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What happens when the boy who is addicted to romance meets the girl who doesn't believe in love?

At some point in my author career, I’ve written this story. Jaded romance writer meets womanizing biker. So many predictable tropes await.

Except… Grant Baker isn’t supposed to be so charmingly goofy.

He’s not supposed to be the golden retriever to my grumpy pitbull.

We aren’t supposed to be instant friends, and this playboy isn’t supposed to be a perfect Southern gentleman when I tell him I don’t want to hook up.

And now we’re stuck together as Best Man and Maid of Honor at an upcoming wedding, for better or for worse. It’s infinitely harder to box in Grant as the bad boy character when I learn something new and unexpected about him at every wedding activity.

But I’ll have to do just that. I’ve written enough Grand Gesture scenes to know that real life can never live up to fiction.
If I let him get any closer, I’d be risking our new friendship and the perspective on which I’ve built my career. This isn't how happily ever after is supposed to play out... right?

Please note: this book is a STANDALONE romance that includes open door romantic scenes coming in at about 3-3.5 chilies of heat. It also includes occasional incomplete sentences for stylistic effect. Happily ever after is guaranteed, cheating is banished, and swoons are promised. If this sounds like your cup of tea, enjoy!

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2022

38 people are currently reading
335 people want to read

About the author

Ava Munroe

18 books95 followers
Ava Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.

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5 stars
64 (40%)
4 stars
54 (34%)
3 stars
30 (19%)
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4 (2%)
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5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
August 28, 2022
Life is to be Lived, Not Stifled . . .

Ellie Wells has a crazy rule that she will never fall in love because, if she avoids love, she will never get hurt. The perfect solution to a painless existence… NOT. Then she meets an alleged womanizer biker, Grant Baker. But he’s delightful and easily accepting of just being friends with no benefits needed. He puts no demands on her.

I think Ellie’s biggest problem is that she is trying to live her life as if she were a character in her books (well, yes, she is, but I mean thinking of her as a real person, she is living like a book character, following the script for safe existence). She is overthinking things instead of just going with her heart. And watching the bad relationship of someone else as it fails doesn’t prove that your own relationship will fail since each person is unique and will behave a different way and respond to things differently. But the bottom line is that if you never take a chance on love, if you try to play life “safe”, then you truly are not living anyway. Grant is the best thing to come into her life because he shakes up her crazy beliefs and makes it possible for her to allow her trust in him to bring her out of her self-imposed shell. Will she give love and life a try? Or does she enjoy being dead inside?
1 review1 follower
August 26, 2022
This was my first book from the author and i can't wait to read more of the author's books!! The author did such a good job and i really loved her style of writing. I really loved the characters of Grant and Ellie as there were many great banters between them and a really good storyline. Overall a great read and can't wait to read more of Ava's books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Artsy Book Witch.
191 reviews37 followers
August 28, 2022
“ ‘Shit. His manhood throbbed against her thigh? All these years I wrote off reading when there’s book porn out there?’ ”

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

And thus, the start of a beautiful relationship.

Jumpstarted is the latest in Ava’s Mechanics on Main series and it is SO GOOD.

The chemistry between Ellie and Grant is insane. Their relationship is so well done and they are amazing together. The golden retriever to her Chihuahua, they give off major grump sunshine vibes.

Broken before they even meet, they fill in each other’s cracks in the mud. Taking care of each other in ways the other needed expects.

And the meet-cute at a wedding where he notices her? You’re killing me Ava.

HEY AVA, I CRIED THAT ENTIRE TIME. YOU KNOW WHEN.

Even all their friends knowing what’s best for them better than themselves is the kind of friends I want (need).

And all the pop culture references? Pure perfection.

I LOVED Jumpstarted and I can’t wait for more of Ava’s writing. Please pick this up you won’t regret it.

“Mmm, free alcohol. The only compelling reason to put up witty another Sputhern wedding season.”

“ ‘Do I look like the kind of man who strikes out, Ellie Wells?’
… ‘I’m sorry, do you think I’m going home with you after my eggs benedict?’
I snort. ‘Ouch.’ “

“ ‘You’re a f*cking golden retriever and I’m the chihuahua.’ “

Tw // cheating (not b/w MCs), divorce, sexual content

📸 Edit is mine, photos from Pinterest

#jumpstarted #avamunroe #mechanicsonmain #mechanicsonmainseries #romance #romcom #contemporary #contemporaryromance #friendstolovers #smut #smuttyromance #bookworm #smutpeddler #mechanic
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews22 followers
September 18, 2022
Perfectly Delicious & Romantic

Book 4 follows the story of Grant & Ellie who are destined for greatness from the moment they met. Grant is a playboy who has a positive outlook on life but has been searching for the one ever since his heart was broken in high school in the worse way. Grant is such a lovable character. He is sweet, funny, romantic, and optimistic about life and love. Ellie (Cat’s sister) is a romance novelist who lives more for the book boyfriends she creates then for anything in real life. She is bitter and anti love because of watching her parents go through their divorce. She loves being a writer and her work is very important to her but when her life begins to be like her books she is scared and terrified she’s going to end up broken. Watching these two start as friends and then grow into more is heartwarming and super sexy. Grant worships Ellie and his love and determination to make her see that will leave you falling for him on every page. He is the perfect book boyfriend!!

This story is going to warm your heart and reinforce the power of love and commitment. These two are so right for each other it’s very satisfying. You will not be disappointed in their HEA and I love seeing the other amazing characters from this series throughout the book as well. This series is so much fun and addicting. Get ready for Book 5 it’s going to be amazing. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Sara.
2,362 reviews14 followers
August 28, 2022
Ava Munroe delivered an entertaining angsty rom-com featuring a hero who is looking for The One even after a traumatic breakup and a romance writing heroine who doesn’t believe in love.

Grant is a happy, charming, unrepentant man on the prowl who isn’t letting a tragic breakup keep him from seeking The One while enjoying the ladies along his journey. When he makes a run at picking up Ellie at wedding she flat out shoots him down and then proceeds to describe him and bis background to a tee. She calls him a golden retriever to her pit bull, though he calls her a chihuahua. They strike up a friendship and agree to be just friends.

The banter between the characters had me either laughing or rolling my eyes at the craziness. The humor is entertaining and engaging as they stay in frequent contact with daily texts and calls.

Their just friends relationship turns to much more and feelings develop that shake Ellie and trigger her fears of getting hurt. Each of them have to decide if they are going to just give up and walk away or instead fight for their love and a future together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,962 reviews30 followers
August 27, 2022
4.5 stars. Grant, the male lead, is considered a playboy but he’s never closed himself off to love; he just hasn’t found it yet. Ellie, the female lead, saw how her parents divorce hurt her mother and has determined never to love, even though she’s a romance author, because that way she’ll never be hurt like that. When Grant approaches Ellie at a wedding and she rebuffs him, they decide to be friends (no benefits). But the attraction between them is real…now Grant is trying to convince Ellie that a relationship is worth the risk…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a beautiful happy male/grumpy female, small town contemporary romance. I enjoyed Grant’s positive outlook on the world and relationships, his willingness to take emotional risks, and his genuine joie de vivre. I appreciated Ellie’s stubbornness and her self preservation. The character development, especially for Ellie, was significant and I enjoyed the relationship development and climax.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Toni.
74 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2022
This book. This book had me enamored from the first sentence. It had so many amazing elements to it, and the fact that HE is the romantic where she is the romance author had me in hysterics and also had me swooning at moments. So many moments. From his first Table Thirteen to her calling him a golden retriever, their attempt at a friendship, and their pact to be each others wingman for the wedding season I was in love with both of them. Ellie is unapologetically herself and is, well, jaded as all get out thanks to her parents divorce. Grant is also unapologetically himself and has been hurt before but believes in love. Her snark meets his stubbornness and eventually their feelings for each other come out. Their first time together? I was laughing to the point of tears because Ellie will be Ellie. As time goes on, will she be able to accept his love or will she throw it away out of fear and self protection?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
349 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2022
OVERALL RATING – 5

RECOMMENDED for those that like: sunshiny Hero / grumpy heroine, friends to lovers

First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone but part of a series.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me

BOOK:
- Cover adequately reflects the story
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance
- 1st person alternating POV only

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5 stars
• Story ingredient: 5 stars
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
• Plot strength: 5 stars
• Steam Level 4 stars with a lot of romance

Notes/Opinion (personal):
I had been searching for a book where the Hero is sunshiny and the heroine is grumpy…this was PERFECT! It was an addicting read right from the start with Ellie and Grant keeping each other on their toes and building that relationship into something worth keeping.
437 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2022
Another great book in this series. Grant is the renowned playboy, after being betrayed by his ex-girlfriend. He meets Ellie, a romance writer, at a wedding, and she is nothing like any other woman he has met. Ellie doesn’t fall for Grant’s charm, she seen what happened after her own parents divorce and knows that no relationship can ever last. However it doesn’t stop Grant trying to find a place in Ellie’s life, even if it is only friends, that is until Ellie starts developing feelings for him, but she isn’t sure she can put the past behind her. An enjoyable book with lovely characters, some humour, some passion and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
59 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2022
I absolutely love it when books intertwine just enough that you smile because you were privy to the previous couple's love story. This book is about Ellie (Caroline's sister) and Grant Baker. I love this because we got to see Caroline and Remy discover their own love story in Fueled (MoM Book 3)!

Reading Jumpstarted made me just as happy as reading Fueled. The easy transition from strangers, to friends, to lovers just really does something and allows me to enjoy the book even more!

Ava Munroe never fails to deliver on pop culture references and sarcasm and I am LIVING for it. I want Grant Baker as my best friend!

All in all, this book was absolutely wonderful from start to finish!

10/10 would recommend
10/10 would read again
Profile Image for Reading4_Ash.
830 reviews32 followers
August 24, 2022
Ok this book sucked me in. I couldn’t put it down. You have this romance writer who wrote about love & smut but did she actually believe in it? Was it all just fictional? Ava knows how to keep you guessing but In a good way. Grant appeared when she least expected it challenging her and inspiring her to write about her book boyfriends and give her different perspectives. But her past seemed to interfere with her love life so does she want more with him? Or is he just a muse to her books? Just friends? You will have to read to find out lol but I’m telling you it was good. Not a ton of spice but still really good. Definitely worth reading. I highly recommend reading this. It’s s3xy and sweet.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,697 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2022
I usually like my BBF's more alpha, not compared to a golden retriever puppy. That being said, I did like Grant in Jumpstarted because he was willing to keep taking chances no matter what was thrown at him in the romance department. He had his serious side and was willing to back away when Ellie originally asked him to and also fight for what he wanted when their future was at stake. I found myself quite often laughing out loud with Ellie's sarcasm and Oma's fondness for saying whatever she wants.
2,286 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2022
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Ellie and Grant. She's a young woman who writes romance stories but it's afraid of getting involved. Grant is a true romantic at heart, but after being cheated on, he's still hoping to find the one.. They meet at a wedding and she rejects his advances, but agrees to be friends. But stronger feelings start to develop and it freaks her out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,486 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2022
3.5* love not running smoothly
Ellie is a romance writer, steeped in personal misery of love and romance based on her parents divorce.
Grant is a romantic, patient and kind despite having being cheated on in the past. He is positive, she is negative. I liked the storyline but not Ellie, who is over emotional, pathetic and tedious in her entrenched beliefs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
August 31, 2022
Jumpstarted is a beautifully written romance with character that catch you in the heart. Ellie is on the grumpy side and Grant is such a bright ray of sunshine you need glasses.

Ellie and Grant thoughts of each other turn, and as their friendship grows so does the chemistry and passion.

Great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,921 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2022
This was a great read about a girl that does not believe in love, and marriage. When he first meets her he just wants to get her to bed, however she is having no part of that. As time goes on can he break down her walls and make her see that love and happiness are real?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews35 followers
August 27, 2022
Jumpstarted by Ava Munroe is a good, and enjoyable steamy spicy small town friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is romantic comedy read with steam and has the grumpy girl with a twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aimee pow.
56 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2022
This was such a sweet book! Grant and Ellie are everything! Their chemistry is beautiful. There is sad, funny and spicy scenes and the writing is so wonderful to read. If you are looking for a romance with pleasurable characters that work through their issues with each other, people this is for you :)
413 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2022
A rom-com with a little steam. I liked the grumpy-girl twist and loved the chemistry between Ellie and Grant as friends and lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alex T.
396 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2022
Well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read. The storyline was refreshing.The drama love and all the romance happening within the pages were too good and hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
August 27, 2022
This was a quick read, while at the same time, it was an extremely satisfying read. I must admit that I was captivated by these characters and their amazing chemistry instantaneously.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the first page until the very last.
Profile Image for Aimee.
290 reviews
August 28, 2022
I cant help but feel this is the authors own story.
In saying that Grant and Ellie are the lover and the skeptic you love to watch.
A declared golden retriever, grant does everything to
Change ellies view on love
4,013 reviews
September 1, 2022
Jumpstarted
Mechanics on Main
Ava Munroe

Oh this book, guys. Ellie and Grant are such beautifully written characters. Interconnected stories in this series. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
September 8, 2022
What happens when the boy who is addicted to romance meets the girl who doesn't believe in love? He’s not supposed to be the golden retriever to my grumpy pitbull. Grant & Ellie had an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
717 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2022
Love IRL vs in a romance novel

Grant is the perfect boyfriend—he’s actually my fave! And Ellie…I just wanted to hug her close. Sexy sweet and angst, as well as witty hot hot hot. I loved it so hard!
Profile Image for Beata Kovacs.
92 reviews
September 16, 2022
I liked the other books in this series and this one is not an exception either.
The story is really good. And so are the characters. I love how Grant really embraced that whole golden retriever nickname. He really is good for Ellie.
Profile Image for Smuttybooks_geekystuff.
706 reviews46 followers
September 1, 2022
This series gets better with each book that comes out.

Grant is enjoying himself looking for 'The One'. Even after heartbreak, he still believes in love.

Whereas Ellie, who is jaded after witnessing her parents divorce, plays it safe by sticking with her own predictable fictional hero's.

Love Grant 🥰
He's a pure Golden retriever. He's got such a positive outlook on life which counteracts Ellie perfectly.

There's banter, sarcasm and laughs between this pair which makes a great rom-com in my eyes.

As always, this story has some good spicy scenes too 🔥

There's some interaction with characters from other books in the series, but you can read this as a standalone (although I do recommend the other books too) ❤️
Profile Image for Hannah Vucina.
324 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2022
4/5⭐️ 2🌶️. Grant is the perfect golden retriever book boyfriend who says all the right things. Overall, super easy read.
Profile Image for Leah.
140 reviews1 follower
Read
October 7, 2022
Main character was annoying. But I liked Grant!
120 reviews
October 7, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grant and Ellie’s book was really good! As a smutt writer who doesn’t believe in love this was a great way to find it. Lower on the spice I feel but still a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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