Wild Peak

Rugged Loners #1

by Cassie Mint

The only thing worse than twisting your ankle up on a mountaintop?

Doing it in front of the crush who teased you for years.

This hike was supposed to be about hitting the reset button. Getting out of my comfort zone—and hey, maybe proving I’m not such a hopeless indoor girl after all.

Then I slip on a loose rock and go tumbling, scraping up my palms and twisting my ankle. It’s messy. It hurts. And the worst part my brother’s best friend saw the whole thing.

I had such a huge crush on this guy growing up. And he teased me for years—before shocking the whole town by moving to a cabin in the woods and becoming a loner. Now this familiar face is a mystery to me.

Why did he move to the wilderness? What turned the handsome, laughing guy we all knew into a brooding mountain man? And as he bandages me up in his cabin… can I keep this age-old crush under wraps?

Wild Peak is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a banged-up bookworm and the mountain man who can’t take his eyes off her.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Forced Proximity

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2025

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 36%.

🙄

Oh no, she's my best friend's little sister... I can't ask her out! Instead I'll run away for years until I find her hurt on my mountain.

I like pining. But not if it's because you're a big ole coward dumdum.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet. I love a good story about a character and their sibling's bestie pining after one another, but I don't always love the sibling-specific drama of "what will my big brother do when he finds out?!", so I appreciated the way the characters didn't really linger on that. It felt a little rushed, which is kind of part of the territory for these novellas a lot of the time, but I had fun.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one, the heroine was quirky and funny, but i wouldve loved to know if the hero has been celibate during separation. No mention is made of any past details. I think knowing the hero hasnt been sticking his dick into a bunch of random skanks wouldve made it even better

Safety unknown. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned at all, no mention if he has been celibate during separation. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow/om, no sharing, no cheating mentioned. Hea with epilogue

[Inna ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and fast insta-love goodness
5 Stars

I do so love a little bit of insta-love and Cassie Mint always delivers exactly what I’m looking for. This is the first in a new, mountain man series - Rugged Loners - and features the full story of Brooke and Hunter complete with their HEA.

Brooke is fed up of being seen as an indoor introvert with the dubious moniker of Brookeworm - so she puts on her brand new hiking boots and sets her sights on the nearby mountain. After reaching the top, she’s startled by her brother’s long-lost best friend, leading to a sprained ankle and an extended stay in Hunter’s mountain man cabin. But the most dangerous thing on this mountain might just be the lingering crush Brooke’s always had on Hunter - and how she’s going to control it now they’re alone together.

Cassie Mint always writes relatable characters that I’m happy to root for - and Hunter and Brooke are no different. I loved Brooke’s feisty personality and her hilarious inner monologues. Why yes, you won’t get eaten by a bear when you’re snuggled up on your couch with a book! She knows what she wants - Hunter - but she’s also hurt that Hunter just disappeared from her life. Of course she’ll forgive him, however, when she finds out why he’s been avoiding her.

Hunter is that delightful type of mountain man that looks so tough and strong - but inside he’s just a big, squishy teddy bear. He’s been smitten with Brooke since he came back to town 3 years before but she’s his best friend’s little sister so felt he should stay away. Silly man. But at least he’s honourable - until he gets her alone. And then who could blame him?

It’s a Cassie Mint story so of course we’re going to get lots of delicious sexiness. It’s hot and it works. It’s written so well that you’ll wish for your own mountain man to carry you away to his cabin. Sigh.

This is the first book in a new series. We don’t hear about how Brooke’s brother / Hunter’s best friend, Jake, takes the news of their relationship - although he seems to have accepted it in the epilogue. And his own story is the next book in the series and I can’t wait. But for this one - a fun and quick insta-love goody. 5 stars.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke has decided to give hiking a shot. Normally, she's the type to stay indoors with a book in hand. That has come to an end. She's going to see what everyone is raving about. Once she reaches the peak, she comes across Hunter, her brother's best friend, who she has had a thing for and hasn't seen in 3 years.

Hunter can't believe Brooke is hiking, and he watches in horror as she slips and tumbles down the mountain. Thankfully, she hasn't injured anything seriously. She did sprained her ankle. Back to his cabin, they go so he can treat her bruises and swollen foot. This, of course, leads to a lot more confessions of how they feel and fear at what her brother will say.

I enjoyed Brooke's chatter and quirkiness. Poor Hunter pining for Brooke at least got his chance with her. I thought it strange that I didn't see the exchange once Brooke's brother found out Hunter and Brooke were together.

I enjoyed this read 📚!

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet story in the brother’s best friend troupe. The indoor girl decides to take a hike to the peak of a mountain but it’s not all smooth. Cute read, lovely characters.

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

[ize ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅👼 ‧₊˚ ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute-ish

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a little offputting that the MMC just kind of switches up his entire personality in a moment and they barely talk about things.

[riley ☠︎︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars✨

This wasn’t god awful but the dialogue was just too cheesy/cringey to me idk

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling head over heels for her guy ♥️

“Your scent on my pillows, your laughter on the deck, your chatter in my kitchen,” he goes on. “What if I don’t want to miss another second of it?”

Breezy, fun, and sweet/sexy quick read. You can go home again. For Hunter, he is back home working for Search and Rescue, all while fighting the love he feels is inappropriate for the younger sister of his best friend. When she gets injured hiking, they get their chance for HEA. A feel-good, entertaining story.

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

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥


[abridged excerpts]

“Mm.” Hunter’s satisfied groan vibrates through my nerve endings, and he rubs his whole face against my pussy. … “Now that’s a meal. God damn.”

There’s no room for self-consciousness in this moment... No room for me to feel embarrassed at having my legs splayed and everything on display. Not when Hunter is so loudly, fervently into this, grunting and sucking on my folds.
Propping myself up on wobbly elbows, I watch it all, wide-eyed. Hunter’s eyes are closed, his face taut with pleasure, and everything about him is so familiar that my heart throbs.

This is the same boy I grew up hero-worshiping, the focus of my first and only teenage crush. My older brother’s best friend. And now, with both of us years older, he’s the man who saved me today and made everything alright again.

“Hunter,” I whisper, stroking a trembling hand through his dark hair.

Those blue eyes open, and they hold my gaze as he latches onto my clit and sucks. My toes curl, and my head drops back as pleasure crashes over me like a wave. Every nerve ending in my body is alight.

“Mine.” Hunter’s low voice is muffled against my body, but when I look back up, those eyes are still on me. Piercing through to my core. “You’re mine, Brooke.”

Yes.

♥︎

There’s no reprieve. Hunter sits up, wipes his mouth on the back of his forearm, then notches his length to my entrance. He pauses, waits for me to give a wobbly nod, then surges forward to plunge fully inside me.

I howl, but not from pain. No, he’s prepared me too well, stretched my tight channel with his fingers, got me good and wet for him. My yell is pure shocked pleasure, and Hunter laughs darkly then starts thrusting, pounding rhythmically.

“Feels good, doesn’t it, sweetheart?”

Yes. It feels good. More than good. With his thick shaft working me, with that delicious stretch of him inside my body, with the sheer possessive ownership in how Hunter leans over me, body sculpted in the starlight—it feels freaking amazing. It’s more than my fantasies could ever come up with.

Reaching up for his shoulders, I cling on for dear life. My legs wrap around his hips and squeeze. Hunters muscles are sheened with sweat, tensing and flexing as he throws his whole body into our shared pleasure. Each thrust makes my breath catch and my nerves sing.

Hunter is a force of nature. Seeing him like this, he’s as wild and rugged as any mountain storm,

I can’t get enough of him.

“Keep—keep going.” My nails score the front of his chest.

“I’m gonna fuck you like this every morning and night. Gonna make you scream my name so loud they hear you all the way down in town. You’re mine, and the next time you step foot in civilization, you’ll be wearing my beard burn under your clothes.”

Yes.

My thighs flex around Hunter’s hips, and when a drop of his sweat lands on my lower lip, I lick it away. Tastes like salt, and I’m greedy for it. Greedy for him, and for the promises he’s making.

God, I never want to walk straight again.

“Every man in town is gonna be so fucking jealous when I claim you, when I put a ring on your finger and a baby in your belly, but that’s tough shit.” Hunter’s movements get rougher, sloppier, and my breathless moans float up to the ceiling.

“Come inside me, Hunter.”

Those hips keep thrusting, his shaft keeps plunging deep, and his hand is steady where it pins my belly down.
“Christ,” he mutters, another spot of his sweat landing on my chest.

Hunter squeezes his eyes shut and tilts his head back for a second, like he’s regaining control, thumb still stroking between my thighs. Then he looks me dead in the eye, spreads a hand out on my belly to hold me down, and starts pumping into me as deep as he can possibly go.

Every thrust pushes the air from my lungs. He’s so big and thick and long, I can practically taste him in the back of my throat, and it feels so good my eyes almost cross.

Hunter hitches my leg up to his ribs and wedges himself as deep as he can possibly go inside me. He leans over me, every line in his body taut as his cock swells and spills.

One, two, three hot bursts. Then another one, and another one, and it’s like Hunter’s been saving all his seed for me, to spill in a hot, desperate bloom of need.

God, why does that feel so good? There’s something primal about it. Something wild and carnal, and Hunter must agree, because he buries his face in my throat and groans with relief.

[Laza · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll love this book if you like: mountain man romances, mutual pinning and brother’s best friend.
I’ve read a lot of Cassie Mint’s books, my favorites being her Mail Order Mountain series, and a lot of mountain men series in general, and Wild Peak is a nice start to her brand new mountain men series. While it’s not one of favorites of Cassie’s, I still liked the book.
Her writing is impeccable, making the story light-hearted and funny. Brooke had me laughing the most, he inner monologue is hilarious. Hunter was sweet, and it showed. He cared for her when she was hurt and he’s been pinning after her for the past three years! She’s had a crush on him nearly her whole life.
The two were different from one another, she likes to stay inside and read, and he likes to be outside in general (otherwise he wouldn’t be a very good mountain man, would he?). Then one day, Brooke decides to go hiking and she literally falls head over heels in front of Hunter.
I feel like there were some things missing that could’ve made the book better, like Brooke’s brother reaction to them being a couple. There’s this moment where both characters are like ‘he’s gonna be so mad’ but it never gets resolved (it is a novella after all, so I get that it’s very limited). A few sentences from Hunter’s inner monologue had me cringing, specifically how he talks about how her body changed (context: the last time he saw her was when she was a teenager and he sees her one day at a grocery store and he’s been pinning ever since). Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book. I would 100% recommend it and I will.

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

[Suelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melhor Amigo Do Irmão

Brooke sempre teve uma quedinha por Hunter, o melhor amigo do seu irmão, que foi se transformando em amor conforme ela crescia. Mas 3 anos atrás ele se mudou para as montanhas e ela nunca mais o viu, só para reencontrá-lo em seu pior momento, enquanto caía de uma encosta na montanha. Ferida e resgatada por ele, Brooke foi levada para a cabine de Hunter e lá, finalmente sozinhos depois de todos aqueles anos, eles finalmente teriam a chance de confessar seus sentimentos. Se tiverem coragem o bastante para isso.

Quando li a sinopse desse livro, fiquei bem curiosa e peguei na hora para ler. E, gente, que livro legal! Eu amo histórias envolvendo o melhor amigo do irmão e essa foi ótima! Não teve grandes dramas, nem histórias paralelas, somente duas pessoas que se amavam, mas não faziam ideia de que eram correspondidas. Amei acompanhar essa descoberta. Só queria ter visto a reação do irmão quando ele descobriu sobre Brooke e Hunter, já que eles falavam tanto que o homem não iria gostar nada daquilo. De resto, foi excelente. E mesmo sentindo falta de ver o irmão na história, o livro entrou na minha lista de favoritos. Super-Hiper-Ultra-Mega-Power recomendado!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series has started with a bang! Brooke, a self-confessed homebody, decides to go on a hike as she used to be encouraged to do so by her brother and his best friend Hunter. When startled she ends up injuring herself. Hunter is there to rescue her as a mountain rescuer who’s in the area. Brooke is confused and hurt as he cutting contact with her for no reason and she hasn’t seen him in years. She always had feelings for him. Hunter took himself away because he himself had feelings but didn’t want to upset her brother or get hurt if Brooke didn’t feel the same way. They are suddenly thrown together in a small confinement and the inevitable sparks begin to fly. I loved this book and both main characters. I could feel the anguish in both sides. When they get together the truth comes out and the characters share some hot moments. A fab read, a lovely story with plenty of steam and an HEA. A must read.

[RxReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Peak is a quick, feel-good romance that hits all the best tropes, brother’s best friend, opposites attract, and a long-time crush finally getting a chance to bloom. The heroine is relatable and endearing, especially as she tries to prove she is more than just an indoorsy bookworm. One wrong step and she finds herself injured, embarrassed, and face to face with the guy who teased her for years.

The chemistry between them builds fast but feels natural. The mountain man vibe is strong with this one, gruff on the outside but incredibly tender when it counts. Their time in the cabin is full of quiet tension, sweet moments, and just the right amount of spice.

If you love short, steamy romances with cozy wilderness vibes, protective heroes, and a happily ever after that leaves you smiling, this one is the perfect quick escape 🔥📚.

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

[JaneH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Hunter are oh so cute, they have known each other since childhood, him being best friends with her older brother. It been quite a few years since they have seen each other (though Brooke hasn’t stopped wanting him). Brooke, a bookworm decides to go all outdoorsy and goes for a hike. She falls, Hunter rescues her.
And THEN, the funny lines start eg ‘You can’t get eaten by predators when you’re curled up on the sofa with a library book, people.‘
After a few misunderstandings and a warm shower things heat up. High heat, many great one liners, passion, love and an epilogue wraps up their story.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke has finally decided to do some hiking even tho she's a bookworm and home body. When she makes it to the top tho she looks around and sees what hiking is all about, but it's as she's turning to leave that she sees Hunter, her brothers best friend and someone she hasn't seen for years. On mishap has Hunter taking her to his home to help her. Hunter didn't want to break the bro code and that is why he has spent time away from Brooke but he finally realizes that she's a grown ass woman and can do as she pleases. Sweet and steamy read, love that Brooke went for who she wanted and didn't let him tell her know. Wonderful story line.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke is finally hiking on her own and that's when she injured herself and ran into the grumpy mountain man Hunter, her older brothers best friend and her childhood crush. Hunter moved to the mountains three years before when he saw Brooke as an adult and not his friends little sister, but he thought he would never have a chance and her brother was an obstacle too. Now he has her in his cabin and sparks fly, now nothing and nobody can stop them from being together. Brothers best friend, romantic, with a bit of steam and with a sweet HEA 😍😍
For safety lovers: They knew each other before but she was a teenager and he an adult. Saw each other again three years prior... In this time no others.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rugged Loners book 1 Hunter and Brooke

Brooke has been in Love with her brother Jakes best friend, Hunter. She was always hoping he would notice her. Then one day Hunter just up and disappeared and broke Brooke's heart. Now 3 years later Brooke decides to hike to the peak on the mountain, and she makes it!!! But, when she see,s Hunter she missteps and falls and sprains her ankle. But she has no choice but to let Hunter take care of her, even if she is angry at him for disappearing all those years ago. Brooke is going to be surprised when she finds out why he left.
I really enjoyed this sweet romance and i am looking forward to reading Jakes story. This is the first time reading this author Cassie Mint, but she is really good !!!

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter has been running away from his feelings for Brooke, and she has been waiting to see why he left. These two finally got their chance!
Brooke goes hiking for the first time in her life and soon finds herself falling and twisting her ankle. Hunter is there to make sure she is safe and okay after that nasty fall. He takes her to his cabin and soon realizes that they have been dancing around their feelings for years. Their feelings won't be ignored now that they are close to each other.
The story was good. It was smutty and had a nice pace. I liked it!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke was always happiest indoors with her nose In a book. But she finally decided to go on a her very first hike and despite the struggle getting to the top was totally worth it. But she never expected to run into Hunter, her brother's best friend and her teenage crush. Hunter left town years ago only to return to find a very grown up Brooke. This time he won't let her go. Another great read by Cassie Mint!.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brooke went for a hike she never imagined her whole life would change. Hunter saw Brooke and then his heart stopped as he watched her take a tumble down the mountain. Hunter is Brooke’s longtime crush and her brother’s best friend but she always believed he was out of her league. Hunter was shook the moment he saw grown up Brooke and now he’s fighting himself to hold back until a kiss changes everything. It’s fun, spicy and even the HEA is as hot as it is sweet.

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

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have literally binged every Cassie Mint book atleast 2 times because they’ve all become my comfort reads. Her stories are so short but always hit that sweet spot and remind me that love actually exists.

Unfortunately this one didn’t land the same way for me. Cassie Mint did everything right… I fear I’m just not a brothers-bestfriend-trope type of girl💔

I’m already counting the days for Jake’s book though and in the meantime, I’ll just continue binging her other books as always (it’s literally become a part of my nightly routine).

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke is a bookworm and a home body, she decides to get out he comfort zone and go for a hike. When she slips on a loose rock, hurting her ankle, it is all witnessed by the guy she has always had a huge crush on, Hunter, her brother's best friend.

Hunter had developed feeling for Brooke, which is why he moved out of town and into a cabin in the woods. Once he brings her back to his cabin to fix her up, it is hard to deny the chemistry that is brewing between them.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke and Hunter reconnect when she has a mishap on the mountain, and he has to come to her rescue. Taking her in brings back all the feelings he has had for her and is the reason he is in the place he is and to top it off she is his best friend's little sister. They both have feelings for each other and now that she is a grown woman will Hunter get his chance to find happiness with Brooke.

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

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I liked seeing Booke step out of her comfort zone and go after what she wanted, I like seeing Hunter realise what he was risking by not communicating how he felt and what he wanted. I thought their shared history added to their connection and I liked seeing them together and seeing their HEA.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Peak is a funny and sweet swoony love story. Clumsy Brooke has such a kind, if self-deprecating, personality. I love how she boldly ventures off to try new things—and winds up exactly where she wants to be without realizing it. Hunter is alpha growly and super kind, but also aloof—until he’s not. Watching these two cop to their feelings and give in? It’s so much fun!.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke has been crushing on Hunter for years, and little did she know he felt the same way about her. Hunter kept his distance because he's best friends with Brooke's brother. This is a sweet, small town, mountain man romance with a great storyline, steam, and a happily ever after. Wild Peak is book one and a great start to the Rugged Loners series, and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Alex Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

It was fine. But I couldn’t get behind why he moved away from everyone and went from the party boy playboy to a mountain man. Because he wanted the FMC? Hunter. Baby. Come on.


Best friends little sister. Virgin bookworm FMC. “Brookeworm”. Mountain rescue mountain man MMC. Mutual pinning for years. Rescue. Forbidden. Breeding. No OMD/OWD. No cheating. No breakup. Epilogue 3 years later with a toddler daughter. HEA.