doesn’t matter that I’m dealing with my own mini life crisis. I know my heart is in trouble. Stupid heart .
Zac
After I served my time in the Army, I moved home to help my brothers take over the family brewery. My life is quiet and simple, just the way I want it. Until Riley Kohl comes back to town and shakes up my whole world. My buddy’s little sister is an all-grown-up knockout.
We were friends once, and I want that again. Problem is, I want more. Much more .
Welcome to Caribou Creek, Alaska. Secluded small town living in the heart of the mountains is not for the faint of heart. But to those who call it home, they can’t imagine being anywhere else. Love runs a little deeper in these parts. It must be something in the water, because the men who’ve sworn to live solitary lives are unable to resist the women who upend their best laid plans and capture their hearts.
This is a sweet & steamy instalove romance with an older mountain man and younger curvy woman. NO cliffhangers. NO cheating. Guaranteed HEA.
Zac and Riley's story was good, but the book left me feeling like I missed so much of the storyline throughout the book.
I wanted to know more about the kiss Zac doesn't remember... I wanted to learn more about Riley's life.. I wanted to know more about Zac's past and PTSD.. What did Riley's brother say to Zac? What did Riley learn about Zac's PTSD triggers?
The storyline is there, and the characters are perfect. However, there are so many gaps....
Zac and Riley knew each other as kids. Now 14 years later they meet again and sparks fly. But Riley has a secret that could threaten their HEA. Instalove with brothers best friend , sweet romantic and with a sweet HEA😍😍😍
This story was a cute, brother’s best friend, small town romance. Riley has been in love with her brother’s best friend Zac since she was a teen. When she was 15 and he was leaving for the Army, she made the mistake of kissing him. He rejected her and she hasn’t been back home or seen him ever since. When circumstances force her home, she’s embarrassed to realize that he doesn’t even remember the kiss. Zac however, sees a grown woman in the spot where his best friend’s sister once stood…a grown woman that he likes very much. Sparks will fly as these two navigate previous relationships, unexpected blessings, and her brother. I enjoyed this story. It reads pretty fast and I was able to finish it in one day.
Short sweet and endearing, nowhere near as much tension as there could have been but I’m reviewing for the book it is not the book I wanted! Writing was ok, super easy to follow, characters I don’t hate and for the short amount of time we are with them, I cared enough for them, I am defo game for Bens story! This was all a little easy to resolve for me but it’s basically a novella so to be expected but I’m rotten ill today and this was easy and just what I needed
She is a dessert he yearns to taste more by the minute
Love on Tap is the first book in the Mountain Men of Caribou Creek series. If you have read the Guardian's of the North series then you will be familiar with the J-Squad's favorite brewery....Caribou Creek Brewery. The brewery has been in the Ashborn family for generations and the three brothers have now taken it over, Ben, Wes and Zac. This story is about Zac and Riley Kohl, who is the younger brother of Huck, Zac's best friend and also an employee. Riley moved away from Alaska and the small town of Caribou Creek after she graduated high school and went off to college. She because a Physical Therapist and now lives in Florida. But she has come back to town for several weeks to look after her spry and mischievous Grandma Hattie. At eighty-five Hattie is about to give Riley a real run for it, even after having slipped on some wet gravel and breaking her ankle. When Hattie refused to stay in Anchorage or Fairbanks for therapy Riley knew she needed to come home, even if she has stayed away completely for nearly a decade. Riley's plan was to lay low and completely avoid seeing Zac, who had been her teenage crush with a mortifyingly embarrassing moment when she was fifteen and he was eighteen, and about to leave for the Army. But Riley's plan goes up in smoke when Hattie decides she wants to climb the stairs to her quilting room and Riley has to find Huck to help swap out that room for the guest room, which is on the main floor. So she goes to the brewery to find Huck only to find Zac and then the snap, crackle and pop goes into overdrive between these two. But both are also hiding something very important that may change their lives completely before it even starts.
I really loved this first book in the new series. I was hoping that the brewery and Caribou Creek would get their own spin-off series and this story did not disappoint. I am really loving forward to reading all about Wes next.
Riley is back home until her grandma recovers from a bad fall. Apart from that, Riley needs time to know something she is postponing. Zac can’t believe what a wonderful woman his best friend’s little sister has become. I liked Zac, but I don’t understand Riley. Why is taking her so long to know what the sticks have to tell her? I can understand that she is living in a small community, and it would be difficult to buy the sticks there without everybody knowing it, but once she has them, why wait? All in all, I still enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh boy. Riley and Zac. These 2 were destined from the beginning. No matter what happened, they were going to get together. Especially if it had anything to do with Grandma Hattie 🫣
Now Zac is dealing with some series PTSD from the war. He can’t sleep and when things get really bad, he isolates himself so no one can see what he’s dealing with. This also means that he hasn’t been able to keep a relationship as he has worries that someone can’t love him this way.
Riley is Zac’s best friend’s sister so obviously it can never happen. They did kiss a very long time ago but Zac can’t remember so of course why not try again and see what can happen but Riley won’t let that happen. She can’t been seen as that young girl who makes poor decisions especially when her life might change drastically.
Zac helps Riley get her grandpa set up after she broke her ankle and grandma had some ulterior motives with him helping her out. She wanted to see them together so she did whatever she could to keep him around. When Zac found out what Riley was dealing with, he promised to be there no matter what and he made his feelings known about how he felt about her.
With this coming out Riley finally gave in. She has wanted Zac for as long as she can remember so why not give him the chance to finally prove to her she’s worth it. They were so adorable. I loved them as a couple and the way it ended was perfect.
Kali Hart, how have I not discovered you before now?! Love on Tap, the first novella in Ms Hart's Mountain Men of Caribou Creek series, is a fabulously-written, super sweet and wonderfully steamy romance. Riley has returned to Caribou Creek to help take care of her grandmother after she broke her ankle, and has been avoiding her brother's best friend, Zac - whom she had a massive crush on when she was a teenager. Once she and Zac finally lay eyes on one another again, there is a very mutual attraction. Zac, ex-military and still occasionally battling PTSD, finds that Riley calms him in a way nothing else does. However, her stay is only supposed to be temporary - and she fears she may have more ties back in Orlando than she wishes. Then there's the matter of her brother...
Zac is swoon-worthy and Riley is imperfectly perfect, both flawed and awesome, and with Kindle-melting chemistry that reminds you that first and foremost, this is a steamy romance. A highly recommended must-read - while I head off to find more of Kali Hart's work to devour!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mountain Men of Caribou Creek is Shaping up to be an Amazing Series Kali Hart’s “Love on Tap” is a sexy start to the new Mountain Men of Caribou Creek series. I’ve been so excited for this lineup, having first gotten a glimpse of the Ashburn brothers as side characters in the Guardians of the North series, and I am already in love! Zac Ashburn and Riley Kohl - the brother’s best friend and the little sister who harbored a crush on him - find themselves back in each other’s orbit after years apart, and the chemistry is instantaneous and white hot. Zac is a gorgeous military vet who cannot keep his mind off the beautiful but snarky Riley, and their road to HEA is so friggin’ sweet despite a hiccup or two along the way. One thing I adore about all things Kali Hart is the way she creates a family of characters (by blood or by bond), and that underlying devotion always makes these short, steamy stories so very special in my opinion. Not gonna lie - I kinda want to duct tape big grumpy brother Ben’s mouth shut and throw him in a closet, but I have a feeling his story - when he finally gets it - will be amazing. Love this new series already!
Let me tell you, Grandma Hettie is a character, who creates a humorous atmosphere in a book. She alone makes it witty, and fun, as well as, a fast read.
There is a chance to run into an old unrequited love from, Riley’s past. But, to her mortification, he has no recollection of the encounter. She is stunned.
She doesn't know how to react to that. It is has haunted her dreams for, the last fourteen years. Granted, it did happen when she was fifteen. But, it did affect a lot of her decision-making since then.
Her confidence was shot. From that one moment in her life. Although, seeing Riley again, has had a profound effect on Zac. He found a piece of a puzzle that he had been missing.
Three friends are finally reunited and Zac's world is right again. Nuck, Riley, and he was always a team and for now the team was together. Giving him now a sense of calm.
Very good book. Riley got on my nerves a little. She could have put herself and everyone else in such grief, it she would have put on, her big girl panties sooner.
I need to stop reading romantic novellas. They always seem to fall into at least the realm of mediocrity but often they fall beyond that into just plain bad. This was one instance that because it was a novella, it was bad. There were so many plot holes and dropped issues. There was no building into the characters background. This was touted as somewhat of a second chance romance, but we're left with no real story on how they grew up together or how Riley's crush on Zac started.
The characters just weren't fleshed out enough. Zac has PTSD from his military deployment, but it's not really brought up unless it's part of the stunted 3rd act breakup. Riley's got a bit of stress/trauma from a relationship she was in while living in Orlando, but other than the basic facts, we're not given the meat of the issue.
Everything just felt half done. This could have been a fantastic book if it was worked on more and the plot was actually built.
The first book in Men of Caribou Creek did not disappoint. Zac and his brothers own the local bar. They took it over from their grandparents when they returned home after getting out of the military. Riley left home after graduation to become a physical therapist and now she’s back helping her grandmother with rehab after injuring her foot. Riley has had a crush on Zac for as long as she can remember but after embarrassing herself with him fourteen years ago, she’s not sure what to expect when they see each other again. This was an entertaining story with lots of feels. Riley and Zac had lots of chemistry and connection but lots going on, age difference, brother’s best friend just to name a few. Nice to see characters from previous books too. Can’t wait to see who Wes falls for. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First things first; I like the cover of this book! Love on tap is the first book in the ‘’mountain men of Caribou creek’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. When Riley returns to her hometown to help her grandmother will she find a reason to stay? Zac is attracted to his best friends sister but will love blossom between them? The chemistry between Riley and Zac is clear to see and I liked them together. I liked the ending and the epilogue for this story. The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I look forward to more books from this series.
Not bad, but cannot give this book more than 2.5*, it is very short and there is not much space where you can learn about MCs. Not bad, but something was missing.
Kali Hart has written another awesome story with Love on Tap. Riley came home to Caribou Creek to not only take care of Grandma Hattie but to get away from problems if only temporarily. She is determined to avoid her teenage crush and her brother's best friend Zac. But avoiding him becomes impossible when she into him at the bar he owns with his brothers. The chemistry them is off the charts hot but Zac is still haunted by his time in the military and Riley is dealing with something that could change her life forever. And Grandma Hattie and her antics will have you laughing your head off. 5 stars.
I think Zac is going to be everyone’s favorite character in this story. Clueless guy who does a complete turnaround when teenage Riley is temporarily back home and all grown up. The problems are twofold here. Zac is afraid to upset his best friend by wanting to start something with his younger sister. And Riley is only here to take care of her grandmother’s broken ankle and won’t be sticking around once that is healed and rehabilitated. Will Zac pursue a relationship regardless? Can he convince her to stay and give their love a chance?
Riley is a physical therapist and comes home to take care of her grandma who fell and hutlrt her ankle. While back she plans on avoiding the only guy she has ever really loved, Zac. That plan falls apart when she needs her brothers help and he is unavailable. Will things work out thus time between them now that they are both older? Great short story with wonderful characters. Gotta love Grandma and all her sas. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very short sort of second chance instalove romance. Riley had a crush on Zac when they were younger and when he rejected her, Riley took it pretty rough and moved away. Now she’s back home and just can’t seem to stay away from him. Zac has returned home after serving in the military with some PTSD . He instantly falls for Riley.. didn’t like the underlying drama of if she’s pregnant with someone else’s baby or not as well the character development was pretty superficial. Not too steamy but does have a HEA
Kali’s stories are always good. This novella was just fantastic. This second chance love story is just what you need to dream away. Zac has some problems from his time in the army and Riley needs to figure out some things in her life. They are there for each other and bring out the best in each other. Grandma Hattie is a fantastic and funny character with her snarky comments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I enjoyed the interactions between Riley and Zac. Riley is back in Caribou Creek to look after her grandmother. She use to have a crush on Zac years ago and doesn't really want to see him. Fate has other plans for this couple. Will they be able to work things out to find a happily ever after?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I truly loved this book and I cant get enough of these two. But I wish there was more about the forgotten kiss... what really happened? This story was funny & emotional. Grandma Hattie was hilarious, and I hope I'm like her when im old. A childhood crush on a friend years later reuniting and having a spark and attraction. Knowing you found that one person who your meant to be with, who settles you inner demons and fears. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
I absolutely love these characters. I want to move to Caribou Creek! Riley never wanted to return to her hometown, but when Grandma needs help I come running back. Zac's best friend's little sister is back and she's not so little. She calms his nightmares. He's her first and biggest crush. Will drama and a protective big brother get in the way?. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I Loved this, Grandma Hattie is such a tricky sweetheart. Have you ever kissed your crush as a teenager and been left devastated by his lack of response. And worse still he's your brothers best friend. Fifteen years later and you have to go back and are going to have face him. This is a great feel good tale. With characters you easily can relate to.
Riley is his best friend's little sister and should be off limits BUT she's his calm in the storm. Zac got a kiss from fifteen year old Riley after the guys enlisted but he didn't even remember it. PTSD keeps poor Zac on edge till he sees Riley and everything stills. She's in town to help her Grams who's an outspoken character but a pregnancy scare was a to drama. Great heart and lots of passion! I can't wait for book two.
Riley and Zac have a connection. He's her bothers best friend. The best friend she had ateenage crush on and kissed. Now years later when she has to move back home to help her grandmother she vows to stay away from him at all cost. She relives her embarrassing moment of kissing him and him not kissing her back everyday. But what will happen when they cross paths again and he realizes she's changed? Will things become more for them? Will there be a HEA?
Note to self: do not read any more of these books.
I normally give a book 3 stars for just being a book..and this was a book but I would say this is like a readers digest version of the book that should have been written. It feels like a few chapters of a book instead of a full story. Like a little novella…
If you are someone that likes quick stories and wants to just add to your read list, this is perfect…but if you are looking for like an actual story with a plot line and not just a trope line…this isn’t the one.
I was highly disappointed. I had really high hopes with the excerpts I read online but it did not meet them at all. It had potential but it was too rushed and fast paced. It went from her coming back to them immediately talking about the kiss years ago to them in bed and a month later they were married and then she was pregnant right after(which she took too long to take the test the first time). There was no plot line and it was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was finally time for their love to bloom. I was imagining that their story is real in real life and I got the goosebumps. Childhood friends, separated by distance for years and finding themselves falling in love when they meet again. It's actually romantic. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Physical therapy for Grandma Hattie means asking for Zac to help in replacement of her brother. Will avoiding all this time bit her in the rush or create a whole new adventure. Alaska? Brewery. And retired soldiers make it home. No cliffhanger . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.