Pining for the Lumberjack

by Lyssa J. Cole

When my brother asked me to help out at a local lumberjack games competition, I figured why not- at least there’d be hot eye candy all day.
But what I didn’t expect was the sexy lumberjack with a sarcastic smirk who offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse- a one night stand, no strings attached.
It turned out to be the best night of my life. One night with Clay Patrick would never be enough.
Except there was one tiny problem.
Clay was my brother’s biggest rival.
There was no way we stood a chance.

Pining for the Lumberjack is a family rivarly, forbidden, small town instalove romance set in a picturesque New England town and features a curvy girl and a sexy mountain man lumberjack. It’s meant to be devoured in one hour! So if you love short, steamy instalove novelettes, with hot lumberjacks, you’ll want to one click the Sexy Lumbersnacks Series today!

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

About the author

Lyssa J Cole writes steamy, small town instalove short stories with protective alpha heroes and sassy, strong women. With lots of drama, over the top emotions, and the sleepy New England town charm, her novelettes are easy to devour and offer a quick bite of romance sure to satisfy your craving.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Majessa was helping her older brother Matt with sign-ups at the Lumberjack Games in Appleridge when she met the hottie of all hotties. Clay Patrick.😗🏋🏻‍♂️ That guy was a bad boy. While this was a really fast and shorter read, I found this couple... awkward.🤷🏼‍♀️ Let me explain. Sure, there was spice and heat between Majessa and Clay🌶️🫦🌶️ but they only seemed to have the physical attraction and bold flirting happening. Do they give in? What y'all think.😝🤭 There's pillow talk.hehe Some late night conversations. Then the following morning happened.😬 Reality check. It's as if they didn't have anything else to say. I think Majessa was ready. Clay, not so much. Was it a mistake? Is it time to ghost? And that's what made their connection realistic. Sometimes it's not all mushy and romantic. It can be confusing. Or awkward. Which Ms Cole definitely brought with this story, their story. It is what it is. A one night stand. They had fun, but now what?! That's what this situation asks.

Majessa wasn't looking for anything serious. Neither was Clay. Clay's a player, hunny!!🫰🏻🫰🏻😄 Did they talk about having... more? Not really. So when Majessa acted weird after Clay was saying no to breakfast, I didn't get why she acted the way she did. Wait. Had she already fallen for him?😏 She did, didn't she? I think she was wanting more without having to say it first and Clay was busy running.🏃💨💨 Typical dude. Again, it's a shorter book so something has to give. Will Clay realize something important here. And will Majessa give Clay the time of day after that morning?🙉 I don't want to spoil it. In the mood for something a little different, check it out. Happy reading!!💗💗💗

👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻🪵💪🏼Thank you to Ms Cole and Booksprout for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.💪🏼🪵👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pining for the Lumberjack is another one of the short and steamy stories by Lyssa J Cole set in the Appleridge world. And I loved it big time. Clay and Majessa were perfect together. And that family rivalry just made the story steamy and spicy with that added forbidden vibes . That instant spark between Clay and Majessa made it super intense and oh so steaming hot. And what happened at the lumberjack competition definitely didn't stay there. Clay already made his decision at the end of the competition so I didn't get it why he fights it after that. But that way he was definitely sure that he made the right choice. This lumberjack choose the girl and the happily ever after over a win and gained so much more. And that epilogue was such a good surprise.

thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flirting with the enemy!

I enjoyed the part of Clay and Majessa's journey that we joined them for, but I felt we missed out on big chunks of time and some pretty big events which was a little disappointing. We get their meeting and flirting through that day, then their night together, but after this we just get an overview or highlights for the rest of the book - no real info, emotion or detail. The rivalry with Majessa's brother is built up through the competition, then glossed over, their wedding is briefly mentioned as a past event. It felt as though we only got part of the story and whilst I appreciate this series is all novella's, this book is very short compared to others in the series.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooking up with her brother’s biggest rival wasn’t allowed. The connection and attraction was instant. After what was supposed to be a one night stand they went their separate ways. They both were sad they ended it there but it was they both thought they wanted. Until they knew they had screwed up. This adorable book is full of steamy scenes and finding love when you’re not looking for it. This is a really cute short read. I really recommend it.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

They meet during the competition, and he is her brothers rival. They are instantly attracted to each other, but her brother told her to stay away from him. Will she or will she go against his wishes? Clay knows who her brother is, but he does not care only problem is he knows he does not want more than one night.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast read, entertaining and romantic. Majessa and Clay meet and their chemistry is off the charts. Once I started it I just had to finish to get to that great HEA. It’s a short story but totally worth the read. I enjoyed it very much.

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

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG another hard-working man with a soft spot for his lady! This story is total hotness in an hour!

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyssa J. Cole kicks off her Sexy Lumbersnacks series with a steamy, playful romp that reads like a love letter to dirty-talking lumberjacks and the women bold enough to love them. Pining for the Lumberjack is a short, sizzling instalove story featuring forbidden tension, surprising emotional depth, and a whole lot of filthy fun.

The story centers on Majessa, a confident, curvy freelance writer helping her brother with the annual Lumberjack Games in Appleridge. Enter Clay Patrick—a rival lumberjack with a cocky grin, powerful arms, and a tongue as wicked as his axe skills. Sparks fly from their first meeting, and the sexual tension is undeniable. But with family rivalry looming over their connection, what starts as one night of unbridled passion quickly stirs up feelings neither of them expected.

Clay and Majessa’s chemistry is off the charts—this book does not shy away from the spice. The scenes are intense, graphic, and well-paced, with an edge of emotional vulnerability that keeps it from feeling shallow. While it’s a fast-burn romance, there’s enough heart to make their connection feel more than just physical. Their banter is fun, their interactions are heated, and their longing is palpable.

Though it’s a quick read, Cole gives the story satisfying depth. The plot weaves in just enough backstory to ground the characters while keeping the focus on the central relationship. The pacing is brisk, and the tone strikes a solid balance between cheeky humor and swoony sincerity. Plus, the lumberjack setting? A spicy bonus.

Pining for the Lumberjack is unapologetically hot, wildly entertaining, and surprisingly sweet. If you love a dirty-talking alpha who falls hard and fast, a heroine who knows what she wants, and some sexy small-town drama, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. And yes—you’ll be fanning yourself when it’s done.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Hot and Dirty)
Tropes: Instalove, Forbidden Romance, Rival’s Sister, Small Town Romance, Sexy Lumberjack, Secret Hook-Up

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

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

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Clay and Mejessa met when she volunteered at a lumberjack competition. While Clay was competing against her brother Matt. Clay flirts with Mejessa but then comes in second behind her brother Matt. Afterwards Clay asks Mejessa to spend the night with him. Clay tells Mejessa he only does one night stand since he married to his work. Clay takes Mejessa to his home pleasures her then they make love. The next morning Clay wakes up and tells Mejessa he doesn’t do breakfast. Mejessa walks to the bathroom gets dressed and then Clay takes her to her vehicle. A few days later, Clay messages, Mejessa asking if he left his ID with her. Mejessa doesn’t want to message him back, but tells him she gave it back to him. Clay then asked Mejessa to have dinner with him, but she tells him that feelings will get involved. Clay tells Mejessa not to be like that, they end up going on a date. After a month of dating Clay asked Mejessa to be his girlfriend. Mejessa breaks the news to her brother that she’s dating Clay and he takes it OK. After four months together Mejessa moves in with Clay. After six months together, Clay asked Mejessa to marry him and she says yes. One year later, Mejessa is getting an ultrasound. Clay and Mejessa are now married and are expecting twins. Mejessa has never been happier married to her sexy lumberjack.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one-and-done kinda guy meets a one-and-done kinda gal, so why is it suddenly hard for them to say, "So long?"

Majessa is helping her older brother, Matt, and their father with this year's registration for the Lumberjack Competition. A new lumberjack in town is rumored to
be able to end Matt's winning streak. Matt has warned her not to flirt with Clay, the new guy.

Clay Patrick is new to town, but not to the Lumberjack Competitions, one of which is being held this weekend in town.

He's impressed when he meets Majessa, not realizing that she's Matt's sister. He likes her watching him compete but soon learns she's a distraction for him, something that's never happened before. At the final game, it's him against Matt. He finds himself slowing down a tiny bit to give Matt the first-place title.

He's never done that in his entire life before! But maybe she'll go out with him afterwards. However, he's a one-night type of guy, and Majessa seems to be the exact opposite of that! Little does he know, but Majessa is usually the one to sneak away before the guy wakes up, but he was already awake. He should be tending to his new business, not thinking of her! But he misses her, so what happens now?

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

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pining for the Lumberjack is a deliciously fun, fast-paced romance that proves one night is never enough—especially when that night is with your brother’s biggest rival.

Majessa just wants to help out at a small-town lumberjack competition and maybe sneak a little harmless flirting. What she gets is Clay: rugged, sarcastic, and the kind of man who makes “no strings attached” feel dangerously addictive. Their chemistry is instant, explosive, and oh-so-enticing.

The forbidden angle adds an irresistible tension, and the small-town setting makes it feel like you're peeking into a juicy local secret. Lyssa J. Cole packs a ton of steam, sass, and heart into this short read—perfect for when you want a swoon-worthy escape without the slow burn.

Majessa’s curves, Clay’s confidence, and the rivalry that keeps them on edge (in the best way) make this a standout in the Sexy Lumbersnacks series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fast, flirty, and full of heat—this one-night-stand-turned-more romance is totally binge-worthy. Just be warned: you’ll be pining for Clay too. 🌲💘

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Majessa (h) agrees to help out at the annual Lumberjack Games, the last thing she expects is to fall for her brother’s toughest competition. Clay (H) is all muscles, charm, and trouble, the kind she knows she shouldn’t entertain. But one flirty exchange turns into a heated night neither of them can forget. Clay lives for winning, whether it’s at work or in the arena, but Majessa throws him off his game in a way that makes him question everything he thought he wanted. What starts as a one-night stand gets complicated fast. Between sibling loyalty, small-town gossip, and two people who swore they weren’t looking for love, things heat up in more ways than one. When real life kicks in, they’ll have to decide if what they have is just physical... or something worth holding onto. A steamy, forbidden, instalove, curvy girl, lumberjack, small town romance, exploring love, connection, family, competition, and what happens when the person you shouldn’t want is the only one you can’t stop thinking about.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I absolutely loved this story too. It was funny, hot af and just a very good story. I love Majessa and Clay together. The ending was a great outcome. Having the Lumberjack Competition in AppleRidge Matt, Majessa’s brother, she was told not to flirt or anything with Clay Patrick because he was the Lumberjack Champion and Matt wanted to beat him in this year’s Championship. Majessa was set up at the first table to check off the guys on her registration list. She had googled Clay and he was first to check in. He said it was nice to see that she was looking him up. Then throughout the day they both just happened to come in contact with each other. The final two competitors were Matt and Clay. Clay actually backed off a tad and let Matt win. He knew that Majessa would be happy for her brother. When everyone was leaving Majessa ran up to Clay and ended up going home to his house. They got… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast insta heat turned love story of a competitive lumberjack and the competitors sister.

Majessa has come to help out at the event her brother is competing at. The Lumberjack Games. She was told to keep her distance from Clay, but she just can't. The pull and distraction for them is strong.

It turns into a white hot spicy feeling steam of a coupling the night of the event. Clay even let Majessa's brother win. He was more concerned with spending time with Majessa. You really see the struggle as Clay likes to keep things llight, as does Majessa but this felt different.

It's sweet how they both try so hard to act like they aren't already in love after just one day. You can't help but adore how Clay isn't afraid to grovel when he realizes he can't live without Majessa. It's got the heat you want, the competition of Lumberjacks (bonus!!!), and a refreshing HEA.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She is helping out at the lumberjack games as a favor to her brother. He has warned her off of his rival in the competition, but when she meets the handsome lumberjack, their chemistry is hard to deny. Once the games are over, he comes for her. The electricity sizzles between them, and they spend a hot and steamy night together. In the morning, his fears caused him to chase her away. The story had some cute parts, their chemistry being the best of it. The story felt a little oddly paced and not quite complete. It is a short story format. You do not expect to get overly detailed character development, however, it felt a like a little disservice to them to wind things up so quickly without giving them a little time to enjoy the butterflies.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I got pregnant watching you two, and I'm in my sixties!"

Pining for the Lumberjack by Lyssa J Cole is part of the multi-author Sexy Lumbersnacks series. This short and sizzling story is about Majessa and Clay. Her older brother Matt is a lumberjack who is wins most of the lumberjack games competitions. Matt asked Majessa to help out at the current competition and that is where she meets Matt's biggest rival, Clay. Clay is taken with Majessa from the start and is determined to get to know her better. What he was not expecting was to find himself really being taken by her and not being able to think about anyone else, and having a hard time concentrating on the games. Majessa knows that Matt will not be happy if she and Clay were to get together....but if they keep it just between themselves she may see some benefit in things.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it by MeemsAngel82

This might have very well been a short read but it was also certainly a hot one! The writing is easy to get into, it's smooth and this was enjoyable. In fact it was emotional and though I loved this h, it took me while to warm up to this H.

They had s needs for one another and then he made it k own that he didn't do anything past one night. Did he?

I am in agreement with this h! I would have been so mad and sad. I am so happy he finally got it but still. It was so justified in how she reacted and she played it cool and classy. I loved the closeness that she had with her brother and the small town aspect. This was very steamy and emotional.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Majessa agrees to help at the annual competition she is looking forward to seeing the competitors especially Clay, her brother’s biggest rival. When she meets him the sparks fly especially when she sees the sacrifice he is willing to make for her. This leads to a wonderful evening together but the same can’t be said for the morning after.

When Clay spent the night with Majessa that was all he expected that they would share as he needs to focus on his business. The next morning is uncomfortable, and they go their separate ways, but will that be the ending or a beginning?

Mistakes and miscommunications arise which causes some turmoil until they realize that even though their time together was short the feelings between them are deep.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lumberjack romance.
Majessa is a young woman who helps organize the lumberjack competition held in her small mountain town. While her brother is always the big winner this year, he faces competition from Clay. When she sees Clay for the first time, it's love at first sight, but she promised her brother she wouldn't flirt with his competitor.
Clay is a man married to his job; his only relationships are one-night stands. While he's on his way to a lumberjack competition where he's one of the favorites, he meets the beautiful Majessa, who might challenge his choices.
Will Clay be able to make room for Majessa in his life, and will Majessa break her promise to her brother….

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay and Majessa’s story is one of instant attraction that quickly morphs into deeper feelings. Clay is a an intense competitor and anticipates winning the lumberjack games, but a certain curvy blonde has him a tad distracted. Though Clay is her brother’s biggest rival at the lumberjack games, Majessa only has eyes for him, especially when he is all sweaty and shirtless. They agree to a hot and steamy hookup, but neither are ready for the intense feelings they have for the other. One decides avoidance and denial is the route to take, while the other feels the sting of rejection. A certain someone has some making up to do.

I will happily recommend this spicy novella.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pining for the Lumberjack is part of the multi-authored Sexy Lumbersnacks series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her lumberjack romance. Majessa is a sweet and curvy writer. She is helping her brother at the Lumberjack games. Clay is a hunky playboy lumberjack and her brother's biggest competitor. But the two are instantly attracted to each other and have a hot one night stand, only for Clay to push her away in the morning. These two had such great chemistry, and once Clay got his head on straight, we got a very happy ending.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majessa was helping out at the local lumberjack games, her body heat spiked when she got a look at new comer, Clay Patrick. After her brother wins the pair sneak off for a wild night. What she does not expect is that she did not leave before he woke and he basically told her to leave.

Neither were looking for anything other than one night but oh what a night and it turned into so much more. Will she be willing for he comes to his senses?.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book; it's fun, low on drama, and super steamy. From the first moment Clay and Majessa meet, sparks fly. Clay is competing against Majessa's brother in the lumberjack games, so they hide the growing attraction between them. However, they can't conceal it for long. This is a short book with a perfect HEA.

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

[H S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majessa and Clay are steamy from the beginning. Clay was competing in a lumberjack competition along with Majessa’s brother and Majessa was checking in the contestants. There was instant chemistry with Clay and Majessa that lights up the page. They can’t resist each other and despite Clay not wanting a relationship, he can’t resist wanting Majessa in his life. They decide to really date and their relationship grows from there into a happy ending!

[Chandra Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clay is competing in the lumberjack games as the returning champion. Majessa is helping with the games and watching her brother compete. Sparks fly between the two during the day and the inevitably end up in bed together that night.
Clay's attitude the following morning is a disapointment and there isn't enough groveling for me.

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

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these short steamy reads. When these lumberjacks fall they fall hard and fast. The Lumberjack Games are about to begin and Majessa is helping her brother set up registration for the tournament. Clay enters the logging competition with the goal to win it all. When he meets Majessa that is the last thing on his mind. Great read.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pining for the Lumberjack” by Lyssa J. Cole

-Majessa and Clay’s forbidden fling crackles with heat and family drama.
I received a free copy of this ebook and am freely sharing my honest opinion.
Their instant connection leads to a steamy, emotional ride through rivalry and romance.
Short, spicy, and packed with feels, it’s a tale of love that defies expectations.
A fun, fast read with a great epilogue.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Majessa is helping out with the lumberjack competition as a favour to her brother, who is also competing. She has been warned to stay away from Clay, his main competitor.

Only trouble is Clay is drop dead gorgeous and seems to have his sights set on her.

Things could go horribly wrong especially if any one wants something longer term!!

Another great book from Lyssa in this multi author series.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pining for the Lumberjack is a super quick read that’s hot AF. Clay and Majessa have instant chemistry and they spend this entire novella either flirting or acting on their attraction. I love the instalove and how they each go into denial but can’t stay away from the other. With a fast pace and lots of steam, this is definitely an OTT romance I’ll read again.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pining for the Lumberjack is a family rivarly, forbidden, small town instalove romance story of Clay and Majessa..He is a sexy lumberjack and her brother rival, a playboy who caught her interest,the two have an instant attraction,spend the night together and the rest is history..a quick,fun,steamy and lovely story..

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