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He was in charge of training the new recruit from the city. She thought her grumpy new boss needed some training of his own on how to let loose.

When my boss told me a new woman from the city joined our paramedic team, the last thing I wanted to do was train her, never mind work with her.
But I knew I didn’t have a choice. I knew she’d be just like all the others- a hot shot with a chip on her shoulder. Yet her smiley, bubbly personality proved me wrong in more ways than one.
Because not only did she charm me, but she claimed my heart too.

Her Grumpy Boss is a forced proximity, forbidden workplace, small town instalove romance set in a picturesque New England town and features a 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!

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

13 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Lyssa J. Cole

80 books57 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
1,239 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2025
Love and lust at first sight.

Xander is captain of the paramedic department in Appleridge. A new recruit is joining the team, and he's not ready to be too welcoming to her since she's from the city. In his experience, most city people are either know-it-alls or there aren't enough calls to provide them with the excitement they crave. He's certain she won't last long before she, too, quits. However, when she walked into his office to report for duty, all he could think of was MINE.

Blair learned right away that her grumpy boss didn't want her there. His actions spoke volumes while his words were short and to the point. Too bad he has a chip on his shoulder. If he's going to act so cold around her, it's a shame that he also has to be one of the hottest men she's ever seen.

She'd moved to Appleridge after the death of her brother-in-law, Mike, in a car accident. Her sister, Leanne, was left with a family of five ranging from about eighteen months to ten years. Blair's family had always lived in the city; Leanne was the only one to move to a small town. Her parents are in the midst of arranging things so they can retire and move to Appleridge, but in the meantime, Leanne needs immediate help. It's going to be an adjustment for Blair, but so far she likes the town.

Blair had kissed Xander on her first day at work. Best kiss ever! But he's her boss. Despite their rocky start, he soon learns that she does know her job, and she's excellent at it. But she can't forget that kiss. She could have been fired. They haven't repeated it; they've never even talked about it. She decided the time for talking about it was due, and today is the day. Armed with his favorite fresh and warm muffins, she enters his office. Before she can start the discussion, he drops a bombshell: he's...

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
660 reviews
January 20, 2025
"I think you know exactly what I'm doing. You're just too chicken s*** to do anything about it. So, I'm taking matters into my own hands."~Blair Bacawww!!!🐔🤣

Blair. Blair. This girll is crazy bold and I am here for it!😂😂 Bring on the grumps! Specifically Captain X.🫦 Bring on another Appleridge adventure. Come on, it's Appleridge. Hold all my calls, my never-ending to do list, b/c story time is my time! I wholeheartedly agree Cupid is running rampant in this community and he has his love arrows ready.🏹💘 Look over there.🫵🏻You might be next.🥸

I love it. It's short, bold, and ohh soo sassy. Xander is every bit your grumpy alpha male. He likes things his way. He's a bit judgy with the newest paramedic recruit, or maybe just in general, but he wasn't expecting curvy Blair. Xander has been hurt. He calls his heart a 'pumping sack of betrayal' ouchhhh! But Ms Blair here is gonna kiss the hurt away. Like farrrr away.💋❤️‍🩹 Game on!

Blair is fun and sweet. She moved to Appleridge to help out her sister, and her kids; her sister has recently become a widow. Getting this job, and meeting Xander, her new boss, things are about to get flirty and hot. Their bantering is about to take a turn.🥳🥳

Another fast read. I love the world building, their insta connection, and Blair making her move. Each book keeps getting better and love sexy. Xander and Blair work really well together. Fantastic characters. When it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I want to visit Ruby's bakery. Yummy sweet.🧁 You want some heat, with a man who knows a woman's body, you'll find that here.😝🔥🔥🔥 There's a HEA. Nice book cover. Happy reading.❤️❤️❤️

🩺🚑Thank you to Ms Cole and Booksprout for an early book.The opinions shared here are my own. Get your book ASAP.🩺🚑
Profile Image for Geri Stoikova.
588 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2025
These stories are getting steamier by the minute and Her Grumpy Boss is the hottest by far . And Xander and Blair are so good together. And that insta crush is on from the very first pages . Xander is grumpy and oh so by the book and follow the rules guy until Blair walks in his office. And than the impossible happend he got even more grumpy just because to hide his attraction. Blair is bolder and riskier from the start and she kisses him to shake things up . Yep, this city girl knows what she wants. And this mountain man did everything so they have a chance to explore that insane attraction between them. And they're so intense and hot together. They got their happily ever after and that epilogue and bonus epilogue were so good. I'm so curious to see who the next couple is and in what hot shenanigans they'll get themselves into.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
1,175 reviews
January 19, 2025
Blair is the newly hired paramedic working for Xander. Xander doesn’t like newbies especially “city folk” because of their supposedly know-it-all attitude. Blair proves him wrong by showing him she is a competent and intelligence woman who can handle herself. Blair is one tough cookie and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants and she wants Xander. The beginning is rough as he’s grumpy and barks orders. The instalove begins at the very beginning. Blair needs to find a way to melt his heart, let her in and get that HEA. What a great story. The chemistry between was fantastic. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in the series.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angi.
1,199 reviews
January 18, 2025
This sweet love story starts with Blair moving from the city to the small town to help her sister with her five kids after her husband died. Xander was the captain of the paramedics and her new boss. Xander hated city people, he found they all looked down a small towns and the people who lived in them. After working together he had to admit not only had he been instantly attracted to her but he wanted to date her. He takes a new position so they can give their relationship a chance. Shortly there after they realize that they are I. Their way to a very happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
January 25, 2025
Working With the Grump . . .

Captain Xander’s supervisor greeted him as he walked into the station, asking if he was prepared for his new recruit trainee for the paramedic team . Actually, he was expecting the worst from a typical arrogant city girl who would want more and more excitement, then go back to the city to find it. Small town life wasn’t for everyone. But he wasn’t aware that Blair was here to help her recently widowed sister raise her 5 kids.

A short time later, Blair walked in and introduced herself while he dealt with his oh-so-mature thoughts of instant lust and what he would like to do with her. He wouldn’t even shake her outstretched hand, knew he was being a jerk, but continued trying to get a reaction from her in his little powerplay. (Glad to say that she remained professional the entire time which made him look like the jerk he was being.) He sent her to the break room while he completed some reports, then felt jealous seeing her laughing with James, one of the other paramedics. She continued to be pleasant and cheerful, got along well with the others. But would she ever be able to chip away the ice that surrounded her boss’ heart? Or will she have to give up on ever finding a HEA with him?
Profile Image for Heather.
116 reviews
January 22, 2025
Blair moved to town to support her sister after the loss of her husband and was lucky enough to score another paramedic role.
Xander is the paramedic captain and a total grump.
Blair gets fed up of his attitude during her first shift and decides to kiss Xander to shut him up. The only problem is she enjoyed it way too much and can’t stop thinking about him.
There’s no way a relationship could work… he’s the boss after all!

Another great read from Lyssa, I’m loving this series with the grumps and respective sunshine ladies.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
874 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2025
Xander isn't a fan of city folks, and he isn't looking forward to training the new hire. When she walks in, he wasn't expecting her to be gorgeous and definitely wasn't expecting her to kiss him on her first day. Xander and Blair quickly fall for each other in this instalove.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,571 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
Boy this one moved fast. Intro into kissing. This is a quick insta love read. Both work for the hospital ambulance but he is her boss. Will they act on it or leave it be?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
920 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2025
Xander is the captain of the EMT team in Appleridge.
Blair is the new EMT recruit from the city.
Tropes:
Small town, curvy women, mountain man, quick read, forced proximity, sassy heroine, off-limits, workplace romance, OTT instalove 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.
4,657 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2025
This Book 3 in The Grumps of Appleridge Book Series has an interesting romance story, a well-crafted world, and intense characters. These characters have unique personalities, intertwined histories, and believable interactions. This story has a Paramedic, her training Boss, twists, turns, chemistry, connection and love with a HEA.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,177 reviews90 followers
January 25, 2025
Paramedic Blair (h) never imagined she’d trade the bustling chaos of the city for a small-town life in Appleridge, but family comes first. Her fresh start includes a surly new boss, Xander (H), who throws her world completely off balance. Sparks fly, hearts race, and one stolen kiss changes everything. Xander never planned on falling for Blair and he struggles with their growing connection, especially given their professional roles. Things heat up between Blair and Xander as they work side by side under the high-pressure demands of emergency care, but their attraction threatens to complicate everything. Small town, instalove, mountain man, curvy girl, forbidden, workplace romance, with humor, heart, and a dash of heat, exploring unexpected love, attraction, family, second chances, breaking rules, taking chances, and making hard choices.
989 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2025
Paramedics do it right! This insta-chemistry proves it. Quick to fall, quick to change directions in life and live happily ever after!
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,678 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2025
Her Grumpy Boss is an instalove classic! Xander and Blair have intense chemistry, flirty banter, and the forbidden boss-employee dynamic that is so enticing and fun. I love how each of them are such compassionate and caring people who put the welfare of others above their own needs. These two are so sweet and really don’t waste any time on unnecessary drama. Their direct communication is refreshing, and their steamy moments are satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J Angel.
443 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2025
Blair and Xander are perfect! Wonderful lunchtime read!
Profile Image for Cherie Alvaro.
1,724 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2025
As a new paramedic to the Appleridge Mountains, Blair is assigned working with the new the captain of the department Xander. Working together leads to a workplace romance. The story is well written and quite enjoyable. The characters are funny and have plenty of chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
669 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2025
It was an instant attraction when Xander and Blair first meet as the Boss and his new recruit. Try as they might, there is no denying it. I loved how they both were instantly smitten. I loved how Blair just went for it. Another great instalment in the hot mountain men that live in Appleridge - even if some of them are a bit grumpy! Another great read!
2,424 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2025
I enjoyed it from the first chapter. She's new to town helping her sister when she meets her boss. They both fall instantly. A wonderful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile.
710 reviews34 followers
January 27, 2025
Her Grumpy Boss features Blair, a new paramedic from the city, who starts working for Xander, a grumpy, small-town paramedic captain. Despite Xander's initial reluctance and preconceived notions about "city folk," he finds himself drawn to Blair's bubbly personality and competence. The story focuses on their instant attraction and how they navigate their workplace dynamic.

Considering the novella's length, Her Grumpy Boss delivers a satisfyingly quick and steamy romance. The instalove trope is central to the story, and it works well within this format. Blair's confidence and determination to break through Xander's gruff exterior are charming, and their chemistry is evident from the start. The story quickly establishes the attraction and moves into the development of their relationship. The small-town setting adds a touch of charm, and the premise of a "grumpy mountain man" and a "curvy city girl" is appealing. Because of the novella's brevity, character development and plot depth are limited, but that's expected and acceptable for this type of read. The focus is clearly on the romantic connection and the quick progression of their relationship.

I would recommend Her Grumpy Boss to readers who enjoy short, steamy instalove romances with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and a small-town setting. If you're looking for a quick and satisfying read that can be devoured in an hour, this novella is a good choice. It's perfect for a short escape and provides a dose of heartwarming romance.

My Rating: 4⭐️ Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.It delivers exactly what it promises: a quick, steamy, and satisfying romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
546 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2025
A little workplace attraction?
Blair moved to Appleridge to help her sister with her five kids after her husband died. She's trained as an EMT, and fortunately there was an opening with the local department. Too bad her boss is such a grump!
Xander was the ranking EMT on duty. The boss. And he runs a tight ship. No way was he going to have some city girl come in here and rock the boat. No matter how qualified she was on paper. Or how beautiful. And he was the one who was going to be working directly with her, so no matter what his feelings toward her were, it didn't matter. He would be a professional.
Until she kissed him.
Ooh! You know the biggest grumps are the biggest softies. And Xander is no different, no matter how much he pretends.
Xander and Blair definitely have chemistry, and they work well together. But the adrenaline charged situations they find themselves in just add to the tension. And it's delicious!
A yummy addition to the Grumps of Appleridge series. They just keep getting better!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,799 reviews50 followers
January 20, 2025
Xander isn’t thrilled to be training a new paramedic from the city until he catches his first glimpse of Blair. He has been prepared to tolerate her, convinced his small town won’t be what she wants in the long run, but he doesn’t know that Blair has moved to Appleridge to help out her recently widowed sister. She isn’t going anywhere. Xander does a great job of showing Blair his grumpy, standoffish side, but nothing seems to dim her cheerful attitude. She notices everything about her sexy, growly boss and does her best not to stare. Then he dismisses her as a know it all and she not only calls him on his attitude, she kisses him. Let’s just say there is fireworks and a whole lot of heat. Everything moves quickly after that and Xander makes a decision that surprises them both. Their story is fast-paced, sexy and steamy, a perfect quick read.

I am happy to recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa H.
745 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2025
This was a different take to the Grumps of Appleridge. Don't get me wrong...still a grump, just a lil bit of a different grump.

Xander might have thought he was dealing with just another city girl, but Blair is quick to prove that wrong. Their connect is rather instant and electric. They both are able to maintain (mostly) their professionalism.

I love the Blair makes the first move! She knows sometimes life moves fast, and being put into work boxes even faster. Its cute how Xander tries to resist, but come on....even grumps need love to.

This is a great story of the high paced world of healthcare workers, and how sometimes you don't always calculate the risks......you just need to take one!
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,068 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2025
boss romance.
Blair is a young woman who moves to a small town to help her sister take care of her five children after the death of her husband. While she thought she was just coming to help her sister, she didn't think she would fall in love with her new boss Xander.
Xander is a lonely and grumpy man, so when he meets the new recruit who is a real ray of sunshine, he can't help but melt under her good humor.
Will Xander and Blair have their happy ending or will their boss-employer relationship end their story before it even begins...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
January 22, 2025
When her brother-in-law suddenly passes away Blair moves to Appleridge to be there for her and her kids. She is happy that there is an opening as a paramedic, but she isn’t sure what to make of the cantankerous captain.

Xander has a preconceived opinion of Blair and believes that she thinks she knows everything. One shift is all it will take to convince him he couldn’t be more wrong and now he is determined to do whatever is necessary to have her in his life personally.

Xander may have come across as he wanted nothing to do with Blair, but one kiss is all it would take for the chemistry between them to ignite.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,521 reviews72 followers
February 2, 2025
Her Grumpy Boss is Book 3 of the Grumps of Appleridge series. It's s short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her boss romance. Blair is a sweet and curvy paramedic who has just moved to town from the city. Xander is a hunky, grumpy paramedic and her new boss. When the two meet, they are instantly instantly drawn to each other, but Xander is a grumpy jerk who is leery of city people. But Blair breaks through his walls. Their chemistry was insanely hot, and the ending was so happy. I loved it and hope we get her sister's story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.5k reviews48 followers
February 3, 2025
"... my sister was right after all - these mountain men were keepers."

Her Grumpy Boss is the third book in the Grumps of Appleridge series. Blair moves to Appleridge to be support for her sister who is now a widow with five young children. Xander is the Captain of the paramedics in Appleridge. He is big, strong, grumpy, and hot. One of his tasks is to train the new recruits and today that means Blair. One look at the curvy, sweet and smart woman and his world is tipped upside down. He is immediately attracted to her and she to him. But they cannot ever be together unless one of them leaves the department....so what will happen next.
Profile Image for Lynn.
685 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2025
Xander is the captain of the paramedics. It's his job to train the newly hired. The ones worst to train are the ones from the city that seem to know it all, and they never last in the small town of Appleridge.
Blair moved to Appleridge to help her sister after the death of her brother-in-law. She was lucky that there was a full-time position open for a paramedic, even if the captain is a hot, sexy, grump.

Another Appleridge hot and steamy quick read. The Love Bug of Appleridge hits again.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
191 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2025
Blair moves to town to help out her widowed sister and her kids and she takes a job with Xander as her boss. He is grumpy and doesn’t want to fall for the new employee. He keeps his grumpy attitude going to help fight his attraction to her but Blair feels the attraction as well. She doesn’t let him get away with being grumpy for long before she makes a move. Xander doesn’t want there to be any conflict with work and they both ultimately figure out a way to make it work. Another great, steamy, quick read.
2,594 reviews27 followers
January 24, 2025
“Her Grumpy Boss” by Lyssa J. Cole

-A sizzling, quick-paced forced proximity romance featuring Blair, a bold city girl, and Xander, her grumpy mountain man boss. Their chemistry is undeniable, with the tension building from the very first pages. While the insta-love might feel fast, the steamy moments and intense connection make up for it. The story delivers a fun, passionate read, with a satisfying epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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