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Fairhaven Falls #12

Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny: A Cozy Monster Romance

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She’s sweet, stubborn, and far too tempting. He’s big, grumpy, and determined not to fall.

Sara Cartwright came to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start—quiet mornings, kind neighbors, and maybe a few furry friends hopping through her garden. She wasn’t expecting her next-door neighbor to be six-foot-plus of scowling muscle and twitching ears.

Ben Hollowell likes his peace, his pub, and his solitude. The last thing he needs is a relentlessly cheerful kindergarten teacher moving in next door with flower boxes, laughter, and curves that make his pulse race.

But when Sara’s warmth starts melting his defenses—and her brownies start showing up at his door—Ben finds himself craving things he swore he didn’t need. Will spring in Fairhaven Falls turn out to be mating season for the most reluctant of bunnies?

Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2026

130 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

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Honey Phillips

205 books1,806 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
506 reviews
February 24, 2026
Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny is book 11 in the Fairhaven Falls Series by Honey Phillips 


Sara Phillips is the new kindergarten teacher in Fairhaven Falls. She has moved there like so many looking for a fresh start. What she finds is that her neighbor is not only a rabbit Other, but he is grumpy and not exactly happy to meet her. He is also muscle-y and gorgeous. 

Ben Hollowell has worked hard to keep his world very controlled since he gave up the spotlight years ago. He is determined a pretty kindergarten teacher is not going to break through his defenses and his solitude. But, with the help of some brownies, and of course, the hilarious yet meddlesome Flora, who plays a role in orchestrating the entire thing; he doesn't stand a chance.

I discovered Honey Phillips writing when I needed a “palate cleanser” after some darker stories. What I have found is an author I absolutely love. Her books are fun, well written and just the right amount of spice. Their stories may be far fetched but that's what makes them perfect. I have read every book in this series and just adore them. Fairhaven Falls is a joy to read and the perfect lighthearted series. I recommend diving in.

ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review. 
Profile Image for Lynn61.
587 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2026
Spring fever for the win 🏆

Coming back to Fairhaven Falls is like a big hug to your heart - and oh how I have been waiting for Ben’s story and it certainly doesn’t disappoint 🤩. Acting grumpy as all get out, Ben is still so loveable and has proven through this series to be the best kind of friend (and now lover) under all his bluster. Sarah, the new kindergarten teacher, has just moved to Fairhaven Falls right next to you know who. Flora has her matchmaking hands full with Ben but she never backs down as Sam learns he doesn’t have to be lonely and controlled anymore. I so loved the humor, wittiness, and of course Flora and the Fairhaven Crew were always there to help a bunny when he’s lost🥰. I voluntarily reviewed a free Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,309 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2026
Sara is a wonderful kindergarten teacher but moving 6 times is a bit much for anyone. So hopefully this move will be her last.
Flora is up to no good with gifting bunny food to plant by the fence but hey we get Ben there in no time.
Bunny is a not just cute and fluffy he is tall and yummy too. With a grumpy attitude and a bad mood to boot.
They have some pacing to do to overcome Ben’s past. With spring fever coming the hop is definitely on.
789 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
February 21, 2026
Welcome back to Fairhaven Falls . Where Flora actually has a matchmaking newsletter (go figure) and this time it's about the grumpy tavern owner and the new addition to the town , a kindergarten teacher. To me it's opposites attract. Sunshine and very grumpy. I loved Sara. I loved learning about her past. I loved her determination and unwavering faith that Ben would come around and realize that he did not need to fear his past, but that he could embrace his future .
Ben , what can I say. He has more secrets than any one in Fairhaven Falls. I loved discovering them all. Loved how he discovered that he did not need to be afraid of his past and that he could embrace the future .
I loved the banter between the two. Loved the help and support of the people he knew, George and Nina, Posy, Adrian ,etc.
I also loved that Flora knew what saying to wear on her tracksuits. Some very inappropriate, some just true.
Secrets were revealed , loved the mystery and suspense and the splash of humor to make things interesting. Loved the epiphanies gathered. Steam to the eventual romance, and of course loved the heart earned HEA for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,769 reviews230 followers
February 23, 2026
We're back in Fairhaven Falls and it's grumpy Ben's turn to find his special someone. No lie, the big guy is FIGHTING this. He's convinced himself he's happy enough alone and he can just carry on business as usual with his pub and his late-night guitar sessions (that no one knows about) and his perma-scowl.

BOY, is he wrong. When Sara moves in next door (thanks to Flora's impeccable ability to pick out the perfect person to be in the perfect place at the perfect time), Ben is sunk. He won't admit it, but he's done in. Sara's smiles and generosity and her plates of brownies start chipping away at his walls from the start.

On Sara's end, she's looking for a place where she can really belong. This small town of Others has potential and her ripped, scowling neighbor with the sexy ears has her thinking things she wasn't expecting. Like how soft his fur is. Or how it would feel to wake up beside him every morning.

Yeah, these two have it bad for one another. But Ben has baggage and Sara has to give him the space to work through that baggage so he knows he can trust his instincts when it comes to her. And when he does? Stamina, thy name is Ben!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Jillian.
Author 9 books5 followers
February 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

This is a fun small-town monster romance in the Fairhaven Falls series of interconnected standalones.

Human FMC Sara is the new kindergarten teacher who just moved in next door to MMC Ben, the grumpy tavern owning rabbit Other. A misunderstanding leaves her embarrassed and eager to make things right with her new neighbor by offering him baked treats, which of course in the Other community usually signals a courting ritual…

I really enjoyed this book. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked well, and I loved the low stakes, slow burn to high heat build. I wasn’t sure if I could connect with what is basically an Easter bunny main character, but I was instantly hooked on the story and their adorable dynamic.

Another great read! I can’t wait to see what Phillips comes up with next in Guarded by My Gargoyle which is scheduled for release September 2026.

Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,788 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
This is another fantastic addition to the Fairhaven Falls series, and it is such a great book! Sara is new there and has been hired to teach kindergarten. She is totally unprepared for her giant neighbor, Ben, who is a bunny. Yes, he's a big bunny! I was laughing so hard when Sara suggested that Ben could be an Easter bunny for her class! In her defense, her friends allowed her to drink too much. Ben has a bit of a turbulent past, and he's afraid to give in to the mate bond he feels for Sara. You know that can't last. I was glued to this book until I finished it! So, no, my dishes are still dirty! :) There is a lot of spice, and it is more of a slow burn. Be ready for an excellent story that will make you wish that there really is a guy like Ben!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
601 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 21, 2026
I'll be honest, when I first saw this I wondered how the whole Bunny-thing was going to work. The answer is: very well! With plenty of steam, lots of "awww" moments, a whole bunch of Sunshine from one very sweet Kindergarten teacher and a very grumpy Bunny! And of course, my favorite town full of my favorite characters..especially Flora! Though this time little Maisie just stole my heart. There certain things we know if Honey Phillips wrote the book...the story is going to be outstanding, the characters are going to be the best, there is going to be a bit of drama and plenty of humor, the world building is impeccable and I am going to love every step of the journey to the HEA! This is all of that and more.
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,143 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 23, 2026
Cute, steamy opposites attract into instalove in this volume of the Fairhaven Falls series.

This particular book centers around Sara, an optimistic, cheerful kindergarten teacher who has moved schools several times and is hoping Fairhaven Falls will be her forever home, and Ben, a giant, cranky bunny with a past as a rock star who abruptly left that lifestyle when it all felt hollow and unfulfilling. These opposites are definitely attracted to each other, but Ben is determined to keep Sara at a distance.

Neighborhood mischievous meddling matchmaker Flora and some of Sara’s tiny students conspire to bring Ben and Sara together, and it’s a bumpy-ish, but relatively low angst road to a HEA.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
64 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2026
I love a story where the male main character is the one who has issues to overcome and it is the female protagonist who helps. This story has Ben questioning everything about himself and his desires and the new kindergarten teacher in town, Sara, trying to show him he is worthy and that she is worth fighting for. It is not an easy task. Ben has a lot of baggage but he also has a lot of town members rooting for him and offering assistance and advice. Small towns!! Everyone knows everything!!!

This is a low angst, quick read that had me engaged throughout. Although characters from other books in the series make an appearance, you don’t have to read any other of their stories to enjoy this one.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jendy Reads.
171 reviews
February 26, 2026
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I absolutely love Fairhaven Falls. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a rabbit Other for the main character. And I probably giggled a lot until it finally got used to it. But it's a great story of grumpy guy falling for the sunshine girl, and I think honestly, a bit of a fated mates situation there too. I'm not sure anybody could have been perfect for Ben other than I kindergarten teacher, so, Sara was the perfect medicine to break down those grumpy walls. I would like to live in Fairhaven Falls, but I'm not sure yet which Other I would have fallen for...there are so many good ones!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,058 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 22, 2026
“Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny” by Honey Phillips

-A cozy, grumpy/sunshine monster romance set in quirky Fairhaven Falls. I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy and voluntarily share my honest thoughts.

Sara’s warmth and unwavering optimism slowly melt Ben’s guarded heart, revealing tender secrets beneath his gruff exterior. With playful banter, small-town meddling, and a touch of suspense, the story balances sweetness and steam beautifully. Endearing, quirky, and full of heart, this one delivers a truly earned happily ever after.

Another wonderful story from Honey Phillips! I recommend.
Profile Image for Cristy.
714 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2026

We are back in Fairhaven Falls and the unpredictable Flora is up to her meddling again. Sara and Ben are an absolutely adorable amazing couple . She has a strong vibrant personality and he is a grumpy bunny with his guard up.

This is a captivating read with some phenomenal characters. Ben and his friends provide plenty of banter and wit to lure us in to this beautiful love story. Sara shows us what patience looks like. Her respect for Ben is palpable and she lets him set the pace. An admirable quality for our heroine. 💜💜.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
1,577 reviews83 followers
February 23, 2026
I loved Ben & Sara's story in this newest addition to the Fairhaven Falls series and thought their meet cute was adorable. As always Flora is such a fun side character and her matchmaking and ability to manipulate people is so entertaining. The children in Sara's kindergarten class have a few fun scenes in this story as well. I am looking forward to reading the next book Guarded by My Gargoyle and getting to know Garrick better and seeing how he feels when he's Flora's matchmaking target.

Steam Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

🍪 I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. 🐰
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,341 reviews72 followers
February 24, 2026
This has been a long time coming and I was thrilled to finally read Ben's story. He's grumpy but just so loveable and a kind friend under all that grump ;P Sara is new to town and looking for a fresh start. She's the new kindergarten teacher and Ben's neighbour. I loved seeing them interact and got such a kick out of the banter between them. Of course, he's got plenty of secrets and doesn't figure he's worthy of love. Sara knows he's more than worthy but it takes time for him to see himself as she sees him. Expect to get caught up in this opposites attract romance filled with humour, banter, connection, supportive friends and steam. Good fun!
906 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2026
Grumpy Bunny, So Sweet!

Sara, a human kindergarten teacher and Ben, a grumpy famous ex-musician, now tavern owner bunny other, seem like an odd couple but they are perfect for each other. This was a wonderful story with a nosey female match making orc and a great group of friends both old and new cheering for and helping two people find love and happiness. I love the stories by Honey Phillips, they always always make me happy. I really wish they never ended. Now to wait for the next one. All the Fairhaven Falls books are fantastic so I highly recommend reading them and then rereading them again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
260 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2026
I have been waiting for Ben’s story ever since meeting him in Kiss for My Kraken. He is the epitome of a grumpy bunny and does Sara find that out when she moves in next door to him. Flora is very much up to her meddling match making ways, this time it almost seemed mean how she got Sara to innocently offend Ben. Sara’s school children charges were adorable, Adrian mischievous, and when Ben and Sara got together deliciously sexy. I wasn’t so keen on hearing about his player rockstar past but other than that another great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Angela.
59 reviews
February 23, 2026
Fiona claims another Successful Mating!

The Orc Fairies recipe:
One grumpy bunny
add one sunshine kindergarten teacher
Stir in a newsletter
Some brownies
A few well meaning friends
Some precocious kindergarteners
And a nest

The result is another Hot Fairhaven Falls mating!!

I adore Fiona, her antics,her track suits and her blunt talk!!

Who’s next in Fiona’s Mating Newsletter??
9 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2026
Love this!!

Honey Phillips is truly a goddess of writing! You feel the thread of recognition and comfort reading these books, knowing that there’s a town surrounding the two main characters. There is spice, cuddles, comfort, and dealing with the past… two beings trying to find their place in the world, which they do as well as finding one another! Love this book! I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
756 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2026
Ben is such a grumpy bunny but his heart of gold is adorable. I love how he owns his Other traits and loves Sara completely. She is a firecracker and I'd love that brownie recipe! They share plenty of spice and tender moments. Great characters throughout the story; it's great seeing the residents of Fairhaven Falls!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
140 reviews
February 24, 2026
Wonderful Wonderful 🐰

Oh what a beautiful addition to this Great Series of Fairhaven Falls .Every single book is captivating from the first sentence to the last sentence. I always find myself wishing that there was more and that I didn’t have to leave Fairhaven. I know I will be rereading this book like all the others. I never thought anyone could make a bunny sexy but Ms Phillips did the impossible 🐰🥰
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,443 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2026
Bunny Brownies

This was a long awaited visit back to Fairhaven Falls. It was so nice reconnecting to the characters from all the other books. And to be introduced to a new character who put a smile on the grumpy tavern owner's face. There was some angst and "what it's from both characters (especially him), but they persevered and got their HEA. I hope there is more coming in the future as a certain werewolf and gargoyle need mates. Fora can make it happen!
Profile Image for Gloria.
2,057 reviews12 followers
February 22, 2026
Sara has moved to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start and hopefully a place to settle. Ben is a bunny shifter and Sara's new neighbor. They are attracted to each other right from to get go but something is holding Ben back. Sara needs all the patience in the world to draw him look out. Sweet steamy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,085 reviews29 followers
February 23, 2026
A grumpy bunny for the win!
I get such enjoyment from the Fairhaven Falls books - this one is no exception. Ben is quite the guy to drag his feet, but Sara maintains the patience of a saint. She doesn’t hesitate to be a temptress, however. I love their humorous backchat! Following their journey to true love is an adventure - enjoy!
Profile Image for Donna Zug.
606 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2026
This Fairhaven Falls series is so much fun. I especially love Flora with her saucy track suits and sparkling eyes. Somehow she just knows who belongs together. We readers have the joy of getting lost in Honey's imagination. She delivers great plot twists, banter between our main characters, and richly described characters and locations. The pages flow as you get lost in this tale. Enjoy.

17 reviews
February 23, 2026
Surprisingly Deep!

Don’t let the animated cover fool you, this story has deep emotions!

Reformed rock star bad boy spends 6 years trying to overcome his reputation through abstinence and avoidance only to be taken down by his one true love.

You’re gonna love all the Fairhaven Falls books and this one is no exception. Cozy with all the feels.
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,986 reviews
February 23, 2026
He kept pushing her away. She literally told him I'm worth fighting for and then he ignored her for days.

I felt like she kept chasing him and he just said I'm worried I'll be too intense. He used to be a rock star and slept with a lot of groupies.

I liked both characters but I hated how he kept pushing her away.
27 reviews
February 24, 2026
Another resident of Fairhaven Falls……….❤️

I love this series. It’s a rom-com of a sweet little town with”others” (non-humans) and their human soulmates meeting and falling in love - with a little help from a half fairy half orc meddling older female. Great writing, interesting characters that you definitely root for!
34 reviews
February 24, 2026
Bunny love is the best

Finally Ben's story and I was not disappointed. The big grump had a tough time getting to his happily ever after, but Sara was perfect for him. Her love and trust in him showed from the very first time they met. It healed something in Ben and it was a beautiful read. Flora, as always, knows what she's doing. Great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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