Growing Connected: Living for Love (Happy Hollows – Connections Series Book 1) by Penny Heart

Susan loves her teaching job, but lately, she’s felt adrift. When an opportunity to take on a new garden at her school presents itself, she jumps at the chance. With no gardening experience, she’s in over her head, so she heads to the local gardening store. A professional gardener with a grumpy demeanor, Jacob is better with plants than people. Social anxiety and a grumpy nature have isolated him, but he prefers his solitude and small circle of friends. When he meets Susan, sparks fly. Despite their instant attraction, neither is interested in more. Susan is happy with her single life the way it is, and she’s got too much going on with the garden to deal with a guy with a quick temper, even if he makes her laugh. Jacob’s business is expanding, so he needs to focus on work, not a pretty blonde with a kind word for everyone. Fate keeps throwing them together, but an outside force works against them. “Growing Connected” is the first in a series of 30- and 40-somethings in the Happy Hollow apartment complex who find love with help from a clandestine matchmaker. If you like grumpy/sunshine, instant attraction where he falls first, and lots of laughs and angst, this steamy, sexy romantic romp is for you.