Her Grumpy Firefighter

Grumps of Appleridge #2

by Lyssa J. Cole

He spent his days putting out fires and avoiding love. She was focused on her future until a smokin' grump stole her attention.

When my football career ended abruptly, I chose the simple life of a firefighter in a small town. Love was out of the question, considering nobody wanted an old washed up football player like me.
Yet when a curvy woman needed me to put out a fire in her mom’s kitchen, she called me her hero.
But she had big plans for her future and I doubted a grumpy mountain man would fit in. Or would I?

Her Grumpy Firefighter is an age gap, small town instalove romance set in a picturesque New England town and features a virgin, curvy girl and a grumpy mountain man she wants to claim. It’s meant to be devoured in one hour! So if you love short, steamy instalove novelettes, with curvy girls and grumpy mountain men you’ll want to one click the Grumps of Appleridge series today!

Genres: Firefighters

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Lyssa J Cole writes steamy, small town instalove short stories with protective alpha heroes and sassy, strong women. With lots of drama, over the top emotions, and the sleepy New England town charm, her novelettes are easy to devour and offer a quick bite of romance sure to satisfy your craving.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She became my favorite person of all time."~Gideon

Ooooh. We have ourselves a hottie grumpy fireman about to have his entire world tilted then set ablaze by one sassy woman named Yara. Gideon is that man. And for being a guy who has sworn off dating, all women actually, that plan has now been BURNT to a crisp and scattered to the wind.😜 Gideon is just doing his job. And while on a call, he meets Laurie and her daughter Yara. Also, Princess, Laurie's cat who gets rescued.🐈‍⬛ Gideon has a way with animals. He also has a way with Yara. The bantering, the feistiness, these two flirt and act like it isn't happening. Hunny please!! It's popping between you two and off the page in my face.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Hello!! Who are you trying to fool?!!!😚😚

Man, this book was good. It's a fast read, short and sweet. There's an age gap, a little drama, and lots of sizzle. I was cracking up with Gideon and Yara trying to act cool but they only ended up arguing then getting hot and bothered with each other.🫦 Yara's Mom 'set them up' on a date. Yup, Mom went there. And Princess the cat, she helped seal the deal. Since she had a paw in it by climbing up the tallest tree.😸 I love how these two adore animals. Yara is my kind of girl. Calling everyone out.😄😄 She wants to be a veterinarian. And Gideon, he's sexy and knows how to handle any challenge. Want to know what happens next? It gets really steamy.🥵🌋🔥🌋 You know you want to read the next installment in the Appleridge saga. Don't deny it.😏 There's a HEA. I love this one! Ms Cole has done it again. Happy reading!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️❤️❤️

🐾🚒🧑🏻‍🚒Thank you to Ms Cole and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.🧑🏻‍🚒🚒🐾

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introducing Princess, the matchmaker.

Gideon may be a grumpy guy, but he does have a soft spot for animals, and they love him, too. At the home of a kitchen fire, he goes back in to rescue Princess, the woman's cat. When he comes out, there's a beautiful, curvy young woman standing beside the woman. He's immediately drawn to her, but in his heart, he's certain she'll be like the others. Laurie is the name of the woman, and the beautiful younger woman is her daughter, Yara.

Yara works at the town hall. While the job pays her bills, the amount of paperwork involved is getting to her. She wants to be a veterinarian and takes part-time night classes to eventually earn her degree. She realizes it will take years to succeed at her dream. In her spare time, she works at an animal shelter. She hopes to one day have the time to devote to having a pet.

She wonders why she's never seen Gideon around Appleridge before. It's not like it's a big town. His snarky attitude isn't off-putting to her either. But blowing him a goodbye kiss certainly isn't her!

Her meddling mother will be staying with her for a few days, and she's not looking forward to that, especially since Mom wants grandchildren. Looking on the bright side, at least she'll do the cooking.

The next morning her mother had appointments to see about repairs. Princess is the devil in disguise today! When Yara took out the trash, Princess dashed outside and is stuck in a tree out of Yara's reach. There's only one solution to this problem.

Gideon can't believe the fire department answers calls to get cats out of trees! He has good reasons for not dating. Darn if he can remember them when he's near Yara!

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Yara's (h22) mother’s kitchen catches fire, Yara isn't expecting the gruff firefighter who rescues her mom’s stubborn cat to leave such an impression. Gideon (H24), a brooding firefighter with a no-nonsense attitude and a firm rule against dating, is drawn to Yara’s fiery spirit and sharp wit despite his better judgment. But Yara doesn’t have time for romance, or so she tells herself. As their paths cross again, sparks fly in the form of heated banter and undeniable attraction. Yara’s volunteer work at the local animal shelter and Gideon’s surprising soft side bring them closer, breaking down the walls they’ve both built. What begins as mutual annoyance slowly shifts into something neither can ignore as Gideon and Yara open up to one another and love. Hot and steamy age gap, instalove, firefighter, grumpy mountain man, curvy girl, small town romance, exploring love, connection, family, trust, vulnerability, and growth.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Firefighter is
Book 2 of the Grumps of Appleridge series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, curvy virgin gets her firefighter romance. Yara is a 22 year old smart, sassy, and curvy girl who works at town hall and is studying to be a veterinarian. Gideon is a 34 year old hunky, grumpy firefighter who has sworn off love and dating. When Yara's mom has a house fire, Gideon is one of the firefighters on the scene. The two are attracted to each other, but Gideon is pretty rude. When they run into each other again, her mother plays matchmaker, and Gideon agrees to take her on a date. They both realize that maybe they misjudged each other. These two were so cute together. Gideon was such a grump, but the banter was funny, the chemistry was hot, and the ending was happy. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Firefighter is truly grumpy and he's the devil's cat whisperer. And that's something to a future veterinarian. The banter and the attraction is strong with these two and the insta factor is of the charts. Gideon and Yara are fire together, pun intended. Thank god he put out fires for a living. Gideon is new Appleridge resident, a former football player now firefighter sworn off love. And Yara is busy working and studying and not interested in dating. Hence the meddling mother and the grumpy cat working to get together this firefighter and this girl. And their first date is of the charts hot and steamy. Ans as you see the love bug is constantly at work in Appleridge. And that bonus is chef's kiss.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon is set against dating until he meets Yara. When her mom’s kitchen catches fire, Gideon and the other firefighters arrive to put it out. Yara would give him a run for his money with her cocky attitude. They can’t stop thinking about each other and thus when he returns a second time, a challenge is made that they go on a date. Will they accept the challenge? I enjoyed the banter and they chemistry between them. Such a cute couple.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint about this story was that it ended way to soon! Gidian and Yara's story had me intrigued from reading the blurb. He came to her rescue and called him her hero. This quick romance was very enjoyable, I only wish it was longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yara has goals that men and relationships just don't fit into.
Gideon in a firefighter and former football player.
Tropes:
Mountain man, quick read, small town, curvy women, age-gap, forced proximity, virgin heroine, OTT HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Lyssa J Cole and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good speedy read. Loved the characters and the story line. All in all was a fun and entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 2 in The Grumps of Appleridge Book Series has a, entertaining romance story, a well-crafted world, and interesting characters. These characters have unique personalities, intertwined histories, and believable interactions. This story has a Firefighter/washed-up Football Player, a woman whose Mom's kitchen caught on Fire, twists, turns, chemistry, emotional connection and love with a HEA.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom catch her kitchen on fire, now lm look at a hot firefighter . Mom’s no help when I end calling the fire station as the kitten up the tree. What a girl to do when mom gets the firefighter to take me on a date? Read and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who do you call when your cat is stuck up a tree...a grumpy firefighter

Her Grumpy Firefighter is the fourth book in the Grumps of Appleridge series. This is an age-gap, sunshine/grump, sparking chemistry romance. It all starts when Gideon is at the firehouse and they have a call for a kitchen fire. When the truck pulls up they find a woman on the front lawn looking worried. As the fire is put out Gideon learns that a cat is still in the house somewhere. As he is the resident animal whisperer he goes in and finds her. Just as he brings her back out he sees another woman standing there also. When Yara learned her mother's house was on fire she left work at the town hall and rushed to be there with her. What she saw was a very large and sexy man coming out with her mother's cat, Princess, or as Yara calls her the devil cat. Her mother and Princess move in with Yara as her house is not livable until the kitchen is repaired. But Princess has other plans and after escaping out the door on Yara the firehouse is once again needing to be called, after all what do you do when your cat is stuck up a tree and the sexy firefighter you can't stop thinking about may be working. Between Princess and Laurie, Yara's mother, Gideon and Yara are destined to be together, even as both are opposed but ready to challenge the other to back out.
This was a fun and entertaining book. The story is funny, sweet, has some action and drama and a push/pull with great banter between Yara and Gideon.

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Yara and Gideon! They compliment each other in all the right spots. A pleasant lunchtime read!

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Firefighter is full of sassy banter and electric connection. Gideon and Yara clash in so many ways, and yet they are perfect for each other. I loved how he gave as good as he got while also crushing on her hardcore and respecting her boundaries and family situation. I would have loved to get to know each of them a bit more individually.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you have an emergency, fire fighters always come to the rescue! This firefighter does more than put out a kitchen fire. He ignites a fire in Yara that even she didn't expect. A great instant chemistry read!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon as a firefighter who’s vowed not to date after a bad experience. That is until he meets Yara when he’s on the job and workings to put out a kitchen fire at her mother’s house.
They flirt a little but they both know it’s just a little fun neither wants a relationship.
Both are a little pig headed and don’t back down form a challenge so when Yaras mother suggests they go on a date they agree. But can it really work!

Another great book from Lyssa, I love her storytelling and the characters she writes. Looking forward to the next book in the grumps of appleridge series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming romance starts with two people who didn’t want a relationship. Yara felt she was too busy and Gideon was jaded from past relationships and had sworn off women. Meeting when Yara’s mother’s home had caught fire. They exchanged unpleasantries and went on their way both denying the pull they felt for each other. After another snippy meeting, Gideon caved and asked her on a date. They couldn’t deny their feelings any longer, once they gave in they found their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He first sees her during a fire call at her moms house. He is adamant that he is not going to date again due to previous heart break. She is a ball of fire. Next time he sees her, her moms cat is stuck in a tree. Yup cat in tree. Her mom pushes them together and they agree to a date. Will it go beyond this one date or will he keep to his not dating. I loved the story and characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning. and when they meet they have a instant connection. He fights it but it's to strong. A wonderful story. Can be read under a hour.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished "Her Grumpy Firefighter" by Lyssa J. Cole, and it was a sweet, quick, and steamy read. It's a classic instalove romance with familiar tropes.

This story is about Gideon, a former football player turned firefighter who has sworn off love, and Yara, a driven young woman focused on her future as a veterinarian. When Gideon responds to a fire at Yara's mother's house, they feel an instant connection, despite their initial banter. Yara's mother and her cat, Princess, play a role in bringing them together, leading to steamy encounters. The main conflict is Gideon's reluctance to embrace love due to his past and Yara's focus on her career, but their strong attraction quickly overcomes these obstacles.

I enjoyed this lighthearted read. It delivers exactly what it promises: a short, steamy instalove romance with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The banter between Gideon and Yara was enjoyable, and their chemistry was evident. The author created a sweet and satisfying romance within a short timeframe. The inclusion of the cat, Princess, was a nice touch.

Because it's an instalove story, the relationship develops rapidly. Readers who prefer a slow-burn romance with extensive character development might find this pace too fast. The focus is primarily on the physical attraction and the quick progression of their relationship. While there are hints of deeper emotional issues, such as Gideon's past and Yara's career aspirations, they aren't explored in great depth due to the book's length.

Gideon seemed more reluctant and closed off than truly grumpy.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy:

Short, steamy instalove romances
Grumpy/sunshine dynamics
Small-town settings
Age-gap romances
Stories with cute animals

If you're looking for a quick and easy read with plenty of heat and a guaranteed HEA (happily ever after), "Her Grumpy Firefighter" is a good choice. However, if you prefer more complex character development, slow-burn romances, or intricate plots, this story might be too simplistic. I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers a quick, steamy romance, but it doesn't offer significant depth beyond that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't be drawn to a grumpy, handsome firefighter like a moth to a flame? Well, let's face it Yara is drawn to Gideon and he to her, but both fight the feelings tooth and nail, each having their own reasons. This is a cute romance with plenty of sharp-tongued banter and lighthearted humor that will surely have you coming back for the whole series of Grumps of Appleridge! Lyssa J. Cole is a master of romance novellas that you will love, her writing style flows easily, and her characters have personalities that draw you into the story, hanging on every page to see how their love story will play out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Yara's mothers home caught on fire Yara rushes to her and meets Gideon, the grumpiest firefighter ever. He had saved her mother's cat but all Yara and Gideon seemed to do was argue back and forth. When Yara has to call the fire department because said cat got caught up in a tree it's Gideon to the rescue again. This is such a fun read, laugh out loud moments, fast and steamy and I loved the banter between Gideon and Yara. He may be a grumpy firefighter but he's Yara's grumpy firefighter. Loved this short novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his football career ended so did Gideon’s romantic relationship. Needing a fresh start, he moved to Appleridge and is now a firefighter, but he never expected to meet the first woman to make him feel in a long time at one of those fires.

There are two bright spots when it comes to the fire at Yara’s mother’s house as no one was hurt and it brought Gideon into her life. From their first meeting the sparks flew, and it quickly turned into a fire neither wants to put out.

Yara’s sassy personality is exactly who Gideon needs in his life as they find love where they least expect it.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Firefighter by Lyssa J Cole is insta-love delight to read. Gideon and Yara spark off one another from their first meet. They are both strong, individual characters but together they have chemistry and an emotional connection. I love how the author fits a lot into this story. It has life, emotion, family, friends, work, romance, and steam. This age gap, small-town, grumpy mountain man romance is entertaining with wonderful main and supporting characters and makes a great addition to the series, Grumps of Appleridge.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She rushes to her mom’s house when she gets the call that there is a fire. He is one of the firefighters and they have an instant connection , but he is grumpy and resists. When they run into each other again and their banter heats up he tells her he is taking her on a date. From that point on their chemistry is combustible and all of their resistance goes up in flames. This is a short story format see John I expect to get complicated character development or overly detailed plot lines. It is pretty straightforward, a quick little bit of romance leading to their happily ever.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon met Yara when he rescued her mom's cat after a kitchen fire. She was beautiful and got under his skin like no one before. But he didn't have time for her kind of distraction. Women were nothing but trouble.
Yara was definitely attracted to Gideon, but she had no interest in a relationship. It sure was fun riling him up, though! And that devil cat seemed to like him. Maybe he wasn't so bad.
OMG These two were great together! They enjoyed pushing each other's buttons, and they were both very good at it. Their banter was perfectly snarky and made me smile so much.
I'm loving this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

firfigther romance.
Yara is an independent young woman who works odd jobs. When her mother's kitchen catches fire, she doesn't expect to meet the most handsome firefighter in the fire station, and when her mother's cat gets stuck in a tree the next day, she didn't think she'd be saved a second time by the same man, Gideon.
Gideon is a cold and lonely man. When he meets the beautiful and impertinent Yara, he can't help but fall under her spell.
Will Gideon be able to open his heart to Yara...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yara first meets Gideon when he comes her mother's kitchen catches fire and is the fireman who helps put it out. They meet again, when her mother's cat needs rescuing and Gideon turns into a cat whisper. He is grumpy and is not looking for a relationship. Yara is a independent woman who works doing odd jobs.
Gideon fights letting in the beautiful Yara, he can't help but fall.

These two are different but both need each other. Light and dark.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving these short romances. Perfect bedtime reading. Romances that are fun (insta-love) with a guaranteed happy ending. Of course, the reader is given lots of clues. When we learn the heroine is studying on the side to be a veterinarian and the hero is a cat whisperer, you know they are going to get along! She is surprised when he asks her on a date and he is surprised when she teases him about his advanced age. He's in his early 30's while she is a twenty-something virgin. On the date, they stop by to do her volunteer work at the pet shelter, and we know they were made for each other!

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon is a firefighter and looks to beloved by animals.He responds to a kitchen fire where Laurie,the owner is worried about her cat,Princess, who doesn't like anyone except her and her daughter, Yara. Image their surprise when Princess loves on Gideon. He loves Yara's looks, but he figures that she's no good for him just like all the others. Why are his thoughts so critical? Laurie,Yara's mother, is matchmaking between them;will it work? Will their own attitudes change?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.