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Jaxson Riggs once hated everything about Higher Ridge. But after years in the big city, he’s come to appreciate the small town he grew up in—the safety, the peace, and the fact that it finally feels like home.
He’s also earned himself quite the reputation with the local women.
But there’s only one woman he truly wants.
Tillie Short.
Sweet, curvy, and kindhearted, Tillie has no one in the world but her beloved dog, Belle. And lately, Jaxson keeps finding reasons to be around her. To everyone else, he’s the town grump. With Tillie, he’s something entirely different.
Their unlikely friendship quickly becomes the best part of her life.
Until one scorching summer night changes everything.
One moment they’re friends. The next, Tillie’s no longer a virgin—and Jaxson has no intention of going back to the way things were.
He wants Tillie. Not for a night. Not as another name in his past.
He wants her as his woman. His wife. His forever.
But Jaxson’s reputation is hard to ignore, and now he has to convince Tillie of the one thing that matters most:
She was never just another woman to him.
He’s also earned himself quite the reputation with the local women.
But there’s only one woman he truly wants.
Tillie Short.
Sweet, curvy, and kindhearted, Tillie has no one in the world but her beloved dog, Belle. And lately, Jaxson keeps finding reasons to be around her. To everyone else, he’s the town grump. With Tillie, he’s something entirely different.
Their unlikely friendship quickly becomes the best part of her life.
Until one scorching summer night changes everything.
One moment they’re friends. The next, Tillie’s no longer a virgin—and Jaxson has no intention of going back to the way things were.
He wants Tillie. Not for a night. Not as another name in his past.
He wants her as his woman. His wife. His forever.
But Jaxson’s reputation is hard to ignore, and now he has to convince Tillie of the one thing that matters most:
She was never just another woman to him.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Sam Crescent
570 books5,569 followersSam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 8, 2026
Jaxson is the town grump and playboy. He has had his eye on Tillie for more years than he can remember. Tillie is a shy woman with very few friends her business sewing keeps her busy.
When life throws them together a friendship ship blooms and the more time Jaxson spends with Tillie the feelings between these two starts to bloom. In the middle of a heat wave these two spend the night together and Tillie gives Jaxson the most amazing gift herself.
Tillie see’s a Jaxson that no one else see’s and she refuses to let the towns gossip colour her view of him. Jaxson knows his past might well have counted against him and the fact that Tillie does not do that strengths his feelings for her. This novella is short, sweet and spicy.
A really great when you know you know novel.
When life throws them together a friendship ship blooms and the more time Jaxson spends with Tillie the feelings between these two starts to bloom. In the middle of a heat wave these two spend the night together and Tillie gives Jaxson the most amazing gift herself.
Tillie see’s a Jaxson that no one else see’s and she refuses to let the towns gossip colour her view of him. Jaxson knows his past might well have counted against him and the fact that Tillie does not do that strengths his feelings for her. This novella is short, sweet and spicy.
A really great when you know you know novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The village grump, a sweet, curvy, innocent heroine, and a passionate romance that blossoms from friendship into love-
A brilliant novella (which is a shame, as I absolutely loved the story) of contemporary romance – very sweet, passionate and intense – centred on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the ‘friends to lovers’ trope, and a hero determined to claim his ‘happily ever after’.
The story follows Jaxson Riggs, the town grump of Higher Ridge who, after returning from the big city and making a name for himself, has eyes for only one woman: Tillie Short.
Tillie is a sweet, curvy virgin with a big heart, living alone with her inseparable little dog, Belle.
Although everyone sees Jaxson as surly, with Tillie he shows his most attentive side.
What begins as a lovely friendship takes a dramatic turn on a sultry summer’s night, when passion runs wild and Tillie loses her virginity in Jaxson’s strong, protective arms.
Jaxson has no intention of going back to being just friends: he wants Tillie as his wife forever, but first he must convince her that she was never ‘just another one’ in his past. She is the only one for him.
Jaxson stands out for the stark contrast between his cold demeanour towards the rest of the village and the intense, protective devotion he shows solely towards Tillie from the very first moment – just the sort of hero I like in books; I loved him.
The evolution of their friendship into a passionate attraction feels very natural, full of sweet moments, explosive chemistry and physical affirmation, as Jaxon praises the virginal Tillie’s generous curves and makes her realise that what she once saw as a source of insecurity is, to him, a blessing.
A brilliant novella (which is a shame, as I absolutely loved the story) of contemporary romance – very sweet, passionate and intense – centred on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the ‘friends to lovers’ trope, and a hero determined to claim his ‘happily ever after’.
The story follows Jaxson Riggs, the town grump of Higher Ridge who, after returning from the big city and making a name for himself, has eyes for only one woman: Tillie Short.
Tillie is a sweet, curvy virgin with a big heart, living alone with her inseparable little dog, Belle.
Although everyone sees Jaxson as surly, with Tillie he shows his most attentive side.
What begins as a lovely friendship takes a dramatic turn on a sultry summer’s night, when passion runs wild and Tillie loses her virginity in Jaxson’s strong, protective arms.
Jaxson has no intention of going back to being just friends: he wants Tillie as his wife forever, but first he must convince her that she was never ‘just another one’ in his past. She is the only one for him.
Jaxson stands out for the stark contrast between his cold demeanour towards the rest of the village and the intense, protective devotion he shows solely towards Tillie from the very first moment – just the sort of hero I like in books; I loved him.
The evolution of their friendship into a passionate attraction feels very natural, full of sweet moments, explosive chemistry and physical affirmation, as Jaxon praises the virginal Tillie’s generous curves and makes her realise that what she once saw as a source of insecurity is, to him, a blessing.
September 8, 2026
Jaxson has his work cut out for him when it comes to earning Tillie's trust. Around town, he's known as a bit of a ladies' man and, even more, as the grumpiest guy you'll ever meet. But Tillie doesn't see that grumpiness at all. To her, Jaxson is thoughtful, dependable, and always there when she needs him.
Jaxson wants forever with Tillie. He's ready to leave his past mistakes behind and give her everything she deserves. Tillie knows all about his history, though—she just has to learn to trust that he would never let her down. And in a small town like this one, that's easier said than done, because the gossip runs wild. Still, with one loyal friend in their corner and a whole lot of trust, the two of them find a way to make it work. What they build together is solid and full of genuine care, and even the town gossips can't deny it. Despite all the talk, Jaxson and Tillie prove everyone wrong.
I absolutely loved these two. I've read other books by this author before and enjoyed them just as much, but the chemistry between Jaxson and Tillie was something special—so good! I loved watching Jaxson stay determined to win her over, no matter what stood in his way. Once I started this novella, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next.
Jaxson wants forever with Tillie. He's ready to leave his past mistakes behind and give her everything she deserves. Tillie knows all about his history, though—she just has to learn to trust that he would never let her down. And in a small town like this one, that's easier said than done, because the gossip runs wild. Still, with one loyal friend in their corner and a whole lot of trust, the two of them find a way to make it work. What they build together is solid and full of genuine care, and even the town gossips can't deny it. Despite all the talk, Jaxson and Tillie prove everyone wrong.
I absolutely loved these two. I've read other books by this author before and enjoyed them just as much, but the chemistry between Jaxson and Tillie was something special—so good! I loved watching Jaxson stay determined to win her over, no matter what stood in his way. Once I started this novella, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jaxson has to work extra hard to win over Tillie’s trust. He has a reputation in town with the ladies and even more so known as the grumpiest person. Tillie doesn’t see the grumpiness in Jaxson. He treats her great and is always there when she needs him. Once hot night in her studio makes them more then just friends. Jaxson wants forever with Tillie. He wants to erase all his mistakes and give her everything. Tillie knows Jaxson’s past. She just needs to learn to trust that he would never fail her. Of course, gossip always happens in a small town. This small town it runs crazy. But with one good friend and a lot to trust, these two make it work. Looking forward to reading about Kate and Cruz. Cruz doesn’t seem to be any different from Jaxson with his mood. And Kate is a bit stronger willed but still is shy around Cruz.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the first book in the series and is a lovely, sweet romance. Jaxson and Tillie live in a small town where everyone knows or thinks they know your business. Jaxson has a reputation around town as a grump and ladies man as he has slept with almost all the women in town. He never intended to settle down so he wasn't worried about how badly this would hurt his chances when he does fall in love. Tillie is a sweet woman with only her dog, Belle as her family and friend. Jaxson is attracted to Tillie and begins to purposely run into her so they can learn about one another. Eventually he asks her out and thus begins their romance.
With an abundance of rumors making their way through town, this couple chooses one another and gets their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With an abundance of rumors making their way through town, this couple chooses one another and gets their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2026
Jaxson could have been a much better story, but it suffers from a double standard that is getting really tiring to read. Once again, we have an inexperienced, almost helpless virgin heroine paired with a male lead who has slept with virtually everyone in sight.
Beyond the frustrating dynamic, the drama feels completely forced. Tillie trusting rumors over her only friend—and believing she was sleeping with Jaxson—makes her look foolish rather than relatable. Women are not this gullible, and making female leads act completely brainless just to move the plot forward ruins the character development.
I am tired of romance books treating women as clueless virgins while men get a free pass to be town playboys. It would be infinitely more refreshing to see two mature, experienced characters acknowledge their chemistry and deal with their attraction like adults.
Money wasted.
September 8, 2026
Short but addictive slightly different so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Jaxson sexy as all get out grump but also it is know he likes the ladies, returning back to the small town with eyes for one girl and one goal to win her heart but with the walls she has built around it might prove to be a little difficult, good thing he doesn’t run from hard. Tillie is sweet, curvy with a heart of gold along with few trust issues learned from growing up different from the other girls and the sexy Jaxson is back she doesn’t see the grumpy man but something more. The magnetic pull between these two are in insane she learns so much about him, she gets past his walls just as he gets past her walls, but does it lead to their very own happiness?
September 8, 2026
This was an engaging opposites attract romance. Jaxon is a general handyman for the town and has a playboy reputation. When he sees hobby influencer Tillie, again, he falls hard and fast - and is clueless on how to date and woo her ;) This really made me giggle. Tillie is well aware of his rep but he was never a grumpy-gus with her. They develop a pretty natural rapport that soon enough leads to feelings on both sides. However, gossip tries to cause rifts between them and trust becomes paramount. Expect to get caught up in this fun romance that has plenty of emotions, side characters, drama, some action, family and hot romance for these two lonely people. I can't wait to read the next book to see how 'ungrumpy' Cruz will be with Tillie's bestie. Good fun!
September 9, 2026
This is a short story that revolves around Tillie and Jaxson. Jaxson had dreams of going to the big city and becoming a famous tattooist. Unfortunately, the city was not all that it was cracked up to be, and he returned to his small town. Now back home, he becomes the town handyman with a crappy attitude and a playboy attitude. Tillie is a sweet woman with her only companion her dog Belle. When their paths cross an unlikely friendship develops and sparks fly. I enjoyed this book but had a problem with the rumors that revolved around Kate . She's Tillie's only friend and Tillie believes the rumors. I also found it odd that protection was never a thought. I hope the next book in the series improves. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2026
Tillie’s Grump
Around Heather Ridge Jaxson is known as a grumpy and tough ladies man. He doesn’t make time for anyone, except Tillie. Tillie is sweet as sunshine and Jaxson’s complete opposite but he can’t get her out of his thoughts.
At first, they are just friends, but one night things move into the romance territory and Jaxson has no plans of letting Tillie go now that he’s had her in his arms. Unfortunately Jaxson’s past tosses a monkey wrench in the gears of their budding new relationship and he has to show Tillie that she can trust him with her heart.
Really enjoyed this grumpy sunshine romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Around Heather Ridge Jaxson is known as a grumpy and tough ladies man. He doesn’t make time for anyone, except Tillie. Tillie is sweet as sunshine and Jaxson’s complete opposite but he can’t get her out of his thoughts.
At first, they are just friends, but one night things move into the romance territory and Jaxson has no plans of letting Tillie go now that he’s had her in his arms. Unfortunately Jaxson’s past tosses a monkey wrench in the gears of their budding new relationship and he has to show Tillie that she can trust him with her heart.
Really enjoyed this grumpy sunshine romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Jaxson wasnt a man to be contained, though he found city life wasnt for him, he had returned to the small town he thought he'd outgrown, and gained a reputation with the ladies and as a grump but theres only one woman he wants Tilly. Tilly is good natured, with no family but her dog Belle, and Jaxson keeps finding reasons to be around, their friendship confused those in town but one summer night everything changes between them, but can Jaxson prove to Tilly shes not just another knotch? Well written, quick steamy, small town, reformed player, grumpy/sunshine romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really like this author's short stories..the characters and circumstances are well defined and reach into the plot without undue haste. Jaxson and Tillie are a mis- matched couple from the outside. He's the town rake, with a questionable reputation with women and a grumpy disposition. She's the town good girl, well liked, calm, personable and has no men in her past.
What lies beneath their relationship is solid and caring, Town gossips can't believe it but despite it, these two prove everyone wrong.
Will Cruz and Kate become the next characters for the gossips focus on?.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What lies beneath their relationship is solid and caring, Town gossips can't believe it but despite it, these two prove everyone wrong.
Will Cruz and Kate become the next characters for the gossips focus on?.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2026
I am so pleased with Sam Crescent and get books!!! I loved Jaxson, it was exciting and page-turning. I loved the drama, angst and spice. I absolutely loved the bad grumpy boy/good sunshiny girl trope. I read this bill in one sitting and was sad when I reached the end. I thought this books storyline was original and swoonworthy!! The characters had an undeniable and intense chemistry. I loved the journey of their relationship and how they both grew in this book. I can't wait to see what's to come in this series!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This is another Sam Crescent book I will definitely be reading again. It is so good! Jaxon has never had any trouble getting women, but he has never found one that he wanted for life. That is until he finally gives in to the attraction he feels for Tillie. Tillie is totally different from the women who have chased him all his adult life, and he is smitten. This is a sweet and spicy story with fantastic characters. Now Jaxon has to show Tillie she is the one for him, and she always will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2026
I loved Jaxson and Tillie. I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this story. I love a good grumpy hero and a sunshiney heroine. From the first chapter this novella pulled me in. I loved the chemistry between Jaxson and Tillie. So good! I loved how Jaxson was determined to win Tillie over no matter what. Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novella down. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jaxson and Tillie’s story is a sweet, passionate, intense, grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, a strong protective devoted grumpy hero determined to claim his hea after returning from the city making a name for himself, small town setting of Higher Ridge, sweet, a curvy virgin with a big heart who is living alone with her inseparable little dog, Belle. He will need to show her she’s the one for him.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2026
Review of an advance copy received from the author.
This is the story of Tilly and Jaxson. They are two polar opposites, even though he is a big grumbler. But everything changes when he finds Jaxson, the one who makes him feel all sorts of things, and that is Tilly. I enjoyed their story and it is definitely highly recommended!
I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Tilly and Jaxson. They are two polar opposites, even though he is a big grumbler. But everything changes when he finds Jaxson, the one who makes him feel all sorts of things, and that is Tilly. I enjoyed their story and it is definitely highly recommended!
I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2026
Jaxon was a rebel and did not want to settle down until he met Tillie. She was an innocent, sweet and loving woman who took people at face value. They dated and people talked. They get their HEA. This is a cute small town bad boy/good girl romance. It is short enough to read at lunch. I recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Love in a Small Town
He’s the playboy of the small town, she’s the angel but somewhere along the way, Jaxson became obsessed and fell completely for Tilly.
Ooh such a wonderful well written swoon-worthy romantic read with a beautiful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He’s the playboy of the small town, she’s the angel but somewhere along the way, Jaxson became obsessed and fell completely for Tilly.
Ooh such a wonderful well written swoon-worthy romantic read with a beautiful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is nothing better than a grumpy man who finds his woman, and she turns his whole world all upside down. This author never disappoints when she writes. You never know what to expect from her as she gets better and better. You can't help but love the grumpy guy finding his love and all that he does to keep her. This is a must read!!
September 8, 2026
I love it when a new series starts with such a banger, that it makes me super excited for any new release.
"Jaxson" is such a sweet story, that pulls you in with small town charm, steam, attraction, a reformed playboy, opposites attract and a beautiful happy ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Jaxson" is such a sweet story, that pulls you in with small town charm, steam, attraction, a reformed playboy, opposites attract and a beautiful happy ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2026
Time and again I give this author chances. Hoping for better editing and once again I am disappointed. This had the potential to be an outstanding book, however the authors overuse of the word “and” ( it’s in every sentence) making paragraphs feel like run on sentences . The writing still feels so inexperienced. I wish this author would hire a better editing team.
September 10, 2026
Jaxson is the town handyman, playboy and grump. Tilly is the sweet, innocent sunshine he never knew he needed. Underneath all of the rough exterior lies a really decent guy and when he admits he wants something more with Tilly things get interesting. This is a fun, sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2026
2.5✯
-dual POV
-no ow/om drama
-no separation
-virgin heroine
-no cheating
-the H is the town hoe
-h(29)/H(35)
-H has been celibate for a few months
-the h was aware of his reputation but didn't have a problem with that, she said the past was in the past
-unplanned baby
-epilogue: 10 years later -married with 4 kids and another on the way
-dual POV
-no ow/om drama
-no separation
-virgin heroine
-no cheating
-the H is the town hoe
-h(29)/H(35)
-H has been celibate for a few months
-the h was aware of his reputation but didn't have a problem with that, she said the past was in the past
-unplanned baby
-epilogue: 10 years later -married with 4 kids and another on the way
September 27, 2026
They’re two seemingly opposite personalities, so you might wonder how they’ll fit together. But one thing brings them together—love—and that’s the best glue of all.
I loved the story, and the MMC was absolutely adorable with the FMC.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the story, and the MMC was absolutely adorable with the FMC.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
September 6, 2026Jaxson is the town grump. He only has a soft spot for Tilly. They quickly get close and quickly fall in love. There really isn't any kind of tension or suspense in this story. Town gossip about Jaxson's prior history of sleeping around and the belief that he was see both Tilly and Kate.
September 9, 2026
Funny, great one liners, sexy, nice plot, great set of characters and a wonderful HEA. Sam knows how to write a grumpy/sunshine romance. This one is just book 1 in the series and I can't wait to read more !.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2026
Loved it!
Such a good palette cleanser of a book! I thoroughly enjoyed the way their relationship bloomed, the intertwining of the side characters, and the way the story left an opening for the next book in the series!
Such a good palette cleanser of a book! I thoroughly enjoyed the way their relationship bloomed, the intertwining of the side characters, and the way the story left an opening for the next book in the series!
September 17, 2026
Not my cup... it seems it was rinse and repeat with others from the same author. She is always virgin - no matter her age - she either bakes or knits, and he is always the extremely experienced one, who falls heads over heels about the one girl no one sees.
September 8, 2026
Ok read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews