Undone by the Grumpy SEAL: A Small Town Romantic Suspense

by Ivy Snow

She asked me to pretend to be her boyfriend. I said yes. Now I’m the one who can’t fake it.

I’ve been called a lot of things—soldier, savior, sinner.
But nothing ever hit me like the woman behind that bar.

Toni Faraj.
New in town. Smile too steady. Eyes that saw straight through me.
One kiss in a dark hallway and suddenly I couldn’t breathe without her.

Then I learned the truth.
She’s not a bartender. She’s CIA.
And I’m the ex-SEAL she needs for her cover.

So, she suggests becoming my fake girlfriend.
Living together. Sharing a bed after her damn loft collapsed.
She draws a line down the mattress.
Then she crosses it.

Now I’m in deeper than I’ve ever been.
She thinks I can protect her.
But the only thing more dangerous than the enemies hunting us—
is what I’ll destroy if I let myself love her.

Trigger This book contains depictions of blood, violence, abuse, and graphic injury. Reader discretion is advised.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2025

About the author

Ivy Snow is an author of steamy contemporary romance with deliciously damaged billionaires paired with sassy, strong heroines who turn their worlds upside down. She loves throwing her readers into an intense emotional storm of secrets, betrayal, angst, chemistry, heat, drama, and wrap them up with a satisfying happily ever after.

She also loves cooking, traveling, and planning the next date with her husband. She'll never say no to ice creams and ramen.

Claim a free copy of full-length novella ==> The Perfect Lie: An Enemies to Lovers Billionaire Romance https://dl.bookfunnel.com/irc42bnbuk

Reviews

[BiblioDarling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
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Triggers:
🚩Human Trafficking
🚩PTSD
🚩Mentions of Past Military Actions
🚩Child Exploitation
🚩Violence

Tropes:
💕MF Romance
💕Military
💕Suspense
💕HEA
💕Forced Proximity
💕Fake Relationship
💕Small Town

Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC is undercover as a bartender. She is tracking a human trafficking ring. MMC and his military brothers are the protectors of his town. He is intrigued by the FMC and realizes she is not who she says she is. FMC and MMC come together destroy the trafficking ring. This includes them pretending to be in a relationship and living together. As to be expected, their forced proximity leads to a genuine relationship and feelings. HEA

Review:
This book is the last in the series. It is my understanding that each book focuses on a different "brother". It is not necessary however, I do recommend reading the other books prior to this one. I say that because I had not read them and found myself a bit confused of what the "forge" really was and how it came to be.

I liked this book. It showed a truly strong and powerful FMC. But is also showed a softer side to her. The MMC is grumpy all the way, but he mellows as the story goes forth. There are a few twists and turns that arise in the story and I enjoyed them. I was glad when the brothers were brought into the mix but felt that may have been a bit rushed. Like the book was getting good but it sort of was quickly brought to an end. I would have loved a few more chapters,

I RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS AN ARC HOWEVER MY REVIEW IS BASED ON MY OPINION OF THE BOOK ITSELF AND NOT INFLUENCED BY THE AUTHOR, ETC.

*****************************************************************************
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[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much action that I didn’t want to stop reading. The suspense will grab you along with the surprises, sizzling tension, drama, gripping scenes, and engaging storyline. I loved how the secondary characters gave great depth and flow to the story. Ryker is so much more than he shows the world, and I loved how Toni has so much determination.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NikiPaige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Snow does it again with Undone by the Grumpy SEAL! This book has everything — heat, heart, and high-stakes suspense. The heroine is fierce and determined, and Ryker… well, he’s the kind of grumpy, protective ex-SEAL every romance reader secretly falls for. Their fake relationship turns real fast, and the chemistry is off the charts. It’s sexy, emotional, and packed with tension that’ll have you turning the pages way past bedtime.

ARC review

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to Iron Hollow to hunt criminals. What I found was one tortured ex-SEAL who could cost us both our lives.


As a CIA undercover, my mission is simple: find the trafficking leader, dismantle his op, and avenge my sister.

Then Ryker Quinn walks into my bar—a six-foot-five mountain of hard muscle.

Ex-SEAL, all scars and silent command, watching me like he’s memorizing my every move.


I need a local to sell my cover. He’s the perfect decoy.

So, I walk into his family and call myself his girlfriend.

He doesn’t like it, but he plays along.

Looks like this tough guy has soft spots for girls like me.


The next day, we share a roof.

Ten minutes later, I’m inches away from him on his bed.

I-don’t-know-when later, he’s inside me, wrecking me apart.


During missions, we fight over every move.

His way is brute force. Mine is protocol first.


But in bed, the soldier turns gentle.

His big, calloused hands touch me like I’m something fragile.

The man who never surrenders exhales his ghosts against my skin.


I swear I won’t feel a thing.

Because in my line of work, falling in love gets everyone killed.

This contemporary enemies-to-lovers military protector romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Iron Hollow that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are an alpha tortured ex-SEAL who is a grumpy protector, a female heroine who is a CIA undercover, who are both captivating, resilient, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling, with being undone by the grumpy SEAL, a mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, romantic suspense, one bed with forced proximity, found family, fake dating, secret identity, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being undone by the grumpy SEAL and an explicit enemies-to-lovers protector military romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful and unforgettable.

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

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker ex-Seal is part of The Forge, ex-military men built a community within a community to help others and to protect Iron Hollow, a small town now called home. He carries ghosts from past missions heavily on his shoulders. He's gruff, quiet, observant, and he's teaching others how to protect themselves.
Toni is an undercover CIA agent, she's on a mission to stop a trafficking ring, the same one that took her sister years ago. Her cover is the bartender in Iron Hollow, a local bar. What she doesn't expect is Ryker, a sexy grump who frequents the bar. She knows he's on to her.
When young girls go missing Ryker and his ex-Seal brothers have been looking into it so when he finds out that she's CIA he's not happy that she's in their town, but he knows he can't stop her, so they work together.
They decide to have a fake relationship; they're not going to tell his brothers because he does not want to put them in danger.
His brothers know better than to believe the relationship is real, so they'll wait until he's comes to them. Toni moves in with Ryker after he asked her, that's when sex and feelings start to come into the mix.
After one failed attempt at capturing the ringleader of the trafficking Ryker tells his brothers and they all work as a team with Toni.
Toni knows that by not following the CIA protocol she is going to have to face consequences and she accepts that, she's okay with it because lives were saved.
She served her time and is back in Rykers arms the love of her life and where she feels at home. They are with their chosen family.
Love wins again!.

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

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns for Ryker and Toni…

Gotta love a ‘fake relationship’ relationship, especially when she’s the one with ulterior motives. They’re not bad, but when it involves family, it’s understandable that anything goes…

“I’m in trouble.”
I really enjoyed the tension with them - they’re attracted. Don’t want to be… and … yet, they’re magnets, constantly drawn to each other.
It’s steamy, action-packed, full of tension and angst, especially when we start to get Toni’s history and her motivations…
Yet, it’s not all action and seriousness. The moments of levity cracked me up.

"Our boy here couldn't get a real girlfriend even if someone literally delivered one to his doorstep with a manual."

Ryker is secretly a big softie, but he hides it well.

“I’m in love with Toni Faraj, CIA agent, an undercover, and the most incredible woman I've ever met. I'm so screwed.”

His trust issues make it hard, and it did cause problems - they tend to argue and have very different opinions about what’s needed. They clashed often, but I really adored their sweet moments. Once we knew their actual connection, it was heartbreaking. Both running from and towards their demons, and it made me happy to see them get their closure together.

The fact that she stuck to her principles, even when it meant a long(ish) separation, was powerful, and I adored his reaction when they reconnected.
The ending, super sweet… well, as sweet as one of these stories could be.

[Regan Pontius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the entire series. I've fallen in love with all the characters, and I hope for HEAs for all the men. I love the suspense and the undeniable connection of the love interests.

Undone by the Grumpy SEAL follows Ryker and Toni. They have a connected past, and it is brought to light in this book. Their chemistry is on fire. You can feel the heat as you're reading. Toni ends up staying with Ryker after she is forced to vacate her apartment. There is a pet involved that proves how serious they are for each other. Out of all the couples in this series, Ryker and Toni are the strongest. Nothing tears them apart, not even when their past comes to light.

The brotherhood in this series is so good. I love how they are there for each other. They can read each other's emotions. I absolutely cracked up when Ryker told his brothers about Toni being his "girlfriend". They will walk into fire for each other. This is a must-read series!!

I recommend reading this book, as well as the two previous books.

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

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker has ghosts. It prevents him from sleeping very much. When he can’t sleep he keeps an eye on the town of Iron Hollow. Toni is new in town working as a bartender at the local watering hole. But Ryker is very observant and he is not buying her act - she is her for something more. He will have to keep an eye on her. Toni sees that Ryker has some training from the military. She will need to tread with caution around him. This story is really absolutely fascinating. It follows two people who each have their own prisons which makes them think they cannot let others in. They think they do not belong. It’s a slow and steady balance for them between I can’t, but I wish I could. It’s suspenseful, dangerous, deadly, outrageous, turbulent, explosive; but it’s also emotional, compassionate, tender, loving, passionate and protective. The author did a really good job with her characters and their issues. Expect some twists to the story - it’s not all smooth sailing!.

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed "UNDONE BY THE GRUMPY SEAL" This story was so interesting, kept you on edge with the danger, violence, abuse, emotional turmoil, suspense, steam you can't stop reading.
Toni is CIA doing undercover work looking to find & take down the leader of a trafficking ring & who hurt her sister.
Ryker Quinn an ex-Seal comes into the bar checking Toni out, he's someone who protects his community they end up in a kiss she thinks he'd be to pretend to be her fake boyfriend for her cover.
Toni finds him to be tough & fights everything they do but when their together romantically he shows a side she didn't expect, he's very gentle, making her melt, holding her gently making her want to break her rules.
Will Toni & Ryker get a HEA when they find evidence on the trafficking leader she's after & forget who she is, wait for her CIA backup & possibly lose him in the process it a must read page turner to see how it all turns out.

[Catherine Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni is undercover in Iron Hollow to track a human trafficking ring. She is working in a bar which allows her to assess the patrons for suspicious behavior. She encounters Ryker when he comes into the bar. They clash when he decides to interrupt her surveillance of the suspected ring leader.
They develop an agreement to work together which means they have to pretend to have a romantic relationship. His brothers at The Forge are suspicious as Ryler has never been involved in a relationship.
Both Ryker and Toni have deep seated horrors in their background which motivates their actions.
The story is complex with lots of surprises in the plot. The characters are rich with significant traumas in their lives.
This was a compelling binge worthy read.

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

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love military stories. The MMC is an ex-seal who is part of a The Forge, a group of ex-military that is in a community to protect Iron Hollow. FMC works undercover for the CIA to track human trafficking ring. She works at a bar as part of her cover. Eventually, they work together to bring down the ring. The decided fake dating is the best cover. It’s a complex story with lots of surprises and twists. The characters are well developed, have amazing chemistry, and both have traumas from the past that they must revisit. They are there for each other throughout with a deeper, emotional connection because of their past. You have all the feels in this one. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will cheer them on all the way. A wonderful story. It’s book 3 in the series, but it’s a standalone. It will make you want to read the rest of the series though.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought Ivy could not top her last Irom Hollow Protector book, then she brings the story of Ryker & Toni and just builds upon her goodness. THis book is the perfect next read in this series. I don't want to give too much of the story away (trust me you will want to pick up the rest of the books after you read this), but Ryker is an ex seal who hides his ghosts under control -but he is a softie inside- meets Toni, a CIA agent looking to bring down a human trafficking ring-. Faking a relationship seems the best way to solve this case, but between the banter, their moments, their conversations (these are best), their passion what is fake starts to feel real. OMG! what a great book., it is fast paced, suspenseful, funny, tender, all the good things you get in an amazing book !.

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

[Katie Mawby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this whole series, The Forge guys all bring their own stories and show their growth and development while finding their love and happiness. Ryker is such a protective softie at heart underneath the hard, silent exterior he portrays. And Toni is a great character who has her own trauma to overcome as they bring down their mutual enemy together. I love that they both support each other completely and there is never any real doubt about their feelings for each other, they just bring comfort when needed and have each others backs always. And Duke is an amazing addition, always happy and ready to go even with his sad introduction. Looking forward to seeing who's story will come next.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at fake relationship! It starts hot and heavy with a layer of suspence and just keeps going. Ryker is the town grump and Toni is fearless, their connection is instant and they make one deadly team. I love the Forge group and getting more depth into their dynamic. The perfect balance of mystery, suspense, and lots of hot and steamy moments. Another great addition to the series and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling romance!

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

[Linda Fairburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The men of the forge, ex seals work hard to keep the town safe for its people and give training for anybody who wants it in self defence.
Things are about to change for Ryker the grumpiest of the seals when he meets Toni an undercover CIA operative.
These two are meant to be together, both have things in there past they can't forget, lust at first sight or love on a slow burn.
This is a beautifully written love story for two people who just want to find peace and a very lucky dog called Duke.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is unusual to have both main characters be government operatives but Ryker is the perfect grumpy SEAL. And Toni his perfect fake and real CIA mate.

Both characters are wounded by their pasts and their love story is surprising tender as they both find healing at the end of their road.

I love the Forge and Rykers unusual family.The characters who live and work there breathe colour and intrigue into the story.

I love all of Ivy Snow's stories but this one really touched my heart.

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

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Iron Hollow Protectors Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a suspenseful romance between ex-SEAL Ryker and undercover agent Toni. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, danger and intrigue, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. Quite a page turner.

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

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni is a strong and fearless CIA agent who is going goes undercover to find a trafficker. Ryker is one hot sexy grumpy ex Navy SEAL and doesn’t like people. Well that is until he sees Toni. When these two meet it is hot and instant. Working together the two find a new lease of life.

This book has great characters, romance, suspense, drama, mystery and the right amount of steam.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was an undercover CIA agent, investigating the trafficking of young girls. Her sister was once one of the victims that ended up dead. At first his was her cover to get information and later the had a relationship that ended up in love. He helped her safe a young girl and with his team they took down the ring. She lost her job and went to jail for a year, he waited for her. In the end they were a big happy family

[Darlene Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fake relationship to uncover human trafficking becomes real.

Ryker is ex Seal, Tony is undercover CIA, they both hold secrets and unimaginable horrors that dictate or hold them back.

The author has painted a clear picture of these characters, a picture the reader comes to love.

Twist and turns abound, that being said, adds to this story in many ways.

Ivy Snow has yet again delivered huge.

[Peggy Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! Toni is an undercover CIA operative on the hunt for human traffickers, and Ryker is an ex-Seal who now is a part of the Forge. They’re thrown together rather unexpectedly and what follows is an intriguing, steamy, exciting story!! And, wow, an original twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!

Can’t wait to read more of the Iron Hollow Protectors series!

I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker and Toni are two damaged individuas struggling with life. They meet when she needs a local to sell her cover and goes for Ryker. He is one of the ex-seals of the Forge a band of men that protect their town. Working together has them opening up in ways they never expected. Will it lead them along the path to healing and happiness.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of Iron Hollow Protectors series and a great addition.

I liked this book very much. The plot was impeccably drawn and exciting, suspenseful and fast paced. World building was excellent and expertly wielded. The characters made the story. They were compelling, interesting and captivating. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Ryker and Toni’s story.
This is a well written fast paced, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, tension, trust issues, fake relationships, secrets, revenge, abuse, violence, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and captivating addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! The characters, unbeknownst to each other, each have their own agenda, yet they're the same. Their approaches are different, but the outcome—busting a gang of human traffickers and getting justice—ultimately leads to the same outcome. There's action, danger, suspense, romance, and plenty of steam.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both are strong characters that basically want the same thing, taking down cartel, but with differing reasons. They work together but are keeping secrets from each other. Engaging story line with good pacing, enjoyed their interactions and dynamics, steamy chemistry. Had me hooked from the beginning, hard to put down, great read.

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

[Tarah Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh where to start lol this book has it all, banter, angst, tension, love. I love the fmc she is a badass and holds her own but is also soft around the edges with the mmc, speaking of the mmc he is as hard as they come but he draws you in with his mystery, he’s like a riddle you can’t figure out, until you do and are both surprised and not surprised at what you find. I did get this as an ARC but this is my honest review of the book! All in all the book is great, would highly recommend it🥰

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. Set in Iron Hollow, the Forge group are ex-seals that protect the town. This story is about Ryker and Toni, an uncover CIA agent, and their "fake" relationship. They are working together toward the same goal. Very suspenseful with a twist I didn't see coming -- I like when I guess wrong. Looking forward to the next couple.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters have instant chemistry that's off the charts and both have hidden agendas that line up unbeknownst to each other one wants to bring down a trafficking ring the other wants justice and when they work together stuff hits the fan. I thoroughly enjoyed the action,suspense and steamy romance too.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SMOKES what a ride this book delivers. It is a rush of intense suspense, romance and scenes that had me squirming in my seat. The intense romance in this well written book by Ivy jumps off the pages right away and sucks you in from start to finish. Start reading about Toni and Ryker today and see what all the buzz is about.