Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player

by Kate Tilney

Don’t hate the player. Fall for the grump.

In a low moment, I send a text to a number that I know will never give me a response. Not unless heaven offers competitive cell plans.

Obviously, I'm shocked when I get a reply. But based on the tone and... colorful language, the messenger is no angel.

The next bombshell comes when I realize the sender isn't just a handsome devil. He's one of the baddest, grumpiest players in the league with a bad boy reputation.

But our unlikely phone exchange leads to an even unlikelier meet-up. And what starts as one night of no-strings passion and fun may lead to the biggest surprise of all... A second chance at true love.

Could this all lead to happily ever after? Or will we be better off saying "forget my number"?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2026

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew one accidental text message could lead to one of the sweetest and swooniest romances? Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player had me smiling from the very first exchange, and I couldn't put it down until Cal and Jo found their happily ever after.

What begins as a text sent during a vulnerable moment quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Before they even know each other's names, they're sharing laughs, encouragement, flirty banter, and late-night conversations that feel surprisingly genuine. Watching two strangers build such a strong connection through their phones made every chapter impossible to resist.

Cal completely stole my heart. Behind his gruff reputation and intimidating image is a shy, awkward man who struggles with confidence whenever the spotlight is on him. Jo sees through the one-word answers and guarded exterior, recognizing the kind, caring man underneath long before anyone else does. Their relationship isn't built on flashy grand gestures—it's built on understanding, acceptance, and making each other feel seen.

I especially loved how naturally they encouraged one another. Whether they were trading jokes, offering comfort after difficult moments, or boosting each other's confidence, every conversation made their growing feelings believable. Their chemistry is undeniable from the beginning, bringing plenty of heat while never losing the sweetness that makes you cheer for them.

Kate Tilney once again delivers a fast-paced romance filled with witty texting, fake dating, laugh-out-loud moments, and a grumpy athlete who turns into the biggest softie for the right woman. Cal and Jo are a wonderful addition to this series, and their story is one I'll happily revisit.

If you love wrong-number romances, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine vibes, protective athletes, hilarious text exchanges, and couples who fall for each other long before they meet face-to-face, Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player is absolutely worth adding to your Kindle Unlimited list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming read that runs from serious to somewhat humors as Jo goes to her company party expecting a possible promotion, but she not only does not get the promotion, she gets dumped by her boyfriend on the way home. She has no one to talk to, so she texted an old college friend only to discover he changed his number. She ended texting with some unknown guy for hours into the night. It was days before she knew whom she was texting with. Actually, she had to go ask her brother for clarification to be sure whom her text Pal truly was. Then she did not know what to do as the man she had gotten to know, and the one the public seemed to know were two different men. Cal was able to perform on the football field, but when it came to more one on one he froze up turning to grunting answers and frowns. Luckily, Jo grounded him in many ways helping him solve some of his problems.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player by Kate Tilney was such a fun and entertaining romance! I loved the wrong-number setup and how an unexpected text turned into something neither character expected. The grumpy hero had plenty of attitude and confidence, but I really enjoyed seeing his softer side come out as the story progressed. The chemistry between the characters was great, and their banter kept me smiling. I also liked watching their relationship develop naturally from playful messages into something deeper. The story had plenty of romance, steam, and sweet moments without feeling overly complicated. If you enjoy grumpy heroes, unexpected connections, flirty texting, and a steamy happily-ever-after, this is definitely worth picking up. Overall, Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player was a quick, enjoyable read that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player is a funny, flirty, feel-good novella with two incredibly sweet and endearing characters. I loved getting to know Cal and Jo through their texts before they even met, especially since the reserved, grumpy football star is so different from the man Jo comes to know. Their opposites-attract chemistry is fantastic, and watching Jo bring Cal out of his shell was just adorable.
The story moves quickly, but Kate Tilney still gives their relationship enough time to develop and keeps the banter and romance engaging. It’s light, charming, and packed with those feel-good moments that make a short romance so satisfying. This is the third 2026 entry in the Wrong Number, Right Grump series.
Overall, a fun, sweet, and steamy wrong-number romance that got everything right! 4.5 stars.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Tilney joins the fabulous Wrong Number, Right Grump multi-author series with the steamy sports romance Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player. Jo's having a bad night when her finger hovers the contact for an old college friend - which leads to a spicy text exchange with a perfect stranger. When she finally discovers who her texting buddy is - an NFL quarterback - both Jo and Cal are in too deep. But when hiding behind a screen changes to in-person, will the chemistry and banter exist in the real world?

Every book in this series has been phenomenal, but there's something about Cal and Jo that is just so REAL...despite his profession. Another fabulous, entertaining and super swoony romance by Ms Tilney. Make sure to add it to your TBR list!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player is a funny, flirty, fabulous novella with two of the sweetest main characters ever. Football star Cal is reserved and extremely shy, while Jo is compassionate and outgoing. They are opposites attract hotness, and watching the get to know each other before they meet in person is so much fun. Their chemistry is off the charts, and while the story moves quickly it also builds these two beautifully. They are relatable and endearing, and I just loved the ending!!! For laugh out loud, feel good romance, this is a winner!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite collaborate series I have read. Drunk texts were made to go to the right people. Jo has had a really bad night. Lost a promotion, her boyfriend broke up with her and she couldn’t even call anyone close to her to tell. So she finds a number in her contacts from an old college friend and randomly texts him. Cal is in Vegas at a bachelor party and had too many drinks when an unknown woman texted him. The next morning he realizes he had a two hour conversation with her and it went way beyond friendly texts. Opening up to anyone was out of his comfort zone. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is having a horrible day, so she decides to text an old college friend, only to find out the number isn't his anymore. Instead, she's texting with Cal, a pro-football player, and these two are perfect for each other. I love their flirty texts and how they got to know each other by text before they met in person. This is a sweet and steamy novella with believable characters, a charming love story, and a great ending. Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Player is a wonderful addition to the multi-author Wrong Number, Right Grump series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy from the first page....

Cal and Jo are so sweet, she "gets" him in a way nobody else does, seeing straight through the awkward, grumpy exterior and one word answers to the shy guy who lacks self confidence that appears in front of crowds or cameras. The first text may be a wrong number, but together they laugh, they sext, they boost confidence, they offer sympathy and they fall hard and fast before they even exchange names. I really enjoy this series and Cal and Jo are a great addition, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice feel good read! Jo is having a really bad, she didn’t get a promotion she wanted and her now ex decided to break up with her in a ride share car on tue way home. She calls an old college friend and instead of getting him she get NFL quarterback Cal. He is great at cheering her up, and she finds the real Cal behind the football persona. While everyone thinks he is a grump she brings discovers that he is really just not comfortable.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a short read but it's a feel good story that's well written with in depth characters. After a terrible break up Jo texts a wrong number and Cal answers. Cal is the quarterback for his team and is terribly shy and it's Jo who knows how to handle that. This was a story I could not put down once I started it. Its sweet and has a bit of steam and I loved Cal and Jo.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful “wrong number “ story that pulls us into the lives of Jo and Cal. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with secrets, connection, interference and realizations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling story of how one text to a wrong number leads to a tender happily ever after. Loved how Jo and Cal found something they needed in each other. Perfect blend of heart, sizzle, humor, a bit of angst and a lovely forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the flirtatious texts between Cal and Jo. I also really enjoyed how Jo comes to his rescue during the gala but does it in a subtle way. The ending was a bit lackluster to me as I think the surprise should have been shared in person.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Wrong Number

After a terrible day she texts a college friend she hasn’t seen since graduation, just to have someone to talk to. Only he changed his number. The guy on the other side seem kind, and funny and they continue to text. Funny, endearing people. Real situations, friendship and family. The perfect happy ending.

[Shawondasee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted!

I can't believe I'm so crazy about these stories. It just warms my heart. It seems so real to me. These are truly great stories. I've never liked short reads before. You've got a sincere fan! A great way to take a break from reality.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe MMC is truly adorable once you get to know him, and it's all because of the FMC. It's such a heartfelt story, and I absolutely loved the epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a cute book!
The resolution felt a bit rushed but I also didn’t really care because the book as a whole just made my heart happy.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how a wrong number leads to friendship then love for Cal and Jo. I liked how they supported each other.

[MissyLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been way better without the stupid epilogue.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!!

Well written story and well developed characters. What a wrong number can lead to!!
She has the worst day and texts an old friend. At least she thinks it is!!