Rough & Rugged: A Mountain Man, Curvy Girl, Age Gap Romance

by Clara King

When I inherit a log cabin on Cherry Mountain, there’s just one problem.
Half of it belongs to a grumpy lumberjack who wants me gone.

Thorne Dalton is big, broody, and dangerously attractive.
He calls me a pampered princess. I call him a stubborn caveman.
Neither of us is willing to back down—until we’re forced to share a bed.

Now this cabin feels too small for the tension between us.

I’m only twenty-two. I shouldn’t be falling for a gruff ex-sniper in his forties.
But when Thorne meets my gaze, I know it’s already too late.

Even a city girl like me knows that mountain men are possessive…
And this one has already decided I’m his.

You can expect obsessed lumberjack heroes, plus size heroines, and enough heat to melt a blizzard in this short and steamy romance from Clara King.

Genres: Novella, Forced Proximity

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

About the author

Clara King writes short and steamy romance books featuring grumpy heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey on the inside. Her heroines are strong, curvy women with big dreams and sunshine personalities. Clara’s books include age gaps, cozy small towns, and a happy ending for every couple. When she’s not writing, Clara can be found reading, watching comedies, and eating anything remotely chocolate-based. She’s a history nerd, a cat person, and a fan of all things Jane Austen.

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

novella, insta-love, age gap, dual v, and safe! 🤭

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria and Thorne

ROUGH & RUGGED is Book 1 of The Cherry Mountain Lumberjacks series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, forced-proximity, double virgin, one-bed, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Aria is a 22-year-old curvy city girl who has come home to Cherry Hollow after the death of her father 3 months ago. She lost everything due to some unknown debts her father had. Thorne is a 42-year-old hunky, grumpy, reclusive ex-military man turned lumberjack. He is co-owner of the cabin she partially inherited from her father, and is living there.  When she goes to talk to him about options, she ends up stuck at his cabin. Both are attracted to one another and things get hot and S-T-E-A-M-Y. Can Thorne convince her to stay? The chemistry between these two was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved it!!

[Miš · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.4

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

City Princess and a Caveman

Rough & Rugged is the first book in the Cherry Mountain Lumberjacks series. The author has set this new series in her Cherry Mountain world and the lumberjacks are going to fall hard and fast for city girls. When city girl Aria Lawson arrives in Cherry Hollow to stay with her grandmother, Bonnie, who owns and runs Bonnie's Tavern. She is also there to claim the only inheritance that was left after her father died unexpectedly and all the money, the business and the penthouse were taken by the bank. It is half an old hunting cabin up on the mountain. The cabin was built by her grandfather and his best friend Craig Dalton. Thorne Dalton inherited half the cabin when his father passed. He was raised in Cherry Hollow and returned after leaving the military three years ago. He moved into the cabin and began fixing it up and adding to it. Now he has made it his home, that is until he opens the door one morning to a city princess claiming half of it. When a snow storm strands them together in the cabin the sparks will fly and the fires will burn hot and intense. It seems maybe the city princess has found her caveman and vice versa.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough & Rugged by Clara King is the kind of romance that pulls you into the wilderness, slams you face-to-face with grief and desire, and dares you not to fall a little bit in love along the way.

Aria is barely holding it together. At twenty-two, she’s lost everything—her stability, her sense of direction, and the life she thought she’d have. With nowhere else to go, she ends up at a log cabin on Cherry Mountain… only to discover she’s not alone. Half the cabin belongs to Thorne Dalton: a gruff, brooding lumberjack with a past as heavy as the mountain itself and zero interest in sharing his space—especially with a “pampered princess” city girl.

Thorne is everything Aria shouldn’t want. He’s older, closed off, intimidating, and very clear that he wants her gone. Aria is everything Thorne doesn’t need—until forced proximity, shared grief, and one too-small cabin strip away their defenses. The banter is sharp, the tension is thick, and when circumstances push them into sharing a bed, sparks fly fast and hard.

What makes this story hit is the emotional grounding beneath the spice. Aria isn’t just falling for a rugged man—she’s rebuilding herself in the process. Thorne’s possessiveness isn’t flashy or shallow; it’s protective, instinctive, and rooted in his quiet need to care for someone again. There’s danger, heat, and intensity, but also moments of vulnerability that make their connection feel earned.

Yes, the age gap adds an edge. Yes, the mountain man energy is deliciously strong. But at its core, Rough & Rugged is about two broken people finding something solid in each other when the world has taken everything else away.

If you love grumpy ex-military heroes, forced proximity, rugged wilderness settings, and a whole lot of spice layered over real emotional healing, this book delivers exactly what its title promises—rough, rugged, and impossible to put down.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria has come for Christmas to Cherry Hollow to see her grandma who raised her. Her Grandma owns Bonnie's Tavern in this small mountain town. She had been home for her dad's funeral 3 months ago. Aria had worked for her dad's company so she had lost everything ( company,penthouse,job,car and savings) when he died. Her cousin,Savannah, is also in the tavern. Aria is not sure that she is going to stay in Cherry Hollow. The one remaining that Aria has after her dad's debts were paid is his 50% interest in a mountain cabin. The other share belongs to Thorne, son of the guy who helped build it years ago. Aria plans to go ask Thorne to buy her share since she wants to save funds to return to NY. Aria is stuck at the cabin due to snow and his truck not starting. The next morning Aria helps to save Thorne's life, how? How does their interactions change? Are they ready to show their mutual attractions? What does the future hold?.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorne is 42, former military, a lumberjack, a mountain man recluse and a grump. Since he left the military, he has slowly been fixing up a cabin that he inherited. He loves his solitude, until she shows up claiming her half of his cabin.
Aria is 22, and she has recently lost everything . She had it all, but after her father’s death the bank took everything. The only thing left is her 50% ownership of an old cabin her father inherited.
When she shows up, she realizes Thorne has made this into a home. She gets stuck with him and is forced to spend the night.
Thorne soon realizes that the ray of sunshine that showed up on his doorsteps is exactly what had been missing in his life.
I love a good age gap, sunshine vs grump story and this one does not disappoint.
Thorne realizes there is a lot more to Aria then he realized.
Swoon worthy quick read with an over protective and possessive mountain man and a sweet, innocent ray of sunshine.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria finds herself a drift after the death of her father. She had always lived a life of luxury, but he left gambling debts that had to be paid, which took everything he owned. That was why she was back in Cherry Valley to stay with her grandmother, until she could get on her feet again. Plus, she needed to see Thorne about the cabin. Her father had half interest in a logging cabin up I the mountains. He was known to be a real grumpy man on the best of days. Her grandmother dropped her off to talk to Thorne, but the moment he saw her he knew he needed to get her off the mountain ASAP only nothing went his way. The attraction was electrifying, but he was to old for her, so he thought. A real page turner of a story.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Cherry Mountain Lumberjacks and focuses on Thorne and Aria. When Aria has her entire life thrown to pieces, she goes to her grandmother in Cherry Mountain. She is trying to deal with the grief of losing her dad, while also dealing with the fall out that came with his debts. Aria is half owner of a cabin in Cherry Mountain that was left to her and when she goes there to discuss selling her portion of the cabin with Thorne, she doesn't expect her attraction to him and the connection. Thorne tries to fight the feelings and push Aria away but it doesn't take long for him to realize that she's everything that he never knew he was missing. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating rounded from 3.5⭐️
This was an intriguing story with characters that were compelling. I found I really enjoyed Thorne even with his determined need for self isolation. I understood Aria's situation and her need to find stability, though I didn't care much for her character itself. Details were heavy in the initial portion of the story, but were space in the resolution. (Basically, it happened. Done.) I get it's fiction and things won't work like in real life, but this was stretching and testing even that notion. I enjoyed the story for what it was, yet it isn't one I will be picking up again for a quick perusal. Sorry.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Aria’s dad dies, she comes back to Cherry Mountain to be surrounded by the only family she has left while getting back on her feet. She learns that her father was part owner of a hunting cabin that is why the bank didn’t seize it. Thorne’s father left him the other half of the cabin and he has added on as spruced it up and is now living in the hunting cabin. Aria just once Thorne to buy her half of the cabin so she has some breathing room, she doesn’t want to live there. So her grandma takes her up the mountain to meet with the grumbly lumberjack. The chemistry between the two is off the charts, but when they get snowed in sparks really fly. What will Thorne do when he finally knows the real reason Aria is interested in the cabin?

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series is new side into Cherry Mountain. Aria is back in town with her life is taters, but the only thing she has is half a cabin her dad owned half of. the other half son has been living there secluded, and keeping to himself.

I enjoy that its almost as Thorne might be older and scared, but he fell first for Aria. He might be older and suppose to know better, but the heart wants what it wants. I love the restraint these two show as they try to exist around each other. Aria knows she's drawn to Thorne in a way she'd never known, but it can be hard to say it outloud.

I loved how Thorne isn't afraid ti make sure Aria knows he wants her to stay....forever! Its got some great heat, def some action, and a whole lotta heart.

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorne and Aria, their story is a fast moving one of two people who meet when she arrives at his cabin that she actually is the 50% owner of. Both are stubborn, strong minded and extremely cute. He can’t return her to town as his truck won’t start. She stays. Has a heated dream about him, saves him from a mountain lion which then triggers these two into acknowledging their desires and BAM, we have them tangling up the sheets.
Lots of calling each other princess and caveman!
A great read with an epilogue that indicates their absolute happiness at being together.

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

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria finds herself back in Cherry Valley, after the death of her father left debts that took away her home and job. Everything that is except for a 50 % share of a cabin. The other half belongs to Thorne, a grumpy mountain man. She goes to the cabin to talk to him about selling her share and they are both immediately attracted to one another. Thorne, thinking he is too old and not good enough for city girl Aria tries to get her to leave but a broken truck and snowstorm conspires to trap them together with only one bed. Loved Thorne’s growly protectiveness and now he realised he wasn’t going to let Aria go.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rough and Rugged” by Clara King

-This story is about Aria and Thorne. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Aria inherits a cabin only to find it shared with gruff lumberjack Thorne. Forced proximity sparks tension, attraction, and plenty of fiery moments. Beneath the heat, both are healing from loss and finding connection. A rugged, emotional, and steamy mountain romance with a satisfying happy ending. The princess and the caveman find love in Cherry Hollow.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise for this book is pretty hilarious when you stop to think about it. Being willed 50% of a piece of property and then having to go to collect for your half of it knowing it's fully occupied by the other half owner. Of course this was predictable and only going to end one way, but dang what a trip they had getting there. It was steamy, snarky and slightly dangerous when a cougar showed up to threaten their budding romance.

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

[Kyareth14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, easy-to-read story that you'll enjoy. Aria arrived in Cherry Hollow with nothing; her life had changed in an instant, and her grandmother was her only hope. She also owned half of a cabin in the mountains, and when she went to claim her share, she never expected to meet Thorne, a grumpy, solitary ex-military man who lived in the mountains. Their first encounter wasn't the best, but they soon realized that, without even looking for it, they had found the love of their lives in each other.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria is in Cherry Hollow after her fathers passing and now she lost everything and has no money. She inherited half of a small cabin and now she needs to talk to the other owner Thorne. Thorne is a grumpy and a bit rude mountain man/retired soldier and when he sees Aria his whole life changes. Aria and Thorne fell head over heels for each other and now Aria has found her HEA in Cherry Hollow and not in the big city. Instalove, age gap(20years), sweet ,fun to read, steamy and totally safe (dual virgins😀) with a sweet HEA and absolutely no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria and Thorne each owned half of a cabin. That is the delightful premise of this incredible love story. I truly enjoyed this book, and it captivated me from the first chapter.
There is delicious steaminess when this couple finally gets together, and it has an ending that is sweet.
This standalone book has no cliffhanger, and. Wonderful HEA.

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

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. When Aria’s dad dies, her world falls apart and she comes back to Cherry Mountain for the only thing she has left, half of a mountain cabin. Thorne owns the other half and doesn’t realize how bad things are for Zaria, he only knows she wants half of his home. When they get snowed in, things change and after she saves him, he realizes he doesn’t want to let her go. Great start to this series!.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This short story moves along quickly and flows well. The characters are good, the story had layers to it and plenty of emotions. I believed in the connection and chemistry between these two and liked seeing them together. They had support from those closest to them I liked that they were honest with each other.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Even a city girl like me knows that mountain men are possessive as heck…
And this one has already decided I’m his."

The plot was well written and straightforward. World building was solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorne and Aria each inherited 50% of the cabin Thorne calls home. So he’s not thrilled when she shows up. It’s classic grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, with the one bed trope and dual V-cards. But enough happens and the characters have enough personality so that the story doesn’t feel tired or boring. There was an action sequence that I particularly liked; it had me riveted. Heat is explicit, no cheating. HEA.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria moves to Cherry Mountain with her grandma after her dad dies. She inherited half a cabin and wants to speak to the other owner about selling him her half. This encounter leaves them stranded together in a storm. The more time they spend together? The more things between them change. This was such an adorable, sweet, steamy short read. I can’t wait for book 2, this was a great start to the new series.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria is back in Cherry Mountain after her father’s death left her with nothing due to his debts. Her grandma is happy that she’s back, she can help her with the tavern that she runs. Her dad left her 1/2 of a cabin his friend’s son Thorne now lives in. She wants to see if he will buy her out. When the two of them meet the chemistry is sizzling. A storm causes the two of them to get stuck together! Time spent together brings out feeling!

[Sandy Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! FMC is down on her luck, grieving, lost everything. She goes to the only place she has any claim to. MMC is grumpy. They get stuck together. There’s a little danger then a whole lot of spice. A lot of spice! And a great HEA!.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great instant love romance. Aria returns to Cherry Hollow after her father dies and everything is repossessed. Thorne has inherited half of a log cabin in the mountains while Aria inherits thee other half. Their HEA is entertaining with a touch of danger in this must-read.

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

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivates with shared grief, healing, banter, forced proximity, connection and love.

Aria and Thorne are polar opposites, but when they are forced together the sparks begin to fly and they learn that there is more to each of them.

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

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly gruff, grumpy mountain man vs sassy younger sorta city girl…..loves it when she puts her foot down and bosses him around!!!!

Awesome instalove, OTT, snowed in, one bed…. With a side of mountain lion shenanigans (😳).

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, snowed in, close proximity, age gap, instalove, mountain man-city girl, steamy, and happily-ever-after.
Aria looses everything after her father's death except a half ownership of a shack in the mountains. There she meets Thorne, the other half owner, a mountain man that captures her heart.

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