Girl Meets Grump

Kitt's Harbor #1

by Hailey Gardiner

Trent Stewart is sick and tired of spending all his time dealing with the nagging guests who stay at the cabins of Wildwood. The only way he can finish his current build on the property, a tree house, is to bring on a manager. But Trent’s frustration only mounts as he discovers the new hire is someone he’s already met, a guest whose incessant questions and breezy personality had driven him mad during her stay.

Sydney Foster has recently returned home to Kitt’s Harbor after a stint in Europe working as a travel blogger. When she finds herself needing a steady job, managing the enchanting cabins at Wildwood feels like the perfect way to satisfy her wanderlust. Too bad the charming haven in the woods comes with a bear of a man who seems doggedly determined to bring out the worst in her.

In this opposites-attract, sweet romantic comedy, Trent and Sydney must join forces to turn the tide for Wildwood while stubbornly trying not to catch feelings for each other along the way.

Girl Meets Grump is a closed-door, sweet romance that delivers on all the swoon without the spice.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2024

About the author

Hailey Gardiner writes cheeky, sweet romantic comedies in an effort to finally put her wildly active imagination to good use. Hailey is a master at quoting movies, will eat any dessert that’s salted, and loves raising two book-loving boys with her husband.

www.haileygardiner.com

@authorhaileygardiner

Reviews

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book from Hailey Gardiner! Once I started reading it didn't not take long for me to get hooked and not want to put it down!

Grumpy/Sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and she wrote this one so well!

Trent was the ultimate grump who was totally okay with his grumpiness. But the more you spent time with him the more you learned who he really was and why he acted as he did. I loved that we got to see him in so many different lights and that we got to see him become who he truly wanted to be because of Sydney.

Sydney was the perfect sunshine to Trent's rain clouds. She just truly loved everyone she met and no one was a stranger to her. She could talk to anyone and just make them feel loved and included. I love that she saw Trent as a mystery to solve and yet supported and accepted him in exactly who he was.

I loved the forced proximity, the moments that made me laugh, the moments that made my heart warm, the quirky Wildwood reviews in between chapters. And just everything about this book!

This was my first book from Hailey Gardiner and it definitely won't be the last!

If you are looking for a wonderful grumpy sunshine closed door romance with the cutest couple ever! The wonderful setting of the Pacific Northwest and just an overall amazing read give this one a go!

Physical Intimacy Lvl 2
Zero Swearing
Dual POV

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The woodsy, rustic cabin setting combined with the soft, cozy writing was so dreamy! I'm mentally packing my bags for Wildwood, please and thank you.

Trent Stewart was such shy-boy, rugged goodness, much preferring to work on his treehouse build than deal with nagging guests. He's a man of few words, and I loved the grumpy-sunshine banter as travel blogger Sydney nuzzles her way into his life with her sassy mouth and bright ideas as the new property manager.

Of course, not so deep down, Trent has the most tender of hearts. The small but monumental ways he steps up, forcing himself out of his comfort zone in the process to care for Sydney, will melt your heart. Their romance is pure sweetness with very minimal drama, but it's one of those stories where you can find absolute joy and comfort in the quiet moments. And I have to add, the kisses were seriously fiery!

Rest in peace, Hailey. Your stories will truly be missed.

(heat level: kissing only)

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy/Sunshine goodness! I loved that our MMC is is a true grump, but it’s due to being socially anxious—and he doesn’t inherently change—he gets understood. The fake reviews between chapters were hilarious, and I loved all the side characters and the beautiful setting of this sweet story too!

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stay," he says again, and this time his tone is more gentle. The softness of it brushes over me, like his fingertips found some bare part of my skin and set it aflame."

Girl Meets Grump by Hailey Gardiner

Ooooh, this was such a fun, short, delightful read. I had so much fun in Kitt's Harbor with Trent and Sydney.
Sydney is all bright, and sunshiny goodness. She is smart, and knows her stuff. And he is the opposite of her-
Trent is grumpy and surly, owns a cabin rental place, and wants nothing to do with Sydney.

Also the Bear! IYKYK!

As the story progresses, I loved watching these two fall in love. They are adorable and so right for each other!

Be sure to read this sweet romcom if you enjoy:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Workplace-boss
One bed
And so much more

Content Guide:
Language: None-Several instances where a character almost swears, but never actually swears
Sexual Content: Closed-door-Passionate kissing (not descriptive), mild innuendos
Violence/gore: mild injury (maybe?)
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: disgruntled customers

Book Info:
Series: Kitt's Harbor #1
Genre: Contemporary Romcom
Romance Level: Closed-door 2
Release Date: 2024
Publisher: indie
POV: dual

[Bethany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hailey Gardiner’s books so much and I was so excited for this one and so honored Hailey herself sent me an early copy 🥺🥺

This follows Trent and Sydney. Trent is a grumpy guy living in the Pacific Northwest who is the owner and contractor for Wildwood. Sydney is a travel blogger who just returned home from Europe and ends up getting a job as the new manager at Wildwood.

Trent is grumpy, but he’s different than any other grumpy character that I’ve read in the way that he’s grumpy because he has social anxiety. I really related to him as a shy girly myself. He also reminded me of Jacob from Yours Truly (we all know how I feel about this book)

I also loved Sydney and how she was so patient with Trent. He was slow to open up, but she was so willing to give him the space and time to do so. Their love was just so tender and sweet 🥹 intentional and not too fast

I loved the cutie dog and the setting is so cozy!! Everything about this book was so good 🥺

Hailey’s books are just comfort reads. They make me feel cozy and comforted and I love them so much!!

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Meets Grump by: Hailey Gardiner ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖Sydney takes the job as manager for the Wildwood Resort. Trent does not want any additional staff so he tries to avoid her at all costs. 

This is a perfect summer read. 

You're in the woods of the Pacific Northwest surrounded by trees with the ocean nearby. 

“The quiet here is so palpably delicious, it feels like you could inhale it.”

🤣This story is infused with humor 
Interlaced throughout are the resorts online reviews 

❤️Do you love a grump? I married one so .. 😂 

Trent is an introvert who really struggles with social anxiety and it comes across as blunt and rude to everyone he's close to. 

👍the good stuff 

-likable characters 
-outdoor shower 🫠
-a treehouse 

🗒️my two cents 
-some character growth just screamed fiction to me (which I know is maybe the point)

-I actually found Trent too grumpy for my preference 

Overall, if you like a fabulous setting, swoony romance and a real grump - this is it 

❓Do you like to go camping?

CW: kisses only

#haileygardiner
#kindleunlimited
#romcom
#closeddoor

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be no secret by now that I love the grumpy/sunshine trope, so naturally I was drawn into this one based on the cover alone... and thankfully the story inside was every bit as wonderful! Trent's character was just absolutely fantastically done. As someone who is painfully shy and struggles with conversation (and just peopling in general), I definitely felt like I connected with his character, and it made me root for him all that much more. My favorite grumps are those who have a reason behind that grumpy demeanor... and Trent certainly had that! Sydney was just the sunshine he needed to balance him out and I so enjoyed these two together! The chemistry was wonderful, and I couldn't get enough of them. It was a bit of a slow burn... but oh so worth the wait. Their first kiss? Oh, so good!

I loved the Wildwood reviews sprinkled throughout the story and thought that added some fun to the story too. There was also a Lizzie McGuire (movie) reference made early on in the story as well, which absolutely made this millennial super happy to see!

Girl Meets Grump is a closed-door romance with nothing beyond kisses.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Kat | Booked At Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
•workplace romance
•opposites attract
•grump×sunshine
•enemies to lovers
•small town romance
•no 3AB
•dual POV

This book feels exactly like a rom-com that gives you all of the warm, fuzzy feelings. I can see the cast now: Anna Sophia Robb or Lily James as Sydney, a like 5 years younger Jake Gyllenhaal or Colin O'Donoghue as Trent. I would be living for this.

Girl Meets Grump follows Sydney, a travel influencer who has returned to Kitts Harbor to help her sister Nora as she navigates being a single mom. How else does a former influencer get money? They get a job. And that job was at the Wildwood where she organized and planned her sister's baby shower and had her first encounter with The Bear.

Trent wanted nothing more than a quiet life. He wants to exist to build things, walk in silence with his Aussie, Goose, and avoid humanity at all costs. He is just misunderstood. Trent is shy and comes off as gruff and scary because he is highly anxious in any social situation (same though).

When free-spirited Sydney tries again and again to tear down his walls, we see how much he deeply cares. There is no grand gesture, and there is no need for one. Trent and Sydney's story emphasizes slow and simple love that is showcased in small gestures, but it is just as powerful and meaningful as what we see in the movies. It is real and funny and hard. They work through difficulties together and the interactions with the community are heartwarming.

I especially loved that we get to see Wildwood improve through customer reviews. It adds a touch of an outsiders perspective on the good Sydney brings to the story and lives of others around her.

If you need something that gives you that warm and comforting feeling from a movie, read this. It is a simple and beautiful enemies to lovers that even breaks down our annoyances as a reader. We want things to be a certain way, but we can't have that. Not until our beloved female hero guides the Bear through life and shows him that he doesn't have to stand alone, she will sit there in the quiet with him, just because.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIRL MEETS GRUMP
(Kitt’s Harbor #1)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner

-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“This one’s for the shy people— the thoughtful and observant introverts. Let this be your reminder that it’s okay to be quiet.”

~Trent Stewart is sick and tired of spending all his time dealing with the nagging guests who stay at the cabins of Wildwood. The only way he can finish his current build on the property, a tree house, is to bring on a manager. But Trent’s frustration only mounts as he discovers the new hire is someone he’s already met, a guest whose incessant questions and breezy personality had driven him mad during her stay…

“It’s not about where you start, is it? It’s about where you end up.”

-Girl Meets Grump is a delightful closed-door, sweet romance that delivers on all the swoon without any of the spice. In this adorable slow burn, opposites attract, humorous, small-town love story, both Trent and Sydney must join forces to turn the tide for Wildwood while stubbornly trying not to catch feelings for each other along the way.

-One of my favorite things about this story is how respectfully different personalities are handled. This book honored both personalities so well. Watching both Sydney and Trent push each other to be the best versions of themselves, while never forcing the other to change who they are, was both tender and heartwarming. On a personal note, I found that I related to Trent in ways with being shy, quiet, and nervous with big social settings especially when I was young. It’s taken time and effort for me to be comfortable, to not be so nervous, and to be more outgoing. This story is like a warm hug as Hailey showed so beautifully the importance of feeling heard, being seen, and cared for, in the most deeply personal ways.

Girl Meets Grump, is a story worth your attention and read!🤍✨💙📚💯🥰

“It’s okay to be quiet.”

•Content: Closed door, kissing scenes, innuendos, expression of desire.

***Stay tuned for book reviews for all of Hailey’s dear stories!☺️

#girlmeetsgrump
#authorhaileygardiner
#delightfulrom
#worththeread
#allaboutthebestreads

[Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“it’s not about where you start, is it? it’s about where you end up.”

・❥・

man oh man this book was everything i thought it would be and so much more. if you didn’t know this was one of my most anticipated releases this year. hailey gardiner is one of my favorite romance authors and i just love her writing. girl meets grump was NO exception! this story gave big gilmore girls vibes and fair warning after you read it you will be tempted to plan a little cabin in the woods getaway!

these characters simply have my whole heart. you will ADORE trent he had me hooked from the very beginning. and sydney is exactly what trent needed, watching their relationship unfold was so fun. the communication between them was *chefs kiss*! also of course can’t forget about goose!!! we love our furry friends! i simply can’t think of anything bad to say about this book! i need Everyone to add it to their tbr’s, you won’t regret it!!!

lastly of course BIG thank you to the author for the ARC! i’m literally soooo thankful i got to read this early! i can’t wait til this book comes out in physical form. girl meets grump comes out later this month: 2/28/24! i would love to hear all your thoughts if you pick this one up!!

[Chelsea | chelseadennreads Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of this from the author. I really enjoyed The Retreat and The Holiduel by Hailey Gardiner and she is quickly becoming one of my autobuy authors.

I adored this book! Grumpy/sunshine is not my favorite trope (mainly because I feel like the MMCs are more jerks than grumps) but Trent’s grumpiness was rooted in good reason. And I loved how good Sydney was for him. Sydney saw him and validated him in ways that other people would want to change, but she also pushed him to step out of his comfort zone. I loved watching their relationship unfold and these two were just genuinely so well matched.

And I loved how sweet Trent was! When Sydney talked about falling in love with him because of the little things…I was swooning because THAT is real life yall. Trent consistently showed up for Sydney and showed how much he cared about her in simple quiet everyday ways and I’m just hear to tell you, that’s what you want in a man ladies. The man who shows up in all the little ways that you didn’t even realize you needed.

This was just the most adorable read and I loved it so much. I cannot wait for Hailey’s next book but in the meantime I’ll be catching up on her backlist.

This is a closed door romance with no language and minimal innuendo.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo cute! I picked it up on KU after seeing IG posts about Hailey Gardiner’s recent passing. This was my first book of hers and I’m so sad I didn’t discover her sooner! This book was just darling. Not too cheesy but also not trying too hard to stun us with every possible past trauma that a character could have, like some contemporary romance does ya know? Just so much sweetness.

Some favorite things in no particular order:
—only one bed scene! So good!
—beautiful and immersive setting
—no third act breakup!! Hallelujah!
—banter and awkward situations that had me squealing and kicking my feet
—cute and mischievous Australian shepherd, duh

[Marta Cleverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I really like the main characters though the story itself was a little dull. The point in which the MMC just decides to stop being super rude happens on a dime and I think is waaay too rushed. I do really like the setting

[Jennifer B. (jenn.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

soooo cute. The grumpy/sunshine trope was done just right. Loved this one!

🔥 - kissing only

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable and hilarious! Hailey’s stories are fabulous and I’m so sad there won’t be anymore.

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

OH HOW TENDER.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I adored this soft and gentle romance. Sometimes that is exactly what I’m after and this was a beautiful story. I loved the dichotomy between Sydney’s extrovert self and Trent’s introvert self. They gave each other space to be who they are, and also meeting each other and being open to new dynamics. It was the sweetest grump and sunshine.

Absolutely obsessed with the setting. I’m not a PNW girlie but boy did this make me want to try it out. I felt like I was there and I love that so much. And I loved all of the side characters too. They were subtle and just what this book needed to bring it all together.

A lovely romance. Hailey Gardiner deserves all the love for her romances y’all.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses

[Tavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was a young wife and mom of two and recently passed away. Her books were on sale on Kindle and I wanted to support her family.

I loved this book! It was sweet and clean without being too cheesy. It was a favorite trope (enemies to lovers) done in a unique way. NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! And the completely clean but with 🔥 chemistry reminded me of Sarah Adams books!

I will be reading more from this author!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

SO. CUTE.

Hailey spins stories that always have me laughing & grinning while also packing a punch! Ever since Ella Mae’s story, I’ve been eager to meet Trent, and that excitement wasn’t misplaced.

Sydney is the ray of sunshine in this grumpy/sunshine duo, and she’s lovely. Full of spunk and spontaneity, she’s the perfect antidote for Trent, and her relationship with her family is precious. Gotta love strong sisterly “I will drop everything to help you” bonds.

As for mountain man Trent, he’s the grumpiest of grumps. But he doesn’t hate the world, he struggles with anxiety, particularly of the social kind, and the nervousness comes out as gruffness (but he has a heart of gold). If you liked Emma St Clair’s James Graham & Dana LeCheminant’s Chad Briggs & Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy, you’ll like Trent Stewart. 🫠 And the man reads! He’s bookish and he gardens and makes his own herbal tea blends and takes care of Sydney when she has a migraine! The way she softens him is just so precious.

The romance was adorably tender and sweet. And I have to say the handholding scene was by far the most romantically endearing part… even more than kissing. Yes, I’m standing by that statement.

[Rose 🌟 · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/5 🌟
I got to chapter 4 and dnfed. Listen I love a grumpy/sunshine troupe but the mmc was straight up rude for no reason. He wasnt grumpy, he was arrogant and just annoying. I don’t understand how he just dismissed Sydney and got annoyed with her. That annoyed me and I didn’t like his overall attitude. I think I wokkve really liked this book, it was easy to read which is always nice. I just don’t like the grumpy troupe when he’s blatantly rude instead of grumpy

🦋

[Kristalyne, love.lovely.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She gives me a very satisfied smirk. One I’d like to kiss right off her face.”

In honor of Hailey I decided to read all of her books this year! She is such a talented, beautiful, inspiring person who blessed my life with her words, music, light, kindness, testimony, and goodness! She is so very loved and so very missed.

Trent is the ultimate grump and Sydney is the sunniest sunshine. This was such a fun read! I loved both characters so much! The beautiful Pacific North West setting, the family, the laugh out loud scenes, the touching moments, and the heart skittering moments pulled me into this story!

Trent’s grump is strong! The slow burn change between these two is the sweetest. She slowly melts the grump’s protected heart and loves him just as he is! My favorite kind of love story!

Getting to know the man behind the grump was my favorite part of this book! He’s such a sweet cinnamon roll hero! I was also very grateful for the shy/introvert representation!!! These two are adorable and their story will have you swooning! I love them!!!!

My favorites:
🌲excellent Grumpy/sunshine trope!!!
🌲Goose
🌲The cabin reviews between chapters
🌲Wildwood, I want to visit!
🌲The sisters, can I join their family!
🌲Dual POV
🌲the rainstorm(IYKYK)
🌲that first kiss!!!
🌲The family!

This book felt like a warm hug. Hailey writes so beautifully, and the characters are always so endearing! Trent and Sydney’s story is one that will make you swoon, touch your heart, and inspire you! A truly beautiful story that I loved reading!!!
.
.
.
Content:mild innuendo, kisses only

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! It is everything I didn't know I needed in a romance right now—sweet, swoony, completely clean, and filled with the kind of banter that made me grin like a fool. It hit that perfect balance between heartwarming and hilarious, and I couldn’t put it down!

The Syd was such a delight—smart, spunky, and just the right amount of stubborn. I loved her outlook on life and how she managed to bring sunshine into every scene. She was the kind of character you’d want to be friends with in real life. And the grump, Trent? Oh my goodness. He was the best kind of grumpy—brooding, serious, a little emotionally closed off at first, but underneath it all, you just knew he had a heart of gold. Watching him slowly warm up, let down his guard, and fall hard was the most satisfying thing ever.

Their chemistry was perfection. You could feel the tension, the slow build, the stolen glances—and yet it all stayed completely clean, which made every little moment even more meaningful. There was so much charm in the way they challenged each other and pulled one another out of their comfort zones. And the side characters added just the right touch of fun and support to round everything out.

This is, hands down, my favorite book of the month. Maybe even the year so far. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after the last page and makes you immediately want to see what else the author has written. I’m already adding her other books to my TBR. If you love a cozy, clean romance with humor, heart, and seriously lovable characters—read this one. You will not be disappointed!

[riena. · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was having so much fun!! this book is so sweet and adorable><

things that i love from this book:
grumpy-sunshine
super loveable main characters
he is trying his best for her
she is being so understanding to him
he takes care of her when she's sick
and ALL the small (but matter) things they did to each other<33333
cozy vibeeeees

tropes:
grumpy-sunshine
enemies to lovers
workplace romance
small town romance
slow burn

[Calli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary romance is rarely my go to, but an author friend posted that Haley had recently died leaving a young family behind, and suggested purchasing one of Haley's books to help the family. This one was set in western Washington in a wooded camping area, the main female character photographed wildlife and nature, and the main male character was content in the woods away from people. Seemed it was destined for me. ;) It was a fun read.

[Kaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! I love the setting in dreamy Washington forests with hand-crafted cabins and a broody, moody, imposibbly attractive builder to boot. What's not to like? I was so saddened to head about Hailey's unexpected passing, I'm so sad we won't be reading more from her. So grateful for what she has given and look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this one! Grumpy x Sunshine goodness💕 I thought Sydney was just perfect for Trent and so understanding. I loved falling for Trent as the book progressed and realizing what a sweetie he was. Loved that she called him The Bear 🐻.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial thoughts after finishing: Hailey Gardiner did it again, this book is such a cute frumpy meets sunshine and an adorable dog to boot. I absolutely loved watching Sydney and Trent’s relationship develop and the setting was ADORABLE. Detailed review coming soon!

[Haru_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything!!!!!!

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was ADORABLE and MAGICAL! i absolutely LOVED Wildwood and throughly enjoyed my stay there. 🪵🏕️✨🌲🤍🐾

[Sarah Hickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story with funny banter and loveable characters. Was it a bit cliche? Of course. Is that what I came for? You bet!

This story was squeaky clean 🧼

[cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!
i love grumpy sunshine trope and they did the SLOW burn so well!!