Her Protective Lumberjack

Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves #5

by Clara King

This curvy girl is running for her life.
But her dad’s best friend will stop at nothing to protect her.

Chloe
Being the daughter of a cop never prepared me for this.
A local crime boss is threatening my life as a deadly warning to my dad.
Now, Dad’s sending me to hide out with his buddy, Trace—the only man he trusts.
But one look at this rugged lumberjack, and I want him in all the wrong ways.
Trace is strong, protective, and gruff as heck, but twice my age and completely off-limits.
I can’t betray my dad’s trust, not after everything he’s done for me.
But resisting his best friend is getting harder every day.

Trace
My life is simple—chop wood, sell lumber, stay away from people.
It keeps me focused, keeps the demons at bay after my time in the military.
But everything changes when Roman calls.
His daughter is in danger, and I’m the only one he trusts to keep her safe.
I’ve been a loner for years, but when Chloe shows up at my cabin, I never want her to leave.
Sweet, beautiful, and curvy as hell—she’s everything I never knew I needed.
I’ll die before I let anyone hurt her, but can I protect her from my own burning desires?

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 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

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is the 22 year old daughter of Roman, a police officer. When a threat is made against her, he takes her to Colorado to be protected by his military buddy, Trace. Sparks fly quickly...but what happens when it's safe for Chloe to return home?.

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

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and best part both virgins 😍

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the right one appears at your door....you can't fight it forever

Her Protective Lumberjack is the fifth book in the Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves series. Chloe Drake lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her father Roman, a police officer. She has graduated art school and tried to get a job as a graphic designer but found she has to be realistic and is about to start her first day as a receptionist. What she would really like to do is be an artist. When her life is threatened because of an investigation her father is doing he takes her to an Army buddy living in the mountains of Crave County, Colorado. Trace Vaughn has built himself a good like in the mountains of Crave County. He works as a lumberjack who also builds furniture for people. He has settled in a comfortable life with his dog, who is part wolf, and does not think he will ever have a wife or family. But that all changes when he gets a call from Roman saying that he is bringing his daughter to him to keep safe. One look at the curvy beauty and Trace is feeling all sorts of things he knows he should not, and that he also knows he is going to have a hard time avoiding the longer Chloe is with him. When danger comes creeping Trace and Chloe will cross more than a few boundaries, and forget about the consequences that may arise.
This is a fast-paced story with some danger, suspense, insta-lust/love, age-gap and a lot of smouldering passion that finally ignites. I enjoyed getting lost for a while in Crave County once again.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 20 years in the Army, Trace Vaughn found himself his own peace and quiet in the mountains of Crave County Colorado. So peaceful that his friend and brother in arms called him to ask for Trace to offer a safe house for his daughter because of case he is working on. Roman Drake left the army and became a cop in Phoenix, AZ and has a 22 yr old daughter. Now if he can only wrap his head around living with someone in his area.
Chloe Drake(22) has decided to get a job to help her father out with living expenses. This was her biggest worry until her morning got turned on its head. Now she is being driving to Colorado to stay with her father’s friend because some criminal is threatening to kill Chloe.
Great story, twist and turns, filled with an intensity of not knowing if and when ‘they’ will find her. And the army veteran there to protect her with his life. But he is not so sure what this curvy little thing is doing to him but there is a pull. Topics of child abuse, child neglect and malnutrition, drug addiction, PTSD and suicide. We have a damsel in distress, friend’s daughter, age gap by 22 years, never finding the ‘one’ and smidge of spice. I always enjoy Clara Kings storyline with these giant men that can only be satisfied with a woman full of curvy’s and a heart of gold, with just enough sassy to keep life interesting. This is a quick read, insta-love, curvy girl/plus size romance.

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

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next up in the Crave County Lumberjack series. You do not have to have read the previous books to read this one as it can be read as a stand alone. If you read them in order however you will see previous characters pop up and you will get another little bite of their lives which makes it more fun. This is the story of Chloe and Trace. She lives with her police officer father in Arizona, and when one of his cases indicates potential danger for her, he sends her to his old army buddy in Crave County where they are known for their lumberjacks and cherry pie. He served his country and retired after 20 years of service looking for a quiet simple life. He is definitely struck with instalove first, but she very quickly follows. They quickly find themselves getting spicy. Theirs is a sweet love story without too many complications other than her father and the danger she is in. Of course they get their HEA , an epilogue and even a bonus scene which maybe gives a hint to the next book coming. These are simple fun stories. You don't expect too much character development or back story but you get enough to endear you to these characters.

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

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman needs to get his daughter to safety and an old service buddy who lives in a remote cabin has agreed to protect her until he can finish his police investigation.

Trace who lives alone and remotely for a reason is happy to help his friend but will he be able to cope with his peace been disturbed by this woman? But when he sees Chloe, he realises it's just not just his peace she's disturbing, she has awaken his feral, animal side and there is another part of him which has snapped to attention!

Chloe is dumbstruck by her father's 'hot' service friend. He's getting her hot and flustered and her juices flowing.

Can they keep their distance from one another or will they be drawn together like a moth to a flame? Has this woman stolen his heart from just one look, something he never thought would happen? But what will happen when Chloe is safe and she can return home, will Trace be happy with his solitude again?.

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

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

Her Protective Lumberjack is part of the Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, double virgin, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her lumberjack romance. Chloe is a 22 year old curvy plus-size artist and daughter of police officer Roman. Trace is a hunky, 42 year old ex-military man turned lumberjack and Roman's best friend. When Roman gets involved in a dangerous investigation, the criminals threaten Chloe's life. Desperate, Roman asks Trace to protect Chloe. He agrees, and she travels from AZ to CO to stay with him in his mountain cabin. The two are instantly attracted to each other, but there is some guilt over her dad and their age gap. But true love can't be ignored, and things get hot and S-T-E-A-M-Y!! What will her dad say? Can Trace keep her safe? These two had amazing chemistry, and we got a great HEA after the drama was resolved. I loved it!!.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe aka Coco just graduated from Art school in June; but she's taking as a school receptionist when as her dad,Roman, and she get ready to leave their house with her dad. He stops in his tracks when he finds a note on the doormat. Roman is a Phoenix police officer investigating a criminal Will Mercer, threatening her life if he continues the investigation. Roman calls his best friend, Trace, who served in the military with him and lives in Cherry Hollow, CO. Roman takes Chloe to Trace's cabin for her safety. Trace is shocked that what he is feeling. Will Trace be able to control his feelings around Chloe? When a man sneaks into the cabin and Trace is alerted by his dog,Rocky; what happens? As feelings continue to develop between Chloe and Trace; how are they going to handle things, how will Roman feel and react?.

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

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe’s dad is a police chief and he has received a threatening letter targeting Chloe. He trusts only one man to protector her and that’s his old army buddy, Trace. Trace lives in Cherry Hill in the woods. He is single, a loner, a lumberjack and a hard worker who enjoys his solitude. He doesn’t know how he is going to handle having a woman in his cabin. When Chloe arrives he is dumbfounded - she is beautiful, curvy, shy, quiet and so gorgeous. He is feeling things he shouldn’t because he is suppose to protector her. This is a story about attraction, first time feelings, sweet, tender; yet flirty, steamy and sexy. This is an entertaining, fun and unexpected love. Is it mutual? Will Trace act on his feelings? What will Chloe do? Trace is such a wonderful guy - he’s caring, warm, protective, emotional, passionate and loving. It’s an enjoyable read!.

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

[Books of Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Clara King. The story was good. There was a bit of suspense in the story, too.

Chloe's dad is a cop. He is working on catching the crime boss. Chloe was about to head out of the house to go to work, her first day of work. And her dad received a death threat. Her dad decided to send her to live with Trace.

The tension between Trace and Chloe was off the charts. I loved the way Trace is very protective of Chloe ❤️

The epilogue was sweet. What a lovely ending to this story. While this book is short, I loved that it has Trace and Chloe's background story 💖

Overall. I enjoyed reading this book so much.

⭐️ Tropes: Virgin hero and heroine, dad's best friend, small town, protective hero, instalove, and age gap.

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

[Stephie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trace and Chloe were okay protagonists. Both had ‘difficult’ pasts, but I gotta be honest, it felt insincere. I always love when an author uses the show, not tell method of story telling and this time, King fell short of that.

I was also annoyed with the use of hungrily. It was over done. Some examples:

Trace looks at me hungrily.
…then deeper, hungrier.
I stare at her hungrily, taking her in.
I hungrily reach for her bra.
…as Chloe stares at it hungrily.

Those all happened within a few pages. Was there no other term that could have been chosen? Also, there were editing opportunities missed. One of the bigger ones that stands out, Russo changed to Rosso in the same paragraph.

I think with a thesaurus and another editing pass, this book could be better. As it is, it’s just mediocre.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Trace and Chloe
Genre- Mountain Man Romance
Length- novella
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- explicit erotic content, non-weaponized violence, organized crime, threats
Tropes- Age Gap, Double V Cards, Father’s Best Friend, Former Military, Instalove, Protector, She’s All Grown Up
Mewsings
There were some things to like about this book, like the Instalove and the heat. But there were some issues. This is the first time I’ve read a book and found double V cards to be hard to believe. And their location was compromised but they didn’t leave. Why? There was an awkwardness present throughout that made it hard for me to get into the book. So I’d have to say that I’m feeling pretty neutral about the book, neither liking it or disliking it overmuch.

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

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️instalove novella
✔️dad’s best friend
✔️age gap
✔️curvy rep (FMC)
✔️a little bit of suspense
✔️no breakup

3.75⭐️ rounded up

The books in this series keep getting better (I am currently reading them in order). I love that there is a little bit of suspense in this one, and though their relationship is a little bit “forbidden” because of the age gap and the fact that the MMC is close friends with the FMC’s dad, there is very little drama in that department.

I think this novella is the perfect length. Obviously there isn’t a ton of relationship or character development because it is a novella, but there was enough to understand who the characters are and what is important to them. From what I can tell the next novella in this series is about the FMC’s dad finding love so I am looking forward to that and hopefully seeing this couple again!

[RxReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella brings all the heat! Chloe, the curvy daughter of a cop, is on the run from a crime boss, and her dad sends her to stay with his best friend, Trace—a rugged, reclusive lumberjack with some serious protective instincts. Things get complicated fast when Chloe realizes she’s crushing hard on this off-limits, older man. And trust me, Trace is struggling to keep his hands off her too. 👀

The age gap, “dad’s best friend” tension, and Trace’s protective vibes really crank up the steam. It’s a fast, spicy read with danger lurking in the background and all the instalove you need for a quick escape. If you love a mix of rugged romance and forbidden feels, this one’s for you! 💥.

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

[KY Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Protective Lumberjack is part of the Lumberjacks Love Curves Series by Clara King. 

When Chloe's life is threatened,  her Dad delivers her to the only person he knows will keep her safe. Trace, a former military buddy. For Trace, though, once he meets Chloe, his wants more than to keep her safe. He wants her. 

This is obviously a forbidden romance,  dad's friend, age gap. The story was well written with lots of chemistry from the beginning,  plenty of spicy scenes. There is also action and suspense, which was interesting as well. Overall, it's a good quick read.


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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is working on a police investigation of a local crime boss. Unfortunately, he receives a note threatening Chloe’s life and thus feels he needs to protect her. So, he takes her to stay with Trace in another state to keep her safe. Feelings start to grow between them. Will they act upon those feelings? Will he be able to protect her if someone comes to hurt her? This was a delight to read. It was short and steamy with a HEA.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman is a detective getting evidence to put a crime lord behind bars forever. But when the bad guy threatens Roman’s daughter Chloe Roman sends her to Cherry Hollow to his best friend Trace. Once Trace meets Chloe it’s instalove. But not only is she his best friends daughter he’s much older than her. Chloe has fallen for Trace but what will her dad do when he finds out. When the bad guys find her will Trace be able to keep her safe. Fast older man younger woman love story, steamy with lots of intrigue. Great story.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Her Protective Lumberjack Crave County: Lumberjacks Love Curves. Chloe is sent to stay with Trace when her dad receives threats against her. Trace is her dad’s best friend and he’s amazing. Trace can’t be,I’ve it when Chloe arrives and is everything he never knew he wanted. She is in danger and he will do everything he can to keep her safe. Will her dad understand when he finds out? I loved the story and the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is ready to start the first day of her new job when her life gets thrown into a tailspin. Her father’s being threatened and she’s the target so he takes her to his oldest ex-military friend far away from Phoenix. Trace isn’t looking forward to having another person in his space until he sees Chloe. One thing leads to another attraction turns into love and when the dust settles they get a super sweet HEA!! Can’t get enough of this series or Cherry Hollow. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of twists and turns, passion and suspense. Trace Vaughn lives in the mountains of Crave County Colorado. His friend as him to use his home as a safe house for his daughter because of case he is working on is threatening her. Chloe comes and everything changes for Trace. The attraction is instant, and they want more. Danger lurks in the shadows and things change. It's a great story and you are going to love it as much as I did.

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

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman's daughter's life is threatened by a criminal whose case he is working. To keep her safe he leaves her with Trace, one of his army brothers.

Chloe and Trace take one look at each other and it's only a matter of time before things get hot and heavy. Throw in a nefarious bad guy out to harm Chloe and things get dangerous.

Another fantastic hot instalove romance from this author with a little bit of danger. A fun quick read.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloes father is a cop and when he gets a threat against his daughter their whole lives change. She will be protected in Cherry Hollow by her father's best friend. Trace agreed to help out his friend, but everything changes when he meets Chloe. He sees her and knows instantly she is the One. They fall hard and fast for each other and nobody can stop him from protecting his woman against the threat. Instalove, age gap, short, sweet, steamy and totally safe (both of them virgins 😏) with an awesome HEA and no drama 😍😍😍😍

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seu Lenhador Protetor

Nessa história aqui, além de um lenhador bonitão que fica louco pela mocinha, temos também perigo, suspense e um pouco de ação, já que Chloe está sendo ameaçada por um bandido da pior espécie, e Trace é o responsável por mantê-la em segurança a pedido do pai dela, que foi seu companheiro de armas no exército. Um romance que consegue florescer mesmo em meio a adversidade é algo que vale muito a pena acompanhar e esse aqui foi dos bons. O final não poderia ter sido melhor. Mais um na minha lista de favoritos. Super-Hiper-Ultra-Mega-Power recomendado!

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story with action, spice and insta-love

Chloe’s dad is a cop and due to receiving a threat against her life, he takes her to an old military buddy of his out in the middle of nowhere to be kept safe. But sparks fly between Chloe & Trace, despite a 20 some year age gap… can Trace keep her safe? And what will her dad say about their relationship? - all books in this series have age gaps, curvy girls, and supposedly a virgin FMC AND MMC… that part is hard for me to get into but otherwise enjoyable books. Spice level: 2.5/5

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cloe is a 22 year old that just graduated from art school and is ready to take on the world of adulting. Her plans get side tracked.
Trace is a Lumberjack, mountain man in the sweet town of Cerry Hollow, Colorado.
Ex military, mountain man, age-gap, curvy girl, off-limits, hunky hero, spicy, OTT HEA.
I would recommend this book!.

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.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a intense dive into Crave County!!!

Trace and Chloe might have met my chance under duress, but the longing duress is the attraction they feel for each other. They can't deny the intense attraction they feel for each other.

I love how they both saved themselves for the love they didn't know would sort of hit them in the face. There is plenty of drama, but SOO much heat and a sweet sweet HEA!!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be awesome if we all had our own hot, protective lumberjack, but since I don’t, I am glad Chloe does.
Reading this novella is the perfect use of an hour, because the reward is a lasting pleasurable good feeling.
This book is a standalone with no cliffhanger. It has an interesting storyline, and a great instalove romance .

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and delightful story, featuring my two favorite tropes Woodcutter and a young curvy woman. When Chloe is threatened by her cop father's work he sends her to Trace because he is the only one who can keep her safe and who her father trusts. Trace has a military background and is smitten with her from the first moment and will do anything to keep her safe and protected because she is his,

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

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story. Chloe (h) was really sweet and Trace (H) was perfect. I wish there was more drama and action from the bad guys. There was one scene that was resolved super fast, it wasn't enough! Other than that, I loved this book!

H- 44, V-Card

h- 22, V-Card

No protection used

No OW/OM drama

Safe Read.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Protective Lumberjack is just so cute with a dash of action and a dose is steam. Trace and Chloe are so cute together—from their first interaction their chemistry sizzles. I just adore the fast pace and sweet heat of this story. This is a quick and fun read! You can’t go wrong with an alpha-protector and a kind, innocent, good-hearted woman.

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