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My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor

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I restore historic buildings, not relationships. My life is about precise measurements and perfect joints, not messy emotions or publicity stunts. But when the quirky reporter across the hall convinces me to join a bachelor charity auction to save Portland's historic buildings, my carefully constructed world starts to crack. Lark sees past my gruff exterior, understands my passion for preservation, and makes me want things I've spent years avoiding. Now she's writing articles about me, turning me into some kind of local celebrity, and I'm torn between my growing feelings and my need for privacy. When I discover she's been studying me for months, I have to can I trust her with my heart, or am I just another story for her to tell? Because this curvy, vintage-loving journalist is becoming harder to resist, and I'm starting to think some things are worth the risk of being broken.


I need a replacement bachelor for our charity auction, and fast. When my grumpy neighbor Knox agrees to step in, I think I've saved my career. Instead, I might have endangered my heart. He's everything I never knew I wanted - talented, passionate about preservation, and absolutely gorgeous when he talks about historic architecture. But as my articles about him go viral and the bids start climbing, I realize I've created a monster. Other women are noticing what I've always seen in him, and I can't bear the thought of watching him go to the highest bidder. Worse, he doesn't know I've been writing about him for months. When the truth comes out, will it destroy any chance we have? Because this brooding craftsman has worked his way into my vintage-loving soul, and I'm starting to think fifteen thousand dollars might be a small price to pay for true love.

Fall in love with this steamy grumpy sunshine romance featuring a curvy heroine who melts her brooding neighbor's heart. This spicy slow-burn story proves that sometimes the best romance is right across the hall. With neighbors-to-lovers tension, and a guaranteed HEA, My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor is the perfect cozy holiday read you've been looking for.

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

Sara Hazel

201 books224 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Kelsi.
557 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️


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

If you’re looking for a quick, cozy, get you in the Christmas spirit, swoon-worthy romance read then I highly recommend picking up a copy of My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor by Sara Hazel immediately! Lark is a journalist who wants to spread her wings and cover more than just the community fluff pieces, something her boss agrees to take into consideration if she covers one more fluff piece and covers it well… the Christmas bachelor auction featuring and up and coming celebrity chef. Except when that chef drops out at the last second… Lark must find someone new and worthy to fill in at the auction. And who better than the towns resident restoration wood worker, Knox. Knox is a bit of a recluse and he likes it that way… but when Lark, a bubbly reporter and his neighbor makes him an offer he can’t resist he agrees to be part of the Christmas auction as long as they follow a few guidelines of course. Except the more time Knox and Lark spend together the more they see that maybe this whole auction was a bad idea when it’s clear there’s some mistletoe chemistry between them. But self-doubt can be one’s own worst enemy and while their chemistry burns strong, their love may not be able to survive the little voices in their heads… and it all is going to boil over at the Christmas Bachelor Auction, but whether they’re going to get burned or have a bubbly start to an amazing new romance remains to be seen!

This book was such a cute and fantastic read! I really loved the characters… they were the perfect mix of organized, alpha grump meets quirky, sassy sunshine girl obsessed with vintage wrapped up in a beautiful insta-love romance with just a dash of spice and a pinch of drama to keep you flipping pages!! So I highly recommend this be added to your TBR for anyone looking for a quick read full of romance!
1,363 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2024
Lark is a journalist, but not just being able to write the articles she wants. She wants more than fluff articles. She dresses in vintage clothing along with jewelry. The Portland, Oregon Historical Society holds annual charity event called 'Portland's Twelve Dicks of Christmas Bachelor Auction' to raise funds for restoring historical building preservation in the city. This headline bachelor this year is Timothy Masters, a chef who earned a Michelin star; she learns that he is leaving town so he is not doing the auction. Lark's neighbor is Knox Morton would be a great replacement especially as he is a woodwork restoration specialist doing historical buildings. Lark has had a slightly obsession with him over the last six-months that she has lived in the same building. She has a secret about him;what is it? Can she convince Knox to be the replacement bachelor in the auction? If he agrees, how to do articles to promote him and the auction? Follow Lark's plans and is if it is successful?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
December 19, 2024
Knox and Lark’s Story . . .

Knox Morton and Lark Linwood are neighbors. He restores historic buildings. Lark is a reporter. And soon, the two of them are going to get to know each other lots better when her producer assigns her a new task. Preparing for a major charity event around Christmas, twelve of Portland’s most eligible bachelors are being auctioned off for a holiday-themed fundraiser. Lark’s producer Janet wants profiles on all 12 guys, but wants the heavy focus on culinary star Timothy Masters. Lark had wanted to work on something that mattered more, such as a story about the historic building preservation crisis downtown. But Janet insists on Masters, and promises that if she does a good job highlighting him, they will talk about the preservation another time.

Timothy Masters is supposed to meet with Lark, but he arrives 15 minutes late and she immediately senses something is “off” as he avoids looking directly at her and keeps checking his phone. He finally spoke up to say he can’t participate in the auction. He got another offer for a Food Network holiday special and he’s heading for New York. This is more important to his career right now, but he offers to make a donation to the historical society. This leaves Lark having to find a replacement bachelor for the auction who could raise money to save Portland's historic buildings. So she manages to convince her grumpy neighbor Knox to step in and participate. She starts to write about him, making him sound like a real “catch” and a local celebrity who would be the perfect prize for the highest bidder. She’s even convincing herself that maybe she and Knox could be perfect together! And he sort of feels the same way about her it seems! But many other women are also now convinced by all the hype, and Lark doesn’t want to give him up! Will she offer a bid for him too? Is he ready to make Lark a part of his life? Is a HEA waiting for the two of them at last?
1,305 reviews12 followers
May 26, 2025
A girl can dream, can't she?

Lark Linwood works at Channel 8 news, where she pens the human interest stories for the newscasters to read. Her current assignment is to write about the annual Bowser Ball, a canine fashion show. After five years of writing fluff stories, she longs for some meaty causes. She'd especially like to write about the downtown area crisis concerning historic buildings.

Janet, her producer, wants her to handle this year's edition of Portland’s Twelve Dicks of Christmas Bachelor Auction. The biggest draw of this year's most eligible bachelors is Chef Timothy Masters. She's to interview all of the men, but Timothy is to be the main focus. If she does well, Janet will consider letting her do the preservation story.

But when Timothy suddenly withdraws, she's in desperate need of an additional bachelor for the charity auction. Since the charity is raising money to save historic buildings in Portland, it wasn't quite as hard as she thought it might be to have Knox agree.

Knox Morton comes from a family that owns a logging company, but he'd rather restore old wood than cut down trees. He's surprised to learn that more than just dressing in retro clothing, Lark is also knowledgeable in historical accuracy in decor.

What a power couple they could have been with historical restorations and preservations. If only she hadn't betrayed him...

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,481 reviews89 followers
December 19, 2024
Reporter Lark (h) is assigned to cover Portland’s annual Christmas bachelor auction, never expecting her career, or her heart, to hinge on one reluctant participant. When the star bachelor drops out, persuading Knox (H35), her grumpy, reclusive neighbor with a talent for bringing old buildings back to life, isn’t easy, but Lark knows his craftsmanship and brooding charm will draw the attention the preservation fund desperately needs. Knox doesn’t want the spotlight, but Lark’s determination, and her love of vintage dresses and decor, chips away at his defenses. As they spend time together, the connection between the two grows, and Knox starts to wonder if Lark might be the one person who sees him for who he really is. But when Knox learns she’s been writing about him all along, trust is shattered, and their connection is put to the test, forcing Lark to decide how far she’s willing to go for love. Hot and steamy grumpy sunshine, Christmastime romance, exploring love, connection, second chances, trust, creativity, and the beauty in building something lasting together.
272 reviews
December 14, 2024
I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book and read it because it was sooo worth it!

This is a cozy, sweet, short, grumpy x sunshine book, that delivers a whole lot of happiness, love, and a great story in such a short time.

Lark and Knox, our two main characters, were meant for each other. The way they both managed to understand and see each other was everything.

I loved seeing how they went from neighbors that rarely spoke to each other, to falling head over heels in love with each other.

They had their ups and downs, and it was refreshing to see them both work it out the way they did.

This book had such a unique story, and I was instantly hooked by it.

The fact that we get an epilogue at the end, set a few years later, was the icing on the cake.

Sara Hazel did an amazing job with Lark and Knox’s story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Michelle Peralta.
599 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2024
I’m so glad I picked up this book—it was *totally* worth it! This sweet, cozy, grumpy x sunshine romance packs so much happiness and love into a short read.

Lark and Knox were meant for each other. Watching them go from barely speaking neighbors to falling in love was a joy. They had their challenges, but the way they worked through them felt real and refreshing.

Lark, a young journalist, convinces her grumpy neighbor Knox to join a singles auction, never expecting other women to fight for the man she’s secretly crushed on for years. Knox, a lonely restorer, reluctantly agrees, but will he let Lark into his life after she confesses her secrets?

A unique, heartwarming story, and the epilogue years later was the perfect touch. Sara Hazel did an amazing job with Lark and Knox’s journey!
Profile Image for Miriam.
738 reviews39 followers
December 29, 2024
There's so much to this wonderful little story. Knox and Lark are perfect for one another without knowing it. They seem so opposite at first but the chapters reveal unexpected similarities and passions that led to maybe, just maybe, they weren't so opposite. I felt for Knox. His family didn't see him as they should have, gauged his success in dollars rather than the passion and love he had for what he did. But Lark... She saw him. Months ago, she saw him. And she wrote him as he deserved to be seen.

Like I said, there's so much in this wonderful story. Each layer was just waiting to be peeled away. Each doubt and fear were waiting to be chased away. Hopes and dreams were waiting to be acknowledged. This is a story I couldn't wait to read but was incredibly sad when it ended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,720 reviews63 followers
January 2, 2025
My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy-sunshine, curvy virgin gets her hunk Christmas romance. Lark is a curvy journalist with a love of all things vintage. Knox is her hunky, grumpy neighbor and an expert woodworker and preservationist. When Lark has to do a story on a Christmas bachelor auction, the main bachelor attraction ends up withdrawing. She asks Knox to step in, hoping his love for historic preservation will entice him to do the charity auction. She has been crushing on him for some time. He reluctantly agrees, but what happens when she ends up falling for the hunky bachelor she is writing about? This couple had insane chemistry. They were so perfect together, and we got the best ending after a little drama. I loved this Christmas romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,206 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2024
Christmas romance.
Lark is a young journalist who has taken charge of the auction of singles. Following a withdrawal, she manages to convince her grumpy neighbor Knox to take part. She had not thought that other women would fight for the man she has had a secret crush on for years.
Knox is a lonely restorer of a historic building. He manages to be convinced to participate in an auction by the only woman who lives it as he is.
Will Knox let Lark into his life or will he run away when she confesses her secrets to him….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,513 reviews18 followers
December 20, 2024
The chemistry and slow-burn between Knox and Lark, the main characters, was delicious and full of angst and tension. Full of references to the past, and the importance of its preservation, this story really struck a cord with me. The main characters each had a goal going into the agreement, yet, when all was said and done, would their priorities remain as before? Or would the process have them opening their eyes to other possibilities?

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
3,534 reviews
December 31, 2024
Two peas in a pot not pod. Both like the same thing but they are not on the same page. How could he have missed Claire in the 50's style everything even thought she is a reporter. He was so in to historic rebuilding, he didn't see the gem in front of him. Claire, knows what she has and wants to keep it secure and dang nabbit ethical involvement is going down the tubes. What can she do to fix this? Bantering. special event. fundraising auction. good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
719 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2024
Hate being the center of attention, DO NOT sign up for the bachelor auction! Loving what you do, but not being seen, don't give you all the opportunities you would like. Then your sassy, sexy neighbor starts writing articles about what you do, only to have your world turned upside down. Funny, hot, short read about restoration in more ways than one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cottage_reads.
216 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2024
4.5*

I enjoyed this book so much.

It was a quick, spicy read but I was really drawn to the love of antiques that both MCs have.

Both characters have good arcs for the shortness of the novel.

If you need some festive cheer and a HEA, then this book is for you.

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
December 20, 2024
My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor is a good, and enjoyable spicy insta love grumpy sunshine second chance holiday romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining steamy action packed page turning romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
363 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2025
See ME!
Fantastic. This story is like an onion, there are many layers to peal away. Knox and Lark think that they don’t have anything in common. But, they find they share a bond over the historical buildings around them. Knox steps in to help Lark for a bachelor auction but, what happens when he learns that she’s been writing about him for months? Could tearing off the layers lead to tears?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,664 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2024
These two are neighbors and she needs a bachelor for an bachelor auction. At first, he says no, but then she speaks his language, and he says maybe. Can she get him to agree then let her write an article about it? I enjoyed the story and the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,574 reviews
December 17, 2024
This book is a fast insta love story that will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. Lark needs to find someone to fill in at the historical bachelor auction when she sees her next door neighbor Knox, but can she convince him to do without falling for him? Cute read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,793 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2024
Lark is assigned the job of interviewing the men chosen for the charity auction. Because of a last-minute withdrawal, she recruits her handsome neighbor, Knox, to fill in. Of course, we know they have noticed each other for a while. This book has an excellent plot and fantastic characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
December 20, 2024
My Grumpy Christmas Bachelor:A grumpy sunshine holiday romance story of Knox and Lark..A grumpy neighbor and the reporter..one bachelor charity auction and a bidding war to win the man who own her heart..A sweet,steamy,witty and lovely story..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
Read
December 20, 2024
Neighbours Knox Morton and Lark Linwood's short story, he restores historic buildings and she is a reporter. i enjoyed seeing these two work towards their happy ending and the ups and downs they went through to get it. I loved the gorgeous cover, it predicted the story just right. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,187 reviews30 followers
December 22, 2024
Portland auction…

Lark talks up her neighbor, Knox, the grumpy, hottie carpenter she’s been fixated on for a year, in her column. He’s a historical restoration guy and he agree reluctantly to be one of twelve dates auctioned off. Lark is a retro gal, a writer doing fluff pieces. But she really sees Knox and soon so are others.

I liked this fun and quirky read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bollnow.
300 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2025
This is a sweet and spicy holiday romance. This is a shorter story than I initially thought it was going to be. I enjoyed the characters and their journey just wish there was more (obstacles to overcome, backstory and so on).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,931 reviews
January 25, 2025
Grumpy bachelor and sunny writer. They forced together to carry charity auction even he didn’t know about this plot.
Will she convince him that she did it in good faith?
Great storyline with very well developed characters.
Very entertaining and enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
46 reviews
Read
August 4, 2025
The Story is about Lark the curvy reporter with vintage addiction an Knox the grumpy wood worker. The 8 Chapters and epilogue are alternating POV between Lark and Knox.
It was a nice quick read with 2 persons falling for each other and living happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,290 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2024
Knox is Lark’s neighbour who she convinces to appear at a bachelor auction. He is an antique wood restorer and she is a reporter. Steamy chemistry in a shorter novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
200 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2024
This was a great Christmas novella. Lark is a reporter and has lost the main man for the Bachelor auction for the historical preservation society. Enter her craftsman neighbor Knox.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Summer Stanley.
797 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2024
I loved this story and how the two lead characters aren't your basic cookie cutter characters. They have depth and warmth to them both in their own ways.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.3k reviews76 followers
December 20, 2024
The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Lark and Knox. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, secrets and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,660 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2024
I loved this Christmas story, Knox and Lark are wonderful characters. I loved the chemistry between these two. A wonderful story.

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