Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor: Book Review

  *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

He’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart?

Nathan Sanders didn't earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always does: he completely ignores her.

But Summer is intrigued by the surly defenseman, so when a viral social media post requires her to step in and fake it as Nathan's girlfriend, she jumps at the chance. She's convinced the ones with the hardest shells are often the softest underneath, and she's determined to prove it.

But Nathan doesn't crack so easily. Despite their obvious chemistry, he makes his lack of interest in a relationship—any relationship—perfectly clear. But the longer they pretend, the less fake everything seems, and the more Summer starts to fall.

She can only hope her fake relationship doesn't lead to real heartbreak.

Romancing the Grump is a closed door, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating hockey romcom with heart and humor, sizzle but no spice. Perfect for fans of sports romance who want a little less heat.

Books in the Appies Hockey Romance series connect to Just Don't Fall & Absolutely Not in Love from the Sweater Weather series, but all books stand alone and can be read in any order.

Jenny Proctor is an award-winning author of more than fourteen romantic comedies and an Amazon bestseller. She began her career in publishing in 2013; her writing has been a constant since then, but she also spent time as the owner and managing editor of Midnight Owl Editors and the chair of the Storymakers Conference. Wired for relationships, Jenny loves public speaking, teaching, and building lasting connections.

Jenny was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she considers one of the loveliest on earth. She loves to hike with her family and spend time outdoors, but she also adores lounging around her home, reading great books or watching great movies and, when she’s lucky, eating delicious food she doesn’t have to prepare herself.

Romancing the Grump is the second book in the Appies series, which is a spinoff of the Sweater Weather series. While I loved and would recommend all of those previous books, this could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well. Fans of those and other Jenny Proctor books will definitely appreciate seeing some familiar characters though! 

I am 100% in love with this book! 

The only thing I love more than a good grump is a hockey romance... then when you throw in fake dating and a good 'she takes care of him' moment, it's truly just the perfect combination to have me falling! The chemistry between Nathan and Summer is perfectly done. Jenny Proctor certainly DOES get the kisses right--- the perfect amount of sizzle to have you melting, while still keeping that door firmly closed and I absolutely love it! It was balanced perfect with those laugh out loud moments, and I enjoyed it all. These two were the sweetest and I couldn't get enough of them. 

Romancing the Grump is a closed-door romance with chemistry-filled kisses, but nothing beyond that. There is some minor language throughout the story. 

Get your copy: https://amzn.to/3U9Zv7y