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Rugged Loners #2
Wild River
He fishes me out of the river in a wedding dress.
But the grumpy mountain man has no idea how much trouble he’s caught…
When I sneak away from the fancy mountain lodge where I was supposed to get married today, I have zero plan. No spare clothes to change into; no one to call for help. Nada.
But fleeing across the wilderness is hard to do in a bridal gown. And the river that stands between me and my freedom from marrying some stranger… turns out it’s deeper than it looks.
I’m swept away, tossed on rough currents. Soaked and swirled around. An honest-to-god bear swipes at me, but in the end it’s a man who scoops me out of the water.
A stern, bearded, gorgeous man.
A man who is baffled by everything I say and do.
But all I want to do is leap into his strong arms and shriek with relief. Oh, and get out of these wet clothes…
Wild River is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a runaway bride and her bemused savior.
But the grumpy mountain man has no idea how much trouble he’s caught…
When I sneak away from the fancy mountain lodge where I was supposed to get married today, I have zero plan. No spare clothes to change into; no one to call for help. Nada.
But fleeing across the wilderness is hard to do in a bridal gown. And the river that stands between me and my freedom from marrying some stranger… turns out it’s deeper than it looks.
I’m swept away, tossed on rough currents. Soaked and swirled around. An honest-to-god bear swipes at me, but in the end it’s a man who scoops me out of the water.
A stern, bearded, gorgeous man.
A man who is baffled by everything I say and do.
But all I want to do is leap into his strong arms and shriek with relief. Oh, and get out of these wet clothes…
Wild River is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a runaway bride and her bemused savior.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
143 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
152 books1,375 followersCassie 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 1, 2025
4 stars✨
This was fun! Really enjoyed the “runaway bride” trope here.
This was fun! Really enjoyed the “runaway bride” trope here.
June 21, 2025
This author never lets me down!
Another swoony, deliciously sweet and steamy romance nugget from Cassie Mint!
This time she’s brought a runaway bride and a burly, grouchy mountain man together! The heroine is from a wealthy, uptight family being and she flees an arranged marriage, falling into the river to escape! The hero fishes her out and finder’s keepers, right? Hes not letting her go!
I think what makes this author one of my favorites, besides the cute plots, is her writing is always crisp and smooth—and even tho these are short stories, I always feel as if i know the characters, and I can feel the layers of emotions she has woven into their story: the fear and anxiety the heroine feels at facing a cold, loveless marriage, her desperation to flee, the giddiness and happiness when meeting the hero, the sense of newness and freedom as he carries her away, the yearning and arousal and desire to be with him, the uncertainty if he wants her back and the joy when its clear her yearning is returned! It takes talent to convey all that in a short story!
Safe. Hero’s past isnt mentioned at all, he isnt a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow, very minor unwanted OM. No cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue and a baby years out
Another swoony, deliciously sweet and steamy romance nugget from Cassie Mint!
This time she’s brought a runaway bride and a burly, grouchy mountain man together! The heroine is from a wealthy, uptight family being and she flees an arranged marriage, falling into the river to escape! The hero fishes her out and finder’s keepers, right? Hes not letting her go!
I think what makes this author one of my favorites, besides the cute plots, is her writing is always crisp and smooth—and even tho these are short stories, I always feel as if i know the characters, and I can feel the layers of emotions she has woven into their story: the fear and anxiety the heroine feels at facing a cold, loveless marriage, her desperation to flee, the giddiness and happiness when meeting the hero, the sense of newness and freedom as he carries her away, the yearning and arousal and desire to be with him, the uncertainty if he wants her back and the joy when its clear her yearning is returned! It takes talent to convey all that in a short story!
Safe. Hero’s past isnt mentioned at all, he isnt a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow, very minor unwanted OM. No cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue and a baby years out
June 24, 2025
3.5-4 stars?
Cute but too instalovey for me.
But I will sure as hell read the next one in the series lol.
Cute but too instalovey for me.
But I will sure as hell read the next one in the series lol.
June 16, 2025
Becca is stuck in a wedding ceremony she had pre-arranged for her, and she did NOT want to do it. It was a family thing, and she wanted to marry for love. She took the only moment of distraction tof run away. She ran for her life and almost got caught a few times but ended up in the river getting taken further away and the only chance she might to get away.
She didn't expect to be rescued, or the mountain man, Jake, that pulled her to safety. He might be off from his job. with Search and Rescue, but its ingrained in him. HE just took charge and make sure she got to safety. Then saved her when someone came looking for her.
I love the intense connection they make with each other. Becca wants to find that kind of passion and connection she's been wanting for years with Jake. It might happen sudden and fast but it felt genuine and honest.
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it, and it can be the HEA Becca's been dreaming of. Great edition to the series!
She didn't expect to be rescued, or the mountain man, Jake, that pulled her to safety. He might be off from his job. with Search and Rescue, but its ingrained in him. HE just took charge and make sure she got to safety. Then saved her when someone came looking for her.
I love the intense connection they make with each other. Becca wants to find that kind of passion and connection she's been wanting for years with Jake. It might happen sudden and fast but it felt genuine and honest.
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it, and it can be the HEA Becca's been dreaming of. Great edition to the series!
June 22, 2025
Wild River is Book 2 of the Rugged Loners series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, runaway bride, virgin gets her mountain man romance. Becca is a socialite about to be married off in an arranged marriage she doesn't want. She ends up running on her wedding day. Jake is a burly, hunky, mountain man and member of the Search and Rescue team. When he finds Becca floating in the river, he is worried she is dead. He performs CPR and thankfully she is alive. He takes her back to his cabin. The two are attracted to one another. She has never felt so cared for. Can Jake convince her to stay? The chemistry between these two was pure fire and we got a great HEA after some minor angst. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
Becca and Jake, a oh so very very good insta everything story. She runs away from her arranged marriage on her wedding day, fully decked out as the bride. However she slips and falls into a freezing river. Downstream Jake is fishing and as she floats by he rescues her.
Back at his cottage they talk and talk and yes things do get very steamy. The would be husband comes looking for Becca and Jake ensures she isn’t discovered. More steam. Love and a beautiful HEA
Why 5 stars? Because yes it’s an Insta short story with space given to these two actually talking and learning things about each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Back at his cottage they talk and talk and yes things do get very steamy. The would be husband comes looking for Becca and Jake ensures she isn’t discovered. More steam. Love and a beautiful HEA
Why 5 stars? Because yes it’s an Insta short story with space given to these two actually talking and learning things about each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
When your life partner enters your life unexpectedly❤️
“I’m trapped, but I don’t mind. For once in my life, I don’t want to escape. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Passionate and uplifting, this instalove story is like a big hug!! Becca is getting married - to a virtual stranger and is so desperate to live her own life that she runs into the wilderness in just her wedding dress. When she falls into a river, she is rescued by Jake, who is a protective, cinnamon roll hero. No more lonely days for either of them. Entertaining and satisfying!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I’m trapped, but I don’t mind. For once in my life, I don’t want to escape. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Passionate and uplifting, this instalove story is like a big hug!! Becca is getting married - to a virtual stranger and is so desperate to live her own life that she runs into the wilderness in just her wedding dress. When she falls into a river, she is rescued by Jake, who is a protective, cinnamon roll hero. No more lonely days for either of them. Entertaining and satisfying!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The beginning definitely pulled me in, as Becca tried to escape her family and future husband and nearly lost her life doing so.
Then to be rescued and taken in by Jake, where he cared for her and protected her, was such a sweet read.
This is a great read for fans of short romance reads. It all happens very quickly, but definitely gives the good feels.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is fan of hot mountain men saving the day, and strong willed woman who knows what she wants and for anyone who is looking for a quick, feel good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Then to be rescued and taken in by Jake, where he cared for her and protected her, was such a sweet read.
This is a great read for fans of short romance reads. It all happens very quickly, but definitely gives the good feels.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is fan of hot mountain men saving the day, and strong willed woman who knows what she wants and for anyone who is looking for a quick, feel good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
3.8/5
It was good. Better than the first one. I liked the overprotective jealous shtick. Though I can’t imagine the mountain rescue team wouldn’t have been called out to look for her. And the cops. Like. They have a missing person. A rich missing person. A gorgeous, young YT, wealthy person. They would look until they found her or her body.
Otherwise I liked it.
Mountain rescue outdoorsman. Rescues runaway bride FMC. Virgin FMC. Age gap (33 and 20 something). Rescue. No OWD. Slight OMD in a scoured fiancé who looks for her. No cheating. No breakup. Epilogue 2 years later with an infant son. HEA.
It was good. Better than the first one. I liked the overprotective jealous shtick. Though I can’t imagine the mountain rescue team wouldn’t have been called out to look for her. And the cops. Like. They have a missing person. A rich missing person. A gorgeous, young YT, wealthy person. They would look until they found her or her body.
Otherwise I liked it.
Mountain rescue outdoorsman. Rescues runaway bride FMC. Virgin FMC. Age gap (33 and 20 something). Rescue. No OWD. Slight OMD in a scoured fiancé who looks for her. No cheating. No breakup. Epilogue 2 years later with an infant son. HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Wild River is awesome! With sexual tension that ratchets up a notch on every new page, dynamic connection between Jake and Becca, and sleazy villains, this is an engaging and delectable novella. I adore Jake’s kindness and communication, his feverish need to protect Becca, and his disdain for her family. Becca’s bravery and quick thinking—albeit reckless behavior—spins us on a wonderful journey of finding true love and passion when we listen to our heart. Love love love this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
Becca is being forced to marry a man who will build the family's fortune and status. She doesn't want to do this, so she runs away from her wedding. To escape her pursuers, she jumps into the river, and Jake finds her floating past his place. At first, he thinks she is dead, but soon he revives her. This story is an instant everything, and I love these two characters. It's a fantastic short read with the best happy-ever-after (HEA) ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2025
Becca finds she cannot go thru with the arranged marriage to a man she does not know. She makes a run for it thru the woods in her wedding gown. When she feels someone getting close, she jumps in the river.
Jake is by the river fishing when he sees her coming down the river. She is not breathing and he needs to resuscitate her. She refuses to go to the hospital, so he takes her back to his cabin. Now that he has her in his cabin, he does not want her to leave.
Jake just might be what Becca needs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jake is by the river fishing when he sees her coming down the river. She is not breathing and he needs to resuscitate her. She refuses to go to the hospital, so he takes her back to his cabin. Now that he has her in his cabin, he does not want her to leave.
Jake just might be what Becca needs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
Becca grew up in a rich family that was cold and detached. These people tend to love in arranged marriages and now it's a Becca's turn. But she runs away and jumps into a river to get away. Jake is fishing and literally fished out this runaway bride and falls instantly for her. He helps her and keeps her safe and hidden. Sparks fly instantly and now nothing can stop Jake from claiming his woman. Instalove, OTT, age gap, fun read, romantic, sweet and with a bit of steam and safe with a sweet HEA and no real drama😍😍😍😍
June 9, 2025
Bella has no idea the trouble she was going to get into when she decided her escape from marrying a stranger. Swept up in a river she not only has to battle the waves but get away from a bear as well! She is saved by mountain man Jake, and her life takes another change when sparks ignite between them. Will she finally get a chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
Becca is escaping the confines of an arranged wedding and is rescued from the river by Jake. He instantly feels protective towards her and in turn he makes her feel safe. This is a brilliant short read. They are trying to hide their attraction to each other and Becca is concerned about her rich family coming after her. They cannot deny the inevitable and the sparks fly. Another winner in the series a fab story with plenty of steam. Loved it!
June 15, 2025
The book I’m reviewing today is titled, Wild River which is the second installment of The Rugged Loners Book Series written by Cassie Mint. The story is good and steamy. Such a good read! This story is an instant everything, and I love these two characters. It's a fantastic short read with the best happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2025
I can always expect a short, well written story with lots of chemistry and great characters from this author. Becca flees from a future that is being forced on her into the wilderness. Jake saves her and the sparks fly. I loved Becca’s inner talk and Jake’s gentle gruffness. A bit of drama, lots of humor and a HEA full of heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
Rugged Loners book 2 Jake & Becca
Becca was in a wedding dress, a runaway bride, and she jumped in the River to keep from being caught. She just couldn' t marry someone because it was prosperous. Becca wanted to marry for Love. Its a good thing Jake pulled her out of the River , and gave her CPR, and took care of her, because she was going to be his. This book was so good. I Loved the way Becca and Jake just hit it off and teased each other. Sweet Romance.
Becca was in a wedding dress, a runaway bride, and she jumped in the River to keep from being caught. She just couldn' t marry someone because it was prosperous. Becca wanted to marry for Love. Its a good thing Jake pulled her out of the River , and gave her CPR, and took care of her, because she was going to be his. This book was so good. I Loved the way Becca and Jake just hit it off and teased each other. Sweet Romance.
June 8, 2025
Heartwarming instalove between a runaway bride and the mountain man who rescues her.
I really enjoyed this short story. The storyline and characters are well fleshed out and I could imagine myself being there during Bella's escape and later in Jake’s mountain cabin. Cute epilogue!
~~Life is good.~~.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this short story. The storyline and characters are well fleshed out and I could imagine myself being there during Bella's escape and later in Jake’s mountain cabin. Cute epilogue!
~~Life is good.~~.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
This was a super hot runaway virgin bride vs mountain man romance. Quick to read, it took perhaps an hour. Great escape read. Little angst. Heat and storyline were great! OTT and instalove tropes too. Great story about choosing the path you want and not letting others dictate your destiny. Minor typos.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2025
The Cassie Mint I know and love is back! This was great and reminded me why i love this authors books so much. Sometimes her MC's spend too much time yearning for the other that it takes up most of the book. This one was different and though there was the typical misunderstanding for a moment it did not take up half her story like usual.
June 9, 2025
A quick read revolving around a runaway bride and a mountain man. Great characters, instant attraction and a very sweet ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
A short and sexy read where Jake fishes something a little different from the river this day. Becca may be on the run, but a runaway bride always has a steamy adventure it seems.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Becca and Jake. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with a runaway bride, danger, connection and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
This was a cute instalove romance. It was a short story with a fast pace. The storyline was simple but entertaining and I liked Becca and Jake.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Big shoutout to the FMC for having the courage to change her life! That was a huge leap, but it really brought her so much happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2025
Enjoyed it
Loved the storyline. Jake basically finds his soulmate in the river. She survived and he saved her. Instant love connection. The drama in book one and two is very very low. I have loved how easy these stories are yet being very sweet and to the point.
Loved the storyline. Jake basically finds his soulmate in the river. She survived and he saved her. Instant love connection. The drama in book one and two is very very low. I have loved how easy these stories are yet being very sweet and to the point.
June 8, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Becca's bid for freedom leads to her finding love with Jake after he rescues her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews