Twenty-seven year old Joy Murphy moves back home to Calton Hill, Utah and her Aunt Victoria after she lost her New York marketing job. While there, Victoria asks Joy to help with the annual Yuletide Fest, but the first assignment is a disaster at the local elementary school.
Fireman Cooper Frost is especially grumpy this time of year because a year ago his bride left him at the altar, and now he and his crew are en route to a fire at the elementary school. Upon investigation, he finds the culprit turns out to be none other than Joy Murphy, his sister’s best friend and his first love, and to make matters worse, he has been assigned to her as safety officer to plan and carry out all things Christmas for the town.
Working together and acutely aware of the chemistry, they share feelings about their frailties and insecurities, hoping that they will have a chance of developing a better relationship based on trust and respect. And if their spectacular rolling out of the holiday festival events is any indicator, they are on their way to success. But the closer they get, the more each worries if the relationship is sustainable given Joy’s propensity for running away and Cooper’s disastrous betrayal by his fiancée Lynn.
Then, lo and behold, SHE walks into the station and proclaims that she was wrong and wants another chance.
Weston Parker absolutely made my jaw drop when I read the surprise of Cooper’s ex. I was caught between anger and horror that the witch would have the nerve to show her face much less suggest a do over. But that’s how this gifted writer continues to hone his creative skills and keeps me wanting more. Will Cooper give in to his securities and fall for the lure of reconciling with his vile ex, or will he take a second chance on Joy, whose relationship track record is not stellar? As for Joy, will she be content living with Cooper in a small town as tourism coordinator, or will she leave him to Lynn, the more perfect wife? Falling for the Grinchy Bad Boy will take you on a wild ride that has more ups, downs, and curves than Utah’s Uinta Mountain Range, so grab a copy, cozy up in your favorite nook, and enjoy a delicious holiday story, punctuated by sizzling passion, more holiday trimmings than anyone could imagine, and a surprise conclusion!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.