Rough and Rugged: A Meet Me In Milwaukee Charity Anthology

by Jessa Aarons, Tamrin Banks, Kris Butler

Come along with us as we venture into the mountains and forests of rough and rugged men.

Best-selling and award winning attending authors of the Meet Me In Milwaukee signing have joined forces to bring you stories in a collection of mountain men and lumberjacks.

This charity anthology is donating all proceeds to a local autism organization. The cause is close to the hearts of participating authors and the event host.

From sweet to sexy, there will be something for all readers. This charity anthology includes the following 2024 Meet Me In Milwaukee attending

Jessa AaronsVonne BTamrin BanksKris ButlerCecelia ConwayKristyn DeMasterL. B. DunbarDee EllisVictoria HinshawKelly KayEuryia LarsenCarla LunaMeagan C. MatthewGwyn McNameeCA MiconiMagnolia MontgomeryTaylor SchaferShelly SmallCJ BarloweD Williams

Genres: Romance, Anthologies

671 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Jessa Aarons was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. She has had her nose buried in books for as long as she can remember. Her love of romance began when she “borrowed” her mom’s paperback Harlequin novels.
After experiencing a life changing health issue, she had to leave the working world and dove back into books to help heal her soul. She would read anything that told a love story but still had grit and drama. Then she became a beta reader and personal assistant to another author.
Jessa is the boss of her husband and their castle. He really is her prince. Thanks to his encouragement, Jessa started putting pen to paper and creating new imaginary worlds. She spends her free time reading, crafting, and cheering on her hometown football team.

Reviews

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is about Keep Rugged by Kelly Kay.
Second Chance Hits Bullseye
There are 6 Boston Brothers and this short story hits you straight away with all their names. In need of a who is who I reread the earlier books again to reacquaint myself after several months. And I enjoyed those books maybe even more than I did the first time around. Then this novella was a wonderful chance of meeting them all again. It’s funny, full of love and very good friends, male and female. Loved it and will probably read it again when the next book in the series comes out.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Kelly Kay’s short story entitled “Keep Rugged”. It fits into her Boston Brothers series alongside Keep Paris and Keep Vegas, the MMC being a tight knit group of friends and brothers. Dax and Monica were boss and employee once upon a time but both have lots of feelings! Can they make it work? Spicy, sentimental and all the feels ♥️

I read a copy courtesy of the author.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As luck wood Have it Linden Rowe
OMG I loved it please give me the next story that goes with Asher and Everett. Such cute nicknames and such a sweet prequel romance. It's funny how it ends up being his best friends brother tho lol but I loved it and I'm so ready for the rest of their story..

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing Bearly Theif by D. Williams in this anthology.

I absolutely love a well told retelling. This one was a retelling of Goldie Locks & The Three Bears. This one was so well told you could see all three brothers wanting to know who had eaten their porridge and slept in their beds. I can only hope we get some bonus content for these four because it was for sure a honey trap!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep Rugged - Kelly Kay
A lovely little story, Dax & Monica’s story. It started with weekend that didn't end as planned and circumstances- a trip into the mountains, a moose, and a freak snow storm -that bring them back together.
I wanted it to be longer but enjoyed the words we got.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is for Keep Rugged by the wonderful Kelly Kay. I received an arc of her story and as an aside, am glad more is to come for Dax and Monica. As part of the Boston Brothers series, this sweet novella has both characters desperately in love with the other but have never uttered those 3 little words out loud. After a steamy weekend in Vegas, Monica seemingly disappeared from Dax's life, leaving the billionaire bereft and without his best friend and former wizard assistant by his side.

But they collide in the very best and humorous of ways as both are now in the middle of a Nor'Easter in the aptly-named town of Rugged, Maine and let's just say their unplanned reunion (on Dax's birthday, no less) is full of mayhem and mirth. I love these two together with Kay offering up yet another kick-arse heroine in Monica who can tackle any issue except maybe those of the heart.

But, after an amusing tryst with some unexpected rescuers to their adorable hideaway, I was thrilled Dax was more determined than ever before to make sure Monica is his forever. Their happily ever after is heartfelt and true as both characters open up like never before with grand gestures that made me swoon.

4 stars!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher & Everett
Rating: 3.6 ⭐

- Prequel Novella
- One Night Stand
- Cute Nicknames
- Praise & Dirty Talk
- Instant Connection
- Meddling Small Town

I am reviewing As Luck Wood Have It by Linden Rowe (Kris Butler) in this anthology.

This is a short and spicy, snarky fun read where these two characters meet for the first time. There's a full-length novel, A Faking Wood Time, that's supposed to continue their story. The attraction from these two was instant from across the bar and set the drapes on fire after they kissed the first time. Both characters are interesting and already developed just from this intro. There's a lot of story packed into this 39 page novella that will get you intrigued to follow their story as they now have to attend the same wedding week as fake boyfriends.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: No, just getting started
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
Ages: 35 & 37

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Luck Wood Have It, by Linden Rowe (Kris Butler), is a sweet, quirky, fun story you can really sink your teeth into. Don't let it's short length fool you, there is plenty of action in this short tale. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with MM relationship challenges, instantaneous attraction, fear, doubt, happiness and wonder. The characters are well developed and engaging. The attraction between Everett and Asher is so hot yet pure it will make your heart sing. I highly recommend reading it along with all the stories in the anthology!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bearly Thief
Part of: Rough and Rugged
A Meet Me In Milwaukee Charity Anthology
D Williams
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: .5
Time to read: 30 mins
HEA
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings

Tropes/Genres/Tags:
Retellings (Goldilocks and the three bears)
Instalove
RH
Fated mates
Bear shifters

Super cute little novella. I enjoyed the Goldilocks and her three bears aspects as I am a sucker for a good retelling. I wish this was a full length novel but alas, D Williams mostly writes shorts and novellas. Bite it’s cute for what it is!

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Luck Wood Have It, by Linden Rowe @lindenroweauthor the alter ego of Kris Butler. I have loved Kris' books so I have no doubt I will love Linden's! This novella is part of the Rough & Rugged anthology that is being released on May 23, 2024.

This is the prequel to the full length book that is to be released later. Um when??? 🤩

I loved this quick read about Asher & Everett! This was so good! One night stand, spicy, MM, cute nicknames, & a small town. Yes please!

[Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read As Luck Wood Have It by Linden Rowe as part of this anthology and I loved every second of it. Lumbergrump and Dimples (their nicknames for each other) are just the cutest couple ever. The story is so good, and so steamy. The characters were wonderful and I hope Linden will write a full novel with these characters because it is impossible not to fall in love with them. Cannot recommend enough.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. OMG 😱 this was a fairy tale of any old story and book of Goldie Locks & The Three Bears. And the suspense was fun and funny and I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed reading and it was entertaining and hilarious.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Tina Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing Bearly Thief by D Williams

Short story about 3 brothers that are shifters who fall for the same girl, who is struggling to find her way out. They all meet in different circumstances and each of the brother feel Tasha's presence when she is near and know that she needs them.
They become mates and get their HEA.

[Pamela Hancharyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I would say I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great collection. it had something for everyone different tropes and it’s a great way to check out new authors. I had a couple absolute favourites that I would rate five stars and then there were a few that were such a struggle to get a one star rating. Overall fun, entertaining and some of it super spicy.

[Musing Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing twist on a classic fairytale, if you a new to D Williams’ paranormal styles, this is a great starter.

This is a Why Choose with delicious shifter brothers and a cagey heroine… what could go wrong?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Arbuckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Luck Wood Have It by Linden Rowe

A small town insta-lust M/M story that turns into a cliffhanger waiting to see what will happen next!
Spice rating for the novella- 🌶🌶🌶🌶

I enjoyed all the different stories offered in this Anthology!

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Bearly Thief by D. Williams

This short, spicy, novella has you questioning, would you rather meet a bear or a man in the woods? What if you could have both?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read and reviewed Bearly Thief by D Williams.

This is a short and spicy novella retelling of Goldilocks and the three Bears, but Goldilocks is a little thief, and the three bears are opening a resort. What could possibly go wrong when they find out she is the mate to all three of them?

[Cynthia Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing Bearly Thief by D. Williams. This was a cute little read. It was a short story that is part of a charity book. Would love to see more from the characters. This story is about 3 bear shifter brothers and their fated mate. I do hope to see more with these characters

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun set of stories

And it’s for a good cause!
Darn, I should have made notes.
But I enjoyed all the ones I read. There was one that clearly stated it was a preview, not a full story, and that just annoys me.

[Julie hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the positive side the book gave me exposure to new to me authors. I appreciated the blurbs as I could then skip tropes I don't care for. That said must say the only story I truly liked was LB Dunbar's. As per usual she didn't disappoint. Not going out of my way to get books from the others.

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect fit for readers who crave heartwarming and steamy romance stories, particularly those who appreciate LGBTQIA+ relationships and are looking to support a great cause, as this anthology donates all proceeds to a local autism organization.

[Bianca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This is a good collection of stories. Loved As Luck Wood Have It by Linden Rowe (Kris Butler). Definitely a bit of something for everyone!

[Surrender2silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing short stories. Each author brings us a small piece of their imagination. Each story has a little twist to it.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great way to read new voices and find steam. The men are rugged but have the hearts of cinnamon rolls. I like that the purchase supported a charity! HEA's and lots of steam. xoxoox