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She's a fish out of water... And he's a breath of fresh air! Discover the sizzling romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Christina Lauren, and Julia Kent!

Laurel Young needs a plan, and fast. After her reality TV boss has a major meltdown, not-so-funemployment seems inevitable--unless she can pitch the idea of a lifetime. When she sees Flint McKay's audition tape - flanneled, handsome as hell, and building a house with his own two hands - she knows she's found her secret weapon. The women of America are going to love him, especially if she can convince him to try building without the flannel shirt.

Only problem is, Flint didn't make that tape - and he has zero interest in trading the wilds of Western Massachussetts for the bright lights of Hollywood. But Laurel isn't the kind of girl to take no for an answer. Soon, she's knee-deep in rustic charm, and getting plenty of hands-on experience. And it turns out, this city girl and country guy may have a few things in common after all, like crazy hot chemistry, a wild side, and a weakness for good whiskey...

But can their behind-the-scenes connection last once the world falls in love with Flint? And will this be the big break both of them need- or leave them in the dirt?

Find out in the hilarious stand-alone romantic comedy from Lila Monroe!

(note: this book was previously published as 'Rugged Billionaire')

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2016

1805 people are currently reading
1979 people want to read

About the author

Lila Monroe

64 books1,941 followers
Combining her love of writing, sex and well-fitted suits, Lila Monroe wrote The Billionaire Bargain. Lila enjoys writing, as it gives her a flexible schedule to spend time with her kids and a wonderful excuse to avoid them. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who strips out of his well-fitted suits nightly.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
Profile Image for Naughty Book Blog.
624 reviews
February 10, 2016
Lila hit it out of the park with her first full length novel. I got more of all of the things I have come to love and expect from her books.
*Trademark humor….check!
*Bold, outgoing and sassy heroine with one heck of mouth on her…..check!
*Interesting plot line full of believable moral and ethical dilemmas related to sexy times….check!
*An irresistible man who knows how to handle ALL his tools, while simultaneously making me swoon and making my ladies parts excited…..CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!

This book was full of all sorts of highs and lows that I couldn't have anticipated even if I was trying. From the first page I was totally invested and just let the story take me away. I can't wait to see what she writes next!


342 reviews170 followers
February 9, 2016
Rugged is like a sexy behind the scenes look at your favorite A&E DIY show! I’ve been on a serious Rom Com bender lately, and this book fit the bill! I found myself laughing at the banter between not just our main characters, Laurel and Flint, but also between the supporting characters. Lila really made them stand out, a big part of the story line, and I loved when they made their way onto the page.

Flint McKay is a sexy, rugged, hands-on kind of guy and he made me swoon! To boot, he’s a good soul - wanting to do the right thing for his family, his business, his community. I loved that he wasn’t a sell-out, even if a ton of money would have solved a lot of problems for him. Plus, he’s a biter! Dear lord, I swear my panties melted every time he bit Laurel during sexy times!

One of my favorite things about this book was Laurel’s inner dialogue. She’s smart but damn, she can be a crazy mess sometimes! Her feelings for Flint really send her into a flurry of crazy thoughts but that’s what happens when you meet the hottest guy ever and he turns out to be an amazing person too!

There were a few parts of this book that felt a little rushed and I would have liked to have seen them played out a bit more, rather than summarized, especially at the end. But even with that small gripe, I still really enjoyed this book! If you’re into some sexy DIY Rom Com then you’re definitely going to want to check out Rugged!
Profile Image for Hilary.
187 reviews37 followers
February 10, 2016
I laughed. Like, snort laughed. Out loud. Rugged had me hanging on for the next tongue-to-cheek comment, clever one-liner or sexy, alcohol induced rendezvous. And I am SOOO happy that this was longer than her previous books. I needed more of this author’s words. Needed them.

Typically I am attracted to cocky, dominant, jerks with redeemable qualities. That’s no secret. I want to love the nice guys. I want to fall in love with them, but for some reason I can’t. They don’t hold my attention. Enter Flint McKay and that whole “I don’t fall for nice guys” thing is upended. Go to the nearest dictionary and he is the definition of a man. Flint is rugged. -- Protective, strong, supportive, good with his hands and downright swoon worthy. He always tries to do right by his family and friends. I mean, ahhh, what isn’t there to love?

The character development is fantastic. You can see yourself, a friend or a loved one at the heart of all of her characters creating the sense of home; a genuine connection. The secondary characters are always as strong as the primary characters and make the story work. If you want to know what I mean, I have one word for you -- Callie.

Lila has the RomCom genre by the balls and, I hope, won’t be letting go anytime soon. Her style of writing gets me hooked every time. Her writing is smart, fresh, and witty: Rugged is no exception. Her humor is real. It’s those comments you make to yourself, maybe even your friends, but not necessarily to the rest of the world. She captures the real moments in life. Her romances aren’t forced. While they are no walk in the park, they are genuine, organic and most of the time alcohol induced.

Rugged will have you heading to your closest home improvement store hoping to nail…er…catch a Flint McKay for yourself.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of The Read Report.**
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
February 3, 2016
Looking for a hilariously funny romantic read? Read Rugged by Lila Monroe. Monroe’s story is as sexy as it is quirky, funny as it is steamy, and a read I would highly recommend. Rugged is the story of sexy handyman Flint McKay- (he has to be hot with a name like that!) and reality TV wanna-be producer Laurel Young. Both are looking to fix the roadblocks in their life and the only way out is a reality show HGTV wouldn’t even turn away from.

The chemistry between these two is out of this world hot. It wraps you up in an intoxicating steam that you just can’t get enough of. As steamy as it is, it’s also hilariously funny. Not only does Monroe give you a perfect mixture of sexy fun banter between Flint and Laurel, she also gives you Laurel’s hilariously funny thoughts and mental antics. Laurel’s mental word vomit had me in stitches and truly set this book apart from the others I have recently read. Rugged is the perfect combination of hot book boyfriend and funny, yet quirky leading lady to have you coming back for more.
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,681 followers
February 18, 2019
That was one of the quickest DNFs of all my life!!!

DNF at page 40.

Laurel needs to come up with a new, fresh idea in order to keep her job at the TV company. While looking through audition tapes, she finds a video of a rugged and sexy as hell house builder. The man is building a house with his own two hands. She believes she has found the hottest commodity for her next reality TV show. She emails him her offer but she doesn't get a reply so she finds his address and flies to the city he lives in. When she goes to his house and repeats her offer in person, he shuts the door at her face. Then, he reopens the door when she knocks again and tells her rudely that he didn't make the video and she should leave because he wasn't the least bit interested in appearing on TV.

Now now, attention please!

Disappointed, she goes to a bar and starts to drink.
The guy comes to the same bar and sees her.
They start to talk and she flirts with him.
After only 4 sentences of conversation during which she says she is full of surprises and he wonders what they are, they go out of the bar.
He starts to kiss her in the narrow alleyway behind the bar.
Then he thinks they should stop but she doesn't agree.
She KNEELS DOWN & GIVES HIM A BLOW JOB, to which he cannot say no.

Yeap, it happens like that and in this order and in this context.

And, I'm outta here, folks!!!!
Profile Image for Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life.
857 reviews32 followers
February 18, 2016
Laurel Young is offered a chance of a lifetime, come up with an idea for the next "It" reality TV show. She's known to have some good ideas in the past, so coming up come up with the idea of all ideas shouldn't be that hard. Right? After going through piles of audition tapes, she thinks she's found it and his name is Flint McKay.

Flint McKay has no idea what Laurel is talking about, he never made any tape and has no wish to be a Hollywood star. But maybe this idea could be what he needs to help his failing family business. So if the show is done on his terms, maybe this could be a win-win for everyone.

The attraction between the two is intoxicating and something that they can fight only so long. They are brilliant together, but there are some things neither wish to voice but those can only stay secret for so long. And when Flint's past comes into the present, their relationship will be tested like no other.

Will this city girl and country boy be able to work things out or were they just a short lived fling?

This book is exactly what you've come to expect from Lila Monroe. It's full of humor, heart, and tempting encounters. Whether Laurel's dealing with the arrogant prick at her job or dealing with the ruggedly flirtatious Flint, she stands her ground with spunk and sass. Flint is exactly as he seems. He's man's man who loves to work with his hands, loves his family, respects woman, and stays true to his integrity.

The cast of characters that surround this couple are spectacular. My favorite would have to be Callie, I love her attitude and gumption. She and Flint are alike in so many way, that it makes it hard to fall for her.

This has to be, by far, my favorite Lila Monroe book and favorite leading man. It's got everything you want and then some. So, if you're looking for a ruggedly handsome man, full of integrity and a true gentleman, then look no further than Flint McKay! And if that's not enough reason to pick up this book, according to Laurel Flint's won the "dick lottery". With a recommendation like that, how can you say no to him? Better yet, why would you want to?
Profile Image for Kimberly.
684 reviews35 followers
February 11, 2016
Laurel Young needs to think of a new idea for a reality series, and FAST! As she scrambles to find an idea she stumbles upon a tape of a very sexy, rugged and completely engaging hunk of a man Flint McKay, who is giving lessons on how to do dry wall. Who knew dry wall was sexy? After many calls go unanswered, the dedicated and tenacious Laurel takes the bull by the horns and heads out to Massachussets to pitch the chance of a lifetime offer to Flint McKay! Bonafide city girl meets rugged outdoorsman, who would rather not be bothered, what could go wrong?

This kind of book is the reason I read romance. It has funny and engaging characters, off the charts chemistry, amazing love scenes, a great plot and it's set in a gorgeous location! Laurel's inner dialogue and one liners made me love her. And the witty banter between her and Flint is absolutely delightful. Also, as a home improvement nut, who is married to a Mr. Fix-it, this book hit all the buttons for me! There is nothing I enjoy more than DIY. I mean, what woman doesn't fantasize about a man who is gorgeous and can build her a house by hand?

This is the first book I have read by Lila Monroe, and now that I know how wonderfully she writes, I will be catching up with her other books very soon!
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews502 followers
February 10, 2016
"Better bend over and grab your ankles, because Hollywood just brought the lube."...

Hilarious and witty, with heaps of gentlemanly charm!

Laurel works in a man's world, as a reality TV assistant producer. To prove she can do the job as well if not better than any man, and hoping for a promotion, Laurel brainstorms ideas for a new, fresh take on a reality show. After viewing a submission tape from a drop-dead gorgeous carpenter, she knows what she needs to do.

Flint needs help. His family business is a sinking ship, and he's on the verge of selling out. His saving grace comes in the form of a fiery and beautiful woman, hell bent on getting him to agree to star in a DIY-type reality show.

Can Flint set aside his pride and dignity, and do whatever it takes to save his family business? And will this new idea prove to her boss that Laurel has what it takes to make a reality show successful? A special connection develops between the two. But what happens when miscommunication clouds their reasoning, and the success they both desperately need is threatening to crumble?

Lila Monroe hit the mark repeatedly with Rugged! The entertaining dialogue, the overabundance of sexual tension, and of course the RUGGEDLY handsome, power tool carrying, brooding hunk Flint McKay. Seriously...just his name alone can get any woman's blood pumping! And don't forget about the vivacious, beat a man at his own game, and career driven Laurel Young. Her feisty attitude matched perfectly with Flint's chivalrous demeanor.

At first, it took me a few chapters to really connect with the book. The story seemed to be a bit jumpy throughout. But it was easily overlooked once the pace of the storyline picked up. The overall book was very original, and I loved the characters and their unique personalities that were illustrated. I enjoyed Rugged tremendously, and hope Lila gives us more of Flint and Laurel! 4.5 Stars!

*received ARC in exchange for an honest review.* ~Kelly
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 35 books1,457 followers
February 16, 2016
Okay, so the first thing you need to know about this review is that I considered being all cool and snarky and cynical and not gushing and reviewing Rugged with some sort of dispassionate detachment.

That’s not gonna happen. I love this book so much I don’t care who knows it.

Commence gushfest.

OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK. LOVE IT LOVE IT. I want to move into this book. I fell in love with a book, and I really hope we can plan a good wedding and then I want the honeymoon too.

I’m squeeeeeing like a fangirl.

It's not just "like" a fangirl, I’m totally a fangirl and again, I DON’T CARE.

Laurel Young, a reality show producer, has her job on the line and finds a recording of flannelled hottie Flint McKay in the slush pile of submissions. Of course he didn’t send in his own submission, it was his sister. She tracks manly man down on the east coast and convinces him to do a home improvement show. Why does he agree? To save his family business.

So there, we have freaking awesome stakes (I’m self-censoring here because I’m gonna cut and paste this review on Amazon) and a different storyline than I’ve ever read.

But the thing that really makes this book different is its author.

Good grief, I am Lila’s reader.

I am with her on every page, laughing at her jokes, agog at the ease at which she weaves intelligent references and pop culture humor (“my patronus is a terrier”), and it’s all wrapped up in a sexy package of Mr. Brawny paper towel man.

I mean she has a reference to Schrodinger’s cat for God’s sake.

(!!!!!)

So. Many. Good. Lines.

But while I’m laughing, I’m also TOTALLY invested in the characters. My heart is wrenching when they don’t get it right, when communications break down. I’m cheering for them to get together. And I’m swooning at the sexy times. It’s perfectly paced, with light touches and heartbreak and everything in between.

Such a damn fun entertaining sexy book. So good. So, so good. I had to slow down reading it because I was enjoying it too much. I already want to reread it.

Laugh out loud funny, sweet, charming, snarky, sexy, hot, and just plain awesome.

Just freaking read this book, okay?
Profile Image for Rejane.
1,366 reviews62 followers
no-way-jose
February 18, 2019
Dilek’s review.
And like Lu, I don’t like reality tv shows’ plot device
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Massachusetts: it's adorable here.
That really should be on those "Welcome to Massachusetts signs." I am a proud Masshole. I was born and raised in Western Massachusetts and I got really excited when I realized that the bulk of this book was going to take place there. That NEVER happens! I don't know why the author chose to set the book, there but I thank her for it. Northampton really is a great place!

So here is the deal...Laurel works in reality television and needs to come up with the next big thing. And fast because her job depends on it. While she is going through some old video submissions, she comes across Flint's tape. Her instincts tell her that a reality show about Flint doing home improvements would be an instant hit. So she flies out, after leaving a few messages and not hearing back from him, to Western Massachusetts to get him to sign on.

Flint is content with his life at home, but the family hardware business is in trouble. This reality show could be the way to save the business, but Flint never expected that video to see the light of day and has a lot of doubts about being a reality television star. In fact, he is quite rude to Laurel when he says no, but later that night he sees her at the local watering hole and she manages to change his mind. Laurel reassures him that she is on his side and will not only make sure he comes across in the best way possible, but will also do everything she can to help save the family business.

I knew that Laurel and Flint working together was going to be interesting, but it was also wicked HOT. They felt an instant attraction to each other and even though they tried their hardest to be professional, they couldn't help themselves. I really liked them together. I think they both had preconceived notions about the other person and were both pleasantly surprised at how wrong they were. From the start there was a level of comfort, especially for Flint, that allowed them to have an easy relationship, both professionally and personally. I couldn't wait for the moment they got their HEA.

This was such a delightful read. There are some great secondary characters in this story including Flint's sister, Callie, who I loved. She's a harried, stay at home mom who loves reality television and is Flint's (and Laurel's) biggest cheerleader. Callie, along with some of the production people provided the story with some comic relief that had me laughing out loud more than once. This was my first Lila Monroe book and will definitely be checking out some of her other stuff.
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews259 followers
February 10, 2016
3.5 Stars

Laurel Young works behind the scenes in the TV industry, living in LA. Flint McKay is a do-it-yourself builder in rural Massachusetts. Their paths would never collide if it weren’t for the audition tape that Laurel retrieves from the slush pile as her ticket to producing after her boss crosses the line over from the Reel World into the reality one.

Flint isn’t exactly sold on stardom. He didn’t make the tape and he’s not looking to become famous. But his family’s hardware business is suffering and after some convincing by Laurel who uses her lips in more than one way, Flint agrees to make the sacrifice.

But getting Flint to partake in the show isn’t the end of Laurel’s problems. She’s intent on keeping her production from being trashy, and falling in love or lust with the star might risk putting everything they both have on the line in jeopardy.

“Oh, the places you’ll go by not being repellent and morally bankrupt. That should have been in the Dr. Seuss book.”

There are some witty monologues, the story started out cute, and the plot, though slow at times, seemed solid. But my rating dropped at the climax that turned me sour on the romance followed by a very drawn out resolution. Up until the climax Laurel came across as a fairly strong female character. She was direct and she went after what she wanted. But how she handled matters in the last third drove me nuts. Misunderstandings that could be remedied with a simple conversation not only make the characters look immature, they also make the plot seem weak. Contrived drama was basically how I felt toward the story as the remainder of the book played out.

Laurel and Flint were on the road to a decent sweet story, but then it hits a detour and I couldn’t get past certain things that left me still questioning how genuine certain feelings were. Where one over-reacted, the other under acted, leaving me overly frustrated and underwhelmed with the romance.

That’s not to say there isn’t steam in these pages.

“My black dress is like a blindfold, and I feel the heat of Flint’s breath as he positions his mouth over mine, a layer of think fabric between our lips.”

There is sufficient heat, although sometimes it unfolds where more important conversations probably should occur. Told solely by Laurel’s first person point of view, some chapters by Flint might have helped with my doubts about the relationship.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Peggy Lee (Reading Keeps Me Sane).
1,039 reviews42 followers
February 5, 2016
What happens when Ms. Hollywood meets Mr. Backwoods, a boat load of angst and sexual tension.

Laurel Young finds herself in search of a new Reality TV show, thanks to the quick departure of her former boss. She combs through audition tapes until she discovers a sexy, woodsy handyman who is destined to be the next big thing, or so she hopes. Flint McKay is not the Hollywood type, he isn’t looking for temporary fame that could destroy his privacy but with the possibility of saving his legacy he goes all in.

Laurel has found her man. No, I mean her show. Laurel has found her show and now has to survive a month of staring at a very sexy, sometimes broody Flint McKay without touching. Just when the filming is coming to an end and the possibility that the sexual tension can finally be pursued, BAM. Lila Monroe throws in a wrench and it's oh so angsty.

Rugged is my new favorite book by Lila, it's witty, steamy and entertaining. I laughed my butt off. I love Laurel, she's got spunk. She chases after her dream with integrity. She's also witty and devoted to the eighty's, what more could you want from your heroine. Flint is a mans man, he's all Alpha and broody. Plus Flint's smart and caring. There are also lessons learned and butts kicked.

Rugged is a stand-alone story with a HEA and no cliff hangers.
Profile Image for A_Ryan.
688 reviews196 followers
Read
April 6, 2016
DNF @20%

Ok I'm putting this one on the shelf for a while.
started off great... but then at about the 10% mark it took an unexpected turn and I couldn't help but think... wtf?
I tried to move passed it.
I tried to pretend it hadn't happened.
But it kind of made me less eager to read on and see what happens at the end.
I'm not saying this is a bad read. I purposefully have not left a rating. I'm just in a meh mood regarding the plot now.
Profile Image for Christine.
457 reviews29 followers
February 5, 2016
Rugged by Lila Monroe is a sexy, funny, romance between a city girl and a country boy. Growing up in a small town, Laurel Young has always wanted to be part of the Hollywood. So when she got a job working for a reality television production company Laurel was set except she didn't figure her boss would run off with the star putting her job on the line. Laurel is given the opportunity of a life time, produce her own show, now to come up the idea. As luck has it Laurel finds a hot, sexy, all american handy man on an audition tape enter Flint McKay. Flint is everything that will sell to a completely different market. Only problem is Flint's sister sent in the tape and he knows nothing and wants nothing to do with being sold and prefers his quiet small town in Massachusetts. Flint family owns a line of hardware stores which are falling on hard times so when Laurel offers an opportunity to turn his family business around she might just have changed his mind. The sparks fly on and off the camera for these two but can it last? Are they willing to make sacrifices for each other?

The geek humor in this book had me from the start. I love when the main character is a little geeky and Laurel defiantly was a geek at heart. The chemistry between Laurel and Flint was great and sucked you into the story - pun completely intended! Flint's sister was a blast and completely relate able to just about every mother with young children. Overall this book had be hook line and sinker! I give Rugged by Lila Monroe 4 Stars!
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,040 reviews136 followers
February 26, 2016
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So much awesomeness going on here...

Flint and Laurel are literally opposites-attract. They will keep you laughing, biting your lip and begging for them to just give up the jig already!!

Only reason why this was not a full five star rating was because Laurel was too much inside her head...meaning, the girl was full of randomness that were either funny or just too damn random to make sense. But, that was who she was and that's a big part of why Flint fell in love....

Le sigh.
Profile Image for Rose  He.
74 reviews45 followers
February 11, 2016
5 romantic, sexy funny and happy stars

After reading Lila’s Snowed In, I thought that was her best book, but I was so wrong, I LOVED Rugged.

It’s fresh, sexy, hot, funny, I laughed out loud so many times, I felt in love with Laurel, Flint and also the other characters in this book.

While reading it, I could see someone I know in some of the situations, Laurel inner thoughts are so much fun to “hear”.

Thanks Lila Monroe for writing this story and for making me feel happy.

This is now my new Lila’s Monroe favorite book, keep writing. ……. Can’t wait to read more of your books.
Profile Image for Matilda.
53 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning then I got really bored with it and stop reading it for 5 months . But must say I am happy that I did finish it.
Profile Image for Michelle Rodriguez.
907 reviews27 followers
February 15, 2016
Rugged by Lila Monroe

Review 4.5 Stars

I’ve been asking Lila Monroe for a full length novel and she delivered this contemporary romantic comedy with lots of funny inner monologue by Laurel Young.

Who is Laurel Young you may ask? Well she’s an assistant producer for a reality show, one that her soon-to-be former boss has conveniently fallen in love with one of the reality show’s star and has ran away with to greener pasture or the caribbean lol. After getting called up by the big boss from Reel World Production (well played Lila), she now has to come up with the next best thing for a new reality show. After going through many audition tapes, she stumbles upon a hot looking lumbersexual of a man, demonstrating a do-it-yourself, and his name is Flint McKay. After many unanswered calls and emails, Laurel takes the next flight out of Lala Land and head on over to the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

When Laurel lands at the doorstep of Flint’s home, he’s 1) not too happy to see her, 2) he has no idea what the hell she’s talking about and 3) he does not want to be the next reality show star. Can the city girl from Los Angeles convince this country bumpkin that he could be the next best thing and save his family business without making a fool out of himself on national television?

You get lots of humor with this story, with a misogynistic asshole, Tyler, and secondary characters like her friend Suze and Flint’s sister, Callie. The sexual chemistry between Laurel and Flint was hot, but Laurel was not going to do the exact same thing that her former boss did and fall for the star of the show. Laurel does help loosen Flint on camera. Just as things start wrapping up, a former flame comes into the picture, and Laurel feels a little used.

I am going to take this time to congratulate Lila on finally giving us a stand alone. I knew she had it in her writing mojo to deliver a really funny good book. I really enjoyed this book immensely. I adored Laurel and Flint (and his sister Callie, she was a trip). I loved how Laurel had a backbone to deal with the likes of Tyler and his douchiness. If you’re looking for a funny and sweet sexy book to read, add Rugged to your extending TBR list.

*An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Shaunna.
361 reviews44 followers
March 1, 2016
3.5 stars

Rugged is the story of Laurel, a producer for a reality TV company and her "rugged" love interest Flint, who she convinces to be the star of her new show.

Laurel is definitely the best part of this story. Her inner monologue is hilarious (which is good, because it's the only one we get) and she is determined and strong. She and Flint have excellent banter, and even better chemistry. Flint was a bit of a caricature at times, but I still enjoyed him as a love interest. I actually might have even enjoyed Flint's family more than him, really all of the girls in this story were much deeper characters than the men.

The plot itself was interesting in the beginning, but started to get predictable and frustrating. I didn't like the "other woman" element (although there is definitely no cheating happening here). I felt like the tension over whether they could work as a couple given their totally different lives and backgrounds was enough for me, which bumped this down half a star.

Overall, this was a fun, steamy read, with a strong MC woman that I really related to.
Profile Image for Krystel Theodore-Branker.
559 reviews18 followers
February 28, 2016
Meet Flint McKay wilderness man, business owner, works with his hands and has constant brooding sexy face. In comes vibrant, go getter and recently promoted producer at Reel World reality tv Laurel Young. Unbeknowst to Flint his sister sends an audition tape to Reel World that Laurel discovers.
After a slammed door in the face, a crazy car chase and a drunken encounter Laurel convinces Flint to agree to doing the show for the sake of saving his family business.
There is an undeniable connection between these two as they try very hard to keep things "professional".
I absolutely loved every minute of this story. Loved the other characters as much as I love the main ones, they never felt out of place and added to the enjoyment of the storyline. Everything was well executed and the story remained true to Flint and Laurel that was what I enjoyed most of all. I have read all Lila books thus far and Flint McKay has to be my favorite of her male heroine throughly enjoyed brooding sexy face. Fantastic Lila can't wait for more. I feel like these two need more ☺
Profile Image for Lexi Cubbins.
Author 1 book75 followers
July 20, 2022
So, I went pretty deep into my TBR list and jumped on Rugged. Please don't let my rating discourage you, it was a damn great debut novel, it was well-written and what others are saying is 100% true, it's hilarious. I just had so many problems with the characters, especially Laurel, that it was just ok for me.

It was kind of a rollercoaster for me. I loved the beginning, thought damn, that's a fresh storyline. I also thought Laurel will be a kickass heroine, but soon she was kind of all over the place. Her inner monologues were funny as hell, but it was like she tried to be someone she's not. Flint was cute enough but it's not like he did much to show he's crazy about Laurel and for me, their chemistry was lacking. I could still like the story very much, but, and now spoiler ahead, Laurel fantasizing about Flint's abs and actually sleeping with him while she was still heartbroken thinking he was back with his ex-fiancé... That was just not cool, girl.
Profile Image for Marisela M. Chavez.
1,393 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2020
Wow!

Laurel and Flint story had me smiling, laughing and so much more. This story was beautifully written. I just loved everything about it.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
February 7, 2016
Title:Rugged
Author: Lila Monroe
Release Date: 2/10/16
Genre(s): Romance
Heat Level: 2 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

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description

Rugged by Lila Monroe was a great 5 star read.
Romance, Heartbreak, Hot Alpha

What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right? And as far am I’m concerned, the best revenge is runaway success.

I really enjoyed Rugged, what an ending.

This is Laurel’s story told from her POV.
Laurel has been given seven days to pitch a reality show that she will be the producer of, she comes across a lost tape with a hot carpenter. She goes to see Flint McKay to pitch her story and try to get him on board.
Their first meeting doesn’t go as planned and Laurel ends up at a bar getting drunk, than the handsome Flint shows up and oh my what happens next is hot.

Laurel pursues Flint and convinces him to do the show. They will both have benefits in the success of the show if it’s picked up. “I appreciate balls on a woman.” He pauses. “Not the best word choice, but you know what I mean.”

The connection that Laurel and Flint have is off the charts hot. They both try to keep it professional, but will they succeed? We also get a glimpse at someone from Flint’s past that throws Laurel into a spiral and causes her to push Flint away.
I loved the humor that was included, loved Laurel’s thoughts and boldness. Flint’s sisters and Laurel connected instantly and it was classic when Flint met Tyler and put that foul mouthed jerk in his place.
“Men who need their partner to be weak aren’t really men.” “It’s because they know they aren’t strong enough to compete.”

Rugged is a storyline I haven’t read yet and really enjoyed it. I loved the sassiness in Laurel and the strong, true gentleman in Flint. The secondary characters added so much that I looked forward to seeing them here and there within the book. There is no cliffhanger and there is a HEA, but not before your heart gets a little work out. I wouldn’t mind seeing more from Flint’s family or even Laurel’s friends. If you're looking for a sassy woman and rugged hot man you need to 1-Click and start reading Rugged today.

Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club


Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Profile Image for Samantha Ortegon.
Author 1 book50 followers
February 9, 2016
I am starting to realize that Lila Monroe can write no wrong in my eyes and she does it again with Rugged a stand alone sexy romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud and wearing this silly grin.

Laurel Young is one of those characters that you can feel would have been you or even your best friend if life would have taken a different course. Laurel is sexy, driven and great at what she does, which is coming up with ideas for reality tv shows. After her boss's on screen meltdown, Laurel is asked to come up with a idea for a new show with the hopes of also producing it. Hours of reviewing old tapes, she stumbles upon Flint McKay. If she could barely take her eyes off of him, she knew that woman all over the world would want to watch him build just about anything.

Flint McKay, a real mans man, rugged, handsome, protective of his family and great with his hands. My imagination went crazy with picturing Mckay in my mind. Flint had no idea his audition tape was in the hands of someone in Hollywood, all he knew is that his sister was video taping him for fun. Flint loves living the rustic life peace and quite and surrounded by the beautiful charm of all the greenery that surrounds his home. Hollywood is the last place Flint would ever see himself living.

Laurel offers Flint an offer that can help save his family business and give her a chance for everything she has worked so hard for. The last thing Laurel ever expected was losing total control when it comes to Flint, it doesn't hurt that some of those nights were alcohol induced. Those moments of Laurel and Flint are smoking hot, sexy and will have you breathless. Lila Monroe gave me everything I love in a man with Flint, his love for Laurel was sweet and intoxicating, but will he be willing to leave the place he loves for her? Someone from his past will come back, will that have a affect on their relationship?

With taping of the show coming to an end and with their feelings for each other growing, it's hard to say where Flint and Laurel see their relationship heading. Laurel's love for her job and living in Hollywood is all she ever imagined for her future. Is her love for Flint worth losing everything for? This lead for some heart felt moments. I am so in love with the all the characters of Rugged...Okay, maybe not all but most. I did not want this story to end but that's just how amazing Lila Monroe's writing is...You just want more!!!

*** For Mature Readers***
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews85 followers
February 7, 2016
Ruggedly sexy? Ruggedly sweet? Ruggedly hot? Ruggedly AMAZING. Lila Monroe whisks us off into a real world drama wrapped in a reality show tucked between the fast paced world of LA and the rustic trees of Massachusetts. I didn't want to be let up for air....sort of how Laurel felt when she was assaulted with one of Flint's kisses.

Flint is the man's man - tool belt included. while he really only needs one tool to get the job done *winks* he's pretty handy with all of the others at his disposal. He's also sweet, kind and swoonworthy. My heart let and burst the same way as Laurel's everytime his smile lit up a room.

The two of them are a match waiting to be struck. The tension is present from the first meeting and doesn't let up, even after they give into their....uhhhhh...baser needs. The secondary characters are equally developed and I felt like I was actually a part of the crazy McKay family.

Despite the fact that this love story could have fallen to the editing room floor with miscommunication conundrums , Monroe doesn't leave you in the lurch.

Full of angst, sexual tension and mountains of sex, Rugged handsomely keeps you entertained and glued to your kindle. Fire this one up, because Flint's about to enter your heart and steam up your kindle! LOVE!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
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