Grump of Misty Mountain: A small town, grumpy silver fox, curvy, sassy woman, ex military romance: Misty Mountain

Misty Mountain

by Debra Elise

A sassy curvy woman. A grumpy silver-fox mountain man. Their accidental meet-cute changes everything.

SAMANTHA ‘SAMI’ LYNCH

Misty Mountain was the perfect place to start over. Too bad I spilled coffee on my very first customer—the sexy, grumpy, and ripped silver fox who just might be the perfect man for me to get over the last one.

Resisting the pleas from my cousins back home to put myself back out there, I’ve accepted I’m better off on my own and make plans to finally begin my dream career as a graphic artist.

When Finn keeps showing up wherever I go with his teasing humor, wicked grin and temptation filled eyes—I give in, making sure he knows I’m just looking for a little fun.

But when I wake up the next morning, I wonder who am I really trying to convince—him or myself?

FINN CAMPBELL

The only thing I enjoy more than a crispy apple fritter is locking myself in my cabin’s office and making up stories. But a man cannot survive on pastry and stale coffee alone.

Like clockwork, every Monday I venture into my adopted hometown to pick up a baker’s dozen of my favorite pastry. The pretty new barista talks me into one of those foo-foo coffees, but I end up wearing it instead of tasting it—and bam! I’m hooked on her sweet and sassy mouth .

Making Sami blush at every opportunity quickly becomes my mission because you can take the Ranger out of the Army, but you can’t take away the need for winning—at any cost.

And making Sami mine? Well, whether she realizes it, she’s been mine from that very first encounter.

All that’s left to do is get her to believe that one night, one week, heck, even a lifetime of her kisses and having her delectable petite curves in my bed will never be enough.

And not even her ex’s sudden appearance will stop me from making sure our story has a happily ever after, even if I have to turn in my grump card.

***
The small Colorado town of Misty Mountain appears to be a peaceful, perfect haven. Beneath the surface, however, it’s brimming with secrets, love, and undeniable chemistry. Get ready for steamy encounters at the rustic Hollow Tree Inn, forbidden rendezvous under Whispering Falls, strangers with dark histories, and locals with unspoken desires. In Misty Mountain, love isn’t just complicated—it’s downright explosive. Join 12 of your favorite contemporary romance authors for this steamy mountain man series!

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2025

About the author

Debra Elise, a USA Today Bestselling Author, lives with her husband and their two teenage sons in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her books are steamy & sweet featuring later in life characters across several genres.

A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grump of Misty Mountain by Debra Elise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is everything I love about small-town romance with a whole lot of heat and heart!

Sami is the kind of heroine you root for instantly—funny, fierce, curvy, and determined to start fresh. Her accidental coffee spill on the town’s resident grump, Finn, is the perfect “meet-disaster” that kicks off a deliciously fun and flirty journey.

Finn, the grumpy silver fox author with a soft spot for apple fritters and one sassy barista, had me swooning from the start. I adored how he slowly drops his walls, turning every grumble into a growly declaration of love. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the banter? So much fun.

There’s a perfect blend of humor, steam, and heart in this story, with just enough emotional depth to make the HEA feel totally earned. If you love grumpy x sunshine, age-gap goodness, and a hero who will do anything to claim his woman (even give up his grump card), this one’s a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sami is the kind of heroine you can’t help but cheer for—she's bold, witty, curvy, and ready to embrace a fresh start. When she accidentally spills coffee on the town's resident grump, Finn, it sets off an electrifying and flirty adventure that you won't want to put down. Finn is not just any grumpy silver fox author; he possesses an endearing charm and a weakness for apple fritters, alongside his sassy barista. From the very first moment, I was captivated by him. Watching him slowly dismantle his defenses, transforming each grumble into a heartfelt declaration of love, tugged at my heartstrings. The chemistry between Sami and Finn is sizzling, and their banter is a delightful treat. This story masterfully blends humor, heat, and genuine emotion, providing just the right depth to make their happily ever after feel completely earned. If you love the grumpy vs. sunshine dynamic, enjoy age-gap romances, and want to see a hero willing to let go of his grumpy persona to claim his woman, then this book is an absolute must-read!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grump of Misty Mountain is part of the multi-authored Misty Mountain Series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy- sunshine, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Sami is a 34 year old sweet, sassy, and curvy barista and graphic designer. She has recently moved to Misty Mountain to start over after finding out her fiancée of 5 years was cheating on her. Finn is a 42 year old hunky, grumpy, ex-military man turned secret best-selling author. When he and Sami literally have a run-in at the coffee shop, he is taken with the curvy spitfire. He comes off as rude but can't stop thinking about her. They end up having a hot night, and Sami says it's one night only, but Finn wants forever. Can Finn get through her walls and show her that he is all in and will treat her like a queen? I loved these two. Their chemistry was pure fire, and the ending was so happy. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read filled with a grumpy ex soldier with a secret and his obsession which is a woman burnt by a past relationship. Great character building with lots of heat and just a little angst.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Love this author. This is a small town grump ex military mountain man and the curvy girl that he falls for in the town of Misty Mountain. Loved their meet cute at the local coffee and pastry shop when Sami accidentally spills coffee on the unsuspecting Finn who was checking her out. You find their attraction is double sided as Sami rigs a bet about another coffee later on just to spend time with Finn. Some secrets are about as well as a matchmaker among them. Loved this story and it was an enjoyable way to spend a dreary day reading. I found myself laughing and swooning at this couple

[Taryn Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instalove and instahot

I’ll take a hot mountain man who wants nothing more than to make me his, please and thank you. Finn and Sami are sweet and whoo boy does he know how to keep her happy.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Finn and Sami met when he comes into the Pine and Petal coffee shop. Sami just came to town and when she seen the job at the Pine and Petal she decided to stay. Finn heads into town on Monday's to grab a good cup of coffee and some apple fritters from the Pine and Petal. When Ms. Clara introduces Finn to Sami she offers him a special coffee. After Sami makes the coffee she accidentally spills it on him. Finn is known around Misty Mountain as the grump, he had that name when he was serving in the army. Finn can't stop thinking about Sami and a few days later he goes back to The Pine and Petal to talk to her. Finn finds out that Sami is at the waterfalls and heads to talk to her. Finn spots Sami, and stops to watch her. When Finn doesn't know what to say he asks Sami if she seen a dog run through. Finn then tells her he came to apologies to her and Sami tells him she wants to hear it. Sami rushes off when she thinks that Finn is about to asks her out. A few days later, Finn goes back to the Pine and Petal determined to asks Sami out. Finn tells Sami he'll take one of those special coffees and if he likes it she'll have to cook him dinner but if he doesn't he'll make her dinner or they can go out to eat. Finn takes and sip and try to act like he likes the coffee but Sami sees right through him. Finn writes down his address for Sami and tells her he'll see her later, and they can watch the sunset. When Sami arrives at Finn's she's looking at his home and doesn't realizes he's walked out. Finn knocks on Sami's door and it startles her. Finn takes Sami on a tour of his home and tells her what he's redone. Finn tells Sami that dinner is almost ready to have a seat. Sami looks around and realizes that Finn has linen on his table, she wonders if it was left by an ex. Soon Finn is looking at Sami and telling her to get out of her head. They stare at one another and soon Finn is kissing Sami. Finn asks Sami if she feels the same things he does. Finn carries Sami to his bedroom when she tells him she feels it too. Sami strips him of his clothes while Finn strips her off. Finn pleasures Sami, but then she tells him this can only be for one night. Finn agrees only because he wants to win Sami's heart, he knows she's his forever. The following day Finn wakes up to hear Sami trying to leave, he asks he what going on. Sami tells Finn she needs to get to work she's opening and doesn't want to disappoint Ms. Clara. Finn lets Sami know he wants to see her again, but she tells him it was only one night. Every night Sami spends with Finn, until he decides to stay with her in town. When Finn stops by the Pine and Petal he's talking to Sami when she hears a familiar voice. Sami's ex-fiancé, he wants to talk to her but she doesn't want to talk to him. Sami's ex cheated on her and thats why she headed west until she came to Misty Mountain. Sami's ex tries to make her go and talk to her but then Finn steps in and tells him he needs to leave. When Sami's ex asks her who Finn is, Finn tells him he's the one sharing her bed, and hopefully Sami will give love another shot and open up to him. Sami steps up to Finn and kisses him in front of everyone including her ex-fiancé. Sami asks Finn to give her a day or two to think about things. Sami messages Finn to met her at there spot, the waterfalls. When Finn arrives he stops and watches Sami before he walks over to her. When. Finn walks over to Sami sitting on the bench he sits she tells him she needs to tell him something. When Sami asks him about the falls keeping secrets, Finn knows she knows what he does for a living. Finn confesses to Sami that he writes books, the books she was reading the first time he came to talk to her at the waterfalls. Finn asks Sami if she knew and she tells him she did. Sami tells Finn that he broke up with her ex-fiancé because he was keeping secrets, and cheating on her. Finn tells Sami he's sorry and she's right. Sami tells him she was upset at first, but she's falling in love with him. Finn asks her to repeat what she told him. Finn picks Sami up and puts her in his lap, Sami tells him she loves him. Finn tells her he loves her and Sami tells him to take her home. Three years later, Finn and Sami are married, with a two and a half year old son Theo Mason. Sami had to quit her job at the Pine and Petal when she became pregnant. Finn just published a new book in a new series and became a New York Times best seller. Sami and Finn have to find time to work when their son is taking naps or goes to bed. Sami just found out she's pregnant once again. Sami counts her blessings, their life together has been a dream she never dared herself to have. Sami's glad Finn refused to let her walk away after their first night together.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are here for the men of Misty Mountain. Finn has been labeled a grump his whole life. As former military, it was a name that stuck, and even in civilian life tends to carry over.

Finn doesn't expect his heart that's been in locked down freezer mode to hope out of its cage when he meets the new barista in town, Sami, but there it is. He knows right away she is his. It turns out Sami needs a lot of convincing.

There is so much to love about this story. The mountain town, small town vibes, people that treat each other with respect and warmth, and people that want others to be happy and healthy. It doesn't hurt to have some small town match maker vibes, and a town that supports its own.

You can't help but love how Finn is determined to take anything Sami has to offer in order to convince her she's the one for him, and he wants her to stay by his side forever. It's a nice twist that Finn is a hidden author, and how no one says it but they all support his books and pen name.

As some of us know, love sometimes comes up out of nowhere. We can say its just the here and now, but that can change quicker than we realize. This story has lots of sass, humor, lol moments, and a pretty wicked HEA!

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is a former military turned secret author, who prefers to live on the mountain and keeps to himself most of the time. But when he walks into the coffee shop and sees the new barista, he feels it all the way to his bones, this girl is for him. She has left a long time bad relationship with a cheating ex, looking for a new start. She is trying to get her graphic design business off the ground and working part time at the coffee shop helps pay the bills and lets her meet people. However she is determined to stay away from men. They have chemistry from the beginning and once they are alone together things get spicy. He knows it is forever he just has to wait for her to catch up. This is a sweet story, the town grump has finally met his match. It is short story format so you don't expect a lot of complicated details but the author gives you what you need to connect to the characters and their story. The epilogue is perfect, and the sweetest ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. I didn't feel that it followed what the write-up said very well, which is always a disappointment. I felt there was some gaps in the story where I was going, "um what?" and I'd flip back a couple pages to make sure I hadn't skipped something. I also felt that the FMC comparing Finn's secret to her ex's secret was more than a tad unrealistic.

I downloaded this because I downloaded another book then found out it was a series. Sometimes I like when a bunch of authors get together. Sometimes I don't. What I hate is when you can feel them advertising their other books by the way they write the story. This one did some of that, but not until I was significantly into the book so while it was a little annoying, I can forgive it.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apple Fritters and other sweet treats

Grump of Misty Mountain by Debra Elise is part of the multi-author Misty Mountain series. This book is a great addition to the series with a sweet, spicy, and fun read. The story is about Samantha 'Sami' Lynch and Finn Campbell. She has moved to the mountain to start over. She gets a job as a barista and this is where she crosses paths with Finn. He has a cabin on the mountain about the small town. He basically only comes out of the cabin when he really needs to, or when it is Monday morning and he wants a certain snack and a good coffee. When he walks into the coffee shop and lays eyes on Sami he is done for, so turn him over and bag him up.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sami has sworn off of men after catching her ex fiance cheating. Making a new start in Misty Mountains is a dream come true until she spills a coffee on a customer. Worse still, the grumpy mountain of a man, happens to be the first man to spark a reaction since her move. All she can do is keep her head down a try and avoid him.

Finn has been feeling lonely for a while and thinking he'd missed out on finding that special someone to share his life with. One look at the the barista and all he is thinking is mine.

Another fantastic, sweet, sexy story from this author who never fails to please.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grump of Misty Mountain” by Debra Elise

-Sami and Finn’s witty banter makes this grumpy-sunshine romance a delight. I’m grateful to have this free copy of the book.
Coffee, apple fritters, and steamy moments add cozy flavor to the fun.
The humor flows naturally, balancing well with the growing heat between them.
A playful epilogue featuring a lively youngster wraps things up with charm. I’m happy to freely share my honest opinion and hope others enjoy it too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sami moved to Misty Mountain to start over after she caught her fiancé cheating on her. She has sworn off men, she does not count on the grumpy silver fox that she meets and spills coffee on. Finn only goes the pick up his usual apple fritter dozen on Monday, when he meets the new girl. She is sassy, he is ready to make her his. She is going to make him work for, he is a man on a mission.

These two are just what the other needed, even if she did not realize it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of the Author and I was happy to have this perfect short and steamy novella. Wonderful characters - sassy mouthed Sami and grumpy-hermit-mountain man Finn and their insane chemistry and dangerous temptations. He wants her in his life forever, while she is not ready.
I loved their banter, the story was funny, humourous and so intense. Just perfect short and steamy read.
I will definitely look for more books in this multi author series and for more books by Debra Elise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story in the mountain man genre. Finn is known as the town grump, something he has been called most of his life. Sami has come to town originally just as a food stop but ended up staying, she is just months out of a broken engagement. Finn and Sami have instant attraction and their HEA is not to be missed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Sami’s story is cute, steamy and very enjoyable.
An author goes to a cafe for coffee, barista spills his drink over him. And there we have the beginnings of a slow burn love story. These two are meant to be and the epilogue reinforces that
Minor angst from an ex
Strong characters
The attraction these two have for each other jumps off the page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Kay LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful setting filled with loving characters and special side notes.

Extremely well written story of a beautiful place filled with unique characters who care about others. A very special coffee and sweets shop works well for the various characters and developing relationships. The irritating ex-boyfriend is handily dealt with and allows our couple to decide what they really want in life ... lots of love!

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful addition to the Misty Mountain multi authors collaboration. Finn, labeled a grump, and Sami have a hot and messy meet-cute that leads to hot and steamy times. Finn has to step up his game to make the sassy and resistant barista his. Can he convince her she is his forever? Loved their push/pull tension and their HEA. Quick, sweet and steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's falling in love with a man with a secret identity

Finn falls hard and fast, but he has demons and secrets. Before he can claim his girl he must fight those demons and confess his secrets....easier said than done. For Finn trust seems harder to give than love.
This is a fun, flirty, funny and cheeky addition to the series with plenty of matchmaking and "helpful" friends.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sami came to Misty Mountain to escape but Finn was there to rebuild

Finn took one look at the curvy Sami and he was a dinner at first blush. Ms. Clara the town matchmaker knew right off that these two were fated for each other. Loved the sassy banter and sexy fun time descriptions. You know he tricked Sami into admitting she loved him by that waterfall. I think it was his whispering his pen name and blowing in her ear that did it. Lots of great moments!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If short troupes are your thing this is the book for you. Finn and Sami are perfect together. Finn is a former military guy living on Misty mountain he is an author writing under a pen name. None k owes that he is a famous author. Sami is in Misty Mountain wanting to start a new life. She works at the coffee shop as she is trying to open her own business. She is very Leary of starting a relationship. Of course we all know how long that will last as the two of them hit it off!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn, a former military, is the grump of Misty Mountain, and Sami is new to the mountain, working as a barista while starting her graphic design business. These two meet accidentally but accidental love is just what they both needed. This is a sweet, steamy mountain man romance with likable characters and a happily ever after. Grump of Misty Mountain is a great addition to the multi-author Misty Mountain series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Donna M. Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town and mountains.

I really liked this book because Ms Clara was always thinking about people falling in love like she did with her husband Hank. She was always thinking about who would make a great couple. The book was interesting, I read it in one sitting.
In my opinion, I think I would let a 16 year old read it.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok but boring not much action in it except that 1 spot but this whole series is 2 damn short and so far there's only been 1 book that's shown any action in it 2 explain the book. This 1 didn't either. I'm really disappointed in this whole series so far!! None of it's worth 2.99 if it's not even 100 damn pgs.!!

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sami has moved to create life of her own after a bad breakup. Finn moved there for the quiet and peace he needed after leaving the military. These two are like super magnets drawn to each other but Sami has been hiding behind her fears. Sweet steamy and leaves you with all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Finn and Sami as characters and believed in their connection and chemistry, and that they had a future together. I enjoyed seeing their first meet, seeing them give into their attraction and Finn's determination to change Sami's mind about nothing deep and long term between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, sweet and steamy read.

A quick, sweet and steamy read. A cute addition to the multi author Misty Mountain series. Single, grumpy Finn monthly visit down his mountain retreat puts him in the vicinity of barista Sami. What happens next was an enjoyable romance story that did not disappoint. I love their steamy moments that ends with a HEA.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful feel good story. Sami moved to Misty Mountain after she caught her ex cheating. There she meets Finn where she promptly spills coffee on him. This is a fun story, Finn and Sami are great together. It's fast paced, great dialogue between Finn and Sami that's sweet and steamy and I loved it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn is a grumpy mountain man that will have you wanting to put a smile on his face and Samantha is the perfect feisty woman to do just that. Truth be said that this is a must have, must read book by Debra that will have you salivating over the storyline and the cover as well.