Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 85, 500 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1134-8 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Falling for the Mountain Man by Kat L. Haywood

Heat Level 3
$4.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1134-8
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Blair Quinn is running out on everything—her job, her family, and her jackass boyfriend.

With nothing but her designer luggage and a god-awful sense of direction, she finds herself a temporary resident of the quaint, alpine town of Hamel. Snow-capped and picturesque, until a grizzling mountain man demands she vacate the land he's claimed as his own.

Beau Mattsson likes his mountain the way it is—quiet, secluded, and vacant. When he surprises his new neighbor half-naked and living out of a suitcase, the last thing he feels is pity. But there's something about the flighty woman that has him brokering a deal. If Blair can help revive his struggling business before winter, Beau can learn to share the mountain he loves, temporarily.

As their deadline draws near, Beau’s impenetrable walls start to crumble and the thought of returning to his reclusive life is no longer a comfort. Blair can't shake the feeling that her past is stalking her, and even a hulking mountain man can’t keep her safe.

Excerpt:

“You’re twenty minutes late, Blair. I have better things to do than wait on you.”

He throws back a lowball of scotch, color staining his high cheekbones like a blood alcohol content reading. Good. Surprisingly, alcohol seems to dull Harrison’s sharp edges, the ones slowly bleeding me dry.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to finalize some new contracts and time got away from me.”

“The Broad Street account? Alistair said Devens would manage it.” He raises the empty glass to the bartender across the room, jiggling the ice inside like a bell. I shrink into my chair at the arrogance. “Why are you taking on another client, Blair? You know you’ll only have to give them up once we’re married. Don’t you think that’s selfish?”

Is it? The thought ricochets through me. Is it selfish to want more than the humoring my father offers me as “Asset Manager?” Is it selfish to think the sun doesn’t rise and set with Harrison Vanderwilt? To want more than my family’s flawlessly designed future?

“We’re not married.” I hate the quiet, meek quality in my voice. “And we’re not yet engaged. I can work for a little longer, it’s only a twelve-month contract.”

Harrison throws back the next glass before the male server can even speak. I briefly wonder if my appalling manners have kept Cindy away.

“Are you saying we won’t be engaged in twelve months?”

His voice is laced with the hint of a threat, and I feel a growing sense of unease. A queasiness low in my gut that’s been brewing for far too long. 

“I’ve been wearing this ring for five years. I think we’re safe for another twelve months,” I bite, and immediately regret it.

“You expect too much from me, Blair. I’m a busy man. Stepping straight into a VP role after finishing my MBA was a lot to take on without you being so demanding.”

A metallic tang slides down my throat as my teeth sink into my cheek. But leading me into an argument is what Harrison lives for, and I’ve learned better than to follow. Especially when debating the ease at which Harrison stepped into the VP role handed to him at their family’s brokerage would be redundant. If he could only walk a mile in my Mary Jane’s, he’d know what it’s like to climb the corporate ladder when the rungs have already been removed.

“I’m not being demanding, Harry. I’m quite happy with the way things are, really.”

“So, you don’t want to marry me then?” He jangles the empty glass above his head with vigor.

“Of course I do, but I’m not going to push you. We both have goals,” I trail off as Harrison’s eyes follow Cindy’s reappearance from across the room, blatantly monitoring the sway of her ass. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”

“Don’t be insecure, Blair. I can look at another woman and not be fucking her. It’s you who builds your own conclusions.”

“I’m trying to have a conversation with you.”

“Well, if this conversation weren’t like the many we’ve already had on this topic, I wouldn’t be bored enough to look at her ass.” He straightens in his seat, setting the lowball down with far more force than necessary. “You’re not taking on the Broad Street account, and that’s final. I expect my wife to have her priorities in order, her marriage and her husband above all else.”

I nod mechanically even as the acid coating his words burns in my chest. I’m not sure how long I stare through the glass tabletop before a small, deep blue velvet box is pushed into view. Slowly, so slowly, I lift my gaze to Harrison. Red-tinged cheeks pull into a dazzling smile, and the switch is so effortlessly flipped.

“You know I love you, Blair. More than I can possibly put into words. Would you do me this favor?”

He nods to the box I haven’t dared to touch, my palms slick and trembling. Cotton fills my mouth, my throat a narrow passage of jagged glass that refuses me a full breath. Five long years of promises have led to this moment, and I feel … horror. Absolute sheer horror. My trembling fingers reach for the box, and I pray to whoever will listen that there is anything but a diamond ring inside. My slick fingers work the hinged lid, and glittering gold peers out from amongst black velvet. Somewhere, a champagne cork pops free, smothering my bleat as I lift the lid and stare unblinking at … Harrison’s fraternity ring.

“Wellesley got his engraved with every graduation date from high school senior year to his promotion to Assistant VP. My own list of accolades is quite a bit more impressive, so if you can’t persuade the engraver to fit them all around the band, don’t miss the important ones.”

He stands, dropping a wet, scotch-laced kiss on my cheek, and walks toward the restrooms as if he hasn’t just pulled my world out from under my feet. Alone, I can only stare at the gaudy, Greek-lettered president’s ring and let out the breath I’ve been holding for five long years. Realization barrels into me like a freight train, damn near sweeping me away.

I can’t do this. I … don’t want this.

I don’t want this man.

I don’t want this future.

I don’t want this life.

The words are an internal scream, sending a violent tremor to my fingertips as I pluck the ring from its case and jerk out of my seat with enough force to send it clattering to the gleaming tiled floor. The bartender’s eyes are wide and his dark skin a little pale as I race for him, slamming the ring to the gilded bar top.

“Whiskey double, neat.”

My words are clipped, and the bartender works quickly, sliding the drink into my hands a moment later. The liquor cuts a smooth line down my rapidly constricting throat, the slight burn leaving warmth in my face and just enough courage to say, “Scotch on the rocks for the guy fondling Cindy.”

The man nods, deft hands sliding Harrison’s signature drink across the bar before asking, “Please tell me you’re running out on him?”

I feel heat in my cheeks and a maniacal smile on my lips as I drop the ring into the drink and hand it back for the waitress to deliver.

“Actually, I’m running out on everyone.”

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 21 ratings)
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5/5
Blair and Beau
Written by Jen9731 on 19th Apr 2025

Falling for the Mountain Man is a steamy, instalove with a slow-burn vibe, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, city girl gets her mountain man romance. Blair is a sweet and sassy socialite who is currently an asset manager. Blair has been controlled by her family for years. She is expected to marry a narcissistic cheater to unite their wealthy families. Beau is a hunky, grumpy, grieving widower. Blair finally decides she has had enough and escapes from her family and ex, ending up in a small town. OMG, this book just pulled at your heartstrings. Blair and Beau were both broken and running from their pasts. As they spend time together, love blooms. But when her past finds her, what will happen? Their chemistry was insane and the ending was so happy, but it was an emotional roller-coaster getting there. I loved Evie, Levi, and Rose so much. I can't believe this was the first book by this author. I can't wait to read more!! I would love to see Meg's healing story. She was so mean but my heart broke for her.

4/5
Mountain man with depth
Written by Racyroni on 19th Apr 2025

In the beginning, I thought Beau was a one-dimensional man, but as the story continued on I saw the different layers to him. Blair was able to discover what Beau is capable of as well, and together they worked on facing their pasts. Blair is dealing with a family and fiancé that no one would envy. Beau has been living with ghosts and demons of what for many years. There is a lot of humor thanks to her new friend, Evie, and emotional turmoil from locals of the new mountainside town. The adult encounters are not too graphic either. I think the ending was great and couldn’t have hoped for a better one!

5/5
Great Book
Written by Jeanne R on 19th Apr 2025

This is the first book I've read written by Kat L. Haywood; I can’t wait to read more of her books. She has written a good stand-alone book. The story is about Blair & Beau.

5/5
Amazing
Written by Sencillez on 19th Apr 2025

I loved reading Beau and Blair’s story in Falling for the mountain man by Kat L. Haywood. Blair has always been under her parents thumb doing whatever they expected or her. Her job, fiancé and life all decided by them. One day she just can’t take it anymore so she runs. When she meets Beau and the rest of the people in the small town she runs to she discovers not only has she found the family she has been wanting but a man who changes her life and loves her just for being her.

4/5
Mountain Man
Written by ChrisL on 19th Apr 2025

This is Blair and Beau's story. She is running and ends up at the mountain that Blair lives and he wants her off. He has lost his wife and she is running from her boyfriend. Will he let her stay or run her off? Will she help him, before he chases her off? What will happen in the end?

5/5
Interesting story
Written by 7bookie on 19th Apr 2025

Things don't always go as planned especially for Blair. She wants out of her so-called perfect life. She meets Beau who just wants to be left alone. Sparks fly and a happy ending is there in the end.

5/5
Heart wrenching, sweet,& hot
Written by Avid MC Reader on 19th Apr 2025

Ultimately, this is Beau & Blair's story but first it tells a little of their individual stories and how they got to where they met. Blair has always followed the rules and done what was expected of her but finally having had enough she runs. She winds up in a small town in a mountain cabin with an intriguing neighbor who only wants her gone. Beau is caught up in the past and his grief over the loss of his wife seven years ago. He has not been able to move forward until he meets Blair. At first, he resents her presence on his mountain and her invasion into his life. Eventually, they both come to realize their feelings for each other until Blair's past catches up to her. The secondary characters, especially Levi and Evie are great and will hopefully get their own book. All the characters are developed so the reader feels like they are a part of their story. I cried, laughed, and cheered for them. This is a gem of a book and deserves to be praised.

5/5
Slow Burn
Written by Danee on 19th Apr 2025

A wonderful story with characters that hold your attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters Blair and Beau. They are each other's opposites but still complement each other. Both are looking for a way to escape their lives, but because they grow closer and the attraction for each other brings them closer together. A beautiful story about how slowly they come together and how love blossoms, a wonderful slow burn romance I found.

5/5
Taking A Chance
Written by De'Anna on 19th Apr 2025

Sometimes fate steps in comes in shifting things the way she wants, and they will have the outcome she decides. Blair is sweet when she wants to be but tired of the same path her life has taken since college everyone around her is telling her what to do, planned her future for her without her input, and she is sick of it the icing on the cake so to speak is when her boyfriend asks her to marry him she decided to run for herself. Beau sexy as all get out grumpy widower an alcoholic loses himself taken home by his brother in law we learn loss makes you do a lot of things even give up on living but we also see hope can bring it all back when Evie nearly kills herself from driving 14 straight hours she stops at the right coffee shop running into the brother in law allows her to stay at their home. Where she is woken up by none other than Beau who wants her to go but after agreeing to a deal to help with his business, they both spend time learning more about one another. She was healing him in ways that he didn’t realize, nor did she and he was making her feel safe despite her continually looking over her shoulder she was afraid of her ex. And didn’t want to live like that but has she gained her freedom will her family allow her to be free, will her ex. Leave her alone, will Beau learn to live again, will his business thrive again, and are they meant to have happiness together second chances?

5/5
Blair and Beau
Written by LBing on 19th Apr 2025

This was a great read by a new-to-me author. With clear world building, well developed characters, powerful emotions and a great sense of desperation, healing and growth, it was a page turner for me. Blair and Beau are both trying to escape their lives. However, despite them being opposites, their chemistry is strong and gradually has love blooming between them. I really enjoyed how this one unfolded and look forward to what's next by this author :D

4/5
Love a Mountain Man Story
Written by TheSmokyMermaid on 19th Apr 2025

I really enjoyed this book! It is my first for this author. The characters are great and I always love a good mountain man story! Highly recommend! ?

5/5
Wonderful
Written by Heather1145 on 19th Apr 2025

A new author for me and I enjoyed the story. They characters are so great together, They have amazing chemistry. Can't wait to read many more by this author,

4/5
So good!
Written by Shelly44 on 19th Apr 2025

So good! This is a new author to me and I am so glad I found this novel. This novel did not disappoint. This novel checked so many boxes for me. I loved that both characters were running from their pasts to find a bright new future. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight. I loved the characters of Blair and Beau. My heart hurt for everything Beau had lost, and I was happy Blair wasn't content to let everyone tell her what she should be doing and how her life should go. I love how they found each other. Their chemistry was so good! I look forward to see what this author has coming next.

5/5
Falling for the Mountain Man!
Written by Mary on 19th Apr 2025

This is an absolutely wonderful slow burn romance between to opposites, Beau and Blair. It is an intriguing and interesting romance with a little suspense and some unexpected. Its about a women trying to take control of her own life, instead of letting people control her. It is also about a man who needs some help in different ways. I love the connection these two found. This is such a good story. This is a new writer to me and I enjoyed the creativity and story telling.

5/5
Falling for the Mountain Man
Written by toni mcc on 19th Apr 2025

Blair has been an item with a man since college but suddenly she's had enough. Everyone is bossing and ordering her around. She has no say in a future she just isn't ready for. When her man of 12 years is ready to give her a ring, she bolts from everyone. Family, work, ex boy friend. Beau,Widower., is doing what he's done for seven years...getting blindingly drunk.Then he's taken home by his brother in law. Blair makes it home and tells her sister what happened. Rose is thrilled and offers her car because it doesn't have tracking on it. NOw Blair has driven over four hours and is tiring. She almost has an accident and decides to stop in the next town. Hamel. She goes into a coffee shop and rushes in for the biggest cup they got. The woman,Evie, calls her Crazy Woman, then tells her to head to the lodge about five minutes away. But she gets a little lost and eventually finds it only to learn they are booked. But Levi walks her out but when he sees the side of her car and the large dents he asks her what happened. She said she ran into a guardrail because she was tired having driven for 14 hours. He pales and takes her to his parent's place. There he leaves her and she crashes until a wild man with an axe wakes her up and she screams. (Blackout)The next morning someone is knocking on her door she grabs a letter opener and opens the door only to scream YETI!!! Later she finds herself back at the coffee shop where she spills everything to Evie. The next day she's set to leave only to notice her neighbor, Beau, hasn't been home. She heads to the lodge to talk to Levi and tells him about her neighbor not being home in 24 hours. Levi takes her to where he had left Beau only to drag him up to the cabin and leaving him there after slugging him a good one and tells Blair he needs a new keeper..and wishes her luck and leaves. For a change she and Beau actually sit and talk and she learns about him but also about the business. She lets him know she's asset manager and good at it. They make a deal, he lets her stay for a few more days and she'll go through the books to help find money.What she finds doesn't settle well with Levi's sister, Meghan. While Beau and Levi are thrilled to have the help and the possibility of not facing bankruptcy. She's willing to set up an account keeping software. It'll take another week. Meanwhile Blair is also antsy and constantly feeling like looking over her shoulder. She has discovered she is afraid of her ex. Now she is hoping to be able to move on before he or her family find her. Will she make the goals she's set for this place or will her time be cut short? An amazing story of a woman trying to take control of her life back.

5/5
Blair and Beau
Written by Babs on 19th Apr 2025

Blair Quinn runs away from everything but she has a bad sense of direction and ends up in the quaint, alpine town of Hamel. She meets Beau Mattsson who does not want her there. The story is well written with great characters, a very good storyline and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading.

5/5
So Freaking Good!!!
Written by JeniT on 19th Apr 2025

Blair is running from her life and the shackles her family has inflicted upon her. When she crashes into Hamel she’s pulled into a world she never imagined from the kindness of strangers and the pain of others she finds a path forward. Beau has been existing, barely, since his wife died and his world ended. Blair is the thing he didn’t have or want on his bingo card. As she helps rebuild their businesses and shows Beau how to live again her old world comes crashing down and by luck, love and kindness she’s freed from the shackles of her old life and she and Beau embrace their own HEA

5/5
Great book--has everything--must read
Written by Andrea R on 19th Apr 2025

This book has it all and more. The chemistry the author has given us simply amazing and so great. From the beginning I was just glued to this book. It had so much that it is hard to tell any one specific thing that made it great--it just was and I thing it is a must read!!

5/5
...it's a journey...
Written by Anya Z. on 19th Apr 2025

?ARC Review Falling for the Mountain Man by Kat L Haywood is a New-to-Me-Author. Kat's world-building and supporting characters is next level! We understand that she is going to take us on a journey of different types of desperation, love in all forms, forgiveness, healing & growth felt by Blair & Beau. From the first paragraphs of Blair you are hooked into her desperation to escape her high society, all-aspects controlled life. Escape her horrid, controlling, cheating, a**hole, long-time abuser, pseudo-boyfriend Harrison. Escape her wealthy, overbearing, very fake, only concerned about obtaining more wealth & social elitist parents. The next part of the beginning then switches to Beau. Beau is desperate to escape his life & his memories. We start to learn something horrible happened in his past... his wife died from a car accident on the mountain. He mostly is a recluse. He is in forestry - logging & lumber. He is a mountan man thru & thru. He drinks or works to exhaustion to forget his life. His best friend Levi looks out for him. Both Blair & Beau are so desperate to escape their lives. They are complete opposites, but they slowly start to gravitate towards each other. Their journey is ALL the emotions! Blair finds her true love in Beau, her chosen family & support in Hamel.

5/5
Logger and the runaway
Written by Nunky on 19th Apr 2025

This is a great slow burner romance. Blair has got the courage to run from an arranged marriage to a very controlling man. She ends up in Hamal and meets Beau. Beau is mourning his wife who died 7 years previously in a car accident and is barely hanging on. The story covers small town acceptance, best friend support, sister having her back and finding love. Highly recommended reading.

5/5
Beau and Blair’s AWESOME Love Story.
Written by GrandmaReads on 19th Apr 2025

This is a real slow burn that is well worth the angst when Beau and Blair finally get together. The author gave life to every character in this excellent book, and I felt like I knew them all by the end of the story. The storyline was captivating, with highs and lows, and a nice ending. This was a very entertaining read. If you are a reader who appreciates trigger warnings, I would alert you to themes of a toxic family, emotional, and physical abuse, gaslighting, and a main character who strongly grieves a spouse lost seven years prior. Thankfully, as the storyline progresses, the grieving character channels the loss in a healthier way.

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