From Grumpy to Forever

by Elena Aitken

I don’t do love. I don’t do forever. And I sure as hell don’t do marriage.

But when Avery Walker waltzes into town with a legal mess on her hands and an offer I can't refuse, I make an exception.

A quick, convenient marriage to help her keep her family’s inn—and in return, I'll get the money to finally start my fine furniture business.

No strings. No expectations.

But Avery is all sunshine and stubbornness, slipping under my skin in ways I never expected. I tell myself it’s just the close quarters, the long nights working side by side.

But when she looks at me like I’m not just the town's grumpy handyman, but something more, when she touches me like she means it… walking away stops feeling like an option.

Genres: Romance

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Elena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.

Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was the perfect mix of realism and chemistry. I might not quite believe that two people can fall quite this fast and this hard, but Reid and Avery are very convincing. They engage in a marriage of convenience so Avery can inherit her grandparents' inn, and Reid will be able to fund workshop space for his furniture business. The inn is located in the small town of Trickle Creek, which I certainly would like to visit if it were real. Reid's brothers, including his twin, and his niece Quinn are all folks I could picture spending time with in real life. Ms. Aitken alternates writing from Reid's and Avery's point of view, so the reader is able to clearly see their relationship develop. Right from the beginning there is physical attraction, and there are major fireworks as the story progresses. I enjoyed this book very much and I can't wait to read future installments in the series!

I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid Lyons has a reputation in Trickle Creek …. for being a grouch! He may be the best there is if you want something repaired, remodeled, or reconstructed, but you have to put up with his crabby personality.  That's been making getting work pretty slow lately, but Reid is just done with city folk coming in and spoiling his town. City girl Avery Walker has just inherited a defunct local inn from her grandparents. She needs Reid’s expertise to help restore it. She also needs one other tiny thing …. a husband. Even though they can barely tolerate each other, they agree to a marriage of convenience.  It's a win-win they think. She gets her inn, and he gets steady work that will allow him to get his custom furniture business off the ground. But a nasty cousin bent on snatching the inn throws a wrench into their plans.


A wonderful read. Love these characters. The push and pull between Reid and Avery grabs your attention from their very first meeting. A supporting cast of locals serves to highlight the “family” atmosphere of the town. This new series brings us back to Trickle Creek, but now the Lyons brothers are the leading men. I can hardly wait to see where things are headed. 

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid is known as the grumpy handy man around the town and is annoyed at city people moving into town and modernising the historic features of the town. Avery Walker has been left her grandparent’s Inn and enough money to refurbish it, however the will stipulates that Avery needs to have a husband to inherit. Avery and Reid run into each other in Reid’s brother’s hardware store, she asks Reid to undertake the building work required, he does finally agree and when she tells him that she needs to have a husband, he agrees to the marriage also. Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are finding they are getting along so well working together, they have such fun banter, laughs and plenty of kissing it’s all starting to feel real for them both. Things are starting to get a bit strained though when the will still isn’t finalised because Avery’s cousin Jacob is contesting the will.
I adored this book, from the first page until the last I was all in hoping for the most beautiful HEA for Reid and Avery and I wasn’t disappointed
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packing my bags for trickle creek. Don’t come find me. Not only is Reid a grumpy old bear of a man. But he’s a handyman. Girl sign me up!! This man had my heart from his first grumpy grunt till his last softie gooie insides smile. I could not get enough of Reid and Avery and I’m beyond excited to have been back in Trickle Creek. I want to pack my 🧳 and move here into this town. I want to have a library or an inn. Honestly I would camp out in the town gazebo just to be apart of such a wonderful town filled with amazing caring, loving people. I have read almost all of Elena’s books I think I’m going missing 5-6. I can’t get enough of these books.

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this author’s setting in Trickle Creek. This is the start of the series based on the Lyons brothers. Reid is know as the grumpy handy man around the town and has been fed up with city people moving into the town to modernize it. Avery Walker is hoping to be the new owner of her grandparent’s inn that was to be given to her as well as money to fix it up if she met the stipulations of the will which included a husband. Avery and Reid finally agree to work together for the renovation. When she tells him that she needs to have a husband they decide to have a fake marriage. Then the marriage starts to feel more real than fake for both of them. Trouble comes in the form of Avery’s cousin Jacob who is contesting the marriage.

This story had so much chemistry, love, family, witty, laughing, and nosy town people that you can help but love the book. The main and supporting characters add so much to the story and the author has a strong way of pulling you into it. Love this author!

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a day, and I loved it all.

Avery has inherited her grandparents Inn, but it comes with conditions.... she needs a husband. When she bumps into handyman Reid at the local hardware store, there's an attraction, but Reid is a complete grump. Only not enough to let her use his competitor's company to restore the inn.

These to were so sweet, Avery was the sunshine to his grump and managed to make him smile, much to the amusement of his brothers. They had so much chemistry, but with the will not quite finalised, they have other distractions.

I love how they worked so well together and showed each other how much they cared before they could even admit it to themselves. The banter from Reid's brothers was wholesome, and I can see how the brothers will feature in the other books in the series.

I loved it and will be back for the next books in the series.

- grumpy / sunshine
- fake marriage
- small town romance

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in a new series and a quick easy read. We meet Avery and Reid in this classic marriage of convenience story and let the fireworks commence. There is drama, angst, steam and a sweet HEA. Great vacation or beach read. A definite addition to your TBR list.

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

[Fruzsina Bagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of "From Grumpy to Forever" by Elena Aitken via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Reid Lyons is Trickle Creek's best handyman – if you need something repaired, rebuilt or renovated, he's your man. That is, if you can put up with his grumpiness. But he's been having less and less work lately because he's fed up with what big-city tourists are doing: buying up properties, tearing down old houses, and replacing them with modern holiday villas. No wonder he is not enthusiastic about the new 'outsiders'.

Avery Walker moves back from the big city to the place, where she spent her childhood summers, after inheriting her grandparents' vacant inn in need of renovation. The money for the renovation is secured, but there's a twist: the will says she can only inherit if she is married. So a marriage of convenience seems the best solution – Avery gets the inn and Reid gets a steady job and a chance to finally start his own furniture business.

Of course, nothing is ever that simple. Avery's cousin also has his eye on the inn and will do anything to get it. So the stakes are high as the initially confrontational relationship between Reid and Avery grows more intimate and deeper feelings do not elude them for long.

As usual, Elena Aitken tells the story from alternating points of view – Reid and Avery's thoughts and feelings take turns to unfold, so that the reader really gets to know the motivations behind the actions of both protagonists. This narrative style is a personal favourite of mine, as it makes the development of their relationship really come alive.

This story was the perfect blend of reality and cinematic features, and the chemistry between the characters. Although I find it hard to believe that two people could find each other so quickly and intensely, Reid and Avery's relationship is compelling – the tension between them is palpable from their first meeting and keeps the reader's attention throughout. An absolutely wonderful read.

Trickle Creek is a dreamy little town, full of likeable side characters. Reid's siblings, including his twin brother Grayson and his charming niece Quinn, are all characters I'd love to spend an afternoon with any time – if this place really existed, I'd be among the first visitors. This isn't the first series in which Elena Aitken has used this fairytale town as a backdrop, but this time it's the Lyons brothers who take centre stage. "From Grumpy to Forever" is the first in the series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Small-Town Romance That Hits All the Right Notes

From Grumpy to Forever is a page-turning, emotionally rich start to Elena’s newest small-town romance series, and I couldn’t put it down. Reid—the so-called "grumpy" twin—and his hilarious brothers kept me smiling, while Avery, the relatable and spirited heroine, reminded me of someone you'd definitely find in every close-knit friend group.

Elena Aitken excels at writing deep, emotionally nuanced characters. Reid and his twin brother quickly became my favorites—their reactions, emotional complexity, and evolving views on love and family felt incredibly authentic. I especially appreciated how Elena portrayed each of her main characters’ (particularly Avery and Reid) inner struggles with such vividness that I could almost see the characters wrestling with their emotions and choices in front of me.

This book is both sweet and insightful. While it has plenty of laughs and romantic charm, it also dives into personal growth, complexity of family dynamics, connection, and purpose in a refreshingly honest way. And by the end, I couldn’t decide if Reid is truly grumpy or just deeply passionate—either way, I loved him.

If you enjoy small-town settings; men with depth who are open to change; strong, caring female leads; and a community full of meddling (but well-meaning) neighbors, this book is for you. It’s an easy, satisfying read that I devoured in one sitting.

I highly recommend From Grumpy to Forever and can’t wait to see what Elena brings next in this series. Don’t miss your chance to fall in love with Reid and Avery—you won’t regret it!

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Grumpy to Forever by Elena Aitken, book one in Trickle Creek: The Lyons series, is a wonderful, heartwarming, grumpy v sunshine, marriage of convenience, small town romance that takes place in Trickle Creek and features the five Lyons brothers.

Handyman Reid Lyons is the best man to hire if you want something repaired, remodeled, or reconstructed; you do however have to put up with his grouchy personality. Avery Walker just inherited her grandparent’s inn and the money to fix it up as long as she meets the stipulations of the will; having a husband. When Avery and Reid run into each other in his brother’s hardware store, she asks if he could do the work required to restore the inn to its glory. After they agree to work together on the renovation, Avery shares that she needs to have a husband. Reid surprises her telling her he will marry her.

These two worked well together, showing each other how much they cared prior to admitting it to themselves. The more time they spend together working on the inn, the more starts feeling real. Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are finding they are getting along quite well working together. Things become uncertain and tense as Avery becomes concern that the will has yet to be finalized along with the appearance of Avery’s cousin Jacob, who is contesting the will.

This wonderful story was filled with chemistry, love, family, funny banter, laughing, and nosy town people. The push and pull between Reid and Avery grabs your attention from their very first meeting. This new series might be a return to Trickle Creek, but now the Lyons brothers are the leading men. I can hardly wait to see where things are headed, and which brother is next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Susan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid is skilled carpenter, but is horrified how many people are moving to Trickle Creek then having work done on their heritage homes that takes their characters out of them. He is a naturally grumpy man, and if he takes on any of these jobs he quickly falls out with the new owners and resigns, but this is having an impact on his workload. Then Avery comes to town, she has inherited the old Tamarack Inn from her grandparents, along with the money to do all the necessary repair work, and is looking forward to running it. Reid is initially very suspicious and turns down the chance to carry out the renovations. He is very attracted to her however, and when he finds out who she is getting to replace him he changes his mind and takes the job. The money he earns will come in useful to pay for premises to start a business making fine furniture.

So they begin the work, he comes to realise that she wants the Inn’s character to shine through, to be like it was when she stayed with her grandparents as a child. They are attracted to each other, but there are many twists and turns in their lives. There are things they should be telling each other, and don’t, which is only storing up trouble for the future. Trickle Creek is a small town, everyone knows every else’s business. When the troubles reach boiling point it is all played out in front of half the town.

The happy ending is hard-won! Well worth reading during a lazy afternoon

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It struck me from the beginning of this novel that Reid Lyons has the soul of an artist and although his trust had been broken by a girlfriend in his distant past, it is the ravishment of Trickle Creek by developers that is breaking his heart. Enter Avery. She is sunshine and the personification of optimism, and Reid's first impression is that she is like all the other city dwellers, come to destroy the fabric of their lives. However, once he realizes what Avery is planning, he is completely on board and is willing to do whatever it takes to help her realize both her dreams and his. When a conniving relative arrives on the scene demanding his share of Avery's inheritance, Reid gains a deeper understanding of what she is facing. The financial pressure on both of them ramps up the tension, but when said relative claims that he has found the loophole he needs, Avery feels defeated. Fortunately, the final confrontation takes place before half the town as witnesses, bringing about a tender and heartfelt confession between Reid and Avery. The novel comes to a lovely Hallmark conclusion with Avery finding safety in Reid's arms, and he finally loses his grumpy and dour demeanor. I received a copy of this lovely romance as a gift through BookSprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is thrilled be back in the small town she grew up visiting in her summers. She has just inherited her grandparents inn and is determined to restore it to it's former glory. She needs a handyman and meets him at the hardware store. He is gruff and grumpy hating the tourists that roll in and try to make a quick buck off their little town. When her cousin challenges her inheritance, and she needs a husband he steps in with an arrangement. They will marry in name only, to get her the inn, which will give him the funds to expand his shop. What neither expected was the overwhelming attraction they feel for each other. They both quickly realize that there is nothing fake about them. This is a really sweet twist on this trope. He comes from a big family of close brothers and has always been the "grumpy one". But it turns out he is extra gooey inside for his sweet as sunshine wife. They have some drama to navigate with her cousin, and keeping their big secret, but these two are destined for each other. It is so sweet and tender, but still spicy and a little bit naughty. This one hits all the high marks.

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

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by this talented author, takes the readers back to Tickle Creek. This time, the stories will belong ot the Lyons brothers.
Reid Lyons is known as the grumpy Lyons brother. He’s a talented craftsman and handyman but also short tempered.
Avery Walker, a woman who sees the positive in everything, loved visiting her grandparents and their inn when visiting Trickle Creek. Upon her grandfather’s death, the will is read. She finds out she’s inherited the inn and enough money to renovate it. But there is a stipulation in the will, Avery must be married.
Needing not only a handyman but also a husband, a marriage of convenience is agreed upon.
What neither expected was that feelings would develop. Add Avery’s cousin Jacob who is contesting the will, and you know you are going to get another winner from this author.
From the beginning, the story grabs your attention. The grumpy/sunshine characters were delightful, and let’s not forget the small town vibes throughout this touching story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid is a grump who’s tired of tourist coming in, and changing his small town. Avery who is all sunshine comes to town to inherit and restore her grandparents old bed and breakfast, with a big legal mess on her hands in order to do it. When Avery makes an offer he can’t refuse…a way to help her keep the inn and him to get the money to finally start his furniture business. It was just supposed to be business…but all her sunshine and the way she looks at him, like he isn’t the town grump. Now he is not so sure.

Grumpy vs sunshine, fake marriage and small town…some of my favorite tropes…who wouldn’t enjoy this story. Avery and Reid were so relatable and I enjoyed the first meeting they had in the hardware store. The family bond that Reid has his with his brothers and niece, Quinn is the greatest. The fun banter but caring for each other makes for great laughs.

This is book one in the Trickle Creek: The Lyons series. A series about a family of brothers finding love. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid and Avery meet at his twin's hardware shop, she's looking to renovate her grandparents inn and needs help, but Reid is in a bad mood having resigned from a job earlier. He hates all the tourists coming and ruining everything. But his twin suggests he go and help her access the inn. She's a very cheerful person, he's grumpy, she never stops chatting, he's quiet! But he likes her chatter and her cheeriness.
Her lawyer is investigating a stipulation in the will about how she can only inherit the inn and necessary finance to repairs etc if she has a husband, she doesn't!
Reid realises that to be able to get his workshop for his artisan woodwork he needs some money to pay the rent, he also needs somewhere to live, so he agrees to work for Avery, then she throws the other part into the pot!

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

An entertaining read from Elena.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid is known for being grumpy and wary of anyone moving to Trickle Creek from the city. When Avery inherits her family's inn he wants nothing to do with any renovation despite him being the town's best local handy man.
As well as needing Reid's services to help her reopen the inn, Avery also needs a husband to fulfil the terms of her grandparent's will which stipulates that she must be married to inherit. So Reid needs the job and Avery needs a husband, the solution is simple, they get married! However, trouble looms from Avery's cousin Jacob who is fighting her for the inheritance.
The relationship between Avery and Reid soon develops into something very real as they begin work on the inn together. All they have to do is convince the town and the judge. A heart-warming love story.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about a small-town story is that EVERYONE thinks they know all...and it makes me laugh when they get it so wrong. All the townsfolk make Reid out to be grumpy – but goodlooking! What we come to know is that he is also sweet under that tough exterior. The newish-comer, Avery, truly was sunshine – the exact opposite of Reid. Or is she?

These two have so much heartache to overcome but they are so much stronger together. They just have to figure it out. I loved Reid’s family! Crazy? Yes, but super close. When Reid, and then Avery, show their true selves to each other it really brings the heart out in this story. What a great start to a new series! Loved these two!

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Grumpy to Forever is the 1st book in the spin-off to the Trickle Creek series featuring the Lyons brothers. I loved being back in this cute small town and to get cameos of some of the characters from those books, but it is not necessary to have read them to enjoy Reid and Avery's story. Engaging, entertaining and full of positive energy, this is an absolute page-turner with a HEA that put a huge smile on my face. Mr Grump and Ms Sunshine are the perfect match and all it took was a bit of outside force to first bring and then keep them together. I also enjoyed getting glimpses of Reid's brothers and am looking forward to the next one getting his story told! I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has familiar and enjoyable tropes for romance lovers, including Sunshine-Grump and a fake marriage. Avery’s grandparents conditioned her inheritance of their rundown inn (and the funds to repair it) on Avery being married. Grumpy handyman Reid agrees to a marriage in name-only, so Avery can get the inheritance, and Reid can open his own woodworking business. Their relationship grows under magnifying lenses of the small town of Trickle Creek, Reid’s family, and Avery’s jealous cousin who is trying to break their grandparents’ will. Their book has fun banter, sparks that turn into adult steam, and good supporting characters with a bonus swoony epilogue. I was lucky to have received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book based in Trickle Creek and let me just say that I already love this small town! Reid, the grumpy brother who is also the town’s best handyman, meets Avery who has inherited an inn from her grandfather.

To truly inherit the inn, Avery needs a husband while Reid requires funding to start a business. As such, they decide to embark on a marriage of convenience.

As they spend more and more time together, their feelings for each other grow stronger and stronger. When trouble comes knocking, it only reinforces the love they have for each other.

The book was a page turner and I quickly breezed through the story. The last act especially was an amazing one and there were so many touching moments which spoke to my heart.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Grumpy to Forever is book 1 in the Trickle Creek: The Lyons series by Elena Aitken 4.5 stars

What happens when your grandparents leave you their Inn in Trickle Creek with a tiny stipulation…you must be married to inherit…this is Avery’s dream come true back in a place that represents her grandparents and their love for the town, the people and restoring the Inn back to it former glory but without a husband. Then Reid, a grumpy handyman who needs a job decides he will help her they can marry so she can inherit…marriage of convenience, attraction, broken trust, healing the past, financial woes and a cousin who is determined to wreck havoc over it all…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book from BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well matched couple. Both need something, but neither realised that it wasn't actually what they were actually wishing for. Reid wants a shop for his business, but his attitude towards people, his refusal to allow modernisation interfere with true authenticity, holds him back. He is a talented worker, but discriminate in his jobs. Avery wants to renovate an Inn she has inherited from her grandparents, to restore it to former glory, but needs a husband.
What they eventually got was each other, a genuine relationship and friendship based on love and respect..a few thi gs made it a bumpy ride, but they managed it once they were both going in the same direction.

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

[Mak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena Aitken writes amazing small town romances, and this book is no different! I was so hooked from the beginning, I finished this book in 2 days (which is quick for me). The inherited inn aspect gives off a wonderful charm vibe, and the banter between all of the characters was so great! I’m hoping Reid’s brothers are all featured in future books in this series-I can’t wait.

I would recommend this book for lovers of small town, sweet romances who enjoy banter and the grumpy/sunshine trope. And if you’re new to any of those genres, give it a go anyway!.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town being overrun by big city folks. Start off with a grumpy handyman who is tired of working for big city folks that seem to have no respect for his small picturesque town. Throw in a bubbly young lady who has inherited an old run down inn from her grandparents. It all gets a lot more complicated when the conditions of the will are revealed. So a plan is hatched, but is it a good plan. Everything tumbles together…real, fake, temporary, permanent…who can tell? So shake it all up and mix it all together. Presto a fun, entertaining tale that chronicles the lives these two are trying to navigate.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 *

Two people who faced a crossroad in their lives, do they give up or find a solution. Only one direction will lead to success. Avery was on the edge of inheriting a rundown travelers stop and Reid an opportunity to start a business in the small town of Trickle Creek.
Even with a decision made, it is not all smooth sailing, but working together makes a life-changing difference to their outlook and future. A heart-warming romance and one that leaves you with all the good feelings.
I received a copy from BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena Aiken has presented us with a very enjoyable book. The storyline is sweet; the characters typical; the plot is interesting with just enough interference to keep you interested. The best part of all? The HEA! It took awhile to get to the HEA because the book has way too many chapters—43 plus the Epilogue! Believe me…that’s just way too many for a read like this one. Even being too long, the story will touch your heart. Make sure you have tissues handy! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and really liked the ending!) 💜💜

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about Little Miss Sunshine and Mr Grumpy. Avery and Reid enter into a fake marriage and have problems trying to ignore their feelings for each other. Will they be caught in a lie, will she stay in town, will they stay together? This small town rom was well written and a joy to read. I would definitely recommend this and look forward to the next one.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure was fun being in Trickle Creek! Reid is grumpy for sure fighting against change in his beloved town. Avery is sunshine personified and he’s not quite sure what to make of her. A difficult situation puts them together and neither expected what happened next. Entertaining from beginning to end with some drama and angst thrown in for good measure with a character you’ll love to hate. Looking forward to more in Trickle Creek!

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story locked me in immediately and held me hostage. I love all of these characters so much and can't wait for more books in this series. Avery and Reid‘s push, and pull will have you on the edge of your seat devouring every little morsel they give you. This book should be made into a romantic movie for tv as quickly as possible since it would be a huge hit! Definitely a favourite of mine of 2025!! Happy reading