Stuck with Doctor Grump: A Small-Town Forced Proximity Sweet Romance

by Chloe Haven

I got stormed in with my worst enemy.
Now I can’t stop thinking about her.

Ruby Shea is a walking disaster.
She’s chaotic, always five minutes late, and absolutely the last person I want to be trapped with overnight.

But a freak coastal storm strands us at a vintage inn, and of course, there’s only one bed.
Now her floral-scented hurricane energy is wrecking my peace, my plans, and—somehow—my self-control.

She’s infuriating.
And infuriatingly beautiful.

We bicker over guest lists and centerpieces like it’s a sport.
But somewhere between a midnight power outage, her laughing in candlelight, and that moment she fell asleep on my shoulder…I start to unravel.

She gets under my skin, into my routine, and—worse—into my heart.
I should’ve known better.

Then her shop is on the line.
And suddenly, I’d do anything to protect the woman I swore I couldn’t stand.

Even if it means losing her.
Because loving Ruby might cost me everything…
And I’m not sure I can survive her walking away.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2025

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck with Doctor Grump: A Small‑Town Forced Proximity Sweet Romance by Chloe Haven is a cozy, feel‑good contemporary romance about two people whose initial irritation sparks into something tender when fate (and a storm) leaves them stuck together in ways they never anticipated.

Ruby Shea is a chaotic florist with a sunny spirit whose first impression on Dr. Damien Cole, a meticulous, grumpy heart surgeon trying to protect his peace, is less than graceful after she literally drenches his morning coffee with her whirlwind energy. A freak coastal storm strands them at a vintage inn with one bed, forcing them into close quarters and igniting a series of moments where bickering gives way to appreciation, connection, and slow‑burn chemistry that neither expected. As Ruby’s flower shop and Damien’s orderly life begin to overlap through shared community projects and genuine care, what began as annoyance deepens into affection that challenges both of them to reimagine what home, partnership, and trust can be.

What lingered with me most about this story was how naturally the forced proximity trope unfolded into something warm and convincing: the stormy nights with candlelight, shared responsibilities during town events, and quiet confessions under soft lighting made me feel as though I was right beside them, rooting for every reluctant smile and unguarded moment.

Ruby’s generous heart and vibrant energy made her instantly lovable, and I found myself reflecting on how a person who seems like a storm can also be the most beautiful weather to walk through. Damien’s grumpy exterior (complete with his internal eye‑rolls at floral chaos) slowly revealed a man with depth, tenderness, and a capacity for growth that felt genuinely earned. Even as they teased and challenged each other, those softer moments of vulnerability resonated with me deeply, making their eventual emotional closeness feel richly deserved.

I also appreciated how the small town of Cedar Springs felt alive around them, with supportive neighbors, meaningful side characters, and a genuine sense of community rooting for their happy ending.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving it four stars because its heartfelt pacing, authentic emotional beats, and delightful chemistry made me smile and stay connected to Ruby and Damien’s journey, even if some beats leaned into cozy familiarity more than surprise.

[Frances Packingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, clean read. Damien is a heart surgeon and Ruby is a florist. Their paths cross a few times before there is sparks. But there were flames before sparks. I really felt all of the emotions Ruby went through on her journey with Damien. And Damien's confusion on his path and indecision made me feel even more for Ruby, as I only thought was how it would affect her. This was a good read.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stuck with Doctor Grump” by Chloe Haven

-A heartwarming, clean rom-com that blooms with feeling and fun.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Ruby is chaos and color; Damien is order and silence—but sparks fly.
Their opposites-attract romance is full of banter, charm, and sweet moments.

Ruby’s vulnerability and Damien’s slow thaw make for a touching love story.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Ms Haven paints beautiful pictures with her words. So, you feel like you are right there in the garden. Ruby and Damien did not get off to a good start. When they started talking about the Hearts In Bloom center his old life calls him back. Liked the minor characters Hazel, Eleanor and Brandon. Very enjoyable read you won’t want to put down. It’s sweet and clean, which are the best kind. I am becoming a huge fan of Ms Haven’s books.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐


Por un momento creí que cada uno elegiría caminos separados y no por falta de amor, sino por elegir sus sueños.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong 4 star book. One that I almost gave up on because I just didn't like the characters BUT my mother didn't raise a quitter!

I'm so glad I stuck with the story. I grew to love the characters and couldn't wait to read the next chapter....
A clean rom-com that began slow but it took off the further you get into the book. I loved how Damien was so organized and methodical and Ruby was more colour and chaos. One flew by the seat of her pants and he was so organized.

I hated to see the story end!
Highly recommend if you like rom-com, clean no sex stories.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story between a doctor and a florist- what more could you want?! Filled with such sweet moments between the characters and a MMC that has your heart melting!