Undoing the Grumpy Guy

The Matchmakers #2

by Lisa Freed

REED
Tired of putting myself out there only to face rejection and heartache, I’ve given up. But I love my grandma, so I agree to a farfetched blind date with her friend’s granddaughter. When I see her, a small ember of hope and something else flares within my cold, lonely heart. But I’m a defective male, and how could a woman so perfect want me?


WINNIE
When my beloved Mimi offers to set me up with her friend's handsome grandson that I’ve been crushing on, I feel like Cinderella. But there’s no fairy tale happy ending in my future. I’m a dull little mouse and he’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. How could I ever hope to please a man like him?

Undoing the Grumpy Guy is a steamy and sweet, opposites attract, age gap romance. Each book in the series features an imperfect hero that finds his happily ever after with the heroine that heals his heart.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2024

About the author

Lisa's a sucker for anything romance. From middle school on she was sneak reading her mom's romances. Big, beefy man on the cover? She was there!
Alphas, Billionaires, and English Lords- oh my!
But at the end of the day a tender tyrant is what truly made her little heart go pitter patter.
She writes feel-good stories about imperfect people finding their HEA. Because it's not a romance without a most satisfying HEA.

Reviews

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was amusing in a weird way… and a lot of firsts for me… I just kept laughing and telling myself, “and I’m adding THAT to my review!” 📝

Second book in this new series that’s based off of a group of grandmas living in a retirement care center that have come up with the idea to play matchmaker with their single grandchildren. They have some sort of bingo-like science figured out, that matches one grandma’s granddaughter with another grandma’s grandson.

Our lucky Couple #2 is a 42-yr old grumpy lawyer hero and a 24-yr old shy sunshine children’s author. So we are dealing with an age gap and supposed grumpiness and shyness. I never once felt the hero was grumpy, nor that the heroine was shy except for us being told that they were.

So our couple agrees to meet at the botanical gardens for their first/blind date. The hero arrives and is waiting for the heroine to show up. He can’t find her, but he does notice someone hiding in the bushes so he goes over to ask if it’s her and ….to please come out of the bushes. 🤔 As she was saying that she was hiding because she was nervous, she removes the twigs and leaves from her hair and clothes, and then he notices her odd dress that she’s wearing. The seams are uneven and the patterns don’t match up, she proudly announces that she sewed it all by herself… 🥴 So that’s our introduction to our couple. After this bout of hide-in-the-bushes shyness episode, I never noticed the heroine as shy again. I can honestly say, that in my years and years of reading romance, I’ve never had a heroine hide inside of a bush.

By the way, the first chapter is told in the hero’s POV. The second chapter is the exact same chapter, same events and dialogues, but just in the heroines POV. That was another first for me. But starting with chapter 3, it carried on like a normal dual POV story.

Now for our non-grumpy grumpy hero. He fell in love with our quirky heroine pretty much on the first date. He thought she liked cats, so planned a second date at a cat cafe. He was kind, thoughtful and romantic. The reason why he is “grumpy” is because he is (understandably so) embarrassed over his being diagnosed with ED. That’s right, erectile dysfunction. Another first for me. Normally in Romanclandia, these hero’s are going at it 4-5 times a night. I felt bad for this guy, I can imagine it would be extremely embarrassing, especially when first dating someone new.

This story was the same as Book 1: the main bulk of the 96-page story takes place over one week, so definitely some insta-love going on. I just wish that it didn’t strike on the first date in this story.

Short quick story, steamy scenes are explicit’ish, condoms used, both not virgins but not promiscuous either.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undoing the Grumpy Guy: Imperfect Heroes is part of the Matchmakers series, which is one of my favorite series so far this year. It's a short, sweet and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, opposites-attract, girl gets her perfectly, imperfect hero romance. Reed is a 42 year old hunky, grumpy, high-powered attorney with a bit of anxiety when it comes to relationships. Winnie is a 25 year old shy, sweet, artistic free spirit with a heart of gold. When their grandmothers match them up, Reed at first thinks they have made a mistake. He doesn't know Winnie has been crushing on him for some time when she would see him with his grandma at the nursing home. But he is immediately drawn to her and finds himself falling for her. Can he get over his fears and anxieties and let love in? Can Winnie show him she's all in? Their chemistry was smoking hot 🔥🥵 and after a little bit of angst, we got an amazing HEA. This couple was so sweet together and complimented each other perfectly. Lisa does it again! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey meets a rainbow

Undoing the Grumpy Guy is the second book in The Matchmaker series. I fell in love with this story about two people who are matched by a matchmaking group at a retirement community. Both Winifred "Winnie" Benton and Reed Jackson love their grandmothers. So much so that they visit them every week to have lunch. Winnie has noticed Reed over time and has fallen for the older man. Reed has never noticed Winnie and is jaded by love after some bad experiences. When they are matched and meet for their first date it is a fun filled experience that does not quite go as planned. These two are opposites, with him being buttoned up and business and her being a rainbow of color and creativity. So what makes them a match....only time will tell what the grannies know and these two will discover.
This is an excellent age-gap, opposites attract, matched story. It is well written story with wonderful characters and a plot that unfolds with laughter and steamy heat.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Matchmakers series each can be read as a standalone with an imperfect sexy and the one who captures his undivided attention. Reed sexy as all get out attorney grumpy most day, lonely with an issue that keeps him from having a meaningful relations so but he does have a grandma who loves him dearly he is willing to do just about anything for her so when she sets him up on a blind date he can’t say no and so of course he agrees for his loving nana. Winnie is a sweetheart with a heart of gold so to speak she sees thing the way they really are, that includes people, loves her grandmother who of course offers to set her up with the one man she has crushed on despite him being older than her and when he agrees they couldn’t be more mismatched yet perfectly matched but will she accept all of him, will he be okay with the age difference, will their grandparents continue to push them together, and can they find the middle ground that will bring them happiness?

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the ‘Matchmakers’ series. You do not have to have read the first book as this novella begins with a ‘prologue’ setting the scene in the care home where a group of grandparents are focused on matchmaking their grandchildren (& in one case, a nephew). What I really liked about this story (and the previous one) is that the ‘hero’ has imperfections; in this case Reed is a buttoned-up grumpy solicitor, with a medical condition that has made his life and past relationships difficult and miserable. I loved that initially he & Winnie seem a total mismatch: there is a seventeen-year age-gap and she is sunshine to his grumpy. Despite this each sees something in the other from the start. Serious Reed is totally captivated by the unusual young woman he compares to a fairy when he first sees her! A lovely story with a sigh-worthy HEA. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The senior match makers are at it again. I love how fiesty these ladies are. These ladies are determined to help their grandkids find love. They have a system worked out for the best possible match’s.
Reed is a lawyer, he is older, bullish, very outspoken and suffers from a medical condition that has his love life in shambles.
Winnie is eccentric, kind, sweet—-everything that Reed is not.
What were the grandmothers thinking setting these two opposites up? Will these two find love or will the match makers succeed again.
This was a fun and touching story. I love how sweet and understanding Winnie is. She does not allow Reed to get into his own head over his medical condition. She brings out the best in him and she challenges him to be his best.
Such a fun, sweet short read.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Undoing the Grumpy Guy : Imperfect Heroes Book 2 of The Matchmakers Series. Reed and Winnie are the next to be set up. Reed has a sensitive problem that keeps him from a meaningful relationship but meeting Winnie, even with how quirky she is, gives him hope. She is different than anyone he’s ever met. Winnie has crushed on Reed for weeks now but meeting him in person is very nerve wracking, but oh so worth it. Can this stressed out lawyer and the children’s book writer, who are so different, but so perfect for each other. I loved the storyline and the characters. I love that this series touches on sensitive subjects. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 meddling grandmothers from the Honeysuckle Senior Center get together to play matchmaker for their grandsons, granddaughters and/or great nieces and nephews. They want the younger folks to find love. They even have a scoring system in place to help decide who would be compatible.

Reed is a 42 year old grumpy lawyer. He has given up on romance but because he loves his grandma, he agrees to a blind date. Winnie is 25 and very quiet. She has a crush on Reed but didn’t realize that he would be her blind date when her Mimi got her to agree to being set up.

This couple was so cute together despite their different personalities. Another good story in the series.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. Reed is a successful lawyer with a stern dementor that has most people standing back. Winnie is young woman that might seemed carefree, but underneath she has a plan.

Winnie has seen Reed with his grandmother at the home, she had a crush on him but did never expect her date to be with him. Reed was unsure about Winnie, but the more time he spent with her the more he wanted to, but his secret kept holding him back.

Love the care and tenderness Winnie has with Reed and has him stopping and realizing he is more than he thinks.

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

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the outside Reed comes across as a stuffy, grumpy guy but on the inside he’s a softy, especially for his grandmother. Reed has given up on finding love and a partner he can grow old with and It’s because of his love for his grandmother that he agrees to a blind date. Mimi has had a crush on Reed for a few months. She thinks he’s perfect and so out of her league that she’s surprised to find out that Reed is her blind date. The matchmaker grandmothers are at it again and they’re hoping to keep their perfect score. Reed and Mimi are just what each other needs in their lives to see how wonderful they really are. I received an arc copy of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winnie has secretly been crushing on Reed for years. Reed is a grumpy lawyer who has given up on love until his grandmother sets him up on a blind date with Winnie. The moment Reed sees Winnie he falls for her but he doesn't think she would want him. I loved that their grandmothers set up this match and how perfect they were for each other. This is an opposites attract, matchmaking love story with a sweet and steamy age gap romance, humor, and a great happily ever after. Undoing the Grumpy Guy is book two and a great addition to The Matchmakers series and I can't wait to read the rest of this wonderful series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Eleanore June]

I liked the premise. Got to love a group of Match Making Grandparents.

And I thought the issue that Reed was facing is one that should be explored more in books.

The manic pixie dream girl was a little too, well MPDG for me. Sews her own clothes, looks like a fairy, hiding behind bushes because she felt shy. Honestly, I wish she had been more normal.

It was just OK overall. Really quick read and it was what I needed on a sick-day when I didn't have the brain space for anything more.

I do think that more books so cover the issue Reed is facing, because it happens. (Spoiler - erectile distinction - which really isn't THAT big of a deal.)

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this imperfect series. I love Reed and Winnie's story. Reed is a grumpy hard hitting lawyer and Winnie has a fun loving heart seeing everything like it's the first time. This is a can't stop once you started read, with laughter and tears and lots of steamy hot loving. This imperfect hero is not perfect but he is awful darn close especially when you find that one person who loves you regardless. I absolutely loved this story.

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

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The matchmaking grannies are at it again, a humerous read with plenty of steam, this is well and truly an opposites attract situation with quite a large age gap.

The book dealt with a sensitive topic very well, I don't think I have read any other book which tackled it, and yet it is something which is quite prevalent and impacts many.

Book 2 in the Matchmakers series, it does stand on its own, but I recommend the first book too, and I am impatiently waiting for the next one.

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

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Match Maker series from Honeysuckle Senior Center series. These ladies are quiet into the match making and it's Time for Reed and Winnie but will it be a match or not? It's a great story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end and the storyline flows throughout the book. Reed is uptight grumpy lawyer and Winnie is an author . Can Reed finally fall for her or will his secret destroy it all?.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed had stopped dating, he was tired of putting himself out there and being rejected. He would do anything for his grandmother and when she and her friend arrange for him to date the granddaughter, hope flares.

Winnie is more than willing to date the man she has had a crush on. He makes her feel like Cinderella but the clock will strike midnight and she will be alone.

Reed has his own secret and his shyness about just might drive Winnie away. Can he lay all bare for her?.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undoing the Grumpy Guy : Imperfect Heroes: The Matchmakers Series Book 2: An age gap romance story of Reed and Winnie's story..A grumpy,lonely who keep to himself lawyer and the woman who intrigue him and captivate him the shy,sweet,and gorgeous children book author..A matchmakers grandma's who only wanted the best for their grand kids to find love and be love...

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Reed and Winnie were set up on a blind date by their grandmothers. Winnie had had a crush on him since steering him at the senior centre. He was older, grumpy but also a little vulnerable. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, a kind, loving hero, a shy, caring heroine, true love and a wonderful HEA.

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

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winnie and Reed are a match made in heaven, if only they could believe it.

Reed is serious and strong with a (very) hidden romantic side. Winnie is fun and carefree, interesting and has had a crush on Reed for a while.

It's a quick fun read, with blind dates, a hidden disability, insecurity, love and a lot of steam.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed and Winnie get talked into attending a blind date and when these two meet sparks are flying hesitantly. Reed is always in control and has his heart locked down after being hurt several times. Winnie is his complete opposite and that works, until Reeds insecurities are back and threaten their HEA. Instalove, age gap, MMC with an small " hardening" problem ,sweet, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this couples book. Liked how they both have different personalities, but they fit very well together, they bring out the best in one another. I like these busybodies grandma’s as they just want to see their grandchildren happy and get that HEA.

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

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Honeysuckle Senior Center, retired seniors matchmaker for their grandchildren. Grumpy lawyer Reed is set up with Winnie. Winnie is a very different type to the women he has previously dated. Can Winnie help Reed solve his problem?.

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

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shy vs bold. Crush vs unsure. Children author vs attorney. Opposites attract? No so sure. Reed his hold a secret and Winne is worried about ... well I don't really know what she's worried about. The grandmothers are at it again. Will the make another match?.

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

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked that there was ED rep in this, but I didn't really like how it played out. I felt like the author lost track of both what the plot needed to be and who her characters were. The whole thing is uncomfortable from start to finish.

MMC of the FMC:
"Hmmm… odd and untalented. What the hell does this woman’s grandmother have on mine?!"

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Reed and Winnie. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, insecurities, acceptance and steam.

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a wonderful romance. Reed and Winnie were amazing characters with depth, and they had great chemistry. Their story was fun and bursting with heart. These two opposites were absolutely perfect for each other, and they made me fall hard and swoon harder.

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I really enjoyed this one. It was kind of short so I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters as much as I would have liked but it was pretty good. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Reed and Winnie’s book. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read. The characters were so entertaining, the storyline was very enjoyable, and the chemistry was so good. Loved it. By the way, the ending is awesome.

[The.BlondeReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't find the MCS as in sync as the first one, but the storyline was still sweet. Can't wait for book 3