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The Grump Next Door
Win a free print copy of this book!
10 days and 07:15:49
1 copies available
U.S. only
One guest house. One week. One slow-burn disaster waiting to happen.
Dean Whitaker has zero interest in weddings, fairy lights, or the perky woman currently turning his guest house into a scented-candle crime scene.
He’s a divorce attorney. He thrives on prenups, logic, and not getting glitter on his suits.
Poppy Monroe is a wedding planner with a checklist for everything—except how to survive living next door to a hot, brooding, tightly wound lawyer—aka the groom’s brother.
They’re opposites in every way—except for the undeniable chemistry neither of them wants to talk about.
Their mission: survive one week of wedding chaos.
Her sunshine and glitter pens.
His whiskey and restraint.
Opposites attract. Then they combust.
Dean Whitaker has zero interest in weddings, fairy lights, or the perky woman currently turning his guest house into a scented-candle crime scene.
He’s a divorce attorney. He thrives on prenups, logic, and not getting glitter on his suits.
Poppy Monroe is a wedding planner with a checklist for everything—except how to survive living next door to a hot, brooding, tightly wound lawyer—aka the groom’s brother.
They’re opposites in every way—except for the undeniable chemistry neither of them wants to talk about.
Their mission: survive one week of wedding chaos.
Her sunshine and glitter pens.
His whiskey and restraint.
Opposites attract. Then they combust.
434 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2026
270 people are currently reading
5674 people want to read
About the author
Kendall Ryan
126 books18.4k followersKendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 14, 2026
I can honestly say this is the best book Kendall Ryan has EVER written. This book had everything, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In Ryan’s latest novel, we follow wedding planner Poppy and divorce lawyer Dean. Always positive Poppy was just fired and has to plan and prep the wedding of the year on her own. She’s staying at the grooms’ brother’s house in the guest cottage, but grumpy Dean would rather the wedding take anywhere else except his home. Thwarted by cloth-eating goats, random thunderstorms, and so many other twists, Dean realizes Poppy has brought a purpose to his life and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure the wedding goes off seamlessly.
I loved these two! These are the epitome of opposites attract and finding someone who completes you. This is a longer book with a slow burn, but between the near miss kisses, sweet gestures, and pining looks, you will be falling in love right alongside these characters. I couldn’t get enough.
Shout out to George the Goat and Muffin the dog. Best sidekick characters I’ve read in a long time!
I absolutely enjoyed this book. My one tweak would be to end the book around chapter 38. I don’t think we needed all those time jumps into their future. I think we know by that point the end game strategy.
*_An ARC was provided by the fabulous author in exchange for an honest review.
In Ryan’s latest novel, we follow wedding planner Poppy and divorce lawyer Dean. Always positive Poppy was just fired and has to plan and prep the wedding of the year on her own. She’s staying at the grooms’ brother’s house in the guest cottage, but grumpy Dean would rather the wedding take anywhere else except his home. Thwarted by cloth-eating goats, random thunderstorms, and so many other twists, Dean realizes Poppy has brought a purpose to his life and he’ll stop at nothing to ensure the wedding goes off seamlessly.
I loved these two! These are the epitome of opposites attract and finding someone who completes you. This is a longer book with a slow burn, but between the near miss kisses, sweet gestures, and pining looks, you will be falling in love right alongside these characters. I couldn’t get enough.
Shout out to George the Goat and Muffin the dog. Best sidekick characters I’ve read in a long time!
I absolutely enjoyed this book. My one tweak would be to end the book around chapter 38. I don’t think we needed all those time jumps into their future. I think we know by that point the end game strategy.
*_An ARC was provided by the fabulous author in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
4 stars
February 3, 2026
Opposites attract
Banter and angst
Tension
Grumpy MMC
Wedding planner FMC
Low spice level
Dual POV - 1st person
Wedding planner x divorce lawyer
Slow burn
Love the side kick characters George and Muffin
4.5⭐️
"I'm completely gone for anyone who isn't you."
"Everything with you is complicated."
"I'm starting to think complicated might be worth it."
"You were in my life for just over a week, and you wrecked everything I thought I knew about myself."
I loved these two! Poppy and Dean are the epitome of opposites attract and finding someone who completes you. With a slow burn, and the near miss kisses, sweet gestures, and pining looks, you could feel the angst and tension. You will fall in love with these characters. I couldn't get enough. Such a cute fun read. At first Dean is annoyed and would rather the wedding not be held at his house whenn poppy temporarily moves in, but then through all the chaos he has a purpose and I loved seeing him fight to keep the wedding on! Their banter along the way, and chemistry was so sweet. You could feel the smecual tension. This is not my first Kendall Ryan book and I’m looking forward to more from her! Definitely would recommend 💕
Banter and angst
Tension
Grumpy MMC
Wedding planner FMC
Low spice level
Dual POV - 1st person
Wedding planner x divorce lawyer
Slow burn
Love the side kick characters George and Muffin
4.5⭐️
"I'm completely gone for anyone who isn't you."
"Everything with you is complicated."
"I'm starting to think complicated might be worth it."
"You were in my life for just over a week, and you wrecked everything I thought I knew about myself."
I loved these two! Poppy and Dean are the epitome of opposites attract and finding someone who completes you. With a slow burn, and the near miss kisses, sweet gestures, and pining looks, you could feel the angst and tension. You will fall in love with these characters. I couldn't get enough. Such a cute fun read. At first Dean is annoyed and would rather the wedding not be held at his house whenn poppy temporarily moves in, but then through all the chaos he has a purpose and I loved seeing him fight to keep the wedding on! Their banter along the way, and chemistry was so sweet. You could feel the smecual tension. This is not my first Kendall Ryan book and I’m looking forward to more from her! Definitely would recommend 💕
February 14, 2026
Solid read, I just wasnt invested. There wasnt anything particularly that I can point to that I didnt like about the book, it just couldnt keep my attention for very long which is why it took me so long to finish this book. This is my second Kendall Ryan book, and I think maybe her writing style just isnt for me, but dont let that deter you from giving this a shot. I think its just a me issue, based on the other reviews for this book.
February 14, 2026
I normally like this author, but this one not so much. I can't really put my finger on what didn't work for me, but I didn't click from the start. Kept putting down the book to do other things around the house and each time it was hard to go back to the book to pick it up. Tried again today, made it one chapter and realized I didn't care what happened. This one just wasn't for me.
February 15, 2026
Oooh! Dean and Poppy were combustible! I loved this slow burn romance! Poppy arrives on property with a job to do. Dean wants nothing to do with the wedding that he promised his brother lol But here they are … This book was fun to get lost in! If you’re looking for a light hearted, feel good read, this is it! Grab your copy!
February 16, 2026
Taking a break from the last series out of sheer boredom and non stimulating subject matter, I decided to read a book I’ve been low key waiting for. I think it was either mentioned at the end of Main Character Energy or in a subscription email from Kendall. Either way, this wasn’t what I was expecting. Up until the last 5 or so chapters the story was good, bordering on a 5 rating but by the time I reached those last 5 chapters, the rating went down a notch leaving me with giving this a 4. It was stimulating in the fact that I laughed, enjoyed the pure craziness of it all, plus there were silly arguments they both had which reminds me of the way my husband and I argue which is like little kids. He says something that I find stupid so I call him out on it then he responds by throwing it back in my face saying I’m stupid then. Or in the case of Poppy and Dean, if I think something is a certain color and he says it’s a different one, I’ll still disagree and then he’ll just say my face is that color 😂 Honestly, the arguing that gets included with Poppy and Dean probably made me laugh the hardest because of that. Then the fact that Dean uses and reads a Reddit thread called “Am I the asshole” got me too because my husband looks at that thread on Reddit as well and is entertained by what people say on there. It’s funny and refreshing when you read things that relate to your own relationship. Lastly, the fact that anything that could go wrong in a wedding was explored in this story, I even liked the foreplay between Dean and Poppy. It wasn’t anything physical, just bantering back and forth mixed with some heated kissing moments. All of this took place and was enjoyable until those last 5 chapters. I think it was because once Dean and Poppy, or I guess Dean realizes he cares deeply for her and finds her in Italy it seemed like there was half assed written chapters and they didn’t seem to lead anywhere. I guess thinking about it now, those chapters were included so Dean and Poppy can explore a relationship, get to know each other more which eventually leads up to marriage and having a baby. While I enjoyed that the dating aspect was explored those last 5 chapters, I felt like Poppy and Dean didn’t want to have hard conversations and would cut the other off without letting either or them elaborate which made for very uninteresting chapters and conversation bordering on being boring. I think Poppy revealed more about herself in those chapters compared to Dean who didn’t even want to talk about himself. I thought this was funny because I thought he had this big epiphany that made him not want to be closed off anymore and open up to Poppy, letting down his walls. I just felt like he wasn’t completely opening up to her until the wedding when he has literal tears in his eyes as she’s walking down the aisle. Before you get to that point though, there was a lot of serious conversations getting cut off which I talked about earlier that I didn’t like. It just felt like a door closing and never getting opened again. Past emotional wounds and hurt wasn’t getting expressed and I think if Dean was just a bit more vulnerable and emotional then it would have made this book a 5. Overall, there was definitely more positive than negative in this book. If only it had more passion, emotion and vulnerability in it rather than everything being a fight and no one wanting to have a hard conversation. Ultimately, it ends up just having Poppy and Dean running away from their problems and feelings, effectively taking the slow burn literal because it actually happens at the end which was a bit annoying for me. I wish this got explored way sooner in the book but it definitely kept my interest.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’m completely gone for anyone who isn’t you.”
The Grump Next Door is an absolute delight—an enemies‑to‑lovers romcom that hits every note with charm, humor, and heart. Dean, a grumpy, emotionally‑guarded lawyer who has zero interest in love, weddings, or happily‑ever‑afters, somehow finds himself hosting his brother’s wedding at his own home. Enter Poppy: a sunshine‑in‑human‑form wedding planner who radiates optimism, keeps smiling through chaos, and is determined to deliver the wedding of the century no matter what obstacles pop up.
“Everything with you is complicated.”
From the moment they meet, sparks fly—and not the romantic kind. Their personalities clash spectacularly, and as one mishap after another threatens the big day, Dean and Poppy are forced into an uneasy partnership. But somewhere between the bickering, the problem‑solving, and the shared moments of vulnerability, they begin to see past each other’s walls. What starts as irritation slowly transforms into understanding, attraction, and the possibility that they might be exactly what the other needs.
“I’m starting to think complicated might be worth it.”
I absolutely loved this book. The banter is sharp, snarky, and irresistibly flirty, and the slow‑burn chemistry between Poppy and Dean is pure perfection. You can feel every ounce of their tension—the push and pull, the longing, the fear of letting go. Their emotional growth is just as satisfying as their romantic one, especially as they learn that fear doesn’t have to be a stop sign. Sometimes the things that scare you the most are the ones worth fighting for.
“You were in my life for just over a week, and you wrecked everything I thought I knew about myself.”
The Grump Next Door is the perfect blend of laugh‑out‑loud moments, swoony romance, and heartfelt emotion. It made me grin, it made me ache, and it left me with that warm, fizzy feeling only the best romcoms deliver.
The Grump Next Door is an absolute delight—an enemies‑to‑lovers romcom that hits every note with charm, humor, and heart. Dean, a grumpy, emotionally‑guarded lawyer who has zero interest in love, weddings, or happily‑ever‑afters, somehow finds himself hosting his brother’s wedding at his own home. Enter Poppy: a sunshine‑in‑human‑form wedding planner who radiates optimism, keeps smiling through chaos, and is determined to deliver the wedding of the century no matter what obstacles pop up.
“Everything with you is complicated.”
From the moment they meet, sparks fly—and not the romantic kind. Their personalities clash spectacularly, and as one mishap after another threatens the big day, Dean and Poppy are forced into an uneasy partnership. But somewhere between the bickering, the problem‑solving, and the shared moments of vulnerability, they begin to see past each other’s walls. What starts as irritation slowly transforms into understanding, attraction, and the possibility that they might be exactly what the other needs.
“I’m starting to think complicated might be worth it.”
I absolutely loved this book. The banter is sharp, snarky, and irresistibly flirty, and the slow‑burn chemistry between Poppy and Dean is pure perfection. You can feel every ounce of their tension—the push and pull, the longing, the fear of letting go. Their emotional growth is just as satisfying as their romantic one, especially as they learn that fear doesn’t have to be a stop sign. Sometimes the things that scare you the most are the ones worth fighting for.
“You were in my life for just over a week, and you wrecked everything I thought I knew about myself.”
The Grump Next Door is the perfect blend of laugh‑out‑loud moments, swoony romance, and heartfelt emotion. It made me grin, it made me ache, and it left me with that warm, fizzy feeling only the best romcoms deliver.
February 16, 2026
Kendall Ryan serves up a warm, chaotic, utterly charming romance that hits every one of my favorite buttons: grumpy‑meets‑sunshine, found family vibes, emotional growth, and just enough delightful absurdity to keep me grinning like an idiot.
Poppy, a wedding planner with a heart big enough to power a small city, crashes into the life of Dean, a buttoned‑up divorce lawyer who’s forgotten how to breathe outside his color‑coded schedule. What follows is a week full of mishaps, mayhem, and the kind of slow‑burn chemistry that sneaks up on you in the best way.
The real magic here is watching Dean unravel—softly, reluctantly, beautifully—as Poppy’s whirlwind energy forces him to loosen his grip on control. And Poppy, for all her sparkle, finds someone who actually sees her, steadies her, and quietly makes sure she doesn’t run herself into the ground. Their dynamic is tender, funny, and deeply satisfying.
Also, Muffin the dog? Scene‑stealer. Icon. Emotional support queen. Neurotic. Completely lovable.
And then there’s the goat, George. A chaotic little menace who barrels into the story like a furry agent of destiny (or destruction?). Every time it appeared, I laughed out loud. It’s the perfect symbol of what this book does so well: it embraces the mess, the unexpected, the slightly unhinged moments that make life (and love) worth it.
A wedding week full of mishaps, and two people learning to trust themselves as much as each other, and you’ve got a romance that feels like sunshine after a long stretch of gray.
This book left me warm, happy, and a little in love with the idea that sometimes the best things in life arrive wrapped in chaos—occasionally with hooves.
A total delight!
Poppy, a wedding planner with a heart big enough to power a small city, crashes into the life of Dean, a buttoned‑up divorce lawyer who’s forgotten how to breathe outside his color‑coded schedule. What follows is a week full of mishaps, mayhem, and the kind of slow‑burn chemistry that sneaks up on you in the best way.
The real magic here is watching Dean unravel—softly, reluctantly, beautifully—as Poppy’s whirlwind energy forces him to loosen his grip on control. And Poppy, for all her sparkle, finds someone who actually sees her, steadies her, and quietly makes sure she doesn’t run herself into the ground. Their dynamic is tender, funny, and deeply satisfying.
Also, Muffin the dog? Scene‑stealer. Icon. Emotional support queen. Neurotic. Completely lovable.
And then there’s the goat, George. A chaotic little menace who barrels into the story like a furry agent of destiny (or destruction?). Every time it appeared, I laughed out loud. It’s the perfect symbol of what this book does so well: it embraces the mess, the unexpected, the slightly unhinged moments that make life (and love) worth it.
A wedding week full of mishaps, and two people learning to trust themselves as much as each other, and you’ve got a romance that feels like sunshine after a long stretch of gray.
This book left me warm, happy, and a little in love with the idea that sometimes the best things in life arrive wrapped in chaos—occasionally with hooves.
A total delight!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dean Whitaker doesn't do love, he's actually in the business of putting an end to it... he's a divorce lawyer that takes great pride in his work and turning I do's into I don't. But the I do's are about to win out as he is letting his brother use his home as his wedding venue, which means love will be front and center in his world. Dean is less than fond of the whole idea... especially when the wedding planner moves in and takes over his home!
The Grump Next Door is the story of two complete opposites, where one is bright and cheery and always finding the positives in life, the other is grumpy, less than cheery most days and takes great pleasure in putting an end to happier times. When they find themselves living near one another for the sake of Dean's brother's wedding they instantly know it isn't going to be easy, that there is bound to be some headaches and arguments... but in order to get what they both want they'll just have to find a way to weather the storm.
After all Dean doesn't do love or feelings and Poppy's life revolves around those things, so there bound to be some tension-filled moments... and some moments that spawn some serious unexpected sparks! I enjoyed watching these two navigate the unknown and find their way to a happily ever after. Neither were really looking for one, but once they met and those sparks started flying there was no stopping them! Highly recommend you check this one out, these two will have you laughing one moment and swooning like a fool the next!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Grump Next Door is the story of two complete opposites, where one is bright and cheery and always finding the positives in life, the other is grumpy, less than cheery most days and takes great pleasure in putting an end to happier times. When they find themselves living near one another for the sake of Dean's brother's wedding they instantly know it isn't going to be easy, that there is bound to be some headaches and arguments... but in order to get what they both want they'll just have to find a way to weather the storm.
After all Dean doesn't do love or feelings and Poppy's life revolves around those things, so there bound to be some tension-filled moments... and some moments that spawn some serious unexpected sparks! I enjoyed watching these two navigate the unknown and find their way to a happily ever after. Neither were really looking for one, but once they met and those sparks started flying there was no stopping them! Highly recommend you check this one out, these two will have you laughing one moment and swooning like a fool the next!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Romantic Comedy Perfection!
The Grump Next Door was pure romantic comedy perfection! This is an opposites attract romance that was full of charm, sparks, bickering, snarky banter, a crazy goat named George, many laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt emotion and a sizzling attraction that might melt your kindle. I couldn’t get enough.
This is Dean Whitaker and Poppy Monroe’s journey and what a wonderful, chaos filled journey it is!
Dean, a grumpy and emotionally guarded lawyer, has no interest in love, weddings, or happily-ever-afters, except when it comes to prenuptial agreements or divorces. However, he finds himself hosting his brother’s wedding at his own home, and then the wedding planner arrives.
Poppy, a wedding planner, always finds the silver lining in every situation. Her positive attitude, sunshine optimism, determination, and a meticulously crafted checklist enable her to bring her clients’ dream weddings to life. But she doesn’t have a checklist to survive the week with him and their undeniable chemistry!
“ Everything with you is complicated.“
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Poppy and Dean’s slow-burn chemistry is pure perfection, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. The laugh-out-loud moments, the tension, the push and pull, and the longing had me giggling, sighing, and swooning for these two characters. With a perfect HEA!
The Grump Next Door was pure romantic comedy perfection! This is an opposites attract romance that was full of charm, sparks, bickering, snarky banter, a crazy goat named George, many laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt emotion and a sizzling attraction that might melt your kindle. I couldn’t get enough.
This is Dean Whitaker and Poppy Monroe’s journey and what a wonderful, chaos filled journey it is!
Dean, a grumpy and emotionally guarded lawyer, has no interest in love, weddings, or happily-ever-afters, except when it comes to prenuptial agreements or divorces. However, he finds himself hosting his brother’s wedding at his own home, and then the wedding planner arrives.
Poppy, a wedding planner, always finds the silver lining in every situation. Her positive attitude, sunshine optimism, determination, and a meticulously crafted checklist enable her to bring her clients’ dream weddings to life. But she doesn’t have a checklist to survive the week with him and their undeniable chemistry!
“ Everything with you is complicated.“
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Poppy and Dean’s slow-burn chemistry is pure perfection, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. The laugh-out-loud moments, the tension, the push and pull, and the longing had me giggling, sighing, and swooning for these two characters. With a perfect HEA!
February 11, 2026
I have been really struggling to read anything that isn’t dark recently, so when this popped up on my kindle I actually didn’t want to read the book. I thought about giving it a miss because the lighter books just aren’t holding my attention and I am finding it hard to stay focused. But I thought I would give it a try while I had a few quiet hours and suddenly I was 70% in and completely invested.
Dean and Poppy were both so different and yet they complimented each other so perfectly. From the very beginning I couldn’t help but love Poppy’s optimism, even when she was completely faking that optimism. Because she was so determined to make sure everything was perfect for everyone around her.
Dean was so closed off while being a complete marshmallow. And watching him fall for Poppy while he was so determined not to was both hilarious and sweet. And funnily enough I didn’t find myself getting annoyed with him because his actions completely contradicted his words.
Throw in a spoilt, demanding diva or a puppy and an absolute chaos creating goat and the whole story was just so easy to read. Especially since I have my own chaos creating goat so I could actually picture all his little hijinx playing out which made it even more hilarious and had me feeling their frustration. And the human secondary characters were pretty damn awesome too.
The epilogues were adorable. And I’m so glad I read it despite my own reluctance.
Dean and Poppy were both so different and yet they complimented each other so perfectly. From the very beginning I couldn’t help but love Poppy’s optimism, even when she was completely faking that optimism. Because she was so determined to make sure everything was perfect for everyone around her.
Dean was so closed off while being a complete marshmallow. And watching him fall for Poppy while he was so determined not to was both hilarious and sweet. And funnily enough I didn’t find myself getting annoyed with him because his actions completely contradicted his words.
Throw in a spoilt, demanding diva or a puppy and an absolute chaos creating goat and the whole story was just so easy to read. Especially since I have my own chaos creating goat so I could actually picture all his little hijinx playing out which made it even more hilarious and had me feeling their frustration. And the human secondary characters were pretty damn awesome too.
The epilogues were adorable. And I’m so glad I read it despite my own reluctance.
February 18, 2026
I picked up The Grump Next Door thinking, “Cute, light, grumpy/sunshine vibes,” and next thing I know I’m giggling, kicking my feet, and fully emotionally invested in a fictional man who needs to unclench. Immediately.
The tension between these two?? IMMACULATE.
The kind where every interaction feels like it could either turn into a kiss or a verbal sparring match…and honestly, both are equally satisfying. Their banter is sharp, playful, and low-key addictive. I loved watching the slow unraveling of the grumpiness while the sunshine heroine refuses to dim herself even one notch. It’s chef’s kiss opposites-attract done right. 🤌🏻
And can we talk about how FUN this book is? It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it still delivers emotional depth and chemistry that actually lands. I laughed out loud more than once, especially during the wedding chaos and guest-house proximity moments. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, flirty, and chaotic-in-the-best-way energy. 
Can’t forget… George the goat. 🐐 🤭
If you love grumpy men with hidden soft centers, strong sunshine heroines, forced proximity, playful tension, and stories that feel like hanging out with your funniest friends… then what are you waiting for?!
I finished it smiling, a little swoony, and immediately wanting to text someone “YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.” Highly recommend for a fun, flirty, feel-good read.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The tension between these two?? IMMACULATE.
The kind where every interaction feels like it could either turn into a kiss or a verbal sparring match…and honestly, both are equally satisfying. Their banter is sharp, playful, and low-key addictive. I loved watching the slow unraveling of the grumpiness while the sunshine heroine refuses to dim herself even one notch. It’s chef’s kiss opposites-attract done right. 🤌🏻
And can we talk about how FUN this book is? It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it still delivers emotional depth and chemistry that actually lands. I laughed out loud more than once, especially during the wedding chaos and guest-house proximity moments. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, flirty, and chaotic-in-the-best-way energy. 
Can’t forget… George the goat. 🐐 🤭
If you love grumpy men with hidden soft centers, strong sunshine heroines, forced proximity, playful tension, and stories that feel like hanging out with your funniest friends… then what are you waiting for?!
I finished it smiling, a little swoony, and immediately wanting to text someone “YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.” Highly recommend for a fun, flirty, feel-good read.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan
4 stars
Spice: 🔥/5
I’ll be totally honest with you. I am in Kendall’s ARC team and lately – I haven’t been loving her stuff. I was thinking about removing myself. BUT The Grump Next Door pulled me back into her writing.
The banter in this book brought a smile to my face. The chaos that ensued with this wedding (the goat, specifically) was top notch. The blossoming relationship between Poppy and Dean wasn’t forced and felt natural (despite the elevated timeline). The slow burn and sexual tension was done right.
We do get dual point of views in this book so it’s kind of cool to get both of their backstories and thought processes.
My one complaint – Kendall loves to always have the characters say something and the other reply with “you love it”. It was said three times in this book (which I will let slide because her last book had WAY more than that). That is just something personal I’ve noticed and cringe a little LOL
Overall, I think this is her best book I’ve read <3
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #booklover #enemytolovers #romance #romancebookblogger #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #romancebooklover #kendallryan #kendallryanbooks #kendallryanauthor
4 stars
Spice: 🔥/5
I’ll be totally honest with you. I am in Kendall’s ARC team and lately – I haven’t been loving her stuff. I was thinking about removing myself. BUT The Grump Next Door pulled me back into her writing.
The banter in this book brought a smile to my face. The chaos that ensued with this wedding (the goat, specifically) was top notch. The blossoming relationship between Poppy and Dean wasn’t forced and felt natural (despite the elevated timeline). The slow burn and sexual tension was done right.
We do get dual point of views in this book so it’s kind of cool to get both of their backstories and thought processes.
My one complaint – Kendall loves to always have the characters say something and the other reply with “you love it”. It was said three times in this book (which I will let slide because her last book had WAY more than that). That is just something personal I’ve noticed and cringe a little LOL
Overall, I think this is her best book I’ve read <3
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #booklover #enemytolovers #romance #romancebookblogger #romancebookstagram #romancebookstagrammer #romancebooklover #kendallryan #kendallryanbooks #kendallryanauthor
February 11, 2026
Offering his country New York estate for his brother's upcoming nuptials is probably the last favor grumpy attorney Dean Whitaker will ever do, especially if the supremely annoying, eternally sunny wedding planner, Poppy Monroe, is anything to go by. But Poppy desperately needs this wedding to go off without a hitch, and she won’t let a surly BOG (brother of the groom) stand in her way.
And stand in her way he does, with manufactured complaints, ridiculous demands, and general storm-cloud attitude. It's not completely Dean's fault, because fate, destiny, and karma all band together to toss monkey wrenches into Poppy's meticulous plans for the wedding of the century.
This allows for tons of hilarious banter and delicious push and pull, and I was there for every minute of it. I couldn’t get enough of these opposites and loved every second of their bumpy, humorous road to forever. Yes, I’m side-eying you, George the goat.
One of the things I really enjoy is the way this gifted storyteller gives us more romance after the I love yous. The glimpses into the future, showing how love lasts and grows, are such a treat and secure a memorable couple and their story deeper in my heart. Charming, swoony, funny, and full of heart, Dean and Poppy will be your new favorite grumpy/sunshine couple.
And stand in her way he does, with manufactured complaints, ridiculous demands, and general storm-cloud attitude. It's not completely Dean's fault, because fate, destiny, and karma all band together to toss monkey wrenches into Poppy's meticulous plans for the wedding of the century.
This allows for tons of hilarious banter and delicious push and pull, and I was there for every minute of it. I couldn’t get enough of these opposites and loved every second of their bumpy, humorous road to forever. Yes, I’m side-eying you, George the goat.
One of the things I really enjoy is the way this gifted storyteller gives us more romance after the I love yous. The glimpses into the future, showing how love lasts and grows, are such a treat and secure a memorable couple and their story deeper in my heart. Charming, swoony, funny, and full of heart, Dean and Poppy will be your new favorite grumpy/sunshine couple.
February 11, 2026
When it rains, it pours! Dean Whitaker is shaking head and wondering what possessed him to say to his brother's request to use his estate for a wedding. Poppy Monroe is trying to keep it all together trying to make sure said wedding goes off without a hitch after being fired from her job as a wedding planner. Poppy might be the wedding coordinator, but chaos seems to follow whenever she's around. From the neurotic neighbor's dog to the George the goat that just showed up one day to shenanigans galore, Dean and Poppy are trying to co-exist. Against his better judgment, Dean starts helping out with the little things which snowballs into bigger things because he notices everything about Poppy. Everything. Including the fact that she doesn't ask for help even if it means she's not taking care of herself.
Oh... the attraction and chemistry between these two! Trying to deny what was right in front of them, but both are too broken to ask for what they want right out. The chaos amid the love that blossomed while they both worked hard to ensure the best wedding for the bride and groom. This was a feel-good, laugh out loud romantic comedy.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Oh... the attraction and chemistry between these two! Trying to deny what was right in front of them, but both are too broken to ask for what they want right out. The chaos amid the love that blossomed while they both worked hard to ensure the best wedding for the bride and groom. This was a feel-good, laugh out loud romantic comedy.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
What to expect
Wedding planner x divorce lawyer
Opposites attract
Meddling animals
Slow burn
He falls first
Snarky banter
Delicious chemistry
This was such a fun book to read. I really enjoyed Poppy and Dean’s love story. From their “meet cute” to the last page, I was invested.
I understood Poppy’s work ethic, to keep going, smile and try your best until things work out. But it can be exhausting and take a toll even when she is trying to hide it. As the story unfolds, Dean recognises this and finds ways to make things easier. His acts of service is a beautiful style of love language.
Dean finds everything about Poppy frustrating, from her shoes to her unrelenting optimism. He is guarded and protective of his peace. Poppy disrupts everything and their snarky banter is brilliant.
As they work together, grudgingly at first but things change and their pent up chemistry is so delicious. They keep trying to push their attraction away since their time together is limited, but eventually one stolen kiss leads to another until they question everything…
I highly recommend reading this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
What to expect
Wedding planner x divorce lawyer
Opposites attract
Meddling animals
Slow burn
He falls first
Snarky banter
Delicious chemistry
This was such a fun book to read. I really enjoyed Poppy and Dean’s love story. From their “meet cute” to the last page, I was invested.
I understood Poppy’s work ethic, to keep going, smile and try your best until things work out. But it can be exhausting and take a toll even when she is trying to hide it. As the story unfolds, Dean recognises this and finds ways to make things easier. His acts of service is a beautiful style of love language.
Dean finds everything about Poppy frustrating, from her shoes to her unrelenting optimism. He is guarded and protective of his peace. Poppy disrupts everything and their snarky banter is brilliant.
As they work together, grudgingly at first but things change and their pent up chemistry is so delicious. They keep trying to push their attraction away since their time together is limited, but eventually one stolen kiss leads to another until they question everything…
I highly recommend reading this book.
February 13, 2026
Ms Ryan has given us a fantastic rom-com grumpy/sunshine story full of witty banter, angst, sneaking beneath walls kind of story. This one drew me in quickly but I didn't even realize I was devouring the pages.
Dean, much to his better judgement agreed to let his brother host his wedding at his home. He doesn't have time for anything that comes with getting his property ready. He is a workaholic lawyer that is even working all the time when he gets home. Soon he finds that he can't keep hit attention where it belongs and it seem to keep being drawn to the sunshine form outdoors wrecking havoc.
Poppy is ever the optimist and has a determination that most only dream of. After being fired on her way to this wedding, she has no help with this wedding. But she is going to do everything possible to make it the perfect one and start her solo career. If she could just get past the hurdles of Grumpy Dean.
Add in our fantastic secondary characters Muffin and George, you will be smiling and reading.
Grab your copy today.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Dean, much to his better judgement agreed to let his brother host his wedding at his home. He doesn't have time for anything that comes with getting his property ready. He is a workaholic lawyer that is even working all the time when he gets home. Soon he finds that he can't keep hit attention where it belongs and it seem to keep being drawn to the sunshine form outdoors wrecking havoc.
Poppy is ever the optimist and has a determination that most only dream of. After being fired on her way to this wedding, she has no help with this wedding. But she is going to do everything possible to make it the perfect one and start her solo career. If she could just get past the hurdles of Grumpy Dean.
Add in our fantastic secondary characters Muffin and George, you will be smiling and reading.
Grab your copy today.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Review of advance copy received from Author
Not really enemies to lovers, more like sunshine versus grouchy with an added bit of goat. When Dean Whitaker agrees to host his brother’s wedding, he’s totally unaware of the effect it will have on his well structured life. On his way to becoming partner at a prestigious New York law firm, he doesn’t believe in love, until that is, a ray of sunshine with a penitence for chaos enters his life. So many funny moments throughout. Dean is definitely a grouch throughout, but even from the very beginning he has his soft moments - cue Muffin the pooch with anxiety issues (Dean really did love him). Poppy and Dean together might seem like a bad idea, but opposites really do attract, and I was rooting from them from the get-go, I love a good slow burn with characters that challenge each other at every turn. A wonderful, fun story, some unforgettable characters and the perfect happy ending. I loved it. I received an advanced copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Poppy and Dean stole my heart.
Poppy is a sunshiny, irresistible fluff of a event planner with some unexpected spine. Dean is a by the book, stick up his bum lawyer with a marshmallow heart. Together they are adorable in this slow burn, bantery Kendall Ryan swoonfest.
Dean doesn't know why he agreed to to host his brother's wedding at his home but we know. He's a romantic at heart. He doesn't know what hit him when he meets Poppy, a free spirit who is also incredibly organized and who must make Dean's brother's wedding happen all on her own or watch her career go down the drain.
Highlights: Their meet cute is perfection, and the anxious puppy, the wild goat and all of the side characters add charm to the chaos. Soon Dean is on Team Poppy and the rollicking ride ends in a lovely wedding.
The banter is on point, the steam delicious. One star removed because the ending dragged. Great read.
Poppy is a sunshiny, irresistible fluff of a event planner with some unexpected spine. Dean is a by the book, stick up his bum lawyer with a marshmallow heart. Together they are adorable in this slow burn, bantery Kendall Ryan swoonfest.
Dean doesn't know why he agreed to to host his brother's wedding at his home but we know. He's a romantic at heart. He doesn't know what hit him when he meets Poppy, a free spirit who is also incredibly organized and who must make Dean's brother's wedding happen all on her own or watch her career go down the drain.
Highlights: Their meet cute is perfection, and the anxious puppy, the wild goat and all of the side characters add charm to the chaos. Soon Dean is on Team Poppy and the rollicking ride ends in a lovely wedding.
The banter is on point, the steam delicious. One star removed because the ending dragged. Great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG could our MCs been any cuter?? Poppy is my spirit animal, while I'm Dean is my everyday life.
I swear i don't know where to start with this book? I was hooked for the first page and couldn't let this book go unit I reached HEA. An what HEA it was...These two make no sense on paper. Poppy is (organized)chaos while Dean is the exact opposite, or so he thinks.
Both have baggage thats shaped their views of the world and letting go of the past, might be harder then expected. But when they part ways, it makes them see that miracles can happen and one can fall madly in love one Reditt post at a time.
I know I've said this before when it comes ro Kendall Ryan books, but this one definitely takes the cake. It was fast paced, funny and had a slow burn that will make you SWOON.
I highly recommend it!!!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
I swear i don't know where to start with this book? I was hooked for the first page and couldn't let this book go unit I reached HEA. An what HEA it was...These two make no sense on paper. Poppy is (organized)chaos while Dean is the exact opposite, or so he thinks.
Both have baggage thats shaped their views of the world and letting go of the past, might be harder then expected. But when they part ways, it makes them see that miracles can happen and one can fall madly in love one Reditt post at a time.
I know I've said this before when it comes ro Kendall Ryan books, but this one definitely takes the cake. It was fast paced, funny and had a slow burn that will make you SWOON.
I highly recommend it!!!
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 SMOOCHES!
A light-hearted and charming enemies-to-lovers romance, Kendall Ryan’s The Grump Next Door captured the irresistible tension between a brooding heart and a sunny soul. Poppy, the effervescently cheery wedding planner, arrived to organize a lavish wedding on the stunning property owned by Dean, the perpetually scowling divorce attorney and the groom’s older brother. Their clashing personalities ignite a war of witty banter, sizzling tension and simmering frustration.
Ryan used the forced proximity of the wedding preparations to strip away their defenses and transform their initial annoyance into a magnetic chemistry that felt both inevitable and electric. The slow-burn build-up of their relationship was filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt vulnerability and undeniable attraction. I devoured this grumpy-sunshine tale in a day. The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
A light-hearted and charming enemies-to-lovers romance, Kendall Ryan’s The Grump Next Door captured the irresistible tension between a brooding heart and a sunny soul. Poppy, the effervescently cheery wedding planner, arrived to organize a lavish wedding on the stunning property owned by Dean, the perpetually scowling divorce attorney and the groom’s older brother. Their clashing personalities ignite a war of witty banter, sizzling tension and simmering frustration.
Ryan used the forced proximity of the wedding preparations to strip away their defenses and transform their initial annoyance into a magnetic chemistry that felt both inevitable and electric. The slow-burn build-up of their relationship was filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt vulnerability and undeniable attraction. I devoured this grumpy-sunshine tale in a day. The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan gets 4.5 smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dean Whitaker is the definition of a grump, no smiling, no laughing, and a brutally serious divorce lawyer. Poppy Monroe is his complete opposite: all sunshine and roses, a dreamy wedding planner who believes in magic and happily-ever-afters. When Dean agrees to host his younger brother’s wedding at his upstate New York estate, Poppy arrives a week early to make sure everything is perfect and chaos immediately follows.
From the moment she steps onto the property, sparks fly. They’re oil and water, endlessly circling each other in a dance of sharp banter, simmering tension, and undeniable chemistry. This is the slowest of slow burns, and Kendall Ryan makes you feel every lingering glance and near miss.
The payoff? Completely worth it. Watching these two opposites inch their way toward love makes the journey to the HEA deeply satisfying and absolutely unforgettable.
From the moment she steps onto the property, sparks fly. They’re oil and water, endlessly circling each other in a dance of sharp banter, simmering tension, and undeniable chemistry. This is the slowest of slow burns, and Kendall Ryan makes you feel every lingering glance and near miss.
The payoff? Completely worth it. Watching these two opposites inch their way toward love makes the journey to the HEA deeply satisfying and absolutely unforgettable.
February 13, 2026
This grumpy x sunshine rom-com had some truly hilarious moments that really had me laughing out loud. It's quirky, fun, full of hilarious witty banter, and overall an easy entertaining read.
Poppy and Dean could not be more opposite, where Poppy was OTT enthusiastic Dean was extra grouchy. Their back and forth was really cute. Little by little she melted his icy demeanor and heart. Of course, Dean is a caring big softie for Poppy.
With all the wedding chaos, banter, and two hilarious animal sidekicks Muffin the neighbor's dog that keeps breaking into Dean's house, and George the goat that randomly appeared one day, I couldn't get enough.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Small-town
Grumpy + Sunshine
Fun animals
Slow-burn
Forced proximity
Dual POV
"This is the enemies-to-lovers goat-inclusive wedding novel I didn’t know I needed."
Poppy and Dean could not be more opposite, where Poppy was OTT enthusiastic Dean was extra grouchy. Their back and forth was really cute. Little by little she melted his icy demeanor and heart. Of course, Dean is a caring big softie for Poppy.
With all the wedding chaos, banter, and two hilarious animal sidekicks Muffin the neighbor's dog that keeps breaking into Dean's house, and George the goat that randomly appeared one day, I couldn't get enough.
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Small-town
Grumpy + Sunshine
Fun animals
Slow-burn
Forced proximity
Dual POV
"This is the enemies-to-lovers goat-inclusive wedding novel I didn’t know I needed."
Review of advance copy
The Grump Next Door is written by Kendall Ryan. I really loved this book! Perky Poppy is the newly unemployed wedding planner with a need to prove herself. Dean is mad as all get out that he agreed to let his brother have his wedding at his house. Poppy tries to do everything on her own, even if it means she is up all night moving things around outside with a headlamp strapped to her head. Dean hates all of it, especially his attraction and obsession with the lovely wedding planner. Add in the hilarious farm animals and you get this snarky, sneaky sweet story. Can Poppy help Dean loosen up a little? Can Dean keep Poppy from falling flat on her face.... even if it consumes his mind and time? This is another DON'T MISS READ by Ms Ryan!
February 11, 2026
The Grump Next Door is wedding planner Poppy and divorce lawyer and brother of the groom Dean’s entertaining, fun and engaging story.
On the face of this couple should not get along and from the moment they meet sparks fly because she believes in love and happy ever after and he is a grumpy, broody man who earns a living from divorce……
But when the heart wants something it’s hard to resist and Poppy has given Dean something he wasn’t looking for.
I loved everything about this book from the witty banter to the George the goat and Muffin the dog (who happen to be the best side kicks). This is a well written, witty and funny read with characters I fell hard and fast for. A wonderful journey that left me smiling.
On the face of this couple should not get along and from the moment they meet sparks fly because she believes in love and happy ever after and he is a grumpy, broody man who earns a living from divorce……
But when the heart wants something it’s hard to resist and Poppy has given Dean something he wasn’t looking for.
I loved everything about this book from the witty banter to the George the goat and Muffin the dog (who happen to be the best side kicks). This is a well written, witty and funny read with characters I fell hard and fast for. A wonderful journey that left me smiling.
February 12, 2026
I enjoyed this one more than I expected. It's a slow-burn in the best possible ways.
Poppy and Dean could not be any more opposite if they tried. Poppy is sunshine and all about love, while Dean is more of a grump and loves ending those happily ever afters through paperwork.
These two know from the get-go that there are going to bumps and bruises along the way of planning this wedding for Dean's brother. However, neither are willing to let the wedding be a failure and try to find a way to work together.
There is alot of sparks flying, close encounters and a slow-burn romance that's impossible to ignore. I loved the banter, the flirting and the growth between the two of them.
This is definitely one of Kendall's best books to date.
Poppy and Dean could not be any more opposite if they tried. Poppy is sunshine and all about love, while Dean is more of a grump and loves ending those happily ever afters through paperwork.
These two know from the get-go that there are going to bumps and bruises along the way of planning this wedding for Dean's brother. However, neither are willing to let the wedding be a failure and try to find a way to work together.
There is alot of sparks flying, close encounters and a slow-burn romance that's impossible to ignore. I loved the banter, the flirting and the growth between the two of them.
This is definitely one of Kendall's best books to date.
February 13, 2026
I loved the sweet sentimentality, the non-stop humour and the slow burn romance in this very engaging story. The MCs are very likable and the side characters really added to the story. I'm not sure who I enjoyed more - Poppy and Dean or their goat and dog! Poppy and Dean are sunshine and grumpiness, respectively. They start off as enemies but find they are unable to resist each other. While Poppy is planning the wedding that she feels will make or break her, Dean is resenting every bit of it. Until he isn't. The banter between them is fun and the many epilogues are very very sweet and romantic. I definitely recommend this book, if you are looking for a light and easy to read romcom.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2026
The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan
The Grump Next Door is a polished and engaging contemporary romance that highlights Kendall Ryan’s strength in crafting believable characters and natural chemistry. Set against the backdrop of a wedding, the story follows Dean Whitaker, the groom’s guarded and brooding brother, and Poppy Monroe, the capable and optimistic wedding planner.
Their opposites-attract dynamic creates sharp banter and steady romantic tension, while the emotional depth behind both characters adds authenticity to their connection. The relationship develops at a satisfying pace, balancing humour, vulnerability, and heartfelt moments.
A well-written and enjoyable romance for readers who appreciate strong character development and grumpy/sunshine dynamics.
The Grump Next Door is a polished and engaging contemporary romance that highlights Kendall Ryan’s strength in crafting believable characters and natural chemistry. Set against the backdrop of a wedding, the story follows Dean Whitaker, the groom’s guarded and brooding brother, and Poppy Monroe, the capable and optimistic wedding planner.
Their opposites-attract dynamic creates sharp banter and steady romantic tension, while the emotional depth behind both characters adds authenticity to their connection. The relationship develops at a satisfying pace, balancing humour, vulnerability, and heartfelt moments.
A well-written and enjoyable romance for readers who appreciate strong character development and grumpy/sunshine dynamics.
February 16, 2026
The Grump Next Door is such a fantastic addition to Kendall’s writing. This story had me laughing out loud and wishing I could be part of the wedding planning chaos!
Poppy is determined not to let anyone down, carrying the weight of her future on her shoulders and more pressure than ever to deliver the perfect day. Dean is a lawyer who hasn’t left much room for a personal life he’s focused, driven, and definitely not impressed by a wedding planner trampling all over his property.
I genuinely loved this story, and Ryan has absolutely outdone herself this time around. The banter, chemistry, and humor made this such an enjoyable read.
I’m really hoping for more from this world especially George & Muffin!
Overall: 4/5
Poppy is determined not to let anyone down, carrying the weight of her future on her shoulders and more pressure than ever to deliver the perfect day. Dean is a lawyer who hasn’t left much room for a personal life he’s focused, driven, and definitely not impressed by a wedding planner trampling all over his property.
I genuinely loved this story, and Ryan has absolutely outdone herself this time around. The banter, chemistry, and humor made this such an enjoyable read.
I’m really hoping for more from this world especially George & Muffin!
Overall: 4/5
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