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I never ran from my past or the only woman I ever loved.
She made sure to stomp me into the ground and demand I forget all about her.
I tried to do just that, and in the twelve years since she ripped my heart out, I’ve done fairly well.
Sometimes I could even go a day or two without thinking of her.
We were never supposed to see each other again, but Grace Neiman just couldn’t stay gone. She couldn’t stay in my past where she put herself.
Facing her again after she was abducted and sold was going to be the toughest challenge of my life.
All I have to do is make sure she stays a part of my history because she made sure I understood love was a joke.
Too bad Grace has other plans.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2022

342 people are currently reading
386 people want to read

About the author

Marie James

103 books2,918 followers
Marie James is a mother of two boys and wife of 17 years. She's spent most of her life lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Her passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing, although she doesn't get to sew much these days!.

Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!

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5 stars
980 (62%)
4 stars
367 (23%)
3 stars
180 (11%)
2 stars
31 (1%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,552 reviews52 followers
March 4, 2022
I absolutely loved Grace and Grinch's story. There are a lot of emotions swirling in their story because it's a second chance. Then the way they encounter again after 12 years is obviously not how they would wish to see each other again. Their past relationship definitely had an effect on both of them. Both of them were just too stubborn to see past through it. Oh my, waiting for these two to finally get their head out of their rear is frustrating but so good. My heart took a toll there for a second. But it was satisfying and so worth it.
35 reviews
March 5, 2022
Lack of communication

Grace got on my last nerve, just ask him the truth. Grinch wasn't much better. I get some uncertainty but the whole thing was based on her insecurities at 18 and with no real backstory that would make it believable that she would just know he was that type of man. This is the first book in this series I've had to skim bc they irritated me so much.
Profile Image for Lissete.
581 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2022
I wanted to love it

Trent and Grace have history… they were a couple 12 years ago and when he tried to propose she just told him to leave. Fast forward to present day and Grace is abducted. Cerberus MC (the club Trent, AKA Grinch, belongs to) is called in to help finding her. Grinch jumps immediately to help! But faith has it to be a tough one for Grace, she goes through so much and after she’s safe, she has to face the man she broke up with so long ago.

This story is so out there, it’s crazy! They both LOVE each other but decided against giving into their feelings and against talking to each other about it. Instead they go through with a plan that none of them wants but accepts because they’re thinking for each other. This level of miscommunication I could expect in a young adult book, but these characters are former NAVY people and in their 30s. As much as I wanted to love this book, I couldn’t.
I do love the Cerberus MC world and I’m looking forward to reading Harley’s book next.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,194 reviews220 followers
February 28, 2022
5 Star review of Grinch (Cerberus MC #20) by Marie James
Although I have read a number of books by Marie James I have only read one other book in this series. This was an entertaining, gripping story that held me captive from the first chapter. As soon as time permits I will be catching up on the previous books in this series.

This is Grinch aka Trenton and Grace’s second chance at love story that ticked all the boxes for me. This was a well developed and I found myself fully invested in their story. Grace was abducted and it was up to Grinch and his team to track her down and rescue her.

The chemistry between Grinch and Grace is just as intense as it once was and although their journey was rocky, it was well worth it .There were moments that I wanted to scream at the characters , I laughed, I cried and the had a hard time putting this one down when real life got in the way.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,072 reviews
December 26, 2022
Grinch and Grace 🤦🏾‍♀️

This story was so annoying 🤦🏾‍♀️ It wasn’t thought out, It had no depth, and this could’ve ended with one phone call or one paragraph. It’s like after the 19 previous books in this series the author is just plain tired. Because really twice⁉️😳 twice⁉️🙄 I was disappointed from that point on. And it only got worse 🤦🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for MandaC86.
1,272 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2022
Great

This was a gripping book and how it links with the next book too grace was a strong women in this but she was supposed to have spent time in the forces for eight years but it seemed as if she was a little flat in that area so I was a little let down with that part of the story . I'm glad the bad man got what he deserved too but felt sorry for the women he still had that didn't get away.
Profile Image for Wendy T.
2,963 reviews117 followers
January 18, 2023
I always love a great MC series!

I always enjoy a good MC story and this one did not disappoint.

I loved how this story ended for both Grinch and Grace

This was such a emotional story but I loved the bantering and how they challenged each other until it went too far for each of them.

Narrators did a fantastic job telling this story.
Profile Image for ~*~Happy Hour Prez~*~.
1,898 reviews
June 12, 2023
4.25 STARS

THERE WAS A LOT GREAT WITH THIS BOOK UNTIL THE THREESOME TALK... BUT IT ALL WORKED OUT IN THE END. UNFORTUNATELY THE THREESOME MUMBOJUMBO LASTED WAY TOO LONG.
Profile Image for Angels.
2,037 reviews17 followers
March 3, 2022
This was a cute story with Grace and Grinch front and center. Their story was tragic and full of miscommunications, both past and present. No matter how much hurt that has gone on between this couple, their love for one another has ever died.

This story started out full of suspense and the MC does what it does best. As always, the story was full of awesome characters, loved the gals and men of this MC.

Overall, we loved that second chances do sometimes exist and perhaps the first time no matter how much you love someone, it just isn't the right time to make it long-lasting. Thought Grace was a bit of a firecracker, and we loved that about her. Grinch was a bit frustrating but, we were hoping sooner or later that he would get his head out of his a** before it was too late but, never fear, those brothers of his will give him a little push.

Loved Grinch and Graces chemistry, and we have to say we were rooting for them all the way. Another fun read in this ongoing series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
March 3, 2022
Grinch had his heart broken when he was younger, and he never got over it which is why he has no intention of ever getting serious about a woman again. Of course fate had something to say about that when his MC is called to help get a woman back who was taken, and it just so happens to be Grace, that woman who destroyed him. Now his feelings are definitely raw & conflicted as he sure couldn't stay away from her, but it only gets worse when she ends up staying in his neck of the woods, so the rocky second chance love has started. Both of them are very wounded, and yet, their chemistry seems to be even stronger, so they end up in bed more than once. However, this new journey is filled with questionable decisions, and lack of communication which could have put their past to rest quickly. Will they ever actually take a chance to face the past for real or finally lose each other a second & final time?! You know what to do to find out as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Kristie.
313 reviews7 followers
April 7, 2022
The long wait is over, ladies! Grinch is finally here! We’ve loved him through the tales of so many other Cerberus men and women, and now he gets his chance at his own happily ever after. A favorite for so long, I couldn’t wait to dive into his story, and I wasn’t disappointed. In the worst possible circumstances, Grinch is reunited with his past. A ghost he never thought he would see again. Grace was everything he wanted once, but she walked away. What happens when they meet again is something no one expects. Full of surprises, angst, steam, and love, Grinch is everything we hoped for. Another win for Marie James and the Cerberus MC! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Samantha Love HEA Romance Book Blog.
826 reviews44 followers
February 26, 2022
ARC REVIEW

4.5 stars

I’m so happy to be back in the Cerberus series! This time it’s Grinch’s turn to be bitten by the love bug. This story was really intriguing. I devoured it, I just couldn’t put it down at all. The story was gripping and it had me hooked.

I love the dynamic of all the guys and ladies of Cerberus. The laughter, the jokes, the family feel, I just love everything about them. Grinch and his lady had amazing chemistry. You could feel it from the start. There was so much sadness and hurt between them from the past, I am so happy they got their second chance. Excited for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Tonya.
2,069 reviews10 followers
March 5, 2022
This is the 20th book in the Cerberus MC series. They are stand alones.
This is Grinch and Grace's story.
They were together 12 years ago. Until Grinch proposed and Grace walked away.
Now Grace does have ties to Kincaid from when she was a little girl. That's why Cerberus is on it when she was kidnapped and sold. Twice.
Now I liked the story and the characters, but the game they both were playing annoyed me some. I would expect it more from characters younger, not in their thirties.
But I did still enjoy reading this.
And it looks like Harley is next.
549 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2022
3.5 ⭐️‘s - This one had a good ending, but way too much game playing for people that are 30/32 years old. The immaturity and misunderstandings between the two of them at 18/20 makes sense. Inn their early 30’s is just sad. I was really hoping for more from Grinch’s story. I sure hope the next in the series, Harley, will be better.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,294 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2024
A rekindled romance for Grinch

This is book 20 in the Cerberus series and features Grinch. He has sworn off any kind of serious relationship since his heart was broken many years ago. Grinch just keeps things light nothing serious or lingering. Until one day Kincaid called a meeting to inform the team that the would be working domestically to help a young woman that was abducted in the early morning walking her dog. To Grinch’s surprise this young woman is the exact same one that broke his heart. There is a lot of confusion and miscommunication between these two to work through. Read On!
35 reviews
December 12, 2024
I have enjoyed this entire book series, but this one missed the mark. The story between Grinch ( Trenton ) and Grace was immature, especially for two 30 year olds. It seemed more like a story for a couple of teenagers”Does he love me”…oh I don’t know, so I’ll test him by letting him think I’ll have sex with another Cerberus member”. “Does Grace love me? She broke my heart 12 years ago, but her wanting a three way now is more than I can take “. Would a woman who was just taken for sex trade, traumatized, and bruised really act like this? This book just doesn’t track. It’s stupid!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
4,792 reviews22 followers
July 18, 2023
An emotionally heartbreaking second chance romance. Grinch aka Trenton and Grace's past hinders them from moving forward. Grinch feels broken from what Grace did to him, Grace just wants to fix things. Being smacked in the face with his past in the midst of tragedy confused Grinch. Can they move forward together or is it best to walk away? Marie James did not disappoint with this long awaited journey with Grinch. I enjoyed going on this ride with the Cerberus MC.
Profile Image for Berta.
716 reviews
August 11, 2023
I think I want more descriptive character looks. Ha for some reason in the previous books I had Grinch in my mind as having a messy beard and just older in every way, than the other 'newer' guys.
Anyway I enjoyed the rescue and story as far as that goes. It's discouraging to me because I am invested in the whole team etc and I want to keep with the series but I don't know. This is another book where the lead female character just got on my nerves.
Profile Image for Melissa.
997 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2024
I love this series but I don't love this book.

The fact that they both could have avoided all that drama with a conversation a decade ago annoys the crap out of me. Yes, they wouldn't have lasted because they were so immature but they obviously haven't grown up much. Neither was willing to back down on the stupid threesome idea and actually have a mature conversation about what was going on. It's fine to pause on sex for 15 minutes to actually deal with your issues, yo.
18 reviews
September 13, 2023
Great series of books.

Just finished this book. It is amazing. I could not put it down. I still like the family vibe. My only problem with some of the books is no one tells what they feel to each other. I know fantasy, fiction. If you are looking for a good read start with book 1 and go on till the last.
5 reviews
June 18, 2025
love the series, wasn’t a fan of this book

I’ve enjoyed every one of the Cerberus books so far but had a harder time with this 2nd chance romance. The female main character was bitchy and annoying and played games for most of the book. Hard to relate to her. I hate it when characters get into their head and think they know what the other characters are thinking.
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,634 reviews25 followers
November 3, 2022
I knew Grinch would make me blush! I really loved Grinch and Grace! Their story is a great second chance..

You get so much of a different side of Grinch that will make you love him more. He has been one of my favorites abd I was so happy to finally read his story.
Profile Image for Mauaqui.
1,339 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2022
12 Years

12 years is a long time to pretend you don’t love someone, but when Grinch got the word his ex girlfriend just got abducted, he went crazy- and stayed crazy until he realizes Grace is his one and only.
851 reviews
December 16, 2022
The Second chance between these two was so well deserved. I think the reason of why she said no to the first time he proposed was a stupid reason. Other then that the story was well told and the spice is 3.5/5.
Profile Image for Brooke Clanton.
802 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2023
Assuming...

How stubborn can two people be?!?! I didn't think it was possible for someone to be more stubborn than Grinch, but I was wrong. Grinch and Grace's story shows just how important communication is in any relationship and how assumptions can ruin everything!
14 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2023
Thus series just gets better with each book!
Love this author
Profile Image for Dawn Hurst.
456 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2023
I knew i was going to love this one

Grinch was EVERYTHING i expected him to be! I absolutely love this series and cannot wait to move onto Harleys book!!!
Profile Image for Merrie Fox.
1,028 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2023
I did the audiobook and they were good!
I liked the storyline and over all good book!
Profile Image for TJ.
1,760 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
What a book.

Now we get Grinch’s story with Gracie (whom we have heard about before).

What an emotional book this was. Onto the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews

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