Jaxson by Sam Crescent

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SKU 978-0-3695-1530-8
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The Grumpy Men of Higher Ridge, 1

Jaxson Riggs once hated everything about Higher Ridge. But after years in the big city, he’s come to appreciate the small town he grew up in—the safety, the peace, and the fact that it finally feels like home.

He’s also earned himself quite the reputation with the local women.

But there’s only one woman he truly wants.

Tillie Short.

Sweet, curvy, and kindhearted, Tillie has no one in the world but her beloved dog, Belle. And lately, Jaxson keeps finding reasons to be around her. To everyone else, he’s the town grump. With Tillie, he’s something entirely different.

Their unlikely friendship quickly becomes the best part of her life.

Until one scorching summer night changes everything.

One moment they’re friends. The next, Tillie’s no longer a virgin—and Jaxson has no intention of going back to the way things were.

He wants Tillie. Not for a night. Not as another name in his past.

He wants her as his woman. His wife. His forever.

But Jaxson’s reputation is hard to ignore, and now he has to convince Tillie of the one thing that matters most:

She was never just another woman to him.

 

Excerpt:

Neither of them drank the wine, and that was because Jaxson wasn’t a wine drinker. He liked beer, and never went fancier than that. However, his mom’s notes said the bottle of wine was essential. He would take the rest of the wine back to his parents for them to enjoy. The food was delicious, apart from the disaster of the pasta.

Next, he even wowed with his mom’s chocolate pudding recipe, and yes, he paid for those ingredients out of his mom’s pantry as well. There was no point in rushing to the grocery store, and if his mom needed it, he’d go for her in the coming week.

He put the pudding in front of Tillie and sat down opposite her. It was a homemade chocolate pudding, with a dollop of whipped cream on top. According to his mother’s suggestions to help it set quickly, he spread the mixture out into individual ramekins and allowed them to cool. It had gotten cooled quite quickly, and he placed it in the fridge, but it also helped that he did it the moment he got indoors. The whipped cream went on top just before he went to get Tillie.

“This is so delicious,” Tillie said.

The date had been amazing. They talked about food and some of the locals, then Tillie told him a few of her upcoming plans for videos. They talked about everything and nothing. He talked about what he liked about his job, what he hated. A few gross stories added into the mix. Conversation just flowed between them, as if it was natural for the two of them. He was loving every second of it.

At one point, Belle came to join them. She went outside into his yard and went to a patch where she could do her business. He’d clean it up in the morning. She came inside, had some food, and went to settle down into her bed.

By the time he cleared the table, the sun had already set, and he closed the door and turned to find Tillie standing by the table. He didn’t want her to leave. She didn’t need to leave. It had been too long since he had kissed her.

He closed the distance, partly expecting her to stop him and tell him this wasn’t going to happen. Only, she didn’t put her hands up, nor did she tell him to stop. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her in close and kissed her hard, hearing her soft, subtle moan. He ran his hands down her body, going to her ass, and he pressed her close, so she felt the hard ridge of his cock.

“You drive me crazy, do you know that?”

She whimpered.

“If you want me to stop, tell me.”

“I don’t want you to stop. But Jaxson, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

He pulled back, because he remembered she was a virgin. He stroked some of her blonde curls back from her head, and he stared into her eyes.

“I can show you, if you want to.”

“Show me?”

“Teach you everything there is to know. No holding back. No hiding. You will be mine.”

He watched as she licked her lips, moistening them, and he couldn’t help but groan as he pressed her up against the wall.

“I am trying to do the right thing here,” he said, groaning.

“Yes,” she said. “Show me.”

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 35 ratings)
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5/5
Tillie’s Grump
Written by Samkat on 12th Sep 2026

Around Heather Ridge Jaxson is known as a grumpy and tough ladies man. He doesn’t make time for anyone, except Tillie. Tillie is sweet as sunshine and Jaxson’s complete opposite but he can’t get her out of his thoughts. At first, they are just friends, but one night things move into the romance territory and Jaxson has no plans of letting Tillie go now that he’s had her in his arms. Unfortunately Jaxson’s past tosses a monkey wrench in the gears of their budding new relationship and he has to show Tillie that she can trust him with her heart. Really enjoyed this grumpy sunshine romance!

5/5
Jaxson
Written by Avidreader23 on 12th Sep 2026

As usual, Sam Crescent has written a great plot, fantastic couple, no angst, slow burn, characters paying it forward, hea. Another winner! Jaxson is the guy to call if you want any job done - reliable, quick, honest and grumpy, of course. Tillie is an influencer with a sewer and craft channel and keeps to herself. Her not so friendly dog Belle keeps her company after her parents died. She is very much aware of his going around reputation around town but her dog very much approves of him. Jaxson has liked Tillie for a while and is looking forward to her online videos. A friendship leads to a first time date for both of them. How nosey can a small town be? What I liked the most is how they played matchmakers for Kate and Cruz - cannot wait to read it in the next book! Recommended.

5/5
wonderful
Written by laura.lovesreading on 12th Sep 2026

I love it when a new series starts with such a banger, that it makes me super excited for any new release. "Jaxson" is such a sweet story, that pulls you in with small town charm, steam, attraction, a reformed playboy, opposites attract and a beautiful happy ever after.

5/5
Jaxson
Written by DBG69 on 12th Sep 2026

What a fantastic book! It was a quick and enjoyable read! Jaxson and Tillie are such a perfect match up of characters! I was cheering them on all the way through. Great connection between them. Very hard to put down once you get pulled in. Well worth reading!

5/5
Jaxon and Tillie
Written by BeckyS68 on 12th Sep 2026

This is another Sam Crescent book I will definitely be reading again. It is so good! Jaxon has never had any trouble getting women, but he has never found one that he wanted for life. That is until he finally gives in to the attraction he feels for Tille. Tillie is totally different from the women who have chased him all his adult life, and he is smitten. This is a sweet and spicy story with fantastic characters. Now Jaxon has to show Tillie she is the one for him, and she always will be.

5/5
Jaxson by Sam Crescent
Written by LyndsayL on 12th Sep 2026

There is nothing better than a grumpy man who finds his woman, and she turns his whole world all upside down. This author never disappoints when she writes. You never know what to expect from her as she gets better and better. You can't help but love the grumpy guy finding his love and all that he does to keep her. This is a must read!!

4/5
Jaxson
Written by Sinful Bookwyrm on 12th Sep 2026

Funny, great one liners, sexy, nice plot, great set of characters and a wonderful HEA. Sam knows how to write a grumpy/sunshine romance. This one is just book 1 in the series and I can't wait to read more !

5/5
Jaxson and Tillie
Written by KKG on 12th Sep 2026

I love a good friends to lovers! Jaxson spent so long running from the town only to realize he was right where he was meant to be. Once he sees Tillie he realizes she is the one for him and pursues her. I love that Tillie was strong enough to see past Jaxson’s past and not let the rumors get to her too much. They were so cute together!

4/5
Jaxson
Written by Chrissy L on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson by Sam Crescent is a fantastic, high-stakes start to The Grumpy Men of Higher Ridge series! The grumpy hero dynamic brings an instant, magnetic tension that hooks you right from the very first page. The MMC is delightfully possessive, protective, and complex, making his relationship with the heroine feel deeply earned and completely addictive. If you love romance packed with great character interplay, fierce heat, and an unputdownable storyline, this book is a total must-read! Highly recommended for anyone excited to dive into a thrilling new series.

4/5
Taming the town bad boy
Written by Roberta R on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxon was a rebel and did not want to settle down until he met Tillie. She was an innocent, sweet and loving woman who took people at face value. They dated and people talked. They get their HEA. This is a cute small town bad boy/good girl romance. It is short enough to read at lunch. I recommend this book to all romance readers.

5/5
Love this series.
Written by Mary S on 12th Sep 2026

Love this new series this author came up with! Love reading Jaxson and Tillie story. Jaxson was a playboy but when he fall for Tillie he became a one woman man. I love this small town setting and I’m so definitely looking forward to more Higher Ridge town and its people.

4/5
Jaxson and Tillie
Written by Kimmijane on 12th Sep 2026

This was a cute and charming story. I would recommend it to readers who like grumpy sunshine stories. Jaxson is really grumpy but totally sweet to Tillie. Loved this book!

5/5
A Sweet, Steamy Small‑Town Romance with a Grump Who Finally Falls Hard
Written by Shae B on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson is a warm, easy read that hits all the right small‑town notes. I loved how Jaxson’s grumpy reputation melts the second Tillie is involved—he’s rough around the edges with everyone else, but with her he’s steady, gentle, and surprisingly sweet. Their friendship feels genuine, and watching it shift into something deeper after that one summer night gives the story a satisfying emotional pull. Tillie is a heroine you can’t help but root for. She’s kind, curvy, and trying to build a life that feels safe, and her bond with her dog adds a nice touch of heart. The way she struggles to trust Jaxson after his past with other women feels believable, and it makes his determination to prove she’s the only one that matters land even harder. If anything, I would’ve liked a little more time seeing Jaxson confront his reputation head‑on, but the story still delivers a sweet, steamy arc that feels earned. Overall, this is a charming grumpy‑sunshine romance with a protective hero, a heroine who deserves the world, and a small town that makes falling in love feel inevitable. A great start to the Higher Ridge series.

5/5
Jaxson and Tillie
Written by Avid MC Reader on 12th Sep 2026

This is the first book in the series and is a lovely, sweet romance. Jaxson and Tillie live in a small town where everyone knows or thinks they know your business. Jaxson has a reputation around town as a grump and ladies man as he has slept with almost all the women in town. He never intended to settle down so he wasn't worried about how badly this would hurt his chances when he does fall in love. Tillie is a sweet woman with only her dog, Belle as her family and friend. Jaxson is attracted to Tillie and begins to purposely run into her so they can learn about one another. Eventually he asks her out and thus begins their romance. With an abundance of rumors making their way through town, this couple chooses one another and gets their HEA.

5/5
Jaxson
Written by Stacii on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson and Tillie’s story is a sweet, passionate, intense, grumpy/sunshine, friends to lovers, a strong protective devoted grumpy hero determined to claim his hea after returning from the city making a name for himself, small town setting of Higher Ridge, sweet, a curvy virgin with a big heart who is living alone with her inseparable little dog, Belle. He will need to show her she’s the one for him.

5/5
Jaxson
Written by Suieko on 12th Sep 2026

Loved Jaxson and Tillie's banter and the spice they bring us so good. I loved the fact of course small town gossip tries to derail our main characters but who knows Jaxson could turn out to be not a notorious playboy like everything believes. There is a fair bit of swearing so if you don't like it or any sexy spice then this book is NOT for you...but luckily they doesn't apply to me.

5/5
Jaxson and Tillie
Written by Heather1145 on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson and Tillie I loved their characters, Jaxson was a grump compared to her sunshine, When they started talking things went slowly from there. They have a strong attraction, I really enjoyed their story,

4/5
Trust in a small town
Written by Bookbunny on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson has to work extra hard to win over Tillie’s trust. He has a reputation in town with the ladies and even more so known as the grumpiest person. Tillie doesn’t see the grumpiness in Jaxson. He treats her great and is always there when she needs him. Once hot night in her studio makes them more then just friends. Jaxson wants forever with Tillie. He wants to erase all his mistakes and give her everything. Tillie knows Jaxson’s past. She just needs to learn to trust that he would never fail her. Of course, gossip always happens in a small town. This small town it runs crazy. But with one good friend and a lot to trust, these two make it work. Looking forward to reading about Kate and Cruz. Cruz doesn’t seem to be any different from Jaxson with his mood. And Kate is a bit stronger willed but still is shy around Cruz.

5/5
Girl of His Dreams
Written by Shell R on 12th Sep 2026

This was a cute of a man falling in love with one of his neighbors. Jaxson has always been a free spirit and believe in enjoying the moment. Jaxson has and his eye on Tillie for a while. Her sewing vlog gave him the perfect opportunity to see her when he wanted. Now Fate has put them both into each other's path. Jaxson is committed to not mess up this chance with this sexy, creative woman. Enjoy ?

5/5
Loved it!!
Written by Kimberly R on 12th Sep 2026

This was such an incredible read. I absolutely loved it. Jaxson and Tillie were amazing characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

4/5
What a fun novella!
Written by Shelly44 on 12th Sep 2026

I loved Jaxson and Tillie. I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into this story. I love a good grumpy hero and a sunshiney heroine. From the first chapter this novella pulled me in. I loved the chemistry between Jaxson and Tillie. So good! I loved how Jaxson was determined to win Tillie over no matter what. Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novella down. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

5/5
The good girl and the bad boy
Written by Luv2Read17 on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson has made his way through most of the women in town, but always had his eye on Tillie. Jaxson even watched her videos on crafts and sewing, something he's not into. Tillie has heard about Jaxson's conquests and knows how much of a grump he can be. When these two finally start dating, the town does it's best to try and tear them apart...

5/5
Tillie and Jaxson
Written by LBing on 12th Sep 2026

This was an engaging opposites attract romance. Jaxon is a general handyman for the town and has a playboy reputation. When he sees hobby influencer Tillie, again, he falls hard and fast - and is clueless on how to date and woo her ;) This really made me giggle. Tillie is well aware of his rep but he was never a grumpy-gus with her. They develop a pretty natural rapport that soon enough leads to feelings on both sides. However, gossip tries to cause rifts between them and trust becomes paramount. Expect to get caught up in this fun romance that has plenty of emotions, side characters, drama, some action, family and hot romance for these two lonely people. I can't wait to read the next book to see how 'ungrumpy' Cruz will be with Tillie's bestie. Good fun!

5/5
Fabulous read
Written by Another world awaits on 12th Sep 2026

Fabulous read. Wonderful grumpy sunshine romance read. Sweet heartwarming and a great low angst easy read and HEA

5/5
Jaxson
Written by Karen99 on 12th Sep 2026

Love in a Small Town He’s the playboy of the small town, she’s the angel but somewhere along the way, Jaxson became obsessed and fell completely for Tilly. Ooh such a wonderful well written swoon-worthy romantic read with a beautiful HEA.

5/5
sunshine and grumpy
Written by Thisbe on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson does not lack a shortage of women, but none of them really touched his heart. He is used to being chased. Tillie is a sweet girl and somehow the grumpy Jaxson and she become friends and one night even more. But will she be another woman he just leaves behind and how can he show her, that she is different for him? The setting is in a small town and written intirguing with great characters.

5/5
His to Keep
Written by De'Anna on 12th Sep 2026

Short but addictive slightly different so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Jaxson sexy as all get out grump but also it is know he likes the ladies, returning back to the small town with eyes for one girl and one goal to win her heart but with the walls she has built around it might prove to be a little difficult, good thing he doesn’t run from hard. Tillie is sweet, curvy with a heart of gold along with few trust issues learned from growing up different from the other girls and the sexy Jaxson is back she doesn’t see the grumpy man but something more. The magnetic pull between these two are in insane she learns so much about him, she gets past his walls just as he gets past her walls, but does it lead to their very own happiness?

5/5
Great story
Written by PHOENIX96 on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson wasnt a man to be contained, though he found city life wasnt for him, he had returned to the small town he thought he'd outgrown, and gained a reputation with the ladies and as a grump but theres only one woman he wants Tilly. Tilly is good natured, with no family but her dog Belle, and Jaxson keeps finding reasons to be around, their friendship confused those in town but one summer night everything changes between them, but can Jaxson prove to Tilly shes not just another knotch? Well written, quick steamy, small town, reformed player, grumpy/sunshine romance.

5/5
When you know you know
Written by Joreads on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson is the town grump and playboy. He has had his eye on Tillie for more years than he can remember. Tillie is a shy woman with very few friends her business sewing keeps her busy. When life throws them together a friendship ship blooms and the more time Jaxson spends with Tillie the feelings between these two starts to bloom. In the middle of a heat wave these two spend the night together and Tillie gives Jaxson the most amazing gift herself. Tillie see’s a Jaxson that no one else see’s and she refuses to let the towns gossip colour her view of him. Jaxson knows his past might well have counted against him and the fact that Tillie does not do that strengths his feelings for her. This novella is short, sweet and spicy. A really great when you know you know novel.

5/5
Tilly & Jaxson
Written by Danee on 12th Sep 2026

This is the story of Tilly and Jaxson. They are two polar opposites, even though he is a big grumbler. But everything changes when he finds Jaxson, the one who makes him feel all sorts of things, and that is Tilly. I enjoyed their story and it is definitely highly recommended!

4/5
Grumpy Men of Higher Ridge: Jaxson and Tillie
Written by Kris08 on 12th Sep 2026

This was surprisingly cute and sweet! Jaxson and Tillie were such a lovely pairing, and I really enjoyed seeing the grumpy Jaxson turn into a complete softie for her. There’s a little bit of steam, but this one is much more about Jaxson knowing exactly what he wants and being absolutely gone for Tillie. Not a fan of the small-town rumours and the drama from people who have way too much to say about everyone else’s business, but that’s small towns for you! Watching their relationship grow into the beginning of a gorgeous little family was probably my favourite part. And there definitely seems to be a teaser for the next book, so I’m curious to see where the series goes next!

4/5
Jaxon
Written by ChrisL on 12th Sep 2026

This is a short read. This is Jaxon and Tillie's story. He's been a player all his life, she has been a loner. Jaxson has watched her from afar. Will he show her a different side to him? Can she love a guy that was a player?

4/5
Jaxson and Tillie!
Written by Mary on 12th Sep 2026

This is another good story in the "Chaos Monsters MC" series. It stands alone but has connected characters. After reading the previous two stories I was hoping to get this story. The story is about Charlotte and Savage. Charlotte has been featured in the previous two stories. She is Doc's, the MC President, daughter. Savage is part of the MC, so she is forbidden. What happens when the truth comes out

5/5
The village grump, a sweet, curvy, innocent heroine, and a passionate romance that blossoms from friendship into love
Written by Fabs on 12th Sep 2026

A brilliant novella (which is a shame, as I absolutely loved the story) of contemporary romance – very sweet, passionate and intense – centred on the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the ‘friends to lovers’ trope, and a hero determined to claim his ‘happily ever after’. The story follows Jaxson Riggs, the town grump of Higher Ridge who, after returning from the big city and making a name for himself, has eyes for only one woman: Tillie Short. Tillie is a sweet, curvy virgin with a big heart, living alone with her inseparable little dog, Belle. Although everyone sees Jaxson as surly, with Tillie he shows his most attentive side. What begins as a lovely friendship takes a dramatic turn on a sultry summer’s night, when passion runs wild and Tillie loses her virginity in Jaxson’s strong, protective arms. Jaxson has no intention of going back to being just friends: he wants Tillie as his wife forever, but first he must convince her that she was never ‘just another one’ in his past. She is the only one for him. Jaxson stands out for the stark contrast between his cold demeanour towards the rest of the village and the intense, protective devotion he shows solely towards Tillie from the very first moment – just the sort of hero I like in books; I loved him. The evolution of their friendship into a passionate attraction feels very natural, full of sweet moments, explosive chemistry and physical affirmation, as Jaxon praises the virginal Tillie’s generous curves and makes her realise that what she once saw as a source of insecurity is, to him, a blessing.

5/5
Full of small town charm
Written by Ali80 on 12th Sep 2026

Jaxson was such a sweet and enjoyable small-town romance! I loved Jaxson and Tillie together. Jaxson may have a reputation as the town grump—and quite the past with women—but with Tillie, we get to see a completely different side of him. She’s sweet, curvy, kindhearted, and easy to root for, and I loved how their friendship slowly became something neither of them could ignore. The chemistry between them was great, but I especially enjoyed watching Jaxson prove to Tillie that she wasn’t just another woman to him. He knows exactly what he wants once they cross that line, and he’s determined to make Tillie his forever. Sweet, steamy, possessive, and romantic with a lovable dog thrown into the mix, this was a great start to The Grumpy Men of Higher Ridge series!