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Cubs & Campfires (Sweet & Stocky Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 1,024 ratings

A cozy summer romance with low angst and high heat.

Luca Torres, struggling journalism graduate, never meant to take a vow of celibacy. It was just a dumb idea from a job interview gone wrong. He never thought they’d approve the article. Or make his future career conditional on delivering it.

Now, with no choice but to steer clear of temptation for the summer, he takes the most isolated job he can find: a fire lookout in the rural and picturesque mountains of Washington State.

However, his goal becomes much harder with the arrival of the husky and flirtatious Artair Osmond, a musician and wilderness enthusiast who takes up camp nearby. Now he must decide what he really desires: the career at the prestigious newspaper, or the big, bearded bear he can’t get out of his head.

Cubs & Campfires is a sweet and spicy romance about chunky men, cozy woods, and cuddles under starlight.

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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★ "This book is the definition of a cozy yet spicy read!"

★★★★★
"Luca and Artair stole my heart!"

★★★★★
"A beautiful ode to chonky men, the Pacific Northwest wilderness, and the human spirit"

★★★★★
"Hot, hot, HOT!"

★★★★★
"The cutest and coziest MM romance I've read."

★★★★★
"This is a book I will return to again and again!"

★★★★★
"It's like a warm summer hug!"

★★★★★
"Drakes does a great job at making the spicy scenes SPICY and the sweet scenes SWEET!"

★★★★★
"Representation matters! I felt identified, seen, and appreciated!"

★★★★★
"The banter, the sizzling chemistry, the unabashed acceptance and bodily worship between Luca and Artair had me giggling and kicking my feet!"

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CRL5RV2P
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Unreliable Narrators Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 25, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 254 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780645344196
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0645344196
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Sweet & Stocky
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,024 ratings

About the author

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Dylan Drakes
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Hello precious pixies, thanks for visiting my cozy little cabin. I've just popped the tea kettle on, so why don't you grab a chair and have a cup!

For those that don't know, I am a queer romance author from sunny Australia. I adore writing love stories of all kinds - from cute and cozy, to mysterious and pulse-pounding.

My other passions include video games, photography, and snuggling up to my adorable little floof monster, Sven.

I hope you have an amazing day, and thanks again for swinging by!

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,024 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's spicy scenes and fun romance, with one noting how the themes are woven seamlessly into the story. The writing style is well-executed, and customers find it a breezy, heart-provoking read with great character development. They describe it as an unusually clever romp that's hot and cozy, with one review highlighting how it serves as a perfect reprieve from real-life stress.

29 customers mention "Spice level"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's spice level, particularly praising the spicy scenes and banter between characters.

"...REVIEW: This book is so incredibly funny, sweet and spicy...." Read more

"Warm, comforting, and spicy...." Read more

"...Sweet, funny, steamy, incredibly s*xy, and just all around beautifully done...." Read more

"I thought this was such a fun and unique read. Creative plot and premise that I couldn’t totally predict and kept me intrigued...." Read more

25 customers mention "Pace"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pace of the book, describing it as a fun romance with an interesting premise, and one customer notes how themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

"...The writing style is so funny and flirtatious; full of hilarious innuendo, scorching scenes and sweet moments...." Read more

"...Luca & Artair are so sweet and so perfect for each other. You could feel their chemistry throughout the book...." Read more

"...I definitely recommend this series if you want cozy but spicy romance. Vagabond vs a journalist? Immediate attraction...." Read more

"...Was this the perfect story? No. Was this story for me? No. Do I regret reading it? Also no. It just wasn't my speed...." Read more

21 customers mention "Cuteness"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book adorable and sexy, with one customer particularly noting Dylan's beautiful descriptions of Luca.

"...This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA...." Read more

"...I adored the plus-size representation, the queer joy, the adorable fox Bowie, and the spice that dripped pure intimacy...." Read more

"...Luca & Artair are so sweet and so perfect for each other. You could feel their chemistry throughout the book...." Read more

"...It's cute but is not at all lacking in spice! Overall well rounded story." Read more

16 customers mention "Warmth"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book cozy and hot, with one mentioning feeling the warmth of the campfire, while another describes it as an idyllic summer story.

"...real life stressful and you're looking to pick up something quick, cozy and spicy this is definitely the book for you...." Read more

"...This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA...." Read more

"...adventure that captures the essence of youth, friendship, and the great outdoors...." Read more

"...That sounds amazing! This book is low angst, high heat, totally adorable loveliness. I love Luca’s passion and Artair’s gentleness...." Read more

12 customers mention "Heartwarming"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and low in angst, with one customer noting it serves as a perfect reprieve from real-life stress.

"...tone is very lighthearted and jovial, even while shedding light on the absurdity of societal normal and the social issues around s3x...." Read more

"...This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA...." Read more

"Dylan Drake’s Cubs and Campfires is a delightful and heartwarming adventure that captures the essence of youth, friendship, and the great outdoors...." Read more

"...That sounds amazing! This book is low angst, high heat, totally adorable loveliness. I love Luca’s passion and Artair’s gentleness...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written and breezy, with one customer noting the natural dialogue and another mentioning there are no errors in grammar or spelling.

"...This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series." Read more

"...The tone is very lighthearted and jovial, even while shedding light on the absurdity of societal normal and the social issues around s3x...." Read more

"I can tell this book was written with love. I can feel how Dylan Drakes enjoyed writing this story. I want to be clear...." Read more

"...They loved their size, girth and heft. heehee! Incredibly well written. LOW low super lllloooowww Angst...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how it captures the voices of young characters.

"...I felt like it had good character growth and was a fun feel good story. It's cute but is not at all lacking in spice! Overall well rounded story." Read more

"...The dialogue is natural and captures the voices of young characters without ever feeling forced or overly simplistic. Themes:..." Read more

"...This was a good read it was nice reading about characters that didn't have six pack abs and they were not ashamed of their bodies...." Read more

"...-door sex, but it’s done artfully and sensually, and it matters to the characters and plot...." Read more

9 customers mention "Humor"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as an unusually clever romp, with one customer noting it's not raunchy.

"...Sweet, funny, steamy, incredibly s*xy, and just all around beautifully done...." Read more

"...This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA...." Read more

"I wanted to end my reading year with a sweet and funny read and this book delivered! My second MM romance of the year, I laughed so much!..." Read more

"...I liked the concept, and I loved the body positivity! However, I struggled with the overabundance of descriptions...." Read more

Cozy, spicy, and heartwarming
5 out of 5 stars
Cozy, spicy, and heartwarming
🏕️ A beautiful ode to chonky men, the Pacific Northwest wilderness, and the human spirit.🌲 I preordered Cubs & Campfires back in January when I first came across Dylan Drakes. Chonky men falling in love while camping? Here, take my money… 💳 Cubs & Campfires is a character-driven story rich with emotion, gorgeous wilderness descriptions, and astute social commentary. I really liked what Drakes had to say about mainstream society only accepting the ‘family-friendly’ gay. Body positivity is such a huge part of this story and every physical description is treated with reverence. Stomach rolls and body hair are worshipped. Those of us on the curvier side will feel sexy and empowered by the end. I loved the two MCs so much (and Bowie, the fox!). Luca and Artair are smoking hot and cuddly at the same time, and their banter is top-notch. I’m a sucker for innuendo and puns of which there are plenty. I finished this book with a giant goofy grin on my face. Book two, Bears & Bakeries, is up for preorder and releases May 2025 (and you better believe I smashed that preorder button so fast). Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭 Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    WHAT TO EXPECT:
    Body Positivity
    Feeling Frisky in the Woods
    Cute, Fox Friend
    Clothing Optional
    Summer Romance

    REVIEW:
    This book is so incredibly funny, sweet and spicy.

    The tone is very lighthearted and jovial, even while shedding light on the absurdity of societal normal and the social issues around s3x.

    The writing style is so funny and flirtatious; full of hilarious innuendo, scorching scenes and sweet moments. I had SO much fun listening to the audiobook, especially. The initial moment that Luca and Artair met had me absolutely CACKLING and the description of certain ✨activities✨ nearly made me fall out of my chair.

    I also adored how size / weight was described in this book. Luca and Artair are large, hairy men with some extra weight. Both main characters are so confident in their own bodies and are unabashedly attracted to each other — honestly, these men are self-confidence goals.

    I blushed, I cackled, and I sighed wistfully. Highly recommend — such a fun read / listen!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’m not typically a fan of books written in 3rd person but I didn’t mind one bit with this one. Luca & Artair are so sweet and so perfect for each other. You could feel their chemistry throughout the book. Definitely can’t wait to check out ‘Bears & Bakeries’ next!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I went into this book with absolutely no expectations. I didn't read the blurb or anything else. I just thought the cover was adorable.

    This was the CUTEST book I've read in a very long time. I definitely recommend this series if you want cozy but spicy romance.

    Vagabond vs a journalist? Immediate attraction. Plus size rep?

    Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I can tell this book was written with love. I can feel how Dylan Drakes enjoyed writing this story. I want to be clear. The fact that I can tell from the words how this was loved as it was written is so important to me.
    Was this the perfect story? No.
    Was this story for me? No.
    Do I regret reading it? Also no.

    It just wasn't my speed. The main character and the love interest felt like the same person in different fonts, only showing in the early stages of their flirtations that important diffence in personality. The kinks of the author are very apparent in the novel, and for some reason, seeing the word 'bulge' used repeatedly for any reference to the groin until the end really bugged me.

    This book is great for easy, unengaged reading. Good for lazy nights where you really should be doing other things, but instead, you're reading and multitasking. It's a book you can put down for a few months and still remember everything when you pick it up again.

    It's an easy read. Don't be put off by my struggle with it, but don't expect Mobey Dick either.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Ummm yesssssss, im not one for the woods but I can definitely live vicariously through these two and all their wilderness glory. And I mean that in multiple ways.

    P.S the little fox 😍
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Getting this out of the way I am biased because I love Dylan Drake as a social media creator.
    I preordered the book and also received it as an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
    Cubs and Campfires is the first in the "Sweet and Stocky" series. This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA.

    Luca Torres is a Latin VERY Liberal Journalist. He believes in complete sexual freedom with absolute honesty. He wants to work for a major publication but when he pitches to the Gazette he's told that his material is unpublishable and that he has to clean it up. He pivots to a new story line to keep his dreams alive: celibacy for the summer. He gets a job at the Washington State Branch of the US forest service Fire Watch Tower. Which means no temptation and all the writing time he could ever want. Insert ->

    Artair Osmond the Flirtatious beautifully bearded bear that also happened to be the great epic wanderer. He is a constant temptation to Luca, teasing him every chance he gets. Astair doesn't like commitment or staying in one place for long. So when Luca drops into his life every interaction grows that little seed deep within him.

    Bowie the Fox is one the greatest side characters to ever side character. Adorable, Mischievous and duper clever. I highly approve of this level of scene stealing.

    Bits I LOVE: Best COVER of the Year! Love love so much love. Latin representation. Chonky men without horrible insecurities or background of abuse. They loved their size, girth and heft. heehee! Incredibly well written. LOW low super lllloooowww Angst. Shmexy upon more spice with a dollop of sexyness and a dash of I'm blushing.
    Bits that need a future thought: The Latin representation needed a tad more vetting as Luca felt more Australian to me than Latin American. In that vein avoiding Australian jargon/verbiage in a contemporary American setting.
    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND and can't wait for the next Book 'Bears & Bakeries'
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Chonky Boys

    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Getting this out of the way I am biased because I love Dylan Drake as a social media creator.
    I preordered the book and also received it as an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
    Cubs and Campfires is the first in the "Sweet and Stocky" series. This is a MM, Contemporary, Low Angst, Cute/Cozy, Chonky MMC's {Authors verbiage}, set in Washington State Forest, HEA.

    Luca Torres is a Latin VERY Liberal Journalist. He believes in complete sexual freedom with absolute honesty. He wants to work for a major publication but when he pitches to the Gazette he's told that his material is unpublishable and that he has to clean it up. He pivots to a new story line to keep his dreams alive: celibacy for the summer. He gets a job at the Washington State Branch of the US forest service Fire Watch Tower. Which means no temptation and all the writing time he could ever want. Insert ->

    Artair Osmond the Flirtatious beautifully bearded bear that also happened to be the great epic wanderer. He is a constant temptation to Luca, teasing him every chance he gets. Astair doesn't like commitment or staying in one place for long. So when Luca drops into his life every interaction grows that little seed deep within him.

    Bowie the Fox is one the greatest side characters to ever side character. Adorable, Mischievous and duper clever. I highly approve of this level of scene stealing.

    Bits I LOVE: Best COVER of the Year! Love love so much love. Latin representation. Chonky men without horrible insecurities or background of abuse. They loved their size, girth and heft. heehee! Incredibly well written. LOW low super lllloooowww Angst. Shmexy upon more spice with a dollop of sexyness and a dash of I'm blushing.
    Bits that need a future thought: The Latin representation needed a tad more vetting as Luca felt more Australian to me than Latin American. In that vein avoiding Australian jargon/verbiage in a contemporary American setting.
    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND and can't wait for the next Book 'Bears & Bakeries'
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    About time someone wrote a romance book for us big bears. It was such a sweet and fun story that I loved reading.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Andreas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Recommend! A Refreshing, Heartfelt, and Steamy Summer Read
    Reviewed in Germany on June 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Cubs and Campfires by Dylan Drakes is exactly the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cold drink and disappear into a sun-drenched, pine-scented world. This story is a perfect blend of warmth, humor, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry — a cozy summer romance with just the right amount of spice.

    The premise is both unique and hilarious: Luca, a struggling journalism grad, accidentally commits to a summer of celibacy for the sake of an article — only to find himself stationed alone in the wilderness… until the big, bearded, and dangerously flirtatious Artair shows up. From that moment on, things get deliciously complicated.

    What really stood out to me was the atmosphere. The forest setting feels vivid and comforting — you can practically hear the crackling fire and feel the mountain breeze. And the romance? It’s sweet, sexy, and slow-burning in the best way. The connection between Luca and Artair is full of playful banter, real emotional vulnerability, and some seriously hot moments that never feel overdone.

    Dylan Drakes strikes a beautiful balance between tender and tantalizing, making this story feel both emotionally satisfying and seriously steamy. It’s a love story that celebrates queerness, body positivity, and the quiet magic of finding connection in unexpected places.

    Bottom line: Cubs and Campfires is refreshing, heartwarming, and erotically charged — a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good, high-heat queer romance. Absolutely recommended!
  • JJ Fey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, laugh-out-loud funny, and heart-warming
    Reviewed in Australia on September 14, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Dylan Drakes' Cubs and Campfires earns five stars from me. And it’s one of the easiest 5-stars I’ve ever given.

    The story opens with a bang, with some social commentary on the conservative movement and anti-prurience. We follow Luca, a recent graduate and aspiring journalist, who’s determined to make change by publishing sex-positive, uplifting stories. His work feels like a blend of a Carrie Bradshaw column and Humans of New York. Despite his passion, Luca struggles to find a job because his writing is seen as “too much spice, not enough nice.”

    Then there’s Artair. A wanderlust-driven adventurer and musician, he’s loud in his presence but quietly confident in his talents and adorably bashful when praised. Set in the mid-noughts, where it’s possible for Artair to have avoided digital communication - he doesn’t have an email address or a phone. I’d love to see a flash-forward of him today, just to know if he’s joined the digital age.These two men made this an unforgettable read.

    Cubs and Campfires is deftly written. Drakes is a master of his craft. His prose is deliciously descriptive, decadent even, creating a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming. I found myself highlighting passages just to be able to relive the gorgeous writing. The book feels like a warm (and delightfully dirty) hug – rich, lush, and evocative.

    I also appreciated the chonkiness of these men. As a disabled person, body diversity makes me feel more connected to a story, and it’s especially needed in MM Romance, where it’s often lacking.

    I cried when I finished this book, from the sheer beauty of the story and the sadness of it being over. This is a book that will stay with me.

    Even the cover art is stunning, perfectly capturing Luca and Artair. My only complaint? I have to wait until 2025 for the next Sweet and Stocky story!
  • Brown One
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Characters, Cozy story with Heat
    Reviewed in Canada on February 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    So glad I found this story. Wonderful writing style. Excellent characters, descriptive setting details. Our MC, single POV goes off to the woods for his celibacy gig only to discover the sexiest man he’s ever met. The story that unfolds is mesmerizing with a heap of spice. Will definitely read more by this author.
  • Kindle-klant
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book was the best bear hug ever.
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 6, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was absolutely a cozy fantasy. This book made me smile and crush from start to finish and I had such a good time every second of this story. It's low stress just fun and exactly a book I needed recovering from the intense weeks I had in august. It gave me a way to forget how much previous weeks were and made me able to hide in this wonderful world of big men giving hugs.

    The atmosphere from this book was amazing. The main character being in the middle of nowhere in a forest gives such an unique setting. That meant that there really were only three characters in this book. The main character, the love interest, and one mutual friend. Together they made a trio that made me want to be outdoors. The way the book describes all the trees, the little creeks, the sunshine through those trees. It was absolutely freeing.

    The romance was so absolutely sweet and heartwarming too. It had this fire from the start of two men who find each other absolutely sexy but need to hold back every move they want to take. It gave a lot of longing and yearning to the first half of the book that I really love in romance. Give me two men who can't wait to kiss and I'm totally happy.
    When the romance slowly changed to more intimate scenes I absolutely ate it up. The two bigger men were described in such a sexy way. Big hugs, nuzzling into the crook of each others arm, big butts, being a small spoon with a big guy holding you from behind, really what else does a bi man like me need in a book? It was hot full of fire with a layer of tenderness underneath of two men who care for each other so much too. It was the best.

    During the book I had no idea how this book would resolve the struggle of the article that's a big theme start to finish. I'm not to good at predicting these things to start with though. But without spoiling too much this ending was so satisfactory I loved it.

    Concluding this is a book about bear hugs and cozy times and it was exactly what I needed.
  • my kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-warming story.
    Reviewed in Brazil on July 1, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A different, refreshing book with a cute, cozy romance. It's impossible not to fall in love with Artair and Luca. And Bowie. I LOVE IT.

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