Her Grumpy Professor

Grumps of Appleridge #4

by Lyssa J. Cole

He was the new serious professor everyone admired despite his resting grumpy face. She was the cheerful receptionist who couldn’t resist an older grumpy mountain man.

When the college a couple of towns over from Appleridge recruited me for their new science program, I couldn’t be happier.
That was until I met the faculty receptionist who acted as if life was all sunshine and rainbows.
I doubted she had a serious bone in her body.
But after she helped me out and we began carpooling, the younger, cheery, curvy woman drew me in.
And she was about to teach me a lesson of her own.

Her Grumpy Professor is an age gap, grumpy/sunshine, 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!

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 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 grumpy science professor Greyson (H35) starts his dream job at Appleridge Mountain College, he’s ready to focus on building the perfect program, not on the receptionist, Micaela (h24). Micaela is everything Greyson tries to avoid: cheerful, outgoing, and impossible to ignore. From their first awkward meeting, the tension between them is undeniable. One stolen kiss changes everything, forcing Greyson to decide if he’s ready to risk his perfectly controlled life for a shot at love. As things heat up and boundaries blur, Greyson and Micaela have to figure out if they’re willing to take the risk and follow their hearts. Steamy instalove, age gap, curvy girl, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, exploring love, tension, trust, taking risks, and following one's heart.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jeez, who s*** in your corn flakes?"~Micaela 😂😂🥣

I laughed so hard when I read that!😹😹 I was thinking, yeah, that does sound like something Micaela would say. It's time for another adventure in Appleridge y'all. The Love Bug has struck again. Taken another chonky bite with the grumpy teacher turned college professor and the sweet and extremely upbeat receptionist on the first floor. She's full of 'sunshine sprinkles'!🤪🧁 Is this the nickname for Cupid now? B/c bug reads soo sketchy. Like an illness. Back. Back I say!!🫸🏻🤒🪲 And Cupid, he's just some myth dude, no cute baby stuff here, who likes to see adults scrambling with attraction and heat like their hair is on fire.🙆‍♀️🙆🏻 😚🔥🔥🔥 Speaking of which, spoiler alert, there's some office spice happening later on. It was bound to happen.💋🧲💋 Why deny it? Hehe

I have a question. I get that hottie pants Grayson Campo was a high school teacher, but why was he grumpy? He's a loner, kind of bitter. I accept you, Grayson, but who hurt you. Obviously, Grayson has RBF aka GRF (grumpy resting face), but why ya got to be such a sour puss bro?👿 I like him but, I kinda wanted Micaela to make him beg for her. There I said it.😏 BEG fool!!🤭 Micaela was quirky and uber sweet. I liked her instantly. Yes Grayson, even with 'sunshine coming out of her a**'! Sisters stick together.😝😝

There's a 9yr age gap, he's 35 and she's 24, insta-love, and some drama. Can colleagues date? His car croaked and Micaela Samson, Sunshine of the Year recipient, gave him a ride home while acting like he didn't really want her help and didn't want to talk to her. Riiight!! And we got to see Ares and Xander, friends of Grayson, former grumpy guys, who are insanely in love with their ladies Reese and Blair visiting. I like when past characters come into play with the current book. This was a funny and cute story. A fast read. I enjoyed it. I love that Micaela didn't miss a beat with Grayson. That girl was: I'm so hot for teacher!!🪭😮‍💨❤️‍🔥 And Grayson was already on fire.🥵🌋 Shout out to Magoo and Hutchie!🐈💕🐈 Micaela's fur babies. I recommend. There's a HEA. Happy reading.❤️❤️❤️

👩‍💻💘🧑🏻‍🏫Thank you to Ms Cole and Booksprout for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🧑🏻‍🏫💘👩‍💻

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appleridge love bug strikes again.

Greyson had just been offered a job at the local college. Currently he was head of the science program at a high school, but that job was over an hour away from where he lived. His new program will start in about six months. In the meantime, he's offered the help of their faculty receptionist, Micaela, if he needs help with any paperwork.

Micaela is a friendly, happy, and very curvy woman. Her laugh immediately captured his attention when he heard it, and her body called to him. But, as usual, he reacted rather grumpy towards her. As she's leaving that night, she notices he's having car trouble. She offers him a ride, which he finally grudgingly accepts; however, he lets her know he'll find a ride in the morning.

He does, but it's with her. Then he made the biggest mistake of his life; he kissed her. This has to stop now! He's not going to get fired from his dream job.

Meeting his two friends at a bar later. Ares, a longtime friend and a local cop, and Xander, who works at the hospital, explain to him what has happened to him. He's been bitten by the Appleridge love bug. There is no cure. It's up to him to find a way to make this work...

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

[Geri Stoikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Professor was fast and and steamier than ever . Because the tension and the insta attraction between Greyson and Micaela was so intense and palpable right from the start . And those two were insta smitten from the first glance. And that made the car pulling quite a hot and challenging experience. Loved the reappearance of Aron and Xander and their opinions on the love bug bites all around Appleridge. After that Grayson was determined to make the possible relationship between them work. And Micaela was such a surprise being a few steps ahead of him . Loved it that the ladies in this series know what they want and work for getting it and Micaela is no exception. That epilogue and bonus epilogue were so sweet and the perfect ending to Greyson and Micaela's story.

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

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was short and sweet which is what drew me to reading it. However, it was a tad bit cliche in parts when talking about what love is. I also found it odd how they kept saying they don’t want to risk their jobs…(perfectly reasonable)… but then choose to make a certain decision at work. I’m trying not to spoil it 😅. Ultimately for such a short story, it was pleasant. I would like to see the steamy thoughts play out prior to any acts since there’s more mention of that than there is actual action.

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

[Lacynda Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters in a quick read. I'd actually like to see this story made into a longer novel. It had great bones, so to speak.

I think erotica needs to be done in such a way that the sex isn't just sex. The author handled it with humor and with as little cringe as possible.

I enjoyed reading this.

And that's the true litmus test: is it worth reading? It is.

Enjoy!.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson accepts a position at the local college in the science department. To help he get things started, the faculty receptionist, Micaela is there to assist him. One look at each other and it’s instalove. He comes across grumpy so as not to put his position in jeopardy. Does it work? When she offers him a ride, will he accept it? Spicy story. Talk about opposites; him grumpy and she sweet and bubbly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greyson is starting his dream job at the university but is an eternal grump. That is until he meets Micaela the permanently happy and cheerful faculty receptionist.
He pushes these thoughts aside until his car breaks down and she offers him a ride home. He’s feeling all the emotions and kisses her!
They are coworkers and neither one wants to lose their job, this could never work, could it!

Another fab quick hot and spicy read from Lyssa.
I love this gump/sunshine series, can’t wait for the next one.

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

[Sabrina Ellenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a fun short and sweet read. Polar opposite main characters with insta-love and a touch of forbidden love. Though short you can see how the MMC progressed over time and how his characteristics changed. Would love to see a little more of Greyson and Micaela’s relationship develop over time. All in all a fun read when looking for something short and sweet!

[lissyloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Greyson and Micaela. Grayson is a grumpy science teacher and just starting his dream job, Micaela is the receptionist in his department. It is a short, quick read. It is an insta romance, that I couldn’t put down. There was some hot and steamy scenes. I enjoyed reading this book.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greyson is the new science professor at Appleridge College.
Micaela is the faculty receptionist for the college.
Tropes:
Curvy woman, mountain man, small town, quick read, grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, workplace, forbidden, 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.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. I loved how they fell instantly. He trys to fight it. They are wonderful characters and I couldn't put it down.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He finally landed his dream job and go figure he is attracted to a coworker. She is all sunshine to his grumpy. I loved the story and the characters. I am glad they figured out a way to make it work.

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

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun mountain man insta-romance.. Grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, and so sweet and steamy..I liked it a lot..

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

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one wasn't my thing. The story was ok but I just didn't care for the characters much. Not necessarily the Author's fault. It was still an entertaining read.

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

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

Her Grumpy Professor is Book 4 of the Grumps of Appleridge series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her mountain man romance. Micaela is a 24 year old sweet and curvy ray of sunshine who works as a receptionist at the local college. Greyson is a 35 year old hunky, grumpy science professor who just started at the college. He and Micaela fall in love at first sight, but both are worried about their jobs. Can they make love work? Their chemistry was hot, the ending was happy and omg, that office scene!! 🧡🥵❤️. I love this series!.

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

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micaela's sunny disposition far outshines Greyson's grumpy resting face. When they meet, there is no stopping the love bug that runs rampant in Appleridge. Despite working together, they manage to get past that speed hump and they are irresistible to each other. I love how Micaela immediately puts Greyson's grumpy demeanor to the test and how quickly they both fall in love. Another quick fun read in this Appleridge series.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The instant attraction is real in this one! So fast, you don't know what hit you but when you know you know. Of course nothing is ever easy when you work together. Don't miss the insta-love this book offers!

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love bug strikes again! I love this series!!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greyson and Micaela’s Story . . .

Greyson, already getting a reputation as the grumpy mysterious mountain man, is the new professor in the science department who maintains his serious expression to avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings. Meeting the receptionist Micaela with her sunshine personality, however, caught his attention. When his car engine sputtered and he saw smoke, Micaela notices and offers him a ride. When he tried to get an Uber, there was nothing available in his area, so he finally accepted her kindness. The ride home was was an amusing battle of stubbornness as he tried to make it easy for her to let him walk the rest of the way rather than fight the snow on the slippery drive up the mountain. But she was a resident of Appleridge just as he was and knew how to drive these roads. His huge log cabin was gorgeous. But before she could say a word, he was out of the car and heading inside after thanking her.

The next morning, Micaela got a 7 a.m. call from Greyson who was told his car would take a few days to repair. He asked if she could give him a ride, so she laughingly gave him a hard time and said she would be there in a half hour. He was a challenge to her now, so she thought up ways to make him smile. When she greeted him, she handed over coffee and his favorite muffin. And each time they saw each other, their attraction seemed to increase. He liked the quiet; she was raised in a talkative family. And he turned off the radio because rock music this early gave him a headache. Her insult made him chuckle, which he denied. She seemed to understand him, though. And he really liked her! But when he kissed her, she panicked and he avoided her the rest of the day. Their jobs were too important to risk, and both of them were aware of that. Will they continue to adamantly resist a relationship? Or will they cross that line and find their way to the HEA waiting for them?

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

"Her Grumpy Professor" follows Micaela, a cheerful and optimistic receptionist, and Dr. Greyson, a newly appointed professor at the local college. Despite their initial animosity, a shared car ride and a surprising kiss ignite an unexpected attraction. However, the realities of their workplace and the potential consequences of their budding romance threaten to derail their newfound happiness.

This short novella delivers a classic grumpy/sunshine trope with a touch of age-gap romance. Lyssa J. Cole effectively captures the initial spark between Micaela and Greyson, their witty banter adding a playful layer to their developing attraction. The author successfully conveys the anxieties and uncertainties that arise when a professional relationship begins to blur into something more.

While the story is enjoyable and the romance is undeniably steamy, the rapid progression of the relationship might feel a bit rushed for some readers. The "insta-love" aspect, while fitting within the novella's short format, could benefit from slightly more nuanced character development and a deeper exploration of their individual motivations.

"Her Grumpy Professor" is a quick and enjoyable read for fans of short, steamy romances with a touch of age-gap intrigue. Readers who enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope and appreciate a fast-paced, lighthearted story will likely find this novella to be a satisfying read.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He gets his dream job and finds his dream woman...but can he have both

Her Grumpy Professor is the fourth book in the Grumps of Appleridge series. The story finds Professor Greyson Campo being hired for his dream job at the Appleridge Mountain College. Michaela Samson works at the college as the Faculty Receptionist. On his first day he hears a laugh when he is in the hallway and finds it belonged to Michaela. He is literally speechless and also bewitched when he sees her. Michaela knows exactly who Greyson is and is happy to have him there. Plus he is very easy on the eyes and makes her thighs quake more than a bit. When his car won't start she offers him a ride home which the grumpy man finally accepts after insulting her. Lucky for him she is sweet, sunshiny and forgiving....as he is going to need that for what turns out to be the rest of his life.
This is a short, quick, fun, and sexy story. It has a bit of drama, two nice characters and has an entertaining story.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson has finally got his dream job at a college in Appleridge from teaching science in a high school over an hour commute away from his cabin in Appleridge. He has about six months to set the new courses for the college for the fall semester. On his first day,he is given the receptionist name, Micaela, for help in getting copies made, faxes sent or paperwork drafted. Greyson has the reputation of being a grump, will he live up to it? As he leaves the teachers' lounge after getting his lunch, he hears a loud happy laugh; he sees a gorgeous woman which he can't take his eyes off her. He discovers that it is Micaela; he is attracted to her. But she is a fellow college employee, they could fired if they get close. She seems also be attracted to him. Are they willing to take a chance? What does Micaela do on her own?.

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

[Danyell Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson is a thirty-five-year-old Professor Campo at Appleridge Mountain College. He is a mountain man, handsome and has a natural grumpy face. In six months, he will have a science program. Micaela is twenty-four years old and is the Faculty Receptionist. She has a bubbly personality and is very friendly to everyone. When she introduced herself to him, he was surprised with how it felt. She offered to drive him around while his car is in the shop for the week. They learn more about each other while in the car and at work. They have to be careful with their feelings for one another because no one want to lose their job. I liked the three-month epilogue. I signed up for Lyssa J Cole’s newsletter and read the extra bonus scene (six months later epilogue).

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grumps of Appleridge are alive and well.

Greyson is excited for his new job as a professor and his well balanced quiet life. He is a head down get work done type of guy, and the sunshine faculty administrator is the exact opposite. Michaela is light where he is dark, and fun versus his full on grump.

It's almost funny how fast Greyson falls. His friends are quick to call him out, since they have fallen as well, and sometimes you have to get inventive if you want to chase after the love of your life.

They come together fast and explosive. You feel your gonna get a heat burn just from reading it!! It was even better knowing that Michaela got approval through work so there was no risk to their jobs.

Sometimes your HEA is just around the corner waiting for you to find it!

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson and Micaela’s story
Book Title-Her Grumpy Professor
Author-Lyssa J Cole
MMC/FMC- Greyson and Micaela
Genre-instalove romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 4 of Grumps of Appleridge
What I liked-This book is a great short story, and I love a curvy girl and a grumpy mountain man story! One encounter with each other and their in instalove. He comes across grumpy so as not to put his career in a particular situation. I really liked how Micaela kept being who she is, the bubbly sunshine, with being such a positive energy woman to the grumpy professor.

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

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy workplace romance!
Greyson is starting his dream job at the Appleridge Mountain College. Micaela is the department receptionist. As soon as he meets her, he knows he's in trouble. She's younger, but that doesn't stop him from being totally smitten. He can't stop thinking about her. But it could mean their jobs if they get involved. So all he can do is try to avoid her.
OMG There is so much tension between these two! He can't get any work done, and she is such a temptation. Can he really keep himself away?
A quick, fun story with a forbidden workplace attraction. Perfect for a short bedtime read.
Loving these Appleridge grumps!

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greyson does not want to jeopardize his new job so that means denying his attraction to Micaela, his co-worker. Fate has other ideas when he experiences car trouble, and she offers to drive him home especially when the more time he spends with her the more he is drawn to her.

Micaela always sees the best in everyone, and every situation and her outgoing personality could not be more different than that of Greyson’s. Despite that she has feelings for him that she has never felt before even if he is determined to keep his distance.

Once Greyson and Micaela cross the line from professional to personal, they are all in and are not about to let anything stand in their way.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Appleridge Love Bug strikes again. This time it is Greyson, an uptight and grumpy professor and Micaela, a super sunshiny and cheerful receptionist who feel the Love Bug’s bite. Oh he tries very hard to resist the curvy and very perky receptionist, but Greyson can’t deny the pull he feels toward her. Fate seems more than willing to give the two an opportunity to feel the attraction between them. A sizzling kiss, more denial and finally caution is cast aside as the professor and his sassy receptionist claim each other.

I am happy to recommend this short, spicy book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her Grumpy Professor” by Lyssa J. Cole

-Grayson, a broody professor, meets his match in Micaela, the ever-sunny receptionist who refuses to be ignored. Their age-gap romance is filled with humor, chemistry, and a touch of drama. Cameos from past characters add charm, while Micaela’s persistence makes their love story all the sweeter. A fast, fun, and heartwarming read with a perfect happily ever after.

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