🏔️ Book Review: Crazy Grump by Stella Banks (Kindle Edition, Fit Mountain Instaloves Book 1)
A fast, flirty, and fiercely possessive mountain man romance—Stella Banks kicks off her Fit Mountain Instaloves series with a steamy novella that’s all about instant obsession, small-town charm, and unapologetic alpha energy.
🧠 Overview
Published in August 2022, Crazy Grump is the first book in the Fit Mountain Instaloves series. The story centers on Callum Walker, a rugged, grumpy mountain man who falls head-over-heels for the heroine—after knowing her for less than a day. She’s having one of the worst days of her life, and Callum doesn’t hesitate: he throws her over his shoulder and declares, “You’re mine.”
What follows is a whirlwind of possessive affection, cozy cabin vibes, and spicy instalove. The heroine, initially skeptical of Callum’s intensity, finds herself drawn to his protective nature and surprising tenderness. It’s a fantasy-driven romance that leans hard into the trope of love-at-first-sight with zero slow burn.
💘 Key Tropes & Highlights
- 🧔 Grumpy alpha hero: Callum is intense, territorial, and emotionally direct
- 🧁 Curvy heroine: Body positivity and self-worth are celebrated throughout
- 🏡 Forced proximity: The cabin setting fuels intimacy and emotional connection
- 💥 Instalove fantasy: Immediate emotional and physical chemistry with a guaranteed HEA
- 🐻 Mountain man charm: Rustic setting, protective vibes, and cozy domestic moments
“He’s known me for less than a day. And now he’s showing up at my job saying that I’m the one. Like I said. Crazy.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.65/5 from over 2,300 ratings
- 📖 Readers enjoy the story’s quick pacing, high heat, and alpha fantasy
- 💬 “Exactly what I wanted—short, spicy, and full of possessive energy. Callum is crazy in the best way.”
- 🧾 Some readers note the story is pure escapism with minimal plot, but fans of the genre find it satisfying
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 62 pages, it’s a novella—best enjoyed as a spicy bite-sized escape
- 🔞 Explicit content: Includes mature scenes and dominant dynamics—intended for adult readers
- 📚 Series starter: Sets the tone for the rest of the Fit Mountain Instaloves series, which features similarly themed romances
🏁 Final Verdict
Crazy Grump is a steamy, fantasy-driven novella that delivers exactly what its title promises: a hot, grumpy mountain man who falls hard and fast. Stella Banks leans into the instalove trope with confidence, making this Kindle edition a fun pick for readers who crave possessive heroes, curvy heroines, and no-nonsense romance.
