He’s a mountain she can’t resist trying to climb.Dr. Sarah Lynde loves sex and is not ashamed to admit it. The sociology professor and single mother of two is in the market for a new friend with benefits…not a relationship.Army First Sergeant James McAllister never knows when the next deployment will come, but someday he wants to settle down with his true soulmate and have children. Sarah is … have children. Sarah is just a diversion until that happens…right?
They think they’re simply meeting each other’s needs, but their undeniable connection has built a mountain with two faces: one of fiery passion and one of soul-crushing heartbreak.
They just have to decide which face to climb.
Authors’ Note: Intended for readers 18+. Another version of this book was previously published under the same title. This edition has been rewritten and edited. The first three Mountains Series books must be read in order, as it is James and Sarah’s continuing saga. The subsequent books in the Mountains Series function as standalones.
Book 1: Mountains Wanted – James & Sarah’s Story #1
Book 2: Mountains Climbed – James & Sarah’s Story #2
Book 3: Mountains Loved – James & Sarah’s Story #3
Book 4: Christmas in the Mountains – James & Sarah’s holiday novella
Book 5: The Navigator – Garrett’s Story
Book 6: The Explorer – Abby’s Story #1 (coming soon)
Book 7: The Adventurer – Rachel’s Story (coming soon)
Book 8: Mountains Transcended – Abby’s Story #2 (coming soon)
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This isn’t my first book by Phoebe Alexander and it won’t be my last. Phoebe’s writing always knows how to draw a reader in and gets the readers attached to her characters. Oh, let’s not forget she knows how to steam up the pages!
Mountains Wanted is the first of 3 books (hint, you are left with a cliffhanger) that follows the love story of James McAllister and Sarah Lynde. Do these friends with benefits take to the next level or are they better as friends?
Sarah might just be my favorite heroine by this author, she is strong, speaks her mind, and confident. I can’t wait to continue their story in Mountains Climbed – because who won’t want to climb James like a tree.
The passion in this book was over the top. The author Phoebe Alexander has the unique talent of drawing you into each character she creates. The characters have such depth, you feel like you know them personally and could reach out and touch them. Sarah and James are two kindred hearts entwined in a soulful love story. This book will make you laugh, swoon, cry, and get angry. You might even yell at your book. I felt the gambit of strong emotions. I went on a journey with Sarah and James I did not expect. Love comes in so many different shapes and styles. Book 2 is a must!!!!!
Mountains Wanted is book one in the Mountains series by Phoebe Alexander. I fell instantly and completely into this story. With an open mind and a burning desire, I devoured Mountains Wanted. Absolutely devoured it. I loved every aspect of it. The characters were the complete package. I envied Sarah her confidence and her alluring personality. She was not afraid to share her opinion and was comfortable in her own skin. It was a pleasure getting to know her. She was a a breath of fresh. And totally unique. James is a gorgeous military man that really raised my heartbeat and my imagination. His enigmatic energy was additive and I could not get enough. Together they were electric.
Mountains wanted was a super sexy and alluring read. Super sensual and utterly delightful. Phoebe Alexander always supplies a dramatic and titillating story. She never disappoints and just keeps getting better. 5 sexy stars.
Mountains Wanted is the first book in the Mountains series by Phoebe Alexander. It is a unique story that really gets your feelings going. I will say it has some themes that are not usually my cup of tea, but it was well written and kept me wanting more.
Sarah is a professor at the University of Maryland (UMD). She teaches Sociology and in turn studies some pretty unique topics that she also practices in her own life. As a single mom, life isn’t always easy, but somehow she manages to get through each day.
James is in charge of the ROTC program at UMD and Sarah at a lecture she gives on evening at the University.
Sarah and James hit it off, obvious chemistry between them, but with life and personalities as they are, will they get in the way?
The insecurities the characters have in this novel are so real. It makes for a very realistic read! I appreciate being able to venture out of my own norm. If you are looking for an interesting and unique read, this novel is for you!
This was my first Phoebe Alexander book and my first read about swingers/open marriages and relationships. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the book because I truly enjoyed getting to know Sarah and her family, but I also found aspects of the book extremely frustrating and hard to believe. I guess I will share what I liked and then what I wasn’t so excited about. I personally love people watching/Sociology/the study of behaviors and cultures so for me that part of Sarah’s life was incredibly interesting. I loved her willingness to be open about her life and choices with her kids, friends, lovers, etc. because it made her a much stronger, more developed character in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t want an open relationship, but the concept doesn’t bother me at all, and I enjoyed reading about Sarah’s experiences of being with who she was attracted to. I also loved the fact that the main heroine is in her late thirties, with kids, AND a little curvy to boot, it just made it so relatable!! Alexander is a gifted world-builder and has great character development skills, so that is always a huge plus!
Now for the part, I didn’t enjoy as much, the steam with James is fan-freaking-tastic, but I just couldn’t understand the absolute lack of basic communication between the two of them. In my mind, there is nothing “open” about having zero real talk, and it just made Sarah a beck and call girl, in my opinion, which tainted my feelings for James as the leading man. Since the whole story is first-person POV from Sarah, we don’t know what James was thinking. In the end, good sex just wouldn’t be worth it for me.
So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, YOU may love this book if open relationships, some interesting characters, and good steam are what you are looking for, I just couldn’t dive all the way in with Alexander on this one.
Mountains Wanted is definitely steamy and intended for those who are 18 and older.
Sociology professor Dr. Sarah Lynde is looking for a no strings attached hook up. She is a single mother raising a teenaged daughter and preteen that are her first priority. She first sees Army First Sergent James McAllister in line at a sandwich shop then again at a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell meeting. Normally Sarah doesn’t go for younger men, but there is something about this man that keeps her hanging on. Will she keep the feelings at bay and be able to only be friends with benefits or will she want something more?
James McAllister is on active duty ready to be deployed at anytime. Right now he is just looking to have some fun since he is young and not ready to settle down. Is Sarah the one that will make him want to settle down or is she a diversion on his road to the one?
Of course there is a cliff hanger! When things get really good…it stops. Mountains Wanted is the first book in the Mountains series by Phoebe Alexander. First we meet Dr. Sarah Lynde who is a doctor in Sociology. Then we meet First Sergeant James McAllister who is serving in the Army. Neither one want anything permanent. But then again they never expected the immense chemistry that the two share. Are they setting themselves up for complete failure or will they risk it all? I’ll let you decide. But I will tell you that this book was written very well and the characters are super well developed. You can completely feel the chemistry exuding from those two. This story is very much one that explores different areas of sexuality and you may or may not learn a thing or two. It was a really easy book to read and it definitely kept me turning those pages. I was impressed with this book and its author. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next!
This book is the first one that I have read from this author. The story was entertaining with some steamy moments. Sarah and James were both not looking for a relationship and agreed to scratch the other’s itch. Then, of course, those pesky things called feelings begin to develop, making them question could they be something more. It was a quick read for me. The internal monologue had me laughing and was on point with some of my own thoughts. I loved how open Sarah is about sex. Being a mother didn’t stop her from being herself. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you stop needed some TLC.
Warning: Meant to be enjoyed by Readers over 18+
This steamy and enjoyable story was previously released with the same title, however, this version has been reworked and edited. After you enjoy this book, you will want to read the next two the in the Mountains Series. James and Sarah’s story continues in the second and third books which also can function as standalone books.
I did not hesitate to read and review “Mountains Wanted (Mountains Series Book 1)” by Phoebe Alexander. I am a long-time fan of Alexander’s and I expected quality writing with good character development. Since I have read many of her works, I hold her to a higher standard than most authors I review. Well, Alexander delivered another steamy, entertaining, and well-written story! Dr. Sarah Lynde is a strong female lead who is in control of her sexuality. As a single mother, she cares for her children as a sociology professor. As a woman, she is in touch with what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after Army First Sergeant James McAllister. At first, the two are happy to be friends with benefits but they begin to build a connection that leads to them wanting more. What will this lead to? How can it be resolved?
Friends with Benefits ………………. and the journey begins
*** 4 1/2 Stars ***
Mountains Wanted is the first book in the Mountains Series and it starts the story of Dr. Sarah Lynde and James McAllister. She is mid thirties, single mother of two kids and sociology professor. She is also smart, beautiful, loves her body and sex and is looking for a new friend with benefits. He about thirty and a First Sergeant in the Army. James is not ready to settle down with one woman yet, although he knows he will want to eventually, as he does not know when his next deployment will happen. So he is up for a friends with benefits situation also. This is when Sarah and James cross paths at a coffee shop and they are immediately attracted with sparks flying between them. They start a friends with benefits relationship that is intense and somewhat raw for each of them. This leads to some very hot and steamy sexual encounters and also the possibility of something deeper for each of them. This leads to questions as Sarah is also attracted to a colleague at the college where she teaches and James is attracted to someone from his past.
This book does end with James and Sarah’s relationship being open and nothing settled between them.
This is a really well written book with a fascinating and fully engrossing story-line. The characters of Sarah and James are both multi-layered with a lot of different emotions, motivations and urges which play out between them in different ways. It is not all easy between them but they do work it out in different ways.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Just the absolute best story. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander
Mountains Wanted is definitely quite the read! It is fun and steamy and you don’t want to put it down right from page one. I literally caught myself chuckling with the main character, Sarah after the first sentence of the book. Obviously I HAD to see where the author took it from there! I could tell you all about the story, but if you read the book, you will get the plot. To me, the most important part is how this book made me feel! It made me feel angry, it made me laugh, it definitely made me appreciate the steamy moments!
Sarah and James create a story that you are left wanting so much more of! Thankfully there is a sequel because I know that I definitely can NOT wait to read it! As always, Pheobe Alexander did an amazing job at truly making the reader want to keep reading, a true sign of a wonderful author. A 5 star read for sure!
This is a new author for me. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with the synopsis and the cover. If for a second I thought this would be a run of the mill friends with benefits book- I was sorely mistaken. I love the depth of the characters – Sarah and James. The amount of emotion this book got from me was wonderful. I couldn’t put it down and cannot wait to read more from Phoebe Alexander. If you like steamy reads with detailed characters you grow to love- READ THIS BOOK!
Sarah doesn’t shy away from what she wants, and she’s open to how her body and mind works. She’s not on the lookout for a new relationship, more of a friend with benefits concept that will keep her satisfied without the drama that can sometimes come into play with relationships. As a sociology professor, she’s learned how to keep her emotions out of her sexuality…mostly. A chance meeting with James at a coffee shop leads to a seminar meeting and then more. She’s open about what she wants, and isn’t afraid to tell him and show him. With their relationship, there are ups and downs, as well as questions each needs to answer. They’re falling into an open relationship that may have started out small, turns into something more and hotter quickly. She wants more, but has to figure if she wants more with James or Pawel or both and what do they want? It looks like we’ll find out more in book 2!
I have to say the author did an outstanding job of really showing body positivity and sexuality with Sarah particularly. In a world where multiple partner book genres are gaining more popularity, it’s fascinating to see a twist on it that is so well written and respectful. Even if multiples aren’t your favorite thing to read, this one grabs your attention and helps you to see deeper into the psyche of at least one person who is comfortable in their own body and mind. I love how the storyline is emotionally charged while steamy! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I really enjoyed reading Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander. I personally love military romance books being a military wife myself. However after reading the synopsis and seeing that cover I couldn’t walk away without reading it. This story follows the characters Sarah Lynde and James McAllister. Sarah isn’t afraid to speak her mind and loves freely, she is a single mom of 2 and is a professor when in walks James a First Sergeant in the Army who never knows when he will deploy. They get together and the sparks fly but with everything each has going on can they maintain their friends with benefits relationship? This book will bring out your emotions so have some tissues handy!
Mountains Wanted is book 1 of the series. What a way to start a series off. Wow this book was definitely a 5++ star read.
Those of you who know Phoebe’s reading should expect nothing but top notch! She has become one of my go to authors and she never disappoints us. This book has some amazing main characters and some pretty good supporting character also.
Sarah and James are both likable from the very beginning. I love how Sarah is a grown woman who has been around the block once or twice, has a good head on her shoulders and knows what she wants.
James is a tad younger then Sarah but you would never know it if the author didn’t tell us that. Sarah and James meet one day at a lecture. However they have seen each other before that. When Sarah saw him at a coffee shop previously, she didn’t hesitate to check him out from head to toe.
When James and Sarah get together, it’s as friends with benefits but does it ever really stay that way in the book world? These two have such chemistry, your kindle will be on fire as you read it.
There were so many good parts in this book and I don’t want to give any spoilers away. There’s a lot of depth to this book and you will enjoy reading about everything. Sarah’s best friend, Sarah’s children and we can’t forget James and his family.
Mountains wanted is packing lots of heat and will leave you begging for more.
Mountains Wanted By Phoebe Alexander
I liked how the book was from the perspective of a Single Mother, you’d never expect it to be written that way. Well written, easy to read. This is not my typical genre but it was a good read and I enjoyed reading this book aside from not liking the Sexual part of the book.
This book is a real page turner! The main characters, Sarah, James, and Pawel were described perfectly. The intimate sex scenes were phenomenal – it got a tad warm up in here! And the emotions!! This book really has it all. I was extremely intrigued by Sarah’s sexuality and how all the characters fit together. I have never heard the term “Poly” before, so I learned something new as the author wrote about it. Sarah’s BFF Rachel is outstanding; she’s everything you would want in a friend. I could not put this book down!
Sarah was very open with her sexuality and her thoughts/feelings as well. James was hot, very hot, which lucky for him, at least in my eyes, made up for his communication issues. Pawel was very sweet and attentive. Sarah’s children are great. Owen seems to be a bit excitable, but what 11-year-old isn’t! Abby – when I read about her, I thump my forehead. Sounds about right for a 15-year-old teenage girl! Side note: I love the sketches of the mountains on different pages. When you see them, it kind of brings your mind back to “her mountain climbing”.
I absolutely love Phoebe Alexander’s books! She always brings something new with every story she writes.
The story of Sarah and James will suck you right in from the beginning! I absolutely LOVED Sarah. She is completely liberated and really shows how woman should feel instead of being shamed in today’s society. Sarah and James were the perfect fit but both have different opinions about what it takes to build a relationship. Neither one is wrong but they need to navigate through their own views and not worry about what society considers to be right!
I loved the struggle and the different topics this book brought up. It really makes you think about things in a different light and I cannot wait to dive into book 2!
This book was a bit different than anything I’ve read. While I’m semi-familiar with polyamory, I’ve never read anything in regards to it. Sarah meets James, a lieutenant. They have great sexual chemistry, regular chemistry as well. She meets Pawel next, a colleague who she finds out is married and in an open relationship. What follows is a story between the 3 that you have to read to completely understand.
Phoebe took a taboo and perhaps a confused and even misunderstood subject and made it something worth reading. I can to wait to dive into the next book!!