Brawny Lumberjack: A Gentle Giant Hero Romance

by Lily Birch

She never expected to fall for a gentle giant lumberjack. 🔥🔥🔥🔥



I didn’t plan on starting over like this. But here I am, new to town, working at a diner where everyone knows each other except me.

And then there’s Gage Harlow. A brawny lumberjack from the local logging camp who looks like he could break a man in half without even trying.

I keep my distance.

Until one day, he catches me walking home on foot. That’s when everything changes. Because when I need someone to lean on, I find out this gentle giant is as solid as the mountain itself.



Julie Crawford is the gorgeous new waitress at the Hungry Rooster. She’s in over her head. Anyone can see it.

I should keep my distance. That’s how I’ve always handled things.

But I don’t. Because Julie awakens something inside me that I thought died long ago.

When I see her walking home late at night after a shift, my foot hits the brake.
Next thing I know, I’m stepping into her life.
And once I step in…
I don’t step back. ❤️

Author’s Brawny Lumberjack is a steamy, open-door forced proximity lumberjack romance featuring a vulnerable heroine and one very hands-on lumberjack who knows exactly how to take care of what’s his. 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—spicy, heartfelt, and always with an HEA. If you like this one, there are plenty more mountain men waiting for you on Red Oak Mountain.


❤️ Gentle Giant Hero Trope
❤️ Size Difference
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Protector / Provider Hero
❤️ He Falls First
❤️ Possessive Alpha
❤️ Small-Town Romance
❤️ Fish Out of Water

Read Grumpy Lumberjack. He doesn’t do relationships… until she walks into the logging camp.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 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

[Rebecca Merlene]

3.0. Rated R. Contemporary Romance Novella

Book 4 in the small town lumberjack series. You get to know all the lumberjacks and meet the women they find.
These are short, skim the surface, no depth, entertaining stories.
Some of the characters are hilarious.
I think I want to grab one of these big guys. 🥰

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S)]

Julie and Gage

BRAWNY LUMBERJACK is book 4 of The Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, he falls first, OTT, age-gap, close-proximity, curvy girl gets her lumberjack romance. Julie is a 30-year-old sweet and curvy waitress newer to town. Gage is a 38-year-old burly, hunky lumberjack who has been crushing on Julie since he saw her. When they cross paths again, he sees the opportunity to help her. I adored Gage. He was such a gentle giant and took such good care of her. Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved this one so much.

[Chandra Luna]

Brawny Lumberjack by Lily Birch is exactly the kind of cozy, emotional small-town romance that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and lose yourself in a world full of flannel, mountain air, and a giant lumberjack who falls hard from the very beginning.

Julie’s story instantly pulls at your heart because she’s trying so hard to rebuild her life while feeling completely alone in a town where everyone already seems connected. Working at the diner, struggling to stay afloat, and quietly carrying the weight of starting over made her incredibly easy to root for. There’s a vulnerability to her character that feels real without ever making her seem weak.

And then there’s Gage Harlow.

This man is peak gentle giant perfection. Huge, rugged, intimidating on the outside—but underneath all that muscle and quiet gruffness is someone deeply caring and completely gone for Julie almost immediately. I absolutely loved the “he falls first” energy throughout this book. From the moment he notices her, it’s obvious he wants to protect her, take care of her, and make sure she never has to struggle alone again.

One of my favorite things about this story was how natural their relationship felt. Gage doesn’t bulldoze his way into Julie’s life—he simply keeps showing up for her in quiet, meaningful ways until she slowly realizes she can lean on him. The scene where he sees her walking home alone after work and immediately steps in? That moment perfectly captures the heart of this romance. Protective without being overbearing, tender without losing that possessive lumberjack charm readers love.

The small-town setting added so much warmth to the story too. The diner, the logging camp, the mountain atmosphere—it all created this comforting backdrop that made Julie and Gage’s relationship feel even sweeter. Their awkwardness about admitting their feelings made the emotional payoff so satisfying because you could see how much they cared long before either of them could fully say it out loud.

And yes, the chemistry absolutely delivers. The size difference trope, forced proximity moments, and Gage’s intense devotion create plenty of steam while still keeping the emotional connection front and center.

If you love gentle giant heroes, small-town mountain romances, hardworking women starting over, possessive protectors who fall first, and stories filled with warmth, comfort, and heart-melting devotion, Brawny Lumberjack is such a satisfying read. Gage and Julie’s story is sweet, steamy, emotional, and the kind of romance that leaves you smiling long after the last page.

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

[Jennifer Amaral]

This book feels like wrapping yourself in flannel, safety, and the biggest pair of protective arms imaginable 🥹🪵🖤

Gentle giant lumberjack MMC?
Small-town forced proximity?
A massive protective man who falls first and never looks back??

Yeah… this completely melted me.

What I loved most about this story is how comforting it feels underneath all the chemistry and tension. Julie’s trying to rebuild her life from the ground up, and you can feel how overwhelmed and isolated she is stepping into a town where everyone already belongs except her.

And honestly??
That vulnerability made her SO easy to root for.

Then Gage enters the picture 👀🖤

And WOW.
That man is PEAK gentle giant energy.

Huge. Quiet. Intimidating at first glance.
The kind of MMC who looks like he could destroy someone without effort…

…but is secretly the softest, most caring person imaginable when it comes to the woman he loves.

And honestly??
The moment he notices Julie walking home alone and immediately steps in to protect her absolutely had me gone 🥹🔥

Because Gage doesn’t just care about her physically.
He notices when she’s struggling.
Makes space for her.
Becomes someone steady and safe without trying to control who she is.

The “he falls first” energy in this book is SO good too because once Gage decides Julie matters to him, there’s absolutely no hesitation anymore.

He’s all in.

The small-town atmosphere also adds so much warmth to the story. The diner, the mountain setting, the logging camp—it all creates this cozy rugged vibe that works perfectly with the romance.

And the chemistry between them??
SO good 👀🔥

The emotional intimacy builds alongside the attraction in a way that makes every softer moment hit even harder.

✨ If you love:
• gentle giant MMCs
• lumberjack romance
• protective/provider heroes
• forced proximity
• cozy small-town romance with emotional depth

This one is sweet, steamy, comforting, and full of protective lumberjack energy 🪵🖤.

[Carolee]

Lily Birch delivers exactly what romance readers hope for in Brawny Lumberjack: a swoony, emotionally satisfying love story with a memorable setting, irresistible chemistry, and a hero who is every bit as tender as he is rugged. Set against the charming backdrop of Red Oak Mountain, this book blends small-town warmth with high-stakes emotion, creating a story that feels both comforting and compelling from the very first page.

What makes this novel stand out is the strength of its character dynamic. Julie is easy to root for as she navigates a fresh start in an unfamiliar town, and Gage is the kind of gentle giant hero readers adore—protective, dependable, and deeply devoted without losing his edge. Their connection unfolds with just the right balance of vulnerability, tension, and heart, making every interaction feel meaningful and genuinely earned.

Birch also excels at delivering beloved romance tropes with polish and confidence. From forced proximity to the protector-provider energy that defines Gage’s role in the story, every element is crafted to maximize reader enjoyment. The pacing is smooth, the emotional beats land well, and the novel offers that ideal mix of heat and tenderness that keeps pages turning late into the night.

For readers who love steamy contemporary romance with a soft-hearted alpha, a vulnerable heroine, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after, Brawny Lumberjack is an easy recommendation. It is warm, engaging, and expertly tuned to its audience—an enjoyable, polished addition to the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series that will leave fans eager for the next installment.

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

[Virginia]

Brawny Lumberjack by Lily Birch is the fourth title in the author's Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series and it was a great read.
It is a steamy, small town, provider hero, lumberjack romance with Julie and Gage as the likeable and engaging main characters.
Julie, intelligent but shy and awkward, is trying to make ends meet by waitressing at the diner, determined to make a go of it Red Oak Mountain. With a MBA under her belt but having lost her job in Tulsa when the company downsized, the cheapest rentals were in Red Oak Mountain because returning to her hometown wasn't an option. Shifts at the diner can be crazy but the gentle giant of a lumberjack, Gage, makes her day with his smile. Suddenly hope that she may find someone who will love her sparks despite the years that have passed where she believed no one would want her.
Gage has been interested in Julie since she arrived in town but has been taking her time not entirely sure that she feels the same way.
Circumstances intervene and Julie mistakenly thinks Gage is unavailable but when he helps her out and discovers the sate of the cabin she is renting and the financial struggles she is dealing with he determines to help her out rather than risk overwhelming her by asking her out on a date.
Their chemistry is undeniable and a tentative friendship forms but one stormy night is all it takes to ignite the steam and spice. Nosy friends, helpful family and small town living all combine in this well written story that had me hooked quickly and I was eagerly turning the pages wanting to find out how Gage and Julie get their well deserved HEA.

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

[Louise J.]

This is book four in Lily’s ‘Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks’ series. Julie only recently arrived on Red Oak Mountain having left her hometown to escape heartbreak. She’s struggling to make ends meet working as a waitress, a job she’s not cut out for, and is living in a rundown house out of town. Car trouble leaves her walking home one night when she’s spotted by lumberjack Gage. She’s seen him in the diner, and he always seems to be watching her. Julie’s nervous but she’s so tired she accepts his offer of a ride home. Gage has been watching Julie – since the first time he saw her, he’s been working up the courage to ask her out on a date but hasn’t managed it yet. Once he sees how she’s living, he can’t stop himself from fixing things up and taking care of her. Julie can’t believe that Gage would be interested in her, but as they get closer, there’s no denying their connection. This is a gorgeous love story, with a mountain of a man who gives his everything to make sure Julie knows that she is worth more than she thinks until she’s sure of that herself. Full of humour, swoony moments, steam and a perfect connection, this is a blissful read *sighs happily*.

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

[Korkoi]

Great Courage Brought them Happiness -
Even though last thing on Julie’s mind was a relationship, she felt a connection with Gage, but she didn’t think he would be interested in her. Gage had been crushing on Julie from the moment he laid eyes on her, but he had been hesitating to ask her out on a date, but everything changed after he spent time with her and heard someone else was also interested in her.

The growing tension between Gage and Julie finally exploded into them spending a mind blowing night together, but their insecurities caused them anxiety the morning after. Fortunately, Gage and Julie’s friends encouraged them to communicate instead of making assumptions, which finally paid off and led to them finally confessing their love for each other and building the future they deserved.

This feel-good story is not just a run of the mill romance, but rather about the characters self discovery and finding the courage to let someone see their real self. If you are looking for a story to read that goes beyond the normal contemporary romance narrative, then look no further than this book.

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

[Genevieve]

I’ve been looking forward to Gage’s story since reading Valerie and Chris’s, and I love that the big guy is a big softie, a total cinnamon roll. Julie found herself in a position any of us could find ourselves in, and the story shows both her fear and her fight.

I appreciate the way the author showed how precarious things can become when you’re living with one foot over the edge, and how that can change if one or two people truly * see * you and are willing and able to do something about it. And even though Gage is as much a hero-rescuer at heart as some of the previous mountain man lumberjacks in this series, this book showcases respect for Julie’s autonomy and the ways that she fights to keep going even when everything is going wrong.

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

[Nathalie DeSousa]

Another great addition to the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series. Gage and Julie are two people who are afraid to ask for what they want, a bit too shy, a bit afaid, too cautious.

Julie is the new transplant in town, the new waitress at the cafe, she is smart (she has and MBA), sweet, caring, curvy, not self confident, and shy. Gage is a lumerjack who is caring, a cinnamon roll, shy and afraid to be rejected. They have been checking each other from afar, until he finds her walking late at night towards her home - an old shack. Instantly he surprises her by going into protective mode, and they both embolden themselves to open up about their feelings, exploding in passion and a need to belong and protect.

A very fun, heartfelt and steamy short book!.

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

[Zeinab Dh]

I chose to read and review this book. It is the perfect cozy small-town romance with flannel vibes, emotional depth, and a gentle giant hero you can’t help falling for.
Julie is trying to rebuild her life while feeling completely alone in a new town. Then there’s Gage, huge, rugged, protective, and secretly the sweetest man ever. The “he falls first” energy was everything. I loved how he quietly showed up for Julie, making her feel safe and cared for without ever trying to control her.
The small-town mountain setting, forced proximity moments, emotional connection, and steamy chemistry all worked so well together. This book feels warm, comforting, and full of heart.
If you love gentle giant MMCs, protective lumberjacks, and cozy emotional romances, this is such a satisfying read.

[Amanda Marlowe]

Julie has been in Red Oak Mountain for a month, she has an MBA in business but the only job she can get is as a waitress at the diner. She's getting run ragged but is determined to push through, she has no choice. She's noticed Gage when he comes in but isn't ready to start anything.
One day her car breaks down and she has no chance of getting it fixed, she just doesn't have the money, so she's walking to her rental place, too far out of town and creepy, when Gage drives past and offers her a lift, when he sees where she's staying he's very unimpressed but she doesn't want to take advantage of him, he's determined!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another great short story in the series from Lily

[$2.08]

This was such a wonderful story. Gage is just the sweetest man. I'm sure he wouldn't like hearing me call him that though! Before he had even worked up the courage to ask her out, he realizes that she lives in a old falling apart house with no furniture and rusty locks. He buys new locks and installs them so she's safer. He buys a ceiling fan for her bedroom because it's very hot in there and installs that. He even gets the part to fix her car and spends a ton of time fixing it. He insisted on helping her before he even knew if she'd go out with him. He did it because it was the right thing to do.

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

[Debdutch]

“Brawny Lumberjack” by Lily Birch

-A small-town mountain romance that follows Julie, a struggling newcomer trying to rebuild her life, and Gage, a quiet lumberjack who falls first and falls hard. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Their connection grows naturally through small acts of care, steady protection, and undeniable chemistry that builds over time. Julie’s vulnerability and Gage’s gentle, devoted nature create a comforting balance of emotional warmth and slow-burning attraction.
A romance filled with tenderness, steam, and a satisfying happy ending.

[Jean]

Love these fierce men with the softest hearts. Gage is one of the biggest lumberjack in the camp. He has had a crush on the new waitress at the Hungry Rooster since the first time he saw her. All he needs to do is get up the nerve to ask her out. Julie left everything behind when she lost her job In Tulsa. Even though she has an MBA jobs are scarce and she takes a job as a waitress in the mountain town of Red Oak. She gets flustered every time the big burly lumberjack enters the diner. When a disabled car and a summer storm hits, Julie calls Gage to help her. Great series.

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

[Lynn61]

When your lonely heart finds a home 🏠

Incredibly moving and beautiful story that melted my heart. Julie is struggling to start over in a new town as a waitress after losing her job. Enter Gage, a perfect, cinnamon roll lumberjack who took one look and knew she was the one. I just loved how the town rallied around both of them - there is no price tag for the support when you need it most. Came for the romance, but I stayed for the heart and characters in this wonderful series 🥰.

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

[Susan]

Gage is a rugged lumberjack who sees Julie waitressing at the local diner and desperately wants to ask her for a date. She notices him too. But neither act on their desires Both of these characters are like turtles in their pursuit of love. Thankfully, through a series of events Gage becomes her rescuer and they finally connect. Hit by the “bolt of lightning and thunder” that is love ❤️ they find their HEA and it’s a great one. I enjoyed this addition to the lumberjack series.

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

[Johanna]

'Author’s Note: Brawny Lumberjack is a steamy, open-door forced proximity lumberjack romance featuring a vulnerable heroine and one very hands-on lumberjack who knows exactly how to take care of what’s his. Guaranteed HEA.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together . Plot was intriguing 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.

[Staci]

Julie and Gage’s story is a small-town mountain romance. Julie, a struggling newcomer trying to rebuild her life, and Gage, a quiet lumberjack who falls first and falls hard. You met him in the prior book.

Their connection grows naturally through acts of care, protection, and undeniable chemistry. Julie’s vulnerability and Gage’s gentle, devoted nature makes for a romance filled with tenderness, steam, and a satisfying hea.

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

[Donna]

Have has it bad for new waitress Julie he just needed a push!

Julie was totally smitten when she saw Gage at the diner but she's a klutz not a flirt. When Julie saw a woman and baby sit with Gage at the diner her heart sank thinking he was married. Gage was totally interested and took Julie under his wing immediately. He began introducing her to his family and friends then he fixed her car. After he misplaced his phone Julie sought him out to return the it and the whole camp egged them on. Great story of two shy wounded people finding each other at the right time.

[Sandy Dillon]

I’m really enjoying this series, this book included. The MMC is a single guy with his eye on the new girl in town. The FMC just moved to town after getting laid off. She working as a waitress but has her MBA. He sees her walking after her car breaks down and offers her a ride. That’s where their journey starts. The spice is good. The HEA is sweet.

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

[Callie]

Brawny Lumberjack is part of the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series. Julie is hard at work in the diner during a Sunday morning rush. She feels that she should be elsewhere in her life, using her degree. Brawny Lumberjack is a great story. The storyline is consistent and comforting, the characters are real and down to earth, enjoyable to read about. Grab this book and give it a read, it will be a fun read.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff]

A new start. After a broken heart and loss of a job due to downsizing moving to Red Oak Mountain was the destination for a new start. As a waitress in the local diner she catches the eye of a lumberjack. The progression of their relationship hit a few minor bumps along the way. Whispered wishes and overheard conversations play a huge role for these characters. Not terribly complicated with a HEA finish.

[Sarah Freilinger]

Julie and Gage

Julie has feared life for years. She doesn't think she deserves happiness and love, that she needs to do everything by herself. But Gage has been watching her, waiting for his opportunity to ask her out. It takes a broken gasket and a family of raccoons to prove that love does exist.
I love the Red Oak Mountain series. Each of the guys have an obstacle to handle.

[Becky]

This is a sweet story with a gentle giant who needs some help to move a bit faster romantically. Gage eats regularly at the diner to see the new waitress, Julie. She is starting over, and Gage takes it on himself to help her. I love all the nosy friends who are working behind Gage and Julie's backs to get them together. This is a fun and steamy read with the best happy ending.

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

[Val]

A sweet instalove story from Red Oak Mountain. Gage tries to get his nerve up to ask Julie for a date. He becomes the guy who keeps showing up for her. A case of mistaken identity, a storm, a lost cell phone and an overheard conversation finally kick Gage into gear. Leading them to a beautiful life filled with love and family.

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

[De Anna]

Lost Phone.
Fantastic. Gage has been wanting to ask the new waitress at the Diner out on a date for weeks. He’s never found the right time to do it, though. Julie thinks that she’s unlovable and doesn’t understand why he’s helping her out so much. Even when Gage comes to her “rescue” in the middle of the night when she hears loud noises in the garage it’s still not clear to her the next day.

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

[Joyce]

Julie was new to town and barely making ends meet. Gage was the hunk of a lumberjack who fell for Julie. This delicious book had well-written characters, and a great storyline.
This was a very pleasurable read with a beautiful HEA.

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

[LA FITCH]

An entertaining story of two people totally unsure of how to tell each other how much they like each other. Julie is new to Red Oak Mountain and is working for Ivy at the diner. Gage works at the logging camp and is smitten as soon as he sees Julie in the diner. Their HEA is not to be missed.

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

[Lyndsay L]

Gage has wanted to ask Julie out for ages, and has found himself just sitting and watching her work at the restaurant. He found her walking out on the country road and was finally able to get her alone and drive her home. This is a cute romance the way these two come together. I loved every moment as I read this book. This is a must read!! These books keep getting better and better!!