Shoved

Moonlit Lake Matchmaker #4

by Kristeen Groth

What happens when the town grinch, a single mom, and an adorable 4-year-old are shoved together for the holidays?

SERENA

Storm Rhodes is the grinchiest of grinches. Doesn't like kids or animals—probably not even people. He should be an ugly beast to match his personality—that would be fair. But no. He looks like he walked off the cover of GQ.

I definitely need to stay away from him.

Unfortunately, he’s the only lawyer in town, and I need his help. Maintaining custody of my daughter is my top priority. But for some reason, my daughter likes him more than Santa. And I’m torn between pushing him into a snowbank or pulling him under the mistletoe.

Now we’re on the run and stranded together during a blizzard.

This is not the perfect holiday I had in mind.

Shoved is a sweet Christmas romantic comedy filled with witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and sizzling kisses. If you like closed door RomComs like Emma St. Clair, Cindy Steel, and Savannah Scott, you’ll love this book.

Genres: Christmas

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Author also writes under Kris Groth

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joyful read! I felt a whole bundle of emotions: I swooned, I laughed, I feared... And in the end was left with the most amazing and wholesome smile across my face. What a beautiful story! Absolutely looking forward to the next one, I bet we will be in for a ride.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well , what can I say about this awesome book? One look at the cover was all it took . How cute they all look . But no I’m not silly cos I had the inside scoop. You see it’s not my first rodeo. I’ve read Moonlit Lake Matchmaker 3 so knew what I had coming to me. Sorta… So I was looking forward to this joy about a boy and a girl and her four year old daughter. He’s a grinch…wait …what? Let’s back it up a pinch. This is way too much already . I was hoping they’d be going steady! Oh I know , I just couldn’t wait to find out their fate and them date already. Anyway…so he’s not Santa , know what I mean? But even Santa might learn a thing or two , I mean it , just wait and see. He’s already worked his magic on me and now he’s starting with their family tree. Well it’s a Christmas tree not genealogy, though it’s not far from the truth , the whole truth…But he’s the grinch who saved Christmas, one pine needle , well paralegal at a time. Serena is heaven sent to this earth to fight the battle for middle earth , well not quite the universe although she’s her’s . This sweet child named Sadie and Serena couldn’t be more delighted and in awe of her young daughter aged four . So picture this , it’s snowing , it’s bliss . Ripe and ready for a Christmas kiss…Too early? Ok , I’ll start over. ..No I jest , it’s what I do best I like to think and no I’ve not had a drink! Not an egg nog passed my lips not to mention it’s hard on the hips…So this hunk of a bloke who belongs on the cover of GQ magazine is a bit dreamy even though he is a joke who doesn’t like kids , or animals . People too I shouldn’t wonder , but after all the blunder and the rumble of thunder , he comes through.So now I’ve rattled on , we will carry on. They’re on the run . Yes but he’s the best and there’s no finer person to have dressing her tree , hanging mistletoe and sharing a kiss or three. Little Sadie has melted his heart and her mother has sneaked in unawares too. What’s a grinch to do but say merry Christmas and blessed holidays too . Snowed in and stranded the legal has landed . Amen and a good night , this winter’s delight was brought to us by Kristeen Groth ,whose writing is something we can be sure of . This story was sinful and hot as well . Sweet and dreamy and cute as a button , I rooted for these three and because I’m a glutton… as well as the Christmas tree . Next year can we add to that family tree , Storm , cos with Serena on your arm , you’re no longer a misery so what’s the harm? That Tillie is a good old matchmaker isn’t she even for a group of three, she did good you see . Just got to keep the faith and good times will be around for this family that once was lost but now is found. Bravo Ms Groth way to go! I do love your writing so. The characters are living and breathing . They’re so vibrantly described I felt right there . A wonderful world of make believe comes to such life by your magic and a quill to do what you will. Thank you my dear.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and the characters in it. Lovely story that occurs at Christmas. You can’t help but love the h and her 4 year old daughter. You also fall in love with the H who always looks like a grump. You find out he looked this way all his life. The h is a sweet lady who owns a flower shop and her flower arrangements convey a message that the giver wants to tell another person. All love her and her flower arrangements. Both the h and her daughter are like rays of sunshine. The H is a grump who doesn’t really want to interact with others anymore than he has to as a lawyer. The h husband was in the military who she met and they fell in love quickly. Shortly after being married her husband was sent overseas and then was killed in combat. With the payout from the military she purchased a flower shop which brought her and her daughter to Moonlit Lake. Life is good for them. The H comes to town to be near his family. Their initial interactions are not the best. When the h gets a letter from her in-laws suing for custody of her daughter in fear she goes to the H for help, to represent her in the court case. She also feels that she is being watched and when she is finds herself being followed in her car she tries to escape only to end up off the road. She calls the H for help and he comes immediately and as he is coming to her he calls the police officer who is a friend and they setup surveillance. The offenders are caught but they are not sent by the in-laws but are seeking payment for her husband’s debts for drugs. The H investigates the in-laws and finds them upstanding people. He finally recommends that the h meet with the in-laws and she finds out the whole truth about her husband and his relationship with his parents. In the end she makes peace with them. Her then has more family. Also during all the fears she experienced regarding being followed and having her daughter taken from her the takes them to his parents farm. The daughter loves it there and she and his mother become very close. When things become settled the h takes her daughter home and both she and her daughter are very unhappy. Finally on Christmas Eve the H and his family come to bring them to the farm for Christmas. The H convinces the h that he loves her and that they belong together for ever. Every one gets a HEA. Enjoy your read. Recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet stories and lovely characters.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

Kristeen delivers a wonderful, easy read that is sure to warm your heart. This clean romance, set at Christmas, you can’t help but believe in the magic this season can hold. It can warm the coldest heart, grow the smallest heart, and have us all banishing any grinch-like characteristics. The second chance for one of our MCs reminds us of the power of love. This story had ups and downs, swoony worthy moments, some stress, and lots of romance.

Serena has lost her husband in combat and is wanting to start over with her daughter. She moves to a small town where she thinks life will be better for them. One of the townsfolk and her get off on the wrong foot, with first impressions definitely not going well. When Serena receives a letter, one that is pulling the rug from under her, she turns to the one person she isn’t sure about.

Storm comes of like a grump, with a dislike of kids and animals. However, once you start to know him, the facade is just that. He isn’t all sunshine, but he isn’t all grinch either. When Serena needs his help, he agrees to help. As they grow closer in the case, it is realized first impressions are not always correct. However, when Serena’s life is put in danger, he becomes the protector that she needed.

Kristeen always writes books that are well paced, have great characters, and have clean romance. Her readers are guaranteed a happy ending, although it may not be the easiest journey getting there. If you are looking for a romance book, with a touch of suspense, this is one to read!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🎄Small Town Romance
💟Second Chance Romance
🎄Grumpy x Sunshine
💟Single Mom FMC
🎄Grinch MMC
💟Holiday Romance

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Assumptions . . .

This storyline sneaks in a bit of everything to make a wonderful story that warms the heart. Serena has the false idea that Storm Rhodes has to be the grumpiest person she could ever meet with his assumed attitude toward kids and animals. But she will find out differently when she actually interacts with him. Receiving a surprising letter, she unexpectedly needs a lawyer, and Storm is the only game in town. Her 4-year-old Sadie’s grandparents are suddenly trying to get custody, even though they have never met Serena or Sadie! Fortunately Tillie was there right after Serena got the letter and helped her get through the terrible shock. Tillie also was the one to advise her not to run away but to take action, assuring her Storm is not only brilliant but could be trusted to work this out.

With the tension of this situation going on, Serena gets the feeling she is being watched and almost has an accident when someone follows her as she is driving. Did her in-laws send someone after her? Rather than take a chance, Storm takes her to his family’s farm to hide. She and Sadie love it there and become close to his family. Will they find out who is harassing Serena and why? It may not be her in-laws after all, but someone even more dangerous. Will Storm be able to keep Serena and Sadie safe until this can be resolved? Will they possibly find a HEA waiting for them with Tillie’s matchmaking efforts? Or will Serena be overwhelmed and run away?

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, opposites attract, holiday romantic comedy with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- "If you can’t move freely, you’ll be off balance in no time. Just like in life." ---- "sometimes you believe something didn’t work out, at least not the way you’re planned, but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.” ---- You’re a strong woman, single mom, and business owner. ---- Re-- search and data aren’t everything,. Love is much more powerful than numbers.---- -“Don’t let fear of failure stop you from being happy.” ---- biggest goat head-butted him in the backside. Dopey Dan flew through the air, arms flailing until he landed face first in a pile of manure. ---- “Never assume that the other person knows what you think or what you feel.” ----
What are Ty's parents up to? Who's spying on Serna? Why did Serena's mom bid on Storm? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Serna and Storm's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Bella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh no… looks like I’m the first one to give this a 1-star.

Honestly, the writing just felt off. I couldn’t get into any of the characters — they were cliché but still somehow boring. For example:
“I had no idea she had a kid… Dating a single mom would definitely be complicated… All the more reason to stay away from her.”
“Get that out of your mind right now. I have absolutely no interest in getting married or having kids… Even if I wanted to ask her out — and I’m not saying I do — I wouldn’t mess with a single mom. I have a firm boundary there.”

Okay…but why the entire monologue montage? We get it. He doesn’t want to date a single mom. It’s repetitive and oddly dramatic. And honestly, what is this supposed to imply about single moms? Because the framing makes it sound like there’s something inherently wrong with them.

“You don’t think they’d try to kidnap Sadie, do you?”
Like—I’m sorry, what? This feels like drama appearing out of nowhere. No buildup, no context, just sudden panic for shock value?

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think of shoving snow as a chore. After the wondrous flirty exchange between Storm and Serena however, I am ready to head out and shovel all.day.long. 😉🥰

Shoved is Kristeen Groth’s newest novel in the Moonlit Lake Matchmaker series and is fabulous!! The slow burn and tension between Storm and Serena kept me smiling and turning the pages late into the night!

Things to love:
Small town
Holiday/Christmas
Grumpy MMC
Single Mom to Sadie (she is just TOO cute!)
Bachelor Auction
Her getting sick
His Protective Nature
Mistletoe
Family (especially those sibling text messages!)
Tillie (of course!!)

While Shoved is book 4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, the other books are just as fun and should also be added to your TBR list right away!

Closed door, kisses only

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What happens when the town grinch, a single mom, and an adorable 4-year-old are shoved together for the holidays?"
Shoved is the perfect holiday read that will get you in the mood for Christmas. This one is book four in the Moonlit Lake Matchmaker series and could be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest you read the series. It follows Serena and Storm in this one and is a romantic comedy that had me reading this book until the end. The author wrote this so well and all of the characters I loved especially Serena's daughter. I love this book and would highly recommend it to any reader, but if you love romance then make sure to read this one. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of Shoved.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I enjoyed the snippets we got of Storm's character in the previous book in this series, and so I was excited to get his story here. And Serena is the perfect FMC to his MMC.

Sadie's character was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed seeing Serena's relationship with her daughter. The way she cared for, and protected her daughter, is essentially what makes her so perfect for Storm in my opinion.

Kristeen Groth does a great job pulling you into Serena's fears and anxiety, and also with alleviating that fear and anxiety through Storms strong, steady and protective presence.

A really great read, and that actually falls perfectly in the Christmas season. :).

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

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel it is the best in the series so far!
There is suspense, action, humor and romance.
Single parent trope is my favorite and little Sadie did not disappoint!
I loved how there was a family text group and how the siblings are always ribbing each other but are there for each other.
This was a page turner and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I definitely think this series should be read in order to get the background stories on each of the siblings. You'll also want to read the prequel, Matched, which is the parent's story.

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

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, sweet story about Storm, an attorney who was in NYC at a prestigious law firm and holding an upcoming promotion who gave it all up to move back home to family's little town in MN and opening an office in town. The lead female character is a sweet, innocent and giving single mom,Serena with a cute and adorable daughter Sadie.

There was everything in this story, even suspense and mystery keeping the reader interested in this story. Really enjoyed Tillie and believe someone like that is fun to be around.

I received an early copy, ARC, for my honest, free and voluntary review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm and Sadie rub each other the wrong way on each of their initial meetings until she needs his legal assistance after her in-laws sue her for custody of her daughter. Her husband Ty had told before he died how awful they were. But the more research Storm does it sounds like Ty was the problem and continues to cause issues even after his death. Sadie was adorable with her wish for a dad and a dog. Storm’s new rescue dog Lulu seemed more human than dog at times with her intelligence and intuition, but I would have been worried that she kept escaping . This was a kisses only holiday romance.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this story as much as the first three books in the series. I liked Storm Rhodes who didn't like kids or animals. I liked Serena who had a four-year-old daughter. I was entertained by their confrontations. I appreciated this sweet romcom which brought two unlikely characters together with grace and humor. I enjoyed the multi-voiced narrations which provided different voices for the different characters. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read, with some misconceptions and plenty of witty banter.
We meet a single mom with a cute kid, and the grumpy lawyer she can't get away from. But when her past comes looking for her and she needs his help, he's there for her. She sees a different side of him.
Fun characters and a good story. There was lots of nosy family too. And dogs and kids always steal the show!

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

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

shove needed
Reading Storm, Serena and Sadie´s story I was reminded not to judge a book by its cover. Storm may be grumpy on the outside, but with Sadie slowly but steadily chipping away at the armour he put around his heart and Tillie the determined matchmaker, he simply doesn´t stand a chance. This book was a perfect mix between heartwarming and laugh out loud moments.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delightful, joyful read, I absolutely loved it. Miss Tillie is hilarious. Grumpy Storm is really a softie and so kind and caring. Serena is wonderful and sweet, and little Sadie steals the show. This book had me laughing, swooning and some fear and suspense. A little bit of everything for a great rom-com and sweet holiday story, that left me smiling at this heartwarming story.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite book in the series so far! So many fantastic things in this story! Starts off with Tillie! She is a hoot! Serena thinks Storm is a grump, but later learns how first impressions can be wrong! Lots of suspense and chemistry and the best dog and little girl! Family dynamics are the best! Such a great book!

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I love sunshine/ grumpy trope. It's one of my favorites. Add that she's a single mom and a cute doggo and I'm sold. I've loved this whole series. These are clean romances that are more romantic than a lot of the "spicy" ones out there. They focus on the relationships and families.

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

[52kaosangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a perfect holiday romcom! It had the perfect mix of funny and heartwarming moments with a dash of mystery in there to keep you hooked. This is the first book I am reading from this author and I love the writing style. I can't wait to go back and read all the other books in this series!.

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

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love , love, love Storm ...Serena and Sadie... this is their story... a fast paced rom/com drama... they had a meet/hate... now, she needs him.. he's the only lawyer in town... to keep Sadie ... his family... a snow storm... and so much more !!! so good !!!.

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

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fantastic read. Was captivated from the start to the finish. Love this authors books. Highly recommend.

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

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and heartwarming holiday small town romantic comedy. The story is written in a delightful and humorous way and is perfect for a cold winter day. The characters are wonderful and endearingly written.

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

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3⭐️




Storm es un abogado que ha sido testigo del fin de muchos matrimonios, lo que lo lleva a dejar de creer en el amor, hasta que conoce a Serena, quien lo hace replantearse su postura."

[Deb Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town, opposites attract read. Add in the Christmas theme, and I'm officially hooked. The grump comes up trumps with a beautiful HEA. Loved the custody battle. Good stuff.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Kristeen Groth and I loved it. The town and characters were all so well written that it really draws you into the books world. Storm & Serena were a fun couple to get to know but Serena's daughter and Storms dog Lulu were also really fun main characters that added a nice element to the story. I also enjoyed getting to know Storms family and plan to look into reading more of this series to see more of their stories.

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

Moonlit Lake Matchmaker Series
Hinted: Rowan & Elle
Nudged: Raven & Nash
Pushed: Jasper & AJ
Shoved: A Sweet, Small-Town, Holiday Romantic Comedy: Storm & Serena
Tricked: A Sweet, Billionaire, Beach Romantic Comedy: Skye & Max
Tangled: A Sweet Friends-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy: Junie & Will

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in a series but could be read as a stand alone.

Serena knows someone is watching her and her daughter. Storm is her lawyer but also her protector. He has a reputation as a grinch-Serena has witnessed this herself-but his attitude with her is anything but grinchy.

They must navigate the threat while also figuring out what is happening with their relationship.

This is a fun, quick read to put you in the holiday spirit.

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

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

She swept him off his feet. And he loved her for it. - I was looking forward to Storm and Serena's story after their meet ugly in "Pushed". And I was not disappointed one little bit. He doesn't remember her but she could never forget the "ill-tempered Adonis" from AJ's restaurant. She and little Sadie don't need someone like that in their lives. But they keep running into each other, literally colliding. He smells so good, and she feels so good in his arms. When her and Sadie's happiness is threatened, he puts his L on his chest to be her superhero lawyer. Safely ensconced with his family, they will let down the walls around their hearts, reaching for the love they both deserve but never reached for.

Another LOL funny Rhodes family tale featuring a grumpy lawyer who's more loving than he lets on, his amazing dog Lulu, a single mom who just wants to make Xmas special for her little girl, and a sweet little kid with a Xmas wish that only Santa can fulfill. Xmas magic and love are in the air. Sadie, Lulu and Tillie knew all along.

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