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Mountain Man's Secret Valentine

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He wanted a quiet life.
Cupid sent a curvy complication.

Nathan Edwards doesn’t date. After walking away from the city and burying himself in the mountains, he’s perfectly happy with silence, sawdust, and zero drama.

So when his meddling family secretly signs him up for a dating app, he figures one polite drink can’t hurt. Meet her. Be nice. Go home. Simple.

Katherine “Katy” Moore has other plans, or she would, if she knew she was on a date. Her best friend promised her cocktails and gossip, not a setup with a six-foot-four, broad-shouldered mountain man who looks like everything she's ever desired.

The night should be awkward. It isn’t.
It’s hot. It’s hilarious. And it’s impossible to walk away from.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read

About the author

Lena Cove

86 books37 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,682 reviews89 followers
February 3, 2026
He had silence, snow, and Bear. Then she walked in and everything changed.

Nathan's spent three years off the grid, tucked deep in the mountains with his dog, his axe, and no intention of letting anyone in. When his sister signs him up for a dating app, he agrees to one drink out of guilt, not hope. He expects small talk and a polite goodbye. What he gets is Katy, bold, warm, and nothing like the quiet life he built to protect himself.

Katy didn’t move to the mountains to fall in love. She needed space after a brutal burnout and a breakup that left her questioning everything. Love was not on the to-do list. But when her best friend drags her into a surprise setup at the local bar, she ends up across from a man who’s all silence and storm. And when he looks at her like she’s already his, walking away stops feeling like an option.

Their connection is quick but never careless. What starts with one charged night becomes slow mornings, quiet understanding, and something neither of them expected. The walls they built to survive start coming down, not with drama, but with choice. With comfort. With trust.

Nathan begins to soften, letting himself be seen, held, and loved without conditions. Katy rediscovers her voice, her worth, and what it means to be wanted for exactly who she is. Together, they create something steady and safe, with space for desire, silence, and the dog who never leaves their side.

A steamy, instalove, grumpy sunshine, blind date, small town, mountain man, cabin-set romance exploring healing, emotional vulnerability, trust, found family, self-discovery, intimacy, and the quiet strength of connection. It’s about finding love where you least expect it, letting yourself want again, and learning that home isn’t always a place. Sometimes, it’s a person.

The Elevator Pitch: A gruff mountain man and a vibrant designer collide on a blind date that sparks way more than conversation. What starts with one drink turns into snowed-in nights, stolen kisses, and a love that shows up when you least expect it. The flannel hits the floor, the walls come down, and they’re sharing sunrises in the mountains.
Profile Image for Sandra.
783 reviews
January 31, 2026
"I've never felt like this before."~Nathan😚

"I feel the same. Every time my brain says 'slow down' my heart says 'don't you dare'. Because this feels like it was always supposed to happen. Like the universe spent years rearranging pieces just so we'd end up here." ~Katy😚

"The carving... that's us. You're the sun. I'm the mountain. And together we're something solid. Something that lasts."~Nathan😚

Emily, aka Little Terror, just set up her older brother on a dating app. Nathan James Edwards has been living off grid in his cabin with his doggy, relieved to be away from the rat race he had grown tired of. 3yrs of calm. His solitude, the quiet has led to his hermit mode. Was he happy with his little sis? Nope. But Emily had good intentions. She was trying to get grumpy happy.🥳 I didn't see Nathan as grumpy, his attitude wasn't like that, he was more of a quiet loner. The tall mountain man agreed. He saw Katherine's picture. She was pretty. He liked her already. One date. Only.🗻🫡🗻

Katherine Moore, Katy, to her friends, was also set up via her bestie Jess. But it was under the guise of a girls night out. Katy left Denver to get away from her ex and a job that didn't appreciate her 6 months ago. Now Jess wants to push her friend out of her cave, away from being a hermit, and have a date with Nathan. Katy didn't hesitate. She was open to the potential. And when she met Nathan, she was glad she agreed. She liked him instantly.😍🫦

This short story moved quickly. It read easily. There was no outside drama just 2 people falling instantly and hesitating for about five seconds.😂 It was a cute story. I would have liked more emotional connection and development but that's just a me thing. I didn't get Valentine vibes either.💌 Nathan and Katy clicked and all the pieces fit together easily. That's all that anyone needs. Emily and Jess were funny. Mild spice. HEA. Shout out to Bear🐕 and to Reginald, a wild blue jay🐦. I like the book cover with 'Nathan'. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💘💘💘

🚩🚩18+ read.🚩🚩

👷🏻‍♂️🌄👩🏻‍🏫Thank you to Ms Cove and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.👩🏻‍🏫🌄👷🏻‍♂️
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,226 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2026
Nathan Edwards has built his life exactly the way he wants it: quiet, solitary, and tucked away in the mountains with nothing but sawdust, hard work, and zero emotional complications. Dating? Absolutely not. So when his sister secretly signs him up for a dating app and schedules a date behind his back, Nathan agrees to one drink—and one drink only—just to get it over with.

Katherine “Katy” Moore, meanwhile, believes she’s heading out for cocktails and gossip with her best friend. What she actually walks into is a surprise setup with a six-foot-four mountain man who looks like he stepped straight out of her daydreams. Awkwardness should follow.

It doesn’t.

Instead, sparks fly—fast. Their unexpected chemistry is hilarious, flirty, and impossible to ignore. What starts as confusion turns into connection, and suddenly neither of them wants the night to end. Nathan’s gruff, reserved charm pairs perfectly with Katy’s warmth and humor, creating a dynamic that feels effortless and genuinely joyful.

This story shines in its lighthearted tone and feel-good energy. The matchmaking chaos, the natural banter, and the way the universe clearly conspires to push these two together make it a delightful escape. It’s short, sweet, and packed with that “meant to be” feeling that leaves you smiling long after the last page.

If you love mountain men with soft hearts, curvy heroines, accidental dates, and romances that feel like a warm hug with a side of laughter, Mountain Man’s Secret Valentine is a perfect pick. Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it—and sometimes it brings a drink, a surprise date, and a happily ever after right along with it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amber.
830 reviews
January 28, 2026
Nathan’s sister Emily decides it’s time he came down from his mountain cabin and back into civilization, so she sends him to The Rusty Pine on Main Street for a drinks date with Katy. Meanwhile, Katy’s best friend Jess pulls the classic “girlfriend emergency” and convinces her to meet at the same bar—which, surprise, turns out to be a total setup too. Awkward? Potentially, but the second Nathan and Katy meet, the attraction is obvious, so they decide to roll with it and have that drink anyway. One drink turns into hours, they're enjoying each others' company, and before they know it, they’re staying until closing time and not wanting the night to end.

I really enjoyed this short, super cute insta-love story. You can feel all the butterflies of a brand-new relationship, along with the little doubts that naturally come with things moving fast. But honestly… sometimes when it’s right, it’s just right. Emily and Jess were adorable matchmakers too. It’s fast-paced, perfect for a quick pick-me-up during the day, and guaranteed to leave you smiling. I picked this up as part of the multi-author Mountain Man Valentine series, and I’ve been having so much fun with all the books so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Virginia.
426 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2026
Mountain Man's Secret Valentine by Lena Cove is the second title I've read by this author and as part of the multi author series Date Night In The Mountains I wasn't disappointed.
The plot and storyline is straight forward but engaging especially with the main characters of Nathan, the grumpy mountain man who walked away from life in the big city and, Katy, a graphic designer, having escaped from Denver.
The story was well written and you feel invested in a HEA outcome for them as both of them are at the mercy of having been set up on a blind date.
Luckily the heat of mutual attraction is high from the outset even though Nathan is wary of letting anyone get close but at the end of the evening both can't stop thinking of the other.
Taking the plunge regardless of doubts offers the both of them a chance of a relationship and chasing away the loneliness.
This short instalove story is ideal for a break time escape when you fancy a sweet entertaining distraction and a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
916 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2026
This mountain man romance is exactly what it promises to be: short, fast-paced, and full-on insta-love. With less than 60 pages, it’s a true bite-sized romance and can easily be read in under an hour.
There’s no slow build or complicated plot here — the attraction is instant, the pacing is quick, and the story jumps straight into the romance. If you’re in the mood for something light, cozy, and uncomplicated, this works really well. It doesn’t try to be more than it is, and that’s actually one of its strengths.
Because of the length, there’s naturally limited character development and depth, but for a novella of this size, that’s completely fine. The characters are likable enough, the mountain setting adds a nice romantic atmosphere, and the story flows smoothly without dragging.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, easy read — perfect for a short break, a cozy evening, or when you just want a quick dose of mountain man romance without a big time commitment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,284 reviews42 followers
January 25, 2026
This is part of the Date Night in the Mountain's Romance Series. Nathan Edwards wanted a quiet life. He is perfectly happy with silence, sawdust and zero drama. But his meddling sister secretly signs him up for a dating app and already has him going on a date. He figures one polite drink can't hurt right?
Katherine "Katy" Moore doesn't know that her best friend set her up. Here she was thinking that it was going to be girl's night. But little does she realize this girl's night is going to completely change her life. The universe works in mysterious ways, and it certainly worked in a way to rearrange the pieces to bring these two together.
This was the cutest written romance. Just the right amount of spice and chemistry to peak your interest in the couple. I can't read to read the rest of the books in the series and see what couples find happy ever after, after just one date.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Smart  Cookie.
140 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2026
“Surprise! I signed you up for Mountain Matches. You’ve got a match!”

Lena Cove’s Mountain Man’s Secret Valentine is a sweet mountain man insta-romance that reminds us that sometimes the people who love us most understand what we need before we do.

I loved that both main characters are hermit-like and chose the quiet of the mountains over city life. When they are tricked into going on a date, it quickly becomes clear that even though this started as an unexpected setup, they are perfect for each other.

This is a sweet romance that touches your heart and makes you happy they found home in each other. If you enjoy sweet mountain man insta-romances, this one is a perfect pick and a lovely story to curl up with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,581 reviews18 followers
February 2, 2026
I was hooked on the charm of the set-up between these two, Nathan & Katy. His sister (Emily) and her friend (Jess) thought they'd be perfect for eachother. Tricking them into having drinks together was the nudge they both needed. Both had left the city seeking peace and quiet, the city being too constant, too loud. Could they give up their isolation for the benefits of companionship? I enjoyed the connection and similarities between the couple, while also appreciating the differences they represented. I would have continued reading about this couple had the story been longer (hint, hint) but it successfully told the story it set out to tell. Well done!.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,284 reviews10 followers
February 4, 2026
Valentine's Day romance.
Katy is a young woman who came to live a quiet life in the mountains. She never expected her best friend to set a trap for her by arranging a date with a man she met through a dating app. But when she sees him, she's completely smitten.
Nathan is a solitary man living in his cabin, lost in the mountains. When his sister sends him on a blind date, he sees it as yet another failure. He never thought he'd fall for the beautiful young woman sitting across from him.
Will Katy and Nathan have a beautiful love story, or will they each return to their own cabins….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,005 reviews32 followers
January 28, 2026
Nathan left the city for the mountains for the peace and quiet but his sister sets him up on a dating sight where he is to meet Katy for a drink on Valentines Day which he is not happy about but he goes anyway. Katy also left the city after her boyfriend kept telling her that she was too much (too loud, talks too much) now she is doing her graphic design business online but she is lonely so her friend sets her up to meet Nathan and as it turned out to be the best night ever. Short sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.9k reviews49 followers
February 12, 2026
One drink and her smile is what gets him

Mountain Man's Secret Valentine by Lena Cove is part of the multi-author Date Night in the Mountain's series. I enjoyed this sweet and sparkling romance between Katherine 'Katy' Moore and Nathan Edwards. They were both singed up to the Mountain Matches website by other people and end up getting matched. One drink turns into a lot more for these two as they both navigate realizing that what they originally thought they wanted is not what they actually need.
Profile Image for Johanna.
3,439 reviews62 followers
February 3, 2026
'He wanted a quiet life.
Cupid sent a curvy complication.'

The characters were so very appealing and likeable and funny and perfect together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,890 reviews6 followers
February 4, 2026
Nathan and Katy are both avoiding romance because of their past. But now, her friend and his sister secretly sign them up for a dating app. And yes, they are matched. I loved this story! It is sweet but also steamy. Nathan and Katy are such fantastic characters. I was rooting for them from the first page to the last. Excellent book with a perfect HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
2,941 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy
January 20, 2026
A Date Night in the Mountains story of Nathan Edwards and Katherine “Katy” Moore. This one had me cracking up at how they were signed up for a date and what happened after. Totally a masterpiece in romance and happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
3,239 reviews107 followers
February 1, 2026
Nathan and Katy were so cute in this. A 6’4” burley mountain man being set up in a blind date. And Katy thinking she’s going out for cocktails with a friend. These two made new laugh so hard. He’s grumpy, she’s a ray of sunshine. And her light won him over. One date turns into another. This book was fun and spicy.
Profile Image for Didi.
2,104 reviews
February 1, 2026
Sweet, steamy Instalove perfection for that needed romance fix. Nathan and Katy both have come to the mountain for peace. Meddling from family and friend set their romance on a lovely course. Quick read with no drama and a tender HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maddie.
2 reviews
February 2, 2026
The meet-cute that these two have is so cute. Nathan & Katy both had meddling friends/family who know that they just need to get out and meet someone. It was fast paced in the way that they basically got together and didn’t break apart, but I love a sweet, low angst book with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,396 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2026
Loved this set up, for this couple. When you least expect it, you get the unexpected. This short novella flowed so well and easy for these characters to find that one person, who surprises you into feeling all the possibilities of life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
565 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2026
A great date night when meet someone good, an even greater follow-up date, no running scared in the morning, letting good, positive feelings guide their choices.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
236 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2026
My first time reading Lena. Love her writing style. Book is so sweet. There’s definitely a meet cute. Grumpy MMC and sunny FMC. It’s spicy and has a fantastic HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bec A.
250 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2026
Nathan's a recluse mountain man, set up for a blind date by his sister, Katy's been set up by her bff. What was supposed to be an hr blind date turns into so much more! A charming sweet story with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
315 reviews
February 2, 2026
I loved this sweet story. Two people are setup on a date and fall in love. There is no third act breakup, just love the whole story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
771 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2026
This was a heartwarming and sweet romance. The characters were charming, and the setting of the mountains added a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere to the story. The plot was well-paced, keeping me engaged until the very end.
2,106 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2026
Nathan and Katy are not expecting to meet but have been set up. I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,076 reviews
February 4, 2026
Mountain Man's Secret Valentine: A Date Night in the Mountain's Romance
by
Lena Cove

The story and characters are well written with chemistry, passion and substance. I enjoyed the journey this book took me on. Good read.
Profile Image for Heather.
2,800 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this storyline, His sister and another friend tricked them into have drinks, They have a instant attraction, A wonderful and cute story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
420 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2026
Neither of them knew what the night was about to truly hold. Both being set up , both falling at first sight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,455 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2026
I love mountain men stories...nothing better and it's always fun when a tough mountain man finds the one person that brings them to their knees.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews