A grumpy former hockey player and a wedding planner collide in a second-chance romance full of heart.
If you love your romance with sharp banter, grumpy heroes, and a happily ever after that has to be earned, Grumpily Ever After delivers exactly that. Set against the cozy backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, this romantic comedy blends heart, humor, and second chances in a way that feels perfect for February reading.
Book Information
Title: Grumpily Ever After
Author: Teagan Hunter
Series:Stick Taps #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy
Vibes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Small-town charm, Second chances, Sweet + spicy
Publish Date: Published January 20, 2026
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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Book Description
An obstinate ex–NHL player meets his match in a cheerfully resilient wedding planner prone to chaos in this sweet and spicy romantic comedy about game-changing second chances.
Wedding planner Odette Chambers has a knack for ruining every ceremony she touches. But her latest gig could be a curse breaker. The bride is her best friend, Izzy, and the venue is a local cidery with the Pacific Northwest mountains as a beautiful backdrop. The cidery’s only rotten apple is its owner, former NHL player Noah Stevens—Izzy’s older brother and a recently divorced, fully committed grump who doesn’t believe in happy endings.
But Noah can’t say no to his hopeful little sister. His decision sends Odette barreling into his life, and she insists on making picture-perfect renovations to his cidery. She’s demanding, irritatingly optimistic, and quite possibly the prettiest woman he’s ever seen. Noah is turning Odette’s head, too, but if she wants a wedding to finally go off without a hitch, he’s a handsome distraction she can’t afford. Right?
As Noah risks a second chance at love, Odette’s luck might change as well. For better or for worse.
My Review
Grumpily Ever After is the kind of romantic comedy that quietly sneaks up on you. It’s funny and flirty on the surface, but underneath all the banter is a warm, emotionally grounded story about letting go of disappointment and daring to hope again.
Odette and Noah are a classic grumpy/sunshine pairing done right. Noah’s gruff exterior makes sense once you understand what he’s been through, and Odette’s optimism never feels naïve or overdone. Their connection builds naturally through shared space, shared work, and conversations that slowly strip away their defenses. The chemistry is immediate, but the emotional trust takes time — and that balance makes their romance feel earned.
I especially enjoyed how grounded the story felt. The small-town setting, the cidery renovations, and the wedding backdrop add cozy texture without overpowering the romance. The hockey element is part of Noah’s past rather than the center of the plot, which works well here — this book is much more about who he is now than who he used to be.
While the story follows familiar romantic-comedy beats, it leans into them in a comforting way. That predictability becomes part of the charm, making this an easy, feel-good read you can settle into. The dual POV keeps both characters feeling fully formed, and the emotional moments land without unnecessary drama.
Overall, this is a sweet, spicy, satisfying romance that delivers exactly what it promises. If you’re in the mood for witty banter, a guarded hero with a soft center, and a hopeful heroine who refuses to give up on love, Grumpily Ever After is a great February pick.
Why You’ll Love It
- A grumpy former athlete hero who slowly (and sweetly) lets his guard down.
- A resilient heroine with optimism that feels earned — not naive.
- Rom-com banter with genuine emotional payoff.
- Cozy Pacific Northwest setting + a cidery venue makeover backdrop.
- Second-chance energy and a satisfying happily ever after.
If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine romances, you might also like Book Lovers by Emily Henry this recent romance read that blends humor, heart, and emotional payoff.
Romance Tropes
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Second Chance Romance
- Former Athlete Hero
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Small-Town Charm
- Forced Proximity
- Romantic Comedy with Heat
If you’re curious about what makes these romance tropes so satisfying, check out my friendly guide to book tropes for more insight into your favorite story patterns.
Filed under Romantic Comedy and Grumpy Sunshine Romance .
Hot Romance Picks for February 2026
Romance readers are leaning into rom-com energy, sports-adjacent heroes, and emotionally grounded happily ever afters right now — especially in early February when we all want something cozy, hopeful, and easy to sink into.
- Hockey romance traffic is still strong: grumpy athletes + soft centers continue to pull readers in.
- Rom-coms with heart: books that balance humor and emotional growth are getting extra love.
- Seasonal romance reads: “February romance reads” lists trend toward warm, swoony, comfort reads.
- One & Only by Maurene Goo: a Valentine-season pick that blends longing, romance, and big feelings.
About the Author
TEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels (though not in that order). When she’s not writing, she’s probably watching Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween, prefers cooler weather, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her high school sweetheart.
Connect with the author:
- Website: teaganhunterwrites.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/teaganhunterwrites
- Instagram: instagram.com/teaganhunterwrites
- Newsletter: teaganhunterwrites.com/newsletter
- Reader Group: Teagan’s Tidbits
Looking for more romance reviews? Visit my Book Reviews for cozy reads, rom-com favorites, and happily-ever-after picks.
Join the Conversation! Are you a grumpy-hero reader… or do you prefer sunshine characters who won’t quit? Tell me your favorite romance trope in the comments.
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