Her Grumpy Bartender

Grumps of Appleridge #5

by Lyssa J. Cole

He was the grumpy bad boy bartender with a past he’d rather forget. She was the single mom with a musician’s dream until a certain bartender shook her all up.

When my career in music ended, I came back home to Appleridge with a bruised ego and my life savings. I turned the money into a successful bar and tried to live a quiet life.
Yet when the pretty single mom arrived in town, she was all curves and musical talent. My grumpy lifeless heart came alive.
When we sang together, it was kismet.
She wanted me and she wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Her Grumpy Bartender is a single mom, bad boy, 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 February 4, 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 4 out of 5]

"I would never run away from you. Only towards you, Gem."~Max

This was a quick fast read. We have Max, a former musician, who now owns and runs a bar in Appleridge called Mixer. He's a loner type. Kind of grumpyish. Has tattoos. A bad boy if you will. And he meets single Mom Gemma McLeod one night as she plays music in his bar. They both have their issues.

There's attraction. A little banter. And one thing leads to another, and they get involved. Pretty much every night. For weeks.😚😚 But the kicker is that no strings are attached. We all know what happens there, right?!😂😂 Of course, no falling in love silly.🙅🏻🙅‍♀️ Right. Right. Keep telling yourself that.🙊 While I like the story, I wanted more bantering. More flirting. That playing hard to get connection.😝 For me that was missing. I understand this is a short story so have fun with what it is. There's a HEA. 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]

Her Grumpy Bartender was sweet and swoony fast read and I loved Gemma and Max . In this one nothing is simply what you see . Ok , Max is definitely a grumpy grump and a bartender but also the bar owner and a former musician. He stepped out of the scene after living the rock and roll life and destroying himself in the process. So now he's in Appleridge living the ordinary life of a bar owner and a bartender. And then Gemma happened to him one night of live music. And that was an instant attraction for both of them. Working together they slowly fall in love but never said anything to each other. These two were fire together from the start but life surprised them a few times. And they became the next victims of the Appleridge love bug. Those two got their happily ever after and the family they wanted. The bonus epilogue is sweet and adds to the story. So far I love those fast and steamy Appleridge stories so much and can't wait for the next one.

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

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is a bar owner who has a past he is not necessarily proud of.
Gemma is a single mom, new to town. She is a musician trying to provide for her and her daughter.
Tropes:
Single mom, small town, bad boy, mountain man, curvy women, quick read, music, bar, surprise pregnancy, 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.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max has been a musician with a past that he ran from. Moving back to Appleridge, he owns the bar that Gemma will perform. One look at Gemma and Max falls for her. As they get to know each other, the sparks grow and when they sang together it was instalove. Will they admit their love for each other and build a HEA? This was an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bukunmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear fellow reader please note this book is like 90 pages long in epub form.

Very fast paced short story but sweet characters sweet. Gemma struggling with life as single mum and Max just trying to make the most out of life. 70% of the book was just sex. It was good for what it was.

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

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max owns a small bar in Appleridge, New England. He's a grumpy retired musician. When Gemma, a single mum who sings like an angle. The chemistry between the two characters makes for interesting reading. The book is well written and easy to read in under an hour.

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and characters. I can honestly say that for me there is no way feelings would not have gotten involved. I am glad things worked out for them.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read, Both musician's and they meet when she sings in the bar he owns. A have a instant chemistry, a page turner. Loved it from start to finish,.

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

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max was only slightly grumpy because as soon as the book started, he had his eyes on Gemma. She came into his bar and his world was completely turned upside down. This insta-romance book had lots of heat in this quick read.

[J Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Our love is one for the books” and it definitely is!

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

"Her Grumpy Bartender" follows Gemma, a single mother with a passion for music, who moves to Appleridge and begins performing at Max's bar. Max, the brooding owner of the bar, is instantly drawn to Gemma's talent and her vibrant personality. Despite their initial attraction, both are hesitant to pursue a relationship due to past hurts and the complexities of their lives.

This short novella delivers a satisfying dose of the "grumpy/sunshine" trope, with Max's gruff exterior gradually softening as he falls for Gemma's infectious optimism. The author effectively captures the initial spark between the two characters, and their chemistry is palpable. The inclusion of Gemma's daughter adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the story, showcasing Max's unexpected tenderness and Gemma's dedication to her family.

While the story is enjoyable, 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 Bartender" 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 stories with strong female leads will likely find this novella to be a satisfying escape.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A broken promise.

Max Costa isn't having a good day at Mixer, his bar in Appleridge. First the ice machine broke down, now he's almost out of his good vodka after the delivery was delayed, but the coup de grâce was the main gig booked for tonight's live music night canceling. Now he's left with only one performer, a newbie, and she's late.

At one time, Max had been a member of a popular band. His time had been spent partying, drinking, and doing drugs until finally he'd been too trashed to be able to perform. It broke up his band. Now he occasionally performs at Mixer, but other than that, he's turned his back on that old life.

Gemma McLeod was booked as a new act at Mixer. There was nothing other than her name on the sheet. Usually the list of acts has a notation of what type of music they perform, what instruments they play, and if they write their own music.

She and her mother had moved to Appleridge to be able to provide a better life for Gemma's four-year-old daughter, Harmony. Gemma has always been interested in being a musician. She composes her own music and performs it on her acoustic guitar. With the ability to sign up and be paid for performing at Mixer, she can quit the waitressing jobs she's always hated and yet provide for her family.

They soon discover that performing together is something they both enjoy doing, and Mixer's audience loves to listen to them.There's an instant attraction between Max and Gemma, but neither has had success with love in the past. Surely a don't fall in love with me pact will end that problem...

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Music and More . . .

Max Costa sort of had a reason to be grumpy this time when the bar’s ice machine malfunctioned, his delivery was delayed and he is almost out of the best vodka, and he was just informed the entertainment for the night had canceled! His staff is taking care of what they can, so he just has to find another entertainer. If Liam can’t step in, Max will do it himself. But when he finally had time to check the schedule, someone named Gemma McLeod would be stepping in to help… until his employee Don told him she hadn’t shown up yet. As he started to get ready to take her place, a woman ran up and introduced herself. She had to put her four-year-old daughter, Harmony, to bed and ran a little late. Max decided to watch one song, then head for his office. She had done some research on him as well, reading about the band’s popularity and then read that they quietly disbanded and no further mention was made. Gemma started singing, and Max watched her for the entire hour she performed! When she went to the back room to sign up for more, Max joined her. Then Don came in and told him he was up next. She signed up for more gigs, then went out to listen to Don. After teasing him when he finished, he pulled her close and kissed her in front of everyone!

Both Max and Gemma have their issues to get over. But both feel a strong pull toward the other. Will they learn to trust their feelings and perhaps take a chance on a relationship?

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect harmony

Her Grumpy Bartender is the fifth book in the Grumps of Appleridge series. I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy story about single mother Gemma McLeod and grumpy bartender/owner Max Costa. She has moved to Appleridge with her mother and four year old daughter Harmony. Gemma is a very talented musician who plays the guitar, writes her own music and has a wonderful voice. Max used to be in a successful band but then it all drifted away as he got into the the bad things that come with that life. He cleaned up and started over by moving to Appleridge and opening a bar which features open mic night once a week. Gemma signed up for open night and she is a hit with not only the audience but the bar owner. Max cannot stop watching Gemma and by the end of the night they are in a "friends with hot and steamy benefits", with the agreement that neither will fall for the other. But as they make beautiful music on stage and off both their hearts start to take a turn and go into the territory they swore they would not.
This book is a great addition to the series. I loved the characters, and that includes Gemma's mother and daughter. This is an easy and delightful read which also delivers a lot of passionate, smexy fun.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max was a frustrated bar owner and had put his days of being in a band behind him. Occasionally, however, he’d preform when there wasn’t a live band or singer to fill up the slots. As he was getting ready to preform one night, the singer for that slot rushed in. Max fell for Gemma as she sang to the crowd the very first night. After they made an arrangement to just have a sexual relationship and both promised not to fall in love with the other. Gemma had been burned by her ex who left her when she told him she was pregnant and left her to raise their daughter alone. When she realizes she is pregnant with Max’s child , she is sure she has put herself in the same situation. She had to tell him, how would he react? She knew she was in love with him but they’d made promises and set boundaries on their relationship. Would telling Max change anything? This love story will keep you smiling. The steamy chemistry between the characters is deniable from the start. This cute book is definitely a feel good read.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean welcome to the Musician of Grumps of Appleridge. This one has JUST the right vibe.

Max has all the bad boy Musician vibes you could want! He's def a grump but with a past like he....you almost sorta get it. I like he has a bestie trying to keep him from being a total bummer.

Max is just making it day by day. Even if it means he has to suck it up and perform at his bar sometimes. After a last minute cancellation comes an almost late Gemma.

Max feels his world tilt a little bit when he met her, trying to remain in control. Even more so when he hears her sing. Music has a way of bring people together in the strangest and most beautiful ways. He knows from the moment she is the ONE.

Gemma has her hands full with a young daughter, and a boisterous mother. The last thing she is looking for is love, but here they are a few weeks of performing in.....straight up in love.

This has the chemistry, spice, hella attraction vibes, and a beautiful HEA. Would YOU have given into temptation like Max??

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max used to be in the music industry. He gave up that life and now owns a bar in Appleridge. They have live music nights regularly, and sometimes he plays when someone doesn't show up.
One night, everything seems to be going wrong in the bar, and the scheduled act hasn't shown up. He thinks he's going to have to go on but a woman finally shows up, late and a little frazzled. But as soon as she starts singing, Max knows he's in trouble.
Gemma is a single mom. She just moved to Appleridge with her mom and daughter. But music is her passion. She loves to sing, and here, she can actually get paid when she plays a live music night. And the bar owner is pretty hot too.
They have great chemistry, something neither expected. Gemma doesn't trust easily, and they try to keep things casual, but life has a way of throwing curve balls. Will it all be too much to handle?
This was quick and fun. Good characters, and plenty of steam. Appleridge is the place for all the grumps!

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

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating a new Melody.
Fantastic. Max ruined his own music career single-handedly. There’s no one else to blame but himself. He goes to Appleridge and opens a bar that offers live music nights. He only fills in to sing when absolutely necessary. And tonight is one of those nights right after a new performer at the bar. Gemma, who is a single mom, did some research before moving to town on the bar and its owner. She knows who he is but, not why he walked away from it all. That part was scrubbed clean from the internet. Instant attraction runs rampant for them. They both have one rule: NO FALLING IN LOVE. Unbeknownst to the other that rule is quickly broken. Gemma finds herself reliving history and knows Max is not going to be happy when he learns that his future is about to change. Or will he?.

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

[Danyell Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Costa owns a bar called Mixer in Appleridge. When Max was younger, he would party with alcohol and drugs, but he changed his life around for good. He has live music at the bar and Gemma McLeod will be playing soon. She is running late because Harmony, her four-year-old daughter, had trouble going to sleep. Max was watching Gemma closely while she was singing and playing the guitar. Gemma is a single parent and has a difficult time letting someone in because of the pain James, her ex, caused. They have chemistry and passionate sex. They agreed not to fall in love with each other but it did not last. Max and Gemma preformed together on stage and it is amazing how well they play and sing. There is BIG news Gemma needs to share with Max. Four months later… they have a wonderful life and future together.

And the end: Sign up for Lyssa J Cole’s newsletter for the extra bonus scene for Max and Gemma :-)

[Gwynne Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Grumpy Bartender" is a charming and heartwarming romance novel, perfect for a relaxing escape. It's an excellent choice for readers who enjoy romantic stories with a blend of humor, sensual scenes, and emotional depth. Max and Gemma's love story is truly captivating, and their hard work has culminated in a beautiful and fulfilling relationship.

Lyssa Cole creates such vivid and memorable characters and experiences that readers feel fully immersed in the story. This is a delightful love story, and I admire how their relationship has grown stronger over time.

I had fun reading this feel good romance and absolutely recommend it.

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max decided to walk away from his career it wasn’t because of the music but the other aspects of the lifestyle. He has opened a pub in Appleridge which features live music and occasionally fills in himself. When he sees the woman who had agreed to perform that night, he wants her for much more than her music.

Gemma is a single mother who has recently moved to Appleridge with her mother for a fresh start. Music has always been her dream so performing at Max’s bar allows her to get paid for what she loves and soon seems beneath Max’s grumpy exterior to the man he truly is.

Max and Gemma are brought together by music but it is the hot chemistry and deep feelings that keep them together.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max and Gemma’s story
Book Title-Her Grumpy Bartender
Author-Lyssa J Cole
MMC/FMC- Max and Gemma
Genre-Mountain Man Romance
Length-Short Story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Book 5 of Grumps of Appleridge
What I liked-This book is a perfect story of likely partners finding each other in a small mountain town; both ran here for a new start after making bad decisions that they are reminded of daily and are learning to embrace and make the best of. This is supposed to be friends with benefits, filling primal needs, and no feels involved. Yeah, that’s not going to happen! Pretty good story!.

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 Bartender is
Book 5 of the Grumps of Appleridge series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, friends with benefits to more, curvy single mom gets her hunky bartender romance. Max is a hunky,grumpy musician and bar owner. Gemma is a curvy, free-spirited musician and single mom. When she walks into Max's bar to play on live music night, the two are instantly drawn to one another. They end up agreeing to a physical relationship with no strings, but both catch feelings. This couple was so sweet together. The chemistry was insane 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.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Gemma have sizzling chemistry and an instant connection. Oh he is grumpy, a tad rude and trying to keep his distance when they first meet, but once he hears her sing, Max admits to himself that his heart is in trouble. Gemma has been burned by her ex, the father of her four year old daughter, and is definitely not in the market for love or a relationship. She just wants to sing, play her guitar, and perhaps have a little steamy fun with the handsome bar owner, Max. Very soon they are making beautiful music together on and off the stage. Their story is fast paced, steamy and captivating.

I will happily recommend this novella.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Appleridge, where falling in love abounds. This series, the grumpiest of Appleridge's men find never-ending love.
Max used to have a band and was living the dream, but he let the party life end that for him. Afterwards, he moved to Appleridge, opened The Mixer, and hosted live music nights.
Gemma just moved to Appleridge with her young daughter and mother. She dreams of recording her music, but for now, live music nights are her creative outlet. She didn't expect a hook-up with the Max could turn into so much more.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

mountain man romance.
Gemma is a young single mother and singer. while she is on her first day in a tavern she meets Max the owner of the bar and former singer and it is love at first sight.
Max is a former singer who returned to open a bar in his hometown after having known success and its consequences. while he lives a solitary life he did not think that everything would change with the beautiful singer.
Will Gemma and Max manage to make room in their lives or are the walls they have built around their hearts too high….

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max (H) traded rockstar life for quiet nights behind the bar. No drama, no attachments—just the way he likes it. But when free-spirited single mom Gemma (h) walks in, late for her gig and full of trouble, she turns his world upside down. Gemma came to Appleridge for her daughter, Harmony, not for distractions—especially not for a grumpy, tattooed bartender with a past he won’t talk about. But their undeniable attraction, on and off the stage, makes staying away impossible. What starts as a no-strings fling turns into something real. And when an unexpected surprise changes everything, they’ll have to decide if they're ready to take a chance on forever.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her Grumpy Bartender” by Lyssa J. Cole

-Single mom Gemma returns to Appleridge and finds herself drawn to Max, the grumpy bartender with a past.
Once a rockstar, now a bar owner, Max never expected love to walk through his door.
Their slow-burn romance sizzles with chemistry, surprises, and the magic of small-town charm.
A sweet, steamy, and heartwarming story with a swoon-worthy HEA and a bonus epilogue.
Harmony is a lovely name for a baby of a singer.

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

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max used to be a famous musician but now he owns and runs his own bar in apple ridge.
Gemma has just moved to town, opting to perform one night at the bar.
Sparks fly between Max and Gemma with things getting hot in his office. They agree to keep it casual with neither one catching feelings and fallen in love. Easy right!!

Great new story in ten grump series from Lyssa can’t wait for the last one in the series.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max had been a singing star until his lifestyle took it away;now he owns a bar in Appleridge which provides music gigs most nights. When a scheduled gig can't perform, he stands in. One night, there is a new female vocalist singing her own songs;Gemma. She is a single with a 4-yr-old daughter and her mother living with them. Max feels an attraction to Gemma. And so starts a friends with benefits. How will it play out? Interesting story!.

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