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My Grumpy Protector : A Friends To Lovers Small Town Romance
I came back to Willowbridge because I had nowhere else to go.
Tech career destroyed by an ex-client who torched my reputation.
Fresh off catching my boyfriend with his "workout buddy."
And Evan, said ex-client, still blowing up my phone.
I left this town to prove I was more than mediocre.
Coming home feels like failure.
When my rental falls through, I duck into The Willow Tap to escape the rain.
Then Lucas Mason looks up from behind the bar.
My childhood friend is all grown up—broad shoulders, brooding bar owner, blue eyes that still see through me.
Before I can overthink it, he offers for me to stay in his loft above the bar—with him.
Just for the night.
Just until I figure things out.
One rain-soaked night later, we cross a line we can't uncross.
Lucas looks at me like I'm not a disaster.
Listens when I over-explain my code.
And when Evan shows up in Willowbridge, Lucas's protective side makes "just friends" impossible.
I can't lose the one person who never thought I was mediocre.
He's been falling for me all along—for my rambling, my mess, all of it.
And this small town is about to watch us stop pretending.
Perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity small-town romance with a protective hero who falls first, a curvy tech-girl starting over, and a love that never left.
Book 1 in The Willowbridge Series. Each book can be read as a standalone with its own happily ever after.
Tech career destroyed by an ex-client who torched my reputation.
Fresh off catching my boyfriend with his "workout buddy."
And Evan, said ex-client, still blowing up my phone.
I left this town to prove I was more than mediocre.
Coming home feels like failure.
When my rental falls through, I duck into The Willow Tap to escape the rain.
Then Lucas Mason looks up from behind the bar.
My childhood friend is all grown up—broad shoulders, brooding bar owner, blue eyes that still see through me.
Before I can overthink it, he offers for me to stay in his loft above the bar—with him.
Just for the night.
Just until I figure things out.
One rain-soaked night later, we cross a line we can't uncross.
Lucas looks at me like I'm not a disaster.
Listens when I over-explain my code.
And when Evan shows up in Willowbridge, Lucas's protective side makes "just friends" impossible.
I can't lose the one person who never thought I was mediocre.
He's been falling for me all along—for my rambling, my mess, all of it.
And this small town is about to watch us stop pretending.
Perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity small-town romance with a protective hero who falls first, a curvy tech-girl starting over, and a love that never left.
Book 1 in The Willowbridge Series. Each book can be read as a standalone with its own happily ever after.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
8 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 26, 2025
Not a bad read. I think it needed a bit more of a back story about the stalker, getting fired and the ex. It kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen with the stalker and what he was going to do next. The journey that both maya and Lucas went on to be honest with what each other and what they both wanted was pretty good.
January 14, 2026
Grumpy learns to smile
My Grumpy Protector by Katelyn Jasper is a sweet refreshing romance to enjoy. The characters and small town life reflect daily struggles and happiness within a small town environment. This is a nice read for anyone.
My Grumpy Protector by Katelyn Jasper is a sweet refreshing romance to enjoy. The characters and small town life reflect daily struggles and happiness within a small town environment. This is a nice read for anyone.
January 28, 2026
It was OK? I guess that's the best word
I thought it was...cute I guess. If your looking for spice I would say it's like 1.5 on the spice level. Cute story but not much meat on the bone there. Just really quick read.
I thought it was...cute I guess. If your looking for spice I would say it's like 1.5 on the spice level. Cute story but not much meat on the bone there. Just really quick read.
November 4, 2025
I liked Lucas and Maya’s journey in my grumpy protector. It was an intriguing read. I received an early copy via bs. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews