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Sweet & Stocky #1.5
Cubs & Campfires: Winter Rangers
Rebuilding a derelict cabin in the woods? Spending the winter in the mountains? How hard could it be? Turns out, very hard (and thick).
It’s been a long time since Artair Osmond and Luca Torres visited Bleeding Heart Tower. Time rolled past. Life moved on. And a goal from their youth—spending a full year in the mountains—never got fulfilled. Until now.
And while the temperature might be dropping outside, it’s only getting hotter in the cabin. Prepare for a season of fireside kisses, bearskin rugs and snowballs to the mouth.
Winter Rangers is a sequel novella to Cubs & Campfires.
It’s been a long time since Artair Osmond and Luca Torres visited Bleeding Heart Tower. Time rolled past. Life moved on. And a goal from their youth—spending a full year in the mountains—never got fulfilled. Until now.
And while the temperature might be dropping outside, it’s only getting hotter in the cabin. Prepare for a season of fireside kisses, bearskin rugs and snowballs to the mouth.
Winter Rangers is a sequel novella to Cubs & Campfires.
102 pages, Unknown Binding
Published September 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 9, 2025
Ch 1? Ugh. Yes plz.
September 12, 2025
I am once again so fucking jealous of a fictional couple. You did it again, Dylan Drakes, you made me yearn for a happy and long lasting relationship.
some note worthy annotations I made were:
"as he claims me.
as he owns me.
all his.
forever" -Spring page 17/29
"looking hot, bitch tits" - Sandy's wife Fall 2/12. (made me laugh out loud)
"thats why he's husband" -spring everlasting. (i genuinely dont know if this was intentional or if a "my" was missed, but its iconic)
and last but not least, as it fits my description of my own life and my close friends - who, if they read this, should know I fuckin love them like a life partner would, you're stuck with me lol.
"i'm incredibly happy we aren't other people"
the last sentence of the book.
Drakes writes in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. its such a cozy yet spicy book. I'm now off to read the second book: Bears & Bakeries.
some note worthy annotations I made were:
"as he claims me.
as he owns me.
all his.
forever" -Spring page 17/29
"looking hot, bitch tits" - Sandy's wife Fall 2/12. (made me laugh out loud)
"thats why he's husband" -spring everlasting. (i genuinely dont know if this was intentional or if a "my" was missed, but its iconic)
and last but not least, as it fits my description of my own life and my close friends - who, if they read this, should know I fuckin love them like a life partner would, you're stuck with me lol.
"i'm incredibly happy we aren't other people"
the last sentence of the book.
Drakes writes in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. its such a cozy yet spicy book. I'm now off to read the second book: Bears & Bakeries.
November 1, 2025
In diesem Band gibt es ein Wiedersehen mit Luca und Artair, von daher ist es empfehlenswert, den ersten Band zu kennen (während sich Band eins und zwei unabhängig voneinander lesen lassen).
Dylan Drakes liefert wieder genau das, was wir von ihm kennen und lieben. Romantik, Spice und Bears in love. Einfach etwas Gutes fürs Herz.
Erst dachte ich, es sei ein reiner Winterband, aber tatsächlich begleiten wir die Beiden über ein ganzes Jahr ihres gemeinsamen Lebens. Und natürlich hoffe ich darauf, dass wir sie auch weiterhin dabei begleiten dürfen.
Dylan Drakes liefert wieder genau das, was wir von ihm kennen und lieben. Romantik, Spice und Bears in love. Einfach etwas Gutes fürs Herz.
Erst dachte ich, es sei ein reiner Winterband, aber tatsächlich begleiten wir die Beiden über ein ganzes Jahr ihres gemeinsamen Lebens. Und natürlich hoffe ich darauf, dass wir sie auch weiterhin dabei begleiten dürfen.
December 14, 2025
Pure queer joy!
September 8, 2025
This was TEWWWW good - I wish there was more threesome time, but hey, I'll take what I can get :P
September 8, 2025
Someone explain to me why I’m crying at the arrival of a familiar furry friend??? That scene made me happier than I can explain.
This was such a beautiful novella to give us an extended glimpse into Luca and Artair’s love story. I loved every second of it.
This was such a beautiful novella to give us an extended glimpse into Luca and Artair’s love story. I loved every second of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
My heart! This was nice, a soothing and cozy, comforting read. Just finished in an a sitting, I really enjoyed some parts greatly, some.....not so much. The exploration of love and tenderness throughout most of the book felt lacking and absent, since this a short continuation from Cubs and Campfires and our character's are together for years now, I expected more depth, rawness, tenderness and portrayal of genuine love and compassion; which I didn't receive, sadly. I understand this is pure fiction but this felt excessively fantastical and too dreamy and over the top with the setting, the first book, while being dreamy and having the same fantastical and 'make-believe' quality, it was much more grounded to the contemporary reality.
This book too, was grounded in the boundaries of reality but at moments, many moments, felt too corny and childish, the message and the prolonged issue that was flowing throughout the book came in a fulfilling and satisfactory conclusion which I really liked. Plus, I adored seeing our beloved characters again, but the display of love and true emotional connection wasn't present. I understand that this is primarily a smut-focused and mind numbing book, but I felt the quality degraded significantly since the first one. Also consensual non-monogamy is a topic which should've been much more explored and detailed out, this segment felt the most unrealistic and the point where I was like "yeah, this is just meant for smut, no depths or anything".
Spoilers ahead
The part where they just justify having sex with the third person just felt so out of place, awkward and shallow. You can find other people sexy/hot, that's not an issue, but when you are married, and even if your significant other consented to a 'threesome' activity, you simply should question it, and thought of it. Just because 2 people want to have intercourse, doesn't mean they will without any thoughts, this segment should've been explored more critically or better, omitted. There was no nuance or complexity in showing us why they chose to partake in it, and more unrealistic because, once you are in a committed relationship, such feats should be thought of. Lust shouldn't overtake your sense of decency and sensibility. I disliked this segment alot. I am not saying polyamory or such is wrong, but exploration of such intricate and complex topics should have been fleshed out fully.
End of spoilers
Lust was more prominent and the sexual hunger was more visible, which I understand as this was smut focused, but really, would've been much great if we focused more on the emotional connection and intricacies of their bond, connection and love prominently, also that in correlation with lust and the beauty and bliss of lovemaking, not just pure sexual drive and animalistic cravings. Primarily reading and dwelling with literary fiction about love, loss and the rawness that lies beneath did up my standards by alot, huh. But yeah, I did really enjoyed seeing similar faces and our beloved character's again and seeing glimpses of their lives and journey.
All in all, this was sweet and heartwarming, I liked it, especially more towards the end where some semblance of warmth was visible between our lovers. It was soothing, comforting, and yeah, erotic too. Cherished my time with it but it had many dents and had the potential to become a much more nuanced, tender and genuine exploration of love and life between our main character's. However it melted my heart and put a smile on my face to see our beloved's living this amazing life together with each other by the side, in their warmth and love together. The first book was healing and personal for me, this one was more serene in respect to Artair and Luca, and warming toto see our them happy with each other.
I would really love if we get another continuation, a proper novel, that dwells much more into Luca and Artair's life in the bustling streets of real life. I need more of that as this one didn't deliver it quite. But had a good time with it regardless, props to Dylan Drakes for yet again, this amazing representation and putting out such works about out lovely, warm and furry bears.
This book too, was grounded in the boundaries of reality but at moments, many moments, felt too corny and childish, the message and the prolonged issue that was flowing throughout the book came in a fulfilling and satisfactory conclusion which I really liked. Plus, I adored seeing our beloved characters again, but the display of love and true emotional connection wasn't present. I understand that this is primarily a smut-focused and mind numbing book, but I felt the quality degraded significantly since the first one. Also consensual non-monogamy is a topic which should've been much more explored and detailed out, this segment felt the most unrealistic and the point where I was like "yeah, this is just meant for smut, no depths or anything".
Spoilers ahead
The part where they just justify having sex with the third person just felt so out of place, awkward and shallow. You can find other people sexy/hot, that's not an issue, but when you are married, and even if your significant other consented to a 'threesome' activity, you simply should question it, and thought of it. Just because 2 people want to have intercourse, doesn't mean they will without any thoughts, this segment should've been explored more critically or better, omitted. There was no nuance or complexity in showing us why they chose to partake in it, and more unrealistic because, once you are in a committed relationship, such feats should be thought of. Lust shouldn't overtake your sense of decency and sensibility. I disliked this segment alot. I am not saying polyamory or such is wrong, but exploration of such intricate and complex topics should have been fleshed out fully.
End of spoilers
Lust was more prominent and the sexual hunger was more visible, which I understand as this was smut focused, but really, would've been much great if we focused more on the emotional connection and intricacies of their bond, connection and love prominently, also that in correlation with lust and the beauty and bliss of lovemaking, not just pure sexual drive and animalistic cravings. Primarily reading and dwelling with literary fiction about love, loss and the rawness that lies beneath did up my standards by alot, huh. But yeah, I did really enjoyed seeing similar faces and our beloved character's again and seeing glimpses of their lives and journey.
All in all, this was sweet and heartwarming, I liked it, especially more towards the end where some semblance of warmth was visible between our lovers. It was soothing, comforting, and yeah, erotic too. Cherished my time with it but it had many dents and had the potential to become a much more nuanced, tender and genuine exploration of love and life between our main character's. However it melted my heart and put a smile on my face to see our beloved's living this amazing life together with each other by the side, in their warmth and love together. The first book was healing and personal for me, this one was more serene in respect to Artair and Luca, and warming toto see our them happy with each other.
I would really love if we get another continuation, a proper novel, that dwells much more into Luca and Artair's life in the bustling streets of real life. I need more of that as this one didn't deliver it quite. But had a good time with it regardless, props to Dylan Drakes for yet again, this amazing representation and putting out such works about out lovely, warm and furry bears.
October 31, 2025
This novella was absolutely gorgeous- spicy, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying. It hit every one of the right notes for me.
I was completely drawn into the story from start to finish. I loved seeing where Artair and Luca are in their lives now, and I really appreciated the raw honesty in Artair’s exhaustion and his devotion to his fans, it added a wonderfully gritty, human edge to the story.
Then came their year in the forest… oh, how I’ve missed Dylan’s writing! No one captures the feral intimacy between two curvy cubs quite like he does, the way they devour each other in their natural, uninhibited glory is both passionate and poetic. The language in those spicier scenes is raw, honest, and beautifully nostalgic.
I also loved the way Artair and Luca choose to open their relationship. It was written with sincerity and care, making it feel refreshingly real, and yes, undeniably lip-biting too.
Artair’s narration is another highlight. His adoration for Luca shines through every word, the way he sees his man’s beauty, the way he cherishes him, and how deeply he’s devoted to fulfilling Luca’s every desire. It’s tender, spicy, and genuine all at once.
I was completely drawn into the story from start to finish. I loved seeing where Artair and Luca are in their lives now, and I really appreciated the raw honesty in Artair’s exhaustion and his devotion to his fans, it added a wonderfully gritty, human edge to the story.
Then came their year in the forest… oh, how I’ve missed Dylan’s writing! No one captures the feral intimacy between two curvy cubs quite like he does, the way they devour each other in their natural, uninhibited glory is both passionate and poetic. The language in those spicier scenes is raw, honest, and beautifully nostalgic.
I also loved the way Artair and Luca choose to open their relationship. It was written with sincerity and care, making it feel refreshingly real, and yes, undeniably lip-biting too.
Artair’s narration is another highlight. His adoration for Luca shines through every word, the way he sees his man’s beauty, the way he cherishes him, and how deeply he’s devoted to fulfilling Luca’s every desire. It’s tender, spicy, and genuine all at once.
December 10, 2025
A lovely bonus story to Cubs and Campfires! Sitting at just under 100 pages, and almost a decade after the first story, we now spend a year with Luca and Artair as they take on the huge task that is restoring the winter ranger’s cabin, starting in early spring to get the cabin ready for the following year, and spend four seasons with them.
In this story, we follow Artair, and it is told in first person, whereas the previous story was told from Luca’s POV and in third person. It took me by surprise at first—the first person more so than the POV change—but I enjoyed the story.
Expect the same level of spice as in the novel, a great deal of conflicting feelings, and nothing but support from Luca around Artair’s thoughts and decisions. It was an adorable little bonus novella, and it was lovely to see where the two men are at this much further into their relationship!
In this story, we follow Artair, and it is told in first person, whereas the previous story was told from Luca’s POV and in third person. It took me by surprise at first—the first person more so than the POV change—but I enjoyed the story.
Expect the same level of spice as in the novel, a great deal of conflicting feelings, and nothing but support from Luca around Artair’s thoughts and decisions. It was an adorable little bonus novella, and it was lovely to see where the two men are at this much further into their relationship!
December 18, 2025
I really liked this book, its cozy, its spicy it's idilic.
Dylan Drakes for me, its an author that balances these stories with rich characters and spicy scene with real human emotions.
Do I wish there would have been more scenes with Tama? Yes both just from a spicy perspective as well as from just how they all related.
Would I wish they had speen all year with Bowie and his family, you betcha!
Do I want to see Dylan explore a triad dynamic in his writing style, PLEASE!
Overall I was just left wanting to know more about their time of Luka and Artaie and Tama and Bowie, and even though that for me is bittersweet, is a good sign as well! Hopefully there will be many more stories like this!
Dylan Drakes for me, its an author that balances these stories with rich characters and spicy scene with real human emotions.
Do I wish there would have been more scenes with Tama? Yes both just from a spicy perspective as well as from just how they all related.
Would I wish they had speen all year with Bowie and his family, you betcha!
Do I want to see Dylan explore a triad dynamic in his writing style, PLEASE!
Overall I was just left wanting to know more about their time of Luka and Artaie and Tama and Bowie, and even though that for me is bittersweet, is a good sign as well! Hopefully there will be many more stories like this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
I am in love with these two all over again.
It was such a sweet and sexy novella and their lust for adventure is so beautiful to see and who wouldn't want to be stuck in nature just getting all the best the earth has to give.
Artair is always my favourite will remain my favourite till maybe the next book in the series.
It was such a sweet and sexy novella and their lust for adventure is so beautiful to see and who wouldn't want to be stuck in nature just getting all the best the earth has to give.
Artair is always my favourite will remain my favourite till maybe the next book in the series.
October 23, 2025
Loved seeing these characters again, and their relationship and the grounded feel of this novella was so enjoyable to return to. As a short read I would have enjoyed more time spent with their emotions and environment than the multiple instances of smut that were crammed into these 90-ish pages, but the read was great nonetheless.
September 14, 2025
Cozy and adorable look into a year in the life of Luca and Artair! It was so perfectly them and I may have cried a little when Artair’s oldest friend showed up again. Great continuation of their HEA.
October 13, 2025
I enjoyed reading this novella sequel quite a bit. My biggest complaint is that it wasn’t long enough. A full year in 93 pages does feel enough to explore the emotional beats I wanted and included the sexy parts.
September 7, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 10, 2025
Just as perfect as the first and I love how much was packed into under 100pgs as a sequel novella!
September 14, 2025
I love these two guys so much! This novella was fantastic. It hit all the right spots and felt just as cozy as the first book.
September 16, 2025
what a beautifully cozy short story that is. He did it again. Applause to the author
December 12, 2025
This precious pixie is a happy reader. This was the follow up we didn't know we needed. The author knows how to write them and I'm on a happy reader high. 🥰
January 16, 2026
My current reading list suddenly opened up a little, allowing me to sneak in an additional book, and so, as winter slowly approaches and the air gets a bit chilly, I thought Winter Rangers would be a nice, short read, and just like the characters, I’ll get a nice break from reality.
Well, Dyland Drakes delivered again.
Winter Rangers truly deserves its name as a novella, being just over a hundred pages long. And yet, it’s packed with wholesomeness and steam, despite starting just a tad bitter. That’s what sometimes gets to you—you start doing what you love for profit, and suddenly, it becomes a chore and a burden, while you wither away trying to keep up. Your dreams go on the back burner while you overwork yourself, exhaust yourself, snuff out the flame burning inside.
And then comes the break.
It was fun to read about the change of scenery and the challenge of rebuilding the winter ranger’s station, despite the shortness of the story. Additionally, the Tama plot made me raise a curious eyebrow, while a little intrigued “Oh?” appeared in my mind. Well, that was certainly a new discovery for both the characters and me.
Maybe I wish it weren’t just a novella, but rather a full novel, because I’d love to stay longer with Luca and Artair, and observe in more detail how they navigate in changing seasons.
Well, Dyland Drakes delivered again.
Winter Rangers truly deserves its name as a novella, being just over a hundred pages long. And yet, it’s packed with wholesomeness and steam, despite starting just a tad bitter. That’s what sometimes gets to you—you start doing what you love for profit, and suddenly, it becomes a chore and a burden, while you wither away trying to keep up. Your dreams go on the back burner while you overwork yourself, exhaust yourself, snuff out the flame burning inside.
And then comes the break.
It was fun to read about the change of scenery and the challenge of rebuilding the winter ranger’s station, despite the shortness of the story. Additionally, the Tama plot made me raise a curious eyebrow, while a little intrigued “Oh?” appeared in my mind. Well, that was certainly a new discovery for both the characters and me.
Maybe I wish it weren’t just a novella, but rather a full novel, because I’d love to stay longer with Luca and Artair, and observe in more detail how they navigate in changing seasons.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews