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Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man

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Lila

This Valentine’s Day, I can’t afford for a single thing to go wrong.
Not when Grandma Val’s legendary lavender lemon cupcake recipe is at stake.
This recipe could make or break the brand new business I’ve sunk every last dime into.
But if I want it, I have to win a friendly family competition with my cousin—the one who owns an established bakery in Daisy Hills.
So when I discover a raccoon has broken into The Boozy Bakery and gotten drunk off my desserts, I’m forced to do something I swore I never
I call my grumpy landlord.
The same man I accidentally slept with before I knew he was my landlord.


Sullivan

I hate Valentine’s Day.
It’s why I planned to stay holed up in my mountain cabin until the miserable weekend has passed—away from all the lovesick people in town.
Probably should have thought of that when I agreed to cover for my property manager while she’s away.
If I had, I wouldn’t have to answer a call about a racoon.
I wouldn’t have to face the woman I picked up at a bar before I knew she was my new tenant.
The same woman I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since that night.
I thought keeping my distance would quell the lust.
But when I see her again, I know it’s done exactly the opposite.
I wasn’t looking for love, but now that it’s found me, I can’t imagine letting it go.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

13 people are currently reading
7 people want to read

About the author

Kali Hart

203 books591 followers

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,102 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 14, 2026
If you love your romance with equal parts sugar and spice, then Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man by Kali Hart is the Valentine’s Day treat you didn’t know you needed.

Lila has everything riding on one recipe—her grandmother Val’s legendary lavender lemon cupcakes. Winning a friendly-but-fierce family competition could secure the future of her brand-new bakery, The Boozy Bakery. She’s poured every last dime (and ounce of hope) into this dream. Failure isn’t an option.

So when a raccoon breaks in, gets drunk off her liquor-infused desserts, and trashes her shop? She does the one thing she swore she wouldn’t.

She calls her grumpy landlord.

The same landlord she accidentally spent one unforgettable night with… before she knew who he was.

Enter Sullivan: mountain man, Valentine’s Day hater, professional brooder. He planned to hide out in his cabin and avoid all things heart-shaped and hopeful. Instead, he’s answering a call about a drunk raccoon—and coming face-to-face with the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since their bar hookup.

From the moment these two share the page again, the chemistry crackles. Lila is sunshine with ambition and frosting-covered determination. Sullivan is restraint and gravelly-voiced control—until he’s not. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is delicious, and the tension between them is just as intoxicating as Lila’s baked goods.

What makes this story so satisfying isn’t just the heat (and yes, it’s there). It’s the emotional vulnerability beneath it. Lila is fighting for her independence and her dream. Sullivan is hiding from love because it’s easier than risking his heart. Watching him go from avoidance to full-on “I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine” is peak mountain man energy.

And the setting? Small-town Daisy Hills with a Valentine’s competition backdrop is cozy perfection. The family rivalry adds pressure, the bakery mishap adds humor, and the romance adds heart.

If you love:

Grumpy/sunshine romance

Small-town charm

Protective mountain men

Strong heroines chasing big dreams

Valentine’s Day vibes with heat

Then this book will absolutely steal your heart.

Because sometimes the man who hates Valentine’s Day the most… is the one who ends up falling the hardest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,298 reviews27 followers
February 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cupcakes, raccoons, and one very grumpy mountain man

Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man by Kali Hart is chaotic, cozy Valentine’s fun with just the right mix of humor, heat, and heart.

Lila is under pressure from the very first page. Grandma Val’s legendary lavender lemon cupcake recipe is on the line, her brand-new business is hanging by a thread, and the family bake-off stakes are high. Then a raccoon breaks into The Boozy Bakery and gets drunk on her desserts. The visual alone is priceless—and the perfect excuse to bring her face-to-face with the one man she was hoping to avoid.

Sullivan is peak Valentine’s Day grump. Mountain cabin? Check. Anti-romance attitude? Check. Broody landlord energy? Absolutely. The fact that they accidentally hooked up before realizing he’s her landlord adds delicious tension. He tries to keep his distance, but it’s obvious from the start he’s already gone for her.

Their chemistry is sharp and immediate, but what makes the story work is the softness underneath Sullivan’s gruff exterior. He shows up. He helps. He supports her dream—even when he pretends he doesn’t care about anything Valentine-related. Watching him slowly embrace both Lila and the holiday he claims to hate is incredibly satisfying.

The family competition and small-town Daisy Hills vibes add charm, while the raccoon mishap keeps things light and hilarious.

If you love grumpy/sunshine, accidental hookups, small-town bakery drama, and mountain men who fall hard and fast, this one is a Valentine’s treat worth savoring. 🧁💘🏔️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.8k reviews49 followers
February 27, 2026
"... two people with enough electricity between them to power the entire town i a blackout."

Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man by Kali Hart is part of the multi-author Not Looking For Love series. I adored this delicious, naughty, funny, and very entertaining story which takes place in the author's much loved Daisy Hills world. Lila Hamilton has moved to Daisy Hills, where her mother is from. She had a dream of opening a bakery and she poured all of her money into opening The Boozy Bakery, even though her cousin Audrey also has a successful bakery, The Sweet Tooth, only a couple blocks away. It is Valentines Day and Lila discovers a very big surprise when she walks downstairs and into the front of the bakery...a passed out raccoon who got into a lot of the desserts. She has more on the line that just the day, as her dragon of a grandmother has set-up a contest between the cousins with the winner getting her much coveted and secret lavender lemon cupcake recipe. With the building manager away she has no choice but to phone the one man she does not want to talk to, but can't stop thinking about since their spent one amazing and very fulfilling night together, Sullivan West. Sull may not want to get involved but he has not been able to stop thinking about Lila and that night they spent together. It seems Roxi the raccoon is about to play cupid for these two before the day and night are over.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,009 reviews125 followers
February 17, 2026
Sullivan and Lila have the kind of history that makes me shiver. They had a one night stand, off page, that absolutely wrecked them both. This was before either one of them knew he was her landlord. Valentine’s Day starts with an adventure: a raccoon broke into Lila’s bakery, devouring her liqueur cupcakes and becoming intoxicated. I absolutely roared when the little bandit was passed out, snoring. Lila called Sullivan to help with the intruder and Sullivan arrived ready to defend her from all comers because she didn’t mention it was a raccoon until she texted him a picture, but he was already driving.
This is a great way to begin the story. I like that the one-night stand was referred to (with some enticing but brief details) but not shown. It made it more tantalizing, and helped build up to the present-day bow-chicka-wow-wow. Which was excellent.
Cat’s Stats
Safety? Y
Bechdel test? Passes.
Triggers: Raccoon shenanigans
Tropes: Dysfunctional Family Dynamics FTW, Kilroy Was Here, Adorable Animal Friend, One-Night Stand, Landlord Romance, Handyman Romance, Instalove
Heat: Explicit and I will never look at a tool belt the same way again.
Note: no raccoons were harmed during the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
509 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 14, 2026
Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man by Kali Hart is part of the Not Looking for Love Series


When Lila moves to Daisy Hills and decides to open a bakery she knows she may be making yet another bad decision. Her cousin, Audrey,  has a successful established bakery there and is the golden child to her Grandma Val. Val has decided to give one of them her prized cupcake recipe depending on who has the most successful Valentine's Day.  But with Lila's bakery just starting out, she needs it much more than her cousin. However when a night time visitor wreaks havoc on her shop, she has no choice but to contact her landlord whom she spent an unforgettable night with. But perhaps they will find that one time wasn't enough for either of them. 

Don't let the length of this story fool you. This was one of the sweetest, most charming novellas I have read in a long time. The characters are so well written and fun yet spicy. The plot is well thought out and fast paced but still developed enough to get and keep you interested.  This book can be read in about an hour and is perfect for Valentine's Day.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 
Profile Image for Virginia.
350 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
February 15, 2026
Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man by Kali Hart is part of the multi author Not Looking For Love series and it proved to be a good read.
As a short, steamy, small town, grumpy mountain man romance it is ideal for a breaktime escape.
It is a well written, Valentine's Day theme and high heat based story with both characters, Sullivan and Lila engaging and likeable.
Kade, the grumpy, mountain man and landlord to Lila, newly moved to town and opening a bakery, previously had a no-strings unforgettable one night stand before either new their pending property connection.
Lila is focused on making her bakery successful despite the best efforts of a rogue raccoon and Sullivan tries his best but can't forget Lila and all thoughts of keeping his distance are lost when he see her again.
Their chemistry remains off the charts and their witty and sarcastic banter back and forth and internal monologues are both amusing and sweet to keep this short story interesting and well paced.
The sweet, steamy and spicy moments kept me hooked and entertained right through to the very end for their satisfying HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
43 reviews
February 18, 2026
Lila is in quite the pickle when she walks into her bakery early Valentine's Day morning to find an intruder of the animal control variety. She's in the middle of a very coveted recipe from her grandmother with her cousin/business rival. Considering her grandmother already doesn't like her simply because she has feelings about Lila's mother doesn't help. Her landlord comes to the rescue and will not leave, finding things to fix in the building all day. Can these two maintain the rules of their one night stand before they realized their landlord-tenant relationship?

This is a very short story with little plot or character development. However, it is told in such a way it's almost like your friend giving you a quick recap of what happened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
969 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2026
Roxi for the Win!
Awesome. Lila arrives at her new bakery to find a huge mess and the sleeping intruder who made it. Wanting to keep it quiet she calls the property manager only to be told to call the Landlord and that is the last thing she wants to do. They had a one night stand weeks ago prior to knowing that they were landlord and tenant. Sullivan has kept his distance from her bakery for a reason, he’s in love with Lila. He goes to deal with the break-in and is surprised by what he finds. He handles it and Lila. What happens when her rude and obnoxious grandmother, Valerie, pays a visit at the end of the day, gloating. She has a strong dislike for his family so, Sull thinks that it’s best for him to walk away from Lila.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,864 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
Lila opened a bakery in order to get her grandmother's prized recipe. It is Valentine's Day and a raccoon decided her bakery was his next meal. Totally destroying everything.

Lila ends up having to call Sullivan, her landlord and one night stand she can't forget about. He comes to help but he would do anything for her. He can't forget her either.

Knowing her grandma doesn't like his family and knowing if she finds out about the raccoon, she will never get this recipe over her cousin.

In the end, Lila wants Sullivan more. Will he let her give up her dreams for him?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,681 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
February 17, 2026
Love these grumpy mountain men. When they fall, they fall hard and fast. Lila is trying to establish her bakery. The biggest weekend of the year and a raccoon destroys and eats many of her alcohol infused bakery items. Lila calls the one person she never wanted to see again to remove the drunk and passed out raccoon. Sullivan has been avoiding Lila after their one night stand. When he receives a call about a break in at her bakery, he dropped everything and rushed to her. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,349 reviews54 followers
February 17, 2026
It's a disaster of epic proportions...

Lila has nobody else to turn to for help, the last person she wants to ask is Sullivan, but he is the only one she can ask....and he doesn't hesitate!
Their chemistry sizzles, but they each try to convince the other that one night is enough, even as they crave more, and I love that the cute but destructive Roxi manages to finally bring them together. I really love that after the event Lila embraces Roxi's break in and uses it to her advantage in her themed goods. A sweet treat of a read on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Johanna.
2,774 reviews49 followers
February 18, 2026
'I wasn’t looking for love, but now that it’s found me, I can’t imagine letting it go.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make her mine.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.8k reviews28 followers
February 27, 2026
Lila and Sullivan spend one steamy night together, and the next day they find out they have a connection. Lila owns The Boozy Bakery in town, and it turns out Sullivan is her landlord. This is a fun novella where one steamy night turns into so much more, and a boozed-up raccoon causes havoc on Valentine's Day. Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man is a fun addition to the multi-author Not Looking for Love series, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,930 reviews
February 28, 2026
Ms. Hart has given us another wonderful story. This time, we follow Sullivan and Lila. Despite their families' insecurities, that didn't stop them from having a one-night stand. Neither can forget that or each other. Things get complicated when they develop a business relationship, especially when he decides to help her. I enjoyed their story and the journey they take together to ultimately find a happy marriage.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,497 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy
February 16, 2026
Kali Hart joins the multi-author Not Looking for Love series with the absolutely fabulous rom-com Grumpy Hearted Mountain Man. A one night stand, a drunk racoon, a potentially life-changing family recipe... Sullivan and Lila's small-town steamy romance has it all in spades. Probably my favourite read from Kali Hart, this is a must-have for your Valentine's Day collection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah Freilinger.
421 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2026
Rock is a cupcake loving raccoon who has broken into Lilas bakery. And Lila's landlord, her one night stand, comes to her rescue. Sullivan has fond memories of their night together, but knows it should stay that way. instead he does everything he can to make her life better. With a new bed, new shower, and fixing the hole.
I think you will like this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
10.1k reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy
February 16, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the raccoon. The attraction between Lila and Sullivan is strong. I liked how he came to help her and their one night stand continued. However the best is how Lila stood up for herself and claimed her man.
Profile Image for Angi.
1,485 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 16, 2026
Lila and Sullivan have a crazy relationship. They both still have major feelings since their one night stand turned into business and nothing more. This book is short, sweet, steamy and utterly adorable. This was an excellent read and a great addition to this collaboration.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,501 reviews12 followers
February 23, 2026
Perfect book for anytime you fancy a read!!

I loved this book! I was hooked from the very first page. This was an exciting, very steamy story with great characters and an engrossing storyline. I absolutely loved and enjoyed this one from Ms Hart. It’s definitely worth a read or put on your TBR list. Perfect book for anytime you fancy a read!! Happy reading
4,369 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2026
Enjoyed this short romance of a one night stand with an unexpected connection. Liked these characters as Lila and Sullivan can’t forget the one night they had together, but neither have spoken up about wanting more. All it takes is one drunken raccoon and savory bakery items to bring them together again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.4k reviews76 followers
February 17, 2026
The author gas given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Lila and Sullivan. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, realizations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,824 reviews
February 18, 2026
3.5 stars.

This short story has humour, family drama, good friends, banter and good connection and chemistry. The story started off well and held my attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 14, 2026
Absolutely Love this story. Funny yet a great Valentine's story. Short and sweet and I Loved the Raccoon.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.4k reviews19 followers
February 27, 2026
Grumpy hearted mountain man was Sullivan and Lila’s story. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
110 reviews23 followers
February 27, 2026
OMG I loved this short story so much! I don't know why I haven't read anything by Kali earlier! This was such a fun and hilarious read! I can't wait to read more!!!
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