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Falling for the Grumpy Contractor: A Sweet, Off-limits, Single Dad Romance
A workaholic perfectionist, a grumpy single-dad, and a rundown old inn. . .
I had a meet a good guy, get married, have a house full of kids, and live happily ever after.
But life had other ideas.
At thirty-five, I was newly single and childless with a biological clock ready to explode. My perfectly planned life was not so perfect.
After a surprise inheritance of an old bed and breakfast, I threw caution to the wind and flew across the country to DIY the property. How hard could it be?
I was wrong.
It was really difficult. Not even someone with my work ethic could’ve fixed it alone.
Enter Blake, the hunky contractor with a grumpy attitude and a daughter made of sunshine and sass.
He stirred up more than paint in my life and I feared I might fall for the grumpy contractor.
Oh, and did I mention that he’s also my boss’s brother?
This sweet romance has all the fall vibes and a sprinkle of humor.
I had a meet a good guy, get married, have a house full of kids, and live happily ever after.
But life had other ideas.
At thirty-five, I was newly single and childless with a biological clock ready to explode. My perfectly planned life was not so perfect.
After a surprise inheritance of an old bed and breakfast, I threw caution to the wind and flew across the country to DIY the property. How hard could it be?
I was wrong.
It was really difficult. Not even someone with my work ethic could’ve fixed it alone.
Enter Blake, the hunky contractor with a grumpy attitude and a daughter made of sunshine and sass.
He stirred up more than paint in my life and I feared I might fall for the grumpy contractor.
Oh, and did I mention that he’s also my boss’s brother?
This sweet romance has all the fall vibes and a sprinkle of humor.
- GenresRomance
Audible Audio
Published July 22, 2025
71 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 16, 2024
Really fun, very good read. This is a sweet and clean romance involving a woman and a single dad with a 10 year old daughter. When her aunt dies and leaves her a run down B&B in Vermont, Sydney flies out there to meet with the lawyer. The inheritance comes with the caveat that Sydney must refurbish the B&B and stay for 6 months or everything will be turned over to the Historical Society. After multiple meetings with Blake and his daughter Leah, she hires him as her contractor and sparks fly between the two of them.
October 8, 2023
Sydney and Blake's Story . . .
Sydney is the workaholic type in both her personal and professional life. She had everything all planned out. But life happens and we can’t always guide it where we want it to go. After a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, and getting a surprise inheritance of a bed and breakfast, she was ready to use her forced vacation time to take a break and fix up the B&B. She had some skills, but even she knew she couldn’t tackle this project alone.
Blake Westin is an attractive contractor with a grumpy outlook. The single dad has no plans to get involved with a woman. (He already endured her spilling coffee on him, and had a run-in with her on the plane to Vermont, so her track record with him is not the best right now.) But could she hire him to help with her DIY project? Could the close proximity bring them closer together? Would he take a second chance on love?
The characters are great, and the humor thrown in throughout the story line is just what I needed. Grab your copy and see if the two of them can “get on the same page” and find a HEA together.
Sydney is the workaholic type in both her personal and professional life. She had everything all planned out. But life happens and we can’t always guide it where we want it to go. After a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, and getting a surprise inheritance of a bed and breakfast, she was ready to use her forced vacation time to take a break and fix up the B&B. She had some skills, but even she knew she couldn’t tackle this project alone.
Blake Westin is an attractive contractor with a grumpy outlook. The single dad has no plans to get involved with a woman. (He already endured her spilling coffee on him, and had a run-in with her on the plane to Vermont, so her track record with him is not the best right now.) But could she hire him to help with her DIY project? Could the close proximity bring them closer together? Would he take a second chance on love?
The characters are great, and the humor thrown in throughout the story line is just what I needed. Grab your copy and see if the two of them can “get on the same page” and find a HEA together.
May 26, 2024
It was a nice book, I liked it.
It's sweet and the problems don't take more than one chapter to resolve so that's a plus.
I liked Sydney, she wanted a new life and she got it.
Blake was all grump but he just loved his girls.
They were a cute people and really worked
It's sweet and the problems don't take more than one chapter to resolve so that's a plus.
I liked Sydney, she wanted a new life and she got it.
Blake was all grump but he just loved his girls.
They were a cute people and really worked
October 1, 2023
You are NOT somebody else’s afterthought
If you’re being treated like that, either stop allowing it or end the relationship. Life is too short and you are worth too much to be mere leftovers. Stand up for yourself rather than continue to be walked on…
Is an immediate vacation the answer to a break up?
I dunno, but I’m certainly willing to try it! First, a stop off to pick up my two best buds (Ben & Jerry) then their cousins (Jim Beam and Jack Daniels). Second, the biggest and most fragrant bottle of bubble bath along with my fave tub book. A movie, a nap, order in some din-din (perhaps enough for breakfast, too). Just all sorts of self-pampering fun! Sleep in the next morning and then, only then, do I start planning my staycation.
As for small towns, I moved from The OC bustle to the Midwest when I needed a reset. Best decision of my life. Nothing beats small town life with community and shared history. And that’s exactly what Sydney needs…
I’ve read other books by this author and look forward to more!
If you’re being treated like that, either stop allowing it or end the relationship. Life is too short and you are worth too much to be mere leftovers. Stand up for yourself rather than continue to be walked on…
Is an immediate vacation the answer to a break up?
I dunno, but I’m certainly willing to try it! First, a stop off to pick up my two best buds (Ben & Jerry) then their cousins (Jim Beam and Jack Daniels). Second, the biggest and most fragrant bottle of bubble bath along with my fave tub book. A movie, a nap, order in some din-din (perhaps enough for breakfast, too). Just all sorts of self-pampering fun! Sleep in the next morning and then, only then, do I start planning my staycation.
As for small towns, I moved from The OC bustle to the Midwest when I needed a reset. Best decision of my life. Nothing beats small town life with community and shared history. And that’s exactly what Sydney needs…
I’ve read other books by this author and look forward to more!
October 8, 2023
Falling for the Grumpy Contractor was the sweetest read I've read in some time. I absolutely loved the characters and Leah the daughter was adorable.
This book started out with Sydney learning that her long-term relationship was just not going anywhere. Her boyfriend treated her as a second thought. So when her boss tells her to take a three-week vacation the universal conspires to send her on a new journey starting with spilling coffee all over Blake our grumpy contractor.
From there, it seems that fate would have them running into each other a lot until eventually; they begin to see and feel something more.
This story was super sweet and realistic. I love how Sydney and Blake were so good for each other. I also enjoy watching them both grow closer.
Overall, a really wonderful story that was a quick read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book started out with Sydney learning that her long-term relationship was just not going anywhere. Her boyfriend treated her as a second thought. So when her boss tells her to take a three-week vacation the universal conspires to send her on a new journey starting with spilling coffee all over Blake our grumpy contractor.
From there, it seems that fate would have them running into each other a lot until eventually; they begin to see and feel something more.
This story was super sweet and realistic. I love how Sydney and Blake were so good for each other. I also enjoy watching them both grow closer.
Overall, a really wonderful story that was a quick read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2023
Sydney is a workaholic and her boss orders her to take a 3 week vacation. And providence has it that she has inherited a B&B from her aunt so she decides to go across the country to fix it up for sale. After all it can't be all that hard. Fate has it that she spills her cup of coffee on Blake who turns out to be her grumpy contractor working on her B&B who has a young daughter, Leah who is adorable! And of course we have Sydney and Leah getting along well. Blake has no intention of getting into a relationship, he has enough on his plate and Sydney's long term boyfriend back home treats her like a non-entity and all she wants is someone to want her and return her feelings. She Loves Leah and has feelings for Blake. Can she melt him and make him see how she is perfect for him? With some twists and turns and miscommunications, we are taken on a sweet romantic ride. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
October 6, 2023
It is a sweet romance with charming characters, one of them, Sydney, is a bit clumsy, especially at the beginning. When Sydney inherited inn from her aunt she started to work with Blake who is brother of her boss and the only contractor in the area. She starts to fall in love with him with reciprocity but her ex-boyfriend came to her with marriage proposal, which left Blake with thinking that he is not enough for her. Would they be able to other come they difficulties and would find they way to be together or no?
Generally I enjoy the book until the epilogue which promote values which are opposite to my believes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Generally I enjoy the book until the epilogue which promote values which are opposite to my believes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2023
This is a sweet romance comedy. Sydney is a little graceless but she is kind and has a very loving heart. Blake is grumpy and hasn’t opened his heart since his wife left him six years ago. Leah and Sydney immediately connect and develop a friendship that Blake can’t resist. His thoughts of “She loves my daughter” open his heart to love. Blake is also a little wish-washy with opening his heart. This is the crux of the plot and story-line. This story left me feeling happy and made me smile with all the little things that go wrong in life, and to remember that there are good things that go along right beside those bad things. It also reminded me in a good way of my grumpy husband and how much love he poured into his own family.
October 12, 2023
I love the single dad genre. I think we tend to forget that moms die and sometimes dads get the children in cases of divorce and/or abandonment. Other times, they are unexpectedly left the guardians of their siblings or friends’ children, so it is important that we give them credit and acknowledgement. Ashleigh Quinn does that very well in her story. Sydney and Blake’s first encounter doesn’t go well and frankly, I would have been surprised if it had. Dumping coffee all over someone is NOT a good introduction. Who could have guessed that she would keep encounter him as she takes over her unexpected inheritance? I really enjoyed this story and all the small town matchmakers.
October 31, 2023
It's Never too Late For Love
Blake had been hurt terribly from his former wife that wanted nothing to do with him or their daughter. She only wanted to act in Hollywood and didn't care about anyone or anything. Sydney only wanted to be loved and not come in second place to everything like Adam was doing to her. The only time he had time for her was when he needed to look good or to have company on his arm, no love included only benefits when he wanted them. Blake shows up at his sisters place, who happens to be Sydneys boss and the coffee and sparks fly. Absolutely Loved this book
Blake had been hurt terribly from his former wife that wanted nothing to do with him or their daughter. She only wanted to act in Hollywood and didn't care about anyone or anything. Sydney only wanted to be loved and not come in second place to everything like Adam was doing to her. The only time he had time for her was when he needed to look good or to have company on his arm, no love included only benefits when he wanted them. Blake shows up at his sisters place, who happens to be Sydneys boss and the coffee and sparks fly. Absolutely Loved this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
This was a very sweet, small town romance. Sydney, our protagonist, has just broken up with her boyfriend and receives a surprise inheritance from her aunt in Vermont. The only drawback is that she has to physically go there and receive it. Luckily, she has to take a vacation so she makes the trip out. A series of coincidences keep throwing her into the path of Blake and his precocious daughter Leah. Blake is the only contractor who can help her fix up the B&B, so they end up spending a lot of time together and a sweet romance blossoms. Great story, with endearing characters.
October 2, 2023
This is a dual POV, clean romance. It is a cute, short read but you will fall in love with the characters. Sydney is a marketing professional who doesn’t like to take a break but when she gets stood up by her boyfriend of 5 years she is done. Her boss tells her to take a vacation and it lines up with her needing to travel out of state. Blake is helping out at his dads house but is set to return home with his daughter. The energy between these two is fantastic and I love the nudges from Blake’s daughter that leads to their relationship.
January 3, 2024
This is her second book in the series and I thought it was just as good as the first one. I like the fact that she has characters from the last book in this book but it's still a standalone.
Sydney and Blake's story is cute, laughable, are you kidding me I only wish. Sydney is accident prone and not like in our life at the beginning of the story by the end she is happy as can be. Blake is grumpy, adorable, and has a lovable little girl.
Again, it's got good writing. Great story! I highly recommend it.
Sydney and Blake's story is cute, laughable, are you kidding me I only wish. Sydney is accident prone and not like in our life at the beginning of the story by the end she is happy as can be. Blake is grumpy, adorable, and has a lovable little girl.
Again, it's got good writing. Great story! I highly recommend it.
October 5, 2023
Sydney is disappointed with Adam her boyfriend as he keeps forgetting their anniversary of staying together. Sydney inherits her Aunt's property Maple Tree Inn and goes to Vermont. There she meets Blake who is her boss Amelia’s brother. He has a daughter, Leah who grows very fond of her. A humorous read with a great romance. I am received this book via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
October 6, 2023
Sydney loves to work but is force to take a break. This break comes at a time that works out since she has to go see about a place in Vermont. Her first meeting with Blake had me chuckling a little. And then the airplane scene IYKYK! They way their relationship grew and they really got to know each other was really amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2023
Sydney was stood up on her fifth anniversary by her boyfriend for the second year in a row. He clearly was not headed for the marriage and starting a family that she wanted. When she inherits her aunt's bed and breakfast, she goes to Vermont to make arrangements. Ironically, she meets up with her boss's brother and his sweet daughter again. Their romance is sweet, fast and fun. This book is a quick, loving, clean read.
September 24, 2025
Falling for the grumpy contractor by Ashleigh Quinn
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Character ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ending ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice 🌶️
Read your trigger warnings!!!
Awww. He's so grumpy. And she's so shy. I loved this. It is your typical cozy romance read. But it was super cute. I gave 5 stars across the board. It's just an overall well written, well planned out book!
Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Character ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ending ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice 🌶️
Read your trigger warnings!!!
Awww. He's so grumpy. And she's so shy. I loved this. It is your typical cozy romance read. But it was super cute. I gave 5 stars across the board. It's just an overall well written, well planned out book!
October 5, 2023
Enjoyable read
This is a sweet story filled with characters that each have their quirks, which makes them more lovable (or not). If you’re looking for a fun story to read that doesn’t have a lot of tension and angst, then this is the book for you!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This is a sweet story filled with characters that each have their quirks, which makes them more lovable (or not). If you’re looking for a fun story to read that doesn’t have a lot of tension and angst, then this is the book for you!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 7, 2023
Blake a single dad isn’t looking for romance but when he starts work on Sydney’s newly inherited inn , he begins work as a friend of her brother’s. The ex proposes and he thinks that she’s off limits but what do you know… A sweet romance that has great chemistry. Well written compelling read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2023
A sweet, heartwarming, single-dad story that will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart. A well written story line that pulls you, keeps you engaged and has you falling in love with the characters. A great read to curl up with on a chilly weekend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2023
Can grumpy get happy?
Sydney loved the work she did in AZ . Life sure changed when her aunt left her a B&B in VT. And grumpy Blake sure did brighten her days there. Could they make this work and would Sydney want to permanently live in VT? It was such a fun book and his daughter Leah was the perfect addition!
Sydney loved the work she did in AZ . Life sure changed when her aunt left her a B&B in VT. And grumpy Blake sure did brighten her days there. Could they make this work and would Sydney want to permanently live in VT? It was such a fun book and his daughter Leah was the perfect addition!
October 5, 2023
Sydney, Blake, and Amelia make the perfect family. Each needing what the other has. Heartwarming, enchanting, and a dream come true. Highly Recommended.
I received this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I received this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2023
ebook
She’s fed up with her boyfriend, then gets a surprise inheritance. She goes to Vermont and meets her bosses brother on the way. His daughter vomits on her and that starts a relationship that leads to love.
She’s fed up with her boyfriend, then gets a surprise inheritance. She goes to Vermont and meets her bosses brother on the way. His daughter vomits on her and that starts a relationship that leads to love.
October 14, 2023
Cute, easy read
Love blazes a path from Arizona to Vermont, leaving unsuspecting fools in the dust.
You can't say you love someone, then ignore them for more money-making experiences. True Love is worth Everything!!
Love blazes a path from Arizona to Vermont, leaving unsuspecting fools in the dust.
You can't say you love someone, then ignore them for more money-making experiences. True Love is worth Everything!!
October 15, 2023
A cute meet-cute!
This is such a cute book starting of with a unique meet-cute and traveling across the country to meet again. If you are looking for an autumnal book, with minimal 4th quarter breakups, then this is the book for you.
This is such a cute book starting of with a unique meet-cute and traveling across the country to meet again. If you are looking for an autumnal book, with minimal 4th quarter breakups, then this is the book for you.
November 15, 2023
Blake and Sydney
Blake and Sydney meet when spills coffee on him. She's in a relationship that is ready to end. She inherited a inn from her aunt that is in the same town as Blake lives. This is a clean and sweet story. I really enjoyed it
Blake and Sydney meet when spills coffee on him. She's in a relationship that is ready to end. She inherited a inn from her aunt that is in the same town as Blake lives. This is a clean and sweet story. I really enjoyed it
January 30, 2024
Falling for the grumpy contractor
The book was fantastic. Every person in the book played their part perfect. I hope others will read the book as well
The author is great writer.
Ok
The book was fantastic. Every person in the book played their part perfect. I hope others will read the book as well
The author is great writer.
Ok
October 7, 2023
I loved this book!
Ashleigh Quinn did a great job on this clean romance. Short, sweet, and enjoyable. If you are in a down mood start this story and your feelings change.
Ashleigh Quinn did a great job on this clean romance. Short, sweet, and enjoyable. If you are in a down mood start this story and your feelings change.
October 8, 2023
This was a cute story liked it very much. Characters were great. It had a nice flow to it.
November 19, 2023
Love how Sydney seen her worth and left that idiot Adam and found true love with Blake. Also love how quickly she got along with his daughter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews