She thinks it’s an arranged marriage. He knows it’s the real deal.
Lilou
I never thought that I would fall in love or get married.
Not after watching my mom’s marriages fail and being there to help her pick up the pieces afterward.
I had sworn off men, which was easy because no man had ever tempted me before.
Not until Milo.
He makes me want to try.
I almost give in to my feelings when tragedy strikes, and I’m forced to sell the only thing that I have.
Myself.
Milo
When I find out that Lilou needs money and is looking into arranged marriages, I freak out.
I know that she’s meant to be mine, and I’m not about to lose her before I have a chance to prove that to her.
So, I pay to be her husband.
She seems shocked when she finds out, but I’m thrilled.
I have my dream girl right where I want her.
Now I just need to make her mine.
For real.
| Title: | A Very Grumpy Firefighter |
| Author: | Shaw Hart |
| Series: | Wolf Valley: Grumps Book 5 |
| Pages: | 90 |
| Category / Genre(s): | Contemporary |
| Trope(s): | Insta-Love Fake Marriage Small Town |
| Point of View: | First Person, Present Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h) |
| Location: | Wolf Valley, USA |
| HEA: | ✔️ |
| Release Date: | 28 February 2025 |
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Fun and sweet small-town insta-love
I have read a few of the Wolf Valley Grumps series – of which this is the fifth book. While they all take place in the same small town, and several of the characters appear or are referenced in this story – each stands completely alone and comes with its own happily ever after.
This is definitely my favourite story in this series so far. I’ve complained about other books – in a series with ‘Grumps’ in the title – where the hero isn’t as grumpy as promised. The same could be said of Milo – but he was only not a grump when around Lilou. And I adored that. With her, he was cute, sweet with a bit of a cheeky edge. Perfection.
Milo has been smitten with curvy, bookish Lilou since he first saw her. But she assumes that it’s her overactive imagination that makes her wonder if he likes her. Milo could have his pick of gorgeous women so she assumes she has no hope of catching his interest. But she’s got more than his interest – he’s head over heels for Lilou. He just needs to get her to realise. And Lilou’s need for money is just the opening that he needs to make her his.
“…I want a bit more wonder and awe. But that’s okay – it was still tasty.”
Lilou was an absolute sweetheart and a really easy character to root for. She’s got the hots for Milo but is convinced he only sees her as a friend. She’s shy but not naive and underneath it all is a smart and feisty girl. I have a bit of a not so guilty pleasure for any scene where one of a pair is drunk and confesses their feelings – and yay – we got one here.
There’s a good chemistry between our pair – despite the comical misunderstanding of each other’s feelings – which translates when it’s time to get busy. Obviously it’s hot and spicy – exactly like you’d expect from a Shaw Hart story.
I always wish there was a little more surprise when a couple come together. When Lilou and Milo finally take things to the next level and realise what’s been staring them in the face all this time – I want a bit more wonder and awe. But that’s okay – it was still tasty.
This was a really fun book that I very much enjoyed reading. I’m especially intrigued by this website where you can buy a wife (and also presumably a husband) sight unseen. I would like the web address for such a site. Asking for a friend. But either way – I really enjoyed this quick and fun read and it’s one I would recommend if you’re up for a little small-town insta-love. 5 stars.
USA Today Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes contemporary and new adult romance. She loves writing instalove romances that always end in happily ever afters.
She lives in a constant state of motion, chasing after her two children and three dogs. Shaw enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends.
When she’s not doing that, she’s reading romance books, watching stand up comedies or crime TV shows.
She’s also a Pinterest addict, dog lover, tea snob, and a wannabe yogi.
Oh, and she’s one half of the paranormal romance duo, Skye Alder and also writes as Luna Wilder.
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