Grouch-ish

Holiday Hotties #3

by L.B. Dunbar

Let’s start here. The twelve days of Christmas are actually after the holiday.

And my dad, being the great guy he is, and the battalion chief of the fire department, signs up one of his rebellious firefighters for a retreat because of his bad behavior.

The guy is a total grouch.

But when he misses the bus for the adult redemption camp, Dad sticks the guy with me for twelve days.

Alone.

So, on the dozen days some mysterious true love—which I have yet to experience—should be bringing me gifts, like French hens and golden rings, I’m in charge of this firebird on our pear farm. Being the city man he is, he doesn’t have a clue how to can fruit, mend fences, or milk cows.

But he knows how to kiss . . .

Not that we should be doing such a thing. Only his silver beard is sexy, and his crooked smile kind of sweet. He has this alpha energy vibrating around his well-honed body but underneath the grumpy exterior is a man lonely for something more in his life, like me.

And instead of gifting each other random birds, leaping lords and piping pipers, the gift we give one another is time . . . and our bodies.

But what about our hearts?

Maybe true love will strike after all.

A lot can happen in twelve days.


+ + +


In a new tradition from L.B. Dunbar comes another holiday hottie certain to heat up your holidays.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Forced Proximity, Holiday Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.

Reviews

[Paige]

Age gap x firefighter x festive?! = SIGN ME UP 🪭

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Forced proximity
• Boss's daughter
• 12 days countdown
• Sexy Fireman
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Broody silver fox


I freaken LOVE L.B's books! She has done a few of my favorite 5-star reads. This one was so sweet! After recently reading some pretty heavy books I needed something to pull me out of a pretty deep book slump and this one was exactly what I needed. It was very low drama. The banter had me chuckling. And his immediate attraction to her had me swooning! It was the perfect holiday listen! Filled with many adorable 12 days of Christmas puns.

🎧Audiobook review🎧
Duet narration
Narrated by Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton

I devoured this narration Teddy and Stella were the perfect pair to bring Brock and Pear to life. Teddy as a broody fireman with a VERY sexy swoony vibe sign me up every time! Stella did an incredible job as Pear. Bringing out her playful side. I love these two in duet!!!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So, in the future, if you’re going to toss something in my direction, snowflake, I want it to be your heart. And I promise to catch it. Treasure it. Keep it safe. And never leave.”

How freaking cute of a book.
These two deserved all the love.

From the beginning, we see how truly grumpy Brock is.
This man is set in his ways at 45 and he doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Until a snowflake catches his attention.

Pear is looking for a new life for herself at 41 and in walks Brock at her father’s cabin, her father that is also his boss at the firehouse.

These two seem very unlikely they would end up falling in love but as they both start to unburden themselves of their pasts, they start to heal together.

Pear is so funny in this book making this man do some tasks to get in her dad’s good graces again.
Brock has no idea what he’s got himself into with this woman but he surely doesn’t try to get away from her.

Tropes:
❄️Silver fox fireman
❄️Boss’s daughter
❄️Snowed in
❄️Grumpy/sunshine
❄️Holiday romance
❄️Small town
❄️All the holiday spice

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧📚eBook & Audio Review📚🎧

I spent the last couple of nights with this ALC in my ears and I cannot tell you how happy it made me! I read the ARC of this novella at the beginning of November and I just loved it but I knew I was going to listen to the audio really close to release so I held off reviewing until I was done with both. So here I am … smiling from ear to ear even now remembering it all to review!

🎧 First of all, this duet narration was spectacular! Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter both performed this story so well that I couldn’t help but smile like a lunatic while I listened! They elevated and already extremely entertaining story to a level that made me burst out laughing too many times to count. 👏🏻#winning👏🏻

📖 Now, about this story … as far as concept/idea for the story, LB gets a million stars for ingenuity! The humor and the swoon were high, and the entire thing was so much fun that I just couldn’t stop myself from LOL (literally) on many occasions. This is holiday romance done right! It was fun and sexy and flirty and it just made me happy! :) (reading and listening both, so pick your fave format and a good time you shall have!)

Sidebar: Why am I today years old when I find out this whole holiday novella thing by LB is a tradition dating back to 2022?? Can someone please be in charge of me from now on? Tks!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Grouch-Ish by L. B. Dunbar

ebook/Audio

What’s better than a story set around the holidays? Nothing in my opinion, it’s a magical time of the year and when it’s written by the very talented L B Dunbar then I am all in.

I love her style of writing, her characters are human, often flawed and so easy to relate to.

This was an unusual and often witty take on the twelve days of Christmas as we embarked on Pear and Brock.’s story.

Both are lonely, he’s a grumpy silver fox and their story resonated with me. From start to finish I was cheering these two on to their happily ever after.

One click this little gem, you won’t be disappointed.

The narration by Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton was spot on. They brought the fabulous story and characters to life with their performances and I found myself listening well into the night.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Grouch-Ish by L. B. Dunbar

What’s better than a story set around the holidays? Nothing in my opinion, it’s a magical time of the year and when it’s written by the very talented L B Dunbar then I am all in.

I love her style of writing, her characters are human, often flawed and so easy to relate to.

This was an unusual and often witty take on the twelve days of Christmas as we embarked on Pear and Brock.’s story.

Both are lonely, he’s a grumpy silver fox and their story resonated with me. From start to finish I was cheering these two on to their happily ever after.

One click this little gem, you won’t be disappointed.

[Sarah Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know a lot of people love this book. I felt like it was boring and not worth the read. I would much rather pick a different Christmas book.

[Mellovesaudiobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Grouch-ish
By: LB Dunbar
Narrated By: Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton

Grouch-ish is a fun holiday romance giving us the heartwarming moments of friendship and love this Christmas. When fireman Brock Scruggs finds himself in hot water at the firehouse, his chief takes things into his own hands, inviting Brock to his property to get his mind back in the game. When Brock shows up, the chief is gone and instead his daughter Paradise (Pear) is there. The moment this book started the dedication alone had me tearing up, holidays are tough and the importance to give people grace and open your heart and arms to others around the holidays was a beautiful reminder. Grouch-ish is narrated in duet by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter, following Brock and Pear, two people who without even realizing it needed one another. They have both been through heartbreak that has left them filled with emotional scares and anger, this story allows them to crate a friendship with a calming peace they both needed to move forward. I loved the sarcastic banter these two had together, the bond they created and the heartfelt conversations they had together. Stella Hunter as always has a beautiful voice giving us the fun confident side of Pear, yet expressing the vulnerability of what damage an ex has put on her self esteem, and Stella’s voice brought so much out of pear in so many different emotions. Teddy Hamilton did a great job giving us the grumpy Brock and slowly bringing out the joyful loving side we knew he had, expressing the anger, the cocky confident man Brock was as well as the softer side he found throughout his HEA. if your looking for a fun holiday romance of two people looking to find themselves and joy again, with that extra spice and Christmas cheer, listen to this today!!

Thank you homecooked books.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Paperback

⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes to expect

🧑‍🚒Forced Proximity
❄️Grumpy Sunshine
🧑‍🚒Open Door Romance
❄️Bosses Daughter

Paradise “Pear” and Brock were a bit too instalovey for me, those names in conjunction with “baby” and other little pet names was a little annoying. Instalove is my least favorite trope but I saw a couple good reviews for this one so I had to check it out for myself.

Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. I just never really got invested in this one. There were a decent bit of spicy scenes.

It was kind of cringe when she talks to her dad and says “Like what, Dad? Sexy? Smart? Knowing what I want and going after it.” She was calling herself “sexy” to her dad. Ugh I don’t know, it just gave me the ick.

Overall, I’d say check this one out for yourself. Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t me it isn’t for you. It wasn’t bad, the writing was fine just not my thing.

I am striking out with Christmas/holiday reads. To be fair, I’m super picky.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book. It’s loosely based on the twelve days of Christmas. Chapters are named after what Brock and Pear’s numbered activities (a spin on 9 ladies dancing, etc). Pear finds activities for Brock to do, like milking 8 cows.

L.B. writes great older characters. It’s nice to read about characters more my age. I love the nicknames in this book. Sometimes nicknames are cringy, but Snowflake and Fireman are pretty cute. It was easy to see what a good man Brock is, even though he’s in trouble with his boss for his behavior. He’s a dedicated father and fireman, and he was quickly dedicated to Pear also.

And the audio?!?! Teddy freaking Hamilton as Brock!! His deep, growly is perfect! Stella fits Pear so well also. I love that her voice fits multiple ages and works for an older female character.

Thank you to The Author Agency and Home Cooked Books Promos from my copies of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was a quick, heartwarming read about two people in their 40s finding solace and love with each other during what can be a lonely time of year. Pear and Brock find something they were both missing, emotionally and physically, while stuck together in wintery Michigan. This was a lovely read with a bit of spice, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Alicia Fernández · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very meh book if I’m being honest but it had Christmas vibes so that’s why it has 3⭐️ really. I desperately needed the characters to have more depth but, overall, it wasn’t a horrible book.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite story from L.B. Dunbar.

This book is loosely inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas—and I do mean loosely. The plot revolves around two main characters who end up spending the 12 days after Christmas together when he misses his ride to a work rehabilitation camp.

What follows is a whirlwind of shameless flirting, steamy encounters, and an almost absurdly fast-paced love story. While some may enjoy the over-the-top romantic vibes, I found the characters grating and the storyline lacking depth.

I was hoping for more substance and a bit less “romance cheese.”

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes quiet moments matter more.”

I didn't expect this to be a Later in Life romance but iykyk, I love those. Plus, the MMC’s a firefighter so def a bonus.

Brock’s on his last chance in redeeming himself to his fire chief, so when he needed to join a retreat, he agreed relunctantly. He was late and cannot join, so he got stuck with his boss’ daughter, Pear in their farm.

I think Later in Life romance’s on my fave subgenre just because I love how even though it’s “late”, there’s still a chance to find love. I love their dynamic, it was so cute. I love the added Christmas elements and the whole setting.

We saw Brock and Pear with their own baggages and traumas from their past and yet they still communicate with each other like mature adults do (hopefully). I saw how they slowly peel each others’ outer layer to the point where they became vulnerable but they did not use it against them. It was so sweet and endearing.

It was also spicy, like go girl get it! I’ve been imagining Brock as the one husband from TSLOMW lol.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a short and sweet holiday read, with some steamy bits though! I definitely had the hots for our firefighter bad boy. Both Pear and Brock have things in their past that make their actions and hesitations totally make sense. The two of them getting together through all the 12 days of after Christmas actually is a nice progression of stages as each little task or event brings them closer together. Both have things to work through, and for the most part they do.

There is a bit of a 3rd act breakup that made me a little irritated at first at what the lie was. Such a little thing that it seemed like they got overly upset about it. However the story redeemed that for me in how it was handled. It was definitely realistic for me, in that yeah, there was anger, but the way it was resolved, and realizing it truly wasn’t that bad of a lie, and that maybe the other person had tried to tell them at one point, all of it trickled down to a perfect make up and moving on.

I’ve only read two of this books in this loosely connected series, but have enjoyed them both. And listening to this one was great because the narrators were wonderful. They totally made it come to life.

[Ashley Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! A quick and easy Christmasy read! With a take on the 12 days of Christmas, this book is simply a feel good love story about two people who have been put through the downs life throws at them, and then find solace and comfort in each other. It’s cheesy and silly and sometimes (maybe a little more than sometimes) cringey, but I still found it to be a quick, light hearted, feel good read.

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever, delightful take on the twelve days of Christmas that features curvaceous Pear and grouch-ish Brock in a heartwarming story. I love how L.B. Dunbar writes relatable characters with realistic backgrounds and compelling narratives.

Brock was not really a grumpy guy but more of a multi dimensional character who carried some guilt, hurt, and at times reacted with anger. Pear, (Paradise), held her own past experiences with her ex that had her searching for a new beginning. Together, during those twelve days, they were drawn into an undeniable connection that makes this story a pleasant one!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Why you’ll love this book!!
❄️silver fox fireman
❄️boss’s daughter
❄️snowed-in
❄️grumpy/sunshine
❄️holiday romance
❄️small town swoon
❄️all the holiday spice

I loved Brock and Pear and their personalities and how they were both lonely around the holidays but found each other when least planned. I loved how Pear treated Brock and the stuff she got him to do lol he had no idea what he was getting into!! I love the holiday aspect of the book to get me in the mood for the holiday and I also loved L.B Dunbar’s writing style..

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Pear and Brock. This was definitely a "Hallmark" type of story as it has all of the features I love in those movies., a little corny with all the heart. Two lonely people stranded together find their everlasting love in twelve days.

Let’s be unlonely together, baby.~Brock

[Teela (bookdragontee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happiness. She’d mentioned the emotion before when we discussed Nick and what he might do with his life. Not that a job was the end all, be all of happiness. Joy was the important part, especially when you spent eight to twelve hours of your day working.

If one-third of your time applies to employment, shouldn’t that job be worth your time?

...I’d learned the hard way that money does not equate happiness. Time should. The time you spend at work. The time you give to others. The time you are alone. Time is more valuable than money. You can spend time, but you can never recoup it. You can’t save it up. You can’t earn more. You only have the time that is given to you, which is your life, and it should not be wasted.

I can't think of a more perfect book to kick off my favorite holiday tradition - reading as many holiday romances as I possibly can before the end of the year. But Grouch-ish hit different - in the best way, in a way I didn't expect but absolutely needed.

Firstly - all of the extra bonus points to L.B. Dunbar for writing such a fantastic book about middle-aged people finding love when they least expect it. While the child in me that will always be in denial that I'm getting older appreciates romances with leads in the prime of their youth, there's something extra special reading about people near/in my own age-range. It's such a rarity in the genre - or maybe I'm just reading the wrong books? Regardless, I loved how L.B. leans into silver foxes, second chances, and intimate settings. She really excels in this area and I love her for it.

Grouch-ish follows the unexpected romance between a grumpy and hurting firefighter - Brock - and his boss' daughter, the wounded but proudly healing Paradise - or Pear as she's more affectionately known. Both of them are thrown together when Brock is late to a retreat his boss insists he go on for his own mental and emotional well-being. Desperate for a chance to prove to his fire Captain that he's worthy of another chance, he agrees to stay with Pear out in the middle of nowhere Michigan on Cap's orchard to complete different tasks each day.

The physical attraction between these two is instantaneous, but Pear and Brock have walls and pride they each individually have to overcome if they're to be together. What follows is one of the most believable, organic, brilliantly executed romances I've read in recent memory.

I’m slowly realizing that it isn’t that Brock doesn’t feel his emotions, it’s that he feels everything so much. He tries to shut off the difficult sections of his life, like an out-of-control fire hydrant. Self-preservation is his stronghold.

Every ounce of Pear and Brock's relationship felt real to me - from the situations to the intense range of feelings, and those moments of vulnerability... absolutely exquisitely written, I have zero notes. A number of passages and lines struck such a chord in me, I found my eyes filling with tears on multiple occasions. I went into this holiday romance expecting a smutty good time. I was not expecting the depth and poignancy I was given, in addition to the spicy bits (which were excellent, btw).

Her body is my catnip. Her hips. Her scent. The sounds she made when my mouth was on her. I couldn’t seem to get enough. Kissing her was heaven. Touching her was out of this world. I wanted to keep her, but I didn’t know how.

While Pear and Brock have some emotional hurdles to overcome, along with learning to trust one another enough to actually talk - to really peel back their own respective layers so they can truly connect - their physical chemistry is effortless and off the charts. The moments of insecurity or brief bouts of jealousy were also relatable and so perfectly captured, I could viscerally feel it in my own body at times.

And that climax with the final conflict... and the resolution. I was so taken aback by this book and how much it resonated and got under my skin, it's officially on the "faves of all time" list. Grouch-ish is so much more than a holiday romance. The themes of healing oneself, of second chances, of how precious our limited time is in life and with the ones we care about most - it makes this novel absolutely priceless in my estimation. I can't recommend it enough.

“I didn’t need a shrink. I needed help growing taller.” I sit even straighter. “I’d been brought down but I wanted to stand up again.”

Also, Pear is a goddamned inspiration, I fucking adored her character.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Brock and Pear are both going through some stuff. Both dealing with life after what they thought was their forever. Brock has 2 teenage kids and Pear is trying to find her way after walking away from a life that just wasn't working anymore (if it ever did).

They both end up at Pear's dad's cabin for different reasons, but basically searching for the same thing. Brock and his grumpy grouch exterior who immediately melted for Pear. Pear seeing some of the second chances she wants to believe herself is worthy of in Brock.

The forced proximity amped everything up. I docked 1/4 star just for the rushed feeling of it all. It's 12 days where they go from strangers to love. 12 days and He's introducing her to his kids and moving her in. I think that being later in life obviously automatically speeds that process up as when you get to be "our" age, we know what we want and we can recognize it in someone else fairly quickly, but it just seemed a little TOO quickly for me.

It was a super sweet, perfectly Hallmark-esque holiday book and Brock really was swoony. The sweetest part of the entire book (IMO) was when Pear's dad finds out and that whole conversation between him and Brock and Brock working through how angry he is with Pear, but still drives her back to Chicago. The whole "get. in. the car." and then taking that car ride to work through his feelings and have a conversation with her honestly had me smiling the entire time.

❄️Silver fox fireman
❄️Boss’s daughter
❄️Snowed in
❄️Grumpy/sunshine
❄️Holiday romance
❄️Small town
❄️All the holiday spice

Thank you, LB Dunbar and The Author Agency for the ARC.

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, forced proximity, holiday romance. Pear and Brock are two people who have been betrayed by the people they love. They are both a bit lost and need a reset on life. Brock is a surly firefighter who was ordered to go on a retreat by the Captain, to help his mood or lose his job. He arrives late after the others have already left for the retreat ahead of the coming snow storm. He is greeted by the Captains daughter, Pear, who wanted to surprise her Dad for the holidays, but missed him as well. She doesn't want to be alone and convinces Brock into staying and helping her around the farm. The activities they engage in bring them closer together, and make them feel better about themselves. When the snow storm forces them inside, they keep each other warm in the most delicious ways. They also start to think about a future together, until her father returns, and the secrets that are revealed could break both their hearts. I really adored everything about this sweet, heartfelt, and sizzling story. I loved how Pear and Brock helped each other find their joy and ability to love again.
Stella Hunter and Teddy Hamilton were so perfectly cast to narrate this sweet and spicey holiday romance. They completely captured these characters and made me feel all the hope, healing, love, and passion they possessed. They are so easy to listen to, making this a wonderful addition to your holiday tbr!

[Anais Rosa]

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar is the third book in the Holiday Hotties series, and it’s a charming Christmas novella.

Read if you love:
🏡 Small-town swoon
👨‍🚒 Silver fox fireman
💼 Boss’s daughter romance
❄️ Snowed-in coziness
🌤️ Grumpy-sunshine vibes
🎄 Holiday romance
🔥 All the festive spice

4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

Precious, affectionately called “Pear” by her father, has returned home, navigating changes in her life. Meanwhile, Brock, her dad’s rebellious firefighter employee, was ordered to attend a twelve-day retreat to improve his attitude. However, when Brock misses the bus and a snowstorm traps him without a hotel, he convinces Pear to let him stay on the farm. In return, she assigns him tasks to help out.

This novella is packed with heartwarming moments. The attraction between Pear and Brock is evident from the start, and as they spend more time together, their connection deepens. Both are divorced and lonely, finding solace in shared experiences and understanding. Despite my usual reservations about whirlwind romances, this Christmas story won me over.

Brock isn’t just trying to prove himself to his boss but also to Pear. Over the twelve days, he cares for her in ways neither had experienced before, and their bond grows naturally. The spice was well-paced—Brock didn’t rush things, and when the moment came, it was both meaningful and steamy. He showed Pear how she deserved to be loved and appreciated in every way, and they complemented each other beautifully.

The story also touches on Brock’s journey of self-reflection, as he decides to seek professional help to grow further. My only wish was for more closure regarding Brock’s relationship with his kids, especially with Nick. Despite that, this novella was a delightful holiday read filled with romance, charm, and festive cheer.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given an ultimatum to spend the day after Christmas through the sixth of January on a retreat hosted by his captain due to his anger and authoritarian issues, firefighter Brock arrives late to the pick up point. Instead of his captain being present, a beautiful vision in a white après ski outfit meets him at the door, and she’s none to happy about it.

After a reversal of fortune and repaying the debt her feckless ex incurred, Paradise retreated to her father’s farm to spend the holidays with him and sort out her next act. Nonplussed that her dad opted to host an offsite retreat rather than spend time with her, the presence of the annoyingly hot silver fox firefighter who was left behind is just the last straw in her growing irritation. When her father lays the guilt on thickly that Brock needs to be looked after, and wants her to be the one to do so in her dad’s absence.

After a bumpy, frosty start, sparks ignite, and what follows is the steamiest twelve days of Christmas possible, no strings and with an end date. Or could there be more?

This was a fast, fun read with heart, and the perfect diversion for the upcoming holiday season.

I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from The Author Agency and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Darcy DecantingBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grouch-Ish was so much fun! Firefighter Brock heads to his captain's farm to meet for a retreat. Only he's late and misses the bus. The captain's daughter, Pear, is there and ready to put Brock to work fixing fences, sanding furniture, and milking cows for the next 12 days.

Both Pear and Brock have been through a lot and have some walls to break down, but they can each also see so much good in each other. And they are both such genuine, earnest people that I was rooting for both of them the entire time. They grow closer of course, stuck on the farm together, and the author shows this growth so beautifully. Pear and Brock feel like real people with real-life situations and issues.

Plus, it's so nice to have a romance where the characters are in their 40s and have done some living! And some nice spicy scenes!

Rating: 4.5
Themes and Tropes: Snowed In, Proximity, Characters in their 40s, Off-limits(ish)
Steam: Medium

[Carie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — A Fun, Sexy, Silver-Fox Romance That Delivers

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar is an absolute delight from start to finish—fun, cute, sexy, and wonderfully romantic. This story strikes the perfect balance between humor and heat, with characters who feel both relatable and refreshingly mature. The silver fox theme is especially appealing for older women looking for romance that reflects real life while still offering all the swoons and spark.

Dunbar’s writing shines with playful banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of emotional depth. And yes—the spicy scenes are very sexy, but they’re also tasteful and thoughtfully written, adding to the genuine chemistry between the characters rather than overpowering it.

If you love romances with charm, humor, and a deliciously grumpy-yet-lovable hero, Grouch-ish is definitely one to add to your list. A solid 4.5-star read that leaves you smiling.

[Colorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet holiday novella

This is a sweet holiday novella about two people who are each starting over. Pear has ended her marriage and walked away from her job and returned to her father's home to figure out her next steps. Brock is a fireman with anger issues - about his ex-wife and problems with his job. He shows up at his Captain's (Pear's dad) for a last chance restorative justice retreat only to miss the bus. The Cap's suggestion that he spend the time with Pear kicks off 12 days of forced proximity.

Centered around the 12 days of Christmas from 12/26 through 1/6, the book is filled with corny holiday puns and references. At the same time, it's moving to watch Pear and Brock open up to each other and become close as they work together on a farm, participate in outdoor winter fun, and help with community activities. Even though it's cold outside, this couple generates a lot of heat! (Both main characters are in their 40's.)

As they share their stories, there are references to suicide, marital infidelity, body shaming, and the risks faced by first line responders. In addition to serious topics, there's also hot chocolate, holiday desserts, and hot fries.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series. They can be read as standalone books. Pear planned to surprise her father but she is the one who winds up surprised. He has a retreat planned and won't be home. Brock has pulled one to many stunts and now his boss wants him on one of his retreats if he wants to keep his job. Only he is late and now his boss has left his daughter in charge on him now. Pear wants nothing to do with this but she also can't just send him home. It doesn't take long before they can't fight their attraction to each other. It may just be the twelve days they both need. This book was a great read. I hope to see another book in this series this Christmas season. Great job L.B. Dunbar.

[Kayla Lindquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas novellas for the win! This 12 days of Christmas themed rom com was to die for! It takes place the 12 days following Christmas and has all of the winter snowy vibes. I could have finished this in one sitting if time allowed. The characters aren’t your average rom com main characters. Paradise, Pear for short, is the FMC. She’s in her early 40s and is divorced and childless. She gets snowed in with the gorgeous silver fox/fireman, Brock. He’s a divorced dad of 2 college aged kids and his boss is Pear’s dad.

They go on some great adventures in the 12 days this novella follows. How could I almost forget to mention the spice?! And the blanket fort scene?! A-maz-ing!

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

💖 Brock & Pear💖

I was not expecting to like this later-in-life love story as much as I did! I absolutes their dynamic! They had their own baggage and trauma, of course. BUT they maturely communicated with each other, slowly peeling away the layers until they were left vulnerable with each other. It was so sweet and romantic. The tropes were so fun! I love a grump but a silver fox, grumpy was a nice bonus!

“Sometimes the quiet moments matter more.” Loved this quote so much!

Thank you so much to @theauthor.agency & @lbdunbarwrites for this #arc! I definitely recommend!!!
This was my second book by LB Dunbar and I will definitely be reading more! Especially the other Christmas ones!