My son Marcus has this habit of wearing mismatched socks, claiming it's his "signature look." Last week, he wore one with robots and one with dinosaurs for soccer practice, which somehow led to an impromptu discussion about blending genres—he thinks someone should write a romance novel with time-traveling cyborgs in love. While no dinosaurs appear in Big Man, Penny Wylder's story did remind me that combining the unexpected (like city girl meets small-town man) often leads to surprises worth savoring. So, mismatched socks or not, here's how this book knocked my reviewer's socks off.
Plot Summary
Big Man by Penny Wylder follows Sasha Bluebell, a fast-talking New York paralegal who returns to her country hometown after her mother's passing. Her goal? Sell the family estate and head back to her big-city life—except half the property is owned by Grant Werther, her old high school crush turned rugged, irresistible co-owner. Forced into an uneasy partnership, Sasha and Grant navigate frosty tension, steamy chemistry, and unresolved history as they prepare the house for sale. The story blends themes of coming home, second chances, and opposites attracting in a contemporary, steamy romance. This book is a standalone novel.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Sasha and Grant's banter simply sizzles. Their emotional baggage makes them relatable—Sasha's struggle with old wounds, Grant's fierce loyalty, and both characters' stubborn pride made me root for them. The pacing is brisk, and the tension never lets up. I especially enjoyed the way small-town life is painted, not as simple, but as layered and captivating. Sometimes the story goes from funny to deeply heartfelt in just a few lines—and I'm a sucker for that kind of emotional whiplash.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy contemporary romance, forced proximity, small-town settings, and second chances, you'll likely love this story. This book is delightfully steamy and includes themes of grief, vulnerability, and learning to trust again.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Explicit sexual content, grief, references to loss, some emotionally charged situations.
Tagged As
Contemporary romance, standalone, steamy romance, forced proximity, small-town, opposites attract, second chances, emotional baggage, grief, witty banter, HEA
Steam Level
If you crave romance with intense chemistry and explicit scenes (no fade-to-black!), Big Man swings for the fences. The steam isn't just for show—it's woven into the emotional arcs, making every intimate moment matter.
