What do you think?
Rate this book
Not My Kind of Hero
From USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant comes a rollicking romantic comedy about a single mom and a grumpy math teacher tackling their differences on a Wyoming ranch.
I knew fixing up my life with a fresh start on the hobby ranch I inherited in Hell’s Bells, Wyoming, would come with challenges. Things like snow. Wildlife. Local gossip about why my daughter and I are here.
But the biggest challenge?
My surly new tenant.
He’s like a bear. Fascinating from a distance, but don’t get too close, or he’ll bite.
His personality should be a good thing. I have no need of a new man in my life. But he’s not only my tenant; he’s also my daughter’s math teacher and soccer coach. I keep running into him. He keeps thinking I need to be saved.
Maybe I do, but here’s what I don’t expect: he’s a fixer-upper in need of saving too.
And I might be the only woman for the job.
Hell’s Bells, help me.
I knew fixing up my life with a fresh start on the hobby ranch I inherited in Hell’s Bells, Wyoming, would come with challenges. Things like snow. Wildlife. Local gossip about why my daughter and I are here.
But the biggest challenge?
My surly new tenant.
He’s like a bear. Fascinating from a distance, but don’t get too close, or he’ll bite.
His personality should be a good thing. I have no need of a new man in my life. But he’s not only my tenant; he’s also my daughter’s math teacher and soccer coach. I keep running into him. He keeps thinking I need to be saved.
Maybe I do, but here’s what I don’t expect: he’s a fixer-upper in need of saving too.
And I might be the only woman for the job.
Hell’s Bells, help me.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
3450 people are currently reading
8960 people want to read
About the author
Pippa Grant
65 books10.6k followersPippa Grant wanted to write books, so she did.
Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine published under the name Jamie Farrell.
When she’s not writing romantic comedies, she’s fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes tries to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine published under the name Jamie Farrell.
When she’s not writing romantic comedies, she’s fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes tries to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 982 reviews
Read
June 20, 2025Dnf at 50%. This story was repetitive and as the story went on I lost interest in it. The setting was good and the characters were okay. But I wasn’t feeling the romance.
August 6, 2023
Not My Kind of Hero is a standalone rom-com by Pippa Grant w/dual POV
Tropes:
⭐ small town
⭐ single parent
⭐ forbidden
Pippa Grant's latest romantic comedy, set in the picturesque landscape of Hell's Bells, Wyoming, is an absolute delight. NOT MY KIND OF HERO follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, as she takes on the challenge of reviving her inherited ranch while navigating the ups and downs of small-town life. The story takes an amusing twist when she discovers that her grumpy but undeniably attractive tenant is none other than her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson.
One of the highlights of the novel is Grant's portrayal of realistic and relatable characters. Maisey's daughter, Juniper, is a refreshing teenage character with her eye rolls and sassiness. Moreover, both Maisey and Flint are wonderfully flawed individuals, each carrying their emotional baggage from their pasts. Yet, their connection is undeniable, and their mutual respect and understanding for one another's struggles make them a compelling pair.
The novel's strength lies in the strong and badass heroine that Maisey embodies. Grant beautifully captures her fierce independence and determination to fix her life without needing a man. The chemistry between Maisey and Flint sizzles on the pages, making their banter and interactions thoroughly entertaining. It's heartwarming to see how Flint recognizes Maisey's strength and supports her as she strives to be a better mother to Juniper.
The small-town community of Hell's Bells adds a delightful touch to the story. Grant crafts a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other, free of judgment. The warmth and camaraderie of the residents create a heartwarming backdrop to Maisey and Flint's love story.
NOT MY KIND OF HERO is a delightful rom-com that ticks all the right boxes. Pippa Grant's skillful storytelling, coupled with well-rounded and authentic characters, makes for an entertaining and heartwarming read. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a strong, independent heroine, a grumpy but lovable hero, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
⭐ small town
⭐ single parent
⭐ forbidden
Pippa Grant's latest romantic comedy, set in the picturesque landscape of Hell's Bells, Wyoming, is an absolute delight. NOT MY KIND OF HERO follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, as she takes on the challenge of reviving her inherited ranch while navigating the ups and downs of small-town life. The story takes an amusing twist when she discovers that her grumpy but undeniably attractive tenant is none other than her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson.
One of the highlights of the novel is Grant's portrayal of realistic and relatable characters. Maisey's daughter, Juniper, is a refreshing teenage character with her eye rolls and sassiness. Moreover, both Maisey and Flint are wonderfully flawed individuals, each carrying their emotional baggage from their pasts. Yet, their connection is undeniable, and their mutual respect and understanding for one another's struggles make them a compelling pair.
The novel's strength lies in the strong and badass heroine that Maisey embodies. Grant beautifully captures her fierce independence and determination to fix her life without needing a man. The chemistry between Maisey and Flint sizzles on the pages, making their banter and interactions thoroughly entertaining. It's heartwarming to see how Flint recognizes Maisey's strength and supports her as she strives to be a better mother to Juniper.
The small-town community of Hell's Bells adds a delightful touch to the story. Grant crafts a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other, free of judgment. The warmth and camaraderie of the residents create a heartwarming backdrop to Maisey and Flint's love story.
NOT MY KIND OF HERO is a delightful rom-com that ticks all the right boxes. Pippa Grant's skillful storytelling, coupled with well-rounded and authentic characters, makes for an entertaining and heartwarming read. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a strong, independent heroine, a grumpy but lovable hero, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
August 14, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 Hearts
Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant is a cute story of Maisey, a recently divorced mother who has inherited the hobby ranch where her uncle used to live. Looking for a new start and a place to get her daughter away from all the scandal from the divorce and her mother currently in jail, they pick up their life and move to Hell's Bells, Wyoming.
This is supposed to be Maisey's time to reconnect with her daughter after spending the last six years trying to make her husband happy and traveling everywhere to do their home improvement show. This is not supposed to be the place she meets anyone, let alone the surly tenant to the ranch who she thought was sixty but is definitely not. Her mind is definitely on the do not touch band-wagon, but all of her lady parts hate that idea and are not cooperating with the no touching Flint plan.
Maisey is on a mission in Hell's Bells to fix up the hobby ranch and turn in into something that other women like her could use in the future to find themselves. She wants to focus on her daughter, who lost a lot when all the scandals hit and was uprooted from her life to move to a small town. Maisey is also on a mission to make some real friends and do it before anyone in the little town learns what her mom has done. She wants to put herself and her daughter first and definitely has told her lady parts that sexy Flint is so off limits, but those dang parts seem to swoon a little bit almost every time Maisey sees him.
This is an adorable rom-com story. Maisey is really a delight after having her heart broken by a cheating husband, she is picking up all the pieces and moving on. She let him make her look like less on screen so he could be 'the man' and she is never doing anything like that again. Flint is the broken man, with a reputation, who didn't have a mom that put him first as a kid. He admires what she is doing, he really would like to honor that, but all this chemistry between them is like a thunderstorm building and eventually lightning is going to strike. But Flint also doesn't date student's parents and June is in his math classes along with on the soccer team he coaches so he also has a hands off policy. Forbidden fruit is sometimes the most delicious.
I loved the small town vibe of the book. Everyone knows everyone. Earl the bear is commonly sited and only causes some small kerfuffles. There is also a cow funeral with some very funny stories of said cow and her shenanigans in the town. Really just a great easy going romance to make you smile. Really would love some more books set in the small town of Hell's Bells.
Narration:
I always appreciate when dual PoVs also use dual narrators. I think it makes the feel and flow of the story even better. Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais complemented each other well. I liked how Savannah was able to capture both the strength and vulnerability of Maisey along with the dynamic of the mother/daughter relationship. Conner as Flint, well his voice was just sexy and you could envision the cowboy on the other side of that voice easily. I enjoyed all of the narration from both PoVs. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 Hearts
Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant is a cute story of Maisey, a recently divorced mother who has inherited the hobby ranch where her uncle used to live. Looking for a new start and a place to get her daughter away from all the scandal from the divorce and her mother currently in jail, they pick up their life and move to Hell's Bells, Wyoming.
This is supposed to be Maisey's time to reconnect with her daughter after spending the last six years trying to make her husband happy and traveling everywhere to do their home improvement show. This is not supposed to be the place she meets anyone, let alone the surly tenant to the ranch who she thought was sixty but is definitely not. Her mind is definitely on the do not touch band-wagon, but all of her lady parts hate that idea and are not cooperating with the no touching Flint plan.
Maisey is on a mission in Hell's Bells to fix up the hobby ranch and turn in into something that other women like her could use in the future to find themselves. She wants to focus on her daughter, who lost a lot when all the scandals hit and was uprooted from her life to move to a small town. Maisey is also on a mission to make some real friends and do it before anyone in the little town learns what her mom has done. She wants to put herself and her daughter first and definitely has told her lady parts that sexy Flint is so off limits, but those dang parts seem to swoon a little bit almost every time Maisey sees him.
This is an adorable rom-com story. Maisey is really a delight after having her heart broken by a cheating husband, she is picking up all the pieces and moving on. She let him make her look like less on screen so he could be 'the man' and she is never doing anything like that again. Flint is the broken man, with a reputation, who didn't have a mom that put him first as a kid. He admires what she is doing, he really would like to honor that, but all this chemistry between them is like a thunderstorm building and eventually lightning is going to strike. But Flint also doesn't date student's parents and June is in his math classes along with on the soccer team he coaches so he also has a hands off policy. Forbidden fruit is sometimes the most delicious.
I loved the small town vibe of the book. Everyone knows everyone. Earl the bear is commonly sited and only causes some small kerfuffles. There is also a cow funeral with some very funny stories of said cow and her shenanigans in the town. Really just a great easy going romance to make you smile. Really would love some more books set in the small town of Hell's Bells.
Narration:
I always appreciate when dual PoVs also use dual narrators. I think it makes the feel and flow of the story even better. Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais complemented each other well. I liked how Savannah was able to capture both the strength and vulnerability of Maisey along with the dynamic of the mother/daughter relationship. Conner as Flint, well his voice was just sexy and you could envision the cowboy on the other side of that voice easily. I enjoyed all of the narration from both PoVs. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
January 10, 2024
Dnf 25%
I dont DNF books easily... but this one not for me. First book by this author but I am not sure i will read anything again by her.
Within few chapters you get to know whole story and after every conversation they are keep repeating the same stories in their inner monolouge... it was soooooo repeatative and that really put me off. With humor as well it seemed so forced. And dont let me start on one secanrio lasting for 22pages. And you are reading about this from morning to night. Too much... i really didnt like this at all. People who loved it its great. But its not for me
I dont DNF books easily... but this one not for me. First book by this author but I am not sure i will read anything again by her.
Within few chapters you get to know whole story and after every conversation they are keep repeating the same stories in their inner monolouge... it was soooooo repeatative and that really put me off. With humor as well it seemed so forced. And dont let me start on one secanrio lasting for 22pages. And you are reading about this from morning to night. Too much... i really didnt like this at all. People who loved it its great. But its not for me
August 24, 2023
✨ REVIEW ✨
I’ve come to know that Pippa Grants books really make me loud out loud. Not My Kind of Hero is another one of these!
I really enjoyed this.
It’s a romantic comedy that follows single mum Maisey Spencer who was one half of a successful TV renovator duo with her husband.
When she’s finds out about her husband’s extracurricular activities, she ups and takes their teen daughter to Hell’s Bells, Wyoming to her uncles ranch which has recently just become hers through his will.
What wasn’t included in the will was the grumpy tenant who lives on the property who was super close to her uncle. Thinking that he was some old man the actual age of her uncle, once she meets tenant Flint Jackson, she didn’t expect a gorgeously grumpet strapping man.
Flint, the highschool maths teacher and soccer coach who just happens to get Maisey in his class, knows that there is a reason why Maisey came to Hell’s Bell now after all the years her uncle lived there but why is she moving now? Is it just because she was given the ranch? Or is she going to make a new life here?
Both Flint and Maisey have emotional baggage and I adored the teenager relationship that Maisey had with her daughter. It was relatable AF and the banter in Pippa’s books are just top notch. The way Pippa wrote Maisey was perfect, a strong single mum that lost everything and had to build herself back up and get to know her daughter but also get to know herself now that she is no longer married.
The tension between Flint and Maisey was a slow burn and hot and just chefs kiss.
Definitely a fun and entertaining read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
If you love:
✨ Single mum
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Eye rolling Teenager
✨ Grumpy tenant/maths teacher/school coach
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Ranch life that includes a bear
✨ A cow funeral
Thank you @pippa.grant and @netgalley @rick_283 for the ARC opportunity 🫶🏻
I’ve come to know that Pippa Grants books really make me loud out loud. Not My Kind of Hero is another one of these!
I really enjoyed this.
It’s a romantic comedy that follows single mum Maisey Spencer who was one half of a successful TV renovator duo with her husband.
When she’s finds out about her husband’s extracurricular activities, she ups and takes their teen daughter to Hell’s Bells, Wyoming to her uncles ranch which has recently just become hers through his will.
What wasn’t included in the will was the grumpy tenant who lives on the property who was super close to her uncle. Thinking that he was some old man the actual age of her uncle, once she meets tenant Flint Jackson, she didn’t expect a gorgeously grumpet strapping man.
Flint, the highschool maths teacher and soccer coach who just happens to get Maisey in his class, knows that there is a reason why Maisey came to Hell’s Bell now after all the years her uncle lived there but why is she moving now? Is it just because she was given the ranch? Or is she going to make a new life here?
Both Flint and Maisey have emotional baggage and I adored the teenager relationship that Maisey had with her daughter. It was relatable AF and the banter in Pippa’s books are just top notch. The way Pippa wrote Maisey was perfect, a strong single mum that lost everything and had to build herself back up and get to know her daughter but also get to know herself now that she is no longer married.
The tension between Flint and Maisey was a slow burn and hot and just chefs kiss.
Definitely a fun and entertaining read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
If you love:
✨ Single mum
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Eye rolling Teenager
✨ Grumpy tenant/maths teacher/school coach
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Ranch life that includes a bear
✨ A cow funeral
Thank you @pippa.grant and @netgalley @rick_283 for the ARC opportunity 🫶🏻
August 5, 2023
Not My Kind of Hero is a standalone rom-com by Pippa Grant w/dual POV
Tropes:
⭐ small town
⭐ single parent
⭐ forbidden
Pippa Grant's latest romantic comedy, set in the picturesque landscape of Hell's Bells, Wyoming, is an absolute delight. NOT MY KIND OF HERO follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, as she takes on the challenge of reviving her inherited ranch while navigating the ups and downs of small-town life. The story takes an amusing twist when she discovers that her grumpy but undeniably attractive tenant is none other than her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson.
One of the highlights of the novel is Grant's portrayal of realistic and relatable characters. Maisey's daughter, Juniper, is a refreshing teenage character with her eye rolls and sassiness. Moreover, both Maisey and Flint are wonderfully flawed individuals, each carrying their emotional baggage from their pasts. Yet, their connection is undeniable, and their mutual respect and understanding for one another's struggles make them a compelling pair.
The novel's strength lies in the strong and badass heroine that Maisey embodies. Grant beautifully captures her fierce independence and determination to fix her life without needing a man. The chemistry between Maisey and Flint sizzles on the pages, making their banter and interactions thoroughly entertaining. It's heartwarming to see how Flint recognizes Maisey's strength and supports her as she strives to be a better mother to Juniper.
The small-town community of Hell's Bells adds a delightful touch to the story. Grant crafts a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other, free of judgment. The warmth and camaraderie of the residents create a heartwarming backdrop to Maisey and Flint's love story.
NOT MY KIND OF HERO is a delightful rom-com that ticks all the right boxes. Pippa Grant's skillful storytelling, coupled with well-rounded and authentic characters, makes for an entertaining and heartwarming read. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a strong, independent heroine, a grumpy but lovable hero, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.
Tropes:
⭐ small town
⭐ single parent
⭐ forbidden
Pippa Grant's latest romantic comedy, set in the picturesque landscape of Hell's Bells, Wyoming, is an absolute delight. NOT MY KIND OF HERO follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, as she takes on the challenge of reviving her inherited ranch while navigating the ups and downs of small-town life. The story takes an amusing twist when she discovers that her grumpy but undeniably attractive tenant is none other than her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson.
One of the highlights of the novel is Grant's portrayal of realistic and relatable characters. Maisey's daughter, Juniper, is a refreshing teenage character with her eye rolls and sassiness. Moreover, both Maisey and Flint are wonderfully flawed individuals, each carrying their emotional baggage from their pasts. Yet, their connection is undeniable, and their mutual respect and understanding for one another's struggles make them a compelling pair.
The novel's strength lies in the strong and badass heroine that Maisey embodies. Grant beautifully captures her fierce independence and determination to fix her life without needing a man. The chemistry between Maisey and Flint sizzles on the pages, making their banter and interactions thoroughly entertaining. It's heartwarming to see how Flint recognizes Maisey's strength and supports her as she strives to be a better mother to Juniper.
The small-town community of Hell's Bells adds a delightful touch to the story. Grant crafts a close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other, free of judgment. The warmth and camaraderie of the residents create a heartwarming backdrop to Maisey and Flint's love story.
NOT MY KIND OF HERO is a delightful rom-com that ticks all the right boxes. Pippa Grant's skillful storytelling, coupled with well-rounded and authentic characters, makes for an entertaining and heartwarming read. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a strong, independent heroine, a grumpy but lovable hero, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.
June 3, 2023
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"Not My Kind of Hero" is a charming contemporary romance novel that follows the story of a single mother, Maisey, and her journey to reconnect with her teenage daughter Juniper while unexpectedly finding love. Both Maisey and Flint are compelling characters who have been through difficult experiences and are doing their best to navigate their lives. The novel offers a refreshing perspective on the challenges of single motherhood, Maisey's unwavering dedication to her daughter is truly heartwarming. Flint, a math teacher, is very supportive of his students, which adds depth to his character.
The author brings these two characters together in a believable way, and their interactions are fun and enjoyable. The book is set in a small town, which adds a cozy feel to the story. The lack of unnecessary drama is also a plus, as it allows the reader to focus on the relationships and personal growth of the characters. Overall, "Not My Kind of Hero" is a delightful read that offers a great mix of romance, family, and community. It is perfect for anyone looking for a heartwarming and lighthearted story.
"Not My Kind of Hero" is a charming contemporary romance novel that follows the story of a single mother, Maisey, and her journey to reconnect with her teenage daughter Juniper while unexpectedly finding love. Both Maisey and Flint are compelling characters who have been through difficult experiences and are doing their best to navigate their lives. The novel offers a refreshing perspective on the challenges of single motherhood, Maisey's unwavering dedication to her daughter is truly heartwarming. Flint, a math teacher, is very supportive of his students, which adds depth to his character.
The author brings these two characters together in a believable way, and their interactions are fun and enjoyable. The book is set in a small town, which adds a cozy feel to the story. The lack of unnecessary drama is also a plus, as it allows the reader to focus on the relationships and personal growth of the characters. Overall, "Not My Kind of Hero" is a delightful read that offers a great mix of romance, family, and community. It is perfect for anyone looking for a heartwarming and lighthearted story.
August 16, 2023
Quiet slow burn
This slow-burning, small town romance is more serious than Grant's indie books, but it still has plenty of charm. I liked the deeper elements and the focus on mending your broken pieces - these two instant enemies clash until they realize how much they have in common, and watching that come full circle was very fulfilling. Starring a commitment-phobic hero who is drawn to emotionally unavailable women (which our newly divorced heroine definitely is!), the romance takes awhile to fully develop. I did find the beginning to be a little too slow for me, but the story gets richer and deeper as it progresses. The moody hero is secretly a sweetheart, a high school teacher who genuinely loves his students. It was adorable seeing the grump in his element, and I loved that he cared for the heroine's teenage daughter as well. It's a lighthearted yet emotional romance with a definite found family feel.
The story follows Maisey, a woman who inherited a rundown ranch after her uncle passed away. Though she had been absent from his life for years, Maisey appreciates that she has a place to go after she (finally) divorces her husband. But not everyone welcomes Maisey's arrival in town, and that includes her new tenant, Flint. The sexy stranger was friends with her uncle, and he doesn't have much respect for Maisey. As the two bicker, they slowly realize that there's more to the other than meets the eye. Seeing Flint interact with her teenage daughter softens his harsh edges, and watching Maisey gain her confidence again does something funny to Flint's heart. But neither one is in the right headspace for a relationship, and that means giving in to their unwanted attraction is off the table.
Personally, I vastly prefer Grant's indie romances, which are more overtly funny and playful. However, I felt like this was her most successful traditional release so far - there are definitely some comedic elements, but it truly is more of a quiet, small town romance. I liked how Maisey and Flint grew on each other over time, and both characters were multi-faceted and interesting. Watching them both find their happy again was certainly swoony. It's a low heat/super slow burn romance, and it was too quiet for me at times. The community is a major aspect, so the romance takes a backseat to that in the first half. Once Maisey and Flint let down their walls a bit and finally gave in to the feelings, it was easy to see why they were perfect together. So this was a solid 4-star read for me the whole way through - it didn't grip me completely, but I was invested in the romance the whole way through.
Audio note: The audio is great! I'm a fan of Connor Crais, whose deep voice works well for Flint. His voice for Maisey wasn't the best, but maybe I'm just getting spoiled with all of the excellent audio experiences out there these days. Savannah Peachwood gave an excellent performance, as always. I find her voice to be very easy to listen to. The slow burn nature of the story makes it an ideal workday listen, as does the short runtime (under 9 hours). I had no trouble bingeing it in a day, and it made for a lighthearted, easygoing listen. Recommended in the format, for sure.
This slow-burning, small town romance is more serious than Grant's indie books, but it still has plenty of charm. I liked the deeper elements and the focus on mending your broken pieces - these two instant enemies clash until they realize how much they have in common, and watching that come full circle was very fulfilling. Starring a commitment-phobic hero who is drawn to emotionally unavailable women (which our newly divorced heroine definitely is!), the romance takes awhile to fully develop. I did find the beginning to be a little too slow for me, but the story gets richer and deeper as it progresses. The moody hero is secretly a sweetheart, a high school teacher who genuinely loves his students. It was adorable seeing the grump in his element, and I loved that he cared for the heroine's teenage daughter as well. It's a lighthearted yet emotional romance with a definite found family feel.
The story follows Maisey, a woman who inherited a rundown ranch after her uncle passed away. Though she had been absent from his life for years, Maisey appreciates that she has a place to go after she (finally) divorces her husband. But not everyone welcomes Maisey's arrival in town, and that includes her new tenant, Flint. The sexy stranger was friends with her uncle, and he doesn't have much respect for Maisey. As the two bicker, they slowly realize that there's more to the other than meets the eye. Seeing Flint interact with her teenage daughter softens his harsh edges, and watching Maisey gain her confidence again does something funny to Flint's heart. But neither one is in the right headspace for a relationship, and that means giving in to their unwanted attraction is off the table.
Personally, I vastly prefer Grant's indie romances, which are more overtly funny and playful. However, I felt like this was her most successful traditional release so far - there are definitely some comedic elements, but it truly is more of a quiet, small town romance. I liked how Maisey and Flint grew on each other over time, and both characters were multi-faceted and interesting. Watching them both find their happy again was certainly swoony. It's a low heat/super slow burn romance, and it was too quiet for me at times. The community is a major aspect, so the romance takes a backseat to that in the first half. Once Maisey and Flint let down their walls a bit and finally gave in to the feelings, it was easy to see why they were perfect together. So this was a solid 4-star read for me the whole way through - it didn't grip me completely, but I was invested in the romance the whole way through.
Audio note: The audio is great! I'm a fan of Connor Crais, whose deep voice works well for Flint. His voice for Maisey wasn't the best, but maybe I'm just getting spoiled with all of the excellent audio experiences out there these days. Savannah Peachwood gave an excellent performance, as always. I find her voice to be very easy to listen to. The slow burn nature of the story makes it an ideal workday listen, as does the short runtime (under 9 hours). I had no trouble bingeing it in a day, and it made for a lighthearted, easygoing listen. Recommended in the format, for sure.
May 3, 2025
“Hard to believe in love when it’s used as a weapon,”
Single mom with teen daughter meets Soccer Coach & Teacher MMC with a past.
I love it when I give an author another shot, and am happy about my decision.
Single mom with teen daughter meets Soccer Coach & Teacher MMC with a past.
I love it when I give an author another shot, and am happy about my decision.
August 30, 2023
*sigh* I didn't DNF this one, but I sure wish I did. Pippa Grant used to be an auto read for me, but between this and the wedding date book I'm not sure what's going on these days.
The book was so full of internal monologues it significantly slowed down any and all story. Not that there was much of a story there to begin with. Lots of padding and repetition and monologuing.
The FMC has a daughter - some variation of the daughter's name is used over 560 times in this book. It's less than 330 pages. That's ... a lot. too much.
It really dragged for me, especially with all the back and fortth and fighting the attraction and denying themselves. And at the end of the book I really thought about it and couldn't actually see what was so attractive about either chracter. I did not understand the appeal at all, which is a problem in a romance. Not that there was a lot of romance in this book.
Honestly, at 75% I started skimming just so the book would be over. That makes me sad because I love Pippa's books and some of my favourites were written by her. But this isn't it.
Gonig to end with this note I wrote at 37% "I wish the FMC would stop talking to her vagina".
The book was so full of internal monologues it significantly slowed down any and all story. Not that there was much of a story there to begin with. Lots of padding and repetition and monologuing.
The FMC has a daughter - some variation of the daughter's name is used over 560 times in this book. It's less than 330 pages. That's ... a lot. too much.
It really dragged for me, especially with all the back and fortth and fighting the attraction and denying themselves. And at the end of the book I really thought about it and couldn't actually see what was so attractive about either chracter. I did not understand the appeal at all, which is a problem in a romance. Not that there was a lot of romance in this book.
Honestly, at 75% I started skimming just so the book would be over. That makes me sad because I love Pippa's books and some of my favourites were written by her. But this isn't it.
Gonig to end with this note I wrote at 37% "I wish the FMC would stop talking to her vagina".
April 25, 2023
I really liked this book, and because of that, I feel like I've been robbed of my happy ending... Ok, I still got the happily ever after, but it was too fast and superficial. I would have loved some more chapters about how they worked everything out, about their new routine and life, instead everything was put in a couple of chapters and "the end", that's it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
This was a super fun divorced single mother/grumpy teacher/tenant forbidden romance. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs, the quirky cast of small town, rural characters (animal AND human) and the SPICY scenes between the leads. Perfect for fans of Helena Hunting's The player next door and good on audio narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais (although the female narrator's sex scenes were a little too cringey/fake for me).
August 14, 2023
Despite the blurb, and knowing full well the author’s writing style and quirks, I wasn’t expecting this book. And those characters.
Yes, there was a small town setting, with gossip and colorful characters. We don’t see a lot of most of them, besides the male character’s best friend, and the female character’s closest friend. The town kind of works as its own character. It has a mood, it has habits. And it’s a safe haven for the main characters.
Yes, there was a strong female character. What interested me the most with Maisey was that she had a public image far removed from who she really was. It works against her at first, and one of her first challenges is to show Hell’s Bells that she isn’t an airhead like she was on TV. I kind of resent Flint for falling for the trick, when Maisey’s uncle praised her so much in front of him, but whatever. But the truth is that Maisey herself needs to find out who she really is. The whole book, she’s working on trying not to be defined by someone else, while trying to rebuild her relationship with her daughter who’s become her priority at the same time. I loved their connection, by the way.
And yes, there was a grumpy good man. Maybe Flint was even a bit too good to be true. But he was such a perfect book boyfriend–the one helping the female character becoming the best of herself, the one loving all the parts that make her insecure or simply that aren’t perfect, and the one opening up to her and letting her heal his broken parts. Make him sexy AND good with kids AND riding a horse, and you get… the perfect book boyfriend. Did I say that already? And together? They were hot. So much chemistry, even when they didn’t like each other that much.
The unexpected parts where Maisey’s and Flint’s backgrounds–which I won’t spoil, but making Maisey a divorced reality TV star was alreay quite unexpected. Of course, it explains where they come from, and what’s keeping them from being together for so long. Also, there’s one character who’s omnipresent while not really being there, and that’s Maisey’s uncle Tony. Let’s just say that you’ll learn more about him that you’ve ever cared to. It felt a bit that he was written that way only for shock value and was incongruous, but it was definitely unexpected.
It was never too angsty, and there was a lot of funny and emotional moments. I couldn’t put it down.
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #romcom #small town romance #cowboy romance #forbidden romance #enemies to lovers #single mother #teacher
- Triggers: mention of a kink, past death, parental abuse, mention of depression, cheating, criminal in prison, non graphic animal death
- Main couple: Maisey Spencer & Flint Jackson
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Flint is such a positive influence
- – it felt like some elements made little sense because they were hardly developped
Yes, there was a small town setting, with gossip and colorful characters. We don’t see a lot of most of them, besides the male character’s best friend, and the female character’s closest friend. The town kind of works as its own character. It has a mood, it has habits. And it’s a safe haven for the main characters.
Yes, there was a strong female character. What interested me the most with Maisey was that she had a public image far removed from who she really was. It works against her at first, and one of her first challenges is to show Hell’s Bells that she isn’t an airhead like she was on TV. I kind of resent Flint for falling for the trick, when Maisey’s uncle praised her so much in front of him, but whatever. But the truth is that Maisey herself needs to find out who she really is. The whole book, she’s working on trying not to be defined by someone else, while trying to rebuild her relationship with her daughter who’s become her priority at the same time. I loved their connection, by the way.
And yes, there was a grumpy good man. Maybe Flint was even a bit too good to be true. But he was such a perfect book boyfriend–the one helping the female character becoming the best of herself, the one loving all the parts that make her insecure or simply that aren’t perfect, and the one opening up to her and letting her heal his broken parts. Make him sexy AND good with kids AND riding a horse, and you get… the perfect book boyfriend. Did I say that already? And together? They were hot. So much chemistry, even when they didn’t like each other that much.
The unexpected parts where Maisey’s and Flint’s backgrounds–which I won’t spoil, but making Maisey a divorced reality TV star was alreay quite unexpected. Of course, it explains where they come from, and what’s keeping them from being together for so long. Also, there’s one character who’s omnipresent while not really being there, and that’s Maisey’s uncle Tony. Let’s just say that you’ll learn more about him that you’ve ever cared to. It felt a bit that he was written that way only for shock value and was incongruous, but it was definitely unexpected.
It was never too angsty, and there was a lot of funny and emotional moments. I couldn’t put it down.
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #romcom #small town romance #cowboy romance #forbidden romance #enemies to lovers #single mother #teacher
- Triggers: mention of a kink, past death, parental abuse, mention of depression, cheating, criminal in prison, non graphic animal death
- Main couple: Maisey Spencer & Flint Jackson
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Flint is such a positive influence
- – it felt like some elements made little sense because they were hardly developped
September 8, 2023
In a nutshell this book is about a mom who lets her annoying teenage daughter dictate all her decisions for the entire book. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.
September 26, 2023
This was a cute fast read! Made me laugh out loud several times.
April 12, 2024
Oh my word, I love this!
Romantic comedy. The book started off with the two main characters facing off, and an incident involving a bear, a cow and a horse.
Follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, who tackles renovating her uncle's ranch she inherited upon his death. She also has to deal with the ups and downs of small-town life, a sassy teenage daughter, and the grumpy but attractive tenant on the ranch land, who happens to be her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson. It's a forbidden, forced proximity type romance.
Maisey was one half of a successful TV renovation duo with her husband (now ex). She was portrayed as ditzy and incapable, but in real life she is very sharp and sassy. Flint is a rather grumpy guy with a heart of gold, as he uses the ranch to help underprivileged kids in the community.
Romantic comedy. The book started off with the two main characters facing off, and an incident involving a bear, a cow and a horse.
Follows the journey of Maisey Spencer, a resilient single mom, who tackles renovating her uncle's ranch she inherited upon his death. She also has to deal with the ups and downs of small-town life, a sassy teenage daughter, and the grumpy but attractive tenant on the ranch land, who happens to be her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach, Flint Jackson. It's a forbidden, forced proximity type romance.
Maisey was one half of a successful TV renovation duo with her husband (now ex). She was portrayed as ditzy and incapable, but in real life she is very sharp and sassy. Flint is a rather grumpy guy with a heart of gold, as he uses the ranch to help underprivileged kids in the community.
September 9, 2023
75% into the book... it's just 😴 it's so average.. so uninteresting.
The ending was decent ... but still had something missing all throughout. I just didn't feel this book as anything special.
The ending was decent ... but still had something missing all throughout. I just didn't feel this book as anything special.
September 12, 2023
DNF - woke agendas forced in and doesn’t flow well.
August 20, 2023
This book was so cute and funny 🥰
August 20, 2023
3.5 stars
August 11, 2023
4.5 stars
Not My Kind of Hero is a sweet, funny romance about newly divorced mom, Maisey Spencer, and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Juniper, moving to small town Hells Bells, Wyoming, to start over.
Things don't start out too well for Maisey and Juniper when they encounter a bear eating a dead cow on their property. Plus, they meet their grouchy tenant, Flint Jackson, at that time, too. He has some not so nice feelings regarding Maisey and her now deceased uncle, whose property she inherited.
Flint is also a teacher at the local high school and the soccer coach, so the two Spencer women will be seeing a lot of him. What starts out as bickering turns into attraction between Maisey and Flint, but Maisey has vowed to put her daughter first. No relationships.
I really enjoyed this dual point of view, small town, single parent romance. This has a realistic portrayal of a single mother trying her best with a teenager. She is trying to make the best of this situation that she has forced on Juniper. I loved all the secondary characters in the small town, too. This is such a wonderful story!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Not My Kind of Hero is a sweet, funny romance about newly divorced mom, Maisey Spencer, and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Juniper, moving to small town Hells Bells, Wyoming, to start over.
Things don't start out too well for Maisey and Juniper when they encounter a bear eating a dead cow on their property. Plus, they meet their grouchy tenant, Flint Jackson, at that time, too. He has some not so nice feelings regarding Maisey and her now deceased uncle, whose property she inherited.
Flint is also a teacher at the local high school and the soccer coach, so the two Spencer women will be seeing a lot of him. What starts out as bickering turns into attraction between Maisey and Flint, but Maisey has vowed to put her daughter first. No relationships.
I really enjoyed this dual point of view, small town, single parent romance. This has a realistic portrayal of a single mother trying her best with a teenager. She is trying to make the best of this situation that she has forced on Juniper. I loved all the secondary characters in the small town, too. This is such a wonderful story!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 7, 2023
Not My Kind of Hero is an appropriate description. I’m checking out at 44%! Yes. We get it. You use a lot of women for “fun”. You don’t do relationships. You break hearts and move on. You have commitment issues! You like the FMC but don’t want to. Bad parents don’t give you the right to be an ass and lousy human being. Grow up.
I really want her to start dating someone else and quit talking to him. Why is she lusting after someone who treats her like dirt? The rumors about the way he treats women is reason enough to run. Have some self respect. Why are there readily available women but the only option for her is a gay neighbor and him? It’s a small town. How many unavailable women stupid enough to give him a try can there be?
I really want her to start dating someone else and quit talking to him. Why is she lusting after someone who treats her like dirt? The rumors about the way he treats women is reason enough to run. Have some self respect. Why are there readily available women but the only option for her is a gay neighbor and him? It’s a small town. How many unavailable women stupid enough to give him a try can there be?
August 13, 2023
DNF @ 49%. I didn’t need to hear anymore inner dialogue from Maisey about her vagjna “launching into the Macarena” or her “vagina wondering if shorty could get low” or her “vagina flipping inside out” or her vagina squealing or swooning or discussing things with her before there was even a sex scene. That was all in the first 5 chapters too 😬
The writing just was not for me. It’s a second chance romance story that felt like it was written by someone very very young.
The writing just was not for me. It’s a second chance romance story that felt like it was written by someone very very young.
September 5, 2023
Maisey put her dreams on hold to help her husband pursue his but after his betrayal she finds herself divorced and determined to be the mother that Juniper, her teenage daughter, needs. She has plans for the Wyoming ranch she inherited from her uncle and isn’t about to distracted by any man let alone the grumpy tenant who she seems to cross paths with on a regular basis.
Flint is a teacher and a soccer coach who saves his charm for his students and his grumpiness for everyone else. He has a difficult past that ensures he doesn’t allow people close but there is something about Maisey and her daughter that breaks through his walls whether he wants it or not.
This is a heartwarming story that is set in a small town and everything that entails. Maisey is looking for a new beginning while Flint is trying to overcome his past and despite the fact that neither was looking for love fate had other ideas when they find it in each other.
Flint is a teacher and a soccer coach who saves his charm for his students and his grumpiness for everyone else. He has a difficult past that ensures he doesn’t allow people close but there is something about Maisey and her daughter that breaks through his walls whether he wants it or not.
This is a heartwarming story that is set in a small town and everything that entails. Maisey is looking for a new beginning while Flint is trying to overcome his past and despite the fact that neither was looking for love fate had other ideas when they find it in each other.
August 16, 2023
Masiy has moved with her daughter Junie to her Uncle's old ranch property in a new town. They both needed to get away , but Junie isn't too happy about it.
Things get off to an interesting start with a bear, a cow, and a guy named Flint. I loved the chemistry and banter between Maisy and Flint. They were so great together, even if it took them time to work through their issues and open up to one another. It was sweet seeing how he cared for Junie too
I love reading Pippa Grant's books. She always strikes just the right balance between moments that will make you literally laugh out loud, ones that'll make you swoon, and emotional ones that will make you feel for the characters. I absolutely loved this story and hope we get more books set in Hell's Bells!
Things get off to an interesting start with a bear, a cow, and a guy named Flint. I loved the chemistry and banter between Maisy and Flint. They were so great together, even if it took them time to work through their issues and open up to one another. It was sweet seeing how he cared for Junie too
I love reading Pippa Grant's books. She always strikes just the right balance between moments that will make you literally laugh out loud, ones that'll make you swoon, and emotional ones that will make you feel for the characters. I absolutely loved this story and hope we get more books set in Hell's Bells!
October 21, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I literally read it (slash listened to it lol) in one freaking day and I loved every second of it. This is my second book by Pippa Grant and I can’t wait to keep making my way through her backlist. Flint and Maisey were swoony and hilarious and full of so much tension! I loved the character development both of them experienced. I also really liked that this take on the single mom trope had the child being older. Very few books have teenage kids, and I think that just opens a whole new world of character growth opportunities. Junie was such a complex character and I loved seeing her shine in this book! Watching her relationship with her mom grow was beautiful. I laughed so hard during this book and loved it. Also, the narrators did an AMAZING job!
July 25, 2023
When Maisey Spencer inherits a ranch In Wyoming, she and her teenage daughter move there but they weren’t expecting such “wild” conditions. It is the country after all! When a man named Flint Jackson comes to their rescue one morning she realizes this grumpy yet handsome cowboy/teacher is also her renter. Can Maisey get this ranch in tip top condition without falling for this man too? A cute strangers to lovers, slow burn romance about a second chance at finding love. There a a few laughs too! Told in dual POV
November 22, 2023
4.15 STARS
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Enemies-To-Lovers
• Small-Town
• Single Mom
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
• Opposite Attract
• Dual POV
*Full Review To Come*
“Once I realized the biggest thing wrong with me was that I was married to a man who thought there was something wrong with me, it was damn easy to figure out what I needed to do to solve my problem, even if executing that plan was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life.”
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Enemies-To-Lovers
• Small-Town
• Single Mom
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
• Opposite Attract
• Dual POV
*Full Review To Come*
June 2, 2023
It was fun and entertaining. The banter between the main characters actually made me laugh, and I'm a tough audience.
A little bit of angst and drama, as usually in these books, but it was not overdone. I really enjoyed it.
A little bit of angst and drama, as usually in these books, but it was not overdone. I really enjoyed it.
August 22, 2023
this was so wholesome I’m-
4.25!!
4.25!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 982 reviews