| Title | : | Hottie Lumberjack (Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published January 28, 2019 |
Hell, I forgot my own name the second she flashed those blue eyes and offered up a double-fudge cupcake with Irish cream frosting. I may look like a grumpy lumberjack, but I’m a softie for sweets, single moms, and my massive, messy family.
The family stuff gets messier now that we’re running a resort together on our late-father’s ranch, which brings my siblings that much closer to discovering I’m not who they think I am.
As things heat up with Chelsea, I’m falling faster than an old-growth redwood filled with buttercream and lit on fire and then maybe chopped into kindling. It’s a figure of speech, okay?
And it’s damned inconvenient, since it turns out someone wants to hurt Chelsea and her daughter. But they’ll have to get through me first.
And no way in hell is that happening.
Hottie Lumberjack (Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #4) Reviews
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Favorite Quotes:
For some reason I just assumed he has a dog. He looks like the sort of guy who’d have a Rottweiler or maybe a blue ox named Babe.
“Neutered?” Libby scrunches up her nose and studies the other end of the rabbit. “That’s where they cut off his boy parts to make him behave better,” Mrs. Percy offers helpfully. “To make him a nice boy.” Chelsea tries unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh while Libby turns her attention to me. “Did it hurt?” “Did what hurt?” “You brought us donuts, so you’re nice,” she says. “Did it hurt when they cut off your boy parts?”
Libby cocks her head at me. “How are babies made?” Uh-oh. “Um—” “Libby.” Chelsea pulls it together and musters up a stern tone. “You know the answer to this. We have that book, How Babies Are Made.” “Well yeah, but I wanted to see if he knows.” Libby studies me like a schoolteacher issuing a quiz.
Dating a Bracelyn is like riding on the luggage carousel at the airport. It’s exciting and fun and makes you feel like you’re getting away with something insanely cool. But there’s a helluva lot of baggage there.
My Review:
Hottie Lumberjack was good fun and an irreverently amusing Romantic Comedy, which was considerably better than the cheesy title would lead you to expect. I always enjoy Tawna Fenske’s clever wit and breezy writing style, but I revel in her delightfully titillating, smirk-worthy, and bawdy sense of humor. The premise was entertaining and intriguing, the characters were lovably quirky and endearing, and the writing was well balanced with levity, sizzling sensuality, and engaging storylines.
Mark wasn’t a lumberjack but like the old commercial, he could have played one on TV. He was huge in size although underneath all that flannel was a total marshmallow and tenderhearted mama’s boy with significant issues and insecurities regarding his identity. He may have appeared roughly hewn and was an avid fan of profanity and conversed with a terse manner of speaking, although his inner musings reflected a sharp wit and thoughtful observations. I have always enjoyed Ms. Fenske’s amusingly idiosyncratic characters although I was fully infatuated with Mark as well as his sweet cupcake baker Chelsea - an independent and hard-working single mom to an adorable and outspoken six-year-old. Chelsea’s delicious and unique cupcakes may have been the lure that snagged Mark’s attention first, but it didn’t take long until the sweet aftereffects migrated from his stomach to his brain, permeating his every thought, before finally making way to his massive chest to ensnare his enormous heart. But be warned – this delicious tale was a colossal challenge to my diet. -
there is a reason that I keep these books on my palate cleanser shelf. They are just the perfect range of fast-paced, sexy, and not too long for that book after a super delicious one. I enjoyed this! And will quickly forget about it until I revisit the world
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There’s something quite endearing about author Tawna Fenske’s Ponderosa Resort series and that is especially true with her latest release Hottie Lumberjack. Don’t get me wrong, these books are filled with Fenske’s whip smart wit and sexy times, but there’s also an underlying sweetness about them that make them so easy to read.
Mark Bracelyn has had an interesting life, raised by his single mom with his father in and out of his life and a slew of half-siblings he spent little time with until his father’s death, he keeps his secrets close to the vest, never really letting anyone get to close. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t grown to love his half-siblings fiercely or would do anything for them along with his mom, but he’s afraid he’ll lose it all if the secret he fears is truth is found out. When he lumbers into Chelsea Singer’s bakery with an axe, she’s a bit taken aback, but once she realizes Mark is her friend Bree’s sibling and he has a sugar addiction, she finds she is eager to fill in needs in all ways.
When strange things begin happening to Chelsea’s place of business and her home Mark and his family are there to help her and her daughter Libby in all ways. I loved that Mark was so protective of them both from the get go and that despite Chelsea always handling things on her own, she felt she could lean on Mark a bit when things got overwhelming. Both Chelsea and Mark were harboring secrets and made some mistakes, but they were also quick to realize that what they had made it worth forgiving those mistakes. I’m not always a fan of children in romances, but when it is done right, it works and Libby was a delightful and insightful child and her openness and willing to accept Mark and his big family in her life proves we all can learn a lot from children and that DNA is simply a genetic make-up and doesn’t make a family.
If you enjoy romances that center on big, loving, sometimes dysfunctional families, romances that have heart, and some great comic relief, then look no further. Pick up Hottie Lumberjack and then sit back with your favorite beverage and prepare to enjoy every moment of this book. -
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2019)! 🎁
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This was a quick read. Honestly it felt more like a novella than a full length novel. The twists were obvious and the characters relatively one dimensional. I know it's labeled as a standalone but reading the prior books definitely helps with the side characters background info. And actually "secrets" side characters had kept were referenced more than once without explaining what the secret was, so that was annoying.
Not great, not terrible. -
That was adorable. Mark is such a delicious, sexy marshmallow of a man. Two thumbs up and a triple cupcake salute!
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It’s kind of a given at this point that I will love any new book Tawna Fanske writes. After all, I’ve loved every one she’s written so far. And “Hottie Lumberjack” is no exception. The story, set in and around her fictional Ponderosa Luxury Spa Resort in Oregon, centers on Mark Bracelyn, part owner of the resort with his step-siblings, and Chelsea Singer, a single mother who owns and runs a local bakery.
Mark and Chelsea meet when Mark walks into Chelsea’s bakery to order cupcakes, a chore his sister gave him to try to fix the two of them up. It works, and quickly. Mark is taken not only by the delicious confections that satisfy his sweet tooth, but by the warm, funny and beautiful woman behind the counter. Chelsea is drawn to the gentle giant, who “makes [her] mini cupcake look like a chocolate chip” when he samples her desserts. He’s attractive and sweet and she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss a guy with a beard.
It isn’t long until she finds out, but their impromptu make-out session is interrupted by an emergency back at Chelsea’s house, and it turns out the odd happenings Chelsea has been experiencing are a lot more sinister than she chalked them up to be. Mark finds himself offering to help out and do what he can to protect the woman who is quickly becoming much more to him than he could have imagined.
But Mark has issues, and secrets, of his own, and the two need to learn how to navigate their growing relationship and the problems they are facing. Along the way, they get help from Mark’s extended family, Chelsea’s young daughter, and a bunny named Long Long Peter. And if you’re a fan of Fenske’s, like I am, there was absolutely nothing unusual in that last sentence. :)
Mark is a teddy bear, sweet and caring and respectful, too. Chelsea is strong and determined, a woman who has been knocked down a time or two but is willing to take a risk. Together they are absolutely wonderful. Add Fenske’s trademark wit and humor and it’s no surprise I enjoyed every word of this sweet and sexy romantic comedy. I highly recommend it!
Note: This book was given to me in return for an honest review. -
Sooooo good!
Hottie Lumberjack by Tawna Fenske is the 4th book in the Ponderosa Resort Series. Although this is part of the series and previous book’s characters are included, this is a stand alone as Tawna is able to remind readers who is who, and some of what happened between characters previously.
I love the family community of The Ponderosa siblings. Mark Bracelyn is the son of the Bracelyn patriarch although his mother never married. Mark feels separate from the other Bracelyn children both by looks,the way his mother brought him up and his own anxieties. But he’s a great big teddy bear of a man, with a good heart and a protective streak for his family and friends. Single mother Chelsea runs her own bakery where she makes fabulous concoctions of sweets. She is known for her “dirty” baking. Mark is a sucker for anything sugar, and Chelsea and her daughter Libby may be the sweetness he craves. But he knows there’s someone threatening them, and he’s going to do everything to keep them safe. The introduction of Long Long Peter (who litter trains a bunny?) is just too over the top sweet! I love how Mark decides to get himself a rescue dog and ends up with a bunny! LMAO
This was such a fun book to read, with some sexy bits and a touch of suspense. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I was provided with an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review. I have received no compensation of any kind from any source for this review. -
Tawna Fenske takes us back to the lodge in Hottie Lumberjack, book 4 in her Ponderosa Resort series to acquaint ourselves to the most reserved of the Bracelyn siblings, Mark. When his match making sister Bree sends him to the local bakery to order cupcakes, Chelsea, the owner of the shop is taken aback by his large stature, but almost immediately finds herself much more interested in the man behind the burly exterior. And Mark is immediately enamored of both Chelsea and her daughter.
As a series of strange events begin to happen to Chelsea, Mark designates himself as her protector. Chelsea is accustomed to taking care of herself, and a single mother and small business owner. But she finds herself leaning on Mark, coming to depend on him and the comfort and strength he provides to her.
I always enjoy the humor in Fenske's books, and Hottie Lumberjack is no exception. The first conversation between Mark and Chelsea had me giggling from the start. But what really struck me was the tenderness. I love that the big man that could seem imposing has the most tender heart, and would do anything for the people he cares about. And once Mark Bracelyn cares about someone, he's all in. And this was the case with both Chelsea and her daughter.
Dive into this puppy today - I think you'll enjoy every second of it. -
From the get-go, this book had me hooked. This author's new to me, but I already downloaded the free book you get at the end. She has such an easy flow to her writing. The humor and sweetness of the characters all trying to find their place in this newly grown adult family is a hoot.
She gives each character their time to share yet, she blends all these personalities through love, humor, and unity to make it all work. These adult children of the late Cort Bracelyn may not have had the same mothers or grown up in the same state but somehow, they are in every sense a family. Never once resent each other for coming into each other’s lives and having to share what little time their dad did give them, but any issues were always aimed at their dad.
To me, I believe because they chose it. To be a chosen family because they want to leave a better legacy than their father left behind. Not that they didn’t love him they did. They just want to make that forever choice, spread their DNA and not be involved with their DNA child in their future, but make it matter.
This book is about six-foot-five, Mark he’s the one who always feels so different. In looks, how he was raised, and not going to a refine college or boarding school like his siblings. Even with all that he is living his dream, having a large family and siblings. He could care less about the ungodly amount of money his dad left each of them.
Mark looks like a lumberjack and grunts more than talks to most. But with his siblings, he jokes with the best of them. And boy, does he have a sweet tooth. Knowing this his sister, who found her ‘one’, is on one huge mission to help her brothers find the same.
She’s been hounding Mark to meet her friend Chelsea. A single mom with a daughter Libby who is six. Just, he kept saying, No! But she knew she had him when she said she needed him to pick up the cupcakes she ordered at Chelsea’s cupcake shop. The words ‘cupcake shop.’
Not only is Chelsea beautiful she is into sweet food porn too. Just the way she describes her cupcakes and new recipes and past ones also are orgasmic to him. Most of all she gives him free samples. Chelsea was sly and slips a business card with a note and her personal number. And so it began.
I give this: 5 stars. Free on Amazon. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreviews.com. -
It has been awhile since I have laughed this hard while reading. This book was amazing!! I loved everything about it. I loved both Mark and Chelsea together and apart.
Chelsea was such an amazing mom and friend. She had a lot going on in her life but she didn't let that stop her. She was a single mom who put her daughter before herself but welcomed the protection that Mark offered. She was caring and funny.
Mark was such a fun character to read about. He was this quiet, gruff man who didn't deal in feelings and from the first moment he sees Chelsea he is interested. He has skeletons in his closet that he is afraid that if they get out, it will change everything. He holds those secrets close. It almost costs him the two greatest things in his life.
While I loved Chelsea and Mark as a couple. The parts of the book that I enjoyed the most was anything having to do with Mark and Libby. Reading about this giant man with a heart of gold try and figure out how to deal with a very inquisitive little girl is some of the funniest things I have read in awhile. My favorite has to be when Libby crashes guys night or the conversation comparing Mark to neutered rabbit.
This is a must read! -
3.5 stars rounded down
The set-up was fantastic. Lumberjack and a cupcake baker? Match made in heaven. I do wish we’d seen more of these personas though, rather than just at the beginning.
I really liked the supporting characters. Although this is book 4 of a series and the siblings weren’t mentioned a lot, it was never confusing and didn’t dominate the story.
Good use of Libby, as an almost-seven year old child of the heroine. Loved seeing the hero open up to her.
The climax was far more dramatic than it needed to be. This didn’t seem like a “wave guns around” kind of book; that happened, but was resolved so easily I didn’t really see the point of it.
Characters keeping secrets from each other isn’t my favorite source of conflict, either.
The I Love Yous felt like they came from nowhere. When they first popped up in inner monologues, it really threw me. I just didn’t buy it from their other thoughts and actions.
Steam rating: 🔥🔥 -
This author is new to me. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style. I loved the cheesy light-hearted air about it. The story was sweet and low-ansgst...which is what I needed after a hard week. Shit, it's only Wednesday. Anyway, this is well written fluffy goodness. My only complaint is the H was hung up too long on his lack of worthiness.
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3.5 hearts
This rom-com series is always good for a laugh and uplifting feelings and a few sexy times. I enjoyed learning more about these two characters and seeing a few old friends from earlier books as well. -
DNF sorry didn't grab me
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Meh
Ok where to start untangling this book. Chelsea aka rabbit in heat was a bit limp as a heroine. Mark just seemed incredibly dense. This seemed a little all over the place in terms of narrative. This seemed as if it was written as a dare. Not following up on this series. -
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this is the third or fourth book in this series, depending on how you count the first novella-ish one ;) either way, all of them can be read as standalones, so worry not, you can start whenever and then go back and promptly read the rest of them, because the same cast of characters appear in all of them, so no matter which one you're reading, you will be curious about all the rest of them... and that includes the books that are not yet written ;) each novel revolves around a different sibling from a family who started a big resort in this small town and trust me, that's a very simplified way of explaining a whole lot of crazy adventures ;) so instead let me just jump into what this particular installment is all about :)
Mark is one of the rich siblings... when it comes to the resort he's the one who takes care of the maintenence stuff... working with his hands and staying as far away as he can from the paperwork ;) we all have things that we like or don't like to do so I can totally relate ;) he's definiely the silent type, not talking much, and when you pair it with him being a big guy, he can be quite intimidating without trying too much... :) Chelsea is the total opposite :) a single mom who owns a cupcake bakery she's definitely the more open and talkative out of the two of them, although she has a few secrets of her own... this story is all about them and how the matchmaking skills of Mark's sister finally push them closer to each other ;) not like she really had to work hard to convince them to spend time together... :) besides the romance part, there's actually a bit of a mystery going on, but obviously I'm not gonna spoil you anything by sharing any additional details, so let's just get into all the things I actually can share with you, and I will talk all about my thoughts and feelings about this gem :)
It's one of those stories where on paper I shouldn't like as much as I did... :) first of all, both main characters keep some pretty big secrets from one another through big parts of the stroy... well... one of them is more stubborn and holds to them longer that he should... looking at you Mark ;) but in both cases I really could understand why they didn't share them sooner... each of them is careful and it takes time to trust another person to the point of sharing things that scare you... what I always adore in Tawna's books is the absolutely amazing writing style :) her stories are always ridiculously hilarious and make me snort-laugh all the time ;) I swear, every time I need a good laugh I can pick one of her novels blindfolded and know it will make me feel better :) you can trust me, I already read quite a few of her stories, and they all had that effect on me ;) Ponderosa resort series is definitely my favourite ;) reading all about the adventures and shenanigans of Bracelyn's family and their friends is always the best kind of entertainment :) this particular installment was no exception :) filled with interesting secondary characters, some we met and fell in love already, a few familiar couples and a possible hero or heroine of a future story... add to that a lovable main couple... *sighs happily* I loved Chelsea and her daughter Libby :) Mark was surprisingly sweet even though there were a few times I wanted to smack him for not being able to open up his mouth and finally say things out loud... ;) their chemistry is sizzlingly hot and reading their story was a pleasure ;) I highly recommend you guys to check out this gem as soon as posible :)
XOXO
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How to convey the many ways this book frustrates me?
Well let’s begin with fact that this felt like it was written about teenagers. Where sometimes the lines blurred and I thought the hero was pretty much a girl who handed over his masculinity. I don’t know who I like less. Chelsea is a dog in heat. Mark is a ghost of a man who walks around saying “woe is me”. I cannot mention the many times that both the hero and heroine got turned on when they were talking about cupcakes and dogs. Then there’s the matter that they fall in love within two weeks yet she gets mad he won’t divulge his secrets. Oh and the repetition in this book we get you have bad taste in men and you may not be the biological son of a late millionaire. We get it you both have insecurities. This book dragged on only to end swiftly with the bad guy being caught and hero and heroine getting engaged. -
The first half of this book was great and I was really enjoying it. I would give that bit 4 stars. Mark and Chelsea are great. She's a strong independent, single mother. He's the strong silent type. They meet for the first time in her bakery and bond over sweet treats and a broken door. It's sweet!
Unfortunately it went downhill for me half way through. Mark has some huge hangup on who his father is. That's his major secret? And he thinks Chelsea is shallow enough to let is affect their relationship? No! No no no! Chelsea goes a bit nuts too. They've been tentatively dating for a couple of weeks - WEEKS! - and she gets upset when Mark doesn't share his inner most secrets. She knows he's a quiet man and even though she was given time to come to terms with sharing her secret she doesn't give Mark the same benefit. Ugh!
It's a pity. I was so enjoying the story :( -
Ms. Fenske's books are all examples of rom-com at its finest... and they usually contain a good hearty helping of heat, to boot. Like her other books, this one includes great characters, lots of humor, and both heart-warming, as well as sizzling, scenes.
Who could ask for anything more?
Um, I could. I'm ready for the next book in this series, please. -
I suppose when you read as much as I do, the authors' names are apt to become a jumble. I got well into this before I started to feel an itch. Siblings with different mothers? Woodsy resort? Ahhhh... The reindeer lady clinched it.
Not a bad sequel to fall into, harmless and sweet. -
Romantic closure found.
Plot closure, not so much.
The stalking and harassment is glossed over in the Epilogue and final chapter and you never really learn more about the so called money issues and what happened with the other women Senator Assgrab was seeing. -
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK; Release Date March 1,2019
When Mark Bracelyn lumbers into Chelsea Singer’s cupcake shop with an axe, she’s poised to hit the panic button. But he fixes her door, praises her buttercream, and sends her skittish heart pounding like a hammer on a hollow log, so he can’t be all that scary. Chelsea’s sure there’s a gooey marshmallow center under Mark’s tough outer shell, though admittedly she’s been wrong before.
Mark may look like a grungy lumberjack, but he’s also the wealthy part-owner of Ponderosa Luxury Ranch Resort. The lone Bracelyn heir to avoid a childhood of fancy boarding schools, he stays hidden behind the scruffy beard and battered truck. But something else separates Mark from his siblings, and keeping his guard up means keeping his secret—and his family.
When someone threatens Chelsea and her daughter, Mark becomes their personal protector. When he’s not watching her back, he’s watching the rest of Chelsea’s body and warning himself not to touch. With danger mounting, they bond over phallic cupcakes and bizarre bunny behavior, while Mark battles his surging attraction. Can a sweet-toothed mountain man and a cautious single mom escape their histories, or will their hearts land on the chopping block?
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REVIEW: HOTTIE LUMBERJACK is the fourth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANCE COMEDIES Series. This is thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer’s story line. HOTTIE LUMBERJACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Mark and Chelsea) HOTTIE LUMBERJACK follows the building relationship between thirty-year old, resort co-owner and handyman Mark Bracelyn, and single mother / pastry chef Chelsea Singer. Chelsea Singer, owner of Dew Drop Cupcakes, has no idea her life is about to change. Meeting Mark Bracelyn gave Chelsea thoughts for a future but threats from an unknown source finds Mark guardian and protector when the threats become personal and more alarming. What ensues is the building romance between Mark and Chelsea, and the potential fall-out as Mark refuses to open up about his past.
Mark Bracelyn is the awkward, odd man out; bearded and large like a lumberjack, Mark doesn’t look like the rest of his siblings, and struggles to find a place to belong. Chelsea Singer has always known her past may come back to haunt her but she never expected to face a threat from the other direction.
The relationship between Mark and Chelsea is one of immediate attraction but Mark bides his time as the threats against the woman with whom he will fall in love increase in intensity and danger. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of Mark’s siblings and their significant others. We are introduced to Chelsea’s seven-year old daughter Libby, and Mark’s mother Betty. Libby is a breath of fresh air.
HOTTIE LUMBERJACK has a little it of everything: family, fun, love, acceptance, danger and revenge. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is spicy and flirty; the characters are spirited and playful.
Copy supplied for review
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