A Very Grumpy Ranger

Wolf Valley: Grumps #9

by Shaw Hart

It’s just a bet… right?


It all started with a harmless bet.
I was bored, and there he was—Luca Wright, the new guy in town and the only other person in the diner.
So, I challenged him to a who could finish their meal first.
I won, he paid for my food, and from there, we’ve bet on pretty much everything—Who could finish the hike first, who could make a better meal, who could fit the most marshmallows in their mouths.
It’s always been a fun competition between us, but this latest bet feels different, like the stakes are higher, and I’m not sure I’m ready for what comes next.


From the moment Blake sat across from me with that mischievous grin, I was hooked.
Every bet, every challenge—it's just been an excuse to stay close to her, even though she only sees me as her best friend.
But when Blake throws out her latest bet—who can plan the best first date—I know it’s my chance.
This is more than a game.
This is my chance to show her that the best dates, and the best guy, will always be me.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

Website: www.shawhart.com
Newsletter: www.subscribepage.com/shawhart
Facebook:www.facebook.com/shawhartbooks
Instagram:www.instagram.com/authorshawhart
VIP Group: www.facebook.com/groups/645983902537855/
Pinterest: pin.it/6Au9vED
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/shaw-hart
Email: contact@shawhart.com

Reviews

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

A Very Grumpy Ranger is Book 9 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, double virgin, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Blake is a curvy artist who has recently moved to town to be near her BFF. Luca is a hunky ex-military man who has also just moved to town after being medically discharged. He and Blake meet at the local diner and sparks fly. They become inseparable as they spend time together doing silly bets. Both are secretly in love with the other. Will they finally admit it? This was such a sweet story with great chemistry and a happy ending. I loved it.

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

[Sabrina (Soter) Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

"La mia mente corre con idee per il nostro appuntamento e per quello che potrebbe significare per noi.
Blake mi desidera tanto quanto io desidero lei? In ogni caso, questa è la mia occasione per mostrarle quanto potremmo essere perfetti insieme, e non ho intenzione di rovinare tutto. Non quando sono così vicino a conquistare la ragazza dei miei sogni.
Devo assolutamente farcela in questo appuntamento e renderla mia."

L'idea delle scommesse per gioco tra i nostri protagonisti era anche carina, ma questo testo soffre di un grave caso di carenza di editing (e credo sia stato vittima anche di qualche sforbiciata). Non si capisce nemmeno bene come si è passati dal primo ciao alla tavola calda all'idea di sfidarsi su tutto, ci sono scene totalmente slegate, a distanza di due righe ci si ritrova con un setting cambiato e personaggi apparsi e scomparsi senza spiegazione alcuna, chiacchiere al telefono con personaggi che poi si trovano sul posto... insomma incongruenze varie che hanno decisamente rovinato la lettura.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this is one ebook you will definitely want to get. I just loved it. Blake is bored so she goes to the Diner to get something to eat. She's waiting to place her order when in walks Luca the most handsome military looking man she's ever seen. Luca can't take his eyes off of Blake a stunning woman. He's instantly hooked by her smile and he wants to get to know her better but all she wants is to bet on the smallest things. Luca accepts her bets but for a reason. As time goes by they bet on all kinds of things but neither wants to admit the reason why. The chemistry between them is so strong and growing stronger. Will Blake and Luca be willing to admit the reason why they bet and will they both realize that the best bet ever just brings them to their hearts desire? Can Blake reveal her heartfelt feelings for Luca? Does Luca tell Blake his secret and risk losing the one he was made for? I absolutely recommend you get this outstanding super hot 5⭐️ ebook written by this truly fantastic author. You'll love it. I know that I did.

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

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake only lived in town for a few month, still trying to make friends, when she eats at the dinner and in comes Luca. He was discharged from the Rangers and came to live in the town because his brother lives there. When he sees Blake he knows she is the one for her, they talk and somehow they make a bet. One bet leads into another, both enjoying the time they spend with each other and falling hard, but being afraid, that the other one does not feel the same. Then comes the bet who can set up the best first date, but love is no bet, but they take it seriously.
I love the characters, how much depth they get in this rather short story. How we get to meet others again from previous stories and how Blake and Luca are together. It melted my heart. How Blake was used to always only rely on herself and then comes Luca and he says the most heart warming things. -they are somwhow competetive without being too seriously about it.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Adorably grumpy with just the right amount of heart-melting!

A Very Grumpy Ranger is the kind of sweet, slow-burn romance that makes you grin from start to finish. Blake and Luca’s playful bet-based friendship is so charming—and watching it gradually shift into something deeper had me absolutely hooked.

Luca’s quiet pining and Blake’s oblivious sass were the perfect combo. Every new bet felt like another layer of tension and flirtation, and when the “who can plan the best first date” challenge happened? I was screaming internally. It’s the perfect “friends-to-lovers” with a sunshine-meets-grump dynamic.

This story has all the cozy, small-town vibes you’d expect from Wolf Valley, plus just the right amount of emotional depth. Shaw Hart nails the balance of humor, heart, and heat. If you love grumpy heroes, witty banter, and soft-but-steamy love stories, don’t miss this one.

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

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf Valley Grumps #9

Luca Wright is new to the town of Wolf Valley. He was an Army Ranger having left after being shot while overseas. He decided to move to town since his brother also lives here.

Blake has been in Wolf Valley for a few months. Since her company allowed her to work remotely she picked the town because of cheap rent and it was safe.

The two of them meet at the diner and she realizes he was military and a little uncomfortable where he was sitting and invites him to join her. They have a spur of the minute bet that leads to betting on everything. Everything is a competition between them until it leads to more.

4 stars
A short cute read.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Very Grumpy Ranger” by Shaw Hart

-This novella is sweet, sexy, and full of heart with charming cameos from Wolf Valley regulars. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Blake and Luca start with a simple bet and tumble into an adorable competition-filled romance. He’s a grumpy ex-Ranger; she’s an independent newcomer—together, they’re unexpectedly perfect. Luca has a great relationship with his brother Milo. It’s nice to read about ex-military and friends making their own inclusive family and support group.
A feel-good, insta-love story where every bet brings them closer to forever.

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bet leads to love ❤️

“He makes me feel safe, cherished, and seen.”

Enchanting, quick read that is sweet, sexy, and oh so satisfying. Blake is new in town and meets Luca in a diner. A spur of the moment bet leads to them spending part of every day together and it’s so precious to see their love grow. I love how passionate Blake is about art and Luca is the most special man who supports his woman
100 %!! Don’t forget the heartstrings pulling bonus scene!!.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 9 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series and focuses on Luca and Blake. Luca is an Army Ranger who has had to rejoin the civilian life after an injury side tracked his career. He moves to Wolf Valley to be closer to his brother Milo when he meets Blake and immediately knows that he has found his soulmate. I love how Luca and Blake built up their initial relationship. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Ranger is super sweet, so funny, and a very gentle and easy read. Blake is new to town, and she is such a wonderful character. Full of determination, strength, and sassy spirit, she is owning her life and taking care of herself. I love the opening scene where she meets Luca—it’s a blast—and the story builds beautifully from there. They are just so perfect for each other, and I love that he falls first and hard for her. A delicious and delightful read!

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being medically discharged from the Army, Luca heads to Wolf Valley to visit his brother Milo. Blake is new to town and meets Luca at the local diner, where things take some fun turns. I loved how the author brought Luca and Blake together and how one bet started a sweet, fun romance. This is a well written fast paced, romance with well developed characters and an entertaining storyline. A Very Grumpy Ranger is book nine and a fabulous addition to the Wolf Valley: Grumps series. I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaw Hart's charming Wolf Valley: Grumps series continues with the ninth book, A Very Grumpy Ranger. Luca and Blake share an entertaining friends-to-lovers romance, with their chemistry apparent from their first meeting. It all starts with a series of bets, and soon Luca is determined to turn his playful adversary into his forever. Another entertaining and steamy romance with high heat and low drama from Ms Hart.

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

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’m reviewing today is titled, A Very Grumpy Ranger which is the ninth installment of The Wolf Valley: Grumps Book Series written by Shaw Hart. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, double virgin, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Blake and Luca are simply the perfect and sweetest with the bets seeing who is faster. I am sure that Luca is letting her win. Perfect happily ever after.

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

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake and Luca's story is cute, full of humour, some insecurities and a lovely epilogue.
These two meet at a diner, she challenges him on who can finish their meal first. The challenges continue, at the same time Luca’s mates are supporting and encouraging him to declare his love.
A lovely couple who support each other in everything they do
Some heat, lots of emotion and a great epilogue.

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

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 9 and it just keeps getting better and cuter in Wolf Valley. Blake and Luca are just the funniest and cutest with the bets and seeing who is better. Which I am sure Luca is letting her win. Again you see the other from the valley in this book and catch up on their happy lives while Brooke and Luca get theirs.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca stopped into Wolf Valley to visit his brother after being medically discharged from the military. He never intended to stay, until he met Blake. It started as a bet to see who can finish their meal first. One bet led to another and he was further in to her.

They has an interesting courtship, loved these two characters.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca is new to town after just recently being medically discharged from the Army Rangers.
Blake works remotely, so she stays hidden away most of the time. She hasn't lived in town long.
Tropes:
Curvy heroine, instalove, short story, small town, military veteran, alpha hero, fresh start, diner meet cute, virgin, HEA romance.

A special thank you to Shaw Hart and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the friendship between our main characters! They feel like best friends, but there's a sweet, secret love brewing between them. It's a bit exasperating when they approach each "date" as a bet, but I see it as their playful way of concealing their true feelings while making sure they stay connected.

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

[Liette · Rating 3 out of 5]

TRADUCTION !!!

Je sais que je bute souvent sur la traduction de cette auteure... Mais je dois dire qu'au début je croyais que Blake était un homme. Donc, ma question est toujours la même... Est-ce que quelqu'un parlant vraiment français relit le texte avant la publication du livre ???
Sinon, les personnages principaux sont mignons ensemble. La compétition entre eux leur permet de mieux se connaître.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 9 in Wolf Valley Grumps series. Tropes: ex Ranger, small town, bet, and dual virgins. An instalove novella with an ex Ranger and a sweet FMC. What started as a bet between to strangers evolved quickly into something more. Sweet quick read.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Blake is alone in the world and decides it's time to meet new people. In a diner, she meets Luca, and their chemistry is instant. I love how they use bets to keep seeing each other and then have real dates. Excellent and fun short book that is sweetly steamy.

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

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lost ranger trying to land after everything. Meeting a friend, placing bets like its your business. Those bets lead to so much more than every expected. Both come out winners even when they lose.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Blake and Luca's unusual courtship but was glad when Blake made it clear that he loved her and wanted a relationship. Luca returned his feelings.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bets are the focus of this cute story. From the very first moment they meet the leads bet on everything which draws them together but also causes some concerns- sweet read!.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Blake and Luca. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with lots of bets, instant connection and steam.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Blake are adorable together and as they enjoy each bet they connect on a level neither expected. It’s a sweet instalove novella with a lot of heart and a sweet HEA.

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

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a playful, fun and sweet romance. It was a nice short escape read, easy to read, pretty well edited. The banter between Luca and Blake is fun and lighthearted.

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

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful story. Luca meets Blake and they start betting on everything. Are the feelings they are having because of the bets or is it real?
Their journey to love is amazing to read.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake meets Luca at a diner and the bets start. At first it was cute little bets but then they get serious. They are dancing around each other making bets, but they are hiding their feelings. Will these two put the bets aside and go for it?

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Blake and Luca's story! These two were so perfect and sweet for each other. Neither one wsnt to admit to how they feel, but he's worried everything is a bet. What happens when they confess their true feelings? Loved them!