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Grumpy Jake
Bailey Thorne doesn't hate Jake the Rake, just despises him. She blames the rumor mill at her school...and, okay, him. His adorable son has only been in preschool, but Jake has already made an impressive dent in dating the unmarried faculty. She's had to hear of his every exploit from the broken hearts he's left behind. She was fine to loathe him from afar, but now his son has entered kindergarten--and she's the teacher. It's going to be a very long school year.
Jake Polaski was more than fine to avoid Ms. Thorne after it became clear she was not amused by his very existence. But then they get stuck in an elevator for an evening. He finds out that underneath that baleful glare she always gives him, lies a warm, funny and sexy as hell woman. He does his best to not be smitten after every exchange afterward. His son needs him rational, steadfast...and love is the most uncertain thing.
It was the elevator's fault. Had it worked like it should, Bailey would have gone on with her life without seeing why so many of her co-workers had fallen for the grumpy single dad. (It's his dry wit, his playful teasing and the drool-worthy cut of his jawline.) And now she's caught in the way he doles out smiles and the dark depths of his secrets. If nothing else, she knows from rumor there's a clock ticking on their affair before it implodes because things always do with Jake the Rake, but she can't seem to walk away first.
Jake Polaski was more than fine to avoid Ms. Thorne after it became clear she was not amused by his very existence. But then they get stuck in an elevator for an evening. He finds out that underneath that baleful glare she always gives him, lies a warm, funny and sexy as hell woman. He does his best to not be smitten after every exchange afterward. His son needs him rational, steadfast...and love is the most uncertain thing.
It was the elevator's fault. Had it worked like it should, Bailey would have gone on with her life without seeing why so many of her co-workers had fallen for the grumpy single dad. (It's his dry wit, his playful teasing and the drool-worthy cut of his jawline.) And now she's caught in the way he doles out smiles and the dark depths of his secrets. If nothing else, she knows from rumor there's a clock ticking on their affair before it implodes because things always do with Jake the Rake, but she can't seem to walk away first.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2019
90 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Blue
56 books443 followersMelissa Blue's writing career started on a typewriter one month after her son was born. This would have been an idyllic situation for a writer if it had been 1985, not 2004. Eventually she upgraded to a computer. She's still typing away on the same computer, making imaginary people fall in love.
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Other places you can find me:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorOfSMR
Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/MelissaBlue
Pinterest: pinterest.com/melblu
*You can sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases and deals here: http://eepurl.com/n0RR1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 2, 2021
Always love it when novellas hit the mark just right. And when they have me wanting more.
July 17, 2020
this was so cutee
January 23, 2021
Slump buster again thanks to Melissa Blue (last time it was Charming Scottish Bastard, highly recommend)!
A kindergarten teacher finds out the sexy dad who's been breaking hearts of staff at the school she teaches at now has his son in her classroom. Jake is grumpy, quiet, and sort of mysterious, but seems to really be one people find hard to forget. After some flirting, texts, and a vomit-clean up situation in her classroom, Bailey finds she is seeing the appeal.
I loved Bailey, she is an amazing educator and friend, and this was just a super fun novella. I don't always like romance novels with kids, but this is a perfect example of one that is in my wheelhouse. The kid is cute, acts his age, and isn't just put on the sidelines mysteriously when convenient. Finding out more of Jake and his son's story along the way was also a lovely part of the romance.
**Bailey is Black, Jake is white, his son is biracial.
CW: puke cleanup (no puking on page), death (secondary, off page).
A kindergarten teacher finds out the sexy dad who's been breaking hearts of staff at the school she teaches at now has his son in her classroom. Jake is grumpy, quiet, and sort of mysterious, but seems to really be one people find hard to forget. After some flirting, texts, and a vomit-clean up situation in her classroom, Bailey finds she is seeing the appeal.
I loved Bailey, she is an amazing educator and friend, and this was just a super fun novella. I don't always like romance novels with kids, but this is a perfect example of one that is in my wheelhouse. The kid is cute, acts his age, and isn't just put on the sidelines mysteriously when convenient. Finding out more of Jake and his son's story along the way was also a lovely part of the romance.
**Bailey is Black, Jake is white, his son is biracial.
CW: puke cleanup (no puking on page), death (secondary, off page).
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January 14, 2020High-sex novella with a single dad and a teacher getting together thanks to his cute kid. Jake has a very painful backstory and his reaction tends to be to shut down emotionally and push potential partners away. This is not a likeable quality in a person, and a bit of a challenge to get past in a romance, and I slightly felt the book skipped it by having them do their sensible "giving each other time to develop the relationship and not bonking instead of talking" period off page. The pitfalls of novella length. The development of the romance before that is great, though, enough to carry us over.
June 30, 2020
3 1/2 to 4 stars
April 22, 2021
This started off very cute but then it started becoming so cliche. Le Sigh ugh 🙄🙄🙄🙄. Why do so many great story lines fall through the cracks from jumping the gun. I literally read so many novellas and they build the story lines so well and then there was this and I was super disappointed. I enjoyed the idea the execution just wasn't there. I wish I enjoyed this more and I even skimmed once I hit 80% of the book. Ugh on to the next one.
Wish me luck
Happy reading everyone
Wish me luck
Happy reading everyone
July 1, 2021
3.5 stars - this was a quick, fun variation on a secret dating because of my kid trope. I really liked the way the timeline of their relationship ended up unfolding, and Bailey in particular was charming
November 17, 2019
Damn cover! The COVER doesn't suit the blurb. And the cover doesn't suit the heroine. It's weirdly misleading. I was thinking this woman would be wild and confident and strong. What I got was... a teacher with no real personality traits that stand out aside from her being judgemental and run of the mill sweet.
As for Jake. His whole premise with his son and the secret he keeps are silly to me. Why hide the important facts from the people who will be with your child every school day? I guess that just me though.
Their relationship was boring! I could have been so much hotter. But it wasn't. The buildup wasn't enough. And their time together was, lackluster. And the reason for him dumping her? PLZ!!!
Many grammatical errors. The editor fell on the job here. It's too bad though. With a little more ooomph, this sweet and short story could have been so much more potent.
As for Jake. His whole premise with his son and the secret he keeps are silly to me. Why hide the important facts from the people who will be with your child every school day? I guess that just me though.
Their relationship was boring! I could have been so much hotter. But it wasn't. The buildup wasn't enough. And their time together was, lackluster. And the reason for him dumping her? PLZ!!!
Many grammatical errors. The editor fell on the job here. It's too bad though. With a little more ooomph, this sweet and short story could have been so much more potent.
December 2, 2019
I liked it. It was an easy, Sunday afternoon kind of read and very low angst, which I was in the mood for. There's a good amount of sexy scenes, and I'm a sucker for that old trapped in an elevator trope. The cover is strikingly gorgeous. Jake and Bailey's relationship builds slowly and believably and I liked Bailey's relationship with Jake's son, as well as her brothers.
My main quibbles are to do with the lack of grumpiness on Jake's part. He's mildly grumpy, at best. Also, the story overall needed a bit more detail to really make it pop. I enjoyed the dialogue, but it's the little details that can really take a romance to the next level and this was just a bit flat.
However, all that aside, I was in the mood for a comforting, fluffy read and that's just what I got. I look forward to checking out more from Ms. Blue.
January 12, 2020
Jake’s son is only in kindergarten this year, but he wasted no time in the pre-K years dating just about all the eligible teachers at his school. Except for Bailey, that is, and it’s going to stay that way because this year Jake’s son is in her class. She can’t help studying Jake, though, trying to figure out why he’s catnip to the ladies when he’s always so grouchy with her. The problem is the more she gets to know him, the more she starts to understand his appeal. This is a fun, fast read, and I enjoyed it quite a bit, although the former teacher and foster parent in me feel compelled to point out that a) it’s unethical for teachers to date parents of current students, and b) adopted kids should know from day one that they were adopted, it should be talked about openly and honestly and not hidden as if it’s some shameful secret.
November 23, 2019
Great Cover. Great Title.
The main character, Bailey, was nothing like I think the woman on the cover would be. I mean she was nice and all. She was a kindergarten teacher who wisely tried to keep her distance from the titular character Jake because apparently he 's made a habit of working his way through the various other young teachers. But that is all I got with Bailey, she was nice.
Jake wasn't as grumpy as I think he should have been to be granted the title. He was only mildly grumpy. And when he and Bailey began seeing each other he wan;t grumpy at all. Oh well, I just wanted more grumpiness, I guess.
He also had a -- I guess I'll call it a secret -- he was keeping and made a big deal about. But imo, it wasn't worth all the agita he gave it. Actually it was not a secret at all, just he made such a bit deal in such a weird way that I was all. "well, I guess..."
Even so, beyond Bailey;s lack of heart shaped shades and wild hair, and Jake's lack of true grumpiness, their romance was sweet and I liked them together.
The main character, Bailey, was nothing like I think the woman on the cover would be. I mean she was nice and all. She was a kindergarten teacher who wisely tried to keep her distance from the titular character Jake because apparently he 's made a habit of working his way through the various other young teachers. But that is all I got with Bailey, she was nice.
Jake wasn't as grumpy as I think he should have been to be granted the title. He was only mildly grumpy. And when he and Bailey began seeing each other he wan;t grumpy at all. Oh well, I just wanted more grumpiness, I guess.
He also had a -- I guess I'll call it a secret -- he was keeping and made a big deal about. But imo, it wasn't worth all the agita he gave it. Actually it was not a secret at all, just he made such a bit deal in such a weird way that I was all. "well, I guess..."
Even so, beyond Bailey;s lack of heart shaped shades and wild hair, and Jake's lack of true grumpiness, their romance was sweet and I liked them together.
January 13, 2021
Short and cute, although I did not like the conflict at the very end and how easily she accepted him back.
November 10, 2019
Not well edited (if at all) & while I really enjoyed the premise, I failed to connect with the characters at all. Jake kept the circumstances of his fatherhood a dead secret because he was afraid of the pity of others? (Spoiler alert: his brother & sister-in-law were killed in a car accident on a date while baby boy was 6mos old & Jake stepped in & adopted his nephew. Who was totally not written as a kindergartener, btw.) & Bailey disliked him because of gossip about his habit of dating and dropping female teachers? I mean, ok, I can see how there would be some potential future issues when kiddo ends up in the classroom of someone still holding a grudge, but honestly her dislike comes across more as someone a bit jealous that she didn't get a chance at Hot Grumpy Dad. I don't know, this book was cheap, I picked it up on a whim, I couldn't finish. Whatever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2020
This book was so freaking cute!!! As soon as I finished it I rec'd it on twitter and FB :)
https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/...
It's just such a quick feel good read, that has substance - and gets into difficult subjects but isn't heavy.
Singly dad, grouchy but smitten hero, great family unit for the heroine/super overprotective brothers who are hilarious awesome, and adorable little kid - written realistically...
I can definitely see myself re-reading this and hope for more such stories from Ms. Blue!
B-
https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/...
It's just such a quick feel good read, that has substance - and gets into difficult subjects but isn't heavy.
Singly dad, grouchy but smitten hero, great family unit for the heroine/super overprotective brothers who are hilarious awesome, and adorable little kid - written realistically...
I can definitely see myself re-reading this and hope for more such stories from Ms. Blue!
B-
January 29, 2021
Bailey Thorne HATED Jake to begin with.
She went from one extreme to the next very quickly.
This book felt incredibly insta-lovey.
She went from one extreme to the next very quickly.
This book felt incredibly insta-lovey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
4.5 stars!
April 30, 2023
“Fast or slow?”. ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
May 12, 2022
Dit verhaal is zo lief en sexy tegelijk. Jake en Jayden zijn echt heel leuk en dan nog Bailey erbij, zij maakt het helemaal af. Het boek is ook heel fijn voorgelezen als audioboek.
April 20, 2020
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
Jake the Rake is all Bailey hears about all day long at school. She’s a kindergarten teacher and he’s slept with a few of the teachers while his son was in Pre-K. She is not impressed.
But Jake’s son is in her class this year, and he’s such a delight. Too bad his dad is nothing but grumpy.
Until one day when they get stuck in an elevator and really connect.
I’ve read this author before and so far I haven’t been let down. She writes enjoyable character-driven stories with likeable heroines and relatable heroes. I loved Bailey, I loved her brothers, and I loved how she handled Jake and his son. This author has a deft hand at making difficult issues seem easy in how her characters deal with them.
I enjoyed this novella a lot. It was easy and happy and just what I needed. This is a light and fluffy happy book. It’s short and sweet and if you need some escapism right now (I mean who doesn’t, right?), this is a happy way to pass the time.
***I bought this book
Jake the Rake is all Bailey hears about all day long at school. She’s a kindergarten teacher and he’s slept with a few of the teachers while his son was in Pre-K. She is not impressed.
But Jake’s son is in her class this year, and he’s such a delight. Too bad his dad is nothing but grumpy.
Until one day when they get stuck in an elevator and really connect.
I’ve read this author before and so far I haven’t been let down. She writes enjoyable character-driven stories with likeable heroines and relatable heroes. I loved Bailey, I loved her brothers, and I loved how she handled Jake and his son. This author has a deft hand at making difficult issues seem easy in how her characters deal with them.
I enjoyed this novella a lot. It was easy and happy and just what I needed. This is a light and fluffy happy book. It’s short and sweet and if you need some escapism right now (I mean who doesn’t, right?), this is a happy way to pass the time.
***I bought this book
March 28, 2020
This was a cute, believable romance that, despite the 100 page length, takes place over months so you still get to know the characters and get invested in their relationship.
Bailey is refreshingly upfront and honest, while Jake is more reserved but still kind.
Jake's fears for his *son* felt out of proportion and overblown which got a little old & there were quite a few typos/editing issues but not bad for a quick, sexy read.
Bailey is refreshingly upfront and honest, while Jake is more reserved but still kind.
Jake's fears for his *son* felt out of proportion and overblown which got a little old & there were quite a few typos/editing issues but not bad for a quick, sexy read.
April 11, 2020
So hot and so fun.
August 15, 2022
3.75 stars!!
This was a solid good read! I love a grumpy hero and a single dad at that. Grumpy Jake had his reasons for everything he did & put off. This book was deliciously spicy as well. All around yum!
This was a solid good read! I love a grumpy hero and a single dad at that. Grumpy Jake had his reasons for everything he did & put off. This book was deliciously spicy as well. All around yum!
March 5, 2021
Short and cute, happy ending.
March 29, 2020
Grumpy Jake is both a sweet story and a steaming hot story. I enjoyed both Jake and Bailey very much - their doubts, their strengths, their love...
The reason why I didn't give more stars was the writing - there were grammatical errors, and sometimes some continuity errors.
The story itself was satisfying, though, as was the character development.
The reason why I didn't give more stars was the writing - there were grammatical errors, and sometimes some continuity errors.
The story itself was satisfying, though, as was the character development.
November 9, 2019
This was a cute, quick, steamy read! Even though it was short the characters had great chemistry and the plot didn’t feel rushed. I really enjoyed this.
March 31, 2021
Grumpy Jake
I Picked Up This Book Because: Cover lust
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 3/28/21 - 3/29/21
Stars: 3.5 Stars
The Characters:
Bailey Thorne:
Jake Polaski:
Jayden Polaski
The Story:
Cute, complicated, quick and enjoyable.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2021 - G
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - O4 - A book with an eye-catching cover
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with a mixed race couple
I Picked Up This Book Because: Cover lust
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 3/28/21 - 3/29/21
Stars: 3.5 Stars
The Characters:
Bailey Thorne:
Jake Polaski:
Jayden Polaski
The Story:
Cute, complicated, quick and enjoyable.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
A to Z Reading Challenge 2021 - G
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - O4 - A book with an eye-catching cover
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with a mixed race couple
March 12, 2021
Cute story, and I liked the addition of the sweet little boy. Two people needing each other and being there for each other. But Jake really wasn't that grumpy and they didn't have that long of a dating relationship to have the end they have. I didn't understand why Jake is upset toward the end. But it wasn't a long enough story to be able to get into it more. I felt like it could have been longer and had more depth. All in all though, it really is cute and they have good chemistry.
April 7, 2023
I am giving this a low review bc primarily this was not the book for me. I knew it almost immediately but I am too tired to stop and pick a new one, so I stuck it out. Take this review with that disclaimer.
Things I didn't like about the book:
A child.
A 3rd act break up (it's a flipping novella, stop it).
The insta love.
The ending.
There were funny parts, and parts that were sweet but like 90% of it felt just off kilter so it was just not the one for me.
Things I didn't like about the book:
A child.
A 3rd act break up (it's a flipping novella, stop it).
The insta love.
The ending.
There were funny parts, and parts that were sweet but like 90% of it felt just off kilter so it was just not the one for me.
July 9, 2022
It was a cute, fast-paced read. Though there were some parts I skipped, they weren’t necessary to the story, I still think that the book was great. However, it wasn’t show stopping or spectacular or anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews