Her Giant Lumberjack

Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves #4

by Clara King

He’s a seven-foot giant who feels like a beast.
She’s a curvy beauty looking for her happily ever after.

Duke
Life isn’t easy when you look like a monster.
With my scarred face and hulking frame, people see a freak, not a man.
So I keep to myself, rarely leaving the safety of my workshop.
Then Ariana walks into my life.
She wants me to build her a bookcase. Sounds easy enough.
But the way my heart beats faster every time she looks at me is anything but simple.
I shouldn’t want her. She’s too young, too sweet, too good for a man like me.
How could a beauty like her ever love a beast?

Ariana
I’m used to being the odd one out.
The introverted bookworm with a plus-size body that doesn’t fit in.
But everything changes when I meet Duke.
This giant lumberjack makes me feel seen for the first time in my life.
He knows what it’s like to be different, and his rugged exterior hides a heart of gold.
I’m falling fast, but Duke has insecurities of his own, and they threaten to tear us apart.
If he doesn’t believe in our story, we might never get our fairytale ending.

Tucked away in the heart of Crave County is the small town of Cherry Hollow. This quaint mountain community is full of big, grumpy lumberjacks who look tough on the outside but turn to cinnamon rolls once they meet the curvy women of their dreams. You can expect obsessed heroes, plus size heroines, and enough heat to melt a lumberjack’s axe in this short and steamy romance from Clara King.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

Clara King writes short and steamy romance books featuring grumpy heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey on the inside. Her heroines are strong, curvy women with big dreams and sunshine personalities. Clara’s books include age gaps, cozy small towns, and a happy ending for every couple. When she’s not writing, Clara can be found reading, watching comedies, and eating anything remotely chocolate-based. She’s a history nerd, a cat person, and a fan of all things Jane Austen.

Reviews

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑳𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒇—𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

Duke is book-boyfriend material. He was so sweet. I need someone like him in my life! 😍🥵

“𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕.”

✅ builds her a custom bookcase for free
✅ both Vs
✅ both struggle with insecurities but help each other realize all they need is each other
✅Buys her a store so she can open her dream bookstore in town
✅ marries her & puts a baby in her
✅surprises her by turning the spare bedroom into a library with custom bookcases, another dream of hers. 🥰

“𝑪💦𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒔. “𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄💦𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 🍆.”


This gave me beauty and beast vibes. I loved reading Duke and Ariana’s story.

I love this series and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Giant Lumberjack is part of the Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, double virgin, curvy girl gets her giant hunk romance. Ariana is a 22 year old, shy, and curvy bookworm. She has always felt that she doesn't fit in with her athletic family and has just moved into her own apartment. Duke is a 42 year old, hunky, reclusive, ex-military, 7-foot, hardware store owner and lumberjack. He has facial scars from the military. He keeps to himself as people tend to be scared of his appearance. When Ariana approaches him to build a custom bookcase for her place, he is immediately taken with the shy and sweet curvy beauty. She is also attracted to him. He is worried she won't go for an older beast of a man. Can she prove she is all in? These two really had such great chemistry and were totally compatible. I loved that they both made each other feel seen. We got a great HEA after some minor angst. I loved it. Duke was such a gentle giant.

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

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seu Lenhador Gigante

Esse romance tem um toque de "A Bela e a Fera". Ariana é apaixonada por livros e contrata Duke para construir uma estante para o apartamento novo dela. Ele é extremamente alto, com mais de dois metros de altura, e seu rosto é marcado por cicatrizes do tempo em que era militar, fazendo com que atraísse olhares nada lisonjeiros por onde quer que fosse. Por isso, ele evitava as pessoas. Contudo, não conseguiu ficar longe de Ariana, que mexia com ele de uma forma como ninguém mexera antes. Ela também tinha problemas em se relacionar com as pessoas, devido a anos de bullying sofrido por conta de sua aparência mais curvilínea do que a sociedade acharia atraente, mas Duke parecia enxergar sua alma, além de achá-la a mulher mais linda que ele já viu. Foi amor à primeira vista de ambos os lados, mas se eles quiserem ter seu felizes para sempre, precisarão superar seus temores e acreditar que são amados por serem exatamente como são.

A cada livro que leio dessa autora, dessa série, fico mais apaixonada! Foi tão lindo ver Ariana e Duke se apaixonarem, se entregarem. E foi lindo ver o que eles construíram juntos. Que vontade de morar nessa história! Só faltou mostrar o Duke conhecendo a família dela. Fiquei bem curiosa com isso, principalmente pelo fato da diferença de idade entre eles, e por Duke ter estudado com a mãe dela - mesmo que em turmas diferentes. Adoraria ver como a família reagiu a esse relacionamento. Mesmo assim, a história foi mara e entrou na minha lista de favoritos. Super-Hiper-Ultra-Mega-Power recomendado!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, my heart hurt for Duke. I mean, both of them got a bit of a raw deal, but he really didn't have any control over his height or build. Thank goodness for the acceptance from his peers in the military. Finding a place where you can feel comfortable in your own dkin is under-rated.

Ariana was a bit (okay, alot) over the top, in her negative reaction to Duke's shielding behavior. From her actions you'd think it lasted weeks, not a few hours - AT MOST. The desire to protect others from judgement and harm is honorable and shouldn't be construed as a negative. Should he have discussed his intentions, yeah, but this is the guy who has been shunned socially his whole life - how was he suppose to intrinsically know that?! Her immaturity was on bright display when she couldn't just accept his apology, but had to rub salt in the wound before begrudgingly backing down. Seems pretty pointless when it was obvious she was willing to do anything to keep him - and I mean anything!

Overall, it was another good story from Cherry Hollow about a loner mountain man and the Curvy little lady that captured his heart. I received a gift copy of this book and volunteered my review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana (h22) moves into her first apartment in the small town of Cherry Hollow, ready to be on her own and is need of custom bookcase to hold her beloved book collection. When she walks into the local hardware store, she meets Duke (H42), the town’s reclusive, lumberjack and store owner, and finds herself instantly drawn to him, seeing beyond his intimidating appearance to his kind heart and gentle nature. Duke is a giant of a man, scarred from his military past and more comfortable with wood and tools than with people, but quickly finds himself captivated by Ariana. As Duke and Ariana spend more time together, their connection deepens into something neither of them expected. But Duke’s insecurities and the constant stares from others threaten to tear them apart. Ariana has her work cut out for her trying to convince Duke that he’s worthy of love and that a life with him is exactly what she wants. Hot and steamy lumberjack, curvy girl romance, exploring finding love against the odds, commitment, insecurities, support, seeing beyond appearances, understanding, and following one's heart.

[Books of Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Clara King's book and it won't be my last time. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I cannot wait to read the bonus epilogue when it is released. Although this book is under a hundred pages long, there are plot and character development.

Duke and Ariana, both have insecurities. Due to Duke's height and scarred face, people always gawked and scared of him, making him feel frustrated and living in isolation with his cat. As for Ariana, she is insecure about her appearance, she is a curvy woman. I loved that they were so sweet toward each other. Duke told her that she was perfect and beautiful, vice versa she said to him that she didn't care what others thought. The epilogue was also good, Duke is such a sweet guy 🫠🥰

I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next book and other books in this series.

💖 Tropes: Virgin heroine and hero, age gap, instalove, protective hero.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'As I step onto the sidewalk and straighten up to my full height, I immediately feel eyes on me... Sometimes it’s subtle— a discreet look; other times, people openly gawk at me, like they’re watching a freak show and I’m the main event.'

I loved this book. Duke and Ariana made a perfect match. Duke is the male lead that I am most drawn to- stands out and feels like he is treated as lesser due to a physical trait that has nothing to do with who he is. In Duke's case, he's seven feet tall, big and broad, and his face is marred with scars and burns from the military. My heart hurt for his loneliness and discomfort in the way people stared and reacted towards him. Ariana was perfect for him. She's a plus size introvert who loves to read. But having grown up in a large family household of competitive athletes left her feeling like an outsider. And being overweight got her bullied in school. That they both had insecurities made them even more relatable and their attraction in each other elevated them both. A very sweet romance. I wish it was longer! 5 stars.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

✔️instalove novella
✔️age gap
✔️curvy rep (FMC)
✔️beauty and the beast vibes
✔️no breakup

3.5⭐️

Like I said in my review of a previous book in this series, if you have read one of the books in this series, you have read them all. That said, this is one of the better ones I have read so far (and I do plan to read them all, there is something comforting about knowing the formula, I just need to space them out a little otherwise they will run together in my head). The spice is definitely less cringy than earlier books in the series, and I enjoyed the beauty and the beast vibes.

I liked both of the main characters in this book, they both have insecurities they deal with on a daily basis and are working though, and they are just really sweet together. The MMC builds the FMC not only a bookcase (the reason they meet, she approaches him about building her a custom bookcase), but an entire library in their house, it’s every book lover’s dream.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is a military veteran who was left with visible scars from his service. Add that to his brawn and 7 foot stature, he is at the very least imposing. He leads a life of self imposed solitude so that he doesn't have to deal with the name calling and staring. He makes custom wood pieces and owns/runs the hardware store/lymber yard. He falls hard and fast for Ariana. She has finally moved out on her own. She is so excited to have her own place and her first purchase is a custom bookshelf.
Eyes meet, hearts collide its a sweet age-gap, fast HEA. I have read I think all of Clara's books. I enjoy her style and would recommend them to others.

A huge thank you to Clara King and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 4 of the Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves series and focuses on Duke and Ariana. Duke is used to being treated differently due to his height and his scars which lead him to leave a rather reclusive lifestyle for the most part. He is the owner of the hardware store in town and will make custom furniture. When Ariana comes to his store to request a custom bookshelf, Duke jumps on the opportunity since he was immediately drawn to her. He wants her to be his, but he struggles with feeling like she deserves more than him. Thankfully for him, Ariana wanted Duke just as much as saw him as so much more than his outer appearance. She saw Duke for who he is and how he makes her feel. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Beverly Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke and Ariana both struggle with acceptance in society. A very tall, scarred Duke isolates most of the time, preferring to keep to himself while building custom furniture. He’s definitely a bit of a grump. Ariana has dealt with bullies in school over her size and struggled at home being the odd plus-sized introvert in a house full of outgoing athletes. When they meet over Ariana’s desire for a custom bookshelf, there’s an instant connection between them. Just when it seems like they’ve found their person, Duke’s insecurities have him pulling away. He’s convinced he will never be good enough for someone so sweet and will only cause Ariana more unwanted attention. Will he let the other half of his soul slip away?.

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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke Stirling is the Giant of Cherry Hollow, and at 42 he is 7’2” and has scares due to his military tour. He hides in his families factory and loves wood working.
Ariana (22) has just moved into her first apartment and the only one of 7 children who was not an athlete but loved books.
Duke and Ariana have something in common, they both see themselves as freaks in their town. Ariana has body image problems because she has curves and not as skinny or athletic like her family. This is an Insta-love romance, 1 hour or so story getting lost in the mountains with Duke and all 7 foot of his masculine self and fall in love with the journey he takes Ariana on to win her heart.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is a 7ft tall scarred beast of a man used to avoiding people so they aren't afraid of him. She is a curvy girl who has always felt awkward in her body. They both have vulnerabilities but yet they are drawn to each other. This is part of a series, but can be read as a completely stand alone. Due to the short story format you don't get a lot of back story, so reading the other stories in the series helps give you a more nuanced experience. The character development was good, giving you a strong sense of the mains including their personal insecurities. It is nice to see a big old guy be vulnerable but still strong. There is a sweet epilogue to finish this one off. Great choice for a quick read.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This insta-love story of Ariana and Duke.

Duke is used to the odd looks at his massive height and build. He tries to avoid people as best he can, especially tourist season. He wasn't expecting to be run off his feet when he meets someone who is actually a local, Ariana.

She looks at him like he hung the moon. He has his deal with his demons on his age and if they belong together. The story between these two felt organic. It felt he was hot, instant, and overwhelming, but something both of them desperately needed.

You aren't going to want to miss a page, so don't forget finger protection so you don't get full of papercuts. Although papercuts of love are said to be the best ones, Lol!

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Duke and Ariana. Duke deals with the consequences of his time during his military days and still bears the scars of it every day and avoids people's stares and hostility as much as possible. Ariana has finally done it, finally her own house and far away from her super large family. They meet when he is going to make her a custom bookcase. While he struggles with his scars, she struggles with her figure because of her curves and she is different from her family. Will they have a chance together and help each other realize that they are worth more than they think? I enjoyed their story and I definitely recommend reading it.

I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Giant Lumberjack is book 4 in the Crave County:Lumberjacks Love Curves Series by Clara King. 

When Ariana decides to stop into the local lumber store to inquire about a custom bookcase,  she has no idea she will get much more than a place to store her massive collection. 

Duke is a former military,  covered in scars, and prefers to keep to himself. All that changes when Ariana steps into his shop, asking for help with a project.  Suddenly,  he wants more than his reclusive life, he wants her. 

This story was well written with plenty of spicy scenes.  Both main characters have insecurities based on their appearance, and it creates some issues with them trusting each other. I have enjoyed the series so far and look forward to the next book. 

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke is over 7 foot tall and scarred from his military days. He hides himself away to avoid the stares and hostility from town residents. Ariana has just moved into her own place away from her large family and has body image issues being curvy while the rest of her family are elite athletes. I loved when Duke said he was making her a custom bookcase for free and also told her she is perfect and not to use negative language about herself. Dual virgins and steamy first time. A bit less believable that Duke would be a 42-year-old virgin. Despite being a short story there is lots of characterisation, just wish there was a bit more story after their first time and before the epilogue.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Her Giant Lumberjack Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves. Ariana need a bookcase and asks Duke to build it. Duke is used to people being scared of him because of how he looks but not Ariana, she just looks at him with love. Ariana can’t believe how perfect Duke is, he might be older but he’s the most handsome man she’s ever met. Why would he want someone like her? They both have insecurities about how they look but to the other they are perfect. I loved this short and sweet story. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with this book!
It perfectly portrayed how vulnerability and past scars, visible or not, can have an effect through your whole life, but meeting the right person, who sees past all that, who loves all of you, can heal and mend every wound.
It’s emotional, healing, sweet and spicy. The FMC a plus size bookworm and the MMC a giant with scars, who builds you all the bookcases you might need (a dream come true!!!)
It ends with the best epilogue possible and leaves you with the urge to keep reading!
It’s a gem you won’t want to miss out….

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Duke and Ariana
Genre- Mountain Man Romance with Lumberjack vibes
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 featuring double V cards
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- explicit erotic content, apartment without enough shelf space
Tropes- Bookstore-Bakery-Or-Inn, Small Town, Book-Loving Heroine, Instalove, Beauty and the Beast, BBW, Scarred Hero, Age Gap, That’s Not My Leg
Mewsings
I loved this romance. Both of them had insecurities that they helped each other get over. And he built her bookshelves and bought her books. Enough said. Hey, *I’d* marry him.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Giant Lumberjack is a gorgeous and heartfelt instalove. Duke and Ariana are each breathtaking characters who carry their own set of past demons, keeping themselves apart from others. Their chance meeting sets off a chain reaction of chemistry, compassion, friendship, and beauty, all jumbled into one giant ball of hotness. I love how Duke adores Ariana, and she him. Their chemistry is off the charts, and it’s so fun watching them navigate their own insecurities as they become closer. This delightful and delicious novella is packed with all the feels and sizzles from start to finish. Loved it!

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story deals with how 2 peole deal with the emotional struggle of looking 'different'. Duke it's because of his height and scarring due to his days in the military and Ariana because of figure. But on meeting each other they see the beauty in each other. the instant attraction, the spark that lights up between them. Duke because of the age difference and his looks he feels he is not good enough for Ariana but can Ariana prove to him, he is everything to her?

A hot and steamy story with a HEA.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great instalove story. Ariana needs a custom made book case. She’s sent to Duke to have him make one. One look and she thinks he’s the sexiest man she’s ever seen, even if he is 7 foot tall and scarred. Duke takes one look at Ariana and thinks she’s the most gorgeous woman he’s ever laid his eyes on. But he also thinks she’s way too good for him, she’s perfect and he thinks he’s a freak. Loved this quick short story, Duke and Ariana are great together. It’s sweet and steamy and a great HEA.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her Giant Lumberjack” is a must read. The main characters, Duke and Ariana are a wonderful couple. The story is beautiful. I don’t want to give anything away, so trust me when I say this book is awesome.
This book was the perfect length, I like my books short, and the instalove was ideal. The characters were well-written and I could feel their pain from feeling less than what people consider typical physical looks should be.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana has always felt like an outsider because of her appearance. Overweight and a bookworm, she was teased a lot in school. Now beginning a new life living on her own, she decides she wants a custom-made bookcase for her apartment. She meets Duke who owns the lumber and hardware store and goes to speak with him. When Duke stands up, Ariana is surprised by how tall he is and the scars on his face. One look at each other and it is instalove. This is a sweet story caring, protecting and falling in love.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is the owner of the hardware and lumberyard which his grandfather started. He served in military shows as the scars on his face and with his seven-foot height; he gets stared at. While Ariana is from a family of athletes while she is curvy and was bullied in high school for weight. Duke is very attracted to her and wants to be with her; he worries that he is twice her age at 46 plus he is a 'monster' in looks. Ariana thinks that he is gorgeous. Are they going to take a chance with each other?.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana is young and moved out on hervown. Tired of living in a sports completive family, being a quiet curved girl that needs a custom built bookcase, she meets her perfect match in Duke. Duke is seven feet tall with scares from the military. People are scared of him and stare. When a curvy woman wants a bookcase and she's perfect for him, he'll make her his even if he feels like he's not hood enough.
Age gap. Steamy. Romantic. HEA.

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

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves
These two you just want to hug them both and make them realize they are amazing. I loved the interaction between these two even with their own insecurities, they push for each other. Duke and Ariana are my favorite. I loved that they were so sweet toward each other. Duke told her that she was perfect and beautiful, vice versa she said to him that she didn't care what others thought.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana never fit in in her family where all of them are athletes ,but she is the curvy book nerd. Now she lives alone and needs a new bookcase so she goes to Duke. Duke was always the odd one , too big, too many scars, too intimidating. But when he meets Ariana his life changes. These two meet and fall instantly for each other , but their hung ups from the past kind of threaten their HEA, but Duke is obsessed. Instalove, age gap, sweet, fun to read, romantic, steamy and totally safe (both of them were virgins 😏) with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect, just absolutely perfect! I love the cozy feeling Clara’s books have, they’re so easy to get lost in! They’re the perfect quick read right before bed.
Duke was the sweetest guy, and I loved everything about him- especially his scars. Ariana was his perfect match, as they both understand each other’s struggles.
This was a really great read, with a spice, and sweet plot. Can’t wait for the next book in the series, Her Protective Lumberjack!