My Grumpy Old Bear

Lovable Grumps, Book 1

By: Jayda Marx

Narrated by: Nick Hudson

Brooks - I’ve been coming to this little café every weekday for the past month, and everyday the same guy, Noah, takes my order. He always flirts with me, talks to me, and makes me feel like a million bucks. The problem? He’s in his mid-twenties, which is a baby compared to my 45 years. The first time he winked at and flirted with me, I thought he was making fun of me. I may have cussed him out. Okay, I did. But just a little. But, to my surprise, he just laughed and told me I was cute when I was grumpy. I should have run away and never came back to this place. But I can’t stay away. As if the age gap between us isn’t reason enough to keep my distance, we are also complete opposites.

Noah is young and free-spirited, kind and funny. I’m an asshole. Our looks couldn’t be more different either. Noah is tall and thin with dirty-blond hair and blue eyes. He smiles so big his cheeks dimple up, and he lights up the room. And then there’s me. I’m gray-haired, gray-eyed, thickset, and I have crows feet and a bad back. When Noah basically forces me into a date, he flips my entire world upside down. But things can’t be that easy; I’ve got secrets, physical and emotional pain, and enough baggage to fill an airplane. I’ve got to keep my distance because this could never work. Noah - I’m becoming obsessed with a hunky older man. For a month now I’ve been flirting and dropping hints that I like him. Though we talk often, he always shrugs off my advances.

With his sexy gray hair and eyes and his cranky attitude, he’s like my own personal little storm cloud. Sure he’s grumpy, but I don’t miss the way his lips twitch when I tease him, or his eyes sparkle when I tell him he’s handsome. Each day I pull a little bit of information out about himself, but I’m hungry for more. I know there’s a big, beautiful personality behind his tough exterior, and I want to be the one who releases it.

*This M/M May-December romance is insta-love and low angst.

©2019 Jayda Marx (P)2021 Jayda Marx

All the Feels!

A great narration for a great book! The characters are lovable and grumpy with real life issues that they overcome together.
Highly recommended.

Great Start to a new Series

I though Brooks and Noah made a great pair. The courting was precious, especially coming from the young to older. This was a cute story and well worth the listen. From a grumpy old bear and a flirty waiter love can bloom. I received an ARC of this audio for my honest review.

Great Listen

This is my first Jayda Marx book it was cute age gap story with opposites attract characters. This narration was fabulous. Nick had a pleasant reading and singing voice.

Brooks and Noah's Age-Gap Love Story

The first book in Jayda Marx’s series ‘Loveable Grumps’ tells the love story of 45-year-old grumpy-exterior-hiding-a-caring-soul Brooks and ray-of-sunshine Noah, who is much younger at 23. Brooks harbors some angst over the idea that sweet, affable Noah would be attracted to a gruff, overweight man nearly twice his age. Noah has his work cut out for him convincing Brooks that, yes, Brooks is the man he wants.

I don’t know that I’d call this book an insta-love story, though the relationship does progress fairly quickly. Brooks and Noah do spend time getting to know each other and have a few dates before undying love is declared. Really, the whole story is an adorably delightful read, and except for a jumping-to-conclusions incident near the end, is almost completely angst-free.

Nick Hudson delivers a wonderful performance as narrator. I particularly like his interpretation of Brooks, giving him a gruff, gravely voice, just as Marx describes. The contrast given between Brooks and Noah’s voices makes for a oleasurable listening experience. BONUS: Hudson’s singing voice is also enjoyable (and his music writing skills shine).

I am able to listen and review this audiobook courtesy of an ARC being given to me subsequent to my requesting it. This post represents my voluntary, honest opinions.

Recommended.

Getting His Grouch

Brooks is a grouch who isn't quite happy with life.
Noah is happy, flirty chap looking to make the best of life.
When Brooks catches his eye, Noah knows he has to get to know the older man better.

This was a lovely, age gap, insta love, found family type of story.
I loved seeing these characters bring out the best in each other.

The narrarion was done amazingly well and the rendition of the song at the end was fantastic. An absolute joy to listen to.