Grit City: Romantic suspense with alpha cops, buried pasts, and scorching chemistry

by Baley Noal

Any guy would be lucky to catch a favorable dating app swipe from Tinsley Adams, but she captured the attention of a Tacoma police officer, Bastian ‘Baz’ Haywood. After a short first date leaves them in a likely never-to-be-seen-again status, he and his partner get a call that brings him face-to-face with the girl he ghosted. Tinsley wasn’t ready to reunite with Baz, but she’s even less prepared to meet his best friend and partner, Hunter Shaw.

Tinsley, her bestie Brindle, and goofy but loveable pooch, Harvey, quickly become fans of the undeniably handsome Officer Shaw. What they don’t realize is that Shaw is a man transformed by a haunted past, struggling to find his way back to the light. He relies on his friendship with Baz and a morally questionable secret side job to pull him through each day. Not really looking or ready for love, he’s left smitten after meeting the gorgeous victim of his best friend’s ghosting ways.

On the outside, Tinsley has it all—beauty, a glowing personality, successful salon, an insufferably sassy BFF, and the four-legged light of her life. However, Tinsley grew up with an alternative childhood that only few know about.

Can these two hearts find love in Grit City? Or will they let their pasts consume them?

(ebook)

533 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something so special about reading a book from a local author, where the book setting takes place in the same area that the reader and author both grew up in! Grit City was the perfect blend of home, romance, sass, banter, trauma, and 4 legged friends. The character development was so tasteful and beautiful, the relationships between characters was full of truth and spunk, and the overall storyline was so well paced and easy to connect to. The way Baley wrote the characters and storyline, really made it feel like you could relate and be a part of whatever was going on.

I can say with certainty that I loved and enjoyed Grit City! Thank you Baley for a fun little journey 🖤

[Shelby Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author and the way she paints such vivid, emotional stories. Her ability to create meaningful, lasting connections between characters is unmatched. I’ll read anything she writes as every book feels like an experience, not just a story

[Katie Monohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Set against the grit and charm of Tacoma, Grit City blends romance, heartache, and healing into an irresistible story.

Grit City by Baley Noal completely pulled me in from the very first page. The story brings together a Tacoma police officer with a dark, haunted past and a spirited hair salon owner whose shop is broken into. When he and his partner—who also happens to be someone she once had a date with—respond to the call, it sets the stage for an unexpected connection and just enough intrigue to keep you eagerly turning the pages.

And the MMC! He’s one of those rare male leads who feels both larger-than-life and completely real. Scarred by tragedy, he carries his pain with him, yet when he falls for the FMC, it’s with absolute devotion. His tenderness, protectiveness, and the way he simply chooses her again and again make their romance feel genuine, powerful, and deeply satisfying. He’s the kind of book boyfriend who lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve closed the cover.

What also sets this novel apart is the ensemble of main characters—five in total, if you count Handsome Harv (and you absolutely should). Harv isn’t just a background pet; he’s a scarred, one-eyed, seizure-prone dog whose presence speaks volumes. Through him, we see the FMC’s capacity for unconditional love, her willingness to cherish what others might overlook, and her quiet strength. In many ways, Harv embodies the heart of the story: healing, acceptance, and finding beauty in the broken.

Baley Noal has crafted something truly special—emotional, heartfelt, romantic, and unforgettable. If you love romances where the characters (two-legged and four-legged) leap off the page and stay with you long after the final chapter, Grit City is a must-read.

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because the version I got was in color with flowers on every page. So I had to get it! Overall the story was written well. The characters grew and their relationships developed naturally rather than quickly to progress the plot. I enjoyed that aspect. I also appreciate that the characters didn't just hide themselves to keep twists in the plot. They were open. Some of the pet names got on my nerves, but that was a me issue. They fit with the story and characters saying them. My only complaint was that is was 3rd person, but an Omni 3rd person. I can't say I remember ever reading a book from this perspective. It was hard to get used to and just when I thought I was used to it, I got confused again. It was also interesting that the epilogue was actually a few chapters from each characters point of view (in first person).

[Kara Browe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grit City by Baley Noal is a deliciously swoony romantic suspense set in Tacoma: sharp pacing, sizzling chemistry, and characters with real emotional scars. If you love alpha cops, buried pasts, and fast reads that still land emotionally, put this on your TBR. (Solid pick for romance + suspense fans.)

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept seeing this book pop up at events and wanted to support a local author. This was a fun read, while the writing style was different than what I’m used to, I will definitely give her another try. Support local!

[Alex Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love tins’ story and all Baley Noal books!!!

[Lia Duchaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Filled with fun witty banter and chemistry between characters. I am also a sucker for a book that has a dog side character!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Baley Noal! Read read read every book by her!