He’s grumpy. He’s cocky. He’s probably out of my league. But the craziest part? I think he just might be into me.
Cody Walker is a cocky grump. Okay, fine. He’s a hot cocky grump. But still. I don’t have time for his teasing or his jokes. I’m a woman on a mission. And I’m not about to let anyone stand in my way. Especially not him. Besides, guys who look like Cody don’t go for curvy girls like me. Right? I mean yeah, he did sort of save my life. And he was really sweet when I basically fell apart in his arms. Ugh. I don’t know. Now it’s just the two of us out here in the woods, caught in the rain. And he wants to take me back to his cabin. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this but...
This book was definitely a page-turner, with Daphne coming off just as feisty, if not more so, than Cody. They were like two pieces of a puzzle, perfectly fitting together and balancing each other out. Cody has this cool way of smoothing Daphne's rough edges just enough. The one downfall was the lack of an epilogue—I was really looking forward to that cherry on top.
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.
This is a new author for me. A quick insta love read. It felt like it was missing something, the other novellas had an epilogue and this one doesn't maybe that's why it felt like it just ended.
Cocky Grump, Book 4 of the Fit Mountain Alphas series, Volume 1, was about 40-year-old Cody Walker, former military and a co-owner of the Fit Mountain Resort with his three brothers, and 30-year-old Daphne Watts, a former fashion photographer turned photography studio owner.
The Fit Mountain Lodge was hosting its first fashion show, so the place was filling up with models, much to the dismay of three of the Walker brothers. However, it was a money-maker, so they decided to put up with it for the time it was taking place. Cody was the only single Walker brother left, so when a beautiful woman caught his eye, he was more than ready for her. However, Daphne wasn't a pushover, so he had his work cut out for him.
Of the four books in this series that were about the Walker brothers, this was by far the best. It had more angst, more drama, and a touch more spice. The plot was not quite as flat as the first three books, and the storyline flowed a little better. There still wasn't much conflict, but there was more push/pull between the two main characters.
There weren't as many errors in this book so that made for a smoother reading. However, the story still felt incomplete and rushed, and it needed more content. I gave this a three-and-a-half stars, rounded down to three. I might return to the series at a later date, but as for now, I've read more than enough to show me that I'm not interested in reading more at this time.
Stella Banks does an outstanding job penning a entertaining instalove romance in Cocky Grump. It is the fourth installment in her Fit Mountain Insta-love series and chronicles the romantic journey of Daphne Watts and Cody Walker. Daphne is a photographer for Poppy Pierce. She is also a candidate in a prestigious photograpy award. Coming to Fit Mountain allows her to fulfill two purposes—the fashion bihoot and the wildlife photography of a rare bird. Cody is the last of the four Walker brothers to find his soulmate. When Destiny brings these two together they experience an electrifying shock between them. Daphne, in pursuit of her wild life passion, finds herself in a dangerous situation. Cody is bound and determined to rescue this woman who awakens his protective and possessive streaks. Will Cody be able to rescue her? Will they succumb to their feelings for each other? Does she get the photograph she needs to submit to the photography contest? You have to read this delightful short story to find out.
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.
Daphne is a photographer in town for a fashion event and to find a rare bird to get a picture of it. Cody is one of the brothers that own the Lodge where the fashion event is being held. When he sees Daphne for the first time, he knows that he wants her. However, Daphne gives attitude because she doesn't believe he really wants her. When he finds out that Daphne and two other women ditch the hike guide, and no one knows where they are he takes off to locate them. When he finds them, he is just grateful nothing bad happened. Its not long before things heat up between them. Will Daphne give him a chance?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series seems to get worse with every installment.
I understand that novellas have limited space to develop a story, but this one stretched believability to the breaking point. The plot follows a headstrong photographer determined to prove herself, who ditches her hiking guide, gets lost in the woods, and is conveniently rescued by a grumpy mountain man she just met.
By the end—after only a couple of days—he’s professing his love for her. Seriously?
Sure, there were other elements in the story, but they felt haphazardly thrown in to add depth. Instead, they only made the plot feel more scattered and unconvincing.
Daphne is at a fashion convention as a photographer when she meets the owner of the resort. Cody is instantly smitten with Daphne but she is a hard nut to crack 😉 He saves her and her sisters from a hiking accident and sparks really start to fly. Insta-love, sweet, fun to read ,romantic and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍
I forgot to add this to my reading progress … from the bonus epilogue: - What does the opinion of a bunch of strangers mean over the man I love anyway. - I take my queue. (I take my *cue*?)
But I think I’ll look for more from this author. Fun short reads to add to my GR tally!
Cody is working a fashion weekend at Fit Mountain. He just went to the office to have a break. Then the most Beautiful woman he ever saw asked for a room. Daphne is a photographer and she is trying to capture the image of a bird that is only in Wyoming. This book is Awesome, Great little story that just makes me feel good. Now you got to read it too !!!!
I did like the book, and this whole series, but without an epilogue to wrap it up, even a short one, it feels unfinished to me. Otherwise it would have gotten four stars. Still an enjoyable read!
This was a great read. It was fast paced, short, and sweet. It was an instant love. Just one glance and Cody knew Daphne was his. Definitely a happy ending
The ending was really sudden, and felt like maybe the author just ran out of steam. But it's a short, somewhat steamy story, and worth the time to read.