Rugged

Small Town Mountain Man Romance #1

by Ava Bloom

I moved to the mountains to get away. Just a small cabin tucked into the hills, it was perfect.

I needed some solitude after a rough stint in the military. It changed me, and I needed some time to reflect.

Now my demons and the big city are just tiny dots in the rearview mirror.

Small town life was good...then she came along.

Trouble in a tight dress, and I’m a sucker for trouble.

I should have known better. I should have stayed away.

But once she got those legs wrapped around me, and I tasted those sweet, succulent lips, I knew I was never going to let her go.

Rugged is a standalone romance with a healthy dose of steam, with no cheating, no cliffhangers and a guaranteed happily ever after.

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

Reviews

[GeekyBookMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Derrick and Mallory. The story was awesome and the characters worked well together, another great read from Ava

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

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. I really enjoyed this romance between Derrick and Mallory. Mallory and her friends went on a ski vacation as part of a bachelorette party and Mallory wanted to try and work as much as she could while there. One night they went into town to go to a bar and Mallory met Derrick, who was the bartender. When her friends wanted to leave, Mallory considered staying to talk to Derrick, but left anyway. The next day, Derrick was out running and he saw Mallory taking pictures. Derrick stopped and offered to take her to a look-off to take some more pictures. Derrick thought he would invite Mallory out, but decided she was too snobbish for him. When they continued to run into each other, Derrick invited Mallory to ski with him and they spent the day together. They had a connection, but Derrick was unsure how to act because he was used to being in a small town and hadn't dated since he returned from the military. Mallory was a workaholic and was used to the big city. When events lead to Mallory and her friends lost in a storm, Derrick finds them and rescues them. I liked this book, i liked that Derrick and Mallory had a great connection and just seemed to be together. I liked that Derrick knew he had issues and he wanted to work through them. I liked that Mallory learned what was really important. Good one.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rugged - a review by Rosemary Kenny

San Francisco resident and workaholic Mallory is a bit of a loner, so it takes quite a bit of persuasion by her boss and six of her female friends, most of whom are either dating or (as in this standalone story by the inimitable Ava Bloom), getting married and settling down.

Coerced into accompanying the bachelorette party's ski resort weekend trip to Twin Valleys, but feeling very much an outsider, [as she'd rather make use of her time working on her laptop in the hotel room], Mallory goes to a bar with the others and her wandering eyes meet those of the bartender Derrick, an ex-army guy who's moved to the mountains for much-needed peace and quiet to help him cope with the PTSD suffered since his last combat mission.

You can imagine the rest, although it does actually take two more encounters before Derrick and Mallory finally get it together and work towards their HEA. Rather a sudden ending and as there's no epilogue, I can only guess there will be another exciting episode coming along shortly?

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HOPED I PUT THAT BLACK LACY SET IN MY BAG!!!
This author totally floors me with the way she demands your full attention. Yeah, I gave it to her. This is one toe tapping, foot stomping, grab that drink and forget about the rest of the world rides. Ava always brings it when she throws down. Not too crazy for her bffs though. I love the way Ava plays this strong storyline out as we follow along and get to know all the characters that she brought front and center. The chemistry between the two main characters are off the charts explosive and man is it hot. The scenes were so on point it comes alive in 3D Technicolor. You can't get it any better than that. With a few twists and turns it gets the suspense and drama to keep it balanced out and holds you captive until the last word. Ava you did a fantastic job of bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job, thanks for sharing this remarkable read with us.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, heartwarming mountain man romance and I truly enjoyed reading it.
This book is about: a man (Derrick) who is tired of city life and after a hard stint in the military moves to the mountains for solitude but then a young woman (Mallory) arrives on the mountain.
What you will find in this book is: some drama, humor, attractions, rudeness, verbal banter, emotional feelings, apologies, unexpected news, verbal conflict, decisions, happiness, lust, passion and a few steamy scenes.
I found the story-line to be well thought out and written.The characters have personality with emotional feelings of fear, needs and desires.
“I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.”

[Reni Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Mountain Man romance.

I have to admit that I bought this book for two reasons and the first deciding factor was because I am familar with this author's writing. The second and most deciding factor of my purchase was due to the model on the cover. He is definitely my man crush model.
I've read a lot of mountain man romance stories and even though the plot was similar to others this book has its own storyline of how Derrick and Mallory come together.
I highly recommend adding this book to your library even if mountain men romances are new to you or not quite your thing because this story isn't focused solely on him being a mountain man.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your ordinary Mountain Man story!
Mallory goes on a bachelorette trip to the mountains with her girlfriends. She is a workaholic who is basically married to her job with no time for relationships. She meets Derrick and they are instantly attracted to each other. The more time she spends with him the more she starts questioning her current life. Is it time to make a change? I enjoyed the script change where woman is the one pursuing her career. It was a nice change from other stories I have read lately.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fast paced, hard hitting, all comsuming, action packed, smooth flowing read, congratulations my friends you've found it. What an unbelievable connection. I was totally blown away. I freaking loved this read. They are all great, but this one struck a cord. I followed the characters along and was fascinated watching their personalities transform and blend. The scenes so vividly described you can picture it clear as day. The chemistry, excitement and danger at every turn kept me captivated from the start.

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

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory is different sort of woman then her girlfriends that she is with. They’re on a bachelorette skiing vacation. She continues to do work on the sidelines. Then one evening they go into a bar and she notices Derrick, a ruggedly hot bartender. They strike up a conversation and that’s the beginning of something that might change both their lives. Ava this book is amazing! I loved the way their relationship develops. A must read!

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

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory is a workaholic in the city, she is on a working vacation. Trip is for her friend’s bachelorette party with their closest friends. Derek is a man that doesn’t get to close to people due to past experience. They meet while he is working and there is instant attraction. Derek fought against the attraction as long as he could, then giving in to spending time with Mallory. They come together with passion, more of clean romance.

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

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick was ex military and was now up at a ski resort working as a bar tender when, one night, he looks up and he meets the stare of Mallory. She's a city young woman and was pushed to come on this break in the mountains. Can Derrick change her mind or will she change his about the city? With passion between them that is off the charts you're going to need to use your fan/ac to keep your cool. A fun, fast paced read by Ava Bloom that I definitely recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about Mallory who is on a trip with her girlfriends to the snow to ski and one of her girlfriends is getting married so they are celebrating.
Mallory and the bartender/ ski instructor start a relationship.
Can they make their relationship work or was it just a fling while on holiday?

I love the characters and how much fun they all had together for her friends marriage coming up.

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

[Dolores M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Derrick

Derrick was a former soldier now working as a bartender at a ski resort. He has suffered PTSD and as hesitant to yet a relationship with Mallory. He had been in one with Sam but that ended when he came back from the war a different man. I found the relationship between Derrick and Mallory to be confusing. Together, in bed, leaving together out of the country with no commitment or love for each other?? Too much like a cliff hanger!

[💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet, Derrick is a bartender and former military
Mallory is on vacation a pre bachelorette trip with friends when she meets Derrick things heat up fast and Mallory and friends also get in a bit of trouble in which Derrick saves them. These two move very quick in their relationship and this is the perfect story if you are looking for a quick insta love story with a sexy rugged mountain man

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Mallory are really cute in this story. Mallory is in town for a bachelorette party for one of her best friends when she talks Derrick up. Liking him they spend time together, but Derrick is experiencing his own internal hell. Will his time with Mallory help keep his demons at bay and can they make something happen during her time in town that could take her away from the single life? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written fast paced story that had me hooked from start to finish.I loved Mallory and Derrick's characters,their instant attraction and hot chemistry. I loved this fun,sexy read and would recommend this book.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

he left everything behind for a much better life and away from everything from his past. he is stunned when he sees her and he knows that once he has her he will not let go. will it just be fun or more? see where it will go

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

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing heartfelt romance with a great storyline, very interesting likeable characters and a well-developed plot that will leave you smiling. A fun and exciting read that is an engaging page turner and the perfect book for anyone who wants something good to read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was great and the characters worked great together. Derrick and Mallory come together by a chance meeting. She there for a girlfriends bachelorette getaway and he's the reclusive bartender hiding some demons. The story they tell is cute and nice to see it unfold.

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy romance read. The storyline is well-crafted with good, likable, relatable characters, but at times feels a little rushed. I enjoyed this fun and entertaining read.

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

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, it was well written and interaction between the two characters Derek and Mallory was good

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

[Heather Vandine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Ava Bloom. This is a wonderfully written book that I loved. It is well written with great characters.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Derrick & Mallory's story. Couldn't put it down. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.

[Darlene Loop · Rating 5 out of 5]

So steamy I loved it, the characters were well written, The story line was excellent could not put it down. Just WOW

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Kara Coens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava does it again! Derrick and Mallory are so perfect! i loved every bit of this story and couldn't put it down! Truly worth the time to read!

[atomickitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from me.
A cute, quick read that I actually enjoyed. I would've enjoyed it more if it was longer, the characters actually fell in love with each other and I knew that the promised hea is actually here. But because it's so short, I got the impression the story was cut off right in the middle. I want to read the end!!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first paragraph! However, the storyline was a bit of a surprise but a good surprise. I loved the two main characters of Mallory and Derrick so much I would not mind if Ava wrote a sequel (hint, hint) so we could see what happens to this "couple" in the future.

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

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another must read by Ava Bloom moves along and believable. A pre wedding bachelorette ski trip. Reminds me of typical thinking of twenty something year old females. Also prime example
Of opposites attracting. The work focused career oriented vs the hot laid back bartender/ski instructor. Must read.

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

[Karen Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliffhanger? Epilogue? Ended? What?

Not romance

Just two fuck buddies.