Her Grumpy Cop

Grumps of Appleridge #1

by Lyssa J. Cole

He was trying to push through another day of protecting the community. She took one look at his grumpy handsome face and became smitten.

Just my luck to catch a flat on the way home from a long shift when all I wanted to do was watch cartoons with my son.
Yet when a beautiful nanny came to my aide, she melted my cold heart and I vowed to always keep her safe.
When she offered to help with my son, it was a done deal.
My grumpy heart belonged to her.

Her Grumpy Cop is a single dad/nanny, 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!

Genres: Romance, Police, Small Town Romance

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When vivacious daycare owner Reese (h) crosses paths with police officer Ares (H), sparks fly, but not the kind she expects. Ares is a grumpy, no-nonsense single dad with a protective streak as big as his muscles. Reese, with her warm smile and unrelenting optimism, is the last person he wants to let into his carefully guarded world. After a chance roadside encounter and a reluctant car ride, their lives intertwine when Ares enrolls his two-year-old son, Ian, in Reese’s daycare. Between Reese’s bubbly charm and Ares’ brooding intensity, their attraction is undeniable, but Ares’ past heartbreak has taught him to keep his distance. Reese, however, isn’t one to back down from a challenge, especially when she sees the love and devotion Ares has for his son. Their relationship reaches a turning point as Reese’s persistence and compassion lead Ares to confront his vulnerabilities, open his heart to the possibility of love, and allow their physical connection to heat up. Hot and steamy single dad, curvy girl, mountain man, grumpy sunshine, small town romance, exploring love, connection, insecurities, second chances, and family. Ian is adorbs and gotta love he furry trio, Bonnie, Clyde, and Wiggles.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can offer you a ride Officer Doherty

Her Grumpy Cop is the first book in the Grumps of Appleridge series, which is set in the author's Appleridge world. The story is about Reese Mills and Officer Ares Doherty. She was born and has lived her life in the small town of Appleridge. She is bubbly, chatty, and bright and opened her own daycare in her home. He is a police officer who moved to town a couple of months ago. He is also a single father to two year old Ian, who his mother looks after. Ian was dropped off at his door by an ex-girlfriend who he did not know was pregnant. Since then he has fumbled his way through looking after Ian with the help of his mother. But he can tell his mother is getting more tired, not doing as well and so he wants to find a daycare for Ian to go to, even if his mother keeps saying no way. When the fire on his patrol car goes flat and the spare is no in the trunk Ares is resigned to being late that night. However, he was not counting on a curvy younger woman pulling up and offering him a ride. When Reese spotted the sexy officer she took full advantage of the situation, after all a single girl with a small dating pool has to do what she has to do. What transpires is a sweet, romantic, sexy and very entertaining story which I really enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ares is a single Dad. His 2yr old son Ian is taken care of by Ares' Mom. Ares is also a police officer. Appleridge's finest. This guy doesn't talk much. I didn't think of him as a grumpy person per se but more of a cautious guy who's been hurt before. On one particular day, as he's going home, he gets a flat tire. No spare. And an attractive woman strikes up a conversation with him to try and help. That's right. Chipper girl Reese makes her move. With a tiny white lie, but she thinks Ares is hott!!🤥😂 She doesn't wait for him but rather goes for it. Fun!!

Reese runs a daycare. She's upbeat and is trying to make a connection with Ares. This girl can talk. Got to give it to her, she's trying!! She also has 2 cute pugs named Bonnie and Clyde.🐶🐾🐶 Ares gets in touch later. You know, daycare for Ian. That's the only reason. Sureee, Ares. Sure.😉

This is a short fast moving story with a HEA. Mild spice. And it's always great to go back to Appleridge and meet new characters falling in love. You should check this one out. Happy reading!!❤️❤️

🍎👮🏻Thank you to Ms Cole and Booksprout for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.👮🏻🍎

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love those fast and steamy Appleridge stories. And the Grumps of Appleridge series is a promising one. I loved these ladies that know what they want and go for it. Even if they have to back down a little so they can get ahead. Every strategy is good because in love everything is fair. When Reese meets grumpy officer Ares she knows that she wants him but the grumpiest man ever doesn't give her a chance. A business card and critical daycare situation later those two are meeting again. And cheerful and sunny Reese is so in when it comes to grumpy single dad Ares. And her puppies agree with her. Ares quickly overcome his trust issues and learned to trust Reese and love the chaos around her . The spice is spicing with these two and I loved the epilogue and the bonus chapter. I love so much these fast and steamy Lyssa J Cole novellas and can't wait to see what she has in store with that new addition to the Appleridge universe.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was just doing a good deed.

Officer Ares Doherty has a two-year-old son, Ian, a busy toddler who his mother cares for while he's at work. His mother had also been a single parent, and despite some health issues, insists she will watch her active grandson. As he's driving his cruiser back to the station, there's a big bang. When he gets out, a tire is gone and only the rim remains. The spare is missing.

Reese Mills needs directions, or so she told the officer. when she pulls up by his patrol car. When she realizes the officer needs a ride to the station, she offers him one. Her laugh makes him feel things he doesn't want to feel, including wanting to give her a kiss.

Actually, she's lived in Appleridge her entire life; she just wanted to meet the sexy cop. Even though he barely spoke to her, she's suddenly thinking of marriage and babies with him…

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

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares and Reese’s story
Book Title-Her Grumpy Cop
Author-Lyssa J Cole
MMC/FMC- Ares and Reese
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 1 of Grumps of Appleridge
What I liked-A sweet quick story of a single dad meeting a talkative woman one night after a flat tire. She was a day care business owner, that Ares just so happened to be in need of. She knew right away what and who she wanted, just waiting for the right moment to declare her feelings. Good book, with a cute little boy.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ares was not looking for a relationship , he just wanted to take care of his son and be a good cop. All of that changed when Reese offered him a ride. Soon their lives were meshing together and he couldn’t ignore the way he felt about her. They found they had incredible energy and it was long until they were planning their future together.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese notices Ares on the side of the road and it’s instalove. On the pretense of asking for directions, she stops to talk to him and offers him a ride. The grumpy officer just wants to get home to his son and let his mother rest. After that first encounter, Ares can’t get Reese out of his head. Will he open his heart and see the woman in front of him who has plenty of love to give. You could feel the chemistry between the characters building to the very end. Every book in the Appleridge series is fantastic and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another quick fun read from that small mountain town of Appleridge. Ares doesn't know that Reese is just what he needs, until his car breaks down and she stops to give him a lift. There is no fighting the tension and attraction between them! I love how Reese just goes for it, and doesn't let him linger. I loved how once he decided to go for it, he was all in! Another great, quick read!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful new series. I enjoyed the story from the start. They both fall instantly. I love the mom and he's son. Such a great read.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Great story and characters. Had me giggling throughout the story.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ares is a police officer in the small town of Appleridge.
Reese runs a daycare in town.
Tropes:
Small town, quick read, curvy women, single dad, police officer, mountain man, grumpy/sunshine, 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.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

The grumpy single father cop and the ray of sunshine daycare provider come together to start off another series of novellas from Lyssa J. Cole. This story will make you laugh, warm your heart and in the end come away smiling. Looking forward to more in the series.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ares and Reese. They were a cute couple. I think the stars of the books are Bonnie and Cylde. Nice palet cleanser.

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

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, short read that I enjoyed immensely! I love this series! Ares and Reese complement each other so well!

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

Her Grumpy Cop is Book 1 of the Grumps of Appleridge series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her mountain man cop romance. Reese is a sweet, sassy, and curvy ray of sunshine that owns a local daycare. Ares is a hunky, grumpy, police officer new to Appleridge. He's also single dad to the adorable, 2 year old Ian. When he gets stranded on the side of the road, Reese picks him up and takes him to the station, and hands him her business card. He ends up bringing Ian to the daycare and tries to resist her until he can't. These two had such hot chemistry, the one-sided banter was hysterical, and the ending was so happy. I loved it.

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 1 in The Grumps of Appleridge Book Series has an entertaining romance story, a well-crafted world, and interesting characters. These characters have unique personalities, detailed histories, and believable interactions. This story has a Single Dad, his rescuer/a Daycare Owner, his adorable son, twists, turns, chemistry, healing and love with a HEA.

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Cop is boisterous and extra flirty! Reese is a bold and direct woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and go after what she wants. With her sights set on Ares, he doesn’t stand a chance. Hurt by an ex who left him with their baby, Ares is closed off from the world. He loves his son so beautifully while also refusing to put his heart out there. Reese’s personality clashes hard with Ares’ and their dynamic as the story develops is so fascinating to watch. This is a cute and quick read with minimal spice.

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

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What girl to do when she see a cop need a ride , she give him back to the station talking all the way. Ares is a single father and has a son Ian who his mom watches, but he needs to give mom sometimes to herself. He see that Reese would be a place for Ian. Read and see what can happen when you open up.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Cop by Lyssa J Cole was a cute and steamy insta love romance. It's book 1 in the new Grumps of Appleridge Series. Grumpy single dad, police officer Ares Doherty's world is turned upside down when he meets quirky, outgoing day care owner Reese Mills. Not only does he fall head over hills but so does his adorable little boy Ian. Great start to this new series!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lying to a cop to say you need directions is sometimes all you need to make that connection! Single hot dad cop who needs help with his two year old and then there's the sassy daycare provider who can meet his needs. Instant chemistry, cute little kid!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really swoony cute read, I enjoyed the passion between the characters and how their personalities were so complimenting to each other. A very good read.

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

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ares breaks down on his way back to the station it’s just something else that’s gone wrong.
Then Reece stops asking for directions and offers him a lift back to the police station.
She didn’t need directions, she grew up in Appleridge but he was tall muscular and inked and she wanted to get to know him. Only problem is she runs an in home daycare how could she make an excuse to see him again.

A great quick grumpy/sunshine instalove read from Lyssa.
I love that all of these books are standalone but they interlink with reference to characters from previous books.

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

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Lyssa J. Cole and I thought it was an enjoyable fast paced instalove short story. I enjoyed getting to know Ares & Reese as well as Ares' toddler Ian. The epilogue at the end tied the story together well.

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

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

I just finished reading "Her Grumpy Cop" by Lyssa J. Cole, and it was such a cute and steamy little read! This is Book 1 of the Grumps of Appleridge series, and it's got all the good stuff: instalove, OTT (over-the-top), opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine, and a curvy girl getting her mountain man cop. What's not to love?

Reese is this sweet, sassy, and totally sunny daycare owner. She's just a ray of sunshine, always upbeat and positive. Then there's Ares, the hunky, grumpy police officer who's new to Appleridge. He’s also a single dad to the absolutely adorable two-year-old, Ian. The story kicks off when Ares gets a flat tire on the side of the road, and Reese, being the helpful person she is, stops to give him a ride to the station. And, being the confident woman she is, she slips him her business card. Talk about making a move!

Of course, Ares ends up bringing Ian to Reese’s daycare, and even though he tries to resist her bubbly personality, he just can’t. The chemistry between these two is off the charts! Their banter, especially the one-sided banter from Reese at the beginning, was hilarious. It had me laughing out loud.

I loved how Reese just went for it. She knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to pursue it, even if Ares is being all grumpy and closed off. She's persistent but also kind and understanding, which is exactly what Ares needs. He's definitely got some walls up because of past heartbreak, but Reese slowly chips away at them with her warmth and compassion.

Ares is definitely the grumpy one, but it's not in an unlikeable way. He’s more cautious and guarded, and you can tell he just wants to protect his son. Once he lets his guard down, though, he’s all in. I loved how fiercely he cared for both Ian and Reese.

Ian, oh my goodness, Ian was just the cutest! He definitely added an extra layer of sweetness to the story. And I can’t forget about Reese’s adorable pugs, Bonnie and Clyde! They were a fun addition to the mix.

The story moves at a quick pace, which I enjoyed. It’s a short and steamy read, perfect for when you want something light and fun. It definitely has that feel-good, happily-ever-after vibe that I love in a romance.

There was definitely some spice, though I wouldn’t say it was overly explicit. It was just enough to add to the tension and make the connection between Reese and Ares even hotter.

One thing I really appreciated was how the book explored themes of love, connection, insecurities, second chances, and family. It wasn’t just a fluffy romance; it had some real emotional depth to it.

I really enjoyed "Her Grumpy Cop." It’s a sweet, steamy, and entertaining read with great characters and a heartwarming story. It’s a perfect example of a grumpy-sunshine romance done right. I’d give it a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. It was a really fun and enjoyable read,.

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

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right place, right time!
Ares just started on the Appleridge police force a couple of months ago. He's been struggling a bit, trying to juggle work and caring for his young son. His mother has been helping, but her health isn't great and he worries that it's too much for her. He keeps suggesting daycare, but she's adamant against it.
He's just finished his shift and is on his way back to the station when his cruiser gets a flat tire. Could this day get any longer? Then a woman stops to ask him for directions. When she sees his predicament, she offers him a ride back to the station.
Reese has lived in Appleridge all her life, but when she sees the hot cop on the side of the road, she can't help but stop to talk to him. Pretend she needs directions. It's a bonus that she gets to offer him a ride. She's a talker too. She chatters on about her daycare and her dogs, among other things. Little does she know, she's exactly what Ares needs.
Oh, these two are so perfect for each other! Ares was stressed and he just wanted to take care of his family. Reese was able to help with that, and the grumpy cop wasn't so grumpy anymore!
This was a fun little opposites attract story, with a sunshiny daycare owner, and the grumpy cop who can't get enough of her. Add in an adorable little boy and a couple of cute dogs, and it's the perfect combination that will put a smile on your face!

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new Grumps of Appleridge is gonna bring some new life into town. Like it did with new grumpy dad Ares.

He didn't expect a flat, or the beauty that pulled up asking for directions and gave him a ride to the police station. Can we give a lil bit of a slow clap to Reese for thinking on her brake petal for slowing down and talking to the Officer!

Its fitting Reese works with kids, and Ares needs help with his lil two year old. Fate draws them together, but grump keeps Ares firm in his lane. I love the bold streak Reese has for admitting she wants Ares, even when he is Mr Rules, and doesn't want anything to happen....even when she can SEE he does.

It felt so right in the story when they finally give in and get together. ITs fast, hot, sweet, and most assuredly HOT. Reese knows when she's found the one she wants, and she's not letting Ares get away. THey seem to just fit together, and build a beautiful HEA with Ian, Reese's pups Bonnie and Clyde, and a small new edition.

This has a plump heartfelt story, lots of steam for us instalove fans, and a nice HEA to wrap it up nicely!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start you won’t it down until the last page has been turned but don’t worry it is a quick read and one you will enjoy. Ares sexy as all get out overprotective police officer grumpy to a fault doesn’t know any other way to be especially after his last heartbreak and getting involved again, he doesn’t have the patience only for his son or so he thought until he meets Ms. Sunshine 😊. Reese is really Ms. Sunshine a smile for anyone / everyone she owns a daycare loves her little people (babies) most of their parents especially one over protective dad and when she has trouble with the her care it is officer grumpy who comes to the rescue of course he helps but her smile and charm gets under his skin drawing him out waking something in him that he hasn’t felt in a long while. The magnetic pull is too strong to ignore and the more he tries the stronger the pull, but will he acknowledge the pull, will he accept this curvy girl just might be his second chance at love, will he trust her, will he be honest with her, will she be honest with him, and can they find the happiness they looking for together?

[Gwynne Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lyssa J. Cole's "Her Grumpy Cop" is the first book in the "Grumps of Appleridge" series. This short romance, set in a charming New England town, features a single dad/nanny relationship. The story centers on a gruff but dedicated police officer whose hardened exterior is softened by a kind and lovely nanny. Their immediate and powerful connection blossoms into a tender and passionate romance.

This is the shortest instalove, small-town romance I've read so far, and I'm not sure if I appreciate stories this brief. I may avoid short stories for now, as the pacing feels a bit rushed for my preference. I understand that shorter stories suit some readers and their schedules, but I find them less satisfying.

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

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Cop by Lyssa J Cole hits all the right reading components for this reader. This small town, single dad, insta-love romance is the perfect combination of emotion, romance, steam, and family. Reese, a spunky daycare owner, and Ares, a loving father and police officer, have an entertaining meet that sparks their relationship. As they continue to grow as characters, they learn they have instant chemistry with one another. I love how this author brings the emotion into her stories. The everyday meets with good writing to bring relatable characters and an entertaining story. Her Grumpy Cop makes a great start to the series, Grumps of Appleridge.

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