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The GRUMPY Single Dad
I fall for a grumpy single dad and my PTA enemy. Honestly, how on earth did that happen?
I meet Ryan on the worst night. The earth literally quaked. “It’s a sign,” someone shouts.
He shoots down my school proposals like I am chaos wrapped in tin foil.
He’s a tyrant in his own restaurant, yet his staff adore him for it.
Then he rescues me from the most humiliating date of my life.
Which should not make me notice his eyes nor the way he steadies Lily, his daughter’s, world with soft touches.
Suddenly I am in his top restaurant, learning heat and courage from this same man. He keeps showing up with quiet loyalty, perfect pancakes, and a heart he pretends not to have.
Three moments undo me.
The night he cooks for me like I matter.
The morning Lily slips her hand in mine.
When I realize I am safer with him than anywhere else.
Then I am framed for a crime I did not commit.
The whole town turns on me. Casts me out on a rail.
I can't possibly come back.
And the man I love becomes the one person I am terrified to lose forever.
I meet Ryan on the worst night. The earth literally quaked. “It’s a sign,” someone shouts.
He shoots down my school proposals like I am chaos wrapped in tin foil.
He’s a tyrant in his own restaurant, yet his staff adore him for it.
Then he rescues me from the most humiliating date of my life.
Which should not make me notice his eyes nor the way he steadies Lily, his daughter’s, world with soft touches.
Suddenly I am in his top restaurant, learning heat and courage from this same man. He keeps showing up with quiet loyalty, perfect pancakes, and a heart he pretends not to have.
Three moments undo me.
The night he cooks for me like I matter.
The morning Lily slips her hand in mine.
When I realize I am safer with him than anywhere else.
Then I am framed for a crime I did not commit.
The whole town turns on me. Casts me out on a rail.
I can't possibly come back.
And the man I love becomes the one person I am terrified to lose forever.
Audible Audio
Published February 12, 2026
About the author
Mia Cross
33 books5 followersShe lives in gorgeous San Diego, right next to the La Jolla, Oceanside, and Poway locations of her novels, so she writes very authentically about those areas.
She goes to church in Poway, surfs at La Jolla and dines at Oceanside.
Her first book at age 9 was entitled, "Poems" and it was published.
She can fly any airplane, play any musical instrument, and write a full novel in a week. After writing one, she spends a month making every word count.
And no, she doesn't use AI to write. Never has, Has no need. Stream of consciousness and great editing. Her record is eleven hours for 54,000+ words in a recent Romance.
She only writes clean books. She brings fearless energy, passion, creativity, and relentless drive to each story she writes.
But beyond the adventures, the music, and the books, one truth matters most: she absolutely adores god, her family and her dear readers.
She goes to church in Poway, surfs at La Jolla and dines at Oceanside.
Her first book at age 9 was entitled, "Poems" and it was published.
She can fly any airplane, play any musical instrument, and write a full novel in a week. After writing one, she spends a month making every word count.
And no, she doesn't use AI to write. Never has, Has no need. Stream of consciousness and great editing. Her record is eleven hours for 54,000+ words in a recent Romance.
She only writes clean books. She brings fearless energy, passion, creativity, and relentless drive to each story she writes.
But beyond the adventures, the music, and the books, one truth matters most: she absolutely adores god, her family and her dear readers.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 29, 2026
I wrote this wonderful story and loved writing it.
Sweet, Funny, and Completely Irresistible!
A grumpy single-dad chef, a caring schoolteacher, and one lovable little girl make this romance something special. The banter is delightful, the chemistry sizzles, and the tender family moments stole my heart. The female protagonist was undeservedly drummed out of town. She wants to return, but can't. I laughed, sighed, and rooted for them all from beginning to end.
The best in matchmaking from Geneva is surpassed by little Lily. Can't work, but just might.
There is a HEA.
Sweet, Funny, and Completely Irresistible!
A grumpy single-dad chef, a caring schoolteacher, and one lovable little girl make this romance something special. The banter is delightful, the chemistry sizzles, and the tender family moments stole my heart. The female protagonist was undeservedly drummed out of town. She wants to return, but can't. I laughed, sighed, and rooted for them all from beginning to end.
The best in matchmaking from Geneva is surpassed by little Lily. Can't work, but just might.
There is a HEA.
February 16, 2026
Can be read as a standalone but some of the characters and storyline overlaps with other books.
Widowed father and restaurant owner
New contracted teacher advisor
The all powerful aunts that are always in the know
An irresistible matchmaking little girl
An unknown adversary blows up their future before it could begin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Widowed father and restaurant owner
New contracted teacher advisor
The all powerful aunts that are always in the know
An irresistible matchmaking little girl
An unknown adversary blows up their future before it could begin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
What a cute story with an adorable little matchmaker named Lily. Ryan was a single dad and restaurant owner who rescued Julie when she got stood up at his restaurant. The book is part of the Grumpy Series but can be read as a standalone. If you've read any of the other books you'll recognize some of the interconnecting characters. A cute story with an HEA and no cliffhanger. I read a free book via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews