Arrival at Black Mountain

Courtney Kern arrives at the remote Black Mountain Lodge, eager for a fresh start as the new maintenance worker. The Colorado mountains are breathtaking, and the isolation is both daunting and exhilarating. She's left behind a life of instability, hoping this job will be her ticket to security. The lodge, a cluster of rustic cabins, is run by the gruff, imposing Sterling Black. Courtney's optimism is quickly tested by the wildness of the land and the wariness of her new boss, but she's determined to make this opportunity work, no matter the obstacles.

Mistaken Identity, Unwanted Hire

Sterling expected a male employee named "Court," not a woman. His initial reaction is to reject Courtney outright, citing the all-male staff and shared bunkhouse as reasons. Courtney, desperate and nearly broke, pleads her case, insisting she can handle the work and the living situation. Sterling's resistance is rooted in both practical concerns and his own attraction to her, which he finds distracting and dangerous. Ultimately, legal and ethical pressure force him to relent, but he's determined to make her quit.

The Boss and the Board

Sterling assigns Courtney to the Laundry Cabin, a cold, spartan outbuilding with no mattress—just a hard board to sleep on. It's a not-so-subtle attempt to drive her away. Courtney, however, refuses to complain or give up, using her clothes as padding and enduring sleepless, painful nights. Her resilience and resourcefulness begin to chip away at Sterling's resolve, even as he tries to maintain his distance and authority.

Desperation and Determination

Courtney's first days are a blur of exhaustion, hunger, and aching muscles. She struggles to prove herself, tackling maintenance tasks with grit and ingenuity. The Crew is skeptical but not unkind, and she slowly earns their respect. Sterling, meanwhile, is both frustrated and fascinated by her tenacity. When he discovers the truth about her sleeping conditions, guilt and admiration war within him, prompting a quiet act of kindness that changes everything.

A Mattress and a Motive

Sterling secretly replaces Courtney's board with a mattress, covers the sharp edges, and even folds her laundry. This gesture, though unspoken, marks a turning point. Courtney is deeply moved but confused by his motives. The act signals the beginning of a thaw in their relationship, as both start to see each other's vulnerabilities. Sterling's gruff exterior hides a growing protectiveness, while Courtney's independence masks her longing for safety and belonging.

Coffee, Cold, and Company

Courtney settles into lodge life, mastering the ancient coffee machine and finding small joys in daily rituals. She bonds with the crew over shared meals and hard work, and her competence becomes undeniable. Sterling's attitude softens, though he remains distant and conflicted. The isolation of the mountains, the rhythm of chores, and the camaraderie of the team create a sense of home that Courtney has never known.

Tension in the Timber

The chemistry between Courtney and Sterling simmers beneath the surface, manifesting in charged glances and accidental touches. Both struggle with their growing desire—Sterling out of a sense of responsibility and fear of impropriety, Courtney out of uncertainty and self-doubt. A series of close calls and shared moments—fixing things together, protecting each other from danger—bring them closer, until the tension becomes impossible to ignore.

The Unraveling of Sterling

Sterling's internal battle intensifies as he grapples with jealousy over Courtney's interactions with others and guilt over his earlier treatment of her. He is forced to confront his own loneliness and the walls he's built around himself. Courtney, meanwhile, begins to see through his defenses, recognizing the wounded man beneath the bossy exterior. Their mutual longing becomes a catalyst for change.

Small Kindnesses, Big Impact

Sterling's gestures—stocking Courtney's cabin with food, fixing her heater, providing small comforts—speak louder than words. Courtney, in turn, brings warmth and light into his life, baking for the crew and sharing laughter. These small acts of care build trust and intimacy, laying the groundwork for something deeper. The lodge, once a place of survival, starts to feel like a true home.

The Bear and the Bullet

A series of threats—both from the wild (Lady Bear encounter) and from men (The Stalker from Courtney's past)—force Sterling and Courtney to confront their feelings and priorities. When Courtney is attacked, Sterling's protective instincts explode into action. With the help of the crew and a timely intervention from a local bear, the danger is neutralized. The ordeal cements their bond and exposes the depth of their devotion.

Secrets, Stalkers, and Safety

The aftermath of the attack brings secrets to light—about Sterling's past, Courtney's fears, and the risks of loving in a dangerous world. Both must decide whether to retreat into old patterns or risk vulnerability for the sake of connection. The crew rallies around them, and the lodge becomes a sanctuary once more. Together, they redefine what safety and family mean.

From Enemies to Lovers

With the barriers between them finally down, Sterling and Courtney give in to their passion. Their physical union is both healing and transformative, allowing them to claim each other fully. The power dynamics shift from boss and employee to equal partners, and their love becomes a source of strength rather than weakness. The lodge, once a place of exile, is now a place of belonging.

Claiming and Confessions

Sterling and Courtney confess their love, share their hopes and fears, and begin to plan a future together. The crew, once skeptical, embraces their relationship, and the lodge community grows stronger. Together, they face the challenges of running the business, navigating the seasons, and building a life in the mountains. Their partnership is tested but endures, rooted in mutual respect and fierce loyalty.

The Cabin Becomes a Home

Courtney transforms from a desperate outsider to a cherished member of the lodge family. She finds purpose in her work, joy in her relationships, and peace in the wild beauty around her. Sterling, once isolated and guarded, learns to trust and share his life. Their home becomes a haven for both, filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of more.

The Threat Returns

Just as life settles into a new normal, the past resurfaces in the form of a vengeful stalker. The lodge is thrown into chaos, and Courtney's safety is once again at risk. Sterling and the crew band together to protect her, and Courtney must draw on all her strength to survive. The ordeal tests their love and commitment, but also reveals the depth of their resilience.

Blood, Bears, and Bravery

In a harrowing climax, Courtney faces her attacker with courage, aided by Sterling, the crew, and the mysterious Lady Bear. The confrontation is brutal but cathartic, ending with the threat neutralized and justice served. The experience leaves scars but also forges unbreakable bonds. The mountains, once a place of danger, become a symbol of survival and hope.

Healing, Hope, and Home

In the aftermath, Courtney and Sterling heal together—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They confront their fears, forgive themselves and each other, and recommit to their shared life. The lodge thrives, the crew becomes family, and the mountains offer both challenge and comfort. Together, they build a future rooted in love, trust, and the wild beauty of their chosen home.

Forever in the Forest

Sterling and Courtney's journey comes full circle as they marry, expand their family (with both Ben and dreams), and continue to nurture the lodge and each other. Their story is one of transformation—of a place, of two people, and of the meaning of home. In the heart of the mountains, surrounded by those they love, they find not just survival, but joy, purpose, and forever.

Characters

Courtney Kern

Courtney is a thirty-year-old woman who has spent her life on the move, never truly belonging anywhere. Her background is marked by instability, poverty, and a fierce determination to survive. Arriving at Black Mountain Lodge, she is desperate for stability and willing to endure hardship to secure it. Courtney is practical, skilled, and unafraid of hard work, but beneath her tough exterior lies a deep longing for safety, love, and acceptance. Her journey is one of transformation—from outsider to integral member of the lodge family, from survival mode to thriving, and from guarded independence to vulnerable, passionate partnership. Her relationship with Sterling is both a source of challenge and healing, forcing her to confront her fears and embrace the possibility of happiness.

Sterling Black

Sterling is the owner and boss of Black Mountain Lodge, a man shaped by solitude, responsibility, and past disappointments. In his mid-forties, he is physically imposing, emotionally reserved, and deeply committed to his land and people. Sterling's initial resistance to Courtney is rooted in both practical concerns and a fear of vulnerability. His attraction to her unsettles him, challenging his self-control and sense of order. Over the course of the story, Sterling evolves from a distant, sometimes harsh authority figure to a loving, attentive partner. His journey is one of learning to trust, to care, and to let others in. His protectiveness, once a barrier, becomes a source of strength and connection.

The Crew (Fisher, Cook, Simpson, Leon, Glen)

The all-male staff of Black Mountain Lodge serve as both obstacles and allies to Courtney. Initially wary of her presence, they are won over by her competence, humor, and resilience. Each brings a unique personality—Fisher is the young, friendly guide; Cook is the gruff but kind-hearted chef; Simpson, Leon, and Glen round out the team with their own quirks and camaraderie. Together, they form the backbone of the lodge community, providing both comic relief and genuine support. Their acceptance of Courtney marks her true integration into the lodge family.

Lady Bear

The recurring presence of a local bear—dubbed Lady Bear—serves as both a literal and symbolic guardian for Courtney. The bear's interventions at key moments underscore themes of wildness, survival, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Lady Bear represents both the dangers and the unexpected allies found in the mountains, and her appearances are moments of awe, fear, and gratitude.

The Stalker (The Creep)

A former guest turned stalker, this antagonist brings Courtney's fears to life and tests the resolve of the entire lodge. His actions force Sterling and the crew to confront their own limits and to band together in defense of one of their own. The Creep's defeat is both a moment of catharsis and a turning point, allowing Courtney and Sterling to move forward without the shadow of fear.

Marty

Marty, the retiring maintenance man, is the unseen hand that sets the story in motion. His decision to hire Courtney (or at least not correct the "Court" misunderstanding) is the inciting incident that brings her to the lodge. Though he is mostly offstage, his legacy and choices echo throughout the narrative.

Ben (the dog)

Ben, the rescue dog gifted to Courtney (and Sterling), becomes a beloved companion and a symbol of the new life they are building together. His presence brings comfort, joy, and a sense of family, reinforcing the themes of home and belonging.

Dale (the new maintenance guy)

Dale's arrival as Courtney's replacement is a moment of crisis and transition, forcing both Courtney and Sterling to confront their feelings and make choices about their future. His presence is a reminder that life moves on, but also that new beginnings are possible.

Courtney's Mother

Though mostly absent, Courtney's mother is a shaping force in her life—her instability, neglect, and emotional distance are the wounds Courtney must heal. Their relationship is a source of pain but also of motivation, driving Courtney's quest for security and love.

The Lodge

Black Mountain Lodge is more than a backdrop—it is a living, breathing entity that shapes and is shaped by its inhabitants. The lodge is a place of challenge, refuge, and ultimately, home. Its wildness mirrors the internal journeys of the characters, and its evolution parallels their own.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Alternating Narration

The story unfolds through alternating chapters from Courtney and Sterling's perspectives, allowing readers to experience both sides of their evolving relationship. This device deepens emotional resonance, reveals misunderstandings, and heightens tension as each character's internal struggles are laid bare. The dual POV structure also enables the reader to see the same events through different lenses, enriching the narrative and building empathy.

Forced Proximity and Isolation

The remote setting and shared living spaces force Courtney and Sterling into close quarters, amplifying both conflict and intimacy. The isolation of the lodge strips away distractions and excuses, compelling the characters to confront themselves and each other. The physical barriers (locked doors, missing mattresses) and the wildness of the land serve as metaphors for emotional walls and untamed feelings.

Symbolism of the Bear

Lady Bear's appearances are both literal and symbolic, representing the unpredictable dangers and unexpected guardians of the wild. The bear's intervention at moments of crisis underscores themes of survival, courage, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The bear also mirrors Courtney's own journey—from vulnerable outsider to fierce survivor.

Slow Burn and Gradual Trust

The romance unfolds slowly, with initial hostility giving way to grudging respect, then friendship, and finally passionate love. This gradual progression allows for deep character development and believable transformation. The slow burn heightens anticipation and makes the eventual union all the more satisfying.

Acts of Service and Unspoken Care

Sterling's care for Courtney is often expressed through practical gestures—fixing her cabin, providing food, protecting her from harm. These acts of service are his love language, and their accumulation builds trust and intimacy. Courtney's own acts of care—baking, helping the crew, supporting Sterling—mirror this dynamic, creating a relationship rooted in mutual support.

Threats and External Conflict

The presence of external threats—wild animals, stalkers, the elements—serves to test and strengthen the bond between Courtney and Sterling. These dangers force them to rely on each other, to confront their fears, and to choose each other again and again. The climactic confrontation with the stalker is both a literal and symbolic battle for safety, autonomy, and love.

Found Family and Community

The lodge crew, initially skeptical, become Courtney's found family. Their acceptance and support are crucial to her transformation and to the couple's happiness. The theme of chosen family runs throughout, contrasting with the absence or failure of biological ties.

Analysis

Mountain Boss is a contemporary romance that uses the rugged isolation of the Colorado mountains as both setting and metaphor for the emotional journeys of its protagonists. At its core, the novel is about the search for home—not just a physical place, but a sense of belonging, safety, and love. Through the lens of forced proximity, mistaken identity, and slow-burn attraction, S.J. Tilly explores themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of connection. The story is as much about overcoming internal barriers—pride, fear, self-doubt—as it is about facing external threats. The alternating perspectives provide a nuanced view of both characters' growth, while the recurring motif of the bear underscores the wildness and unpredictability of both nature and the human heart. Ultimately, Mountain Boss is a celebration of found family, the courage to claim happiness, and the transformative magic of being truly seen and loved. It reminds readers that home is not a place, but a person—or, in this case, a community—willing to fight for you, hold you through the darkness, and build a future together in the wild.

Last updated: May 21, 2025