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Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince: A Small Town Forced Proximity Sweet Romance
Sophie Davis is a powerhouse event planner. Graham Cole is a broody, reclusive landscape architect—or so everyone thinks.
Sophie built the life she always wanted—so why does it still feel empty? A trip home to plan her cousin’s wedding might be the change she needs. The last thing she expects? Getting roped into working with Graham, the town’s most elusive resident.
Graham walked away from his royal past and the Montgomery name. For seven years, Bardstown has been his refuge, a place to keep his identity buried. Sophie is everything he’s avoided—polished, ambitious, and far too close to the life he abandoned. From the moment they meet, there’s an undeniable spark, one they both refuse to acknowledge. The more they resist, the stronger the tension becomes.
Just as Sophie starts breaking through his walls, Graham’s past comes knocking. The future of the throne is in jeopardy. Secrets unravel. And Graham? Gone.
Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
This sweet romcom is packed with all the flirty chemistry you could want—complete with swoony kisses—but skips the steam. Think sparks without the fire! It’s a standalone in a charming series with a guaranteed happily ever after. It includes a single punch, driven by deep personal hurt rather than anger.
Sophie built the life she always wanted—so why does it still feel empty? A trip home to plan her cousin’s wedding might be the change she needs. The last thing she expects? Getting roped into working with Graham, the town’s most elusive resident.
Graham walked away from his royal past and the Montgomery name. For seven years, Bardstown has been his refuge, a place to keep his identity buried. Sophie is everything he’s avoided—polished, ambitious, and far too close to the life he abandoned. From the moment they meet, there’s an undeniable spark, one they both refuse to acknowledge. The more they resist, the stronger the tension becomes.
Just as Sophie starts breaking through his walls, Graham’s past comes knocking. The future of the throne is in jeopardy. Secrets unravel. And Graham? Gone.
Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
This sweet romcom is packed with all the flirty chemistry you could want—complete with swoony kisses—but skips the steam. Think sparks without the fire! It’s a standalone in a charming series with a guaranteed happily ever after. It includes a single punch, driven by deep personal hurt rather than anger.
- GenresRomance
250 pages, Paperback
Published March 18, 2025
11 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 20, 2025
Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince made my heart happy and kept me up reading late into the night. Sophie is an Event Planner and is fantastic at pulling off events that please her clients. She’s dependable, creative, and works hard to please her clients. She gets a call from her cousin, Ethan, who surprises her by announcing he’s engaged, and the wedding will be in three months. She’s excited for him and can’t wait to see him and everyone else at the wedding.
Sophie is happy with her career and how far she’s come, but her life feels hollow. It’s as if she’s forgotten to plan for something she can’t figure out. She’s meeting a client that she thought everything was all planned and ready to go, but it doesn’t quite go as planned. Mrs. Whitmore doesn’t care that they met last week and everything was approved. She doesn’t feel those plans go with her vision and wants something entirely different.
Graham is back in town after being away for a few days and the news is in the air. A wedding for Riley and Ethan, who are perfect for each other. There’s also a rumor that it will be at the old Holloway estate, but it will need a good deal of work done before the wedding. Graham also finds out that Mia is coming back to town. Graham has a secret of his own, he’s a prince and no one in Bardstown knows this about him. He doesn’t want them to know about it either.
Sophie left Bardstown years ago and never planned to return, but with the upcoming wedding for her cousin Ethan she knows she needs to go. Her new life has been busy, successful, and accomplishments, but she feels tired. She wrestles with the idea of going back to Bardstown for the wedding, she looks through her calendar and realizes she can have her projects wrapped up before the wedding. When her sister, Mia, calls her and asks about the costs for her to plan Ethan and Riley’s wedding, (she doesn’t charge family). Although Riley has been working on the plans, she could really use Sophie’s expertise. While she’s thinking about this project, her phone dings with a notification from her cloud storage, a video from ten years ago. It’s her sister, brother, and her at the lake. Before she can talk herself out of it, she calls her assistant tells her to clear her calendar for the next three months.
What will happen when Sophie returns to Bardstown? Will she be able to reestablish her relationships with family and friends? Will she be able to adjust to the slower pace? Will she meet Graham and if so, what will she think of him? Will he tell her his long-kept secret? If he does, how will she react to him being a Prince? You do not want to miss this wonderfully written story. Get your copy of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince today!
Sophie is happy with her career and how far she’s come, but her life feels hollow. It’s as if she’s forgotten to plan for something she can’t figure out. She’s meeting a client that she thought everything was all planned and ready to go, but it doesn’t quite go as planned. Mrs. Whitmore doesn’t care that they met last week and everything was approved. She doesn’t feel those plans go with her vision and wants something entirely different.
Graham is back in town after being away for a few days and the news is in the air. A wedding for Riley and Ethan, who are perfect for each other. There’s also a rumor that it will be at the old Holloway estate, but it will need a good deal of work done before the wedding. Graham also finds out that Mia is coming back to town. Graham has a secret of his own, he’s a prince and no one in Bardstown knows this about him. He doesn’t want them to know about it either.
Sophie left Bardstown years ago and never planned to return, but with the upcoming wedding for her cousin Ethan she knows she needs to go. Her new life has been busy, successful, and accomplishments, but she feels tired. She wrestles with the idea of going back to Bardstown for the wedding, she looks through her calendar and realizes she can have her projects wrapped up before the wedding. When her sister, Mia, calls her and asks about the costs for her to plan Ethan and Riley’s wedding, (she doesn’t charge family). Although Riley has been working on the plans, she could really use Sophie’s expertise. While she’s thinking about this project, her phone dings with a notification from her cloud storage, a video from ten years ago. It’s her sister, brother, and her at the lake. Before she can talk herself out of it, she calls her assistant tells her to clear her calendar for the next three months.
What will happen when Sophie returns to Bardstown? Will she be able to reestablish her relationships with family and friends? Will she be able to adjust to the slower pace? Will she meet Graham and if so, what will she think of him? Will he tell her his long-kept secret? If he does, how will she react to him being a Prince? You do not want to miss this wonderfully written story. Get your copy of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince today!
March 19, 2025
This is a sweet, slow burn romance between self-professed perfectionists trying to ignore their sparking connection. Sophie is feeling the strain of work, loneliness and emptiness, so she returns to her small town home for a break. Graham has been hiding out in that same small town for years. He fears that connecting with anyone on a deep level will expose his secret identity. Yet, he's drawn to Sophie instantly.
I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the author. Thanks to Lily Jacobson for the inclusion on her review team for Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince.
The story starts slowly, steadily introducing characters and providing background details. The "will they, won't they?" stage lingers for longer than I liked. Graham fluctuates between hot and cold because he is emotionally stuck, so he shuts out Sophie. This echoes the struggle he has with his past since he didn't know how to fulfill his official role without losing himself. Instead, he ran away. I wasn't convinced Graham could fully redeem himself in time, but he makes up for the heartache when he has to face his issues head-on and come to his senses. The last two chapters give a satisfying conclusion.
The author does well to express the various realistic emotions of several characters. I also like the glimpses into small town life and the relationships in the main characters' lives. Sophie and her relatives are loving and supportive of each other. The same is true of the royal family despite the tension of the past. Relationships are important and you have to work through the challenges to save them. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
I received an advanced reader copy of the book from the author. Thanks to Lily Jacobson for the inclusion on her review team for Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince.
The story starts slowly, steadily introducing characters and providing background details. The "will they, won't they?" stage lingers for longer than I liked. Graham fluctuates between hot and cold because he is emotionally stuck, so he shuts out Sophie. This echoes the struggle he has with his past since he didn't know how to fulfill his official role without losing himself. Instead, he ran away. I wasn't convinced Graham could fully redeem himself in time, but he makes up for the heartache when he has to face his issues head-on and come to his senses. The last two chapters give a satisfying conclusion.
The author does well to express the various realistic emotions of several characters. I also like the glimpses into small town life and the relationships in the main characters' lives. Sophie and her relatives are loving and supportive of each other. The same is true of the royal family despite the tension of the past. Relationships are important and you have to work through the challenges to save them. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
March 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
Another sweet, fun, and romantic book from Lily Jacobson. I have come to enjoy her books immensely. Her books promise happy ever afters, swoony moments, characters both MC and side that you want to see succeed, and a storyline that is easy to follow and perfectly paced.
Sophie is stuck. Her life isn’t where she hoped it would be and isn’t moving in the right direction. As a perfectionist, this won’t do, so she decides to return home to clear her mind. Returning home to her small town, she meets Graham and the attraction is instant. However, as Graham blows hot and cold, she isn’t sure if he’s hiding something or not sure of what he wants.
Graham has kept a quiet presence in the small town he lives in. Not wanting to connect with anyone on more than surface level, he is surprised with how taken he is by Sophie when they meet. Graham’s secret though causes him to fluctuate towards Sophie, at times pulling her in and others pushing her away. He doesn’t want his royal status to be all he is, but doesn’t want to lie to Sophie either.
As both characters struggle to give in to their true feelings, we get to see Lily’s writing talent take flight. Building rapport between her readers and the MCs, as well with their families, I found myself fully captivated by this story and the easy read this book is overall. I fully enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys clean romances, low angst storylines, or just needs a quick escape into a book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
👑Small Town Romance
💜Hidden Identity
👑Grumpy MMC
💜Perfectionist FMC
👑Secret Royalty
💜Found Family
👑Clean Romance
Another sweet, fun, and romantic book from Lily Jacobson. I have come to enjoy her books immensely. Her books promise happy ever afters, swoony moments, characters both MC and side that you want to see succeed, and a storyline that is easy to follow and perfectly paced.
Sophie is stuck. Her life isn’t where she hoped it would be and isn’t moving in the right direction. As a perfectionist, this won’t do, so she decides to return home to clear her mind. Returning home to her small town, she meets Graham and the attraction is instant. However, as Graham blows hot and cold, she isn’t sure if he’s hiding something or not sure of what he wants.
Graham has kept a quiet presence in the small town he lives in. Not wanting to connect with anyone on more than surface level, he is surprised with how taken he is by Sophie when they meet. Graham’s secret though causes him to fluctuate towards Sophie, at times pulling her in and others pushing her away. He doesn’t want his royal status to be all he is, but doesn’t want to lie to Sophie either.
As both characters struggle to give in to their true feelings, we get to see Lily’s writing talent take flight. Building rapport between her readers and the MCs, as well with their families, I found myself fully captivated by this story and the easy read this book is overall. I fully enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys clean romances, low angst storylines, or just needs a quick escape into a book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
👑Small Town Romance
💜Hidden Identity
👑Grumpy MMC
💜Perfectionist FMC
👑Secret Royalty
💜Found Family
👑Clean Romance
March 19, 2025
This is the third book in this series by Lily Jacobson, but it can be read as a standalone!
It is a cute, sweet story with characters that are lovable and easy to relate to.
This book follows Graham, a broody, reclusive landscape architect (with a little secret) and Sophie, a powerhouse event planner. They come together to help plan the wedding of two dear friends and while they are working together it's impossible to deny the spark between the two! However neither is willing to admit it! The longer it goes the stronger the tension becomes. However tragedy strikes and the future of throne is in jeopardy! Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
Small Town
Hidden Identity
Grumpy MMC
Royalty
Found Family
Sweet, Clean
This is a sweet romcom packed with all the flirty chemistry, swoony kisses, and a happily ever after!
It is a cute, sweet story with characters that are lovable and easy to relate to.
This book follows Graham, a broody, reclusive landscape architect (with a little secret) and Sophie, a powerhouse event planner. They come together to help plan the wedding of two dear friends and while they are working together it's impossible to deny the spark between the two! However neither is willing to admit it! The longer it goes the stronger the tension becomes. However tragedy strikes and the future of throne is in jeopardy! Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
Small Town
Hidden Identity
Grumpy MMC
Royalty
Found Family
Sweet, Clean
This is a sweet romcom packed with all the flirty chemistry, swoony kisses, and a happily ever after!
October 22, 2025
This is the third book in this series by Lily Jacobson, but it can be read as a standalone!
It is a cute, sweet story with characters that are lovable and easy to relate to.
This book follows Graham, a broody, reclusive landscape architect (with a little secret) and Sophie, a powerhouse event planner. They come together to help plan the wedding of two dear friends and while they are working together it's impossible to deny the spark between the two! However neither is willing to admit it! The longer it goes the stronger the tension becomes. However tragedy strikes and the future of throne is in jeopardy! Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
Small Town
Hidden Identity
Grumpy MMC
Royalty
Found Family
Sweet, Clean
This is a sweet romcom packed with all the flirty chemistry, swoony kisses, and a happily ever after!
It is a cute, sweet story with characters that are lovable and easy to relate to.
This book follows Graham, a broody, reclusive landscape architect (with a little secret) and Sophie, a powerhouse event planner. They come together to help plan the wedding of two dear friends and while they are working together it's impossible to deny the spark between the two! However neither is willing to admit it! The longer it goes the stronger the tension becomes. However tragedy strikes and the future of throne is in jeopardy! Will Sophie fight for a man who refuses to let anyone in? Or will Graham lose the one person who sees him for who he truly is?
Small Town
Hidden Identity
Grumpy MMC
Royalty
Found Family
Sweet, Clean
This is a sweet romcom packed with all the flirty chemistry, swoony kisses, and a happily ever after!
March 18, 2025
Who doesn’t love a grump? Graham is the perfect grumpy hero in hiding. He’s standoffish and broody and so very dreamy!
Sophie is the heroine we can look up to. She worked hard to make herself successful. She is a strong, independent woman who finds love where she least expects to find it. This is such a sweet romance story! It has so many of my favorite tropes: small-town, grumpy/sunshine, and secret identity.
Lily Jacobson has written characters that are easy to connect to and that quickly grab your heart with their unique personalities. I highly recommend reading this book for a sweet, clean, and satisfying romance!
This is my unbiased and honest opinion. I was given a copy as part of an advanced reader team.
Sophie is the heroine we can look up to. She worked hard to make herself successful. She is a strong, independent woman who finds love where she least expects to find it. This is such a sweet romance story! It has so many of my favorite tropes: small-town, grumpy/sunshine, and secret identity.
Lily Jacobson has written characters that are easy to connect to and that quickly grab your heart with their unique personalities. I highly recommend reading this book for a sweet, clean, and satisfying romance!
This is my unbiased and honest opinion. I was given a copy as part of an advanced reader team.
March 31, 2025
A Title is Not Who You Are
Sophie left home to prove to herself that she could succeed. In doing so, she became one of the top choices for event and wedding planners until the business began to run her. Needing time to regroup and breathe, she takes three months off, going back home only to be ensnared by her older sister to plan thier cousins wedding to thier best friend. Mia, her sister, introduces her to Graham, who is trying to keep a low profile, trying to find himself after so many royal responsibilities left him not even knowing who he was. Being courest into working together, the sparks fly since both are perfectionist, until disaster strikes and he must leave instantly. This was one of the best slow burn romances I've read, well deserving of a five star.
Sophie left home to prove to herself that she could succeed. In doing so, she became one of the top choices for event and wedding planners until the business began to run her. Needing time to regroup and breathe, she takes three months off, going back home only to be ensnared by her older sister to plan thier cousins wedding to thier best friend. Mia, her sister, introduces her to Graham, who is trying to keep a low profile, trying to find himself after so many royal responsibilities left him not even knowing who he was. Being courest into working together, the sparks fly since both are perfectionist, until disaster strikes and he must leave instantly. This was one of the best slow burn romances I've read, well deserving of a five star.
March 21, 2025
This is a sweet small-town romance with a terrific storyline. The main characters, Graham and Sophie, are both struggling with accepting aspects of themselves and the sudden attraction they feel complicates matters exponentially. The grump/sunshine and secret identity tropes are evident throughout the story. Jacobson does a marvelous job conveying the intimacy and emotions felt by the main characters, including their fears and insecurities. These two were very easy to relate to from the start, making their struggles that much more difficult. However, Lily makes it all worth while in the end.
March 18, 2025
Good story. Sophie comes home to plan her cousin’s wedding. She needs help and Graham is volunteer Ed to help as he is a landscape architect. Unbeknownst to the town, he is also a prince in hiding. Their attraction leads to many misunderstandings. Both their characters are tested by circumstances. Cute story that is fun to read.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 20, 2025
Sweet small town romance of Graham who is 'hiding" there and Sophie, who is back after 7 years for organizing family wedding.
Wonderful characters. He is extraordinary, talented and brilliant, but.. good at leaving. And tries to keep distance from Sophie. Who is very good match to him.
Sweet romance, with nice story line and beautiful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful characters. He is extraordinary, talented and brilliant, but.. good at leaving. And tries to keep distance from Sophie. Who is very good match to him.
Sweet romance, with nice story line and beautiful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
Overall, a fun read about an event planner and a landscape architect, who is secretly a prince finding their HEA after many starts and stops. Graham runs hot and cold because of his heavy secret. I was sometimes confused by why he acted the way he did and some of his reactions, but the epilogue more than makes up for that.
March 26, 2025
I usually stay away from books with the royal, prince, princess or anything else than hints at royalty being involved. However, I like this author and so I took a chance. I’m so glad I did. I enjoyed this story. Sophie and Graham kept me entertained. This story has romance, humor, secrets, and uncertain ending, okay, uncertain if this wasn’t a romance. Things aren’t always as they appear.
April 24, 2025
Sophie left smalltown Bardstown to be a success in the city. She became a top event planner but found herself overworked. When her cousin became engaged, she returned home to help plan the wedding. She found Graham, a landscape architect, to help create the outside gardens and arrangements for the wedding. No one knew he was a prince who left the pressure of his life in his kingdom to find a life of his own. When the people from the royal castle call him and request he come home immediately, he goes without saying goodbye. What happened at home? Will he return to help Sophie with the wedding? Many surprises pappen along the way to read about!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews