Falling for the Grumpy Dad: Sweet Romantic Comedy

by Marie Hobbs

Dr. Mikaela Langston is ready to change lives.
Her groundbreaking program for gifted children is finally launching—focused on helping kids thrive academically and emotionally.

Then she meets him.

Darnell Bradford is a no-nonsense single dad who wants one thing for his gifted excellence. So, when he discovers his son’s new program prioritizes emotional growth over academics—and that it’s run by the woman he already had a disastrous first impression with—he’s not impressed.

At all.

Mikaela thinks he’s overbearing.
Darnell thinks she’s misguided.

They both agree on one they don’t want to work together.

Too bad they have to.

When the future of the program—and the children depending on it—is threatened, Mikaela and Darnell are forced into an uneasy partnership. As tension turns into respect and late-night strategy sessions spark unexpected chemistry, neither of them is prepared for what comes next.

Because protecting their hearts may be the one battle they can’t win.

✨ Grumpy single dad
✨ Brilliant, driven heroine
✨ Forced proximity + slow-burn romance
✨ Clean, feel-good romantic comedy

Start reading Falling for the Grumpy Dad today!

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

['The Book Queen']

The story was sweet

[Cherie l brown]

The depth of this story was amazing! The author has to be a genius level person herself or has an outstanding research team. In my opinion, Darnell was a jerk. Smart, and a good father, but horrible interpersonal skills. Dr. Mike, was relatable, and just wanted to help the children have a better social balance than she had. This story was about 175 pages longer than my typical reads, but the story was good, and I’m pleased that I decided to read it despite its length.

[SL Wilson]

so sweet

I truly enjoyed Mikaela and Darnell’s love story. When we first meet them, Darnell thinks Mikaela is his blind date. They banter and it is so funny. They meet later when Darnell’s son ends up in Mikaela’s gifted children’s program. They were both smart and fought falling for each other. I’m glad they gave in and took a chance to find their HEA. Great read!

[Stephanie L. Reed]

Beautiful..

This book was so personal and perfect to read. These characters leaped off the pages, I could see it p,at out like a movie. Thank you for sharing your gift, hopefully we will get a book on Natalie soon.

[Jennifer Titre]

Great Read

This is the first book I’ve read written by Marie Hobbs, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I shall be be looking to read more of her books in future.

[Culeasha W]

Mikaela and Darnell got on my nerves but the storyline is super cute! Also, listening to the audiobook and having my husband Darnell look up every time he heard his name called was worth it :)