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Grumpy Meets Virgin Collection
Do you love a grumpy hero? Even better when he falls for a virgin? Don’t miss this collection of grumpy heroes who get brought to their knees in these swoony, hot, hot, hot stories! Included in this collection are 3 full-length standalone romances from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!
Burn For You
What happens when my brother’s best friend wins a date with me? Guess I’m about to find out.
A date auction gone wrong. Or so very right.
Nate
The moment I look up and see Holly Blake walk out on that stage, I’m determined to make my longest running fantasy come true.
I’ll have my second chance with Holly. Even if I have to pay for it. She’s smart, sassy, and so gorgeous.
Then, I find out she has a secret. A secret that only makes me want her even more.
Wait For Me
He makes an offer I can’t refuse. I never thought I was saving myself for anyone. Until Lucas.
Lucas
My priorities are my daughter and my job as a first responder. Romance isn’t even on the radar. Until one little package changes everything.
In a single mind-blowing hour, I end up with a package meant for Valentina Smith, and I find out she’s innocent. I won’t even mention what’s in that package.
All We Have
She makes the rules. I break them.
I need a vacation more than I need air. A week by myself at my family’s vacation home in Maine is perfect.
Except Jane Matthews is there. I don’t recognize her at first because the smokin’ hot woman with a sm*xy librarian vibe is nothing like the Jane I remember. She’s one of my little sister’s friends, and I barely noticed her back in high school.
When we get snowed in and Jane asks me a favor—a big favor—I don’t know if I can say no.
These stories are perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, second chances, friends to lovers, smart sassy heroines, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, opposites attract, slow burn, emotional romances with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon, and grumpy heroes with epic protective streaks.
Burn For You
What happens when my brother’s best friend wins a date with me? Guess I’m about to find out.
A date auction gone wrong. Or so very right.
Nate
The moment I look up and see Holly Blake walk out on that stage, I’m determined to make my longest running fantasy come true.
I’ll have my second chance with Holly. Even if I have to pay for it. She’s smart, sassy, and so gorgeous.
Then, I find out she has a secret. A secret that only makes me want her even more.
Wait For Me
He makes an offer I can’t refuse. I never thought I was saving myself for anyone. Until Lucas.
Lucas
My priorities are my daughter and my job as a first responder. Romance isn’t even on the radar. Until one little package changes everything.
In a single mind-blowing hour, I end up with a package meant for Valentina Smith, and I find out she’s innocent. I won’t even mention what’s in that package.
All We Have
She makes the rules. I break them.
I need a vacation more than I need air. A week by myself at my family’s vacation home in Maine is perfect.
Except Jane Matthews is there. I don’t recognize her at first because the smokin’ hot woman with a sm*xy librarian vibe is nothing like the Jane I remember. She’s one of my little sister’s friends, and I barely noticed her back in high school.
When we get snowed in and Jane asks me a favor—a big favor—I don’t know if I can say no.
These stories are perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, second chances, friends to lovers, smart sassy heroines, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, opposites attract, slow burn, emotional romances with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon, and grumpy heroes with epic protective streaks.
594 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
746 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Croix
206 books1,500 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 9, 2024
Ok Romance Collection
This was an average read. I didn't find the men to be particularly grumpy, in fact they seemed fine to me. There wasn't much depth to the stories and a lot of repetitive detail and definitely too much use of the word 'channel', but was an ok read.
This was an average read. I didn't find the men to be particularly grumpy, in fact they seemed fine to me. There wasn't much depth to the stories and a lot of repetitive detail and definitely too much use of the word 'channel', but was an ok read.
August 4, 2024
Three full length novels all involving a grumpy man and the virgin he falls for. Just not a lot of depth to the story lines (see last paragraph).
---BURN FOR YOU---
With no dating prospects in her small hometown Holly Blake finds herself being auctioned off for a date at her hospital fundraiser. She was unprepared to have one of her best friends win the bid. She'd had a crush on him for years although his reputation as a player put a damper on that. Plus there was his reaction to a kiss a year ago. Not great!
When Nate Fox sees his long time friend Holly being auctioned off at a fundraiser he doesn't hesitate to make sure he's the top bidder. Even though Holly makes every attempt to get out of their date Nate is determined to make her keep it. But they haven't even gone on that date and already he can't keep his hands or lips off her.
Trying to avoid their attraction to each other has only made things more difficult due to knowing most of the same people. How will the two react when jealousy rears it's ugly head? And how will Nate react to Holly's little secret?
---WAIT FOR ME---
At twenty five Valentina Smith had finally left the sheltered life her religious parents had raised her in. With a job she loves as bookkeeper at Stolen Hearts Adventure Lodge and Resort Valentina also helps occasionally covering shifts at the restaurant and feeding the rescue animals.
Single dad to a precocious six year old daughter, Lucas Cole is a first responder as well as an adventure guide at Stolen Hearts Resort. After losing his wife he isn't interested in confusing his daughter with a relationship that may not work out. But telling his feelings to stick with the plan isn't working so well.
---ALL WE HAVE---
Jane Matthews left Boston with plans for a relaxing vacation at her friends home in Haven’s Bay, Maine where she'd spent many hours in high school with her friends. As a quiet, shy girl back then dating hadn't been something she experienced and then in college everything became about studying and getting her degree. Changing jobs and moving back home to Boston was a big step but she needed this month to relax before starting her new job. But having Thea's brother suddenly imposing on her plans doesn't set well when he doesn't even remember who she is.
Ian doesn't recognize the woman in his family's Maine home when he arrives, but once he realizes it's his little sister's friend it makes sense, since they were several years younger than him. She wasn't the kind of girl that caught his eye back then anyway since all he was looking for in high school was fun. Now, was a different matter. Seeing her with her glasses and pursed lips had an unexpected librarian fantasy rearing it's head.
With an angry storm brewing outside, and enormous amounts of snow piling up, neither Jane or Ian can leave so it looks like they will be sharing his family's retreat home for the foreseeable future.
It isn't long before Jane is thinking that maybe Ian could help her take care of a small problem she has. There was definitely a level of attraction between them, it wouldn't mean anything, and Ian had the experience she didn't. All Jane is now interested in is losing her V-card, or at least that's what she tells herself.
This series left me a bit frustrated. Evidently this author thinks the reader will forget little details since she repeats many of them over and over and over again. But even more frustrating was when the books got to what could have been some very interesting drama or conflict the story line would suddenly jump ahead several weeks or months, avoiding and neglecting those oportunities. I found this to be the case through this entire series. I personally prefer books with more depth and angst.
---BURN FOR YOU---
With no dating prospects in her small hometown Holly Blake finds herself being auctioned off for a date at her hospital fundraiser. She was unprepared to have one of her best friends win the bid. She'd had a crush on him for years although his reputation as a player put a damper on that. Plus there was his reaction to a kiss a year ago. Not great!
When Nate Fox sees his long time friend Holly being auctioned off at a fundraiser he doesn't hesitate to make sure he's the top bidder. Even though Holly makes every attempt to get out of their date Nate is determined to make her keep it. But they haven't even gone on that date and already he can't keep his hands or lips off her.
Trying to avoid their attraction to each other has only made things more difficult due to knowing most of the same people. How will the two react when jealousy rears it's ugly head? And how will Nate react to Holly's little secret?
---WAIT FOR ME---
At twenty five Valentina Smith had finally left the sheltered life her religious parents had raised her in. With a job she loves as bookkeeper at Stolen Hearts Adventure Lodge and Resort Valentina also helps occasionally covering shifts at the restaurant and feeding the rescue animals.
Single dad to a precocious six year old daughter, Lucas Cole is a first responder as well as an adventure guide at Stolen Hearts Resort. After losing his wife he isn't interested in confusing his daughter with a relationship that may not work out. But telling his feelings to stick with the plan isn't working so well.
---ALL WE HAVE---
Jane Matthews left Boston with plans for a relaxing vacation at her friends home in Haven’s Bay, Maine where she'd spent many hours in high school with her friends. As a quiet, shy girl back then dating hadn't been something she experienced and then in college everything became about studying and getting her degree. Changing jobs and moving back home to Boston was a big step but she needed this month to relax before starting her new job. But having Thea's brother suddenly imposing on her plans doesn't set well when he doesn't even remember who she is.
Ian doesn't recognize the woman in his family's Maine home when he arrives, but once he realizes it's his little sister's friend it makes sense, since they were several years younger than him. She wasn't the kind of girl that caught his eye back then anyway since all he was looking for in high school was fun. Now, was a different matter. Seeing her with her glasses and pursed lips had an unexpected librarian fantasy rearing it's head.
With an angry storm brewing outside, and enormous amounts of snow piling up, neither Jane or Ian can leave so it looks like they will be sharing his family's retreat home for the foreseeable future.
It isn't long before Jane is thinking that maybe Ian could help her take care of a small problem she has. There was definitely a level of attraction between them, it wouldn't mean anything, and Ian had the experience she didn't. All Jane is now interested in is losing her V-card, or at least that's what she tells herself.
This series left me a bit frustrated. Evidently this author thinks the reader will forget little details since she repeats many of them over and over and over again. But even more frustrating was when the books got to what could have been some very interesting drama or conflict the story line would suddenly jump ahead several weeks or months, avoiding and neglecting those oportunities. I found this to be the case through this entire series. I personally prefer books with more depth and angst.
August 15, 2024
Collection of 3 stories … not all in same series/locale. 1st Story: Burn for You – Holly & Nate. Not sure why the title. Everybody assumed she was in love with friend who died in high school car crash. She wasn’t. It is now years later and she is back in town as a nurse (and virgin) and her twin’s best friend is back as a private Alaska pilot. There is a steamy party kiss; months later a charity auction of her (he buys) and that kicks off their love story. Nice one. After virgin sex scene, quite a lot of sex. 2nd Story: Wait for Me – Valentina is raised by former hippies turned very religious parents and is on her own as bookkeeper/waitress at a lodge. Lucas is widowed dad of lil girl (found out after death that the mom had cheated). Cute kickoff with him accidentally getting delivery of her vibrator. Not really much of a story to them each risking love and a traumatic event to remove doubt followed by more time. Again, virgin sex, then lots more. 3rd Story: All We Have – Jane & Ian. This is the classic story of reconnecting with the younger sister’s best friend. In this case, both of them at his family’s summer home… caught in a snow storm. A side event adds a little drama. There is a lot of sex scenes. Yet, I think I enjoyed this one most.
August 12, 2024
Let me start by saying I don’t usually read contemporary romance books. I got this one on Amazon for free and thought it would be a good way to check out a new author. Man, am I glad I did. These books were fun, heartfelt and a joy to read. Yes, they are really fog up your glasses sexy but with the title you should expect that! I loved that they were full length stories and not novella so we got background and growth with the stories. This book is easy to read along with being funny, sad endearing with lots of secrets, hurts and growth it was a hoot to read. Be sure and get a copy while it is on sale. You will not be sorry. I’m going to go back and read more of her stories. I love the way see write with warm, and real-life problems for her characters.
April 19, 2025
Book 1: Burn for you: less grumpy meets Virgin and more jerk chases immature girl. Wait, she wasn't a girl, but a 28 year old woman? Could've fooled me. Meh. How often do they have to go over how the high school boyfriend who wasn't really a boyfriend died in a car crash? Well, the sex scenes were hot, but it was interesting to read how Nate would finally win Holly over.
Book 2: Wait for Me: again not a grumpy, just a more serious guy. I liked Valentina and Lucas was an admirable guy, knowing his daughter was his priority. Good story, good characters even Rylie, good sex scenes, excellent conclusion.
Book 3: all we have: good characters, good sex scenes. But once more, not a grump. The story was interesting but had no real climax. It was an ok book.
Book 2: Wait for Me: again not a grumpy, just a more serious guy. I liked Valentina and Lucas was an admirable guy, knowing his daughter was his priority. Good story, good characters even Rylie, good sex scenes, excellent conclusion.
Book 3: all we have: good characters, good sex scenes. But once more, not a grump. The story was interesting but had no real climax. It was an ok book.
September 26, 2024
The first story was fine, if a bit cringey and lacking verbal consent.
The second story was fucking painful to read and I skimmed most of it.
The third story was probably the best but that’s not saying much.
The writing was pretty much all tell, and no show. There was a LOT of repetition for stories that were barely 200 pages long.
Each woman was not like other girls and didn’t realize she was gorgeous. In none of these stories was the man grumpy, so it’s half a lie from the get go. I do not recommend.
The second story was fucking painful to read and I skimmed most of it.
The third story was probably the best but that’s not saying much.
The writing was pretty much all tell, and no show. There was a LOT of repetition for stories that were barely 200 pages long.
Each woman was not like other girls and didn’t realize she was gorgeous. In none of these stories was the man grumpy, so it’s half a lie from the get go. I do not recommend.
August 20, 2024
Excellent Romantic Collection
This author knows how to capture my imagination and interest immediately! I became enmeshed in each story quickly and enthusiastically. These stories are well-written, imaginative, erotic, and yet realistic. It easy to imagine couples sensing that immediate attraction, along with a quick deepening of affection. You will enjoy this collection!
This author knows how to capture my imagination and interest immediately! I became enmeshed in each story quickly and enthusiastically. These stories are well-written, imaginative, erotic, and yet realistic. It easy to imagine couples sensing that immediate attraction, along with a quick deepening of affection. You will enjoy this collection!
July 30, 2024
Virginity
There was just way too much open-door sex for me. I almost quit reading after the first story, but they did get better and better. The last story was the best, in my opinion, and didn't have as much graphic sex.
There was just way too much open-door sex for me. I almost quit reading after the first story, but they did get better and better. The last story was the best, in my opinion, and didn't have as much graphic sex.
September 2, 2024
Well written and edited
Pretty good. HEA. Good stories and characters. No insta love. The three stories were not interconnected. Worth reading, feel good stories. No suspense. Normal everyday romances.
Pretty good. HEA. Good stories and characters. No insta love. The three stories were not interconnected. Worth reading, feel good stories. No suspense. Normal everyday romances.
September 2, 2024
Every story in this book was full of sweet banter, sexy times that were not over the top, ups and downs, wonderful main characters and supporting characters, and each story had their own happily ever after.
July 7, 2024
3 great stories.
July 19, 2024
This series of different stories was a great read
Enjoyed each story in the series was a fun read with each of the different characters in each series !
Enjoyed each story in the series was a fun read with each of the different characters in each series !
July 28, 2024
Please see individual stories for review.
July 29, 2024
Yes, I know, the title. But these three books/novellas were very respectful, romantic, and spicy.
Read
August 1, 2024All good reads from Croix. I liked all these characters and the plots of all three of these stories. Very steamy, if you like that sort of thing. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 8, 2024
A good weekend read
I like these interconnecting stories. The writing was good, the plot was good, the characters were realistic. And I love that everybody had a happy ending.
I like these interconnecting stories. The writing was good, the plot was good, the characters were realistic. And I love that everybody had a happy ending.
September 2, 2024
It was an interesting read.
September 25, 2024
2.03★
Book 1: 1.75
More smut than plot.
Book 2: 2.5
Better one out of the three.
Book 3: 1.83
Terrible pacing.
Book 1: 1.75
More smut than plot.
Book 2: 2.5
Better one out of the three.
Book 3: 1.83
Terrible pacing.
October 5, 2024
Not my favorite trope but it was free 😄
October 9, 2024
Enjoyed books 1&2 more than the angst in 3 but overall delivered a good solid reading experience
October 26, 2024
3.5 stars
Novel 1: 3 stars
Novel 2: 5 stars
Novella: 3 stars
Novel 1: 3 stars
Novel 2: 5 stars
Novella: 3 stars
October 30, 2024
Unexpected company
A sweet love story of a girls best friend off limits brother. It was a nicely paced story of a attraction and a slow slide into love.
A sweet love story of a girls best friend off limits brother. It was a nicely paced story of a attraction and a slow slide into love.
Read
November 10, 2024All great stories, but none of them start the series they come from. If you like to read from the very beginning even for interconnected, wait to read this anthology 😊😊
February 21, 2025
Awesome
I've always loved reading Croix. Her stories are heartfelt and relatable. She keeps you on your toes. This story with a nerd and heartthrob has great dynamics.
I've always loved reading Croix. Her stories are heartfelt and relatable. She keeps you on your toes. This story with a nerd and heartthrob has great dynamics.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews