Falling For The Grumpiest Protector
(2026)(A book in the Grumpiest Heroes series)
A novel by Maggie Blume
I came back to Oakridge to settle my sister’s affairs. Not to fall for the grumpiest man alive.
Javier Martinez is a former Navy SEAL. Guarded, stubborn, impossible to ignore, and far too good at getting under my skin.
I’m sunshine. He’s storm clouds. We’re complete opposites.
My plan is simple: settle Lily’s affairs, help care for my nephew, then return to the restaurant and career I built in New York.
But following my sister’s footsteps leads me to Oakridge Veterans Farm, where she volunteered.
And straight to Javier.
The more time we spend together, the more I discover the man behind the walls. Loyal. Protective. And hiding a heart far softer than he wants anyone to see.
Somewhere between stolen tastes, lingering glances, and kisses I never planned for, we fall for each other.
Then New York calls me back.
I never expected Oakridge to feel like home again. Or Javier to become the man I can’t imagine leaving.
Now the future I planned is pulling me away from the one I never saw coming.
A slow-burn small-town romance, grumpy-Hero/sunshine, forced proximity, Opposites Attract, found family, belonging and a hard-earned HEA.
Genre: Romance
Javier Martinez is a former Navy SEAL. Guarded, stubborn, impossible to ignore, and far too good at getting under my skin.
I’m sunshine. He’s storm clouds. We’re complete opposites.
My plan is simple: settle Lily’s affairs, help care for my nephew, then return to the restaurant and career I built in New York.
But following my sister’s footsteps leads me to Oakridge Veterans Farm, where she volunteered.
And straight to Javier.
The more time we spend together, the more I discover the man behind the walls. Loyal. Protective. And hiding a heart far softer than he wants anyone to see.
Somewhere between stolen tastes, lingering glances, and kisses I never planned for, we fall for each other.
Then New York calls me back.
I never expected Oakridge to feel like home again. Or Javier to become the man I can’t imagine leaving.
Now the future I planned is pulling me away from the one I never saw coming.
A slow-burn small-town romance, grumpy-Hero/sunshine, forced proximity, Opposites Attract, found family, belonging and a hard-earned HEA.
Genre: Romance