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Hellman Brothers #1
Grumpy As Hell
The town’s hottest firefighter just put out the fire in my pants. Literally.
Ace Hellman. Star quarterback. Grumpy-as-hell firefighter. Chief pain in my ass.
He’s beyond arrogant, inducing women to fake emergencies just to see his sexy swagger as he comes to save them. Not me though. That fire was a total accident. I swear. He and I actually have a long history of hating each other, starting with him ruining my live performance of the Nutcracker in kindergarten and ending with me being the only woman in town under forty whom he hasn’t dated. I wear that title with pride.
Now that we've been roped into teaching a first aid class together, things can't get more awkward. He’s determined to prove me wrong at every turn, and I’m determined to stop picturing him without his coveralls. I refuse to hide who I am, and Ace stands for everything I’m against.
He’s so wrong for me the whole town knows it. So why do I feel like we start a fire every time we’re together?
Grumpy As Hell is a steamy romantic comedy between a firefighter and the hippie girl he can’t resist, complete with interfering parents, a set of comedic brothers, wacky townsfolk, and plenty of yogasms. Yup, it’s a thing. This romance ends with a spicy hot and sickly sweet happily ever after.
Ace Hellman. Star quarterback. Grumpy-as-hell firefighter. Chief pain in my ass.
He’s beyond arrogant, inducing women to fake emergencies just to see his sexy swagger as he comes to save them. Not me though. That fire was a total accident. I swear. He and I actually have a long history of hating each other, starting with him ruining my live performance of the Nutcracker in kindergarten and ending with me being the only woman in town under forty whom he hasn’t dated. I wear that title with pride.
Now that we've been roped into teaching a first aid class together, things can't get more awkward. He’s determined to prove me wrong at every turn, and I’m determined to stop picturing him without his coveralls. I refuse to hide who I am, and Ace stands for everything I’m against.
He’s so wrong for me the whole town knows it. So why do I feel like we start a fire every time we’re together?
Grumpy As Hell is a steamy romantic comedy between a firefighter and the hippie girl he can’t resist, complete with interfering parents, a set of comedic brothers, wacky townsfolk, and plenty of yogasms. Yup, it’s a thing. This romance ends with a spicy hot and sickly sweet happily ever after.
274 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2022
848 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Marika Ray
88 books1,421 followersMarika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.
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Drop your email to be notified when each book releases: http://bit.ly/MarikaRayNews
Be sure to add my new releases to your TBR Today!
Hellman Brothers Series
Sisters From Hell Series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
September 11, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Hellman Brothers #1
Setting ~ Auburn Hill (not sure what state)
Publication date ~ book ~ March 3, 2022, audio ~ April 11, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 276 (33 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 31 minutes
Narrators ~ Kyle Mason, Angelina Rocca
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ firefighter, yoga instructor, small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, some steamage
Addy (28) & Ace (28) have been enemies since kindergarten, but now they’re working together teaching a first aid class. It doesn’t take them too long to cross the line to lovers.
Addy is a free spirit and full of sunshine. She’s big on natural and holistic approaches to things. While I appreciated the lack of swearing, hearing ‘oh shiitake mushrooms’ a couple times was cute, but then it got to be way too many. I was not a big fan of her parents, but it’s obvious where she got her hippy ways from.
Ace is the small town hero firefighter. Not a relationship kind of guy due to his father leaving his mother alone with 5 small kids when he was younger. Sometimes he was grumpy and sometimes sweet.
Overall, they had really great chemistry and I enjoyed their banter.
✔ed another old one off the list
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
I have no complaints about either of their performances.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Hellman Brothers #1
Setting ~ Auburn Hill (not sure what state)
Publication date ~ book ~ March 3, 2022, audio ~ April 11, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 276 (33 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 31 minutes
Narrators ~ Kyle Mason, Angelina Rocca
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ firefighter, yoga instructor, small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, some steamage
Addy (28) & Ace (28) have been enemies since kindergarten, but now they’re working together teaching a first aid class. It doesn’t take them too long to cross the line to lovers.
Addy is a free spirit and full of sunshine. She’s big on natural and holistic approaches to things. While I appreciated the lack of swearing, hearing ‘oh shiitake mushrooms’ a couple times was cute, but then it got to be way too many. I was not a big fan of her parents, but it’s obvious where she got her hippy ways from.
Ace is the small town hero firefighter. Not a relationship kind of guy due to his father leaving his mother alone with 5 small kids when he was younger. Sometimes he was grumpy and sometimes sweet.
Overall, they had really great chemistry and I enjoyed their banter.
✔ed another old one off the list
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
I have no complaints about either of their performances.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
February 27, 2022
It’s always a good time in Hell.
What a charming and fun and sexy read this was!
Addy and Ace… gosh these two…the snarky comments, the snippy barbs aimed at each other. All because Addy was being her usual nice self at age 6 and tried to give Ace her beautiful flower crown. And then he went and tore it apart. So rude. But years later, when he finally explained the reasoning as to why, my heart kinda melted for the guy.
Ace Hellman is a grumpy McGrumperson. Yet he’s sexy and irresistible AF. He has a heart of gold somewhere underneath that tough, hard as stone exterior. But he finds it easier to throw anger and annoyance toward Addy than to be nice to her. Because many years later he has no reason to like her...right?
But there was no denying their attraction to each other, their chemistry was way too strong. It sizzled. So they made an agreement. They both agreed to scratch an itch. But my goodness, their feelings went waaaay deeper than they realized. And man oh man, together, these two were HOT. That itch they agreed to scratch? We’ll it got scratched, and then some. And then some more.
Addy has to be the most beautiful hippyish wood nymph ever. With the best bewbs ever. I love how Ace is so obsessed with them. As much as he claims to dislike Addy, he just can’t seem to stay away. He can’t seem to stop thinking about her. And her bewbs. And worrying about her. And watching out for her. And thinking about her some more. And her bewbs.
Watching these two realize how much they actually cared for each other was fun and heartwarming and gave me all swoons.
Delicious tension and witty, sarcastic banter make this a fun read that I never wanted to put down. There was always something keeping me turning those pages. Super lovable characters, plenty of humor, and a ton of heart. I’m always satisfied when I read something from this author.
Grumpy as Hell is a highly entertaining and utterly delightful romantic comedy. I loved it!
What a charming and fun and sexy read this was!
Addy and Ace… gosh these two…the snarky comments, the snippy barbs aimed at each other. All because Addy was being her usual nice self at age 6 and tried to give Ace her beautiful flower crown. And then he went and tore it apart. So rude. But years later, when he finally explained the reasoning as to why, my heart kinda melted for the guy.
Ace Hellman is a grumpy McGrumperson. Yet he’s sexy and irresistible AF. He has a heart of gold somewhere underneath that tough, hard as stone exterior. But he finds it easier to throw anger and annoyance toward Addy than to be nice to her. Because many years later he has no reason to like her...right?
But there was no denying their attraction to each other, their chemistry was way too strong. It sizzled. So they made an agreement. They both agreed to scratch an itch. But my goodness, their feelings went waaaay deeper than they realized. And man oh man, together, these two were HOT. That itch they agreed to scratch? We’ll it got scratched, and then some. And then some more.
Addy has to be the most beautiful hippyish wood nymph ever. With the best bewbs ever. I love how Ace is so obsessed with them. As much as he claims to dislike Addy, he just can’t seem to stay away. He can’t seem to stop thinking about her. And her bewbs. And worrying about her. And watching out for her. And thinking about her some more. And her bewbs.
Watching these two realize how much they actually cared for each other was fun and heartwarming and gave me all swoons.
Delicious tension and witty, sarcastic banter make this a fun read that I never wanted to put down. There was always something keeping me turning those pages. Super lovable characters, plenty of humor, and a ton of heart. I’m always satisfied when I read something from this author.
Grumpy as Hell is a highly entertaining and utterly delightful romantic comedy. I loved it!
March 29, 2022
4.5 stars
This was my first book by Marika Ray but it will not be my last. I fell head over heels for these characters, their interesting history, their enemies to lovers story, and the crazy town residents. Quirky, snarky, funny, yet with emotion and heart; I loved Grumpy as Hell.
Talk about opposites attract and years of pent up anger that leads to a smoking hot intimate scene pretty quickly in this book only for these two to have to figure out why they want each other so much and why they are feeling they way they do.
Addy is the daughter of the once town hippies who now spend a great deal of time traveling around in their RV. Addy is a free spirit; loves her crystals, her essential oils, clean eating, yoga, and alternative medications. She’s her own person and she likes who she is even though it sometimes gets her down when people don’t understand her ways. I adored Addy and she was such a ray of light. That’s not to say she didn’t have her moments and I think she made it very clear in this book she was nice and calm until you give her a reason not to be.
Ace grew up in a family of five boys with a single mom. As a fireman he protects the town of Auburn Hills (aka Hell) for all its worth. He is known as a hero, he is well liked, well respected, and well he’s known for the fact he doesn’t do commitment and being a one and done kind of guy. That’s not to say he isn’t a good man, he just doesn’t believe in relationships or love. He has his reasons and that goes back to his dad leaving them when he was 5 because he had another family elsewhere.
As you can expect with a small town, nothing goes unnoticed and that includes when Addy and Ace start spending time together, when they are forced to teach a class together, when they hit a rough patch, and even when they are happy together. There was so much light and laughter in this story, but these characters also must deal with some big time issues and emotions before they can find their happy.
Grumpy as Hell was a joy to read and I have found another author who writes emotional yet fun books in a small town setting. Don’t miss this one!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
This was my first book by Marika Ray but it will not be my last. I fell head over heels for these characters, their interesting history, their enemies to lovers story, and the crazy town residents. Quirky, snarky, funny, yet with emotion and heart; I loved Grumpy as Hell.
Talk about opposites attract and years of pent up anger that leads to a smoking hot intimate scene pretty quickly in this book only for these two to have to figure out why they want each other so much and why they are feeling they way they do.
Addy is the daughter of the once town hippies who now spend a great deal of time traveling around in their RV. Addy is a free spirit; loves her crystals, her essential oils, clean eating, yoga, and alternative medications. She’s her own person and she likes who she is even though it sometimes gets her down when people don’t understand her ways. I adored Addy and she was such a ray of light. That’s not to say she didn’t have her moments and I think she made it very clear in this book she was nice and calm until you give her a reason not to be.
Ace grew up in a family of five boys with a single mom. As a fireman he protects the town of Auburn Hills (aka Hell) for all its worth. He is known as a hero, he is well liked, well respected, and well he’s known for the fact he doesn’t do commitment and being a one and done kind of guy. That’s not to say he isn’t a good man, he just doesn’t believe in relationships or love. He has his reasons and that goes back to his dad leaving them when he was 5 because he had another family elsewhere.
As you can expect with a small town, nothing goes unnoticed and that includes when Addy and Ace start spending time together, when they are forced to teach a class together, when they hit a rough patch, and even when they are happy together. There was so much light and laughter in this story, but these characters also must deal with some big time issues and emotions before they can find their happy.
Grumpy as Hell was a joy to read and I have found another author who writes emotional yet fun books in a small town setting. Don’t miss this one!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 3, 2022
I don't know how she does it! Marika has a knack for taking this town full of people and making it into a place that you want to live because you want to know all these people and witness their stories in person! Another fantastic enemies-to-lovers story with a ton of hilarity involved! And I am quite excited to see how the rest of the brothers fall!!!
Good times in AuburnHill Hell ..... looking forward to more!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔
Good times in Auburn
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔
April 22, 2023
I don't think this novel was particularly bad. The story was pretty bland and uninteresting. However, the writing was better than average for the romance genre these days.
What I had a HUGE problem with and what led me to give this rating is the fact that the entire book is basically propaganda for multi-level marketing (MLM) essential oil businesses.
Let's be clear, MLMs are preditory businesses that take advantage of, most often, women and minorities. They make claims that they are not pyramid schemes, but the differences between the two are negligible. The vast majority of people who are recruited to "sell products" in an MLM do not earn a profit. In fact, many lose money.
The heroine, Addy, has an internal monologue at some point early on in the novel, defending MLMs and claiming they aren't as bad as everyone claims they are. Addy's whole shtick is based on essential oils being better alternatives to traditional medicine, to the point that she is included as one of the instructors in the town's first aid course.
Again, let's be clear, essential oils are not appropriate or effective medical treatments for most ailments. If they were as effective at treating medical conditions as these MLMs and their followers claim, pharmaceutical companies would have jumped on the essential oil train decades ago to increase their huge profits. The fact that big pharma doesn't promote essential oils should be sufficient evidence that they are not effective and should not be promoted as a legitimate alternative to traditional medicine.
Anyways, F this author, and F anyone else who promotes MLMs and alternative "medicines" that have no proven efficacy at treating disease.
What I had a HUGE problem with and what led me to give this rating is the fact that the entire book is basically propaganda for multi-level marketing (MLM) essential oil businesses.
Let's be clear, MLMs are preditory businesses that take advantage of, most often, women and minorities. They make claims that they are not pyramid schemes, but the differences between the two are negligible. The vast majority of people who are recruited to "sell products" in an MLM do not earn a profit. In fact, many lose money.
The heroine, Addy, has an internal monologue at some point early on in the novel, defending MLMs and claiming they aren't as bad as everyone claims they are. Addy's whole shtick is based on essential oils being better alternatives to traditional medicine, to the point that she is included as one of the instructors in the town's first aid course.
Again, let's be clear, essential oils are not appropriate or effective medical treatments for most ailments. If they were as effective at treating medical conditions as these MLMs and their followers claim, pharmaceutical companies would have jumped on the essential oil train decades ago to increase their huge profits. The fact that big pharma doesn't promote essential oils should be sufficient evidence that they are not effective and should not be promoted as a legitimate alternative to traditional medicine.
Anyways, F this author, and F anyone else who promotes MLMs and alternative "medicines" that have no proven efficacy at treating disease.
July 17, 2025
I can’t decide between 2 or 3 stars so I’m going to stick with two.
So, I did enjoy the authors writing and I loved the h, but I HATED the H. He was a jerk of epic proportions and just not someone who I would ever want to be in a relationship with. He straight up told the h that she wasn’t a priority of his. He also, in hopes that the h would break up with him, stopped opening her door and getting her bike out of his truck for her and made her do it herself. I could not stand him and he needed to grovel wayyyyyy more
So, I did enjoy the authors writing and I loved the h, but I HATED the H. He was a jerk of epic proportions and just not someone who I would ever want to be in a relationship with. He straight up told the h that she wasn’t a priority of his. He also, in hopes that the h would break up with him, stopped opening her door and getting her bike out of his truck for her and made her do it herself. I could not stand him and he needed to grovel wayyyyyy more
February 18, 2022
A-MAZ-ING!!!! What an awesome start to a new series, although I honestly expected nothing less from this author!! Totally was drawn in by the characters, the plot, this book literally has all the appeal!😍😍😍
June 7, 2022
Quirky and weak plot. Enjoyable in a “different” way. Ace the handsome small town firefighter who has dated everyone which isn’t good from a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business and Addy the hippy health guru yoga chick is just a stretch too far. No chemistry, ridiculous characters like her hippy parents just didn’t work for me. Quick easy beach read but not great.
June 5, 2022
cute opposites attract romance between a firefighter and a yoga instructor.
also, these is frenemies to lover
also, these is frenemies to lover
February 20, 2022
This is book one in the Hellman Brothers series and is a standalone. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA.
The chemistry and sparks that fly between Ace and Addy are fiery and intense. Initially they booth feed into the near-hate that has festered between them since kindergarten. They are so very different, and they have to learn to appreciate those differences in each other. There is heat, many laughs, interesting secondary characters as well as cameos from some of our favorites. I can always count on this author to brighten my day. Addy is truly one of my favorite characters ever. Ace must become the man Addy and I knew he could be, and when he does it is a beautiful thing. This is another winner and I can’t wait to read more of the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
The chemistry and sparks that fly between Ace and Addy are fiery and intense. Initially they booth feed into the near-hate that has festered between them since kindergarten. They are so very different, and they have to learn to appreciate those differences in each other. There is heat, many laughs, interesting secondary characters as well as cameos from some of our favorites. I can always count on this author to brighten my day. Addy is truly one of my favorite characters ever. Ace must become the man Addy and I knew he could be, and when he does it is a beautiful thing. This is another winner and I can’t wait to read more of the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
February 24, 2022
I do love a grumpy hero! This was an easy to ready, low key book. Ace and his quirky heroine Addy were fun to get to know. But I have to say the mystery around Ace’s brother has me counting the days till his book is released!
February 19, 2022
A new Marika Ray book is always cause for celebration and when I found out she was revisiting my favorite town I couldn’t start reading fast enough. “Grumpy as Hell” takes place in Auburn Hills which is the hometown to many memorable characters from her previous books. Her new series revolves around the five Hellman brothers and Ace, the oldest, is bewitched by the magical and beautiful Addy.
At first glance it would appear that Ace and Addy were complete opposites with Ace being all about rules and public safety as a firefighter, and Addy believing in the sun, moon and stars and teaching the perfect yoga class. She worships nature, believes in the power of self-healing and is a budding entrepreneur. What could they possibly have in common? Personally, I think they are a match made in heaven because they balance each other out and are like the Fourth of July when they are together. I am shocked that Ace never had to put out a fire every time he kissed Addy!
All of Ms. Ray’s characters make me smile, laugh and wish that I too, could be as carefree as they are. I loved Addy’s peacefulness, her adventurous spirit and her desire to help people find their inner happiness. Ace needed Addy like a fire needed water; they were soulmates, and their love was written in the stars. Whenever I read Ms. Ray’s books, I know I will be entertained and amused by her endearing characters whose romantic journeys always end in a happily ever after.
At first glance it would appear that Ace and Addy were complete opposites with Ace being all about rules and public safety as a firefighter, and Addy believing in the sun, moon and stars and teaching the perfect yoga class. She worships nature, believes in the power of self-healing and is a budding entrepreneur. What could they possibly have in common? Personally, I think they are a match made in heaven because they balance each other out and are like the Fourth of July when they are together. I am shocked that Ace never had to put out a fire every time he kissed Addy!
All of Ms. Ray’s characters make me smile, laugh and wish that I too, could be as carefree as they are. I loved Addy’s peacefulness, her adventurous spirit and her desire to help people find their inner happiness. Ace needed Addy like a fire needed water; they were soulmates, and their love was written in the stars. Whenever I read Ms. Ray’s books, I know I will be entertained and amused by her endearing characters whose romantic journeys always end in a happily ever after.
March 4, 2022
You just love Marika's grumpy guys, I absolutely do! Ace and Addy's story pulled me in right away and never let go. I loved all the combo tropes in their story, I know it's going to be so enjoyable. You got enemies-to-lovers, small-town, grumpy/sunshine. What more could you ask for? I loved their banter and back and forth. All those tensions between them! They have hot chemistry even though they don't like each other. But you know what they say about the line between hate and love. An adorable read!
Want to read
March 3, 2022It's HERE!!!! Grumpy As Hell is NOW AVAILABLE in ebook (Kindle Unlimited) and print. Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, enemies from Kindergarten, smokin' hot firefighter romance is guaranteed to bring the the laughs, major swoons, and an intense craving to take a trip to the small town of Hell.
February 22, 2022
A hilarious, quirky, steamy romance revisiting Marika Ray's Auburn Hill (aka Hell).
Ms Ray's stories always make me chuckle, but her novels set in Hell crack me up. The townsfolk are off their trees and constantly in everyone else's business. And the seagulls are crazy. 😂
I enjoyed meeting Ace and Daisychain... er, Addy. Having read every other book set in this town, I appreciate returning to the madness and mayhem.
Ace was a responsible grumpy-bum, and I loved him! 😍 Although Addy was very crunchy, she wasn't insane like her family, and I felt sorry for her when she didn't feel "seen" by anyone. The chemistry between the firefighter and yoga instructor/herbalist was fiery, and their snarky interactions earlier in the story were very amusing. 😁
Note to readers: this book has a lot of f-bombs (Ace is a swear bear), so if you can deal with foul language and steamy sex scenes, this might be for you.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
Ms Ray's stories always make me chuckle, but her novels set in Hell crack me up. The townsfolk are off their trees and constantly in everyone else's business. And the seagulls are crazy. 😂
I enjoyed meeting Ace and Daisychain... er, Addy. Having read every other book set in this town, I appreciate returning to the madness and mayhem.
Ace was a responsible grumpy-bum, and I loved him! 😍 Although Addy was very crunchy, she wasn't insane like her family, and I felt sorry for her when she didn't feel "seen" by anyone. The chemistry between the firefighter and yoga instructor/herbalist was fiery, and their snarky interactions earlier in the story were very amusing. 😁
Note to readers: this book has a lot of f-bombs (Ace is a swear bear), so if you can deal with foul language and steamy sex scenes, this might be for you.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
February 19, 2022
Oh my goodness, Ace and Addy are a couple of epic proportions, let me tell you! These two are an advertisement for opposites attract, in the very best way. They may go from utter enemies to lovers, but their chemistry is not EVER lacking! I absolutely adored Addy in her hippie filled essential oil obsessed Chakra charging self, she makes me want to work harder to be proud of who I am, in every aspect of myself. And Ace, boy oh boy Ace is the type A, super responsible, heroic, charming, good ol' boy you never knew you needed in your life. These two filled me with so much joy, so much love, and such a deep desire to continue my literary escape into Hell! I am absolutely looking forward to these ridiculous Hellman brothers and their antics and shenanigans! What an incredible read! See y'all on another page!
February 18, 2022
If I could give this alllllll the stars, I would! This may move up to one of my all-time favs from this author. I love a good opposites attract story, and this was a funny, quirky, angsty, and so well written one. Ace and Addy have been opposites and not liked.. okay borderline hated each other since kindergarten. But holy cow, once they try to get past that, whew it gets hot. It's whether they can get past all that made them dislike each other, and if being so opposite will even work.
Holy cow Addy's parents... well they are quite the added bonus. Those 2 are really something else LOL.
We of course get a little of the OG Hell characters sprinkled in here, making it well rounded
I can't recommend this enough.
I received an advanced copy of this gem, this is a review of my own opinion.
Holy cow Addy's parents... well they are quite the added bonus. Those 2 are really something else LOL.
We of course get a little of the OG Hell characters sprinkled in here, making it well rounded
I can't recommend this enough.
I received an advanced copy of this gem, this is a review of my own opinion.
October 30, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Ace and Addy have been enemies forever. One event changes everything! I really liked Addy particularly once she decided she was going to make sure she was the priority in others lives.
Ace and Addy have been enemies forever. One event changes everything! I really liked Addy particularly once she decided she was going to make sure she was the priority in others lives.
March 11, 2022
Once again Marika Ray hits it out of the ballpark with Grumpy As Hell, I don't know how she keeps coming up with these books but she does. Keep them coming!
February 25, 2022
It feels like coming home! I have loved being back in the Auburn Hill (Hell) world with new faces and old!
Addy and Ace were amazing!
Just shows you how opposites attrack!
Ace is the ultimate rule follower, rules keep people safe and as the new fire station Captain he is all about keeping people safe.
Addy is the complete opposite a free spirit and very comfort in her own skin, surrounded by nature as Ace discovers when he stumbles onto her property uninvited!
They may be enemies at the start but that soon changes! Thank goodness Ace knows how to put out flames because these two are HOT!
I laughed so much while I was reading this, they have such amazing banter.
I can't wait for the next book in the series and can't wait to find out more about these brothers!
Addy and Ace were amazing!
Just shows you how opposites attrack!
Ace is the ultimate rule follower, rules keep people safe and as the new fire station Captain he is all about keeping people safe.
Addy is the complete opposite a free spirit and very comfort in her own skin, surrounded by nature as Ace discovers when he stumbles onto her property uninvited!
They may be enemies at the start but that soon changes! Thank goodness Ace knows how to put out flames because these two are HOT!
I laughed so much while I was reading this, they have such amazing banter.
I can't wait for the next book in the series and can't wait to find out more about these brothers!
March 1, 2022
This book marks a return to what I consider the best of Marika’s writing – complex characters with real motivation and history behind them, not always reacting in the most reasonable way – but totally understandable and relatable. There is still plenty of heat, and the zaniness we expect (because we are, after all, still in Hell), but this book felt a lot deeper to me than the last few have been.
Addy and Ace are just fine avoiding each other, as much as they can in a small town, until they are thrown together. That’s when the truths start to come out – why have they hated each other for two decades? – and the dust starts to settle, and the fun starts. I loved watching Ace open up to Addy, realizing that she is special in ways that soothe his soul. It’s not a one-way street, however, and Addy has some growing to do as well. I guess that’s the part I enjoyed the most: that the growth is balanced, and that they grow together. I received a copy in return for my honest review, and I’m excited to watch this new series develop.
Addy and Ace are just fine avoiding each other, as much as they can in a small town, until they are thrown together. That’s when the truths start to come out – why have they hated each other for two decades? – and the dust starts to settle, and the fun starts. I loved watching Ace open up to Addy, realizing that she is special in ways that soothe his soul. It’s not a one-way street, however, and Addy has some growing to do as well. I guess that’s the part I enjoyed the most: that the growth is balanced, and that they grow together. I received a copy in return for my honest review, and I’m excited to watch this new series develop.
March 14, 2022
Quick(ish) Review
You ever read a favorite trope and then inadvertently (or in purpose) end up reading a few books with the same trope and they compare and contrast in good and bad ways? That’s where I was when I read this book.
Definitely a YMMV type of read as I wasn’t familiar with the town (seems this author has several set in the same place) and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
The sunshine/grump trope is a fave and this one was a little bland beyond the sex. But hey if you like hippie heroines, firefighters, and a clear setup of five brothers for future books, this may work for you. I’m not writing the whole series off yet, just this one.
You ever read a favorite trope and then inadvertently (or in purpose) end up reading a few books with the same trope and they compare and contrast in good and bad ways? That’s where I was when I read this book.
Definitely a YMMV type of read as I wasn’t familiar with the town (seems this author has several set in the same place) and I had trouble connecting with the characters.
The sunshine/grump trope is a fave and this one was a little bland beyond the sex. But hey if you like hippie heroines, firefighters, and a clear setup of five brothers for future books, this may work for you. I’m not writing the whole series off yet, just this one.
April 4, 2023
Dnf at 75%.
The female main character was too obnoxious.
The female main character was too obnoxious.
November 27, 2023
Forgot I read this because what part of it was memorable?
February 4, 2024
i could’ve written this on wattpad in 2013 at age 12.
March 2, 2022
If this is the dawning of the age of a new series I can’t wait to see where the author takes us from here. Get ready to get your tie dye out, set your chakras in line, pull out your soundtrack to Hair and lastly prepare your heart to fall in love. Bring your tissues because you will tear up, but you will also uproariously laugh at times and feel all the emotions.
There’s so much to take in from this book; daring to be different, always trying to do the right thing, not standing up for yourself, living for others and feeling like you have to solve all the problems of world yourself and never truly being seen and so much more.
I have to admit I could see a little of myself in parts of the story as I think all who read this will as well.
Addy stole my heart. She’s different from the norm but in this town different is the norm. So as much as she may feel out she’s definitely in.
Ace portrays the American hero. He has an image to keep up. The key word is portrays but what you see isn’t always what you get. Still waters run deep.
Together these two have history that until recently keeps repeating itself. It’s about to go off course and what a course that is. Live and learn.
Open up your heart and let the sunshine and moonshine in. Sometimes you have to step back and breathe to get a clearer understanding of what’s really important.
I have to stop or I’ll just continue to gush. This is a book I’ll definitely be rereading. So open up this book and let the moonshine in!
There’s so much to take in from this book; daring to be different, always trying to do the right thing, not standing up for yourself, living for others and feeling like you have to solve all the problems of world yourself and never truly being seen and so much more.
I have to admit I could see a little of myself in parts of the story as I think all who read this will as well.
Addy stole my heart. She’s different from the norm but in this town different is the norm. So as much as she may feel out she’s definitely in.
Ace portrays the American hero. He has an image to keep up. The key word is portrays but what you see isn’t always what you get. Still waters run deep.
Together these two have history that until recently keeps repeating itself. It’s about to go off course and what a course that is. Live and learn.
Open up your heart and let the sunshine and moonshine in. Sometimes you have to step back and breathe to get a clearer understanding of what’s really important.
I have to stop or I’ll just continue to gush. This is a book I’ll definitely be rereading. So open up this book and let the moonshine in!
March 2, 2022
"Be my girlfriend, little wood nymph."
I do not think I have ever heard a cuter nickname used for the heroine of the story and I have read some cute ones lately!
Ace and Addy have been enemies for 20 years. Ace is the ladies man of Auburn Hill and Addy is the daughter of two very free spirited people. The first time we see them encounter each other was done in true Marika Ray fashion...something unique and out of the ordinary (sorry but I cannot give it away). That encounter ends up haunting Ace to the point he finds himself going back to Addy's place. All too soon he is not able to stay away from her.
Ace Hellman and Adelia Bammingford could not be any more opposite than they already are and yet so perfect for each other. This enemies-to-lovers story has the excellent hilarity always found in a Marika Ray book. This book is full of so dang much spice and then there are other times when Ace is so tender with Addy in the simplest of ways I was swooning HARD! Ace grows as a person and realizes he wants to be the Ace that Addy loves. Watching them grow as a couple and him being someone Addy could count on...perfect. So many of the characters from the previous two Hell series made an appearance in this book...I loved it! I cannot wait for all his other brothers to get their stories! This trip to Hell is going to be just as good as the previous two!!!!!
I do not think I have ever heard a cuter nickname used for the heroine of the story and I have read some cute ones lately!
Ace and Addy have been enemies for 20 years. Ace is the ladies man of Auburn Hill and Addy is the daughter of two very free spirited people. The first time we see them encounter each other was done in true Marika Ray fashion...something unique and out of the ordinary (sorry but I cannot give it away). That encounter ends up haunting Ace to the point he finds himself going back to Addy's place. All too soon he is not able to stay away from her.
Ace Hellman and Adelia Bammingford could not be any more opposite than they already are and yet so perfect for each other. This enemies-to-lovers story has the excellent hilarity always found in a Marika Ray book. This book is full of so dang much spice and then there are other times when Ace is so tender with Addy in the simplest of ways I was swooning HARD! Ace grows as a person and realizes he wants to be the Ace that Addy loves. Watching them grow as a couple and him being someone Addy could count on...perfect. So many of the characters from the previous two Hell series made an appearance in this book...I loved it! I cannot wait for all his other brothers to get their stories! This trip to Hell is going to be just as good as the previous two!!!!!
March 2, 2022
It feels so good to be back in the town of Auburn Hill (better known as Hell) with a fresh new series, this time about a family of brothers! I wasn’t sure it could get any better than the Waldo sisters but if Ace Hellman is only the beginning of the Hellman Brothers series, than I think I am about to be proven wrong, and I’m entirely okay with that!
This book has all the laughs and craziness I know to expect from the author, but I also felt all the emotions for Ace and Addy. I loved both of these characters so much! Ace is a firefighter who never settles down and wants to rescue everyone and follows all the rules, while Addy is free as can be but so strong and knows what she wants. Even if it caused the drama between them in the end, I was so glad she stood up for herself! Don’t worry though, they get their HEA and it really is a beautiful ending to their amazing story!
It’s fitting this is a firefighter book because it is five alarm hot! It just might be the author’s hottest yet! There isn’t necessarily a lot of steamy scenes, but the ones that are there are extra 🔥 Small town enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and opposites attract, this book starts a new series off with a bang!
This book has all the laughs and craziness I know to expect from the author, but I also felt all the emotions for Ace and Addy. I loved both of these characters so much! Ace is a firefighter who never settles down and wants to rescue everyone and follows all the rules, while Addy is free as can be but so strong and knows what she wants. Even if it caused the drama between them in the end, I was so glad she stood up for herself! Don’t worry though, they get their HEA and it really is a beautiful ending to their amazing story!
It’s fitting this is a firefighter book because it is five alarm hot! It just might be the author’s hottest yet! There isn’t necessarily a lot of steamy scenes, but the ones that are there are extra 🔥 Small town enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and opposites attract, this book starts a new series off with a bang!
March 13, 2022
Grumpy As Hell
Grumpy As Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 1)
Marika Ray
Marika Ray is one of my favorite authors as she never disappoints me, and this was no exception. I'm actually quite happy that she was not ready to leave Hell, aka Auburn Hills, it's such an eclectic, welcoming town. This is an enemies to lovers book and but these two have hated each other for 22 years, since they were 6 years old. Ace is the grumpy firefighter (grumpy to Addy at least) and Addy is a free-spirited, yoga instructor and wood nymph. It starts with a not so conventional meeting, and both start wondering why the animosity has lasted so long between them. Some soul searching, meditation and yoga, may get them talking and figuring out why the hate started. Of course, we get to meet Ace's brothers, so looking forward to the next book on one of them. I loved that some of the characters made appearances from the other Hell Series, but you do not need to read them in order for this book to make sense. Addy's parents were sure an added bonus and added some hilarious moments to this story. If you enjoy a book with swoon, heat, laughter and all the feels, then you definitely should give this book and author a read. So looking forward to the next one, and I hope you keep writing and entertaining me for many years to come.
Grumpy As Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 1)
Marika Ray
Marika Ray is one of my favorite authors as she never disappoints me, and this was no exception. I'm actually quite happy that she was not ready to leave Hell, aka Auburn Hills, it's such an eclectic, welcoming town. This is an enemies to lovers book and but these two have hated each other for 22 years, since they were 6 years old. Ace is the grumpy firefighter (grumpy to Addy at least) and Addy is a free-spirited, yoga instructor and wood nymph. It starts with a not so conventional meeting, and both start wondering why the animosity has lasted so long between them. Some soul searching, meditation and yoga, may get them talking and figuring out why the hate started. Of course, we get to meet Ace's brothers, so looking forward to the next book on one of them. I loved that some of the characters made appearances from the other Hell Series, but you do not need to read them in order for this book to make sense. Addy's parents were sure an added bonus and added some hilarious moments to this story. If you enjoy a book with swoon, heat, laughter and all the feels, then you definitely should give this book and author a read. So looking forward to the next one, and I hope you keep writing and entertaining me for many years to come.
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