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Checked Out by the Grinch: Chestnut Lane Bookstore
Can this older mountain man resist holiday cheer… or will he claim the curvy girl who’s determined to melt his icy heart?
🎄 Holly
At 24, I believe in three Holiday magic, happily-ever-after’s, and the healing power of smutty paperbacks.
But when a big, grumpy mountain man stomps through my door, I forget how to breathe.
Grayson Frost is forty-three, all flannel and frowns.
He doesn’t want company,
And he definitely doesn’t want me.
Or does he...?
🏔️ Grayson
I came down the mountain to tie up loose ends,
Not to get tangled in curves, chaos, and candy cane lip gloss.
Holly is all of that.
She’s also too young for me,
But temptation is hard to outrun.
I don’t do relationships,
And I'm still mourning the loss of my uncle,
But want her.
Under me, moaning my name, and wearing nothing but tinsel.
Dear Readers,
If you love spicy small-town Christmas romances with a grumpy mountain man, a curvy sunshine heroine, and a swoony age gap burn that turns very hot, this one’s for you. Think snowed-in cabin, forced proximity, steamy bookish banter, and a grinch who gets very naughty under the mistletoe. As always, this title comes with Khloe’s Easy Escape no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA, that’ll leave you warm all winter long.
🎄 Holly
At 24, I believe in three Holiday magic, happily-ever-after’s, and the healing power of smutty paperbacks.
But when a big, grumpy mountain man stomps through my door, I forget how to breathe.
Grayson Frost is forty-three, all flannel and frowns.
He doesn’t want company,
And he definitely doesn’t want me.
Or does he...?
🏔️ Grayson
I came down the mountain to tie up loose ends,
Not to get tangled in curves, chaos, and candy cane lip gloss.
Holly is all of that.
She’s also too young for me,
But temptation is hard to outrun.
I don’t do relationships,
And I'm still mourning the loss of my uncle,
But want her.
Under me, moaning my name, and wearing nothing but tinsel.
Dear Readers,
If you love spicy small-town Christmas romances with a grumpy mountain man, a curvy sunshine heroine, and a swoony age gap burn that turns very hot, this one’s for you. Think snowed-in cabin, forced proximity, steamy bookish banter, and a grinch who gets very naughty under the mistletoe. As always, this title comes with Khloe’s Easy Escape no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA, that’ll leave you warm all winter long.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2025
107 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Khloe Summers
192 books349 followersBest-Selling Author Khloe Summers writes short, steamy romance about small town love and mountain men.
Married to her own heart of gold alpha for over twenty years, Khloe is a firm believer in the magic of Happily Ever After.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 16, 2025
Holly is 24, optimistic to her core, and clinging to the magic of a season that has carried her through heartbreak, single motherhood, and the grind of keeping her small-town bookstore alive. She bakes bread, loves too loudly, and still believes in happy endings—even if hers has felt perpetually out of reach. She’s the kind of heroine you root for instantly: soft but strong, messy but determined, and so deeply human that you feel her hopes right in your chest.
And then… Grayson Frost walks in.
Forty-three, carved from granite, tight-jawed, flannel-clad, and emotionally unavailable in a deeply sexy way. He’s grieving, exhausted, and only in town long enough to settle his late uncle’s estate. He’s sworn off romance, Christmas cheer, and anything resembling vulnerability—until Holly crashes into his world with her sunshine smile and candy-cane lip gloss.
Their chemistry? Instantaneous.
Their tension? Thick enough to frost windows.
Their banter? A+ “grumpy meets glitter” perfection.
Summers does a stunning job balancing the heat (and trust me, the heat is nuclear) with a tenderness that sneaks up on you. Watching Grayson thaw—slowly, begrudgingly, beautifully—because of Holly’s warmth and resilience is the emotional gift of the book. And watching Holly learn to trust again, to accept desire without guilt, and to step toward her dreams? Chef’s kiss.
This isn’t just about an age gap or a grumpy/sunshine dynamic—it’s about two people who have been carrying heavy things for too long, finally letting someone else help shoulder the load.
The spice is deliciously unapologetic.
The emotional payoff is soul-satisfying.
And yes, the holiday vibes will melt even the frostiest heart.
If you love:
🎄 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏔️ Age gap goodness
📚 Bookstore coziness
🔥 Steamy slow (then fast) burn
💔 Healing, hope, and second chances
…Checked Out by the Grinch will hit every one of your winter-romance cravings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And then… Grayson Frost walks in.
Forty-three, carved from granite, tight-jawed, flannel-clad, and emotionally unavailable in a deeply sexy way. He’s grieving, exhausted, and only in town long enough to settle his late uncle’s estate. He’s sworn off romance, Christmas cheer, and anything resembling vulnerability—until Holly crashes into his world with her sunshine smile and candy-cane lip gloss.
Their chemistry? Instantaneous.
Their tension? Thick enough to frost windows.
Their banter? A+ “grumpy meets glitter” perfection.
Summers does a stunning job balancing the heat (and trust me, the heat is nuclear) with a tenderness that sneaks up on you. Watching Grayson thaw—slowly, begrudgingly, beautifully—because of Holly’s warmth and resilience is the emotional gift of the book. And watching Holly learn to trust again, to accept desire without guilt, and to step toward her dreams? Chef’s kiss.
This isn’t just about an age gap or a grumpy/sunshine dynamic—it’s about two people who have been carrying heavy things for too long, finally letting someone else help shoulder the load.
The spice is deliciously unapologetic.
The emotional payoff is soul-satisfying.
And yes, the holiday vibes will melt even the frostiest heart.
If you love:
🎄 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏔️ Age gap goodness
📚 Bookstore coziness
🔥 Steamy slow (then fast) burn
💔 Healing, hope, and second chances
…Checked Out by the Grinch will hit every one of your winter-romance cravings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
...this mama needs a break. And if fate's really feeling generous, maybe it has a happily-ever-after
Checked Out by the Grinch is the second book in the Chestnut Lane Bookstore series. I adored this age-gap romance about Holly and Grayson. She is a single mother who got pregnant while in college and then had her now ex walk away before she even gave birth. Now she works at the local bookstore but has a dream of owning a food truck and selling her baking. Grayson was taken in and raised by his bachelor Uncle Pat when his parents were killed. When his uncle got married to Vera she helped raise him and made it a family. After Uncle Pat dies Grayson returns home to help Aunt Vera clean out the cabin and run an estate sale. With the bookstore losing money Holly is ready to help in any way she can to keep it open. She goes to an estate sale in hopes of finding a special book which can be sold for a lot of money, enough to keep the bookstore open. It is Vera who introduces Grayson to Holly, even if he is reluctant at first. Before you know it he is offering to do more than sell her a book and she is letting him help in ways she did not expect to. They have a connection which is instant and intense. But both do not think they need any more complications in their lives....but is love ever a complication really?
Checked Out by the Grinch is the second book in the Chestnut Lane Bookstore series. I adored this age-gap romance about Holly and Grayson. She is a single mother who got pregnant while in college and then had her now ex walk away before she even gave birth. Now she works at the local bookstore but has a dream of owning a food truck and selling her baking. Grayson was taken in and raised by his bachelor Uncle Pat when his parents were killed. When his uncle got married to Vera she helped raise him and made it a family. After Uncle Pat dies Grayson returns home to help Aunt Vera clean out the cabin and run an estate sale. With the bookstore losing money Holly is ready to help in any way she can to keep it open. She goes to an estate sale in hopes of finding a special book which can be sold for a lot of money, enough to keep the bookstore open. It is Vera who introduces Grayson to Holly, even if he is reluctant at first. Before you know it he is offering to do more than sell her a book and she is letting him help in ways she did not expect to. They have a connection which is instant and intense. But both do not think they need any more complications in their lives....but is love ever a complication really?
November 23, 2025
I love this series and it's bookstore bringing people together. Holly has spent the last few years working hard, taking care of her young son, and a christmas miracle that can save the bookstore she is working for.
Holly is so determined to do something to save the bookstore. She is hoping for a vintage book and a sale to save her beloved job and bookstore. She has gotten lost in having dreams just trying to survive, and give a good life to her son.
Grayson is helping his Aunt with a sale, and missing her Uncle who raised him. He has a big heart. He was raised that he wants his Uncles things to go to people who appreciate them, not someone looking for a cheap deal. He had no intention of entertaining Holly's request for a deal on a first edition. Although his Aunt and his heart had other ideas.
I love how these two really bring out what each other needs, and can appreciate it. Grayson might be older, but thats good for Holly. She can appreciate a man who has his life together, even if it isn't all the way, lol, and the safe feeling she gets from him. I mean your gonna have to read it....but lets just say when the ex barges in....he's in for a shock!!! I know its a breadcrumb but its the best one your gonna readddddddd today!!
Holly is so determined to do something to save the bookstore. She is hoping for a vintage book and a sale to save her beloved job and bookstore. She has gotten lost in having dreams just trying to survive, and give a good life to her son.
Grayson is helping his Aunt with a sale, and missing her Uncle who raised him. He has a big heart. He was raised that he wants his Uncles things to go to people who appreciate them, not someone looking for a cheap deal. He had no intention of entertaining Holly's request for a deal on a first edition. Although his Aunt and his heart had other ideas.
I love how these two really bring out what each other needs, and can appreciate it. Grayson might be older, but thats good for Holly. She can appreciate a man who has his life together, even if it isn't all the way, lol, and the safe feeling she gets from him. I mean your gonna have to read it....but lets just say when the ex barges in....he's in for a shock!!! I know its a breadcrumb but its the best one your gonna readddddddd today!!
November 16, 2025
Checked Out by the Grinch by Kloe Summers is a fast, festive, and seriously spicy holiday read. It has an age gap, a single-mom romance, and enough steam to fog up a gingerbread house window.
Holly is a single mom trying to keep her hometown bookstore alive while raising her son and secretly dreaming of starting her own bread truck. Grayson is helping settle his late uncle’s estate for his aunt, and let’s just say he isn’t exactly overflowing with Christmas cheer. But the chemistry between them? Instant and scorching.
Watching these two navigate the fireworks, the hesitation, and the vulnerability it takes to trust again was my favorite part. Their spice is hot, but the emotional payoff is even better. And yes — this one absolutely delivers that happy ending we all want in a holiday romance.
If you’re looking for a quick, steamy seasonal read with big heart and big heat, this is one to grab.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holly is a single mom trying to keep her hometown bookstore alive while raising her son and secretly dreaming of starting her own bread truck. Grayson is helping settle his late uncle’s estate for his aunt, and let’s just say he isn’t exactly overflowing with Christmas cheer. But the chemistry between them? Instant and scorching.
Watching these two navigate the fireworks, the hesitation, and the vulnerability it takes to trust again was my favorite part. Their spice is hot, but the emotional payoff is even better. And yes — this one absolutely delivers that happy ending we all want in a holiday romance.
If you’re looking for a quick, steamy seasonal read with big heart and big heat, this is one to grab.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
If you like: small town romance, age gaps with OMYW, grumpy/grinchy MMC, curve FMC
Single mom Holly is trying to save the bookstore where she works and finds herself at an estate sale for Greyson's late uncle looking for rare books. While she wasn't able to find books that would save the bookstore, she instead found that there maybe is still a good man that she could rely on.
This book was a quick read and was exactly as advertised. Author managed to work some depth into characters despite the short length of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Single mom Holly is trying to save the bookstore where she works and finds herself at an estate sale for Greyson's late uncle looking for rare books. While she wasn't able to find books that would save the bookstore, she instead found that there maybe is still a good man that she could rely on.
This book was a quick read and was exactly as advertised. Author managed to work some depth into characters despite the short length of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
Grayson is a grump who is helping his aunt with an estate sale after the passing of his uncle. Holly is at the estate sale hoping to find some vintage books to sell at her bookstore. This grumpy/sunshine, age gap romance is a perfect small town holiday romance. I love how the author brought them together. She learned to trust again, he found his sunshine, and they both found love. I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after. Checked out by the Grinch is book two and a wonderful addition to the Chestnut Lane Bookstore series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 27, 2025
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
In this book we get Holly & Grayson's story. Holly is just looking for a way to save the bookstore she works at. She is determined to give her son all she can even if his father is no longer in the picture. Grayson is one of those no nonsense kind of guys. So when he goes to his aunt's house to help her clear out and sell off some of his late uncles things he really show this. Can they find a HEA or will the difference in their personality's make anything personal impossible?
Another amazing hit by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
In this book we get Holly & Grayson's story. Holly is just looking for a way to save the bookstore she works at. She is determined to give her son all she can even if his father is no longer in the picture. Grayson is one of those no nonsense kind of guys. So when he goes to his aunt's house to help her clear out and sell off some of his late uncles things he really show this. Can they find a HEA or will the difference in their personality's make anything personal impossible?
Another amazing hit by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
November 28, 2025
Checked Out by the Grinch is stubborn sweetness in a delicious novella. Holly and Grayson have perfect chemistry, Kade is too cute for words, and the patience and care Grayson shows is just breathtaking. Single mother Holly is so afraid to open up, and her heart on lockdown with walls sky high is both understandable and sad at the same time. Loved the scene with Grayson and Corey—pure dynamite! And the epilogue! Oh yes, the epilogue is a chef’s kiss of goodness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2025
This short but sweet Christmas book will melt your heart. Holly is falling apart. Her life is full of problems she has no idea how to solve. Suddenly there is Grayson. The grumpy older man who falls for her instantly. Holly is too hurt to ever let a man in. This book is full of love and Christmas magic. Don’t miss out on this one. It will have your heart melting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
Holly is a single mom that works at the bookstore in town. Things are not going so well for it, she gets an idea to go to a local estate sale for some rare books. There she meets Grayson, it is his late uncle's stuff, he wants to help her.
The pair have a connection despite the age difference between them. Holly is hesitant but Grayson is determined to make her his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pair have a connection despite the age difference between them. Holly is hesitant but Grayson is determined to make her his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Grayson, Holly and her son, Kade. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, fears, determination and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
Holly is a single mum to her son Kade, who thrives on holiday magic, smutty books, and their HEA, even when she struggles for her own, Grayson only came down from the mountain to sort out his late uncles affairs when he meets Holly, whose looking for that gem to save the book store, and sparks fly but he never came looking for love let alone a single mum whose in need of more Christmas cheer. Well written engaging steamy quick age gap romance
November 16, 2025
An estate sale leads to the chance encounter of Grayson and Holly. Grayson is known by his aunt as the Grinch and unapproachable. Holly is the gun-shy mom who is trying to save the bookstore and her son's Christmas. Can these two open up and expose their fears to each other? Let's hope so with the explosive chemistry between them.
November 18, 2025
Holly and Grayson meet when she goes to an estate sale that’s his late Uncle’s. She is trying to save the bookstore she works at and give her son, Kade, a happy Christmas. But when grumpy older man meets gun-shy single mom sparks tend to fly but will they open up about their fears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Young single mum Holly wants to help save the bookshop where she works. Meeting Grayson (43 to her 24 years) she finds her soulmate, a man who wants her just as she is and is willing to help her and her son. A steamy read with Christmas vibes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
Sweet and Memorable
Holly and Grayson are perfect together. She’s a single mother of 2 year old Kade. He’s a single older gentleman. He sees her and its love at first sight. She sees him and it’s lust at first sight. Put them together and you have instant chemistry and sexual tension. The story moves at a nice pace and holds your interest
Holly and Grayson are perfect together. She’s a single mother of 2 year old Kade. He’s a single older gentleman. He sees her and its love at first sight. She sees him and it’s lust at first sight. Put them together and you have instant chemistry and sexual tension. The story moves at a nice pace and holds your interest
November 18, 2025
Wonderful Christmas story!
I loved reading Holly, and Greyson's story. Her mission to find a rare book to save her friend's book store, gave her just what she needed. A strong supportive man for her , and a true Father for her little boy. Lovely HEA ending. Trish. A.
I loved reading Holly, and Greyson's story. Her mission to find a rare book to save her friend's book store, gave her just what she needed. A strong supportive man for her , and a true Father for her little boy. Lovely HEA ending. Trish. A.
November 19, 2025
In the end, it pays off
A little age gap Christmas romance never hurt anyone and this one is sure to make you smile. Holly and Grayson are a testament to letting go and taking a chance on love because in the end it pays off.
A little age gap Christmas romance never hurt anyone and this one is sure to make you smile. Holly and Grayson are a testament to letting go and taking a chance on love because in the end it pays off.
November 30, 2025
Special Grinch
She is worn down but keeps trying and smiling. He’s closed himself off but she’s everything he wants. I love how this sweet and spicy story evolves. The ending was perfect!
She is worn down but keeps trying and smiling. He’s closed himself off but she’s everything he wants. I love how this sweet and spicy story evolves. The ending was perfect!
December 19, 2025
Sweet, short, n steamy
Loved this one.
Age gap, small town, single mom, kind of grumpy but not really guy.
I mean Grayson is just the perfect book boyfriend. Romantic, puts her first, wanting to help her with her life load and basically helps her make her dreams come true.
Loved this one.
Age gap, small town, single mom, kind of grumpy but not really guy.
I mean Grayson is just the perfect book boyfriend. Romantic, puts her first, wanting to help her with her life load and basically helps her make her dreams come true.
December 26, 2025
The Grinch's Plum
Who doesn't love a meddling aunt who makes a Grinch meet a plum, an awful ex who gets put in his place, a wonderful best friend and a bit of Christmas magic in the form of banana bread.
Who doesn't love a meddling aunt who makes a Grinch meet a plum, an awful ex who gets put in his place, a wonderful best friend and a bit of Christmas magic in the form of banana bread.
December 20, 2025
Amazing
A must read! Oh the "Not so much" Grinch and a single mother can find love no matter what happens.
A must read! Oh the "Not so much" Grinch and a single mother can find love no matter what happens.
December 21, 2025
Great
I'm still kinda new to her books, but what I've read so far has been really good. I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
I'm still kinda new to her books, but what I've read so far has been really good. I'm looking forward to reading more from her.
December 31, 2025
good
This was a good holiday read. Enjoyed the characters and the story kept me hooked. Nice for a lazy holiday afternoon.
This was a good holiday read. Enjoyed the characters and the story kept me hooked. Nice for a lazy holiday afternoon.
January 1, 2026
3.75 stars
January 19, 2026
Bookshop
It was an awesome story to read. You just need Christmas magic and keep believing everything will work out. Neither looking for love but found it in unexpected sale.😇😇
It was an awesome story to read. You just need Christmas magic and keep believing everything will work out. Neither looking for love but found it in unexpected sale.😇😇
January 20, 2026
Good
It's a very emotional journey and finding love in unusual situations and places with Christmas magic in the air with lots of laughter
It's a very emotional journey and finding love in unusual situations and places with Christmas magic in the air with lots of laughter
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews