Wild Lumberjack: A Forced Proximity Lumberjack Romance

by Lily Birch

She came to write a story… but didn’t plan on finding a wild lumberjack. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Laurel Bellingham isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty.
As a journalist, she’s built a reputation chasing stories other people avoid. So when she arrives at the Harrison Logging Camp, she’s ready to dig deep.
But she doesn’t expect to find Thoren Neely, a wild lumberjack who seems more at ease in the woods than with people.
He doesn’t talk much.
Doesn’t smile.
And he sure as hell doesn’t like outsiders asking questions.
Thoren takes one look at her and knows she doesn’t belong on his mountain.
Too bad the camp foreman has other plans.
After Laurel wanders into danger in an active logging zone, Thoren is assigned to keep her in line… whether he wants the job or not.
Now he’s everywhere.
Watching her. Tracking her. Stepping in before she crosses lines she doesn’t understand.
Laurel should keep her distance. Instead, she pushes harder.
Because the more he shuts her out, the more she wants to know what he’s hiding… and why every man in that camp seems to take a step back when he moves.
But Thoren isn’t hiding anything.
He’s just holding back.
And the second time Laurel wanders into danger, that control snaps.
She came to write a story.
But she found something else entirely.
A man so wild he sets her heart on fire.
And he’s not letting her walk away. ❤️

Author’s Wild Lumberjack is a steamy, open-door lumberjack romance featuring a feral, dominant hero, a relentless journalist heroine, forced proximity, workplace tension, and one wild night on the mountain. Guaranteed HEA.

Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks
Protective Lumberjack
Rugged Lumberjack
Wild Lumberjack
Brawny Lumberjack
Grumpy Lumberjack
Small Town Lumberjack

The Ozark Mountain Men books are quick, steamy short reads. They’re spicy, heartfelt, and always have an HEA. If you like this one, check out the rest!


❤️ Feral / Grumpy Logger
❤️ Journalist Heroine
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Protector Hero
❤️ He Falls First
❤️ Possessive Alpha
❤️ Curvy Girl Age Gap
❤️ Small-Town Logging Camp Romance

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Lily Birch writes short and steamy instalove romance featuring sexy mountain men and the curvy women who fall for them.

She publishes a new short read every Friday. ❤️

She lives in the Ozark mountains in a one-stoplight town with her mountain man husband, a diva pug and a devious beagle.

Visit her at lilybirch.com to catch every new release.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

Laurel and Theron

WILD LUMBERJACK is book 3 of the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her lumberjack romance. Laurel is a sassy, curvy journalist in her 30s from the city. Theron is a hunky, slightly grumpy, quiet silver-fox lumberjack in his 40s. When Laurel shows up at their logging camp hoping to find a story, Theron is put in charge of her. The two are attracted to one another but also clash. As they spend time together though, things get hot and S-T-E-A-M-Y. Will she get her story? Will she stay? These two were great together. Their chemistry and sexual tension was insane and the ending was happy. I loved it.

[Chandra Luna]

Wild Lumberjack by Lily Birch is exactly the kind of steamy, fast-paced mountain romance I love getting lost in—intense chemistry, forced proximity, a grumpy hero who falls first, and a heroine bold enough to challenge every wall he’s built around himself. This story is rugged, emotional, and surprisingly sweet beneath all that feral lumberjack energy.

Laurel Bellingham is determined, fearless, and completely unwilling to back down just because a massive, intimidating lumberjack keeps glaring at her from across camp. As a journalist, she’s used to digging for answers and chasing stories others avoid, and I loved that she never let Thoren’s rough edges scare her away. She’s curious, outspoken, and persistent in the best possible way.

And then there’s Thoren. Quiet. Wild. Protective. Completely gone for her before he even realizes it himself. This man radiates “stay away from me” energy while simultaneously watching Laurel every second to make sure she’s safe. The moment he gets assigned to keep an eye on her after she wanders into danger, the tension between them absolutely explodes.

What made their relationship work so well is that despite coming from completely different worlds, they somehow understand each other in ways nobody else does. Laurel pushes Thoren out of isolation, while he gives her a sense of steadiness and protection she didn’t even know she needed. Watching this solitary mountain man slowly unravel for one stubborn journalist was incredibly satisfying.

And the chemistry? Absolutely intense. The forced proximity, the constant watchful tension, the possessive protective streak in Thoren—it all worked perfectly together. Every interaction between them felt charged, and when his control finally snaps, the payoff is worth every second of buildup.

But honestly, what surprised me most was how sweet this story became by the end. Beneath the gruff exterior and dominant energy, Thoren turns into an absolute cinnamon roll for Laurel.Seeing this once-isolated, almost feral man become soft, devoted, and openly in love gave the story such a satisfying emotional finish.

The logging camp setting also added something unique to the romance. The rough mountain atmosphere, the danger of the work environment, and the close-knit camp dynamics created the perfect backdrop for a relationship built on tension, trust, and undeniable attraction.

If you love grumpy lumberjacks, fierce heroines, forced proximity, protective alpha heroes, workplace tension, and mountain romances with both heat and heart, Wild Lumberjack is such a fun escape. It’s spicy, emotional, a little chaotic, and completely addictive—the kind of story that reminds you sometimes the wildest men fall the hardest.

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

[Korkoi]

A Life Changing Instalove Connection -
From the moment Laurel arrived at the logging camp, she felt a pull towards Thoren and finding out he would be her chaperone made her happy, but she never expected him to be difficult when it came to getting information for her story. Thoren wasn’t happy about having to babysit Lauren whilst she was around, but he felt an unexpected feeling of jealousy when he saw her joking around with the other lumberjacks.

Thoren and Laurel soon found themselves enjoying the time they were spending together, especially when he allowed her to take part in the logging process and this made them open up to each other about their lives. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding nearly derailed Thoren and Laurel’s budding romance, but everything changed after the growing sparks between them ignited into a mind blowing steamy encounter. As luck would have it, when it was time for Laurel to return to her city life, she realised she was happier during her time at the logging camp and made a decision, that gave her and Thoren to build the life they wanted.

I really enjoyed reading this brilliant romance story with a strong chemistry and connection between the characters and an exciting storyline, that held my interest from the beginning and all the way through to the end. I urge you to grab a copy of this wonderful, insta lust story, that flowed beautifully and you definitely won’t regret your decision.

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

[Virginia]

Wild Lumberjack by Lily Birch is the third title in the author's Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series and it was a great read.
It is a steamy, small town, forced proximity, protector hero, lumberjack romance with Laurel and Thoren as it's engaging main characters.
Laurel is in town from Chicago chasing a story about the logging camp and thanks to her friend Rose (married to one of the brothers that own the business) she has been promised access.
Thoren is a grumpy lumberjack at the best of times but when he meets Laurel and discovers what she does, the inconvenient sparks of attraction he feels make him even more guarded.
Forced to escort Laurel around the area to avoid having her at the logging site Thoren's attraction and desire for Laurel only grows and hits boiling point after rescuing her from a near miss at the active logging site.
Laurel finds as she spends more time alone with the gorgeous, rugged Thoren priorities are changing and a career making story is not quite as important as spending time with her lumberjack.
The developing connection Laurel and Thoren have along with their sizzling chemistry ignites late one night only to make the both of them question what they're going to do when Laurel leaves for the city.
This was a well written story that had me hooked wanting to find out how Thoren and Laurel work things out and the steam and spice between them along with the emotional connection they find with one another was a pleasure to read.

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

[Carolee]

Lily Birch’s Wild Lumberjack is a brisk, atmospheric entry in the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series—equal parts small-town intrigue and character-driven tension. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Harrison Logging Camp, the story pulls you in with crisp pacing and a clear sense of place, making the camp’s daily rhythms feel immediate and lived-in.

Birch pairs two compelling leads: Laurel Bellingham, a determined journalist with a nose for the truth, and Thoren Neely, a taciturn logger whose reserve hints at hard-earned boundaries. Their push-and-pull dynamic is grounded in credible stakes—outsider versus close-knit community, curiosity versus caution—and the “forced proximity” setup keeps the momentum strong as Laurel’s investigation collides with the camp’s unspoken rules.

What stands out most is the story’s confident control of tone: it balances suspenseful moments in a hazardous work environment with warm, humanizing details that deepen both characters. Readers looking for a fast, satisfying romantic arc with a strong setting, a protective hero, and a proactive heroine will find Wild Lumberjack an engaging, polished short read that leaves you eager to visit Red Oak Mountain again.

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

[Louise J.]

This is book three in Lily’s ‘Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks’ series. Laurel arrives at the Harrison lumberjack camp searching for a story which will get her a promotion, but she’s immediately met with a wall of polite non-cooperation. Thoren has personal reasons for not liking journalists, and a deep respect for the dangers involved in his work, so when the camp foreman asks him to babysit Laurel, he’s not happy. Managing to initially keep her away from the live site, he gets to know her better but is still cautious. Once on the live site, a near miss completely throws Thoren and ruins Laurel’s chances of getting the story she knows is there, but what she wants to know more now is the story of how Thoren became the wild man that he is. Thoren battles between distrust and the attraction and protectiveness he feels towards Laurel and the latter proves the winner. Instant chemistry, intoxicating attraction and simmering tension build in this short steamy read set in the wilderness of Red Oak Mountain.

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

[De Anna]

Dancing at the Overlook.
Incredible. Laurel is a journalist. Although, she’s not sure about that career path anymore. She wanted to tell the truth but, when she does she’s demoted then fired. This is her chance for a promotion if she finds dirt on the logging camp. Thoren doesn’t like journalists after what they did to his dad. This is widely known so, he’s appointed Laurel’s babysitter because he won’t tell her anything that could shutdown the camp. Chemistry begins to grow between them and Thoren is fighting it all the way because she’s leaving. Then she disobeys his instructions Laurel is almost killed. He quits watching her and deposits her at the camp kitchen with the cook, Mina. What’s worse for Laurel is Thoren isn’t talking to her and he’s avoiding her. The only thing left is to leave when the is finished. Or is there another option?

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

[Marilyn]

“Wild Lumberjack” is a wonderful romance that is enjoyable from start to finish. It is well-written with characters that tell their own story. It is also a story of Laurel discovering herself and how her wants and desires have changed upon meeting Thoren. She finds an instant connection to him. This small-town, protective, grumpy lumberjack breaths and lives his job. However, he, in turn, discovers that he has a connection to Laurel and she is his person. Together they explore their journey through a working relationship that evolves into a spicy, heart-felt, charming, happy ever after. I loved their journey and how both Laurel and Thoren found each other through life’s conflicts. “Wild Lumberjack” is part of the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series.

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

[Zeinab Dh]

I chose to read and review this book. This is book three in the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series is an exciting, intense read filled with chemistry and simmering tension. Laurel arrives at the Harrison lumberjack camp hoping to uncover a story that could earn her a promotion, but Thoren’s distrust of journalists and protective nature create immediate conflict between them. Despite coming from completely different worlds, their attraction is undeniable, and watching fiery, determined Laurel bring the solitary and guarded Thoren out of his shell was incredibly satisfying. Set against the rugged wilderness of Red Oak Mountain, this steamy romance balances danger, emotion, and connection perfectly. I really enjoyed seeing these two challenge and strengthen each other, and I can’t wait to see where this author takes the series next!

[Genevieve]

This episode of Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks feels a bit like a mystery, starting with just what story our intrepid journalist is after, and why Thoren seems to be more than just reluctant to talk to her, does he have it out for journalists in general?

This story comes together beautifully, as we learn a little more about each of our MCs with each day that passes until we reach the first epilogue and see Laurel taking on the mantle of great responsibility using her powers for good and the second epilogue revealing Thoren as not just a cinnamon roll hero, but a full on golden retriever.

One does have to wonder though – how did they avoid splinters in their heinies….

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

[Nathalie DeSousa]

I am loving this series, and getting each of the crew's stories.

Laurel is looking for a story that will give her an edge as a writer (after a few misses), but the crew is not happy to have her in camp and show her the operation as she is keen on showing the weaknesses of it. Thoren is set as her babysitter for the time she is there, and though he is tremendously attracted to her, he will do the impossible to deter her from writing her piece. But when her stubborness puts her in danger, it will be the wake up call she needs to open up completely to Thoren and the passion they bring.

A steamy love story!.

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

[lf]

Taming the wild lumberjack

Wild Lumberjack is the third book in the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series by Lily Birch. The story is fast-paced, insta-love/lust, and steamy hot romance wrapped around a story-line that keeps you interested. Laurel is a writer from Chicago who has come to the logging camp trying to run down a story. Thoren is assigned to accompany Laurel everywhere she goes, and to keep her away from the logging site. She is happy to have the big, burly and somewhat grumpy but still hotter than Hades mountain/logger man near her. But Thoren is not happy about the entire situation and as such is more grumpy than usual. The more time they spend together the more the attraction grows and chemistry sparks....until it catches and burn white hot.

[Alex Wallace]

Thoren and Laurel’s relationship started like a love, hate kind of relationship. Laurel came to the logging camp looking for a story. Her boss wanted a story that could shut down the entire operation. Thoren hates reporters period, so when Laurel shows up and his feelings begin changing he fights them as much as possible, but when an accident almost hits Laurel and Thoren protects her they can’t keep their distance anymore. Will Thoren and Laurel get their HEA? Or will Laurel’s job in Chicago pull them apart? Read Wild Lumberjack by Lily Birch to find out. It’s a great short read. Lily keeps giving with each of her books. Can’t wait for the next one to be released.

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

[Donna]

Thoren is wary of journalists and Lauren gets under his skin quickly

After a close call out on the mountain Thoren and the Harrison Brothers are fearful their operation is at risk. They really don't want an investigation of their logging operation. Poor Thoren is assigned as watcher and his job is to insure Lauren finds no details of the incident they all fear. Lauren is one determined journalist and suspects something is fishy. When she's nearly injured Thoren drags her back to camp and walks off into the woods but he just van stay away. They events, get their H.E.A. and both embrace their new life on Red Oak mountain.

[Susan]

Thornen is a grumpy lumberjack who isn’t happy to be assigned to watch over the sexy journalist Laurel who’s invaded their logging camp to write a story about them. She’s a confused yet determined woman that wants to get a promotion. Their story is exciting to read with great depth of layers and emotion. The way the navigate the romantic journey is exhilarating and enlightening for them both. Loved the HEA You wrote for them Lily.

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

[Debdutch]

“Wild Lumberjack” by Lily Birch

-A steamy mountain romance with intense chemistry, forced proximity, and a grumpy lumberjack hero who falls hard. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing honest feedback.

Laurel’s fearless determination and Thoren’s protective, feral energy create a perfect opposites-attract dynamic filled with tension and emotional depth. The rugged logging camp setting adds danger and atmosphere while their relationship slowly shifts from distrust to devotion. Spicy, heartfelt, and addictive, this is a satisfying romance.

[$2.08]

This was a great story. My favorite part was when he trusted her enough to tell her about the accident. They had all been hiding it from her because she's a reporter but he decides to tell her about it because he loves her. I slalso loved the part where he is trying to imagine moving to Chicago to be with her; he realizes that he's in trouble if he's thinking like that. Honesty the idea of a Lumberjack moving to Chicago is funny! Oh, and the epilogue was hilarious! Wonderful book.

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

[Johanna]

'She came to write a story.
But she found something else entirely.
A man so wild he sets her heart on fire. And he’s not letting her walk away.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. 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.

[Amanda Marlowe]

Laurel has gone to Red Oak Mountain to write an article about logging camps, her boss wants her to find out as many details as possible, to 'dish the dirt' as it were, but she writes the truth and doesn't embellish her work. Thoren is tasked with minding her while she is there, hiding things that they don't want the wrong idea being written about, but she's sassy and forward and he's attracted to her, although she's a bit younger than him, and a real city girl with her ballet shoes
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

An entertaining read from Lily.

[Angi]

Laurel comes to the logging camp looking for a story on failed equipment and a big break in journalism. What she finds is Thoren and a group of guys who are loyal to each other and the company. Thoren had no intentions of falling for this journalist and tried his hardest to stay away. That didn’t work. This is a short, sweet, steamy and excellent read and I can’t wait to see which of the Red Oak Mountain lumberjacks falls next.

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

[Becky]

This book had me really on the side of the lumber camp from start to finish. Laurel is a journalist who is sent to write a smear article about the work that is being done by the lumberjacks. Already, everyone is super guarded against her, and Thoren has to babysit her. Trust is not there, and she doesn't help because she breaks the rules. I love how the plot works out, and Thoren wins Laurel. It's such a spicy-sweet story. Fantastic short read!

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

[B. Erickson]

Another fantastic story from a new-to-me author and I loved it! The book blurb was well written, and the story lived up to it. Laurel is a journalist who wants to find a great story to give her a promotion. At a logging camp she was given one week to write her story, but the lumberjacks don't want her. Thoren is the lumberjack that has to keep her safe and the story continues from there. The storyline was great with humor and romance. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more of Ms. Birch's books!!!

[Lyndsay L]

This is full of excitement and intensity between the main characters. I loved how even though they came from two very different working environments they can't deny the chemistry between them and they come together and make each other even better. Nothing like a fiesty, outgoing woman who can bring a solitary man out of his shell. This was a really good read and I cannot wait to see where this author takes us next!!

[Sandy Dillon]

Finally, it’s Thoren’s turn. Love this one and the whole series. The MMC, Thoren, is put in charge of keeping the FMC out of trouble in the logging camp. The FMC is a journalist there to get a story. She’s hoping to find some dirt. What she gets is a crash corse in logging. It’s quite the journey. The spice is SPICY. The HEA is fantastic.

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

[Joyce]

Lauren was a journalist fighting for her big break. She knew if she wrote an expose on unsafe logging practices she might get a promotion.
Thoren was a lumberjack who detested journalists, with good reason. This love story had to tackle a few problems before it came to life, but it was well worth it.
I enjoyed this book and found it a very pleasurable read.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff]

Babysitting duty. A journalist on the hunt for a story arrives at the logging camp. To keep her safe and a bit contained she is assigned a lumberjack to keep track of her. His mission is to keep her distracted or babysit her. There is more to the story and the interactions of the two main characters with several spots where chuckles may be had. The life in a logging camp from the perspective of a woman and an outsider can be enlightening. A fun book to read with a few surprises in store.

[Jenifer]

This was a perfect grumpy/sunshine story. Thoren wouldn't even talk to Laurel when she first showed up. But she just kept persisting and got the grump to let down his guard and confide his secrets. All while having trysts in the oddest spots around the mountain and the camp. I was happy to see that Thoren had a soft heart once you got past his grump shell.

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

[Ineta]

What a great addition to the beautiful series- Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks. And back to already known characters and camp.
Laurel organised this assignment to get promoted with her career in journalism. Yet nothing goes right- she is met with cold. Will she chase her story after getting know people and after drove Thoren insane?
Thrilling short story - exciting instalove romance - steamy engaging and funny. Enjoy!.

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

[Val]

A reporter arrives at the camp to do a story. Thoren does not trust reporters and is set to be her babysitter while she is around.
As they spend time together, she learns that she doesn’t want to do the story that would get her a promotion. She doesn’t listen to Thoren while on the job site and he has to rescue her. This only makes him realize that he has fallen for her.
As they navigate his stories, they find love.

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

[Alicia Walton]

Another cute story from the men of Red Oak. I enjoyed this instant love story. Laurel was looking for the big story but was blown away when the one thing she needed most was Thoren. I loved how these two collided and new it was time to rewrite the story. A quick easy read with a HEA!.

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