Resisting My Rugged Enemy

Maplewood Springs #1

by Sophie-Leigh Robbins

He’s the kind of trouble I’ve always avoided. Too bad trouble looks so good in hiking boots and flannel.

Reese
The best part about living in Maplewood Springs is my job at the local Visitor Center and Museum, where I get to nerd out about our small town’s history, rave about local hiking trails, and make sure every tourist leaves with a hand-carved bear souvenir. Honestly, it’s a dream gig—except when Sawyer strolls in with his muddy boots.

Sure, he’s got that rugged mountain man charm, but he also has this irritating habit of touching every exhibit, even though there’s a big “Do Not Touch” sign practically screaming at him. It’s like he’s on a mission to drive me crazy.

But then, he asks me to tutor him in history. Apparently, he needs to pass an exam to get his ranger certification. And guess who the biggest history nerd in town is? Yeah, that would be me.

I’m stuck with him now, pretending I’m okay with helping him study while trying not to strangle him. But the more time I spend with Sawyer, the more I start to see there’s more to him than his tough exterior.

Maybe, just maybe, tutoring him isn’t the worst thing that’s ever happened to me…

Resisting My Rugged Enemy is a sweet romcom set in the small town of Maplewood Springs, Montana, featuring a rugged mountain man and the sassy girl he falls for. This novella is the perfect lighthearted romance and can be read in a couple of hours. It has no explicit content but does have all the chemistry and humor you’re looking for in a closed-door romcom!

Perfect if you
Small towns & cozy settings
Funny banter and slow-burn romances
Enemies to Lovers
Rugged mountain men with a heart of gold
Lots of feel-good humor, sizzling chemistry, and a guaranteed closed-door HEA

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Sophie-Leigh Robbins writes fun, feel-good romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resisting My Rugged Enemy is a sweet romance novella that tells the story of Sawyer, a local outdoor guide, and Reese, a local historian and the operator of the town’s visitor center. Sawyer drives Reese nuts and Sawyer seems to enjoy riling up Reese. (Not quite enemies-to-lovers, but they certainly aren’t pals before this story begins!)

Their dynamic begins to change, however, when Sawyer asks Reese for her help. He needs guidance studying for the ranger’s exam, particularly on local history. They quickly barter a deal – study sessions for cinnamon rolls from the local bakery. So yes, the cinnamon roll male lead gives the female lead actual cinnamon rolls. (Love it!)

Things aren’t always easy and they find themselves needing to resolve why Reese has held on to her grudge against Sawyer. They resolve this hurdle in a believable way and continue to meet, building up trust and slowly falling in love. The main part of the story ends with the two leads locked in the storage closet after hours and agreeing they should explore the chemistry bubbling up between them. (Nothing explicit, just sweet kisses.)

It can be difficult to enjoy a novella, as they often try to rush the plot and have glaring holes in the narrative, but thankfully, this was absolutely not the case with this book! For less than 100 pages, the story feels finished, which is an impressive feat. The timeline was relatively short for the characters, with a couple of small time jumps, which lent to a smoother storyline. (I didn’t feel like I was missing major gaps in the story.) It also helps that the conflict they need to resolve was small enough that it could actually begin to be resolved during the story.

It is a sweet, sometimes sassy, story with some great lines from both Reese and Sawyer that made me laugh. (Their comments about the taxidermied animals in the storage room cracked me up!) All in all, a wonderful little cozy romance read. Definitely recommend!.

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

[Saskia Budzák · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to relax with after a rough day, this short novella is just for you. A book for a coffee in the garden, with beautiful sunny weather. A story full of funny and warm moments, conversations, where you hope for a happy ending. Fresh, witty, and simply ideal for summer reading. The author has presented an unforgettable setting of a small town where everyone knows everyone, with unforgettable characters who will grow on you.
Our characters, Reese and Sawyer, could not be more different.
Reese is a historian who sees love in the past. Sawyer is a tour guide who enjoys the present and the beauty around him.
Reese spends most of her time in the safety of her bubble. Sawyer is excited to go out into the wilderness.
Reese can't stand Sawyer for his constant sarcastic remarks. Sawyer, can't wait to get on her nerves.
But now he needs her help. And quickly...
Will they finally find their way back together? Will they put all the old grudges behind them? But is there a future together for them when they are so different?
- Funny moments and conversations
- Small town setting
- Opposite attract
- Enemies to lovers
- Dual POV

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers + a rugged mountain man!? Yes, please! Right away, Reese and Sawyer drew me in with the banter! While Reese might consider him her sworn enemy, he certainly doesn't see it that way... and when she agrees to help him study local history to help him get his ranger certification, it doesn't take long for her to start seeing him in a different light as well. I loved the dynamic between these two... it was sweet and fun and just kept me smiling throughout. Like Reese, I'm not an outdoorsy person, but this story will make even the least outdoorsy among us want to head out into the fresh air... even if only to curl up with this story anyway! This is a super quick read, easily read in just a sitting or two, but didn't feel rushed or incomplete at all. It was just the perfect quick read for the busy summer days!

Resisting My Rugged Enemy is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great romance story. Sawyer and Reese live in Maplewood Springs and could not be more different. Sawyer is a guide for an adventure wilderness firm and goes to Reese for help, he has spent a long time deliberately annoying her due to his crush. Reese runs the tourist and museum center and has a degree in history. She only agrees to help tutor Sawyer when he tells her why he wants to be a ranger and also because he promises to fix some shelves and brings cinnamon rolls. This is witty and well-writte and not to be missed.

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

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, clean (no sex, no swearing), feel good romcom. It’s a quick read, novella length. It stands alone. If you’re in the mood for something light and want a fast read (perfect for waiting in a doctor’s office), this is a good choice.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cute opposites-attract romantic comedy.. I absolutely loved it! It is super sweet, charming, and heartwarming..

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

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer seems to do nothing but annoy Reese. Asking for her help changes how they view each other. Love all the historical facts Reese spouts especially about the cabin they stumble upon at the lake. Very enjoyable read.

I received this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one! While it’s a shorter read, the story isn’t lacking at all! Loved Sawyer & Reese together. He falls first and some fantastic banter. I love how cutely obsessed with her he was💕.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Reese and Sawyer. This was a cute book, they themselves as characters are cute. Overall a sweet story.

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

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Story With History

Reese and Sawyer are so cute together. She's a fountain of historical knowledge, and he's a Ranger hopeful soaking her knowledge up like a sponge. He's also angling to get to know her better outside of work. It was a fun quick read.

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is short and sweet, and I enjoyed reading it! I was disappointed though when there was a brief mention of the couple living together before marriage. No details, and the romance stays clean. But that was disappointing that they made the choice to live together while unmarried.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, quick read.

This is an enemies to love story. Sawyer and Reese start off on the wrong foot, but there is definitely chemistry between them. I this sweet, short story.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! I love the camaraderie and witty comments between the characters, along with the many laugh out loud moments. I’m hooked, now to read the rest of the books in this series!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read that combined history with the great outdoors in such a fun way!

[Lena (desert.diva.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect weekend morning novella, fun story, no instalove. Great epilogue.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reese tenía buenas razones para que le cayera mal Sawyer

[Jerry Lenington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novella

Really enjoyed this novella. Loved Reese and Sawyer story. Would love to read more about them in the future. Always enjoy this author’s books. Highly recommend.

[Madeline Bremer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Summer Naylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, good if you just need a little light hearted romance. Entertaining enough, but nothing special.

[September Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini Review

Resisting My Rugged by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is first in a new series. This book is adorable and can be read in a couple hours depending on your reading speed. The story is set in a small town in Montana and you get all the feel of the outdoors. I really felt like if was visiting this cute small town.

Things I loved:

The small town setting
She’s smart and a history nerd (it is quite cute)
He a handsome and a rugged hiking guide
He falls first
For a short read it is a slow-burn romance
And there Is some great banter

So if all this sounds like fun go grab yourself a copy and be on the watch I’m sure there will be more to the series. Also isn’t the cover adorable.