Grump on Base

by Debra Elise

My dog, her son + our instant undeniable Will it be enough to thaw the wall of ice I’ve lived behind for years?

MAJOR RAFE LUCAS
My life has been duty, sacrifice and keeping everyone at arm’s length. I’ve lost too many good men to now call anyone friend. But I’ve discovered my next chapter and can’t wait to put my military career to bed.

While I’m busy packing, my dog sneaks over and introduces herself to our new neighbor. Well, one of them anyway. An eight-year-old boy with scraped-up knees, a lopsided grin and a ton of questions.

And when I meet his mom, FIREWORKS: it’s like the colors are brighter, the air is crisper, and my hormones roar back to peak teenage-era levels. Incredibly, I see mutual interest radiating from the sexy, curvy and sassy brunette.

I discover she’s my CO’s sister, which makes her off-limits. Maybe not technically a rule, but I respect the base commander too much to cross that line. Besides, what do I know about dating a single mom?

JACI CAIN

Ten months ago, my ex left us without so much as a backward glance. So, moving cross country to live with my sister may not be ideal, but it’s the new start we need.

When I meet the silver fox neighbor my son has developed a serious case of hero worship over, I instantly become tongue-tied before taking a tumble right into his muscular arms.

But when he unexpectedly shifts from blazing interest to a frigid deep freeze, I soon discover through the Pine Valley grapevine that Rafe is using my sister and his tragic past as reasons not to pursue the intense desire sparking between us.

Can I convince the grumpy major that taking a chance on love is more important than following the rules?
***
Welcome to Ridgeway Base, where duty meets desire in a heartbeat. Hearts on Base is a series of swoon-worthy instalove military romances featuring rugged servicemen, fierce heroines, and the kind of heat that doesn’t quit! Each book delivers a complete, feel-good love story with high stakes, instant sparks, and a guaranteed happy ending. Who says love can’t be a tactical advantage?

Join 13 of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) contemporary romance authors for an exciting and steamy military series!

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

Debra Elise, a USA Today Bestselling Author, lives with her husband and their two teenage sons in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her books are steamy & sweet featuring later in life characters across several genres.

A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grump on Base by Debra Elise is the perfect mix of swoony romance, emotional healing, and that irresistible “grumpy hero melts for the right woman” magic.

Major Rafe Lucas has spent his entire life behind walls—duty first, emotions last. After years of loss and sacrifice, he’s ready to close the chapter on his military career and keep his heart firmly guarded. That plan goes sideways the moment his dog decides to make friends with the new neighbors… especially an eight-year-old boy who instantly latches onto Rafe like a hero in uniform.

Enter Jaci Cain—single mom, fresh off heartbreak, and just trying to rebuild a life for herself and her son. Their first meeting crackles with instant chemistry, the kind that makes the air feel charged and impossible to ignore. Rafe sees it. Jaci feels it. And then reality hits—she’s his commanding officer’s sister, and Rafe’s sense of honor slams the brakes hard.

What makes this story shine is the emotional push and pull. Rafe’s internal battle between desire and duty feels real, and Jaci’s frustration—and determination—adds warmth and heart to every scene. Her son is an absolute scene-stealer, softening Rafe in ways he never expected and proving that love doesn’t always arrive on your own terms.

The romance is tender, steamy, and deeply satisfying, especially watching a man who’s lived in emotional winter finally choose happiness over rules and fear. Grump on Base is a story about second chances, found family, and learning that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone in.

If you love grumpy military heroes, strong single moms, adorable kids, and romances that hit you right in the feels, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After serving in the Air Force for over two decades, Rafe has a few weeks left before he moves near his cousin, West and his crew at the Lodge. Jaci and her son Simon, have just moved onto base, with her sister in Pine Valley, because her ex drained both of their bank accounts. So she moved in with her sister, Becca, who is the commander of the Base. Rafe is Becca’s neighbor and he has a K9 dog, who was too nice to do the proper job of it. Simon immediately begins to spend time with Rafe and his dog. As Simon & Jaci get closer to Rafe, we find that Rafe & Jaci are falling in insta-lust. As time gets closer for him to leave, he finds out that he is falling for her and she him. Things are so cute with Simon, who is 8 and has a gazillion questions for Rafe. lol. I love the fact that Jaci makes and sells jewelry. I do as well, but I can’t afford to use Etsy. I use Mercari instead. So I just get a kick out of Jaci and her talking about it.

I really enjoy the interactions between Rafe & his men, as well as with his commander, Becca. The cutest is when he is with Simon. But, I love his interactions with Jaci too. I really loved the ending. The book is fun, funny, sweet, romantic, cute and steamy. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great instalove, short read! Ms. Elise is an author I never miss out on reading! Love her characters and storylines and the books always hook me. We meet Jaci and her son who have recently moved in with her sister after her divorce. Rafe is a major who is retiring in a few weeks and Jaci’s sister is his CO. Simon falls in love with Rafe’s dog and is starting to spend more time at Rafe’s house asking numerous questions. When Jaci goes to find Simon in Rafe’s garage, she winds up slipping and having him catch her. The intensity of their feelings was strong at first touch. After spending time together, Rafe has to make a decision if love and a family are for him. Loved, loved, loved the surprise at the end of the book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life so rarely goes as we plan and expect it to. Rafe had all his ducks in a row for retirement. It efinately didn't include his smexy new neighbor and her son Simon. Jaci was fresh off a divorce that was a long time coming. Moving in with her sister for a fresh start put her in Rafe's orbit, that and her son's fascination with his dog Dutchess. Rafe had no relationship rules, steer clear of CO'S sister issues, and retirement planned out. One (or two) people couldn't disrupt all of that. Right?
I loved the humor that ran throughout this tale. Their interactions were realistic and fun as well as relateable. Overall, the story was very upbeat and positive, though there were some contemplative moments that made you think.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe was doomed the second he ran into Simon and Jaci. She was a hot single mom and his new neighbor. Simon being her son. It was cute that it was an instant attraction between the two of them. But this man and his boundaries…no sir! You put those away.
I really enjoyed this quick read. It was fun and swoon worthy. When those walls finally came down, the two were electric. So good together. And he was awesome with her son. I’m really glad that I gave this a try. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe has three weeks left before he leaves the Air Force after twenty five years when he meets the woman staying next door, Jaci, he has instant feelings for her but she's the commander's sister and his boss, so he needs to not act on how he feels, however difficult he finds it.
He's spent his life in the forces and this is the first time he's been really attracted to anyone. He likes her eight year old son, Simon, too. And Simon loves spending time with Duchess, his K9.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

An emotional read from Debra

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack moved with her son starting over after a divorce. Her neighbor and the feelings he created was the she was expecting. Rafe was ending one career and starting over elsewhere but Jaci and her son had him thinking and feeling things he never thought he wanted. It’s a sweet love story about unexpected love and a HEA that’s truly beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were not in his plan.....

..but the second Rafe sees Simon and Jaci, he knows...his retirement will not look anything like his original plan!
For two fully grown adults Jaci and Rafe spend a lot of time avoiding each other and trying to convince themselves they are wrong, needless to say it doesn't work! Thankfully they do come to their senses and we get a very sweet reconnection, but once again they have both underestimated just what their future will be and fate throws a little crazy their way to keep them on their toes.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe is about to end his military career after having lost too many teammates. He has a dog called Duchess
Jaci and her son have just moved in with her sister. Simon, who is eight, develops quite a vincula with Rafe’s dog.
There is chemistry between Jaci and Rafe since they met each other, but Jaci being his boss’s sister makes her off-limits.
The story is enjoyable and nice, with some fun scenes. I have a good time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally retiring, Rafe’s structured world is turned upside down by Jaci and her son. I loved every moment of Rafe coming to the realization that he really needed them to make his life whole. Simon and Duchess were a darling pair. Quick, a bit of angst, undeniable chemistry and a heartfelt HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Fox

I enjoyed reading this book. Rafe is the older guy (silver fox) and retiring from the military. Jaci is a single mother with an eight year old son. Meeting between these two was no accident it was meant to be. A sweet story that will keep you interested all the way through.

[Denise F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe and Jaci have the cutest meet cute!

Nothing like your kid helping to pave the way to meeting the love of your life! Instant chemistry is always a winner!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at First Sight

When Jaci and Simon, her son moved into her sister’s home, she was thankful Becca, her sister, had invited them. Looking for Simon, she called for him and heard him in the garage next door. She raced to get him and quite literally skidded into the garage and Rafe rescued her. Their journey was heartfelt. Must read!!!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute short story. A meet cute with an adorable 8 year old and a dog.
As they keep running into each other, Rafe and Jaci try to deny their feelings.
Rafe almost retired and moving , Jaci divorced and trying to make a new life for her and her son so they try one night. After talks with their friends, Rafe gets over his fears and takes the plunge asking Jaci if they can be a family.b.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute. Rafe was positive he knew exactly what he was doing and what he wanted out of life after retirement. That was until Jaci slammed into his garage looking for her son Simon. Suddenly everything he never wanted was all he could think about. But he was moving and had a life plan. This was not a part of it. This adorable book is a short, sweet and steamy instalove story that will keep you smiling. This is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grump on Base is part of Hearts on Base series and this is Rafe and Jaci's story. A wonderful fast paced story with excellent character development, both strong female and male main characters, intrigue, family, spicy scenes, instalove and a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...my knight in shining armor had just arrived, even if he didn't realize it yet."

Grump on Base by Debra Elise is part of the multi-author Hearts on Base series. Jaci Cain is a newly single mother after getting divorced. She and eight year old son Simon move to Ridgeway Base to live with her older sister Becca, who is the CO of the base. Her ex is out of the picture completely now so she just wants to concentrate on Simon and getting her online jewelry store on Etsy making enough month to support them both. Living next door is Major Rafe Lucas and his retired Army K9 dog Duchess. Rafe is weeks away from retiring and moving to Idaho to work with his brother. So when Jaci comes barrelling into his garage and his life he is not prepared for the results in any way, after all he has been a perpetual bachelor concentrating on his career and only having one night stands. Rafe and Jaci dance around each other for a couple of weeks until one night she knocks on his door. Then it is one night of toe curling passion that sinks into each of their souls. But the understanding had been it was just for one night. Will they be able to realize just how right they may be for each other and what they could build together before it is too late?

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grump On Base by Debra Elise is the first title I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed.
As a heart warming instalove military grumpy/sunshine romance it had me hooked and entertained from the start with it's engaging main characters, Rafe and Jaci.
Rafe, older, soon to be retired major and grump, is preparing for the next chapter of his single life with his canine companion but is completely bowled over by new neighbour, curvy, sassy single mum Jaci.
The instalust of both soon turns to sizzling chemistry as they initially try to deny their mutual attraction to one another and turn to avoidance.
Circumstances intervene and boundaries try to be maintained but feelings win out and they navigate the new relationship and family dynamic.
The storyline was well paced for a short story and the steam and spice kept me turning the pages which all combined to ensure a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major Rage Lucas is about to retire after twenty five years with the military. He is in the process of packing up his house when young boy shows up with lots of questions. When his mom comes looking for him, she and he collide and fireworks, he never thought this would happen to him but she is his CO's sister. He is moving to Idaho in a couple of weeks.

He tries to stay away but the pull becomes too much, the pair spend a night together. He puts distance from her as she said it was one night, but was it? This is a steamy read, Jaci makes him work for when he messes up.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe is about to retire and move away when he meets and falls for Jaci. Jaci is a single mom who moved in with her sister for a fresh start. Meeting each other changed their lives forever. I love how Simon and Dutchess played a part in bringing Rafe and Jaci together. This is a heartwarming love story with likable characters, fun banter, and a happily ever after. Grump on Base is a great addition to the multi-author Hearts on Base series. I look forward to reading the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grump On Base” by Debra Elise

-A sweet military romance with a classic grumpy hero and a warm, resilient single mom. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Rafe’s emotional journey from guarded duty-first soldier to devoted partner is deeply satisfying. Jaci and her son add tenderness, humor, and real emotional stakes. A swoony, cozy read with strong found-family vibes and a lovely ending.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quick, cute, sweet and steamy story. Rafe and Jaci have instalove chemistry, and her son Simon falls instantly for Rafe’s dog, Duchess. They made the perfect family.
An easy and relatable story with a few angsty moments but filled quick humour, a believable storyline and realistic characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this book. Rafe is retiring from the air force K9 and lives next door to the base commander. Jaci and her son arrive to stay with her sister, the base commander, and there is instant attraction. Their HEA is entertaining and not to be missed and don't forget the bonus epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe and Jaci were great characters. The instant attraction and chemistry was there from the beginning. I loved the way he was with her son and how he made her feel special. I’m glad he realized his feelings before it was too late.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Rafe. Jaci and her son, Simon. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, doubts, realizations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe is retiring from the military having never opened his heart to anyone. He meets his neighbour's nephew, Simon and her sister Jaci and his life is changed in an instant. But he's leaving! Can he and Jaci make it work. Please make sure you read the bonus scene!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An instant attraction when Jaci bumps into Rafe, only problem he’s moving in a month. Will either of them be brave enough to speak up, will they let this chance at the real thing pass them by, due to sticking with already existing plans, or take a leap at happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how the strong attraction between Rafe and Jaci becomes love. I'm glad they listened to others and didn't lose each other when Rafe had to move. Their love once confessed was supported by her son.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This short story moves along quickly and flow well too. I liked the characters, believed in their connection and chemistry and also liked the support they got.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking a Chance

Rafe and Jaci make an unlikely pair. Their undeniable attraction to one another and the stubbornness that keeps them apart is exasperating. Those closest to them know they are in love and are waiting for them to take a chance on each other.