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Fit Mountain Instaloves Vol. 1 #2
Charming Grump
He’s grumpy. He’s charming. He wants me to stay with him in the woods.
And the craziest part?
I think I just might do it.
Colt Walker is a charming grump.
Okay fine. He’s a hot, charming grump.
I’ll give him that.
Even though me being stuck out here alone is my own fault.
He doesn’t make me feel bad about it.
Or ask me my why I’m trying to avoid my stepsister’s wedding.
He just scoops me into his arms and carries me off into the woods.
Back to his cabin. Where he lives.
I’m not normally like this.
I swear.
But there’s something kind of nice about being cared for.
Being protected.
And now that he wants me to stay the night
I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to leave…
And the craziest part?
I think I just might do it.
Colt Walker is a charming grump.
Okay fine. He’s a hot, charming grump.
I’ll give him that.
Even though me being stuck out here alone is my own fault.
He doesn’t make me feel bad about it.
Or ask me my why I’m trying to avoid my stepsister’s wedding.
He just scoops me into his arms and carries me off into the woods.
Back to his cabin. Where he lives.
I’m not normally like this.
I swear.
But there’s something kind of nice about being cared for.
Being protected.
And now that he wants me to stay the night
I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to leave…
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
359 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 6, 2023
Cute
This is a new author for me. A cute quick insta love read. Will be reading the others in the series.
This is a new author for me. A cute quick insta love read. Will be reading the others in the series.
April 3, 2024
Too Cute
Oh, I'm all about that instant-love vibe, especially when it comes wrapped up in a mountain man novella—it's like my perfect little reset button. And let me tell you, Colt? He's got that charm turned all the way up. Picture this: Sophia's stuck in the woods, twisted ankle and all, and in swoops Colt with those slick military moves, nursing her back to health. Seriously, it's the cutest story.
Oh, I'm all about that instant-love vibe, especially when it comes wrapped up in a mountain man novella—it's like my perfect little reset button. And let me tell you, Colt? He's got that charm turned all the way up. Picture this: Sophia's stuck in the woods, twisted ankle and all, and in swoops Colt with those slick military moves, nursing her back to health. Seriously, it's the cutest story.
June 19, 2025
3.5✨
Sympa. Sophia et Colt sont mims.
Sympa. Sophia et Colt sont mims.
February 12, 2024
Charming Grump, Book 2 of the Fit Mountain Alphas series, Volume 1, was about 34-year-old Colt Walker, co-owner of the Fit Mountain Resort with his three brothers, and 30-year-old Sophia (no last name given), an assistant at an interior design studio.
Sophia was staying at the Lodge because her stepsister had chosen it for her destination wedding. After being left behind on a nature hike by her family, Sophia managed to trip and hurt her ankle. Sometime later, she was discovered by Colt, one of the owners of the Lodge. He carried her back to his cabin where he doctored her foot, fed her dinner, and let her use his phone to contact her family to let them know she was safe. Since the weather wasn't conducive to her returning to the lodge that night, she spent the night at Colt's. The next day, Colt was her plus-one for the wedding, much to her stepsister's dismay.
While this story was a bit longer than the first in the series, and it had more angst and drama, it still left the reader hanging because it left so much out. The plot was flat and boring and, once again, the story took place in just over 24 hours. There was no explanation as to why the stepsister took such a dislike to Sophia, or why she was even jealous of her. Even though there were more characters involved in this story than the first, there wasn't a lot of interaction with them. They put in an appearance, had a conversation or two, then nothing.
Even though the author gave the FMC a job in Florida and told the reader that she wanted to become more than just an assistant, that wasn't given an outlet. There wasn't any further mention of what the FMC did or didn't do with her career.
Again, I could only give this a two-star rating because of the lack of information. There had been a bit more conflict in this book, but nothing ever came of it. It just died a quiet, obscure death. It was another disappointment in what looks like a series of disappointments.
Sophia was staying at the Lodge because her stepsister had chosen it for her destination wedding. After being left behind on a nature hike by her family, Sophia managed to trip and hurt her ankle. Sometime later, she was discovered by Colt, one of the owners of the Lodge. He carried her back to his cabin where he doctored her foot, fed her dinner, and let her use his phone to contact her family to let them know she was safe. Since the weather wasn't conducive to her returning to the lodge that night, she spent the night at Colt's. The next day, Colt was her plus-one for the wedding, much to her stepsister's dismay.
While this story was a bit longer than the first in the series, and it had more angst and drama, it still left the reader hanging because it left so much out. The plot was flat and boring and, once again, the story took place in just over 24 hours. There was no explanation as to why the stepsister took such a dislike to Sophia, or why she was even jealous of her. Even though there were more characters involved in this story than the first, there wasn't a lot of interaction with them. They put in an appearance, had a conversation or two, then nothing.
Even though the author gave the FMC a job in Florida and told the reader that she wanted to become more than just an assistant, that wasn't given an outlet. There wasn't any further mention of what the FMC did or didn't do with her career.
Again, I could only give this a two-star rating because of the lack of information. There had been a bit more conflict in this book, but nothing ever came of it. It just died a quiet, obscure death. It was another disappointment in what looks like a series of disappointments.
April 4, 2024
He was NOT a grump! He was walking along a hiking trail and stumbled upon her with a sprained ankle. She had been left behind and her family had gone ahead not really caring about her one way or another. Definitely the first sight and so he takes her back to his cabin and they have great chemistry but she didn't believe he like someone as curvy as her because her step sis had always made her feel less than bc of her weight.
I liked this alot. Insta love, great chemistry, self conscious girl, guy is head over heals wants to do anything to get girl to stay, cute doggie. But nobody else cares about her? Missing in the woods, she doesn't come home that night. Next day at her step sisters wedding, nobody asks her. Even her dad???? Was she ok after the hike? Nobody wonders who this dude is she's dancing with and making out with? Just dirty look from bridezilla during wedding? And then everyone goes home after the wedding and she stays. Nobody asks? It was just left so unfinished. It's stupid but it just left this annoying hole for me. It just takes a sentence to wrap it up..
But all in all..I liked this one.
I liked this alot. Insta love, great chemistry, self conscious girl, guy is head over heals wants to do anything to get girl to stay, cute doggie. But nobody else cares about her? Missing in the woods, she doesn't come home that night. Next day at her step sisters wedding, nobody asks her. Even her dad???? Was she ok after the hike? Nobody wonders who this dude is she's dancing with and making out with? Just dirty look from bridezilla during wedding? And then everyone goes home after the wedding and she stays. Nobody asks? It was just left so unfinished. It's stupid but it just left this annoying hole for me. It just takes a sentence to wrap it up..
But all in all..I liked this one.
January 18, 2025
This novella type audiobook is the first book of the series I have listen/read as well as the first story written by this author I have come across. So I truly didn’t know what to expect.
The plot takes the listeners to a resort owned by a group of brothers, all “mountain type men”. A little rough around the edges but Intelligent and hunky.
Colt Walker is one of these men. He’s quiet and some might call grumpy. But he becomes a knight in shining armor when he rescues Sophie after a fall in the hiking trails.
A hiking trip Sophie would have avoided except she’s there for her step-sister’s wedding and this one of the activities. Their relationship is not great, but for her father, she’s making the effort, even if her step-sister is mean and is constantly putting Sophie down.
Needless to say, the rescue leads to an instalove fest.
I am not a fan of either novellas or instalove, but that said, this was a cute story perfect for an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The plot takes the listeners to a resort owned by a group of brothers, all “mountain type men”. A little rough around the edges but Intelligent and hunky.
Colt Walker is one of these men. He’s quiet and some might call grumpy. But he becomes a knight in shining armor when he rescues Sophie after a fall in the hiking trails.
A hiking trip Sophie would have avoided except she’s there for her step-sister’s wedding and this one of the activities. Their relationship is not great, but for her father, she’s making the effort, even if her step-sister is mean and is constantly putting Sophie down.
Needless to say, the rescue leads to an instalove fest.
I am not a fan of either novellas or instalove, but that said, this was a cute story perfect for an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 15, 2025
This was a cute read. Sophia is in town for her stepsister’s wedding.Jessica is a typical mean girl and treats Sophia poorly. Sophia falls behind on a hiking trail and her family leaves her.
After injuring herself she is unable to walk. Along comes Daisy and her owner Colt.
Colt is out on a walk in the mountains when he stumbles up one the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. He is instantly smitten with Sophia and tells her how beautiful she is.
He soon realizes that she has taken a back burner to her family and he wants her to feel special and seen.
I enjoyed this short read during lunch. It is a novella so of course we can’t always expect complete character development. This story takes place over a 24 hour period and there is some OTT instalove going on. Sophia deserves better treatment than her family has been giving her and Colt is the right one to fill the gap for her.
After injuring herself she is unable to walk. Along comes Daisy and her owner Colt.
Colt is out on a walk in the mountains when he stumbles up one the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. He is instantly smitten with Sophia and tells her how beautiful she is.
He soon realizes that she has taken a back burner to her family and he wants her to feel special and seen.
I enjoyed this short read during lunch. It is a novella so of course we can’t always expect complete character development. This story takes place over a 24 hour period and there is some OTT instalove going on. Sophia deserves better treatment than her family has been giving her and Colt is the right one to fill the gap for her.
January 26, 2024
Stella Banks = Incredible
Stella Banks, you fantastic genius!!! The books you write are absolutely incredible! I fall in love with your characters with every boon of yours I read.
Sophia is my favorite female character of yours. She is funny and sweet and has a heart of gold. I am soooo glad she found Colt. I wish her stepsister got a little more coming to her, but Sophia is better off being soooo happy instead!
I am loving this series soooo much. I can’t wait to read more!!!
Stella Banks, you fantastic genius!!! The books you write are absolutely incredible! I fall in love with your characters with every boon of yours I read.
Sophia is my favorite female character of yours. She is funny and sweet and has a heart of gold. I am soooo glad she found Colt. I wish her stepsister got a little more coming to her, but Sophia is better off being soooo happy instead!
I am loving this series soooo much. I can’t wait to read more!!!
March 14, 2024
Colt and Sophia
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I'm on board for the instalove and expedited timeline, but the story had a few holes. Wish those were filled in and flushed out the story a bit. First, why would she hike in a dress? Why wouldn't her dad at least look for her? Why would she stay at his cabin to get ready without her toiletries (but assumedly had a slip, undergarments, shoes for the wedding)? How would he know her size and be able to get a dress so early in the AM hours?
While I love a short read, I wish we had a little more detail.
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I'm on board for the instalove and expedited timeline, but the story had a few holes. Wish those were filled in and flushed out the story a bit. First, why would she hike in a dress? Why wouldn't her dad at least look for her? Why would she stay at his cabin to get ready without her toiletries (but assumedly had a slip, undergarments, shoes for the wedding)? How would he know her size and be able to get a dress so early in the AM hours?
While I love a short read, I wish we had a little more detail.
April 14, 2024
Charming Grump is the second installment in Stella Banks’ Fit Mountain Instalove series. In it, readers follow the Cinderella romance of Sophia and Colt Walker. Destiny brings these two together when curvy Sophia arrives at Fit Mountain Lodge Resort for her half-sister’s wedding. Over time, her stepmom and stepsister do their best to ostracize, humiliate, and make her an outcast in the family. She is desensitized to their treatment. When Colt and she meet there is a spark. When he witnesses her family’s treatment of her, his protective and possessive streaks are activated. What will happen between these two? Will they find happiness? Will her family even care? To find out, you must read this book.
Once again, Ms. Banks does a great job utilizing literary devices. Her dialog, both conversational and internal monologues, are outstanding. Readers get a better understanding of their backstories, their pain, and their happiness. Her lead characters are multi-dimensional. The secondary characters are interesting and contribute to the suspense of this character-driven plot.
Once again, Ms. Banks does a great job utilizing literary devices. Her dialog, both conversational and internal monologues, are outstanding. Readers get a better understanding of their backstories, their pain, and their happiness. Her lead characters are multi-dimensional. The secondary characters are interesting and contribute to the suspense of this character-driven plot.
September 11, 2024
I thought that it was fun and a nice quick read. Usually, I don't like Instalove, but that's in bigger books (and plus, the series is called Instaloves, so I knew what I was getting into).
There were a few names in here that I couldn't place, but idk if it's because it was the second book and I read it first (although I did read the synopsis of the next book and the previous book and one name is still confusing me).
Overall, just what I wanted and expected. Might read the first one tonight, but that depends on homework time.
There were a few names in here that I couldn't place, but idk if it's because it was the second book and I read it first (although I did read the synopsis of the next book and the previous book and one name is still confusing me).
Overall, just what I wanted and expected. Might read the first one tonight, but that depends on homework time.
August 8, 2023
Sophia (h) visits the resort for her stepsister’s wedding, even though her family is overly critical of her, and the event is trying. They leave her behind while out hiking and she injures herself, only to be rescued by Colt (H) and his dog, Daisy. Colt takes the injured Sophia to his nearby cabin and as they get to know one another Colt realizes he never wants her to leave. Quickie mountain man instalove romance.
February 22, 2023
This second book didn't really work for me! I just couldn't with the FMC. This book isn't very long at all and the majority of it was her not believing that Colt actually wanted her. It got old fast. Also, we didn't even get to see her terrible step-sister blow her fuse. I kept waiting for that!
While this didn't work for me, I'm still picking up the next book. On to the next brother!
While this didn't work for me, I'm still picking up the next book. On to the next brother!
June 4, 2023
Dread
Sophia has had a sense of dread coming to Fit Mountain for her stepsisters wedding. They have never gotten along and she makes her feel terrible. When she gets hurt on a hike and left behind it's just her luck. Then Daisy and her owner Colt rescue her. Is her luck turning around or is this handsome mountain of a man just being nice?
Sophia has had a sense of dread coming to Fit Mountain for her stepsisters wedding. They have never gotten along and she makes her feel terrible. When she gets hurt on a hike and left behind it's just her luck. Then Daisy and her owner Colt rescue her. Is her luck turning around or is this handsome mountain of a man just being nice?
August 11, 2023
Cute, Quick and Sweet
This is the perfect small-bite pallet cleanser. Ultra sweet, instalove, no cheating or third act breakup. Just a drool-worthy mountain man turned knight in shining armor, and an intelligent FMC with self-esteem issues who needs all the love the hero is happy to give.
This is the perfect small-bite pallet cleanser. Ultra sweet, instalove, no cheating or third act breakup. Just a drool-worthy mountain man turned knight in shining armor, and an intelligent FMC with self-esteem issues who needs all the love the hero is happy to give.
April 22, 2025
short and sweet
It’s a short quick read, instalove. Is it the best ever? No. Is it a light-hearted and cute? Yes. If it wasn’t on KU I wouldn’t spend money on it due to its length and lack of character development but it’s like Christmas special of a series. Enjoy it for what it is and you won’t be disappointed.
It’s a short quick read, instalove. Is it the best ever? No. Is it a light-hearted and cute? Yes. If it wasn’t on KU I wouldn’t spend money on it due to its length and lack of character development but it’s like Christmas special of a series. Enjoy it for what it is and you won’t be disappointed.
February 2, 2023
Not really grumpy, more sure.
Super cute story. I loved the characters. I could relate to Sophia and her insecurities and her family sucks. Colt steps up and is sure that she is it. But to me he didn't seem all that grumpy. How that all plays out is perfect.
Super cute story. I loved the characters. I could relate to Sophia and her insecurities and her family sucks. Colt steps up and is sure that she is it. But to me he didn't seem all that grumpy. How that all plays out is perfect.
September 15, 2024
This is a series of short, steamy reads with no angst/conflict, and they are advertised as insta-love. Knowing this and reading them for what they are, I really enjoyed them.
Be sure to check out the author's website where she has bonus scenes/extra epilogues for each of the four Grump books.
Be sure to check out the author's website where she has bonus scenes/extra epilogues for each of the four Grump books.
November 19, 2024
The second novella in this series was an enjoyable read. While the storyline leaned heavily into ridiculous and unlikely, it still managed to entertain.
The focus was less on a complex plot and more on delivering steamy, spicy moments for readers to enjoy.
The focus was less on a complex plot and more on delivering steamy, spicy moments for readers to enjoy.
February 15, 2025
Short, sweet and sexy romance.
I liked the easy and quick familiarity with each other. I liked how serious Colt was and knew that he needed her in his life. I'm on the second book in the series and I think I found a new series and author to read.
I liked the easy and quick familiarity with each other. I liked how serious Colt was and knew that he needed her in his life. I'm on the second book in the series and I think I found a new series and author to read.
April 24, 2025
Mountain Grump
Although he didn't seem very grumpy to me. Especially when he came across her sitting on the forest floor. How wonderful to fall in love during a wedding and ending the book with theirs.
Although he didn't seem very grumpy to me. Especially when he came across her sitting on the forest floor. How wonderful to fall in love during a wedding and ending the book with theirs.
May 14, 2025
Read as part of Fit Mountain Lodge collection.
Colt is one of four brothers who’d opened Fit Mountain Lodge after retiring from military service.
Sophia ended up at the Lodge for her stepsister’s wedding. I forget already what she did at her former home. 🙃
Colt is one of four brothers who’d opened Fit Mountain Lodge after retiring from military service.
Sophia ended up at the Lodge for her stepsister’s wedding. I forget already what she did at her former home. 🙃
May 28, 2025
DNF, I just couldn’t get into this story. She has friends and a great job that she loves, this is an insta love book and only 55 pages so she just drops everything to be with him? I love insta love stories but it works better if the girl is already living there.
September 24, 2025
Simplistic
I like to read short insta-love/lust novellas from time to time as a palate cleanser between longer books. This one was okay, but the characters are stereotypes, the "story" is simplistic and it just left a blah taste in my mouth.
I like to read short insta-love/lust novellas from time to time as a palate cleanser between longer books. This one was okay, but the characters are stereotypes, the "story" is simplistic and it just left a blah taste in my mouth.
October 20, 2022
Colt and Sophia
Sophia is barely acknowledged by her father and the step mother and sister. She has spent years being put down but Colt sees her and its a whole new relationship.
Sophia is barely acknowledged by her father and the step mother and sister. She has spent years being put down but Colt sees her and its a whole new relationship.
December 4, 2022
A totally fun quick read
This novella was so good! A great storyline; cool characters; and a terrific HEA. This one is worth your time.😘
This novella was so good! A great storyline; cool characters; and a terrific HEA. This one is worth your time.😘
January 3, 2023
Sweet story, but I really wanted to see her get justice for her family's treatment. I feel a bit cheated.
January 5, 2023
Quick and sweet!
I wish the stories had a bit more of an epilogue, but I’m really enjoying this series so far! Sweet, heartwarming and just a burst of love!
I wish the stories had a bit more of an epilogue, but I’m really enjoying this series so far! Sweet, heartwarming and just a burst of love!
August 9, 2023
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Sophia and Colt.
October 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews