Big & Burly: A Mountain Man, Curvy Girl, Age Gap Romance

by Clara King

Brewer Benson has been coming to the diner every morning for a month.

He never talks.
Never makes eye contact.
And definitely never smiles.

Which would be fine…if I wasn’t completely obsessed with him.

He’s forty-two, nearly seven feet tall, and built like a mountain.
I’m half his age, plus-size, and certain I'm not his type.

Until the day he stands up for me in front of a packed diner.

I try not to read into it, but my best friend Savannah insists he wants me.
When she decides to play matchmaker, I end up snowed in at Brewer’s cabin.

Now this grumpy mountain man can’t keep his eyes off me.
I thought I was the obsessed one, but Brewer looks feral with need.

I’m starting to think he’s been restraining himself all along.
And if that restraint snaps…I’m all his.

Genres: Novella

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Clara King writes short and steamy romance books featuring grumpy heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey on the inside. Her heroines are strong, curvy women with big dreams and sunshine personalities. Clara’s books include age gaps, cozy small towns, and a happy ending for every couple. When she’s not writing, Clara can be found reading, watching comedies, and eating anything remotely chocolate-based. She’s a history nerd, a cat person, and a fan of all things Jane Austen.

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

short, insta-love, dual v, age gap novella 🤭

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewer has been convincing himself his feelings for Josie don’t matter, she will never want him. Josie was positive Brewer didn’t know she existed. Savannah and Clay help to set them up and move things along. These two may have had the wrong impression but they quickly over come their misunderstanding. This is an adorable read and I can’t wait for Willa’s story next.

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

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big & Burly by Clara King is the third title in the author's Cherry Mountain Lumberjacks series and it proved to be an enjoyable read.
As a small town, grumpy mountain man lumberjack, age gap, romance it was ideal as a breaktime short read especially with the main characters of Brewer and Josie.
The plot and storyline is well written with Brewer as the older, grumpy lumberjack and younger brother to Clay from a previous title, who has become obsessed with the beautiful, curvy, waitress Josie at the local diner.
Brewer and Josie separately are convinced that each other won't be good enough or would be attracted to the other but neither can get past the basic order chat at the diner and things go nowhere.
Nasty customers force Brewer to speak up on Josie's behalf setting a series of events in motion that finally prods the both of them forward. A bit of snowed in forced proximity and some steamy and spicy moments take place which make this a well paced, sweet, short read that kept me hooked through to a satisfying HEA.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brewer is a forty two years old lumberjack. He has been looking for his person all his life and had almost given up hope until he sees Josie.
Josie is the curvy red headed waitress. She is twenty two and the first time she sees Brewer she knows he is her future.
The only problem is he completely ignores her. She thinks he not interested in someone her size. Brewer wants Josie but he is twice her age and so big most people are afraid of him. He is convinced she would never want him.
This is a sweet short read. These two are perfect for each other. Brewer is aware of his size and how most people see him. Josie is the only one who sees past his big, burly frame. She sees him as a protector. As her safe place.
I love how these two dance around each other. Both are pining for the other person but don’t see themselves as good enough. Once they realize how much they desire each other, they can’t believe how lucky they are.
Expect age gap, mutual pining, dual virgins. And grumpy vs sunshine.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great dive into some great Mountain Men. Brewer is all size and no chatter, and he hates that this beautiful woman is driving him into town every day when up til recently he avoided like the plague.

I love how Brewer accepts who he is, and yet deep down wants to be more. Josie has been drawn to Brewer from the moment he first came into the cafe, but mistakes his reservedness for ignoring her. It was so cute to see Brewer stumble over his words and how he feels for Josie. The best part was Brewer almost being offended that Josie thinks there is something wrong with her because she's a solid fluffy woman. he couldn't convince her fast enough that was wrong.

These two finally give in after a llittle bestie push, and trust me...it was needed, and couldn't stop the train from leaving the station. This book has such restraint from both of them, heat and spice, real acceptance, love, and a whole lotta HEA to go around!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elevator pitch: Brewer, a giant of a man, goes to the diner, where Josie works, for breakfast every morning to see her because he fell in love with her at first sight. Josie, a BBW who has always had to make herself small, has a crush on Brewer, but he won’t meet her eyes. It’s total Instalove, but they both have to get over their shyness first.
What I liked- Brewer is a very gentle giant, and he absolutely treasures Josie, who thinks he hung the moon. It’s really nice.
What I didn’t- why on earth would she think he wouldn’t welcome her pregnancy?
Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit, double v-cards.
Bechdel test- fail
Safety? Y
Triggers? Not enough cherry pie mentioned in this book. I’m hungry.
Tropes- pining for you, Instalove, BBW, men’s big and tall, lumbersnack.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewer is more than just big and burly, he's almost 7 foot tall with muscle and that great dad bod. He cuts wood for a living and one day he stopped at the diner in town, took one look at Josie and instalove. Problem was he just couldn't face Josie, he'd go every day to the diner but never look her in the eye thinking he wasn't good enough for her. He's too big, too tall, too everything and she can do better. He never realized she thought he just didn't like her. Fast paced steamy read, age gap and well written. I loved this quick read.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 3 of the Cherry Mountain Lumberjacks and focuses on Brewer and Josie. Brewer is Clay’s (from book number 2) brother and has had his eye on Josie since the moment he first saw her at the diner in town. He doesn’t believe that Josie would want anything to do with him for a few reasons so he tries to keep his distance emotionally while staying closer to her in proximity. It takes a month and a snow storm to finally bring them both together and has them going after everything they both wanted from first sight. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Knight Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly interesting read as Brewer's brother and girlfriend set him and her bestfriend up, where they had to talk to one another. Brewer would go to breakfast at the Creekside Diner, and Josie would wait on him every morning, but outside of giving her his order, he only grunted at her. She could not even catch him looking at her.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Big & Burly: A Mountain Man, Curvy Girl, Age Gap Romance” by Clara King

-A sweet and steamy romance with a lovable size difference and quiet intensity. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Brewer’s protective, gentle nature pairs perfectly with Josie’s warmth and charm. Two lonely hearts finding comfort, passion, and love makes this a satisfying read.

Nice epilogue!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brewer is big, burly and brawny, people tend to stay away from him. Josie is the sweet young woman that he can't get enough of. Josie works at a diner and when Brewer meets her for the first time he just knows... She is his One, but he thinks he isn't good enough. Boy is he wrong. 😏 A meddling best friend and a snowstorm give them finally the chance to get together. Instalove, age gap, sweet, steamy, romantic and totally safe (dual virgins😏) with a sweet HEA and absolutely no drama😍😍

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I’m starting to think he’s been restraining himself all along.And if that restraint snaps…I’m all his.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense 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.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This quick read has two people who are attracted to each other but think the other isn't interested in them for various reasons, everyone around them can see their connection and chemistry but them. Thank goodness for an interfering friend, their actions make them face their feelings and do something about it.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is as delicious as a big piece of homemade cherry pie. Brewer could take up all the space on my doorway anytime. But he only has eyes for Josie.
Josie has the hots for Brewer, but thinks he doesn’t know she exists. When they finally get together, their love is a steamy inferno.
I really enjoyed this love story, and the characters. I especially loved the ending, and I know you will too. Enjoy.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie has a crush on Brewer her lumbersnack but he’s so shy she believes he doesn’t know she exists. Brewer was struck by lightning the moment he saw Josie. He’s older and afraid she won’t see him as more than a monster. It’s sooo sweet when they finally share their truths and realize they are perfect for each other. Loved it!.

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about two lonely people who find each other. They complement each other well; Brewer is gentle and kind, and that is exactly what Josie needs. They connect and find the love, support, and security they were looking for in each other. I enjoyed their story, and it is definitely a recommended read.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Brewer and Josie. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, denial, secret desires, revelations and steam.

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

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewer and Josie's story was so sweet to read. Both were secretly pining for each other but thought they didnt have a chance. I love a strong, silent type, and Brewer definitely fits the bill. Josie is shy but still tries to catch his attention. Thanks to a little matchmaking, they realized they were exactly what each other needed. This quick read gives the feels and makes you want more.

[Sandy Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story is cute, he thinks there’s no way she would want to be with him and vice versa. Then her BFF and his brother have them for dinner. It takes off from there. The spice is a slow burn. The HEA is so sweet.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewer and Josie have been lusting after each other since he stumbled into the diner where she works a month prior. But at nearly 7 feet tall with tattoos and surly personality he doesn’t think she will have any interest in him. That couldn’t be further from the truth, but it takes her BFF, Savannah to give them a little push in a snow storm. Will this lead to Brewer and Josie’s HEA?

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a shy, gentle giant?

Josie and Brewer are nothing, but cute. Both in love, both convinced the other could never feel the same, both shy.

But that’s nothing a rude customer, a bit of forced proximity can’t solve.

A perfect short break read.

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

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewer and Josie have my heart! I loved their story. The pining and connection between them were so good. I had so much fun reading their story. Brewer was perfect for Josie. The man was a goner. He was happy just watching her from afar, but the moment he knew that Josie also wanted him, all bets were off. It was so good! Loved them!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. Brewer didn’t feel like he was the right man for Josie.i loved how he came to the diner every day just to spend time watching her. Josie was sure she wasn’t enough for Brewer. With the help of her friend, they ended up being able to confront their feelings and discover a lasting love.

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

[Kyareth14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every story in this series. Brewer and Josie met, and from that very moment, a powerful attraction sparked between them—yet neither dared to make the first move. However, a storm brings them closer together, and during those hours spent in each other's company, they realize that they are meant for one another—and that only together can they find happiness.

[Imogen Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie (22)
Brewer (42)

Insta lust/love, Josie works at the cafe and Brewer walked in a month ago and they both were automatically attracted to each other

Josie thinks he doesn’t know who she is but he is watching, however, he thinks he isn’t good enough for her because of his scarred and the fact he is very tall appearance which scares people

Dual V

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found the romance between Brewer and Josie to be very sweet with how it takes a well meaning friend and a snow storm for them to act on their feelings.

[Kim Roseborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was incredible. Brewer and Josie were amazing characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

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

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this super sweet age gap, grumpy/sunshine, size difference (yum), mountain man romance!!! I really really loved how sweet he was….

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

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie and Brewer
I really enjoyed this story a lot. It was well written. I loved to see the progression of there love.

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

[Victória · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double virgins
Hea