Falling for my Grumpy Neighbor: An Opposites Attract Sweet Romance

by Lacey Britt

A single dad moved in next door, and I ended up staying in his guest room, winning over his daughter, and falling for the grumpiest man in Magnolia.
He showed up with no warning, just a moving truck, and more emotional baggage than actual furniture.
Patrick Bennett. A widowed Tech CEO. Magnolia’s newest, and most unapproachable neighbor.
He barely says Hello, but his daughter waves every morning like we are old friends.
My air conditioning gives out, and I’m sleeping in his guest room, and helping with dinner.
He keeps his distance, but I see his walls coming down.
The quiet smiles. The midnight conversations. The way he cares for his daughter.
Before I realize it, I can’t stop thinking about Patrick.
I am falling for a man whose heart is still wrapped in grief and guarded by guilt.
I am willing to risk loving a man who promised he’d never let anyone in again.
But I can’t take that chance with his daughter’s heart.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

Reviews

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling for My Grumpy Neighbor: An Opposites Attract Sweet Romance
By Lacey Britt

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Falling for My Grumpy Neighbor is a tender, sweet opposites-attract romance set in the charming town of Magnolia. The story follows Sarah Monroe, a warm-hearted resident, and Patrick Bennett, a widowed single father seeking refuge and reconnection with his daughter, Anna. Magnolia, with its small-town familiarity, offers Patrick a much-needed reset, and unexpectedly, the possibility of love.

Told in alternating points of view between Sarah and Patrick, the narrative gently explores themes of grief, healing, and rediscovery. One of the standout elements is the emotional authenticity in Patrick’s journey—a man quietly carrying the weight of loss and learning how to open his heart again.
While the title suggests a more classic "grumpy-sunshine" dynamic, readers may be surprised to find the tension is minimal. Patrick isn’t so much grumpy as he is guarded, and the "opposites" aspect fades quickly as the two connect with sincerity and ease. Still, the lack of overt conflict doesn't take away from the emotional richness of the story.
A particularly beautiful line sums up the novel’s spirit: "I’ve spent so long guarding the door, I forgot what it’s like to let someone knock." That quiet vulnerability defines the tone of the book and lingers long after the last page.

Overall, this is a gentle and lovely romance perfect for readers who appreciate emotional depth over drama. A solid four stars!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good single parent sweet romance and this one did not disappoint. Reading as Sarah and Patrick and his daughter Anna grow closer together and becoming a family was so heartwarming.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 3 " princesses who rescue themselves. (21st century concept)
Eric comes over but the reader is not told what his relationship is?
Chaptet 8 modern computer terminlogly