Out on a Limb

Huddling for Warmth #3

by Cassie Mint

The adventurer finds me sleeping in his bed.

But he’s not mad. Instead, he’s got a proposition…

Everyone told me the cabin in the glade is empty. Abandoned. And I’m desperate for a roof over my head, so I figure… what’s the harm? It’s not breaking and entering when the cabin owner is long gone, right?

Wrong.

The adventurer is not long gone. He’s right here, looming over me with his arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.

I squeak and nearly fall off the bed.

He tilts his head, considering.

Then comes the strangest offer I’ve ever I can stay here as long as I like… so long as I marry this stranger. It will be a wedding on paper only, for mysterious reasons of his own.

Is this man insane? What kind of lunatic would agree to that?

…And why the hell am I so freaking tempted?

Out on a Limb is a short and steamy instalove novella, featuring one fake engagement and bucket-loads of denial.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

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

[Céloise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2☆ Meh. Not much story in this story. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Christina (stinarinareads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2✨
1.75🌶️

I wanted to like this one because both of the main characters were sweet and fun, but it wasn’t for me.

This was supposedly a fake-marriage trope story, but there was literally no backbone to the fake marriage. For the FMC, yes, she may have gotten a place to live out of it, but the MMC gave literally no reasoning on his end as to why HE needed a fake marriage. And when push comes to shove, he lies and says it’s for a bet…

Turns out it WAS for a bet—a secret, internal bet with himself to make her fall in love with him. Sure✌️

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely wasn't my fav in the series but it was still cute 🤷‍♀️.

[atomickitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up

Normally I love me some marriage of convenience.

I really, really do - it's one of my absolute favourite tropes ever.

However, once you mix it with instalove (the hero) and an overly dramatic heroine, chances are things may not work out so well.



This one follows the story of Jana, she is Tess's best friend (the heroine from book 2 Close to the Edge) and that was a good thing that the whole series is connected, I liked that.

So Jana loses her apartment and can't find anything and so to avoid sleeping on the street, she squats in an abandoned cabin. And then the owner shows up and instead of calling the cops he falls for her and offers her a marriage of convenience.

That same night.

After knowing her for 5 minutes.

And what's even better, she agrees.

And I was like:



I'll be honest, I fell asleep twice while trying to finish this read.

I just couldn't feel the connection between the characters, something was clearly missing.

Also, maybe it's just me, but it was kinda weird that Stig, the hero, kept referring to her using her full name: Jana Kumara this, Jana Kumara that.

It's as weird as him calling his butt bacon.



What I did like was the steam. After their kiss things got better between these two and the chemistry improved.

Also, I liked the epilogue 5 years later, them married with twin girls? it was cute as hell.



All in all, it wasn't my fave in this series, previous books were better. It wasn't bad but what it desperately needed was more conversations between the characters and definitely more interactions throughout the story.

I know the next book is about Flint, Jana and Tess's boss. And I am super excited because I love me a grumpy hero.

The book should be out in mid August, so I guess I'll have to wait patiently.

But yeah, I am excited.

And really hopeful.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite of the series
3 stars

I’ve really enjoyed the Huddling for Warmth series of which this is the third book. Each book does stand alone and the heroine in this story only briefly appeared in the second story (Close to the Edge) as that heroine’s best friend. So no need to read the first two books to enjoy this one. But it does follow the same theme of mountain man and town girl huddling for warmth.

Bartender Jana is in a bit of a pickle. With her landlord selling her flat, she’s got nowhere to stay. So why not use that abandoned cabin in the woods? Surely the owner - who hasn’t been seen in years - won’t come back and catch her in the act. Oops!

I liked Jana as a heroine. She’s the right amount of feisty mixed with the right amount of vulnerable. Hell, if I saw a perfectly decent cabin when I didn’t have a place to stay - I’d live there, too - so I didn’t fault her for squatting. And she did feel bad about it!

Our hero, Stig, was a bit more difficult for me to like. He’s an adventurer, always seeking out his next thrill but when he sees Jana he knows that this is better than jumping off a cliff, diving to the ocean’s depths etc. I’m always game for a bit of insta love but this felt…forced somehow. And while he did tell Jana he wanted a wife for “secret, manly reasons” - ha! - there was absolutely no real reason for the fake engagement. And he kept calling Jana by her full name - Jana Kumara - even in his head. It is a very particular pet peeve of mine when I see this. Just no.

Our couple were sweet together and there’s the obligatory Cassie Mint steam which definitely heated up the forest! I just wasn’t really sold on our couple - which left me feeling only mild things rather than the delightful, happy, squirmy feelings I normally get from a Cassie Mint book. I still love her and her writing - she’s one of the best insta love authors out there, in my opinion, if not the actual best. But this book missed for me.

However, we do get introduced to grumpy silver fox, Flint, in this book as Jana’s boss - and I’m practically slavering over the thought of him getting his own story and happily ever after. This wasn’t my favourite book but it’s still very readable and a nice little mountain man story. I’d still give it a read if you’re working your way through the series or if you just like the sound of it. 3 stars from me.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana needed a place to crash and her boss told her to live in the unoccupied cabin in the woods. What she didn't knew was that the owner comes back sometimes. Stig is back home and can't wait to get to his cabin,until he can't enter it and that's when he finds a beautiful woman in his bed. Jana needs a place to stay and Stig needs Jana, so he tells her he needs a fake wife. But nothing is fake these two fall head over heels for each other. Instalove, sweet, steamy, romantic, fun to read, OTT and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Alex Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6/5

Best one of the series so far. I liked the characters and I liked the mutual pining.


Adventurer/daredevil/wanderer MMC. Bartender FMC. Virgin FMC. Marriage of convenience. Spanking. No OMWD/OMD. no cheating. Slight breakup/miscommunication. Epilogue 5 years later with twin girls.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a good read. Cassie had a way of writing that just makes you laugh, swoon at the heart and feelings of these two, and wish for something so different at the same time.

Jana needed a place to live, and her boss found a old cabin the owner, Stig, hasn't been to in years. Tough times in the world today (so very true in our currently reality right now). She never expected to wake up one night to find him home, standing over her, trying to figure out what was going on.

Jana never expected for Stig to roll out with a marriage proposal. She felt like she's in the twlight zone. Neither one of the can deny there feel the instant connection and attraction right away. I love how Jana is not a morning person , and takes awhile to wake up. I love how Stig is laid back and trying to remain calm for Jana.

They both fell right away, and both are afraid to tell the other one they don't feel this is a fake engagement, or the love. their are falling into with each other.

This was a fast insta-love that reads like a full novel. Its got some twists and turns, but so much humor, pure love, and wanting to spend enternity with each other.

It's going to be a fantastic read i won't tell you all of it. It's going to be SUCH a good read. You will be willing to send Cassie a major thanks for writing something so heartfelt, steamy, and longing for that instant soulmate connection!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurer Stig (H) returns to his cabin in Starlight Ridge to find Jana (h), a woman evicted from her apartment. living there. Stig takes one look at Jaan and is instantly drawn to her, and thinking fast he offers her a marriage of convenience instead of calling the police. Jana, despite her skepticism, agrees to the arrangement with specific conditions, setting the stage for their unconventional relationship. As they navigate living together, the sexual tension between them grows. Stig is drawn to Jana’s beauty and resilience, while Jana is both attracted to and confused by Stig’s kindness and protectiveness. Their arrangement, intended to be purely practical, becomes increasingly complex as they begin to develop a connection with one another, and things heat up between the two. Jana worries that her feelings for Stig are only one side and will only bring her heartache, Stig has face what he wants and convince Jana that what they share is real. Hot and steamy instalove mountain man romance, exploring finding love in unexpected places.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Huddling For Warmth series featuring Stig and Jana's fast-paced cute and sexy insta-love romance. This is a quick read Stig has been gone for quite some time wandering the world leaving the cabin he built in the mountains empty. Jana is desperate for a place to stay after getting evicted from her apartment so her boss helps her get into Stig's empty cabin. Stig finally comes home and he gets a big surprise in the form of Jana sleeping in his bed. Stig is instantly drawn to the beauty in his bed so when Jana wakes up to see Stig in the cabin standing over her he already has a plan. Stig tells Jana that he has an offer for her his little trespasser. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this fast-paced cute and sexy insta-love romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Mint is quickly becoming a comfort read author of mine, and I run to read her new releases. Especially this series.

Jana-after loosing her apartment moves into what she believes is an abandoned cabin. Until one night, after years away, its owner-adventurer Stig, turns up back home to find a surprise in his bed.

These two have a cute inta-attraction and connection. Stig comes up with a plan to have a fake relationship, allowing Jana to remain in the home she has built. Things quickly turn up the heat as their chemistry can no longer be denied. Feelings evolve and deepen for them both and they become closer. These two are so cute together, but Jana is scared that it is one sided and Stig doesn’t feel the same way.

I loved how gone Stig was for Jana, and couldn’t wait to tell her that.

This short, fast paced read was lots of fun with the instalove and a few spicy scenes this author delivers so well.

I exited for the next book, I can’t wait to read Flint’s story.

4⭐️

[Nicolle Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana is homeless, so she finds out about an abandoned cabin in town. Stig is an adventurer who is always on the move. After being away from his cabin for a long time, he comes home to find a woman in his bed. Instead of kicking her out, he makes her a deal. She can stay if she marries him. However both of them realize they no longer want the arrangement to be fake.

" I thought… I thought you were dead.” The adventurer’s pale blue eyes sparkle with humor, and shoot, at least one of us finds this funny. Though what kind of crazy person enjoys a situation like this, finding a stranger in their cabin? “Sorry to disappoint,” he says, tone teasing. “Though you nearly finished the job with that lamp.”.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jana gets evicted from her apartment she ends up at an abandoned cabin in the mountains only to find out the owner has returned. Stig has been away from his cabin for years but now that he's back he finds a woman in his bed. I loved how the author brought these two together for their first meeting. He is instantly taken by her and comes up with an arrangement that would help them both out but things go from an arrangement to falling for each other. This is a steamy, instalove, mountain man romance with likable characters, a fun storyline, and a great ending. Out on a Limb is book three and a great addition to the Huddling for Warmth series. I look forward to reading the rest of this fun series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Out on a Limb Book 3 of Huddling for Warmth. Stig was so happy to be hime but imagine his shock to find Jana in his bed. He has no idea who this squatter is but he wants to keep her. Jana needed someplace to live and her boss said the owner was gone, she feels bad but she needs someplace to live. When Stig finds her he proposes a deal, she marries him and she gets to stay. Why is she thinking of saying her? I loved the story and the characters. A short and sweet story. I woukd definitely recommend this book.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fun addition to the series, and this time we meet Jana, a homeless and desperate gal, and Stig, an adventurer that recently returned home to his cabin. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself locked out of his own cabin and a woman in his bed.... What follows is an entertaining fake to real romance that has both of them falling hard and fast, but both afraid of fessing up those feelings. I giggled at parts of this story, and fanned myself for other parts, but no matter what I was feeling while reading this one, I was definitely flipping pages to see if they'd get their HEA. So fun!

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stig and Jana, their story is cute, sexy, sad at times and I enjoyed it immensely. Stig, spends an awful lot of his time away from his self built home in the mountains. Jana needs somewhere to stay and her boss makes her sleep at Stigs cottage, as it has been empty for a while....so she moves in, Stig returns and the fun begins. Jana is one strong woman, they both 'fall' but decide their relationship is a fake one. It's not! and the epilogue, swoon.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana is in desperate need of a place to stay so her boss at Flint's Bar takes her to an abandoned cabin. Stig hasn't been home to his cabin in years but after chasing one adventure after another he is ready to see his cabin only to find Jana staying there. Jana can stay if she agrees to be his bride. Despite being complete strangers there is a deep connection between them. Another great read by Cassie Mint.

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

[Keilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Huddling for Warmth series and it’s just as amazing as the other two out so far. Jana and Stig are super cute together. He knows its love as soon as he sees her. She’s terrified when she wakes up to find him in her room. When he tells her he needs a wife she thinks he’s gone crazy. I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil it but I highly recommend you grab this one. It’s really cute there’s no om/ow drama and there are no boring part or lags in the story.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana is homeless and is recommended by her boss to take over the adventurer's cabin, he has not been back in a long time. Stig has been gone a long time and ready to relax in his cabin but like the three bears, her finds in in his bed. You would expect he would evict her from his cabin, but makes her a deal, marry him and she can stay.

When does the a deal become serious?.

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

[Katy Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana and Stig

Smoking hot adventurer wanders home to discover beautiful squatter/bartender in his “abandoned” mountain cabin. She’s sleeping in his bed in his cabin. He’s locked out because the locks 🔐 have been changed…has to crawl through a window.

This is all about love at first sight and almost losing each other because reasons. Not confessing their feelings for each other. Full of humor and angst and steamy scenes.

I really enjoyed this book by Cassie Mint!

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - as I've with this whole series, but I'm so glad we got Jana's story!

It was my new favourite take on Goldilocks fairytale!, with a feisty but down-on-her-luck woman who just wants to have a place to call home.

Even though he has a house, adventurer Stig doesn't have a place to call home - not until he finds a little squatter in his bed who makes him want to finally settle down.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stig is an adrenaline fueled junky who shares his experiences. He comes home to find his home has been taken by Jana and knows instantly she’s his next adventure. The road to their HEA is not smooth but so sweet and spicy. Enjoy this sweet instant love story full of heart and depth!.

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

[Anita Salonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet spicy novella. This was a very quick read but certainly worthwhile. It was a very pleasant way to pass some time. Stig and Jana, a couple so different yet so alike. Complete opposites meshing so well. I do not want to give to much away. Read this. Thank you Booksprout for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions ar my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because Stig lives in the mountains and he goes on adventures. Jana is a waitress at a bar and she thinks Stig is dead so she becomes a squatter at his cabin. Just a great instalove story to end my day!.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jana needs a place to stay and an abandoned cabin is what she finds only to wake up to Stig standing over her! A propersition of a fake marriage and a roof over her head is appealing but so does the temptations between them. Well written steamy fake romance to real, fast paced moutain man romance.

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

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fast read and insta love story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end and the storyline flows throughout the book.When Stig leaves town and his home ,but when he comes back and finds someone in his house can he find away to make him hers? Very enjoyable read.

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

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is an adventure; that is what I thought after reading this story. It has its ups and downs, that feeling of uncertainty and the thrill of finding fulfillment, that happiness. The MMC is an adventurer; the greatest adventure he sought was her. Loved it.

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

[KMH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all kinds of vibes and tropes coming out of it! But the main one marriage of convenience/fake relationship is one you cannot pass up! And boy am I glad I didn't pass it up! This book is so yummy and I couldn't put it down! Part of me wanted it to be longer but another part of me couldn't wait to get to the end and see where they ended up! Definitely a must read!.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stig is an adventure and is always on the move. Jana needs a place to stay, and her boss offer up a cabin he believes is abandoned. When Stig breaks into his own place he is taken back by the strong beauty in his bed.

This is a fun fast read with a fake marriage and real heat that has you melting with each turn of the page.

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

[ledora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out on the limb

It was a nice book but boring. It didn’t hold my attention long enough to finish a chapter. I had to keep stopping and starting again. I didn’t keep my interest in the book. It’s supposed to be where you would hate to put it down because it was so good to read that was not the case.