She’s sweet, stubborn, and far too tempting. He’s big, grumpy, and determined not to fall.
Sara Cartwright came to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start—quiet mornings, kind neighbors, and maybe a few furry friends hopping through her garden. She wasn’t expecting her next-door neighbor to be six-foot-plus of scowling muscle and twitching ears.
Ben Hollowell likes his peace, his pub, and his solitude. The last thing he needs is a relentlessly cheerful kindergarten teacher moving in next door with flower boxes, laughter, and curves that make his pulse race.
But when Sara’s warmth starts melting his defenses—and her brownies start showing up at his door—Ben finds himself craving things he swore he didn’t need. Will spring in Fairhaven Falls turn out to be mating season for the most reluctant of bunnies?
Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers.
Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny is book 11 in the Fairhaven Falls Series by Honey Phillips
Sara Phillips is the new kindergarten teacher in Fairhaven Falls. She has moved there like so many looking for a fresh start. What she finds is that her neighbor is not only a rabbit Other, but he is grumpy and not exactly happy to meet her. He is also muscle-y and gorgeous.
Ben Hollowell has worked hard to keep his world very controlled since he gave up the spotlight years ago. He is determined a pretty kindergarten teacher is not going to break through his defenses and his solitude. But, with the help of some brownies, and of course, the hilarious yet meddlesome Flora, who plays a role in orchestrating the entire thing; he doesn't stand a chance.
I discovered Honey Phillips writing when I needed a “palate cleanser” after some darker stories. What I have found is an author I absolutely love. Her books are fun, well written and just the right amount of spice. Their stories may be far fetched but that's what makes them perfect. I have read every book in this series and just adore them. Fairhaven Falls is a joy to read and the perfect lighthearted series. I recommend diving in.
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
Coming back to Fairhaven Falls is like a big hug to your heart - and oh how I have been waiting for Ben’s story and it certainly doesn’t disappoint 🤩. Acting grumpy as all get out, Ben is still so loveable and has proven through this series to be the best kind of friend (and now lover) under all his bluster. Sarah, the new kindergarten teacher, has just moved to Fairhaven Falls right next to you know who. Flora has her matchmaking hands full with Ben but she never backs down as Sam learns he doesn’t have to be lonely and controlled anymore. I so loved the humor, wittiness, and of course Flora and the Fairhaven Crew were always there to help a bunny when he’s lost🥰. I voluntarily reviewed a free Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
Welcome back to Fairhaven Falls . Where Flora actually has a matchmaking newsletter (go figure) and this time it's about the grumpy tavern owner and the new addition to the town , a kindergarten teacher. To me it's opposites attract. Sunshine and very grumpy. I loved Sara. I loved learning about her past. I loved her determination and unwavering faith that Ben would come around and realize that he did not need to fear his past, but that he could embrace his future . Ben , what can I say. He has more secrets than any one in Fairhaven Falls. I loved discovering them all. Loved how he discovered that he did not need to be afraid of his past and that he could embrace the future . I loved the banter between the two. Loved the help and support of the people he knew, George and Nina, Posy, Adrian ,etc. I also loved that Flora knew what saying to wear on her tracksuits. Some very inappropriate, some just true. Secrets were revealed , loved the mystery and suspense and the splash of humor to make things interesting. Loved the epiphanies gathered. Steam to the eventual romance, and of course loved the heart earned HEA for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We're back in Fairhaven Falls and it's grumpy Ben's turn to find his special someone. No lie, the big guy is FIGHTING this. He's convinced himself he's happy enough alone and he can just carry on business as usual with his pub and his late-night guitar sessions (that no one knows about) and his perma-scowl.
BOY, is he wrong. When Sara moves in next door (thanks to Flora's impeccable ability to pick out the perfect person to be in the perfect place at the perfect time), Ben is sunk. He won't admit it, but he's done in. Sara's smiles and generosity and her plates of brownies start chipping away at his walls from the start.
On Sara's end, she's looking for a place where she can really belong. This small town of Others has potential and her ripped, scowling neighbor with the sexy ears has her thinking things she wasn't expecting. Like how soft his fur is. Or how it would feel to wake up beside him every morning.
Yeah, these two have it bad for one another. But Ben has baggage and Sara has to give him the space to work through that baggage so he knows he can trust his instincts when it comes to her. And when he does? Stamina, thy name is Ben!
This is a fun small-town monster romance in the Fairhaven Falls series of interconnected standalones.
Human FMC Sara is the new kindergarten teacher who just moved in next door to MMC Ben, the grumpy tavern owning rabbit Other. A misunderstanding leaves her embarrassed and eager to make things right with her new neighbor by offering him baked treats, which of course in the Other community usually signals a courting ritual…
I really enjoyed this book. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked well, and I loved the low stakes, slow burn to high heat build. I wasn’t sure if I could connect with what is basically an Easter bunny main character, but I was instantly hooked on the story and their adorable dynamic.
Another great read! I can’t wait to see what Phillips comes up with next in Guarded by My Gargoyle which is scheduled for release September 2026.
Spice 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Writing: 4.5/5 My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is another fantastic addition to the Fairhaven Falls series, and it is such a great book! Sara is new there and has been hired to teach kindergarten. She is totally unprepared for her giant neighbor, Ben, who is a bunny. Yes, he's a big bunny! I was laughing so hard when Sara suggested that Ben could be an Easter bunny for her class! In her defense, her friends allowed her to drink too much. Ben has a bit of a turbulent past, and he's afraid to give in to the mate bond he feels for Sara. You know that can't last. I was glued to this book until I finished it! So, no, my dishes are still dirty! :) There is a lot of spice, and it is more of a slow burn. Be ready for an excellent story that will make you wish that there really is a guy like Ben!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'll be honest, when I first saw this I wondered how the whole Bunny-thing was going to work. The answer is: very well! With plenty of steam, lots of "awww" moments, a whole bunch of Sunshine from one very sweet Kindergarten teacher and a very grumpy Bunny! And of course, my favorite town full of my favorite characters..especially Flora! Though this time little Maisie just stole my heart. There certain things we know if Honey Phillips wrote the book...the story is going to be outstanding, the characters are going to be the best, there is going to be a bit of drama and plenty of humor, the world building is impeccable and I am going to love every step of the journey to the HEA! This is all of that and more.
Cute, steamy opposites attract into instalove in this volume of the Fairhaven Falls series.
This particular book centers around Sara, an optimistic, cheerful kindergarten teacher who has moved schools several times and is hoping Fairhaven Falls will be her forever home, and Ben, a giant, cranky bunny with a past as a rock star who abruptly left that lifestyle when it all felt hollow and unfulfilling. These opposites are definitely attracted to each other, but Ben is determined to keep Sara at a distance.
Neighborhood mischievous meddling matchmaker Flora and some of Sara’s tiny students conspire to bring Ben and Sara together, and it’s a bumpy-ish, but relatively low angst road to a HEA.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.
I love a story where the male main character is the one who has issues to overcome and it is the female protagonist who helps. This story has Ben questioning everything about himself and his desires and the new kindergarten teacher in town, Sara, trying to show him he is worthy and that she is worth fighting for. It is not an easy task. Ben has a lot of baggage but he also has a lot of town members rooting for him and offering assistance and advice. Small towns!! Everyone knows everything!!!
This is a low angst, quick read that had me engaged throughout. Although characters from other books in the series make an appearance, you don’t have to read any other of their stories to enjoy this one.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
-A cozy, grumpy/sunshine monster romance set in quirky Fairhaven Falls. I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy and voluntarily share my honest thoughts.
Sara’s warmth and unwavering optimism slowly melt Ben’s guarded heart, revealing tender secrets beneath his gruff exterior. With playful banter, small-town meddling, and a touch of suspense, the story balances sweetness and steam beautifully. Endearing, quirky, and full of heart, this one delivers a truly earned happily ever after.
Another wonderful story from Honey Phillips! I recommend.
We are back in Fairhaven Falls and the unpredictable Flora is up to her meddling again. Sara and Ben are an absolutely adorable amazing couple . She has a strong vibrant personality and he is a grumpy bunny with his guard up.
This is a captivating read with some phenomenal characters. Ben and his friends provide plenty of banter and wit to lure us in to this beautiful love story. Sara shows us what patience looks like. Her respect for Ben is palpable and she lets him set the pace. An admirable quality for our heroine. 💜💜.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sara, a human kindergarten teacher and Ben, a grumpy famous ex-musician, now tavern owner bunny other, seem like an odd couple but they are perfect for each other. This was a wonderful story with a nosey female match making orc and a great group of friends both old and new cheering for and helping two people find love and happiness. I love the stories by Honey Phillips, they always always make me happy. I really wish they never ended. Now to wait for the next one. All the Fairhaven Falls books are fantastic so I highly recommend reading them and then rereading them again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Ben & Sara's story in this newest addition to the Fairhaven Falls series and thought their meet cute was adorable. As always Flora is such a fun side character and her matchmaking and ability to manipulate people is so entertaining. The children in Sara's kindergarten class have a few fun scenes in this story as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book Guarded by My Gargoyle and getting to know Garrick better and seeing how he feels when he's Flora's matchmaking target.
Steam Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🍪 I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. 🐰
This has been a long time coming and I was thrilled to finally read Ben's story. He's grumpy but just so loveable and a kind friend under all that grump ;P Sara is new to town and looking for a fresh start. She's the new kindergarten teacher and Ben's neighbour. I loved seeing them interact and got such a kick out of the banter between them. Of course, he's got plenty of secrets and doesn't figure he's worthy of love. Sara knows he's more than worthy but it takes time for him to see himself as she sees him. Expect to get caught up in this opposites attract romance filled with humour, banter, connection, supportive friends and steam. Good fun!
I have been waiting for Ben’s story ever since meeting him in Kiss for My Kraken. He is the epitome of a grumpy bunny and does Sara find that out when she moves in next door to him. Flora is very much up to her meddling match making ways, this time it almost seemed mean how she got Sara to innocently offend Ben. Sara’s school children charges were adorable, Adrian mischievous, and when Ben and Sara got together deliciously sexy. I wasn’t so keen on hearing about his player rockstar past but other than that another great addition to the series.
Sara is a wonderful kindergarten teacher but moving 6 times is a bit much for anyone. So hopefully this move will be her last. Flora is up to no good with gifting bunny food to plant by the fence but hey we get Ben there in no time. Bunny is a not just cute and fluffy he is tall and yummy too. With a grumpy attitude and a bad mood to boot. They have some pacing to do to overcome Ben’s past. With spring fever coming the hop is definitely on.
The Orc Fairies recipe: One grumpy bunny add one sunshine kindergarten teacher Stir in a newsletter Some brownies A few well meaning friends Some precocious kindergarteners And a nest
The result is another Hot Fairhaven Falls mating!!
I adore Fiona, her antics,her track suits and her blunt talk!!
Honey Phillips is truly a goddess of writing! You feel the thread of recognition and comfort reading these books, knowing that there’s a town surrounding the two main characters. There is spice, cuddles, comfort, and dealing with the past… two beings trying to find their place in the world, which they do as well as finding one another! Love this book! I can’t wait for the next one!
Sara has moved to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start and hopefully a place to settle. Ben is a bunny shifter and Sara's new neighbor. They are attracted to each other right from to get go but something is holding Ben back. Sara needs all the patience in the world to draw him look out. Sweet steamy romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A grumpy bunny for the win! I get such enjoyment from the Fairhaven Falls books - this one is no exception. Ben is quite the guy to drag his feet, but Sara maintains the patience of a saint. She doesn’t hesitate to be a temptress, however. I love their humorous backchat! Following their journey to true love is an adventure - enjoy!
This Fairhaven Falls series is so much fun. I especially love Flora with her saucy track suits and sparkling eyes. Somehow she just knows who belongs together. We readers have the joy of getting lost in Honey's imagination. She delivers great plot twists, banter between our main characters, and richly described characters and locations. The pages flow as you get lost in this tale. Enjoy.
Don’t let the animated cover fool you, this story has deep emotions!
Reformed rock star bad boy spends 6 years trying to overcome his reputation through abstinence and avoidance only to be taken down by his one true love.
You’re gonna love all the Fairhaven Falls books and this one is no exception. Cozy with all the feels.
I love this series. It’s a rom-com of a sweet little town with”others” (non-humans) and their human soulmates meeting and falling in love - with a little help from a half fairy half orc meddling older female. Great writing, interesting characters that you definitely root for!
Finally Ben's story and I was not disappointed. The big grump had a tough time getting to his happily ever after, but Sara was perfect for him. Her love and trust in him showed from the very first time they met. It healed something in Ben and it was a beautiful read. Flora, as always, knows what she's doing. Great story!
I love Ben - he is grumpy but lovable and Sara was perfect for him. Great read with wonderful characters as they overcome their pasts and build a future. Flora is also front and center which adds humor to the story!
Nothing like the sunshine-y kindergarten teacher versus the grumpy tavern owner. Sara's big smiles and cheerful personality are more than a match for Ben's more subdued and off-putting moods. In the face of such happiness, even his guarded wariness melts away.
Brownies for my Grumpy Bunny by Honey Phillips was another fun and enjoyable read. I want to live in Fairhaven Falls. How can a giant bunny be so hot. Only Honey Phillips can make it happen. It was good until the very last page. Kudos!