When a stray dog brings a wounded veteran and a curvy veterinarian together, will they open themselves to the possibility that their connection is more than animal attraction? Carson My military days may have left me gruff and growly, but I’m no brute. When a lost dog runs in front of my truck, I’m not about it leave it there to suffer. I haul the poor thing to the animal hospital, planning to leave it there with my credit card number to pay for its care. The professionals can deal with the rest. At least, that’s the plan—until I meet Reese, the veterinarian on duty. For the first time since leaving the Army Rangers, I wonder if I’m wrong. Maybe love’s worth taking the leap…even for someone as messed up as me. Reese I thought life was supposed to be more than this. Better than this. But here I am, stuck in the same rural town working the same job I started my career in seven years ago, still feeling like I’m waiting for my life to begin. Don’t get me wrong. I love being one of Heartwood’s veterinarians. But the Montana winters are long, the light is sparse, and I’m so damn lonely. I want adventure. I want romance. I haven’t found either here, and I’m ready to get the hell out of Heartwood and finally find the life I’m craving. Then Carson walks into my clinic with a hurt dog and a beard I’d love to dig my fingers into, a rugged romance novel fantasy come to life. Is it possible that this grumpy mountain man could be the adventure I’ve been waiting for? And, more importantly, am I brave enough to take the risk and find out? The mountain men of Heartwood have rough palms, thick beards, and big hearts. Join these stubborn, growly men of small town Montana as they find over-the-top insta-love with women they’d do anything to protect. Let The Mountain Men of Heartwood series steal you away to a place of wild beauty where feel-good, mostly-standalone love stories are born. Happily ever afters guaranteed!