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Grumpy Lumberjack: A Grump x Sunshine Logging Camp Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

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About the author

Lily Birch

101 books73 followers
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.

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5 stars
69 (65%)
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21 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca Merlene.
375 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2026
3.5. Rated R. Contemporary Romance Novella

Another cute read from the lumberjack series.
Lighthearted, fun with sexy men and the women who fall for them. 🥰.
This one had a grumpy scarred man fighting his feelings all the way. 😜 He had no chance.
Short and sweet. No depth but fun.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,898 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
Grumpy Lumberjack is exactly the kind of cozy, heartfelt mountain romance that makes you fall hard for the strong silent type. Between the hidden feelings, the forced proximity, and the wounded lumberjack convinced he isn’t worthy of love, this story was sweet, steamy, and impossible not to root for.

Claire has spent years flirting with Brent Rollins and getting almost nothing in return except grunts, glares, and the occasional look that leaves her wondering if there’s more going on beneath the surface. What she doesn’t know is that Brent has been secretly in love with her the entire time. He’s just convinced that the injuries and trauma left behind from his military service make him too damaged to give her the life she deserves.

Brent completely stole my heart. He’s gruff, guarded, and stubborn to a fault, but underneath all that rough lumberjack energy is a man carrying years of pain and self-doubt. Watching him slowly let Claire see the truth about his injuries and his fears made every vulnerable moment between them feel incredibly rewarding.

Claire was the perfect match for him because she refuses to back down. She sees through all of Brent’s attempts to push her away and loves him anyway, even when he can’t understand why. Their chemistry is fantastic, balancing tender caretaking moments with plenty of heat and tension. And honestly, the scenes where Claire takes care of him while forcing him to finally confront his feelings were some of my favorites in the entire story.

The logging camp and small mountain-town setting added such a cozy atmosphere to the romance, making it easy to get completely pulled into their world. I especially loved the longtime secret-crush dynamic because you can feel how much history and longing already exists between them before the romance truly begins.

If you love grumpy x sunshine romances, wounded military heroes, protective lumberjacks, caretaking tropes, small-town mountain settings, and quiet men who love deeply even when they struggle to say it out loud, Grumpy Lumberjack is a wonderfully satisfying read filled with heart, steam, and a beautifully earned happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
506 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
May 18, 2026
I enjoyed reading 'Grumpy Lumberjack' by Lily Birch. Claire had loved Brent for about four years and never got him to respond to her flirting. She was part of the group that hung out around the lumberjack camp for years. Her friend Mina was the cook there and being part of a small mountain community, everybody knew each other. Brent had secretly been in love with Claire, but he never let her see it because he felt that he was too damaged for her. When he had been in the army, he had been too close to an exploding IED, and shrapnel had sprayed into his kneecap and other parts of his body, but he knew with his bad knee his time as a lumberjack was slowly ending. He felt that Claire should be with someone who wasn't damaged like he was. One night as the group is sitting around the campfire, Claire notices Brent limping slightly and when they are both in the kitchen, he seems more responsive to her and even starts up a conversation with her and to her surprise he even puts his arms around her and hugs her a bit. The very next day, Claire has gone up to the camp to see her friend Mina but finds everyone gone except for Brent. He isn't aware she is there at first and she has a chance to see that he is in a lot of pain and can barely stand. He is embarrassed at first but then he lets her help him to the bunkhouse where she can tend to his knee. He finally confides in her about his army wounds and why he doesn't think he is good enough for her with his condition. Claire tells him she thinks that's ridiculous and for a brief time they profess their love for each other, but Claire has her work cut out for her trying to convince him that they belong together. It's a good story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,446 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2026
This mountain man lumberjack romance was a wonderful surprise and easily one of my favorite books in the series.
What stood out most to me was how it completely rejects the tired stereotype that men have to suppress their emotions to be "real men." Instead, the story embraces emotional honesty, vulnerability, and healthy communication. That alone made it feel refreshingly different from many romances in the genre.
The book also explores recovery from injury in a thoughtful way. Through its characters, it shows both productive and destructive ways of coping with life-changing setbacks. Rather than treating healing as a simple process, it acknowledges the frustration, grief, and personal growth involved, which made the characters feel authentic and relatable.
Another aspect I loved was the discussion of family advice and expectations. The story highlights how the lessons we receive from our parents are often shaped by their own experiences and biases. What works for one generation or one person may not work for another, and I appreciated how thoughtfully this idea was woven into the narrative.
For a relatively short romance, this book contains an impressive amount of insight about relationships, resilience, self-worth, and personal growth. The romance itself is sweet, engaging, and satisfying, but what really elevated the story for me were the life lessons embedded throughout.
Part of an interconnected standalone series, this book can be enjoyed on its own, but it has definitely become my favorite installment so far.
If goodreads.com allowed six-star ratings, this would be one of the rare books that would earn one from me. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Virginia.
683 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
May 26, 2026
Grumpy Lumberjack by Lily Birch is the fifth title in the author's Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series and I think is my favourite of the series so far.
It is a steamy, small town, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, ex-military wounded hero, lumberjack romance with Brent and Claire as the main characters.
There has been some serious mutual pining between these two for a while and Claire is frustrated by Brent's lack of action despite the flashes of interest he shows but quickly shuts down.
Brent is the grumpiest lumberjack at the camp and aggravating an old injury that forced him to leave the military is proving difficult for him to hide the agony he is in. Claire calls into the logging camp to find Brent suffering and insists on helping and taking care of him all the while encouraging him to go to the doctor.
Brent and Claire's close proximity over his injury ignites their off the charts chemistry leading to some steamy and spicy moments.
Their happy connection is short lived before Brent withdraws from Claire but not before confessing to some of the reasons why he has not pursued Claire.
Reading about Brent and Claire in this story, the tipping point that brought them together briefly and the subsequent fall out afterwards now that things can't go back to the way the were, was a pleasure to read. Seeing how both navigate their feelings, Claire, staying strong and not backing down and Brent slowly coming to terms with his injury and the possibility of not having Claire in his life and future had me eagerly turning to pages wanting to see how their HEA comes about.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
615 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 27, 2026
This book is cozy, steamy, emotionally messy, and absolutely overflowing with grumpy lumberjack tension 👀🪵🖤

Injured grumpy lumberjack MMC?
A sunshine FMC who refuses to leave him alone?
Forced proximity turning into “oops now we’re obsessed with each other” energy??

Yeah… I was hooked immediately.

Brent Rollins is PEAK grumpy mountain man 👀🔥

Quiet. Closed off. Permanently annoyed.
The kind of man who clearly wants to be left alone… until the FMC completely ignores that plan 😂🖤

And honestly??
Their dynamic was SO good.

He growls.
She pushes back.
He tells her to leave.
She absolutely does NOT.

Watching her slowly force her way past all his walls while taking care of his injured stubborn self was ridiculously entertaining.

Then the tension explodes…

AND WOW 👀🔥

Because underneath all the grumpy attitude, Brent is intensely possessive in that quiet lumberjack way where you suddenly realize this man has already decided she’s his.

The small-town and logging camp atmosphere also makes everything feel extra cozy and immersive.

✨ If you love:
• grumpy/sunshine romance
• lumberjack MMCs
• forced proximity
• possessive protective heroes
• cozy small-town romance

This one is swoony, steamy, comforting, and packed with rugged lumberjack energy 🪵🖤🔥.
Profile Image for Carolee.
814 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
Grumpy Lumberjack is the kind of romance that knows exactly what readers come for and delivers with confidence, warmth, and charm. Lily Birch creates an inviting small-town backdrop and pairs it with a gruff, guarded hero and a heroine whose determination and heart make every interaction feel lively and engaging. The chemistry between Brent and Claire is immediate, but what makes the story shine is the emotional pull beneath the banter and tension.

What stood out most to me was how quickly the story establishes its atmosphere and keeps the momentum going without losing its heart. Birch gives readers a satisfying blend of tenderness, humor, and emotional payoff, making this a fast, immersive read that still feels complete. Fans of grumpy-sunshine romance, caretaking dynamics, and rugged small-town settings will find plenty to enjoy here.

Overall, this is a glowing addition to the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series and an easy recommendation for readers who want a romantic escape with vivid characters and a compelling central relationship. Grumpy Lumberjack is polished, entertaining, and emotionally satisfying—a book that leaves you smiling and eager for the next trip back to the mountain.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,932 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 27, 2026
Finally Accepting the Inevitable -
Claire had been crushing on Brent for a while, but he had always kept her at arms length, so she couldn’t understand why he was portraying a jealous man when she was going to an event with another man. However, everything changed when Claire insisted on helping Brent when he was incapacitated and she witnessed a scene that confirmed he was very interested in her.

Unfortunately, Brent’s stubbornness made him try to return to an arms length situation between them, but he finally had to acquiesce and accept Claire’s offer. Spending time together in close proximity allowed Brent and Claire to acknowledge their feelings for each other in give in to their feeling. Luckily, Brent and Claire finally got the chance to work towards their happiness together.

I really enjoyed reading this emotionally charged romance story, that drew me in from the beginning and had me totally engrossed all the way through to the end. The chemistry between the characters was pure fire and the storyline was incredibly interesting, so I recommend you grab a copy of this book now.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,704 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2026
This is a great addition to the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks. The story of Claire and Brent is steamy and bittersweet (it is a guaranteed HEA, so no worries). She is a curvy girl, caring, observant, sunshine personality, a bit shy who has been in love with Brent for quite some time. He is the grumpiest of all the lumberjacks, a ex military who carries ghosts and scars from his past, and also has been loving Claire in silence.

When she comes for a visit, she realizes that he is limping and strikes a deal to care for him which lands them into a passionate visit that ends with them declaring their love and him sending her away. But in exchange he receives news that will change his life completely, and lead him to make an ultimate decision.

This book is both passionate, but also deals with heavy topics like physical and mental trauma and its repercussions. A great read with furry friends in it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
254 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
This is book five in Lily’s ‘Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks’ series and the one I’ve been waiting for! Brent has been growling and grumbling away in the background whilst his fellow lumberjacks fall in love, keeping everyone at arm’s length, but that hasn’t stopped Claire from setting her sights on him and only him. Brent is a hard nut to crack, but Claire won’t give up, and when she finds Brent in a vulnerable spot, she takes the opportunity to embrace him with kindness and show him that he is all she wants and needs. This story has real soul, telling the tale of two kind hearted and caring people whose love is and always was inevitable, no matter what they think is standing in their way. Heart-warming, moving, emotional with a perfect dose of steam and sass. I couldn’t have hoped for better for Brent <3 Another sublime read from Lily.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Zeinab Dh.
1,674 reviews37 followers
May 29, 2026
I chose to read and review this book. Grumpy Lumberjack is a heartfelt small-town romance filled with emotion, longing, and a well-earned happily ever after. Brent and Claire have been secretly pining for each other for years, but Brent’s lingering military injuries and self-doubt keep him from pursuing the woman he loves. When Claire discovers the extent of his pain and insists on helping him, their relationship finally begins to change. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what truly makes this story shine is the emotional journey as Brent learns to accept that he is worthy of love and happiness. Claire is strong, patient, and determined, refusing to give up on the man she cares about. With a wonderful mix of romance, heartfelt moments, proximity, and a lovable small-town setting, this story keeps you invested from beginning to end. A touching and satisfying read.
Profile Image for Lynn61.
744 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
Denying your heart is sooo agonizing….

“I’d been too trapped in my pain to see that we could have a life together. A perfect life.”

I have been waiting for Brent’s story all along and it doesn’t disappoint!! And glad to see Claire doesn’t always go easy on him. After trauma from his military career leads to Red Oak Mountain to work as a lumberjack, it’s hard for our sexy hot ginger Brent to accept limitations and the love of the perfect woman. Expect angst as someone we know😉 has to accept a new reality. And I do love a strong silent type who will show his woman he can lean on her when times are tough (along with other steamy things 😁). Heartfelt ending ❤️.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,969 reviews51 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 22, 2026
Brent served in the military until an injury and now found his home as a lumberjack. This man can give grumps a run for their money. By hiding his pain of his injury and the loss of his brothers in arms has made him an expert at pushing people away. One person is Claire. Now this woman is pure sunshine and wears her heart on a sleeve. Everyone knows that includes Brent she has a major crush on Brent.
I so wanted to shake Brent at the same time hold him tight. Claire’s love knows no bounds and her forgiveness to this grumpy lumberjack is what brings Brent pain and half empty attitude to turn.
This book has great characters, chemistry, spice and angst. Loved the other characters who support Brent and Claire.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
943 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
May 27, 2026
Grumpy Lumberjack is a Grump X Sunshine Logging Camp Romance and is part of the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series. Claire is at the weekly bonfire with the people that live there and the ones that have significant others are there as well. She has been showing up to these since laying her eyes on one particular logger, but he has pushed her away. I love this story, it’s quick, sweet, and spicy and the storyline is written perfectly, and the characters just enhance the story and make it cohesive and a wonderful read. Grab this book and the rest of the series and enjoy the vacation.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,501 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 29, 2026
“Grumpy Lumberjack” by Lily Birch

-A small-town lumberjack romance is full of mutual yearning, emotional moments, and plenty of chemistry between Brent and Claire. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Brent’s struggles with an old military injury and unworthiness make his grumpy attitude understandable. Claire’s loyalty and determination keep the story warm and heartfelt. I loved the caretaking moments, the forced proximity, and the way Claire refuses to give up on the man she loves.

A sweet, steamy, and emotional grumpy/sunshine romance with a well deserved happy ending.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,883 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2026
This series is focused around the Red Oak lumber camp. The men work hard and love harder. Brent has been working with an injured knee since his military discharge. Landing on it the wrong way, left him in excruciating pain that he would not admit to. He knows Claire has had a crush on him, but he would never let her be tied down with someone who could not provide for her. Claire loves Brent and would accept him bad knees, grumpy scowl and all. She just has to wait for him to realize he can’t live without her. Great series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
273 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
May 19, 2026
With as grumpy and recalcitrant as Brent is one can't help but wonder throughout the series just why Claire has been carrying a torch for him for so long... Well, it's time to find out, and it's sweet as a pudding pie.

Although most of this book takes place over the course of a week, Claire and Brent have known each other for years, so when Brent finally starts to crack... you're half inclined to shout, "TIMBER!".

Thank you Lily Birch and Night Moth Press for this advance copy. My review is entirely voluntary.
1,104 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
Claire has been chasing Brent for awhile but he keeps her at a distance. He is hard to read he is known as the grumpy Lumberjack and everyone kinda just gives him his space. When he hurts his knee Claire finds him and helps him ice it and wrap it. This journey that these two go on was so well-written and keeps you hooked from the very beginning. You can't help but fall in love with both of these characters and try and cheer them on. I loved every single moment of this book you won't regret reading it. Lily just keeps getting better and better. This is a must read!!!
763 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2026
Another engaging read from Lily Birch. I loved Grumpy Lumberjack. Claire, full of sunshine, is a woman who knows what she wants and sets out to achieve it. Brent, full of grump, knows what he wants but decides he can’t have it. Together they explore the possibilities of being the one for each other through emotions and added conflict. Great writing and storytelling by this author continue with this opposites attract short read. Grumpy Lumberjack is part of the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series and recommended.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Val.
528 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2026
A slow burn romance from Red Oak Mountain.
For years Claire has crushed on Brent, the lumber grump, who hardly gives her the time of day. She keeps pining and hoping. Brent is a man who carries a lot of scars, physical and emotional. He is a 3rd generation logger. His Daddy always said “don’t hitch a woman to a busted wagon”. Never wanting to show weakness, carrying survivors guilt has him pushing Claire away. She sees his weakness and still loves him. Their journey to their love and family is a joy to watch.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.4k reviews48 followers
June 3, 2026
Opposites do more than attract

Grumpy Lumberjack is the fifth book in the Red Oak Mountain Lumberjacks series by Lily Birch. This is a quick read with an entertaining story-line and likeable characters. The story is about Claire and Brent, who have been circling each other without knowing how the other felt. Claire is sweet, open and in love with Brent from the start. He is grumpy, gruff, growly, and watches over Claire without her knowing it. They are opposites but once they finally get it together they are a perfect fit, in more ways that you might think.
560 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
I really like this one. Good addition to the series. The FMC has had feelings for the MMC for years. The MMC doesn’t believe that he’s good enough for her. He stays behind one day at the logging camp and she shows up to see her friend that isn’t there. Their journey really begins that day. The spice is good and the HEA is so sweet.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alicia Walton.
369 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
May 20, 2026
Loved this book! These two were so refreshing. Poor Claire has been in love with Brent for years and she never gave up. Brent the grump has a certain image in his head and feels Claire deserves someone better. One night and a moment of weakness when Brent has his defenses down changes everything. This was a beautifully written story that leaves you wanting more from these lumberjacks!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Susan.
923 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
Brent is such a ridiculous grump of a lumberjack man, filled with incorrect notions of how things have to be. While his counterpoint, Claire, is filled with joy. Love and happiness. A true complete opposite to his ongoing bad moods. I love both these characters very much. The realism that this author brings to life in her books, especially this one, always gives her readers hope in the genuine fairy tale HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,769 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy
May 27, 2026
Claire has had a crush on Brent for years but he won't give her the time of day, he thinks that he's not good enough for her, he's broken from his time in the forces and now his bad knee is much worse, he won't be able to keep his job as a lumberjack.
She comes to the camp when no one is there and persuades him to go to the doctor's. Will he accept her help?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Another great short story in the series from Lily.
Profile Image for Angi.
2,611 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
Brent FINALLY told Claire how he felt. Of course it only took a short time before he screwed up and pushed her away again. Claire had been in love with Brent for years but he kept her at arms length, until he finally couldn’t do it anymore. This is another excellent Red Oak Mountain love story and an incredible addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
720 reviews
May 30, 2026
Claire and Brent. A grumpy/ sunshine romance trope that takes the designation seriously. The entire logging camp is aware that Claire has been crushing on Brent forever. They are also painfully aware that Brent wants nothing to do with her credit a fierce scowl anytime she smiles his way. A painful story to wade thru with tears discussed or experienced. There are explanations for each characters defining personality and secrets revealed to solidify a hope for more.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,727 reviews121 followers
May 30, 2026
'So why does it feel like the grumpy lumberjack who didn’t want me… has already decided I’m his? '

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated 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.
Profile Image for Becky.
2,350 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2026
Claire has been pining for Brent for a long time. But because of his injuries in combat, he feels like he will never be enough for her. All they need to do is sit down and talk some sense into Brent. I love these grumpy lumberjacks! Brent and Claire are a fantastic couple. This is an excellent short book with the best happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for De Anna.
1,102 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2026
It’s Over.
Awesome. Claire has been in love with Brent since she first saw him. He doesn’t talk to her but, that doesn’t change her feelings for him. Brent’s world collapses when he re-injures his knee on a logging job. For three years he has hid his pain from the crew. But, Claire finds Brent struggling alone in the camp and both their worlds change. Forever.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews