What do you think?
Rate this book
Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack
My plan was to hide from my abusive ex, not fall for a grumpy lumberjack with trust issues.
The goal was escape to a remote cabin in Cedar Falls and start fresh where Jordan can't find us. What I didn't count on was the electricity being out or my rugged lumberjack neighbor with his dark eyes and reluctant kindness.
Josh Carter doesn't like people—that much is clear from the town gossip—but when he finds me struggling with a broken generator and a cold cabin, something changes in his guarded expression.
His hands are calloused from hard work, his words few but meaningful, and the way he looks at my son Mason melts something frozen inside me. I tell myself not to get attached—I've trusted the wrong man before. But as Josh chops firewood for us in the dawn light, I realize I'm already falling for this solitary mountain man with secrets of his own.
Can I risk opening my heart again when I have two children to protect—especially to a man who's spent years building walls to keep everyone out?
Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.
The goal was escape to a remote cabin in Cedar Falls and start fresh where Jordan can't find us. What I didn't count on was the electricity being out or my rugged lumberjack neighbor with his dark eyes and reluctant kindness.
Josh Carter doesn't like people—that much is clear from the town gossip—but when he finds me struggling with a broken generator and a cold cabin, something changes in his guarded expression.
His hands are calloused from hard work, his words few but meaningful, and the way he looks at my son Mason melts something frozen inside me. I tell myself not to get attached—I've trusted the wrong man before. But as Josh chops firewood for us in the dawn light, I realize I'm already falling for this solitary mountain man with secrets of his own.
Can I risk opening my heart again when I have two children to protect—especially to a man who's spent years building walls to keep everyone out?
Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2026
Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack
(aka: “I came here to hide from my ex, not to emotionally imprint on a traumatized tree‑cutting hermit with forearms carved by the gods.”)
This book opens with our girl fleeing an abusive ex, two kids in tow, and the kind of exhausted determination that makes you want to wrap her in a blanket and hand her a cinnamon roll. She’s just trying to get to a remote cabin, start over, breathe again.
Instead, she gets:
- a dead generator
- a freezing cabin
- and Josh Carter, the town’s resident lumberjack cryptid with trust issues and a jawline that could split firewood.
Josh is the kind of man who communicates in grunts, nods, and “I fixed your entire life while pretending I didn’t care.” The town gossip says he hates people. The town gossip is correct. But the moment he sees her struggling, something in him shifts — like a glacier cracking open.
And then he sees her son, Mason.
And girl… that’s the moment I knew we were done for.
A grumpy man softening for a kid? Inject it directly into my veins.
The chemistry is slow‑burn but intense — the kind where every glance feels like a paragraph and every act of kindness is basically a love confession written in lumberjack. Josh chopping firewood at dawn for her? That’s mountain‑man courtship. That’s practically a proposal.
Our heroine is cautious, bruised, and trying so hard to protect her kids while rebuilding her life. Watching her slowly trust again — watching Josh slowly let her in — hits that emotional sweet spot between tender and feral.
My only reason for hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars?
I wanted more.
More pages, more danger, more time for Josh to glower at threats like he’s about to yeet them into the forest. The novella length means some emotional beats hit fast, and I’m greedy when it comes to grumpy‑lumberjack healing arcs.
But for a quick, steamy, heart‑melting instalove with a protective mountain man and a heroine reclaiming her life?
It absolutely delivers.
Cedar Falls, you chaotic little haven of trauma‑healing and beard‑bearing men…
I’ll be back.
(aka: “I came here to hide from my ex, not to emotionally imprint on a traumatized tree‑cutting hermit with forearms carved by the gods.”)
This book opens with our girl fleeing an abusive ex, two kids in tow, and the kind of exhausted determination that makes you want to wrap her in a blanket and hand her a cinnamon roll. She’s just trying to get to a remote cabin, start over, breathe again.
Instead, she gets:
- a dead generator
- a freezing cabin
- and Josh Carter, the town’s resident lumberjack cryptid with trust issues and a jawline that could split firewood.
Josh is the kind of man who communicates in grunts, nods, and “I fixed your entire life while pretending I didn’t care.” The town gossip says he hates people. The town gossip is correct. But the moment he sees her struggling, something in him shifts — like a glacier cracking open.
And then he sees her son, Mason.
And girl… that’s the moment I knew we were done for.
A grumpy man softening for a kid? Inject it directly into my veins.
The chemistry is slow‑burn but intense — the kind where every glance feels like a paragraph and every act of kindness is basically a love confession written in lumberjack. Josh chopping firewood at dawn for her? That’s mountain‑man courtship. That’s practically a proposal.
Our heroine is cautious, bruised, and trying so hard to protect her kids while rebuilding her life. Watching her slowly trust again — watching Josh slowly let her in — hits that emotional sweet spot between tender and feral.
My only reason for hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars?
I wanted more.
More pages, more danger, more time for Josh to glower at threats like he’s about to yeet them into the forest. The novella length means some emotional beats hit fast, and I’m greedy when it comes to grumpy‑lumberjack healing arcs.
But for a quick, steamy, heart‑melting instalove with a protective mountain man and a heroine reclaiming her life?
It absolutely delivers.
Cedar Falls, you chaotic little haven of trauma‑healing and beard‑bearing men…
I’ll be back.
July 4, 2025
Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack is Book 2 of the Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, close-proximity, curvy single mom gets her mountain man romance. Elisa is a 24-year-old curvy single pregnant mom to the adorable Mason. She fled from her abusive ex and has come to Cedar Falls hoping for a fresh start. Josh is a 38-year-old, grumpy, reclusive mountain man and woodworker. He is her only neighbor. Her rental cabin is in sad shape. She goes to Josh for help. He is guarded, gruff, and grumpy but recognizes a kindred spirit who needs help. This was such a sweet story about forgetting, forgiving, and learning to trust again. I loved that they were both able to trust and heal each other. Seeing Josh and Riley reconcile was amazing. The way Josh treated Mason was so cute. The chemistry between these two was hot and the ending was so happy. I can't wait for the next book in the series! 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 23, 2025
A Worthwhile Risk for True Happiness -
Elisa was devastated when she arrived at the cabin to discover it didn’t match what she had expected, so she decided to make do. Fortunately Elisa had a neighbour close by whom she was able to seek help from. Josh had lived as a recluse for years, so he wasn’t pleased when Elisa disturb his peace, but the last thing he expect after meeting and spending time with her, was wanting to be around more. Josh found himself enjoying Elisa’s company the more t8me they spent together, which turned into her staying over at his cabin.
The attraction between Josh and Elisa grew the more time they spent getting to know each other and led to them engaging in an ongoing dalliance. Even though Elisa and Josh weren’t really looking for a relationship, they realised each other felt like home, so they decided to take the opportunity to create the family they wanted together. I absolutely loved this insta-love romance story with the added bonus of a small-town vibe and a huggable mountain man. The story pulled me in at the beginning and didn’t let go again until I read the final word. This book definitely deserves a place on your TBR list.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elisa was devastated when she arrived at the cabin to discover it didn’t match what she had expected, so she decided to make do. Fortunately Elisa had a neighbour close by whom she was able to seek help from. Josh had lived as a recluse for years, so he wasn’t pleased when Elisa disturb his peace, but the last thing he expect after meeting and spending time with her, was wanting to be around more. Josh found himself enjoying Elisa’s company the more t8me they spent together, which turned into her staying over at his cabin.
The attraction between Josh and Elisa grew the more time they spent getting to know each other and led to them engaging in an ongoing dalliance. Even though Elisa and Josh weren’t really looking for a relationship, they realised each other felt like home, so they decided to take the opportunity to create the family they wanted together. I absolutely loved this insta-love romance story with the added bonus of a small-town vibe and a huggable mountain man. The story pulled me in at the beginning and didn’t let go again until I read the final word. This book definitely deserves a place on your TBR list.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2025
'I should have warned her.
But that would mean getting involved. Getting involved means caring, and caring means leaving yourself open to all the ways people can hurt you.'
I loved this book. It was a sweet, quick, hurt/comfort romance. I loved both Elisa and Josh. Elisa was pregnant and running with her two-year old son from an abusive controlling boyfriend. Josh has isolated himself in his cabin away from people for over a decade. He's gruff, distrusting, and a man of few words. Both characters have been hurt.
'I'm not my father. That's all this is. Proving to myself, for the thousandth time, that I'm nothing like him.'
Despite wanting to keep his distance, I loved how Josh couldn't stop himself from helping her and her young son. The scenes with Josh and Mason were really cute. I love how Elisa and Josh connected and their relationship turned from reluctant to so much more.
"Why are you helping me?" The question is direct, her gaze steady despite her trembling voice.
"Because no one helped me when I needed it."
I also really loved the scenes with Josh and his brother. How it was handled. It was heartwarming.
A beautiful romance. 5 stars.
But that would mean getting involved. Getting involved means caring, and caring means leaving yourself open to all the ways people can hurt you.'
I loved this book. It was a sweet, quick, hurt/comfort romance. I loved both Elisa and Josh. Elisa was pregnant and running with her two-year old son from an abusive controlling boyfriend. Josh has isolated himself in his cabin away from people for over a decade. He's gruff, distrusting, and a man of few words. Both characters have been hurt.
'I'm not my father. That's all this is. Proving to myself, for the thousandth time, that I'm nothing like him.'
Despite wanting to keep his distance, I loved how Josh couldn't stop himself from helping her and her young son. The scenes with Josh and Mason were really cute. I love how Elisa and Josh connected and their relationship turned from reluctant to so much more.
"Why are you helping me?" The question is direct, her gaze steady despite her trembling voice.
"Because no one helped me when I needed it."
I also really loved the scenes with Josh and his brother. How it was handled. It was heartwarming.
A beautiful romance. 5 stars.
May 3, 2026
Challenged By The Rugged Lumberjack05/03/2026 #2
Ok first things there is a mistake in this book. On page 89 in Epilogue Josh and his brother are talking while Josh is waiting to get married he asks Riley when he is going to marry Ellie but in book one her name is Lucy so a mistake. So let review this story. Elisa is running from her ex because she can’t take the abuse anymore and she won’t expose her son and the new baby she is expecting. When she gets to Cedar Falls and the cabin she rented she finds the cabin is just a step above a shack. Needing help with the electricity thinking this will help with some heat she goes to a neighbors cabin only to find a grumpy guy but he kind a help gives her gas for generator. But later after not hearing the generator he checks in and finds her red eye because she can’t get it started. He fixes it and get a fire in the stove. So she shows him her gratitude by making him dinner. So things start to happen between them and they find other things changing in their lives. So enjoy the read and see what happens!!
Ok first things there is a mistake in this book. On page 89 in Epilogue Josh and his brother are talking while Josh is waiting to get married he asks Riley when he is going to marry Ellie but in book one her name is Lucy so a mistake. So let review this story. Elisa is running from her ex because she can’t take the abuse anymore and she won’t expose her son and the new baby she is expecting. When she gets to Cedar Falls and the cabin she rented she finds the cabin is just a step above a shack. Needing help with the electricity thinking this will help with some heat she goes to a neighbors cabin only to find a grumpy guy but he kind a help gives her gas for generator. But later after not hearing the generator he checks in and finds her red eye because she can’t get it started. He fixes it and get a fire in the stove. So she shows him her gratitude by making him dinner. So things start to happen between them and they find other things changing in their lives. So enjoy the read and see what happens!!
December 10, 2025
Good but…..
…. Would have been nice if we had how she resolved her previous marriage. She was adamant that her ex would not stop searching until he found her, so did he? They obviously divorced, as she gets married here, but did he cause issues, want custody? Shame that wasn’t addressed. Left the book feeling unfinished.
There were inconsistencies in book one and they continue here. If you didn’t read book one then you won’t know but for those of us who did, in book one Riley’s girlfriend was called Lucy. In this book, Josh refers to her as Ellie.
Minor I know, but it’s this sort of error that detract from a book and the story and the world the author is trying so hard to immerse us into.
…. Would have been nice if we had how she resolved her previous marriage. She was adamant that her ex would not stop searching until he found her, so did he? They obviously divorced, as she gets married here, but did he cause issues, want custody? Shame that wasn’t addressed. Left the book feeling unfinished.
There were inconsistencies in book one and they continue here. If you didn’t read book one then you won’t know but for those of us who did, in book one Riley’s girlfriend was called Lucy. In this book, Josh refers to her as Ellie.
Minor I know, but it’s this sort of error that detract from a book and the story and the world the author is trying so hard to immerse us into.
June 26, 2025
Ugh, Josh has frusterated me since I read his brother Riley's book. He's so busy feeling sorry for himself he can't see anyone else's perspective. Elise is simply trying to protect her son, and the baby she has on the way, from her ex. Zoey has created characters you can feel, for good or bad, and can understand. The story is straightforward and easy to read with some steamy times to boot. Will Elise, and her kids, help Josh to see beyond his own blinders? (Hint: not nearly as far as I think he should.)
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
June 22, 2025
Elise is running from her abusive ex, she arrives in Cedar Falls, but the cabin she's rented is not what she expects. Josh lives next door, he's been on his own for years and is unsure why he's happy to see her and her young son, he's really pleased that Mason calls him Josh bear!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely but emotional short story from Zoey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely but emotional short story from Zoey.
June 25, 2025
“Challenged by the Rugged Lumberjack” by Zoey Rose
-Grumpy loner meets single mom in a heart-melting, small-town insta-love romance. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Elisa escapes her past and finds safety—and sizzling connection—with mountain man Josh. Josh, Elisa, and little Mason form a family that feels fated and full of healing.
A cozy, steamy, and uplifting read that tugs at the heart and heats the pages.
-Grumpy loner meets single mom in a heart-melting, small-town insta-love romance. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Elisa escapes her past and finds safety—and sizzling connection—with mountain man Josh. Josh, Elisa, and little Mason form a family that feels fated and full of healing.
A cozy, steamy, and uplifting read that tugs at the heart and heats the pages.
July 14, 2025
Great read!
So now I know the younger brother's story. The one Riley left, when he joined the military at 18, to escape the abusive Father. Meeting Elisa, and learning about her situation, he sees, his past , and his brothers state of mind from a different perspective. The hurt 14 year old, that he was ,still feels betrayed, but Elisa helps him to see how it was, back then for Riley. Trish.A.
So now I know the younger brother's story. The one Riley left, when he joined the military at 18, to escape the abusive Father. Meeting Elisa, and learning about her situation, he sees, his past , and his brothers state of mind from a different perspective. The hurt 14 year old, that he was ,still feels betrayed, but Elisa helps him to see how it was, back then for Riley. Trish.A.
September 13, 2025
great story
This was a well written book. I liked all the characters but I think Mason steals the show. I really liked that the MMC turned out to be the virgin and the FMC the teacher which was an interesting twist for a change. I also appreciated that there wasn’t a last chapter drama instead letting the story flow like it would in real life. Would recommend it to anyone and would read again.
This was a well written book. I liked all the characters but I think Mason steals the show. I really liked that the MMC turned out to be the virgin and the FMC the teacher which was an interesting twist for a change. I also appreciated that there wasn’t a last chapter drama instead letting the story flow like it would in real life. Would recommend it to anyone and would read again.
June 20, 2025
Josh has been the grumpy hermit on the mountain for 12 years so when Elise and her son Mason move in next door his solitude is gone. But he recognizes another wounded soul and he’s drawn to her and her amazing son.
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 30, 2025
Elisa runs to Cedar Falls for fresh start, pregnant and with toddler. Their arrival changes Josh's solitude. Heartwarming and sweet short read. Wonderful characters, been through pain, have found each other to care about. Their family from choice.
Amazing and emotional love story to read in one go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazing and emotional love story to read in one go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
Cute quick read!
Cute and short. Great zero angst, very quick read! Not super memorable but great to get you out of a reading slump!
Trigger warning. Josh is a lonely cabin lumberjack who grew up with an abusive father and has an estranged brother. Elisa is running from an abusive relationship. I loved how Elisa pushed Josh to reconcile with his brother!
Cute and short. Great zero angst, very quick read! Not super memorable but great to get you out of a reading slump!
Trigger warning. Josh is a lonely cabin lumberjack who grew up with an abusive father and has an estranged brother. Elisa is running from an abusive relationship. I loved how Elisa pushed Josh to reconcile with his brother!
July 25, 2025
Short and Sweet
Wonderfully sweet and short story about two wounded people finding their way to wholeness together. Only thing missing was closure on Elisa’s ex. It would have been good to hear that he got some kind of comeuppance that rid Elisa of his presence once and for good. Other than that it was a good story.
Wonderfully sweet and short story about two wounded people finding their way to wholeness together. Only thing missing was closure on Elisa’s ex. It would have been good to hear that he got some kind of comeuppance that rid Elisa of his presence once and for good. Other than that it was a good story.
July 30, 2025
Curvy Wives of Cedar Falls book 2
Elisa was running from a man that was controlling and abusive, she was a Mother of a 3 year old and 4 months pregnant. Elisa rented a cabin that was next door to a big good looking grump. Josh was a loner a hermit and Elisa and her little boy Mason is exactly what Josh needed. I Love these first 2 books of this series, Great Story.
Elisa was running from a man that was controlling and abusive, she was a Mother of a 3 year old and 4 months pregnant. Elisa rented a cabin that was next door to a big good looking grump. Josh was a loner a hermit and Elisa and her little boy Mason is exactly what Josh needed. I Love these first 2 books of this series, Great Story.
June 23, 2025
The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Josh, Elisa and her young son, Mason. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, realizations and hope.
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 24, 2025
You will become invested in every character as you are reading about Josh and Elisa in this amazing quick read. I love the way it is written, and it was a hot romance book to read which I enjoyed so much.
July 7, 2025
Never Disappoints
This author has never disappointed me in her writing. A short, sweet and steamy read. Josh bear actually held up his name with Elisa by helping her with her son and daughter. Definitely a must read for anyone looking for a great read
This author has never disappointed me in her writing. A short, sweet and steamy read. Josh bear actually held up his name with Elisa by helping her with her son and daughter. Definitely a must read for anyone looking for a great read
July 9, 2025
I hadn’t much liked Josh from the previous book, but this little backstory changed my tune.
He knew how to provide Elisa with what she and Mason needed. And he wasn’t all grumpy about it all the time. 😅
He knew how to provide Elisa with what she and Mason needed. And he wasn’t all grumpy about it all the time. 😅
July 28, 2025
Challenged
Josh and Elisa's story has her running g from a bad relationship to the cabin beside his. Then when her cabin needs fixed he moves them to his house. A good age gap, younger woman/older man, single mom, virgin short story
Josh and Elisa's story has her running g from a bad relationship to the cabin beside his. Then when her cabin needs fixed he moves them to his house. A good age gap, younger woman/older man, single mom, virgin short story
June 27, 2025
Found
He has his life the way he wants it, she is running from danger hoping for a new start. He is just helping because it’s the right thing to do. It leads to a wonderful life!
He has his life the way he wants it, she is running from danger hoping for a new start. He is just helping because it’s the right thing to do. It leads to a wonderful life!
June 28, 2025
Oh loved it. I wonder what happened to her horrid ex. He never turned up to find her. I really enjoyed reading this. A very nice story, especially the ending. 5☆
September 18, 2025
Sometimes it's safe to flee.
Good story on w people both hurt from similar situations..love it all..would have loved it to be longer but still loved it..
Good story on w people both hurt from similar situations..love it all..would have loved it to be longer but still loved it..
September 20, 2025
Perfect
This book is a reminder that dreams do come true. The story is heartwarming and I enjoyed reading every single page.
This book is a reminder that dreams do come true. The story is heartwarming and I enjoyed reading every single page.
March 28, 2026
It was a quarter of a mile between the cabins, why didn't he just drive her home?
May 20, 2026
Great Story!
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Elise moved to Cedar Falls with her son Mason. She rented a cabin that was close to Josh Carter’s cabin. Josh was a true mountain man. Not talking to his older brother for two decades he was happy being alone. Elise needs his help and even though he didn’t want to get close to them he did… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Elise moved to Cedar Falls with her son Mason. She rented a cabin that was close to Josh Carter’s cabin. Josh was a true mountain man. Not talking to his older brother for two decades he was happy being alone. Elise needs his help and even though he didn’t want to get close to them he did… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews