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Violet Clarke is ready to take over the world, one strawberry at a time, after she inherits her grandfather's old farm.That's the plan, at least...But when firefighter, William Baxter, shows up for a routine safety inspection, he informs her in no uncertain terms that her raspberry-themed world takeover is shut down until she fixes the berry farm's storage shed.Yes, she understands it's a fire disaster waiting to happen.No, she doesn't have any money for repairs, Will.So when the rough and rugged fireman returns, offering her his grumpiest help to restore the shed, well...She can't exactly turn him down, can she? Plus, maybe some sunshine and strawberries will flush the grump out of him.At no point in time did Violet intend on falling for the grumpy-hot firefighter with a tragic past, but the longer they work together, they more she realizes there's so much more to William than she first thought.Now if only she could convince him that it's perfectly safe to let the sparks of passion ignite something in his hardened, locked-up heart...

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2023

96 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Ginger Hudson

24 books15 followers
Ginger Hudson loves writing fun and cozy small town romance with a grumpy hero and sunshine heroine. Her books are meant to make you smile and leave you always satisfied with a beautiful happily ever after ending.

She lives with her occasionally grumpy husband and their cat, Ed, who loves watching videos of chinchilla dust baths on YouTube. One of her favorite things to do is curl up on the couch with a good book, a cup of tea, and a cat in her lap.

If you'd love to hear more from her, you can sign up to her occasional newsletter for special bonus content, free books, and more at:

http://cherrylily.com/ginger

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5 stars
29 (28%)
4 stars
25 (25%)
3 stars
26 (26%)
2 stars
14 (14%)
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6 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
5,878 reviews551 followers
February 25, 2025
Violet Clarke moved to Love Springs to take over her grandfathers berry farm after he passed. She knows it will be hard work, but she does not plan on not passing the fire inspection. She doesn't have the funds to go all out, she needs to do the work herself and it doesn't help that grumpy firefighter William Baxter has given her a time limit to get it done. She is thrown for a loop though when Will shows up to help, with his kindness towards her Violet is determined to crack his grumpy exterior. It's not long before friends become something more, despite Will's hesitation due to his past. Everything is working out between the farm, Will and her new life but someone is determined to destroy the farm. Can they figure it out who before it is too late?

This was a sweet one. More of a slow burn romance, entertaining and I thought Will and Violet were a wonderful couple.
1,262 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐s Love found in the berry patch.

Violet Clarke has inherited her paternal Grandpa Tom's  berry farm. Although she has memories of being there helping Grandpa Tom, she knows nothing about farming. Her neighbor, Brenda Thompson, gives her the names of local farmers who will help her learn what to do. But first she must pass a fire inspection. This was something Grandpa Tom barely squeezed by passing in the past.

Firefighter and fire inspector, William Baxter, runs a tight crew. He stresses safety because of a failure in his past. The guilt from that failure has seeped into his bones and soul. Drills for his fire company are taken very seriously and he's always trying to safely shave seconds off response times.

Will's fire inspection of the berry farm does not go well. Until Violet can bring a storage shed up to code, she can't open. He only gives her 2 weeks to do the work. He's not swayed by her pleas asking for a temporary permit or an extension of time to do the repairs citing her lack of money. As he's preparing to leave, he remembers what Mr. Thomas had done for him in the past. He offers to help and she accepts his offer.

As they work together to bring the farm back to its former glory, they grow close to one another. Their friendship grows into love. But just as their relationship is sometimes rocky so is the fate of the farm. Someone is keeping a keen eye on the farm's success and plotting its ruin...

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
August 10, 2023
Violet and William . . .

Violet Clarke was overwhelmed by the rows and rows of berry bushes that were now hers. She was determined to make him proud. She had inherited her Grandpa Tom’s berry farm which is in poor condition right now. Her past experience with the farm had been in picking the fruit when she visited during the summers. But this was a much larger project now. But she is determined to make it thrive again, no matter what it takes.

One possible difficulty to overcome is William Baxter, a grumpy firefighter who is inspecting the farm, and he’s very serious that it must pass his rigid inspection. For him, safety is the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, her storage shed needs lots more work, and she doesn’t have the money to put into its repair. To her surprise, he returns to offer his help getting the shed back to tip-top condition. And as they work together, she sees another side to the man. But will he keep his heart off-limits? Or will he take a chance on finding love for the two of them? And will he stick by her when Ava Rodriguez tries to ruin Violet’s farm and her reputation by gathering a crowd there, protesting and accusing Violet of poisoning their families with harmful chemicals? Will the lying, jealous neighbor cause Violet to give up on her berry farm?
2,185 reviews15 followers
August 10, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Small Town Romance In Love series featuring the heartwarming romance between William and Violet. Violet has just inherited her grandfather's old strawberry farm and she plans to bring her grandfather's legacy back to life. Before she can begin though she has to pass a fire inspection enter grumpy firefighter/fire inspector William. He comes out to inspect the farm and it doesn't go well despite the fact that he's drawn to Violet. He gives her 2wks to get the work done to get the farm up to code ignoring her pleas for more time. As he's getting ready to leave he remembers what her grandfather had done for him years ago and he offers her his help which she accepts. You really need to read this heartwarming romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caz (whatcazread).
184 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2023
Grumpy Firefighter is book two in the Small Town Romance in Love Springs series by Ginger Hudson and is Violet and William’s story.

Will is the grumpy Firefighter/Fire Safety Inspector sent to inspect the berry farm Violet inherited from her Grandfather. The farm is only just profitable so when Will tells her it needs work before it will pass inspection Violet doesn’t know how she can get it done within the two week timeframe, especially when she can’t afford the cost of materials.

Will has fond memories of Violet’s Grandfather so he offers to help her with the necessary repairs to the storage shed and the two of them work side by side on the repairs.

As Will and Violet work together their attraction grows, however Will has walls up around his heart after a tragic fire incident. Can Violet break down his walls and convince him to take a leap of faith?

Read if you like:
- small town romance
- grumpy sunshine
- slow burn.

Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,198 reviews22 followers
August 14, 2023
Though this is the second book in the Small Town Romance in Love Springs series, this reads as a standalone. Violet has just inherited her grandfather's strawberry farm and she plans to rehab and reopen it for business. Before she can, she has to pass a fire inspection and that inspection is going to be done by the grumpy firefighter/fire inspector William. She has 2 weeks to complete all the work, but when he remembers what Violet's grandfather did for him years ago, he offers her his help which she readily accepts. This book is full of sizzle, steam, drama, and some twists, and turns. A solid 4 star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,451 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2023
The second book in Ginger Hudson's Small Town Romance in Love Springs series is the standalone Grumpy Firefighter. William takes his job as a fire inspector very seriously after tragedy in his past; Violet is working to re-open her grandfather's berry farm after inheriting it. However, when an old storage shed that's not up to code threatens her ability to open (and her finances), the grumpy fireman finds himself grudgingly offering to help. When sparks fly between them, will they both be able to overcome what's holding them back to see what's standing right in front of them? A sweet, steamy grumpy guy / sunshine girl romance that's an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sarah Finley.
53 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
Still a little rushed…

This book was better than the first one, Grumpy Lumberjack, but it still felt rushed and lacking in the right kind of details. One of the things people love about small town romances is that you feel like you want to live there too. Unfortunately, there’s a glimmer of that feeling but not enough. The other thing is, when you’re dealing with a grumpy character, you need more friction between the grumpy character and their love interest at first, that way when they do get together, it’s that much sweeter. It’s getting better, so I’m wondering if the next book will be even better than this one. I have all but one of the books in this series, so I guess I’ll see.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
August 30, 2023
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Violet Clarke & William "Will" Baxter. Violet has big plans for the berry farm she has just inherited from her grandfather. The only problem is the barn to store all the crops can't pass inspection. Will knew Violet's grandfather when he was younger. He was the one man to believe in him and put him on a better path. Can he help her without getting involved with her or is this their chance at a HEA?

Another amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
3,264 reviews10 followers
August 22, 2023
Violet inherited her grandfather's berry farm and plans to continue his legacy. One problem though the grumpy firefighter who does her property inspection may jepordize that dream when he cites her for her storage shed being out of regulation. What will she do she doesn't have much money to fix it up. Willia. Decides to assist her. They spend time together and grow close in the process. Will she be able to break through his grumpy demeanor and turn his frown right-side up?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
August 20, 2023
This was a sweet grumpy / sunshine story to takes your heart on a ride.

Violet had inherited her grandfather's farm, determined to reopen it, but she need to get past William and the fire inspection.

Good story as you watch William's wall fall and get closer to Violet while helping her with the farm.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Will Decker.
Author 23 books17 followers
March 8, 2024
I had a hard time with the writing style of this story. I won't go so far as to call it 'sophomoric', but it reminded me of days in grade school reading 'Dick and Jane' stories. You can only imagine how surprised I was when the romance kicked up a notch and things got real. There are some hot spices mixed into this otherwise vanilla romance. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to make me want to read anymore by this author. Meh.
Profile Image for Lisa T.
523 reviews
September 10, 2025
It was okay

This book was okay for a short read. There's not enough dialogue for my preference...its not that there's inner dialogue...more like just glossed over...we talked about this and he was upset about that...without the actual dialogue between the characters. Very mild spice and it was a tad cheesy. The conflict with Ava was very middle school and the resolution didn't make much sense. I didn't have much connection with Violet and Will...may just be the writing style.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,606 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2023
He came out to inspect her property and ended up with so much more. He has a past that makes him hold back. But he enjoys helping her get her farm to code and back running. There is a bit of drama but these two get there HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,528 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2023
Loved this book. Will is a firefighter in a small town and has walls up around his heart after a tragedy, violet comes to the small town after inheriting her grandpa's berry farm and when these two meet sparks fly but will William let his walls down and let her in before he loses her forever?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,008 reviews13 followers
August 19, 2023
This is a very sweet story. She inherited the farm from her grandfather and really doesn't know what she is doing but is going to give it her all. A handsome firefighter is willing to help. Check out what they go through and the effort they put in to get to know one another.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kandiemarie.
2,200 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2023
This is book two in the Love Springs series and it's a great story. It's Violet and Williams story. The chemistry between the is hot and the storyline is fantastic. I enjoyed reading this and recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
August 23, 2023
A sweet, heartwarming romance that has you feeling all the feels and loving everything about this story. The characters are amazing and easy to love. The story is well written, flows smoothly and keeps you wanting more. A perfect weekend read.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,022 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2023
Violet has inherited her grandfather's farm, but fails the safety inspection. Firefighter William helps her get the place up to code, but someone is out to sabotage Violet's farm, so will they ruin everything?.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
August 7, 2023
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Violet and William. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, fears and obstacles.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews33 followers
August 10, 2023
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.What a very cute story . violet Clarke inherited her grandfather's berry farm that needs lots of TLC .William Baxter is the local fire inspector when a boy help her grandfather.
Profile Image for Andrea.
60 reviews
April 16, 2024
The dialog was chapter after chapter of "aww shucks" and titillating hand touches. The first handful of chapters was step by step of the main characters fixing a shed. There wasn't a lot of depth to the characters that had me connecting to any of them.
480 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2025
Enjoyable story

Great story about two people that have to overcome past feelings about death to come together for a better future and for the better of their community. Heartwarming and it even had the mean evil neighbor. Enjoyed on audible and kindle
479 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2023
This book is about Violet who inherited her grandfather's farm. During an fire inspection William discovered the farm is a fire hazard.
This book contains obstacles, connection, desire, fear, love.
Profile Image for Elaine Swinney.
2,205 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2024
This was a feel-good read. It is a well written story with good characters. This one is worthy of your time. I would encourage you to go get this one. I really think you will enjoy it I know I did.
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,362 reviews209 followers
May 8, 2024
It had so much potential but it didn't live up to it. I liked Violet, she was determined and wore her heart on her sleeve, she was a sweet girl, deserved the world. Will gave whiplash, and I didn't find him grumpy, but maybe that's just me. The time of the book was also weird and there were so many things that repeated themselves, again it was weird. I liked them together, they were adorable but yeah, I was expecting something better honestly, it wasn't bad but it wasn't so good
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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