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Grumpy Single Daddy Protector
When you find out your ex is your new gym trainer,
A decision must be made….
Either tough it out or cry.
Wade Evans—my ex turned grumpy gym trainer.
He’s gorgeous but also a pushy gym junkie.
He’s perfect like I remembered fifteen years ago only now his biceps are sculpted like a Greek God.
And this time he comes with an adorable package deal with pigtails that I can’t resist.
All it took was for Wade to ask me on a date, and now I want him all over again.
Too bad perfect moments don’t last forever.
Things turned super messy really quickly.
Now I’m torn between choosing a man that my grandma hates or preserving our family's legacy.
Cupid might as well have shot me in the heart…
I don’t know how to fix this.
A decision must be made….
Either tough it out or cry.
Wade Evans—my ex turned grumpy gym trainer.
He’s gorgeous but also a pushy gym junkie.
He’s perfect like I remembered fifteen years ago only now his biceps are sculpted like a Greek God.
And this time he comes with an adorable package deal with pigtails that I can’t resist.
All it took was for Wade to ask me on a date, and now I want him all over again.
Too bad perfect moments don’t last forever.
Things turned super messy really quickly.
Now I’m torn between choosing a man that my grandma hates or preserving our family's legacy.
Cupid might as well have shot me in the heart…
I don’t know how to fix this.
- GenresSecond Chance
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
About the author
Jamila Woods
5 books15 followersWith a pen in one hand and dreams in the other, Jamila Woods loves crafting stories and finding inspiration in everyday moments, and genuine love. My books will transport you into a realm of pure emotions and tender connections.
So, if you are looking for sweet romances that will capture your heart, then look no further.
Please signup for my newsletter to receive updates on new releases:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r15almnk3c
So, if you are looking for sweet romances that will capture your heart, then look no further.
Please signup for my newsletter to receive updates on new releases:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/r15almnk3c
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 17, 2023
Grumpy Single Daddy Protector is a sweet, clean second chance romance by Jamila Woods. Imani wanted to motivate herself to make some changes, so of course she went to the gym.😳 Imagine her surprise when her new trainer turned out to be Wade, her former high school sweetheart who left 15 years ago and never contacted her again! His life is complicated as a singled dad to a troubled little girl, but the feelings between them are still present. The problem? Their families apparently hate each other. Is there a way forward for Wade, Imani, and Jane, or does the drama from the past spell doom for the bond they’ve been building.
This was a fun read. The second chance romance was sweet, romantic, and totally clean. My favorite thing about the book was the realistic aspects of the issues that Wade has with Jane, and I loved the unique ways that Imani connected with her. The family feud storyline added an interesting layer to the story and brought more emotion as well. The only thing that tripped me up a bit as reader was how formal all the dialogue was, but I still enjoyed the characters. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with an adorable kid that will give you a break from the stress of life, give this book a shot!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#jamilawoodsromance #sweetromance #SecondChance #smalltownromance #highschoolsweethearts #bookstagram #bookreview #arcreviews
This was a fun read. The second chance romance was sweet, romantic, and totally clean. My favorite thing about the book was the realistic aspects of the issues that Wade has with Jane, and I loved the unique ways that Imani connected with her. The family feud storyline added an interesting layer to the story and brought more emotion as well. The only thing that tripped me up a bit as reader was how formal all the dialogue was, but I still enjoyed the characters. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with an adorable kid that will give you a break from the stress of life, give this book a shot!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#jamilawoodsromance #sweetromance #SecondChance #smalltownromance #highschoolsweethearts #bookstagram #bookreview #arcreviews
January 13, 2026
Grumpy Single Daddy Protector by Jamila Woods Review
Grumpy Single Daddy Protector by Jamila Woods is a sweet, small-town second-chance contemporary romance that tugs at your heart with a mix of nostalgia, familial warmth, and unexpected sparks. The story centers on Imani, whose life takes an amusing and emotional turn when her ex-boyfriend, Wade Evans, reenters her world as her new gym trainer after sixteen years apart, and sparks that once dimmed are stirred again with every shared workout. Wade, a gruff and commanding single dad, is trying to balance the protective instincts he feels for his child with the awkwardness of revisiting old feelings he thought he had buried. Their renewed proximity forces both of them to confront past misunderstandings and weigh what could be, all while navigating the tender dynamics of family, friendship, and a community that feels cozy and familiar.
From the moment I stepped into Imani’s and Wade’s tangled history, I felt warmly invested in their journey of rediscovery. Imani’s blend of resilience and vulnerability made her feel genuinely human, especially as she questioned whether she was ready to trust Wade again after their youth-shaped heartbreak. Wade’s grumpy demeanor softened in the most delightful ways when he interacted with his child and with Imani, creating moments that ranged from quietly profound to delightfully playful.
What I particularly loved was how the small town setting gave this story a comforting rhythm, like a favorite song you know will make you smile by the final chorus, and how genuine family bonds supported the romance without overshadowing it. While a few narrative beats felt familiar to fans of the grumpy-single-dad trope, the chemistry between the leads and the tender emotional growth made this a rewarding read for anyone who loves love that arrives with both hesitance and hope.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Because the heartfelt second-chance romance and lovable characters made me feel truly uplifted and content.
Grumpy Single Daddy Protector by Jamila Woods is a sweet, small-town second-chance contemporary romance that tugs at your heart with a mix of nostalgia, familial warmth, and unexpected sparks. The story centers on Imani, whose life takes an amusing and emotional turn when her ex-boyfriend, Wade Evans, reenters her world as her new gym trainer after sixteen years apart, and sparks that once dimmed are stirred again with every shared workout. Wade, a gruff and commanding single dad, is trying to balance the protective instincts he feels for his child with the awkwardness of revisiting old feelings he thought he had buried. Their renewed proximity forces both of them to confront past misunderstandings and weigh what could be, all while navigating the tender dynamics of family, friendship, and a community that feels cozy and familiar.
From the moment I stepped into Imani’s and Wade’s tangled history, I felt warmly invested in their journey of rediscovery. Imani’s blend of resilience and vulnerability made her feel genuinely human, especially as she questioned whether she was ready to trust Wade again after their youth-shaped heartbreak. Wade’s grumpy demeanor softened in the most delightful ways when he interacted with his child and with Imani, creating moments that ranged from quietly profound to delightfully playful.
What I particularly loved was how the small town setting gave this story a comforting rhythm, like a favorite song you know will make you smile by the final chorus, and how genuine family bonds supported the romance without overshadowing it. While a few narrative beats felt familiar to fans of the grumpy-single-dad trope, the chemistry between the leads and the tender emotional growth made this a rewarding read for anyone who loves love that arrives with both hesitance and hope.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Because the heartfelt second-chance romance and lovable characters made me feel truly uplifted and content.
September 18, 2023
Imani needs a focus , some change. Moves back home to and even joins a gym! When her new gym instructor turns out to be her old boyfriend, like fifteen years ago old…Wade left and never contacted her again , He’s a taskmaster in the gym but they reconnect and she falls in love with his troubled little girl , making firm friends with her and yes she’s lost her heart to the daddy too but there’s a fly in the ointment. Her grandmother forbids her from seeing him as both families hate each other. Does she follow her heart or lose to the feud? Brilliant storyteller, good backstory and relatable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
After leaving Beaufort in search of better opportunities, Wade and Imani have returned and meet again fifteen years later to rekindle their high school romance. This story is sweet, funny, and romantic, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and am willingly leaving a review.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and am willingly leaving a review.
January 26, 2024
This is a well-written small-town, second-chance romance. Written in first person, alternating chapters for hero and heroine. The premise of the story is that both the hero and heroine dated in high school and then went their separate ways. Now they have returned to their small home town for various reasons. I enjoyed the hero's explanation of why people move back to old forgotten towns.
Our heroine, Imani has picked up some weight and decides to get a gym membership. While Imani didn't blink, *I* was shocked at the price for the gym-- $250 a month. Wow! Part of the expense is that the membership comes with personal training services. Lo and behold, Imani's personal trainer is none other than her high school boyfriend, Wade.
Imani's first work out session had me ROFL She did one exercise, crumpled to the floor and thought that was it for the day. Nope.
My one critique is with Wade. I actually had a few issues with him. He and his ex-wife basically divorced because she wanted a career. The story flashes back to a scene where he and Myra have a blow out fight where the dude actually says something like "if you don't quit your job and focus on us, I'm going to divorce you and take the kid." TBH I had some serious trouble liking the hero after that.
But that's not all...when he moves back home, he doesn't want to live in the family home (they're rich) so his father or grandfather arranges for him to live rent-free in one of their rental townhomes. Then he refuses to work for the family business. So they arrange for him to work at the gym. Ohhhhh I was really not liking dude after all of this. Spoiled, entitled, unsupportive of his working wife. Back when he was married he owned a gym and his ex-wife was an actress. His schedule was naturally more flexible than hers. They had money to spring for a nanny. He sure had no trouble hiring a babysitter himself for his daughter when he wanted to date Imani. Ugh!
On top of that, he wasn't grumpy. During the first gym session, he gives Imani a warm, radiant smile. A grumpy dude is not supposed to crack a smile for awhile, until he starts to thaw through the course of the story.
Overall the writing was good as well as the small town elements. But I had to take off a star because I just could not connect with Wade.
Our heroine, Imani has picked up some weight and decides to get a gym membership. While Imani didn't blink, *I* was shocked at the price for the gym-- $250 a month. Wow! Part of the expense is that the membership comes with personal training services. Lo and behold, Imani's personal trainer is none other than her high school boyfriend, Wade.
Imani's first work out session had me ROFL She did one exercise, crumpled to the floor and thought that was it for the day. Nope.
My one critique is with Wade. I actually had a few issues with him. He and his ex-wife basically divorced because she wanted a career. The story flashes back to a scene where he and Myra have a blow out fight where the dude actually says something like "if you don't quit your job and focus on us, I'm going to divorce you and take the kid." TBH I had some serious trouble liking the hero after that.
But that's not all...when he moves back home, he doesn't want to live in the family home (they're rich) so his father or grandfather arranges for him to live rent-free in one of their rental townhomes. Then he refuses to work for the family business. So they arrange for him to work at the gym. Ohhhhh I was really not liking dude after all of this. Spoiled, entitled, unsupportive of his working wife. Back when he was married he owned a gym and his ex-wife was an actress. His schedule was naturally more flexible than hers. They had money to spring for a nanny. He sure had no trouble hiring a babysitter himself for his daughter when he wanted to date Imani. Ugh!
On top of that, he wasn't grumpy. During the first gym session, he gives Imani a warm, radiant smile. A grumpy dude is not supposed to crack a smile for awhile, until he starts to thaw through the course of the story.
Overall the writing was good as well as the small town elements. But I had to take off a star because I just could not connect with Wade.
September 17, 2023
I didn't love and I didn't hate this story. things started out pretty good, however, I wouldn't classify MMC as a grumpy guy. The two MC's went from avoiding each other to very quickly wanting to spend all of their time together. I feel like there was something missing in between.
I also had a problem with the focus on the FMC's weight. Not once did it mention that she wasn't healthy, just that she had put on some weight. Being thin does not equate to being healthy and vice versa. I wish that the emphasis would have just been more on the fact that she was not happy with herself, which is how it started out, but once she started working out with Wade not once was that brought up. It was just about how she was getting smaller and then it seemed like that was why Wade wanted to spend time with her again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I also had a problem with the focus on the FMC's weight. Not once did it mention that she wasn't healthy, just that she had put on some weight. Being thin does not equate to being healthy and vice versa. I wish that the emphasis would have just been more on the fact that she was not happy with herself, which is how it started out, but once she started working out with Wade not once was that brought up. It was just about how she was getting smaller and then it seemed like that was why Wade wanted to spend time with her again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2023
Imani wanted to make some changes so she returned to her hometown, Beaufort and she joined the gym. It wasn't until her new trainer is Wade her high school sweetheart from 15 years ago, who just left and never contacted Imani again. Apparently, he came back home to start fresh. The only thing is, he came back with a troubled young daughter, Jane, who has problems of her own. But when Imani and Wade seem to still have feelings for each other and Imani gets along well with Jane, can things work out for a second chance? Well, not so quick. There appears to be a long standing family feud as Imani's grandma tells her she has to stop seeing Wade. What will she do? Can they make it despite the road blocks? This is a tough one for Imani. Does she go against her family for a HEA or continue the family legacy? This is a fast read that keeps you turning pages. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 27, 2023
In "GRUMPY SINGLE DADDY PROTECTOR," Jamila Woods has crafted a novel that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final page is turned. It is a work of art that not only entertains but also challenges us to reflect on our own lives, choices, and the profound significance of love's enduring embrace.
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In the pages of "GRUMPY SINGLE DADDY PROTECTOR" authored by Jamila Woods, we embark on a poignant odyssey of redemption, resilience, and the delicate waltz between affection and ancestral obligations.
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"GRUMPY SINGLE DADDY PROTECTOR" emerges as a celebration of love's enduring influence and a reflection of the multifaceted nature of our existence. This book is destined to stay with its readers, serving as a poignant reminder of the everlasting pursuit of love amid the intricate steps of life's dance.
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In the pages of "GRUMPY SINGLE DADDY PROTECTOR" authored by Jamila Woods, we embark on a poignant odyssey of redemption, resilience, and the delicate waltz between affection and ancestral obligations.
.
"GRUMPY SINGLE DADDY PROTECTOR" emerges as a celebration of love's enduring influence and a reflection of the multifaceted nature of our existence. This book is destined to stay with its readers, serving as a poignant reminder of the everlasting pursuit of love amid the intricate steps of life's dance.
December 8, 2023
Wade, just recently three years prior, came out of a nasty divorce where his ex tried to take their little girl. Now he is back home living near his family. Immani, having been rejected time after time, let herself go by eating whatever she wanted when genetics caught up with her putting on the extra pounds. Seeing all her girlfriends fit into slinky dresses forced her to look at herself seriously and decided to join the new fitness club.
Her instructor turns out to be her high school crush. As they really start to click, her family refuses to let him in the house due to an ancient rivalry. Can their love survive, can his little girl lose the only person she has been able to connect with for the past three years? You will need to read for yourself. Excellent Book .
Her instructor turns out to be her high school crush. As they really start to click, her family refuses to let him in the house due to an ancient rivalry. Can their love survive, can his little girl lose the only person she has been able to connect with for the past three years? You will need to read for yourself. Excellent Book .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
Enjoyed this second chance romance. Imani is in a rut in life when she decides to make some changes she runs into the last person she thought she’d see again. Wade comes back to his hometown with his child after things get rough. He help Imani learn to love herself but of course love isn’t always that simple! I liked that curve ball thrown in there and how they had to navigate it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2023
A sweet second chance romance with heart. When Wade is assigned to train his former girlfriend he tries to keep his distance. Coming off a nasty divorce and custody battle, he is not in the market for love. This is a story of rekindling a friendship that leads to love, healing a child's trauma, and ending an old family feud. A story that will keep you invested. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to Ms. Woods next book.
September 21, 2023
This was a fun story to read. I really have to admit I’m not sure I could have an ex be my trainer, Wade was really the best so Imani persevered. Wade comes with a troubled pre-teen daughter, but Imani is the perfect one to give him a hand. I thought maybe this was going to be a Hatfield and McCoy story, but really it was only a Hatfield or a grandmother/matriarch with a long memory. We get romance, humor, conflict and a few misunderstandings. Fortunately, there is a happily ever after. I look forward to Jamila Woods’ next book.
September 19, 2023
Imani decides to make some changes in her life, including joining her local gym. Imagine her shock to discover her former beau has returned to their small town. This second chance romance is a relatively low angst, sweet, clean read.
March 27, 2025
This is a well written story that had me cheering on Wade and Imani. They have a past that had them going separate ways but now they reconnect as neighbors and him being her gym instructor. The spark is still there between them, but will the past and family members keep them from moving forward.
February 8, 2025
High School sweethearts move back home and run into each other. Wade's coming out of a bad relationship with a daughter who is struggling with all the changes. Imani's grandma has hated his family for years. Will they be able to have a relationship? Will his daughter heal? What caused the feud? Loved this story, dealt with some real life challenges. Clean second chance standalone romance with HEA. Received an ARC from the author. Review voluntarily given.
P.S. I wouldn't have survived day one at the gym.😉😂
P.S. I wouldn't have survived day one at the gym.😉😂
December 9, 2023
Wade and Imani were high school sweethearts that broke up when it was time to go to college. They both went in different directions. Now they are both back in their old hometown for different reasons. Wade is a divorced with a daughter and Imani lost her job and come back for a new start. They never expected to see one another again. Will they get a second chance at love and can it work out after all this time. Ms. Woods did an excellent job telling this story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews