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Fairhaven Falls #12

Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny

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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.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2026

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Honey Phillips

164 books1,842 followers

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5 stars
587 (57%)
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282 (27%)
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119 (11%)
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21 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
511 reviews
February 24, 2026
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. 
Profile Image for Lynn61.
647 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2026
Spring fever for the win 🏆

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.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,344 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Susan Ballain.
751 reviews
April 5, 2026
A new to me author as I was surprisingly amused by how far fetched this story was but it was absolutely great!
It’s nice to be able to read a book and not have to do a lot of thinking but just to enjoy the story!
3,228 reviews32 followers
March 2, 2026
4.5 stars. Read in KU.
Profile Image for Peggy M.
851 reviews8 followers
March 14, 2026
I have read several books from different series by the author Honey Phillips, but none from the ‘Fairhaven Falls’ series. Even though this is the twelfth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I was very intrigued and curious when I discovered that this story was about a bunny male. And the more I read, the more curious I became… a grumpy neighbor who’s an ex-rockstar, a mating season about to begin and a male bunny building a nest. All things that kept me reading. I really enjoyed this story and I will definitely read more stories from this series.

Sara Cartwright is the new kindergarten teacher in the small town of Fairhaven Falls. A place where Others and humans live together. Sara is searching for a place to call home, a place where she belongs and she hopes she will find it this time.

Ben Holloway, a big bunny male, is her neighbor, their first meeting doesn’t go great but Sara keeps trying. Her famous brownies are certainly a big help. Ben owns the Moonlight Tavern, he moved to Fairhaven Falls six years ago and was built a quiet and peaceful life for himself. He’s known in town as grumpy, asocial and someone who prefers to be alone. But keeping his distance from Sara proves difficult for Ben. He’s captivated by her scent, her kindness and her positivity. Sara is just as attracted to him, not by his rock star past, but by his quiet thoughtfulness, his music that touches her heart and his loneliness. But after six years of keeping his control, Ben finds it hard to open his heart to Sara. But with the help of some residents and the start of spring (read : mating season), Sara slowly wins Ben’s heart with every baked good. Will Sara finally find what she has been looking for and will Ben be brave enough to open his heart?

I really enjoyed this story, it was funny, emotional and entertaining. The story was told in both POV’s. Ben and Sara were great characters in their own way. Ben really tried to keep his distant from Sara but the chemistry between was too great. Sara was lovely and kind. It was different to read about a male bunny and I’m pretty sure that every time I see a bunny, I will think of Ben LOL. The author convinced me that a male bunny has some fascinating sides too. One of them is stamina.

The whole town was charming. There were a few interesting and funny characters in the story. The children were cute and sweet and the grownups were amusing and great friends.

This was a pleasant read.
826 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
February 21, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,859 reviews230 followers
February 23, 2026
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!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Jillian.
Author 9 books6 followers
February 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

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.
Profile Image for RumBelle.
2,117 reviews20 followers
March 1, 2026
I love all the Fairhaven Falls books. This one was a little bit different though, this time it seemed like the Other, in this case Ben, needed rescuing more than his mate did.

Sara moved to Fair haven Falls for a fresh start. She was king, energetic, bubbly and baked some mean sweets. Ben had been hiding in Fairhaven Falls for over six years, after his former life imploded and he just needed someplace to find peace. The two got off to a rocky start, but soon it became apparent that Ben need Sara more than he needed peace and quiet. Their attraction was strong and palpable.

This book showed a lot of minor characters, and more of the town which I really loved. It was great to meet all the different people, Other and human, young and old. This was a more lighthearted one than some of the other books in the series. I enjoy the tense moments and the funny ones. It makes for a really well rounded enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,185 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2026
I really loved it so much!

Ben was such an unusual " Other". I'm pretty sure I have never read any other big Man sized Bunny. I, at first thought he was a shifter, and was a man, that became a huge rabbit. He really was a grumpy Bunny, that ran the Inn, and cooked like a chef. Of course Flora was at her maximum match making finest. Sara had been looking for a place to put down roots. To belong. To someone special, and a community. She was very quickly accepted, and her job of Kindergarten teacher helped her make connections, and friends. Ben knew she was special, because her scent pulled at him. Hiding from his past, made her more of a challenge to his self control, but he somehow couldn't stay completely away. I was so happy with the way she quietly, but persistently showed him, that she wasn't fragile, and wanted a connection with him. Loved the HEA ending! I highly recommend any of the Fairhaven series, and any Honey Phillips series.😍
Profile Image for Becky.
1,994 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2026
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.
108 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2026
Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny – Honey Phillips
First Read
I enjoyed this one overall, though it didn’t quite hit the same level for me as the previous couple of books in the series.
Sara was a great FMC. I really liked her job at the school and the way she interacted with the community — it fit perfectly with the cozy Fairhaven vibe. Ben was a very appealing MMC too, and I enjoyed seeing his softer side come through as the story progressed.
The one aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the ex-rockstar womaniser part of Ben’s backstory. That’s not usually my favourite trope and it comes up quite a bit throughout the story. That said, it was handled well and didn’t completely overshadow the romance.
Overall it’s still a solid entry in the Fairhaven Falls series with a sweet HEA and plenty of the small-town charm that makes these books so enjoyable.
794 reviews1 follower
Did Not Finish
March 12, 2026
DNF 10%. Ben is far from one of my favorite characters in this series. Sarah is okish but comes off kind of whiny and clueless.

The reason I am dropping this book....I am 10% in and if someone mentions Sarah's award winning brownies one more time I might have to scream. 50 mentions in 284 pages. Which is once every 5 pages or so. I know the book is called Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny but my god that seems like overkill. Making brownies one of Sarah's personality traits really did not work for me.

These books are in KU so I always try them and I will continue to do so. They are just very hit or miss for me. I have enjoyed the Dragon installment, the Kraken installment and the Hyde installment a lot. The Troll one was ok and I am pretty sure all the rest have been DNFs. I am very much looking forward to the Gargoyle installment coming out later this year.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
622 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,184 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 23, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
77 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Jendy Reads.
178 reviews
February 26, 2026
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I absolutely love Fairhaven Falls. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a rabbit Other for the main character. And I probably giggled a lot until it finally got used to it. But it's a great story of grumpy guy falling for the sunshine girl, and I think honestly, a bit of a fated mates situation there too. I'm not sure anybody could have been perfect for Ben other than I kindergarten teacher, so, Sara was the perfect medicine to break down those grumpy walls. I would like to live in Fairhaven Falls, but I'm not sure yet which Other I would have fallen for...there are so many good ones!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Eve.
461 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2026
Sara moves from Charlotte to Fairhaven falls, this is her fourth move in six years.
She longs to find her permanent home. She is the town’s new Kindergarten Teacher.
Flora and her colorful tracksuits strike one again, with a welcoming basket and bunny food suggestion.
A very grumpy yet visually striking 6”4 male Rabbit named Ben does not find the bunny food to be endearing or funny.
A brief contentious introduction weighs on both Sara and Ben.
She continuously runs him through his mind with her baking treats and lovely personality.
The interactions between these two are building towards much more than being friendly neighbors.
Book has warmth, humor, sweetness and spice. Book ends in an HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,649 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 22, 2026
“Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny” by Honey Phillips

-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.
Profile Image for Cristy.
757 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2026

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.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,574 reviews72 followers
February 24, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Beth Booklover.
281 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2026
4.8⭐️ Redemptive story about finding love when you’re not looking

Honey Phillips always gives a fun, steamy read that makes you want to read until the end without stopping. This story is no different.
The story of Sara & Ben is angsty, steamy, funny and ends with a HEA. Sara is sweet and looking for someplace that feels like him. Ben is controlled, grumpy and has walls built around his heart. Sara tears those walls down and helps Ben realize that he can do what he loves without reverting back to who he once was. I really enjoyed this monster romance story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,262 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2026
Bunny Mine

Sara Cartwright is the new kindergarten in Fairhaven Falls. She’s hoping that this will be her forever home. She discovers that her neighbor, Ben Holloway, is an Other, a rabbit Other in fact. Thanks to Flora, their first encounter was left much to be desired.
Ben is a former rock star who burned out on that kind of life. For the past six years he’s led a very different life: as a bar owner, disciplined and lonely. He’s know as a grumpy sort, but with a good heart.
Both feel something when they meet, but will that lead to something more? The chemistry is something else, but will it be enough to dismantle the walls that Ben has built when Spring comes?
Profile Image for kay.
44 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2026
never pass up a new monster breed…

i always end up coming back to this author. they’re so cozy, a bit cheesy, and always feel like a warm hug. i find myself sometimes skeptical of the new Other species that feature as the MMC’s, but every time i am delightfully surprised by how much i loved it. rabbit was so out of my normal that i joked to my husband it had been recommended, but secretly i was intrigued lol. i’m so glad i gave it a chance, bc now i am so excited to read the other monsters in this series i didn’t think i’d ’be into’. clearly, if honey phillips is writing it, i’m going to eat it up.
925 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2026
Grumpy Bunny, So Sweet!

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.
279 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
2,337 reviews39 followers
April 17, 2026
Amazing

When I saw this book scrolling facebook I knew I need to read it. I been having a rough week and need something that was going to make me laugh. This book did this. Sara just moved to Fairhaven Falls for a new start. When she meets her neighbor by doing something that could be taken the wrong way she makes brownies for her neighbor Ben who is a 6'4 Bunny! When I tell you this book was perfect read to help with the funk of the week. Definitely will be reading more by this author when I need a pick me up.
Profile Image for Angela.
63 reviews
February 23, 2026
Fiona claims another Successful Mating!

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!!

Who’s next in Fiona’s Mating Newsletter??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews