Sizzle by Carrie Aarons

Everyone knows that if there was an award for biggest small town grump, Liam Ashton would win for Hope Crest, Pennsylvania no questions asked.
The reclusive, brooding farmer might be part of the family business and do anything for those closest to him, but his bark keeps almost everyone else away. Perhaps that’s what happens when you fall in love at first sight but aren’t allowed to be with the soulmate you didn’t realize you were looking for.
When the forbidden woman of his dreams blows back into town, he might finally get a shot to convince her they’re destined to be together. Only, her denials and refusals won’t let him get anywhere near her.
Gabrielle Murphy swore she’d never return to the town where she took her first teaching job. She’d done the right thing, once upon a time, and there is no room to question what if.
But when the only woman who ever understood her passes and leaves her to clean up the pieces, she can’t exactly say no. Get in, fulfill her grandmother’s wishes, and get out. That’s the plan. Until Liam confronts her and they give in to the unmatched inferno that’s been blazing between them forever.
Even though there is nothing standing in the way of a happily ever after this time, Gabrielle still can’t let this surly version of the Liam she once knew love her completely.
Until a surprise binds them to each other for the foreseeable future, and they have to forgive enough to move forward. But just as the ice around their hearts starts to thaw, darker outside forces threaten to ruin their chance before it’s even taken.