My Grumpy Single Dad Next Door: A Grumpy/Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Hockey Romance

by Lena Wilder

His daughter wasn't supposed to become part of my life. Neither was he.

Cole Beckett is everything I an NHL defenseman, a single dad, and my frustratingly attractive next-door neighbor.

After our first argument, I'm convinced we have nothing in common.
Then his six-year-old decides I'm her favorite person.

Suddenly, he starts leaving coffee on my doormat. Evenings in his living room become normal, and one reckless night in his kitchen changes everything.

The more I know Cole, the harder it is to ignore the devoted father beneath the permanent scowl... or the way he makes room for me in a life that never had room for anyone else.

Before I know it, I've stopped wishing they lived somewhere else... and started wishing they were mine.

Then a gossip item drags my practice into the headlines, and overnight, a scandal I never saw coming threatens everything I've worked so hard to build, including our future.

Losing Cole wouldn't just break my heart... I'd lose the family I never expected to find.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2026

Reviews

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire is enchanted by the little girl next door and wildly attracted to her hunky hockey playing father Cole, but he’s her polar opposite. When the little girl decides to play matchmaker, however, these star-crossed neighbors won’t know what hit them.

I received an advance reader copy of this romance from the author and BookSirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grumpy Single Dad Next Door by Lena Wilder was a fun must read sports romance! The opposites-attract trope makes for such a fun romantic setup, and the grumpy hero paired with a sunshine heroine is always a favorite combination. I love the appeal of a single-dad romance, especially when it mixes a protective hero, sweet family moments, romantic tension, and the possibility of finding love when you least expect it. The next-door-neighbor element added another fun layer, making this the kind of story romance readers will want to curl up with. Overall, My Grumpy Single Dad Next Door is a swoony contemporary romance, with hockey, heart, and plenty of potential for sparks to fly.

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

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both of these main characters were dealing with things from their past that made them be a certain way. Together they realized that things could be better if they just opened up to each other and didn't only rely on themselves but each other. The MMC's daughter was sweet and I liked how she came out of her shell and found the way to deal with her own issues as the story went on. I would read more of this series.

[DEBBIE GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, magical hockey romance. One special little girl pulling a family together she wants to have i received a advanced copy from the author and am leaving a voluntarily review

[Janeen · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The relationship between Cole & Claire built organically out of their want to help Margot.

Margot steals the show in so many scenes, she's absolutely adorable and a riot.