Falling for a Grumpy Hero

by Weston Parker

I don’t do small talk. Don’t do mornings. Don’t do smiling.

I run my firm like I ran my unit of marines—tight, quiet, no distractions.

Then she walked into my office.

Curvy. Gorgeous. Relentlessly cheerful.

And the most irritating woman I’ve ever met.

She’s my new assistant. All sunshine and questions and bright blue eyes that see too much.

She hums while she works. Talks to my dog like he’s royalty.

And for reasons I don’t like one bit… I can’t stop watching her.

She’s off-limits. Wrong for me in every way.

But I want her.

Need her.

And that’s the problem—

Because the second I reach for her, there’s no going back.

Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~ Weston

Genres: Military Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Hey there. I'm Weston.

Have we met? No? Well it's time to end that tragedy.

I'm a former firefighter/EMS guy who's picked up the proverbial pen and started writing bad boy romance stories. I co-write with my sister, Ali Parker, but live in Texas with my wife, my two little boys, my daughter, two dogs, three cats, and a turtle.

Yep. A turtle. You read that right. Don't be jealous.

You're going to find Billionaires, Bad Boys, Military Guys and loads of sexiness.

Something for everyone, hopefully. I'd love to connect with you. Check out the links below and come find me.

Reviews

[Kristiej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. I mean really, really, good chance I’ll read it again like. It’s a grumpy/sunshine romance and I love this trope.

I

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good. I liked the characters and the development of Ford and Lila’s relationship. Ford’s growth over the course of the story was very heartwarming and Lila was the perfect match to bring sunshine back into his life. The story held my attention well, even the slower spots still kept me engaged in the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Masid · Rating 3 out of 5]

just ok

Wasn’t bad but didn’t hold my attention long. I just skipped to the end of the book to end it

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former marine Ford Callahan is a structural engineer in Virginia Beach who specializes in restoring old southern homes. Lila Winslow was recently hired as his assistant and has a less than cheerful first meeting with him. Ford tells his friend and colleague Jared Renton that he thinks Lila is not a good fit because she talks too much, but Jared explains that she is already loved for her sunshine nature and experience in design.

Ford, a victim of PTSD after being the only survivor of a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, learns more about out Lila from another marine at a veterans’ group meeting. Taylor is the boyfriend of Lila’s best friend and college roommate Addy, and he explains that Lila came to study at the art institute after her breakup.

As much as he tries to deny his attraction to his assistant, Ford slowly accepts the fact that he has been living in darkness for a decade, and if he wants to relationship with Lila, he must allow her lightness into his life. Their journey together is fraught with fears, and the only way to the destination is to lean into each other.

Weston Parker has eclipsed his previous novels with this beautiful, haunting romance that tore at my heart strings while I rooted our couple to find peace and love. His detailed descriptions of the gorgeous homes Ford lovingly restores counterpointed by the ugly difficulties that plague veterans with PTSD create with words crystal clear images. Add one absolutely adorable support dog, and voila, a story for the ages!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and offer my honest opinion.

[Vicki Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was genuinely confused as I started this book, as we learned immediately that Ford had been through an extraordinary horrible experience while serving at war. I was drawn in immediately to the thoughts and feelings he felt as that helicopter went down. The fast forward to 'today' was a little abrupt, but as readers we clearly understand that Ford is not going to be your average grumpy guy. Lila is his exact opposite - sunny disposition, smiles, laughter and a keen eye for design. She wears her heart on her sleeve. It's quite a way into the book before we realize she has her own history of trauma, but rather than dwell on it, she chooses to celebrate every moment of every day she's been given.
These two are thrown together in a work setting, and it is obvious from day one that this isn't going to be our average happily ever after. I felt the emotions as they reached all their ups and downs throughout the story. I appreciate the effort the author did to keep it as real as possible, especially during some of Ford's 'episodes'.
This is a beautiful love story, and worth every minute of your reading time. Just keep tissues nearby!

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Ford ad Lila. Ford is a retired SEAL and was in a helicopter crash where he was the only survivor. Now, ten years later, Ford has a successful company that restores old home to their former glory. Lila just moved to town to attend design school to be an interior designer and has accepted a job as Ford's assistant. Ford is a grumpy man and he hates Lila's sunny personality. Lila has added light to his office and everyone loves her, but Ford is annoyed. Soon Ford notices even the clients like Lila so he brings her to visit clients and is impressed when she manages to win over clients who were unsure if his company could deliver. Ford also notices that Lila has a talent for design and he offers to hire her as a designer for his company. Lila has feelings for Ford, but he is fighting his feelings because he thinks he is damaged and not worthy of love. I really liked this book, I liked Ford, i thought he was a nice guy, even if he was grumpy and pushed people away. Ford had to deal with his past and so did Lila. I liked them together, i think Lila brought out Ford's happiness. Another good one

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford and Lila’s story is one you don’t want to miss!

Ten years ago: Ford is a Marine in Afghanistan. His tour is up in a few weeks. His whole team is on a plane that get hits by fire and the plane goes down. Present: Ford owns Callahan Engineering (CE) in Virginia Beach. Lila’s been working for CE for a week now after living in NYC for three years. This is her dream job. She also wants to become an interior designer, and she is still in school for it now. He is grumpy and she is sunshine. She experienced trauma as a child and he is still experiencing PTSD from his stint in Afghanistan. She swears to herself she wants to help him get through it. Lila is Ford’s assistant. Through their time and experiences together they face challenge after challenge; Lila with his PTSD and Ford with her bubbly sunshine personality. He’s been going to a support group all this time but never opened up. Lila has helped him so much to come out into the light. Their journey together is an amazing one. To see it step by step is exhilarating. I really enjoyed it so much.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about grumpy, Ford definitely has the market cornered. Not to mention that he’s always scowling and is a man of few words. He’s an ex-marine with a body to die for and gorgeous looks to top things off. Lila, his new employee is Little Miss Sunshine and he’s not happen his partner hired her. You know what they say, opposites attract. This was a good book with plenty of angst. She proves him wrong in that she has brains to match her sunshine. As his trusted assistant, she continually shows that she excels at her job. He’s suffering from survivor guilt and PTSD and she had her own near death experience. A slow burn romance between opposites where it seemed like a magnet kept pulling them back together. Secrets and past baggage is slowing revealed as the couples come closer together. The author did a wonderful job with this book and it’s one that’s hard to put down. I read a free advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Mandy Pittman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t expect the book to be quiet what it was, therefore I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it. I felt both bored and invested? I’m not honestly sure how that even works but it’s how I felt. I was invested in what was going to happen and what route the book was going to take but it was boring as far as what was happening.

Issues for me was FMC never discloses what “disease” she has and I felt like that was weird? We never get a true answer on why Eliza backs out. It’s eluded to that it’s the husband but based off the line up of the book you would have assumed a clear answer would have been provided. Also a lot of the conversation and dialogues just felt unnatural. Especially with Addy it felt like Lila was talking to her therapist not a best friend?

Things I felt like was good was the ptsd dynamic. I appreciated that they didn’t just have it magically go away in the beginning of the book. That the FMC pushed for him to have his time to process.

[Linda Warmath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about trauma and eventually finding love. – Ford suffered major trauma from a tour in Afghanistan over 10 years ago. He continued to suffer with PTSD. Lila has her own issues with trauma from a major health diagnosis as a child when she almost died. Ford was discharged medically and even though he became a very successful Engineer, he was a very unhappy, grumpy man who was stuck in unhappiness. Lila, on the other hand, lives each day to the fullest, always sees the good in everything and is just happy to be alive. She would be the perfect person to help Ford find happiness if only he would allow her in. This was a very well written story and will keep your interest with every page you read. The sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts and you will experience all the emotions that Ford and Lila have. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford and Lila need each other in the worse way. Don't miss this story! Ford was living in darkness from his PTSD in the military. Ford was the only survivor of his unit in a helicopter taken down in Afghanistan. Lila is sunshine most of the time. She's starting over new job, new city, new school, new career, she's moving on from a 3 year relationship too. She's strong and he's her new boss, much to her chagrin the electricity between them is the strongest pull she's ever felt from a man. Lila helps him get a contract bid on refurbishing and old mansion. He's thrilled but working closely with her has him feeling that chemistry to let her pull him out of the darkness. But will he let her? Can she convince him she can help him? Thank you Weston, you're writing talent is boundless. Ford's thoughts and memories were so clear.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford Callahan is a former marine who has been in a dark place since his helicopter went down 10 years ago and he was the only survivor. He also owns his own engineering company. He meets Lila Winslow when his coworker Jared hired her to be his assistant. Lila is a breath of fresh air who always looks at the bright side of things. Lila also had trauma from her past but chose to look at the life from a different perspective.
A wonderfully written story about a man who suffers from PTSD and the woman who will change his world. I loved both the main characters and how Lila stood by Ford while he worked through his darkness. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my review.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh great I said to myself as I read the first chapter. Another tissue read. But it’s from Weston Parker - so I should have been prepared. Ford has been in the military. He knows loss. And pain. And war. He definitely knows war. Ford hides behind his pain as a grumpy man. He figures if he can keep everyone at arms length then he is successful. The author did a wonderful job of allowing reader to not just read feelings of Ford. But to feel Every.Single.One.That.He.Poured.Into.Character. Lila is the exact opposite of Ford. She’s got a gracious and emphatic personality. And she’s happy. After we learn of her past her character gains more depth. This read is a definite TBR. I’m just saying that you should check this book out IMMEDIATELY As always, you won’t regret it.

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story. This couple went through the worst circumstances and still survived because, in the end, they believed in each other.

I loved the progression of the two characters and their strength. If we put Ford's money aside, the story easily portrays two people who, in their own way, try to overcome the trials that life has thrown at them.

Ford, despite his darkness, did everything in his power to support Lila and boost her self-esteem, while she understood him, giving him space but also demanding sincerity and respect. It wasn't easy for Ford to overcome his trauma, but he found the strength and motivation to heal.

We cannot forget little Rook. The most important character. Always loyal and attentive to his masters.

[Christine Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila and Ford were wonderful together.  I like how Ford is shown as an example of how veterans may come back from wars with PTSD.  It's romance with a life lesson too!  I love stories with lessons of morality in them, especially when they're so close to real life.  It makes you stop and think a little more.  Maybe you'll think differently the next time you see a veteran.  Anyways, the story was wonderful how both Lila and Ford helped each other.  The dog also knew who needed help when, what an amazing dog for special needs. Dogs are used for so many things, hopefully we don't take that for granted.

[Baljeet Randhawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford Callahan is a former marine who has been in a dark place since his helicopter went down 10 years ago and he was the only survivor. He also owns his own engineering company. He meets Lila Winslow when his coworker Jared hired her to be his assistant. Lila is a breath of fresh air who always looks at the bright side of things. Lila also had trauma from her past but chose to look at the life from a different perspective.
A wonderfully written story about a man who suffers from PTSD and the woman who will change his world. I loved both the main characters and how Lila stood by Ford while he worked through his darkness.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a read. It's compelling and heartbreaking and captivating and tantalizing and filled with chemistry and romance and so much more. grumpy Ford has every reason to be grumpy ,but when his new assistant is all sunshine and happiness, can he keep his darkness away from her? If I could give this book 10, I absolutely would do it because you get so sucked in that you connect with the characters' emotions and pain and heartbreak, and that's what I love about this book. I wanna feel like im apart of it and watching from sidelines. Congratulations, Weston Parker, on another fantastic story!

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely and heartwarming story! Ford was a Marine who had been the only survivor of a helicopter attack in Afghanistan, and suffered greatly with PTSD and survivor's guilt. He was a successful engineer with his own company, but emotionally was anything but happy. Lila was hired to be his assistant and was the happiest ray of sunshine ever! Ford was aghast! How could he possibly work with such a creature. But he soon learned that he had underestimated her. Attraction of course soon followed and a tenuous romance developed slowly. I loved the characters, so true-to-life and well rounded. Absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!

[Nuhaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining and heartwarming read! I’m a sucker for the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and this one delivered it in all the best ways. The hero may have been gruff and guarded, but watching him slowly open up was so satisfying. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was undeniable, and the softer emotional moments really hit. There was a comforting rhythm to the story that made it easy to get lost in, and I found myself smiling more than once. If you enjoy stories where tough exteriors hide soft hearts, this is definitely one to pick up.

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Elizabeth Neal]

Almost DNFed because of a snippet in the prologue --

"The only thing I was really looking forward to was burying myself balls deep in a base bunny or two. That was my plan as soon as my toes hit US soil. Luke could go down on one knee, but I’d be getting some girl down on both of hers. A few days of debauchery were probably exactly what the doctor would order once we got there."

Yeah, that's the "Hero." Eww. I know it's approximately ten years before he even meets the heroine, but it makes you wonder what all, and who all, he was with. That whole paragraph is gross and it's still, even though I decided to continue reading, hanging over the rest of the book for me.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story certainly pulled at the heart strings. I lost count of the number of times I was in tears.
Ford had so much darkness packed away following his medical discharge and seemed stuck in his grumpy demeanour. Whereas Lila was all sunshine and joy on the surface but she’d had her own trials to overcome.
It was an emotional rollercoaster but with added spice and lighter moments which kept the story from being too heavy.
It was refreshing to read about military folk who had survived conflict but still had their demons.
A book well worth reading.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From darkness comes love
A really enjoyable story that definitely tugs at your heartstrings and made me feel so much emotion.
Both characters journeys to find peace, happiness and love was both moving and beautiful to read.
Ford was all darkness to Lila’s light.
Reluctant to open up and deal with his past, he ever so slowly let Lila in.
Add in Ford’s service dog, Rook (that was obsessed with Lila) some steamy scenes between them and this softened and enhanced this emotional story.
I loved it, the characters were raw and believable and the storyline was on point.

[Kay Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Ford, the “grumpy “ in the title, and Lila, who is a ray of sunshine
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time! I loved these two people.
Ford has been dealing with PTSD for 10 years caused from trauma while serving in Afghanistan
Lila deals with his trauma so well. I learned so much about this horrible thing veterans deal with after a traumatic situation.
This is a lovely story, hot hot hot and well written. I give it a 10!!!
Well done Mr Parker. You continue to exceed my expectations.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done story about two people with past trauma, but Ford having PTSD from a tragic event involving his unit in Afghanistan 10 years ago. The survivor guilt manifests itself many ways and we see Ford navigate that before and after he gets a new assistant at his engineering firm.

I enjoyed the early copy of the story I was given to read irrespective of the romance, but the romance was also top notch with the ebbs and flows of a troubled person learning how to heal and another person finding their one true love.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a look at Ford’s life after his time in the military. He comes home after a devastating helicopter. He is suffering from PTSD for the past ten years. Lila is a refreshing character. She chooses to be happy and be friendly. Ford and Lila’s personalities are like night and day. This book does a very good job of including information about PTSD and supports group or animal. The multiple storylines have connections that make this a good story.

This Bookfunnel ARC is a very good book.

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Winslow, an aspiring interior designer, worked as an assistant to Ford Callahan, owner of a construction engineering company in Virginia Beach. They both felt their instant chemistry, but he was a grumpy Marine veteran of the war in Afghanistan with serious PTSD issues and she was a sunny, talkative optimist. with issues of her own. They grow on each other in a heart-warming way, but encounter various roadblocks to their eventual HEA. Weston has written another really great book that is hard to put down before you finish it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don’t do small talk. Don’t do mornings. Don’t do smiling."

And right then, I knew I had to read this grumpy/sunshine story!
Plus, Mr. Weston Parker is the author! 'Nuff said!

It didn't take Ford and Lila long to capture my heart. Yes, even Ford!

This was a very emotional read.

Rook...what an amazing service dog and I feel like he was the major impetus to bringing Lila and Ford together! Swoon!

Don't worry, Mr. Parker gave us some steamy scenes to gah over too!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - don’t you luv that guy on the cover? My fav book in a long time. The story stars Ford Callahan and Lila Winslow. He’s a ex-marine who is suffering emotionally with PTSD since his helicopter went down 10 years ago - all his men died — only he survived. Ford and Lila meet when his employee, Jared, hires her to be his Pa. Ford owns his own company. He likes Laila immediately, he’s smitten. She’s very positive against his very dark and negative thoughts. Lila has her own trauma but is a positive person. It rubs off on Ford and helps to ease his demons.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weston has done it again. I would give this book 4.5 stars. While I thought it dragged a bit in the beginning, it really did pick up speed . Perhaps the reader needed to have all the background that both Ford and Lila had before being able to move on. It dealt with Ford’s time in Afghanistan very sensitively and provided avenues for help both with support groups and animals. Lila had dealt with being sick when she was young and that gave her the “joie de vivre”. Steam, yes but not overly done. A very enjoyable read.