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Grumpily Ever After
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21 days and 00:32:18
100 copies available
U.S. only
An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 20, 2026
9 people are currently reading
3388 people want to read
About the author
Teagan Hunter
50 books5,419 followersTEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels, though not in that order. When not writing, you can find her watching entirely too many hours of Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween and prefers cooler weather. She married her high school sweetheart, and they currently live in the PNW.
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FOLLOW HER AMAZON PAGE:
amazon.com/author/teaganhunter
FOLLOW HER FACEBOOK PAGE:
facebook.com/teaganhunterwrites
JOIN HER READER GROUP:
Teagan's Tidbits on Facebook
FOLLOW HER INSTAGRAM:
@teaganhunterwrites
SIGN UP FOR HER NEWSLETTER:
Teagan's Newsletter
READING ORDER:
Reading Order For Teagan's Books
________________
Teagan does not regularly check this account. Please visit her website to get in touch with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 10, 2025
3.5 stars
Noah and Odette have known each other a long time. She's his little sister's best friend. And her wedding planner. Odette plans weddings, but due to her family's curse on love, she'll never get married. And after a divorce, Noah has no interest in it either. But they both band together to help get his little sister's wedding together.
And, of course, sparks fly. I liked Noah and Odette together. I think they made a sweet couple. Their story was a bit predictable, but nice. I always enjoy Teagan's books but this one felt a little slow for me. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my fave.
Noah and Odette have known each other a long time. She's his little sister's best friend. And her wedding planner. Odette plans weddings, but due to her family's curse on love, she'll never get married. And after a divorce, Noah has no interest in it either. But they both band together to help get his little sister's wedding together.
And, of course, sparks fly. I liked Noah and Odette together. I think they made a sweet couple. Their story was a bit predictable, but nice. I always enjoy Teagan's books but this one felt a little slow for me. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my fave.
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December 4, 2025Releasing January 20, 2026
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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3VKNzu9
December 1, 2025
Utterly fun and swoony!
I had such a good time reading this book. This hit the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat that makes Teagan Hunter so easy for me to sink into. I loved how Odette and Noah’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic unfolded. Slowly, naturally, with just enough spark to keep me grinning at their banter. The pacing was effortless, and the emotional moments were written in a way that made the romance feel genuine.
What really pulled me in was how grounded the characters felt beneath all the fun. Their connection had a warm, steady charm that had me rooting for them from the start. And the way their walls came down gave the story its emotional punch. This was sweet, flirty, and warm in all the right ways all while being the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I love when I want to smile through an entire book.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I had such a good time reading this book. This hit the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat that makes Teagan Hunter so easy for me to sink into. I loved how Odette and Noah’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic unfolded. Slowly, naturally, with just enough spark to keep me grinning at their banter. The pacing was effortless, and the emotional moments were written in a way that made the romance feel genuine.
What really pulled me in was how grounded the characters felt beneath all the fun. Their connection had a warm, steady charm that had me rooting for them from the start. And the way their walls came down gave the story its emotional punch. This was sweet, flirty, and warm in all the right ways all while being the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I love when I want to smile through an entire book.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
October 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Montlake and Teagan Hunter for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Grumpily ever after is the first book in the Stick Taps series, the story follows Noah, a retired hockey player that moved back home after a divorce and decided to open a cidery, and Odette, his younger sister's best friend and resident wedding planner. The two of them end up having to join forces in order to plan his little sister's wedding, and that's where everything starts.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- Age gap
- Best friend's brother
- Small town
- Secret/Forbidden romance
I really enjoyed this, it was fun and wholesome. The dynamic between the two main characters was great, there was enough banter, enough tension and enough emotion. I loved reading their story and I had a lot of fun reading about them sneaking around and falling for each other. The only thing that bothered me a little is the whole "curse" thing, I think it was too much at times but I get why the element was present.
It's a quick paced read, perfect to binge read while spending an afternoon cozying up on the sofa.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Montlake and Teagan Hunter for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Grumpily ever after is the first book in the Stick Taps series, the story follows Noah, a retired hockey player that moved back home after a divorce and decided to open a cidery, and Odette, his younger sister's best friend and resident wedding planner. The two of them end up having to join forces in order to plan his little sister's wedding, and that's where everything starts.
Tropes you can find in this book:
- Age gap
- Best friend's brother
- Small town
- Secret/Forbidden romance
I really enjoyed this, it was fun and wholesome. The dynamic between the two main characters was great, there was enough banter, enough tension and enough emotion. I loved reading their story and I had a lot of fun reading about them sneaking around and falling for each other. The only thing that bothered me a little is the whole "curse" thing, I think it was too much at times but I get why the element was present.
It's a quick paced read, perfect to binge read while spending an afternoon cozying up on the sofa.
November 8, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
I kind of adored this.
A fun small town rom com with an ex hockey player.
Throw in little sister’s best friend. (Age gap!)
A sworn off love grumpy guy x cursed in love sunshine wedding planner
He owns a cidery and what do you know a perfect place for weddings.
Odette & Noah were fun and forbidden.
Sneaking around.
Opposites attract.
Cat distribution system lady
Escaping chicken
He’s a secret softy
This is my 3rd Teagan Hunter book and I’m getting the feel for her rom coms.
Arc review ✨
I kind of adored this.
A fun small town rom com with an ex hockey player.
Throw in little sister’s best friend. (Age gap!)
A sworn off love grumpy guy x cursed in love sunshine wedding planner
He owns a cidery and what do you know a perfect place for weddings.
Odette & Noah were fun and forbidden.
Sneaking around.
Opposites attract.
Cat distribution system lady
Escaping chicken
He’s a secret softy
This is my 3rd Teagan Hunter book and I’m getting the feel for her rom coms.
Arc review ✨
October 24, 2025
This is my first book by Teagan Hunter and I must say I absolutely loved it! She had me so engrossed I finished it one day. I love a good rom-com that I can’t put down. This book is amazing.
Best Friends brother
Wedding planner
Divorcee
Hockey player
Just a little bit of everything all rolled into one. Pure perfection. Odette and Noah are perfect for each other.
I was granted an advance copy from NetGalley. This is my own personal opinion of the book.
Best Friends brother
Wedding planner
Divorcee
Hockey player
Just a little bit of everything all rolled into one. Pure perfection. Odette and Noah are perfect for each other.
I was granted an advance copy from NetGalley. This is my own personal opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quick Summary: An age gap, best friend's brother romance
My Review: Grumpily Ever After by Teagan Hunter is book #1 in the Stick Taps series. It is scheduled for release on 1/20/26.
About the Book: "An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances."
In My Own Words: After giving in to sibling pressure, a grump of a good guy butts heads with his sister's bestie, who just so happens to need a win.
About the Characters:
- Noah Stevens - > Retired NHL player, business owner, big brother who has a hard time saying no to his little sister, divorced, has a bah humbug attitude (but underneath, he's a real one), anti-love
- Odette Chambers - > Wedding planner, "cursed" family history that she takes seriously, hesitant to avoidant regarding having a deep relationships with a partner, unfairly viewed by community, longstanding secret attraction to best friend's brother
About the Couple: The way Noah and Odie unfolded in front of each other was so organic. They started one way and naturally progressed toward something altogether...MORE. The slow burn, flirty fire approach worked for them.
About the Supporting Characters:
- Tootsie & other animal friends - > This escape artist, along with the others, were dead set on keeping things interesting. As far as I am concerned, this provided funny hahas and cuteness overload every time they entered the scene.
- Izzy - > She was a mixed bag character, in my opinion. I liked her well enough, but initially, I did not care for her pushiness (this was related to her late notice request to her brother); I did like how she was protective of her best friend and how she & Odette had a meaningful ride or die connection
- Ezra - > I loved the bar's co-owner. He intrigued me...greatly so. From the beginning, he gave off this wounded warrior, golden heart vibe. I really liked that he and Noah had a close friendship/partnership.
My Final Say: This was a fast-paced to mid-paced romance with a whole lot of wit, humor, heart, and heat. Both leads were easy to like and feel for. After getting past their personal hang ups with each other and with themselves, Noah and Odette were able to see what was most important. The supporting cast and community members added color and texture to the story. All in all, it was a wonderful start to a new series.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories with grumps and troubled sunshines, OMYW storylines, and better late than never realizations will like this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: F to M
Series: Yes
Format: 📚
Note: I would love to listen to this via audiobook. It will be a hoot. Good times, for sure!
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Montlake), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I enjoyed my introduction to the series and look forward to more.
My Review: Grumpily Ever After by Teagan Hunter is book #1 in the Stick Taps series. It is scheduled for release on 1/20/26.
About the Book: "An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances."
In My Own Words: After giving in to sibling pressure, a grump of a good guy butts heads with his sister's bestie, who just so happens to need a win.
About the Characters:
- Noah Stevens - > Retired NHL player, business owner, big brother who has a hard time saying no to his little sister, divorced, has a bah humbug attitude (but underneath, he's a real one), anti-love
- Odette Chambers - > Wedding planner, "cursed" family history that she takes seriously, hesitant to avoidant regarding having a deep relationships with a partner, unfairly viewed by community, longstanding secret attraction to best friend's brother
About the Couple: The way Noah and Odie unfolded in front of each other was so organic. They started one way and naturally progressed toward something altogether...MORE. The slow burn, flirty fire approach worked for them.
About the Supporting Characters:
- Tootsie & other animal friends - > This escape artist, along with the others, were dead set on keeping things interesting. As far as I am concerned, this provided funny hahas and cuteness overload every time they entered the scene.
- Izzy - > She was a mixed bag character, in my opinion. I liked her well enough, but initially, I did not care for her pushiness (this was related to her late notice request to her brother); I did like how she was protective of her best friend and how she & Odette had a meaningful ride or die connection
- Ezra - > I loved the bar's co-owner. He intrigued me...greatly so. From the beginning, he gave off this wounded warrior, golden heart vibe. I really liked that he and Noah had a close friendship/partnership.
My Final Say: This was a fast-paced to mid-paced romance with a whole lot of wit, humor, heart, and heat. Both leads were easy to like and feel for. After getting past their personal hang ups with each other and with themselves, Noah and Odette were able to see what was most important. The supporting cast and community members added color and texture to the story. All in all, it was a wonderful start to a new series.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories with grumps and troubled sunshines, OMYW storylines, and better late than never realizations will like this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: F to M
Series: Yes
Format: 📚
Note: I would love to listen to this via audiobook. It will be a hoot. Good times, for sure!
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Montlake), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I enjoyed my introduction to the series and look forward to more.
October 11, 2025
Okay, first of all... Teagan Hunter can write the hell out of a hockey romance. Or, in this case, hockey adjacent, since Noah’s not on the ice anymore but hockey is still a huge part of who he is and the life he’s building. This was my second book by her, and it just confirmed what I already suspected. Her writing is so good. She captures emotion, banter, and connection so naturally that I can’t help but get sucked right in.
Let’s talk about Noah for a second. He’s grumpy, he’s guarded, he’s been hurt, and yet, he’s such a great guy. His relationship with his sister, Izzy, melted my heart. He’s such an amazing big brother, and every interaction between them made me smile. I also really loved seeing that family bond be such a big part of the story because it grounded everything in such a real, emotional way.
And then there’s Odette, who I adored. She’s a total chaotic ray of sunshine and the perfect opposite to Noah’s grumpiness. A wedding planner with a self-proclaimed curse where no marriage or relationship ever works out in her family? Iconic. She’s messy in the most lovable way and she is so funny, stubborn, and so full of heart.
The chemistry between Noah and Odette was really palpable and built on the fact that he has known her since she was young, as his sister’s best friend. They bicker, they challenge each other, they both pretend they don’t want the other, but you know.... You just know. I love that both of them had real reasons for keeping their guard up; Noah’s been through a painful divorce, and Odette’s terrified of history repeating itself, and Teagan Hunter does such a good job making you understand both sides.
The chaos of planning Izzy’s wedding was such a fun backdrop for all the tension and slow burn moments. It’s chaotic, sweet, funny, and just the right amount of emotional. And when things finally boil over between them? Whew, it ws so hot but also felt like a long time coming and worth the wait. The spice was hot but still felt like it meant something, like it wasn’t just thrown in for fun, it was part of their connection.
And that ending?! I was not ready. That final setup had me screaming because if that character is getting their own book next… I need it immediately. There’s so much potential for redemption and drama and I’m already obsessed.
Overall, Grumpily Ever After was such a fun and sweet but also emotional read. It’s grumpy x sunshine perfection, with humor, heart, and a little heat. Teagan Hunter never misses, and I’ll read literally anything she writes next, especially if we’re staying in this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, Teagan Hunter, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
Let’s talk about Noah for a second. He’s grumpy, he’s guarded, he’s been hurt, and yet, he’s such a great guy. His relationship with his sister, Izzy, melted my heart. He’s such an amazing big brother, and every interaction between them made me smile. I also really loved seeing that family bond be such a big part of the story because it grounded everything in such a real, emotional way.
And then there’s Odette, who I adored. She’s a total chaotic ray of sunshine and the perfect opposite to Noah’s grumpiness. A wedding planner with a self-proclaimed curse where no marriage or relationship ever works out in her family? Iconic. She’s messy in the most lovable way and she is so funny, stubborn, and so full of heart.
The chemistry between Noah and Odette was really palpable and built on the fact that he has known her since she was young, as his sister’s best friend. They bicker, they challenge each other, they both pretend they don’t want the other, but you know.... You just know. I love that both of them had real reasons for keeping their guard up; Noah’s been through a painful divorce, and Odette’s terrified of history repeating itself, and Teagan Hunter does such a good job making you understand both sides.
The chaos of planning Izzy’s wedding was such a fun backdrop for all the tension and slow burn moments. It’s chaotic, sweet, funny, and just the right amount of emotional. And when things finally boil over between them? Whew, it ws so hot but also felt like a long time coming and worth the wait. The spice was hot but still felt like it meant something, like it wasn’t just thrown in for fun, it was part of their connection.
And that ending?! I was not ready. That final setup had me screaming because if that character is getting their own book next… I need it immediately. There’s so much potential for redemption and drama and I’m already obsessed.
Overall, Grumpily Ever After was such a fun and sweet but also emotional read. It’s grumpy x sunshine perfection, with humor, heart, and a little heat. Teagan Hunter never misses, and I’ll read literally anything she writes next, especially if we’re staying in this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, Teagan Hunter, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
October 15, 2025
I've read and loved Teagan Hunter's hockey books, but have also enjoyed her other standalones too, so I was really pleased to see this one pop up, as it kind of straddles the two genres. It's the first of a new two-book miniseries, set around a small town cidery owned and operated by two ex-NHLers, and will appeal to those who enjoy small-town romance. There are one or two Easter eggs for those who've read the Carolina Coments and Seattle Serpents hockey series, but this is very much a standalone story, too, introducing an original cast of characters for you to get to know.
This is one for fans of grumpy/sunshine, best friend's brother, and age gap romance. FMC Odette Chambers is besties with MMC Noah's little sister, and has had a crush on him forever, while he's only recently noticed her - and is determined to un-notice her, stat. Noah is divorced, trying to build a new life post-hockey, and is done with love, while Odette is a wedding planner and very much a romantic. But her family has also been plagued by really bad luck in love, and her belief in a 'curse' is real, so she's not convinced of the possibility of her own HEA. But their chemistry is unavoidable, and both of them are forced to face up to their baggage and consider whether a chance at happiness together might be worth the risk, after all...
This is a sweet and spicy story, with plenty of the small-town charm you'd expect. Hunter is great a creating a well-rounded cast of supporting characters, and as a result, I'd definitely be up for reading whatever comes next. I think whether you enjoy this or not might hinge on how much you can suspend your disbelief in the FMC's belief in the curse - I just about accepted it. It's really a kind of short-cut to multi-generational relationship issues, and those I can believe as something that would influence someone's outlook on relationships, but I think sometimes the overuse of the term 'curse' made it feel a little gimmicky and risked undoing the gravity for the sake of an affected sort of whimsy that didn't totally land.
All that said, I'd be happy to recommend this anyone wanting a cosy, warm and banter-filled small town romance with a side order of hockey and adorable animals. And I'll be reading book 2 when it comes!
This is one for fans of grumpy/sunshine, best friend's brother, and age gap romance. FMC Odette Chambers is besties with MMC Noah's little sister, and has had a crush on him forever, while he's only recently noticed her - and is determined to un-notice her, stat. Noah is divorced, trying to build a new life post-hockey, and is done with love, while Odette is a wedding planner and very much a romantic. But her family has also been plagued by really bad luck in love, and her belief in a 'curse' is real, so she's not convinced of the possibility of her own HEA. But their chemistry is unavoidable, and both of them are forced to face up to their baggage and consider whether a chance at happiness together might be worth the risk, after all...
This is a sweet and spicy story, with plenty of the small-town charm you'd expect. Hunter is great a creating a well-rounded cast of supporting characters, and as a result, I'd definitely be up for reading whatever comes next. I think whether you enjoy this or not might hinge on how much you can suspend your disbelief in the FMC's belief in the curse - I just about accepted it. It's really a kind of short-cut to multi-generational relationship issues, and those I can believe as something that would influence someone's outlook on relationships, but I think sometimes the overuse of the term 'curse' made it feel a little gimmicky and risked undoing the gravity for the sake of an affected sort of whimsy that didn't totally land.
All that said, I'd be happy to recommend this anyone wanting a cosy, warm and banter-filled small town romance with a side order of hockey and adorable animals. And I'll be reading book 2 when it comes!
December 6, 2025
📚Grumpily Ever After
✍🏻Teagen Hunter
Blurb:
An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
My Thoughts:
This hit the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat that makes Teagan Hunter so easy for me to sink into. I loved how Odette and Noah’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic unfolded. Slowly, naturally, with just enough spark to keep me grinning at their banter. The pacing was effortless, and the emotional moments were written in a way that made the romance feel genuine. The characters connection had a warm, steady charm that had me rooting for them from the start. And the way their walls came down gave the story its emotional punch. This was sweet, flirty, and warm in all the right ways all while being the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I love when I want to smile through an entire book.
Thanks NetGalley, Montlake and Author Teagan Hunter for the advanced copy of "Grumpily Ever After" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Montlake
#TeagenHunter
#GrumpilyEverAfter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Teagen Hunter
Blurb:
An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
My Thoughts:
This hit the perfect mix of humor, heart, and heat that makes Teagan Hunter so easy for me to sink into. I loved how Odette and Noah’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic unfolded. Slowly, naturally, with just enough spark to keep me grinning at their banter. The pacing was effortless, and the emotional moments were written in a way that made the romance feel genuine. The characters connection had a warm, steady charm that had me rooting for them from the start. And the way their walls came down gave the story its emotional punch. This was sweet, flirty, and warm in all the right ways all while being the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I love when I want to smile through an entire book.
Thanks NetGalley, Montlake and Author Teagan Hunter for the advanced copy of "Grumpily Ever After" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Montlake
#TeagenHunter
#GrumpilyEverAfter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 14, 2025
Grumpily Ever After by Teagan Hunter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Advanced Reader Copy Review
Retired NHL Player
Age Gap
Best Friends Older Brother
Divorced MMC / Anti Marriage FMC
Noah Stevens is a retired NHL legend, who has found solace in running his cidery Stick Taps in Port Harbor, Washington. He and his business partner, Ezra having been successfully running the cidery for a couple years now, with their end goal of opening up an affordable youth hockey training facility. A couple more good cider seasons and they would have the capital to do it. When approached by his younger sister, Izzy, who begged him to convert the cidery into a wedding venue for her, he is adamantly against it. Though, Ezra is all for it, so I guess he’s going to spend the next 10 weeks turning his hockey themed cidery into a wedding venue. The biggest hurdle? His sister’s needy best friend and wedding planner who insists on helping him. She’s nothing but a distraction.
Odette Chambers is a wedding planner, or at least a failing one. Having a bride have an allergic reaction on her wedding day, and another wedding have a tent burn down, now she’s blacklisted in the area. The only saving grace? Her best friend Izzy is getting married soon and their dream is to get married at Stick Taps, the cidery with potential her brother owns. After Izzy is successfully able to convince Noah to convert the barn at the cidery, it is her job to make sure that this renovation is successful. Spending time with her best friend’s brother who she’s had a crush on for over a decade, is less than ideal but it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make.
Odette and Noah are stuck working together day in and day out, the tension is rising and the pressure is captivating.
Check out Grumpily Ever After releasing 1.20.2026!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Advanced Reader Copy Review
Retired NHL Player
Age Gap
Best Friends Older Brother
Divorced MMC / Anti Marriage FMC
Noah Stevens is a retired NHL legend, who has found solace in running his cidery Stick Taps in Port Harbor, Washington. He and his business partner, Ezra having been successfully running the cidery for a couple years now, with their end goal of opening up an affordable youth hockey training facility. A couple more good cider seasons and they would have the capital to do it. When approached by his younger sister, Izzy, who begged him to convert the cidery into a wedding venue for her, he is adamantly against it. Though, Ezra is all for it, so I guess he’s going to spend the next 10 weeks turning his hockey themed cidery into a wedding venue. The biggest hurdle? His sister’s needy best friend and wedding planner who insists on helping him. She’s nothing but a distraction.
Odette Chambers is a wedding planner, or at least a failing one. Having a bride have an allergic reaction on her wedding day, and another wedding have a tent burn down, now she’s blacklisted in the area. The only saving grace? Her best friend Izzy is getting married soon and their dream is to get married at Stick Taps, the cidery with potential her brother owns. After Izzy is successfully able to convince Noah to convert the barn at the cidery, it is her job to make sure that this renovation is successful. Spending time with her best friend’s brother who she’s had a crush on for over a decade, is less than ideal but it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make.
Odette and Noah are stuck working together day in and day out, the tension is rising and the pressure is captivating.
Check out Grumpily Ever After releasing 1.20.2026!!
November 1, 2025
ARC review
4.5⭐|2🌶|9% 🌶frequency
For some, it might sound weird, but yes, this was my first book by Teagen. And even though I haven't read any other book yet, I think it was the perfect book to start 😁
It's funny but also a bit "dramatic". Or extremely superstitious? 🤔 Because Odette thinks there is a family curse on her. I'm not sure something like that really exists, but I'm also afraid to say it doesn't, and then it will hit me 🙈 So, I'm not saying anything, I should be safe then, shouldn't I? 🤞
Nevertheless, for a wedding planner, it's quite funny to think she is cursed 😎
Noah is definitely the perfect book boyfriend (I'm not sure, but this name might already tick something on my 🙈). I'm a sucker when men can with animals, and even though I prefer dog dads, Noah is special. It's not just that he becomes a cat dad, noooo, he runs a little farm. And there is this one special chicken... According to Odette, it's a pet chicken because it has a name 😁 That makes him a chicken dad, too!? There is another animal too, and it's not one of the goats... I love how he speaks with all the animals and understands their answers 😁 As I said, he is perfect 🩷
I hope the next book will be Ezra's story. Everything else wouldn't fit because he is Noah's best friend and business partner.
I don't know how many books will come in this series, so I just have to wait 😎
Thanks to the author, Montlake, and @netgalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
4.5⭐|2🌶|9% 🌶frequency
For some, it might sound weird, but yes, this was my first book by Teagen. And even though I haven't read any other book yet, I think it was the perfect book to start 😁
It's funny but also a bit "dramatic". Or extremely superstitious? 🤔 Because Odette thinks there is a family curse on her. I'm not sure something like that really exists, but I'm also afraid to say it doesn't, and then it will hit me 🙈 So, I'm not saying anything, I should be safe then, shouldn't I? 🤞
Nevertheless, for a wedding planner, it's quite funny to think she is cursed 😎
Noah is definitely the perfect book boyfriend (I'm not sure, but this name might already tick something on my 🙈). I'm a sucker when men can with animals, and even though I prefer dog dads, Noah is special. It's not just that he becomes a cat dad, noooo, he runs a little farm. And there is this one special chicken... According to Odette, it's a pet chicken because it has a name 😁 That makes him a chicken dad, too!? There is another animal too, and it's not one of the goats... I love how he speaks with all the animals and understands their answers 😁 As I said, he is perfect 🩷
I hope the next book will be Ezra's story. Everything else wouldn't fit because he is Noah's best friend and business partner.
I don't know how many books will come in this series, so I just have to wait 😎
Thanks to the author, Montlake, and @netgalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
December 30, 2025
Grumpily Ever After is my first Tegan Hunter romance, but it certainly won't be my last.
After a failed marriage leaves Noah feeling inadequate, he closes off his heart and swears off relationships. The one person that can still twist him around her little finger is his younger sister, Izzy, which is precisely what she does when she decides that his cidery is the perfect place to hold her wedding. Her best friend and wedding planner, Odette Chambers, has been prodding Noah to turn the old barn on his property into a wedding venue for a while, and now's her opportunity to make sure it's done right, so she offers to help with the renovations. With her business hanging in the balance due to a few unfortunate incidents, some cancelled weddings, and the Chambers family curse at play, Odette needs Izzy's wedding to shine.
Odette's been in love with Noah since she was 16, but never acted on it because he's her best friend's older brother. Working in close proximity, it's hard to ignore the heat simmering between them. Noah's soul focus is his cidery, and Odette believes the women in her family are cursed never to find lasting love, so why open herself up to heartbreak? After they realize that neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship, they decide to give in to their attraction, but just until Izzy's wedding, then they'll part ways amicably.
No matter how hard they try to avoid it, emotions get involved, and one of them is bound to get hurt. Can Noah move past not feeling good enough after years of his ex tearing him down? Will Odette realize that a "curse' can only be a self-fulfilling prophecy if you let it?
If you love stories with animal sidekicks, you’ll love Noah and Tootie’s banter, along with Peache’s working her cat distribution system magic in Port Harbor.
Tropes & Themes:
• Ex-hockey player x wedding planner
• Best friend's brother
• Small town romance
• Age gap
• F*ck it moment
• Escape artist chicken
• Family curse
After a failed marriage leaves Noah feeling inadequate, he closes off his heart and swears off relationships. The one person that can still twist him around her little finger is his younger sister, Izzy, which is precisely what she does when she decides that his cidery is the perfect place to hold her wedding. Her best friend and wedding planner, Odette Chambers, has been prodding Noah to turn the old barn on his property into a wedding venue for a while, and now's her opportunity to make sure it's done right, so she offers to help with the renovations. With her business hanging in the balance due to a few unfortunate incidents, some cancelled weddings, and the Chambers family curse at play, Odette needs Izzy's wedding to shine.
Odette's been in love with Noah since she was 16, but never acted on it because he's her best friend's older brother. Working in close proximity, it's hard to ignore the heat simmering between them. Noah's soul focus is his cidery, and Odette believes the women in her family are cursed never to find lasting love, so why open herself up to heartbreak? After they realize that neither of them is looking for a long-term relationship, they decide to give in to their attraction, but just until Izzy's wedding, then they'll part ways amicably.
No matter how hard they try to avoid it, emotions get involved, and one of them is bound to get hurt. Can Noah move past not feeling good enough after years of his ex tearing him down? Will Odette realize that a "curse' can only be a self-fulfilling prophecy if you let it?
If you love stories with animal sidekicks, you’ll love Noah and Tootie’s banter, along with Peache’s working her cat distribution system magic in Port Harbor.
Tropes & Themes:
• Ex-hockey player x wedding planner
• Best friend's brother
• Small town romance
• Age gap
• F*ck it moment
• Escape artist chicken
• Family curse
October 15, 2025
4 Stars
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, retired hockey player x wedding planner, best friends brother, enemies to lovers
I enjoyed both the plot and the character development throughout the story. The relationship between the two characters did not feel rushed and had depth that kept me hooked and wanting to read more. The curse premise and aspect of the story was unique and differentiated this book from other similar books in this genre and I enjoyed reading about Noah and Odette a lot, as well as the farm and animal setting.
The writing itself was great and I feel like there were many full circle moments and ties back to the characters. I most enjoyed how the two main characters had very similar positions about fears regarding a serious relationship, though they had very different reasons. I feel like this also helped moved the plot along and deepen the connection between the two readers.
This book definitely had some spice, but I don’t think that it was too much and it was well balanced with the non-spice relationship development between Noah and Odette.
Overall, I enjoyed this hockey (ish ?) romance with its fun banter between characters, familiar cozy setting, and the “cursed” female character and her family. It was a fresh, fun read that kept me hooked.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC.
Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, retired hockey player x wedding planner, best friends brother, enemies to lovers
I enjoyed both the plot and the character development throughout the story. The relationship between the two characters did not feel rushed and had depth that kept me hooked and wanting to read more. The curse premise and aspect of the story was unique and differentiated this book from other similar books in this genre and I enjoyed reading about Noah and Odette a lot, as well as the farm and animal setting.
The writing itself was great and I feel like there were many full circle moments and ties back to the characters. I most enjoyed how the two main characters had very similar positions about fears regarding a serious relationship, though they had very different reasons. I feel like this also helped moved the plot along and deepen the connection between the two readers.
This book definitely had some spice, but I don’t think that it was too much and it was well balanced with the non-spice relationship development between Noah and Odette.
Overall, I enjoyed this hockey (ish ?) romance with its fun banter between characters, familiar cozy setting, and the “cursed” female character and her family. It was a fresh, fun read that kept me hooked.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Grumpily Ever After is an utterly charming romance that pairs a retired hockey player with his sister’s best friend in a slow-burn, sparks-everywhere kind of way. Odette has been quietly pining for Noah since her teenage years, but romance is the last thing on her mind these days. Her wedding‑planning business is on the brink of collapse, and she’s convinced the infamous “family curse” is to blame for every romantic disaster in her lineage. Noah, still carrying the bruises of his divorce, has likewise sworn off love.
When the two end up working together on Noah’s sister’s wedding, their shared determination to avoid romance doesn’t stand a chance. Forced proximity, old crushes, and undeniable chemistry make for a deliciously tense setup, and watching them try (and fail) to keep things strictly professional is half the fun.
The banter between Noah and Odette is a standout—snappy, flirtatious, and full of warmth. Noah’s grumpy, guarded exterior contrasts beautifully with Odette’s sunshiney resilience, creating a dynamic that feels both playful and deeply heartfelt.
Grumpily Ever After delivers exactly what you want from a cozy contemporary romance: humor, heart, heat, and a couple you can’t help rooting for. It’s the perfect companion for a snowy afternoon, equal parts comforting and swoony.
When the two end up working together on Noah’s sister’s wedding, their shared determination to avoid romance doesn’t stand a chance. Forced proximity, old crushes, and undeniable chemistry make for a deliciously tense setup, and watching them try (and fail) to keep things strictly professional is half the fun.
The banter between Noah and Odette is a standout—snappy, flirtatious, and full of warmth. Noah’s grumpy, guarded exterior contrasts beautifully with Odette’s sunshiney resilience, creating a dynamic that feels both playful and deeply heartfelt.
Grumpily Ever After delivers exactly what you want from a cozy contemporary romance: humor, heart, heat, and a couple you can’t help rooting for. It’s the perfect companion for a snowy afternoon, equal parts comforting and swoony.
October 24, 2025
An anti-marriage Noah against the idea of having marriage on his cidery. Why? Because he doesn’t believe in marriage anymore and he wanted nothing to do with the said ceremony. But it is hard to deny when the request came from his sister, enticed by her best friend, who is also the wedding planner. All Odette hoped for is to have her business back when every wedding she planned turned awry. So Izzy's wedding is her only hope left, she needed to get it right and with that she needed to help Noah turn the cidery wedding-able. The hardest thing is the heavy attraction between both of them that shouldn’t be there.
For a light comedic romance, I can accept most of the story. But one thing that I found a bit not to my taste is how they are in their late 20s to early 40s but somehow act like a college student. I don’t want to deny a happy and chirpy person with a happy family. But somehow, along the story, their interaction is a bit childish to how I expect they would act. And again, this is just my reading preference, nothing bad or anything.
The whole story was light and sweet. Not a heavy romance at all and will be a fast read. A book for those who doesn’t like slow burn.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC Copy!
For a light comedic romance, I can accept most of the story. But one thing that I found a bit not to my taste is how they are in their late 20s to early 40s but somehow act like a college student. I don’t want to deny a happy and chirpy person with a happy family. But somehow, along the story, their interaction is a bit childish to how I expect they would act. And again, this is just my reading preference, nothing bad or anything.
The whole story was light and sweet. Not a heavy romance at all and will be a fast read. A book for those who doesn’t like slow burn.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC Copy!
October 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Teagan Hunter & Montlake for the eARC.
I have read so many Teagan Hunter books and have loved every single one of them. This book is no exception to that.
Most of Teagan's hockey books have focused on active NHL players, so it is refreshing to see (and read) a story of a retired NHL player and the struggles associated with that. And boy, does Noah struggle as he tries to figure out his place, while trying to make his other dream: opening a community skate center, a reality.
Seeing Noah's character development while he figures himself out and figures out what he wants from life, comes across as realistic and not fiction.
The only aspect that I wish the book didn't lean so heavily on, is Odette's 'curse'. This to me is seen as strictly a way for Odette to blame anything back on it without having to take any type of responsibility herself for any of her actions or unfortunate, coincidental events.
That being said - I hope we see a book next regarding Noah's cidery partner next, and then Izzy to complete the series.
Read it - you can't go wrong with Teagan Hunter and hockey.
I have read so many Teagan Hunter books and have loved every single one of them. This book is no exception to that.
Most of Teagan's hockey books have focused on active NHL players, so it is refreshing to see (and read) a story of a retired NHL player and the struggles associated with that. And boy, does Noah struggle as he tries to figure out his place, while trying to make his other dream: opening a community skate center, a reality.
Seeing Noah's character development while he figures himself out and figures out what he wants from life, comes across as realistic and not fiction.
The only aspect that I wish the book didn't lean so heavily on, is Odette's 'curse'. This to me is seen as strictly a way for Odette to blame anything back on it without having to take any type of responsibility herself for any of her actions or unfortunate, coincidental events.
That being said - I hope we see a book next regarding Noah's cidery partner next, and then Izzy to complete the series.
Read it - you can't go wrong with Teagan Hunter and hockey.
October 21, 2025
This was such a fun, light hearted read!
It’s about Odette Chambers, a wedding planner. Unfortunately there’s a family curse that always ends up with relationships ending in disaster! Her grandma, her aunts, and her mom’s past relationships prove it!
Her wedding planning business isn’t doing so well and she blames the curse.
Our mmc is retired hockey player Noah. He’s 38 so there is a 12 year age gap.
Hes a grumpy guy who divorced his wife for never being happy with him. She was constantly nagging and belittling him imo.
Noah owns a cidery called Stick Taps. He runs it with a hockey friend who’s retired due to an injury.
When Noah’s sister (Izzy) asks to have her wedding at the Cidery, which is on a lot of land that used to be a farm, the story gets rolling!
Noah wants his sister happy. Odette is planning the wedding (Izzy is her bff) and hopes to pull it off and save her business.
Noah and Odette work on restoring a barn on the property in the next 10 weeks and sparks fly!
I enjoyed this novel. Angst levels were low. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more from this author!
It’s about Odette Chambers, a wedding planner. Unfortunately there’s a family curse that always ends up with relationships ending in disaster! Her grandma, her aunts, and her mom’s past relationships prove it!
Her wedding planning business isn’t doing so well and she blames the curse.
Our mmc is retired hockey player Noah. He’s 38 so there is a 12 year age gap.
Hes a grumpy guy who divorced his wife for never being happy with him. She was constantly nagging and belittling him imo.
Noah owns a cidery called Stick Taps. He runs it with a hockey friend who’s retired due to an injury.
When Noah’s sister (Izzy) asks to have her wedding at the Cidery, which is on a lot of land that used to be a farm, the story gets rolling!
Noah wants his sister happy. Odette is planning the wedding (Izzy is her bff) and hopes to pull it off and save her business.
Noah and Odette work on restoring a barn on the property in the next 10 weeks and sparks fly!
I enjoyed this novel. Angst levels were low. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more from this author!
October 27, 2025
Teagan Hunter does it again with Grumpily Ever After! This book gave me all the feels—heart, humor, heat, and that signature Teagan banter I love.
We get a retired hockey player who’s sworn off marriage and a hopelessly unlucky-in-love wedding planner who believes she’s cursed. He’s the grumpy older brother; she’s his younger sister’s best friend. Forced together to plan the sister’s wedding, sparks fly as they fix up a rustic barn and taproom, and somewhere between floral arrangements and paint cans, they fall hard for each other.
I loved watching their walls slowly crumble. He’s determined never to love again, and she’s trying to save her failing business while fighting her feelings. Their chemistry was off the charts, but what really stood out was the emotional growth—two people with very different scars learning that maybe love is worth the risk.
It’s swoony, funny, and full of small-town charm. The perfect mix of grump/sunshine and brother’s best friend tropes with a heartfelt happily ever after.
Thank you to Teagan Hunter, Netgalley, and the publisher for the ARC — all thoughts are my own.
We get a retired hockey player who’s sworn off marriage and a hopelessly unlucky-in-love wedding planner who believes she’s cursed. He’s the grumpy older brother; she’s his younger sister’s best friend. Forced together to plan the sister’s wedding, sparks fly as they fix up a rustic barn and taproom, and somewhere between floral arrangements and paint cans, they fall hard for each other.
I loved watching their walls slowly crumble. He’s determined never to love again, and she’s trying to save her failing business while fighting her feelings. Their chemistry was off the charts, but what really stood out was the emotional growth—two people with very different scars learning that maybe love is worth the risk.
It’s swoony, funny, and full of small-town charm. The perfect mix of grump/sunshine and brother’s best friend tropes with a heartfelt happily ever after.
Thank you to Teagan Hunter, Netgalley, and the publisher for the ARC — all thoughts are my own.
October 16, 2025
I have read a couple books by Teagan Hunter before and enjoyed them, so I was excited to jump into this one! I started and finished it in a little over a 24-hour period, this was such a cute and easy read!
Odette and Noah had known each other for years. Odette was best friends with Noah’s younger sister (12-year age gap!) and had crushed on Noah hard when she was younger, but had written off any hope of love in her adult life after she and her family had been burned a few too many times. Noah was coming off a divorce and was also bitter about love and happily ever afters, which means they’re the perfect two to plan and prepare for his sister’s wedding :-) I loved seeing these two conquer their pasts together and learn how to lean on each other with their fears for the future. The book left me with a smile on my face, which is why I love the romance genre so much! Overall I rate this book 3.5 stars and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Teagan Hunter for the eARC.
Odette and Noah had known each other for years. Odette was best friends with Noah’s younger sister (12-year age gap!) and had crushed on Noah hard when she was younger, but had written off any hope of love in her adult life after she and her family had been burned a few too many times. Noah was coming off a divorce and was also bitter about love and happily ever afters, which means they’re the perfect two to plan and prepare for his sister’s wedding :-) I loved seeing these two conquer their pasts together and learn how to lean on each other with their fears for the future. The book left me with a smile on my face, which is why I love the romance genre so much! Overall I rate this book 3.5 stars and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Teagan Hunter for the eARC.
October 19, 2025
Contemporary romance perfection! 👌
What I loved:
😠 NOAH: the grumpiest, booding-est, hottest ex-NHL player you'll ever meet. I'm not even a hockey girlie and I still fell so hard so fast for this guy! A divorcee, Noah has some issues with commitment and love, but maybe the right girl can help with that?!
🍬 ODETTE: super sweet FMC who believes that a family curse is ruining her ability to love and succeed in the world. She's a wedding planner who "doesn't want to get married". Ahem, surrreee Odie!
🏔️ SMALL TOWN: loved the small town setting, the Stick Taps cidery, the barn (OMG THE BARN SCENE!) and all the local characters who made me feel like I wanted to move in.
🌶️ SPICE: the perfect amount of spice for a contemporary romance. Loved how into each other these two were!
📖 STORY: such a sweet and spicy story about two people who don't believe they'll ever get their HEA until they find each other. SWOON!
This was my first Teagan Hunter book and it won't be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I loved:
😠 NOAH: the grumpiest, booding-est, hottest ex-NHL player you'll ever meet. I'm not even a hockey girlie and I still fell so hard so fast for this guy! A divorcee, Noah has some issues with commitment and love, but maybe the right girl can help with that?!
🍬 ODETTE: super sweet FMC who believes that a family curse is ruining her ability to love and succeed in the world. She's a wedding planner who "doesn't want to get married". Ahem, surrreee Odie!
🏔️ SMALL TOWN: loved the small town setting, the Stick Taps cidery, the barn (OMG THE BARN SCENE!) and all the local characters who made me feel like I wanted to move in.
🌶️ SPICE: the perfect amount of spice for a contemporary romance. Loved how into each other these two were!
📖 STORY: such a sweet and spicy story about two people who don't believe they'll ever get their HEA until they find each other. SWOON!
This was my first Teagan Hunter book and it won't be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
I was so pleased to be able to read this arc! Teagan Hunter is one of my go-to favorite rom-com authors and yet again, she nailed it! Izzy is getting married and the perfect location is her retired Hockey legend brother, Noah’s cidery and farm. With a good amount of little sister manipulation, he agrees to let the wedding take place there. Every wedding of course needs a wedding planner, and Odette, Izzy’s bff, just happens to be one. Odie and Noah both have their issues, with marriage and each other, but they work together for Izzy and her perfect day. And in the process all the steam happens! Of course there is fear from both parties, but will that hold back their chance at happiness?
What I loved most was the banter between these characters. It’s something that author does so well and really brings them off the page. The family dynamic in this one was also great and I love the support that everyone had for each other. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel!
What I loved most was the banter between these characters. It’s something that author does so well and really brings them off the page. The family dynamic in this one was also great and I love the support that everyone had for each other. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel!
November 19, 2025
“I’ve only been working with Odette for one day, and one thing is for sure—I’m already in way over my head.”
Noah Stevens is a retired hockey player, he wants a quiet life running a Cidery. What he doesn’t want is his sister turning his cidery into a wedding venue. However, he can’t say no to her or her best friend, Odette Chambers.
Odette has had a crush on Noah since she was 16 but he has only ever treated her like a sister so she is determined to ignore her crush. Especially now that she is working with him every day to prepare for his sister’s wedding!
I loved the banter between Noah and Odette. They knew exactly how to push each other buttons and eventually push each other over the line into so much more! This was a great story and I hope more stories come from this cute little pacific coast town!
🔥: “I’m closing the cidery and locking the door. Get on the bar.”
Noah Stevens is a retired hockey player, he wants a quiet life running a Cidery. What he doesn’t want is his sister turning his cidery into a wedding venue. However, he can’t say no to her or her best friend, Odette Chambers.
Odette has had a crush on Noah since she was 16 but he has only ever treated her like a sister so she is determined to ignore her crush. Especially now that she is working with him every day to prepare for his sister’s wedding!
I loved the banter between Noah and Odette. They knew exactly how to push each other buttons and eventually push each other over the line into so much more! This was a great story and I hope more stories come from this cute little pacific coast town!
🔥: “I’m closing the cidery and locking the door. Get on the bar.”
December 10, 2025
Noah retired from the NHL and opened a cidery. Now his little sister wants him to expand into a rustic wedding venue and to use her wedding to do it. Which means he'll have to work with Odette, his sister's best friend, a task that is complicated by the attraction growing between them.
Read if you like:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Best Friend's Brother
-Age Gap
-Romantic Curses
-Rescue Cate
-Chickens with Attitude
Grumpily Ever After was so fun! It had a good mix of grumpy x sunshine romance with some great romantic comedy moments. I'm still giggling about some of them; they were just that good! I loved who Noah was a grump with a heart of gold who could not say no to keeping a rescue kitten and who talked to his chickens. And Odette just about broke my heart with her fears over her family's generational romantic curse. I so glad that she got her happy ending.
Read if you like:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Best Friend's Brother
-Age Gap
-Romantic Curses
-Rescue Cate
-Chickens with Attitude
Grumpily Ever After was so fun! It had a good mix of grumpy x sunshine romance with some great romantic comedy moments. I'm still giggling about some of them; they were just that good! I loved who Noah was a grump with a heart of gold who could not say no to keeping a rescue kitten and who talked to his chickens. And Odette just about broke my heart with her fears over her family's generational romantic curse. I so glad that she got her happy ending.
October 19, 2025
I ate this book up!! It was so fun. The vibes were high. I smiled the whole time I was reading! I loved Odette and Noah. I loved how well they balanced each other. I loved it all honestly. This book was just a damn good time. I’m not even a cat person and I couldn’t get enough of Pork and Beans. I loved the randomness of Peaches as a character and the hilarity of her giving away cats at random. The storm scene was *chef’s kiss*
I hate putting spoilers in reviews so I’m going to refrain from listing all the other scenes I absolutely adored, but I’ll leave you with this, read it. If you’re staying in on a Friday night with the plan to drink a hot tea or even wine under a cozy blanket and light a candle, this is the fun lighthearted book you should be reading.
I hate putting spoilers in reviews so I’m going to refrain from listing all the other scenes I absolutely adored, but I’ll leave you with this, read it. If you’re staying in on a Friday night with the plan to drink a hot tea or even wine under a cozy blanket and light a candle, this is the fun lighthearted book you should be reading.
November 5, 2025
4 stars
I’ve read so many of Teagans books and she always delivers. This was a fun and light hearted read. Noah and Odette both have bad luck when it comes to their love life with Noah being divorced and Odette’s family feeling there is a curse over them which if I was them I don’t think I could help thinking that too! I loved how we really got to see Noah and Odette fall in love and whilst it was physical at first you really got to see them get closer and find comfort in each other. Looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes especially interested in Ezra and poor Izzy. Loved the little nod to her Carolina Comets series as well with Noah’s ciders being named after them. Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc!
I’ve read so many of Teagans books and she always delivers. This was a fun and light hearted read. Noah and Odette both have bad luck when it comes to their love life with Noah being divorced and Odette’s family feeling there is a curse over them which if I was them I don’t think I could help thinking that too! I loved how we really got to see Noah and Odette fall in love and whilst it was physical at first you really got to see them get closer and find comfort in each other. Looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes especially interested in Ezra and poor Izzy. Loved the little nod to her Carolina Comets series as well with Noah’s ciders being named after them. Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc!
October 23, 2025
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
I had such a great time reading this book! I loved the way Teagan Hunter set this older brother's best friend romance around a cursed wedding planner and a retired hockey player turned cider brewer/farmer. Odette and Noah had so much chemistry and fun together. Noah was the perfect amount of grumpy and Odette was sassy and sweet. They made the perfect match. I loved how they went from a secret love affair to a full-on romance. I also loved all the side characters, especially Pork and Beans. I can't wait to find out who is next to fall in love in this new series.
I had such a great time reading this book! I loved the way Teagan Hunter set this older brother's best friend romance around a cursed wedding planner and a retired hockey player turned cider brewer/farmer. Odette and Noah had so much chemistry and fun together. Noah was the perfect amount of grumpy and Odette was sassy and sweet. They made the perfect match. I loved how they went from a secret love affair to a full-on romance. I also loved all the side characters, especially Pork and Beans. I can't wait to find out who is next to fall in love in this new series.
November 30, 2025
I LOVED THIS SO SO SO MUCHHHH <3
formal review- Tegan Hunter’s Grumpily Ever After delivers a rom‑com that thrives on sharp banter and the irresistible clash between a prickly hero and a sunshine heroine. Rather than leaning only on the trope, Hunter layers in small‑town quirks, laugh‑out‑loud text exchanges, and moments of vulnerability that make the romance feel earned. The chemistry is electric, but it’s the humor woven into everyday frustrations that keeps the story fresh. A playful, modern take that balances sarcasm with genuine heart.
Tropesss
-Bestfriends brother
-grumpy/sunshine (LOVE)
- opposites attract
LOVED THIS!!! 5 starrrr
formal review- Tegan Hunter’s Grumpily Ever After delivers a rom‑com that thrives on sharp banter and the irresistible clash between a prickly hero and a sunshine heroine. Rather than leaning only on the trope, Hunter layers in small‑town quirks, laugh‑out‑loud text exchanges, and moments of vulnerability that make the romance feel earned. The chemistry is electric, but it’s the humor woven into everyday frustrations that keeps the story fresh. A playful, modern take that balances sarcasm with genuine heart.
Tropesss
-Bestfriends brother
-grumpy/sunshine (LOVE)
- opposites attract
LOVED THIS!!! 5 starrrr
October 13, 2025
This was a fabulous read, it was a fun read from start to finish. Noah is an ex hockey player now living back in his hometown. Business owner with his friend of a cider business/farm. When his sister wants to get married at the old barn he eventually agrees, enter Odette his sisters best friend and event planner. Sparks fly between the two. Throw in a some quirky character, some adorable animals and a past relationship traumas to overcome and you have a winning book that just has your flipping the pages to the end. I loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
Noah & Odette! What can I say other than I loved this story to no end!
Teagan is the queen of hockey romance and getting to see her version of life after the ice in a small town setting was sensational!
The nods to her previous hockey series felt like a warm blanket on a cool autumns day.
The humour, emotional suspense and everything to get to their love story is so perfect! I’m going to mourn this for a while but also.. low key want Ezra to have his turn.. with Izzy perhaps? Who knows! But what I do know is that I loved this!
Teagan is the queen of hockey romance and getting to see her version of life after the ice in a small town setting was sensational!
The nods to her previous hockey series felt like a warm blanket on a cool autumns day.
The humour, emotional suspense and everything to get to their love story is so perfect! I’m going to mourn this for a while but also.. low key want Ezra to have his turn.. with Izzy perhaps? Who knows! But what I do know is that I loved this!
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