Iron Giant

by Cassie Mint

He’s older and off limits. A village outcast.

And when he looks at me, I burn up hotter than his forge.

When the gruff blacksmith rescues me from a thunderstorm, what does my father do? He shames the man. He publicly warns him to stay far, far away from me.

I could die, especially since the blacksmith was a perfect gentleman. I’m the one who could barely keep her hands to herself; I’m the one still flushed and restless days later.

Because the blacksmith is big. He’s a mountain of muscle, and he makes the village carthorses look like skinny little ponies. When he took care of me, I never felt so safe.

So I don’t care what my father thinks. I don’t care about the village whispers.

I’d do anything to feel those big hands on me again.

Iron Giant is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a burly blacksmith and the forbidden farmer’s daughter who can’t keep away.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Short Stories, Smut, Ebooks

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2022

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[*˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5/5 stars**

One thing that you can't take away from Cassie Mint is the setting of her stories which are always original, especially her characters and their interesting professions. If her novellas always follow a same sort of template, I find that they are all different enough to be enjoyable. This story here focused of the daughter of a farmer who falls in love with the blacksmith in the valley. Simple, cute and safe.

I really liked the fact that Rhys was a blacksmith; unquestionably, there is an appeal to a tall, burly and strong man working hard in the scorching heat of his workshop. He was gruff, caring and respectful. I think the only little hiccup for me was that he was very reserved when it came to Gwen. I wish he'd been assertive, communicated and acted more on his desires too. When reading his POV, it was obvious that he was head over heels for Gwen but I wanted more.

She’s so bright. Soft and warm and funny and sweet. Gwen Roberts is the walking version of a cuddle in the sunshine. And meanwhile here I am, surly and giant and twice her age. Rough and grumpy and wrecked by her every move.-Rhys

As for Gwen, thankfully, she was slightly more confident when it came to convey her feelings and needs. If it weren't for her, I feel like the romance wouldn't have gotten anywhere. Despite her sweet and clumsy personality, she was very straightforward and voiced what she wanted clearly. She balanced Rhys fairly well.

He’s big. Thick and broad. I remember, because I gripped him in my hands; I weighed him on my tongue.-Gwen

At the beginning of the story, they are already and secretly crushing on each other. It would've been nice to know what prompted them to love each other, principally because they'd barely ever talked to each other before the novella's events. I think more development on that would've greatly helped with their connection. But overall, they were cute and besotted with each other.

The little drama with Gwen's father didn't feel very fleshed out. He was very one-dimensional and had slight archaic beliefs. I wish the author either would've commited to it or not write about it at all. It felt a bit like it was drama for the sake of drama to me.

✔️HEA Epilogue: 5 years later, they are married and they have a little girl
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap h is 21 and H is said to be nearly twice her age
✔️Sweet/Virgin h
✔️Protective/Burly H
✔️No OW/OM h's dad wants her to marry OM but she refuses to. We never see said OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
✔️Push an pull h and H are tiptoeing around each other, but h is definitely the one pulling the most. H is more reserved
🔥 Steam level: 2.5/5 If it wasn't for the steamy scene at the end, I think my general rating would've been lower. It definitely saved the story imo, even if it was brief
⚡Content warning No condom/ No mention of birthcontrol. Oral sex/ Fingering/ Outdoor/ First time/ Spanking/ From behind/ Rough
⚡Trigger warning Diminishing behavior from parents/ Belittling (not really that big of a trigger but i'd rather mention it than not)

Would I recommend this novella? Sure! Super safe and cute.

**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder why this author never writes longer books. But she sure does pack a punch in every novella. Yes, they are all instalove or at least right in the "turning point" of when relationships turn to love, as in this one. And they manage to stir up emotions despite the short length... hot sex too. She seems to specialize in big, manly men who grunt and work with their hands.

What's not to love?

This one tho was a little weird bc of the setting - modern yet not quite modern. Blacksmith and farm? Really? But with internet and trucks etc,? Just seemed like it belonged more in a medieval setting.

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the first novellas I read by CM, and somehow, it's been two years since I started reading her work 😳.

To this day, I feel like this was one of her best works for me and I miss this brand of her writing 🤞.

-=- (original read) -=-

I really, really enjoyed this- it was so awkward in such an endearing way.

I feel like this would've worked so well if it had a historical setting, as opposed to its modern one- But this was just a lot of fun.

I've only ever read one other book by CM, which I didn't really enjoy, so this was just a pleasant surprise.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

This is the romance between Gwen and Rhys. Gwen is the daughter of a farmer who lives next to Rhys and his blacksmith business. There is a big age gap between the two but that doesn’t stop them from hard core pining for each other.

This was cute! I did however feel lost sometimes while reading this. Like there would be random time jumps and such. Not my favorite by Cassie Mint, but still a really fun and hot read!!

Also that black berry scene??🥵🥵🥵

TROPES: age gap, kindle unlimited, longing, novella

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my new favorite Cassie Mint novella. It was so sweet! I kind of loved how I couldn't quite tell if it was a fantasy setting or a regular contemporary one because of how prevalent the small-town farm vibes were.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Mint has become an immediate “drop everything and click” author for me. She writes short, sweet, steamy, bite-sized romances that still pack an emotional punch and are original and engaging. This was no different.

Rhys is a BIG brooding blacksmith and he yearns after the sweet, somewhat awkward farmers daughter who watches him and is way too young for him. Cassie had me at big and brooding.

Rhys can’t resist for long, but their happily ever after isn’t smooth sailing into the sunset. Everyone, including the heroines abusive dad, is against their pairing and doing their best to break them up. If they want their HEA, they will have to fight for it

Safe. Heroes past isn’t mentioned. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. No others, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue

[Ignacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where you go, I go"

Gwendoline is a lovely (but lonely) farmer's daughter, seeking independence after being mistreated by her family while being protected by Rhys, the older and off limits village outcast, who's grumpy on the outsite but a sweet guy on the inside.
It was so cute reading about Rhys being a fool in love, doing whatever it takes to help her.

And Gwendoline and Rhys Evans were SO adorable together 😭🥺

[Bookiemonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed with Cassie Mint. Iron Giant of course gets 5 stars after another mini session of a non stop read.
This author really has me wrapped around her finger with no mercy of release and I’m somewhat okay with that

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look, I was kinda digging the Stardew Valley vibes but every conversation and encounter they had just made me cringe *so* hard.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen is obsessed with Rhys. She wanders to his forge to watch him. He knows she’s there, he’s in love with her but doesn’t think he’s good enough for her! When he saves her from her family’s plans to marry her off she comes to stay with him. Their feelings for each other grow but they both feel the other is too good for them. Their love is so sweet, Rhys is kind, caring and protective. He will never give up on Gwen. They need to work through the doubts and misunderstandings but the HEA is lovely .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iron Giant
This is a short romance Novella book with steamy bits.. You will find Romance, Steamy bits, Age Gap, a wee bit of outdoor play, Friends to lovers and more.. Its a Blacksmith/farmers daughter romance

Rhys - His job is a blacksmith, He is a Strong character, kind and caring, He likes staying away from everyone because he does not get on well with people much and also because he thinks with his height and looks that he would scare people a lot, Always there to help anyone who needs help, He has been crushing on Gwen for years now since he moved into the small town but he did not do anything because he did not think a woman like her would go for someone like him, Its sweet to see them together and everything chances for them both when he saves her, He falls more for Gwen when he gets to know more about her

Gwen - She is a Farmers daughter trying to make her own way through life, She is sweet, kind, Shy and caring, She has a crush on Rhys for a while now but has not said anything to him or anyone about her crush, She looks out for everyone that needs help, she is not close to her family because they don't care much about her, She falls more for Rhys when they start hanging out with each other more

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Rhys and Gwen's characters are awesome
⦁ Blacksmith/Farmers Daughter Romance
⦁ Small town Romance
⦁ Friends to lovers Romance feel
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Steamy
⦁ Outdoor Play
⦁ Sweet Strong Hero
⦁ Over 18+ Readers
⦁ Fast Read

I did not like the way she was being treated by her father because it was so sad to read at how hurt she was to see her family does not care much about her and i am so glad when Rhys sticks by her and stands up to her dad that was so sweet.. It had like a knight and shining armor feel too it because Rhys will not let anyone hurt or say anything bad to Gwen

I really enjoyed the relationship between Rhys and Gwen and Its nice to see that everything worked out and they got a happy ending..

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhys is the local blacksmith. He is an older quiet loner.
Gwen is the quirky farmers daughter. She sets her sights on Rhys. He notices her but feels
Like he is too old for her. Just being able to see her feels like enough for him.
Gwen’s father is disrespectful to his daughter and has arranged a marriage to save his farm.
I love how free spirited Gwen is. Rhys accepts and loves just as she is. He is protective of Gwen and stands up for her. Sweet read.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhys and Gwen have been attracted to each other since they became aware of each other but neither believed the other would give them a chance. There is longing, drama, some comedy, steam and a wonderful HEA in this book. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Cassie as a great author.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen and Rhys had a crush on each other for quite some time. But both of them thought they weren't worthy. A rainstorm and a little accident brought them together. After a bit back and forth and some missunderstandings they finally got their HEA😍😍😍 Instalove,sweet,steamy,romantic and safe with a bit family drama but so so good 😍😍😍

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I’ve come to expect from Cassie Mint: age gap romancr with insecure, smitten, protective hero, and naive, loyal, playful heroine. Always a cute and mushy epilogue, too.

The perfect short comfort reads for late night.

[Brigid Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, short read, great steam, likeable characters.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This was okay! I loved the concept of the big burly blacksmith but this fell short of my expectations. It was kind of a slow burn for a 68 page novella which was interesting.

[haylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨

[sea anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Communicate u whores

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story so much! Although I felt so sorry for Gwen but Rhys can see beyond what others say about her, and still wants her as his.
Sweet story!

[Carolyn Greenwald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much happens

I have many Cassie Mint books.They are short,insta- love stories so you generally know what you will get.The male is always much older,the girl inexperienced but willing.The plot is usually understandable but usually over- the- top and not overly realistic.But fun and entertaining.This story never turns into anything.The conflict was simply over.They move.The end. Disappointing.Probably the worst she's written ,in my opinion, so far.Not horrible,just empty and bland.Sorry.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

When picking blackberries leads to love, you know you are reading something good. Little confused as to the time period. Felt a little historical, then mentions internet. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sable Beale · Rating 1 out of 5]

All over the place

The story line was all over the place struggled to connect the story flow and the different sections of the story were abrupt and too fast for a good connection which sucks and I was super excited about this book and then it was such a let down.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is the walking version of a cuddle in the sunshine

Iron Giant is a bit of a different story but still very delightfully sweet and juicy. Gwen Roberts is out blackberry picking and ends up exactly where her heart takes her, to the window of Rhys workshop. Rhys Evans moved to the small community two years ago and is the blacksmith. Gwen is twenty-one years old and grew up here but she wants to do things and go places. However, her parents are very controlling and her father has continued to try and get her to agree to marry a boy from a neighboring farm just so he can save his own farm. But Gwen has been resisting and is adamant that she will not marry him. After all she has a major crush on the big, burly and very sexy blacksmith. Rhys knows that Gwen spies on him sometimes, as he has eyes for her also. So when the opportunity comes that will put these two together the fires will be stoked and the hammering steel will happen, yeah I went there as I just could resist.

I have to be honest as I was not quite sure about this story at the beginning. But it turned into a read that I did not put down until the end. I really enjoyed Gwen and Rhys as they don't really fit into the community but they discover that when they have each other they are able to find where they fit together.

[Mars ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was so much dimension to Rhys and Gwen. Gwen was this chaotic, clumsy, and passionate individual who burnt wild and loved hard. Rhys was... insecure, but with the biggest heart imaginable.

My biggest issue was all these beautiful words they thought about each other THEY KEPT TO THEMSELVES!! We didn't even really get a love declaration until the epilogue, we did however get devotion. Rhys tells Gwen she will always have a place at his side, "Where you go, I go." Which Gwen then repeats back to him. Now that was sweeter then saccharine.

Even with some minor qualms I have (I wanted them to yell their feelings from the rooftops) it's undeniable they most have seen the passion and loyalty in each other's eyes because we get our HEA, boys, girls, and non-binary folks.

5 stars for the ambiguous setting (Seems like it's early 1900's but there's cars and cellphones, then again Wales is just like that), lovable and well-written characters, and a beautoful HEA where you can see how their life turned out.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific book from Cassie Mint. Her books always have all the feels in a book you can read on your lunch hour. Fantastic characters, good stories, plenty of steam, and wonderful endings. This book is now added to the list of favorites. If for no other reason than the scene in the blackberry fields, this book is a MUST READ!

Gwendolyn is the farmer’s daughter, always overlooked or mistreated, and now promised to a marriage that will benefit her family. Rhys is the town blacksmith, older, strong, and gruff. Gwen secretly has a thing for the older Rhys but would never act on it because she believes she isn’t worth much. A rain storm that washes out the road starts these two on a path that will change their lives. I loved the ending of this book and the journey it took me on to get there. This is definitely a must read steamy romance.

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

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a short, ott love story between Gwen and Rhys. He is the older town blacksmith that has wanted the farmers young daughter for a couple years. She has thought of nothing but him since he moved there. The story might sound historical or even old west, but it is neither. I thought Gwen's character was odd from the beginning but she and Rhys seemed to match well together. They were both odd ducks. I have read and enjoyed several of Cassie's books before. The flow of this story seemed off at times and confused me. Parts of it just didn't seem to fit, even considering it was small town life. I wished that it would have worked better for me.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a short sweet story. Rhys is the blacksmith and the love of Gwendolyn's life. He doesn't know it yet but she's about ready to tell him. Rhys only stays in the valley to be close to Gwen but he feels that he's too old for her so he's not pursued her. Gwen is going to change all that when she shows up at his house and decides to stay. He's strong, big, older, gruff and she loves when he grunts. Gwen is innocent, and overlooked at home and doesn't feel as if she's worth much to anybody. I love that they start out slow and work to build their relationship. I can't wait to read another Cassie Mint's stories.

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

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short story. It was entertaining and enjoyable once I got into it. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. Gwen's father definitely deserved to have some kind of comeuppance and that part was kind of dissatisfying. Gwen had a crush on the blacksmith Rhys and would go watch him work. Rhys was attracted to Gwen but felt that she was too young for him. After an accident, Rhys and Gwen became closer. This allowed them to figure out that there were feelings there. Unfortunately, neither of them were very good at expressing those feelings so there was some drama and angst around that. I loved their happily ever after. I recommend reading this book.

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen and Rhys, the lead characters, have been attracted to each other since they met but Rhys assumes he’s too old for her and Gwen assumes she’s too clumsy for him. When she’s trapped on his property by a storm, they begin to engage with each other but they’re trying to build a relationship against her father’s wishes…

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a hot and steamy short tale with an almost fairytale like setting. I enjoyed watching Gwen develop a backbone with Rhys’ encouragement, and the new life they built for themselves.

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