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Falling For The Grumpiest Protector: A Sweet Small Town Romance
I came back to Oakridge to settle my sister’s affairs. Not to fall for the grumpiest man alive.
Javier Martinez is a former Navy SEAL. Guarded, stubborn, impossible to ignore, and far too good at getting under my skin.
I’m sunshine. He’s storm clouds. We’re complete opposites.
My plan is settle Lily’s affairs, help care for my nephew, then return to the restaurant and career I built in New York.
But following my sister’s footsteps leads me to Oakridge Veterans Farm, where she volunteered.
And straight to Javier.
The more time we spend together, the more I discover the man behind the walls. Loyal. Protective. And hiding a heart far softer than he wants anyone to see.
Somewhere between stolen tastes, lingering glances, and kisses I never planned for, we fall for each other.
Then New York calls me back.
I never expected Oakridge to feel like home again. Or Javier to become the man I can’t imagine leaving.
Now the future I planned is pulling me away from the one I never saw coming.
A slow-burn small-town romance, grumpy-Hero/sunshine, forced proximity, Opposites Attract, found family, belonging and a hard-earned HEA.
Javier Martinez is a former Navy SEAL. Guarded, stubborn, impossible to ignore, and far too good at getting under my skin.
I’m sunshine. He’s storm clouds. We’re complete opposites.
My plan is settle Lily’s affairs, help care for my nephew, then return to the restaurant and career I built in New York.
But following my sister’s footsteps leads me to Oakridge Veterans Farm, where she volunteered.
And straight to Javier.
The more time we spend together, the more I discover the man behind the walls. Loyal. Protective. And hiding a heart far softer than he wants anyone to see.
Somewhere between stolen tastes, lingering glances, and kisses I never planned for, we fall for each other.
Then New York calls me back.
I never expected Oakridge to feel like home again. Or Javier to become the man I can’t imagine leaving.
Now the future I planned is pulling me away from the one I never saw coming.
A slow-burn small-town romance, grumpy-Hero/sunshine, forced proximity, Opposites Attract, found family, belonging and a hard-earned HEA.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maggie Hart is a Chef and owns a restaurant in New York. A call from her mom changes so much. She’s back home to Oakridge without hesitation. She finds a letter from her sister asking the impossible. It made me cry. She doesn’t know what to do? Her home is in New York. Her dreams are there. But her family are here in Oakridge. She learns things about her twin sister Lily while working at the farm where they grow the wonderful produce she got at the farmers market. That’s where she also meets Javier Martinez. She didn’t realize he’s in charge of growing the produce/ . He’s a bit grumpy when they first met. He’s a former Navy SEAL. He also cooks and has the skills that impress her. She needs to go back to New York for a bit. Soon she learns what’s important.
It’s sweet, beautiful, Funny.
It’s sweet, beautiful, Funny.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Grumpy Hero, a Tender Heart
This is a beautiful, heartfelt love story with plenty of sweet moments and witty banter. The tragic beginning was almost too much for me, but the writing drew me in, and I simply had to keep reading! I loved watching Maddy and Javier find their way to each other while Maddy navigates grief, family responsibilities, and the difficult choice between her NYC career and a new life in Oakridge. A touching, slow-burn romance about love, healing, and finding where you truly belong!
This is a beautiful, heartfelt love story with plenty of sweet moments and witty banter. The tragic beginning was almost too much for me, but the writing drew me in, and I simply had to keep reading! I loved watching Maddy and Javier find their way to each other while Maddy navigates grief, family responsibilities, and the difficult choice between her NYC career and a new life in Oakridge. A touching, slow-burn romance about love, healing, and finding where you truly belong!
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October 16, 2026This is the story of Madison Hart, a chef in NYC, and Javier Martinez, co-owner of a Veterans farm. Maddy returns home to Oakridge for the funeral of her twin, Lily, and see Lilly's son Noah and her mom. Julian, her partner at the restaurant, keeps things going in NYC. Maddy reads the letter from Lily naming her as Noah's guardian. She stays for weeks trying to figure out what to do. She meets Javier Martinez at the Farmer's Market. He tells her about the farm for veterans where the vegetables are grown and later sold to support the farm. Along the way Javier and Maddy fall in love but don't trust to say the words. Lots happens in NYC so Maddy goes back for a while to build onto her restaurant with Julian. Where will Maddy's future be---with Javier, Noah and her mom in Oakridge or with Julian in NYC?
October 20, 2026
That Perfect Taste
From the first moment Madison meets Javier she feels it! Something that pairs them together, just like the extraordinary balance of everything he grows on the farm. As if they are the ultimate dish that only works when they are together. Creating that perfect taste!
From the first moment Madison meets Javier she feels it! Something that pairs them together, just like the extraordinary balance of everything he grows on the farm. As if they are the ultimate dish that only works when they are together. Creating that perfect taste!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Grumpiest Protector is a beautiful, beautiful love story with plenty of sweet moments as well as humorous snark. The tragic beginning almost put me off but it was so stunningly written that I just HAD to read more! I’m very glad I did.
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
I liked the characters. They were very similar—driven, knowledgable... stubborn. They don't speak kindly to each other, but each interaction draws them closer.
It was funwatching them fall in love and then arrange their lives so they can be together.
I liked the characters. They were very similar—driven, knowledgable... stubborn. They don't speak kindly to each other, but each interaction draws them closer.
It was funwatching them fall in love and then arrange their lives so they can be together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Javier and Maddy were such enjoyable characters! I loved their witty banter, although really, just about every character had a knack for it. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and humor was woven throughout the entire story.
The first chapter was a little tough to get through because it was definitely sad. Fortunately, the mood shifted, and while there were still a few emotional moments here and there, the story never became overwhelmingly sad.
For the most part, this was a sweet, heartwarming, and lighthearted read, even with a couple of difficult decisions that needed to be made along the way.
The romance between Maddy and Javier was definitely a slow burn, but surprisingly, it never really felt like one. Their relationship developed naturally, like two people genuinely getting to know each other. Things weren't always smooth sailing for either of them, which made their growing connection feel all the more believable.
I also really liked how the situation with Diego played out. In the beginning, I wasn't entirely sure what role he played in Javier's life, but I thought the way everything unfolded was nicely done.
Ultimately, I think Maddy and Javier got the well-deserved happily ever after they both needed. This was definitely an enjoyable read, filled with humor, heart, and a romance that was worth watching unfold.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received via Booksprout.
The first chapter was a little tough to get through because it was definitely sad. Fortunately, the mood shifted, and while there were still a few emotional moments here and there, the story never became overwhelmingly sad.
For the most part, this was a sweet, heartwarming, and lighthearted read, even with a couple of difficult decisions that needed to be made along the way.
The romance between Maddy and Javier was definitely a slow burn, but surprisingly, it never really felt like one. Their relationship developed naturally, like two people genuinely getting to know each other. Things weren't always smooth sailing for either of them, which made their growing connection feel all the more believable.
I also really liked how the situation with Diego played out. In the beginning, I wasn't entirely sure what role he played in Javier's life, but I thought the way everything unfolded was nicely done.
Ultimately, I think Maddy and Javier got the well-deserved happily ever after they both needed. This was definitely an enjoyable read, filled with humor, heart, and a romance that was worth watching unfold.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small town opposites
This is another emotional story that also has plenty of fun and laughter.
Mandy and Javier are such opposites but have a great connection and chemistry.
Be prepared for a tear or two, Maddy’s situation tugged on my heartstrings but their journey and choices lead to a healing process for both of them.
Overall, it’s an easy and engaging read with great banter, relatable characters and a beautiful HEA.
This is another emotional story that also has plenty of fun and laughter.
Mandy and Javier are such opposites but have a great connection and chemistry.
Be prepared for a tear or two, Maddy’s situation tugged on my heartstrings but their journey and choices lead to a healing process for both of them.
Overall, it’s an easy and engaging read with great banter, relatable characters and a beautiful HEA.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews