The Quarry Master

Amanda Milo

Book 1 of Grumpy Heroes

A grumpy, fire-tempered alien overseer named Bash is forced to manage a quarry full of human laborers he despises, until a one-armed, endlessly chatty human named Isla starts chipping away at his hostility. Told from both Bash's and Isla's points of view, the story is a slow-burn workplace romance built on banter, growing trust, and a gradual shift from antagonism to deep affection. It's a lighthearted sci-fi romantic comedy that leans on found-family warmth and an unlikely pairing rather than fast-moving plot twists.