The Grump Who Kissed Me

by Ellie Hartwood

He hates me. He hates me not. I run Silver Pine's iconic flower shop. He’s here to sell it. But somehow, he’s stirring up more than just petals. Could a big city grump be my one true Valentine?


I came to Silver Pine with one get in, sell the shop my late aunt left me, and get out before Valentine’s Day chaos turns me into a Hallmark cliché. I didn’t expect Ruby. She’s got paint on her face, daisies in her hair, and a relentless optimism that should be illegal before 9 a.m. Worse, she keeps insisting the place has “heart.” I’ve seen spreadsheets. I’ve seen profit margins. I’ve never seen “heart” on a balance sheet—but somehow, she’s got me looking.


Griffin Renshaw showed up in a custom suit and a look like he was allergic to joy. He said he was here to “evaluate operations.” I said he looked like someone who’d sue a puppy. He’s gruff, grumbly, and thinks selling my flower shop is just business. But he agreed to stay through Valentine’s, and now he’s helping me arrange roses, accidentally bonding with my teenage son, and—oops—smiling. It’s fine. Totally fine. I am not falling for the suit. Probably. Maybe. Okay, I definitely am.

The Grump Who Kissed Me is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll

Later-in-life rom-comGrumpy/SunshineWorkplace RomanceOpposites AttractSecond chanceSmall townKisses-onlyBuy The Grump Who Kissed Me for a fun second chance at love!

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💕 Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has eleven standalone, sweet

The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsThe Hired Heartthrob by Ash KellerThe Heartbreaker and the Grump by Stephanie J. ScottThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerFetching Mr. Right by Sophie-Leigh RobbinsBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray HaleMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomSnapshot For Her Heart by Abby GreysonSo unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!

Genres: Clean Romance, Contemporary

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2026

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review❤️❤️

This novella was absolutely the cutest! I loved Ruby personality so much. She was not scared to be herself and didn’t really care what others thought. She was definitely the sunshine of the town!

Griffin on the other hand was your typical grump (however, you could see through his grumpiness sometimes). I love how Ruby and the town wore him down enough to open up to them about his personal life.

Overall, this book was a fun quick paced book perfect for Valentines Day!

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new mini-series featuring some of my favourite authors. I read the Christmas series last year that these authors featured in and this is the first book of the new series The Valentine’s Midlife Meet-Cute. It’s exactly what it says. These books feature MMC’s who are in their 30s/40s but still ready to love and be loved.

This one features Ruby, a young widow who is working in a florist in small town Silver Pine. The owner, Clara, recently passed away and now the new owner, her grumpy nephew Griffin, is in town to close the shop down. He doesn’t see the shop as profitable and wants to be done with it. Ruby has only ever found comfort at the shop and would be heartbroken to see it go.

I loved Griffin from the start, his grumpy persona didn’t fool me at all. I knew there was a lovable rogue under there. The way he helped Nick out without asking for renumeration or recognition. He’s been burnt by love before so is reluctant to give in again, but his brother convinces him to let his guard down. Ruby is sweet and kind, she was widowed young and has found solace in the flower shop and with Clara.

I loved the sweet gentle love story between these two, although when the third act break came, it hit hard and I wondered how Griffin would make it right. I loved the way he did and was so happy with the ending. Oh and I loved Mrs P, her timing was always so hilarious.

[Elizabeth Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so darling and so fun to read! Griffin and Ruby are both such loveable main characters! Their "later-in-life" romance is so sweet and I loved the way Ruby's encouraging optimism and "choosing joy" philosophy in life slowly melts Griffin's grumpy, not-looking-for-love heart. Even though this book is on the shorter side since it's a novella, it doesn't feel like anything's missing or like the love story is rushed in any way. It most definitely has all the heartfelt elements you want in a rom-com! Ellie Hartwood does a great job of showing Griffin and Ruby's increasing, butterflies-inducing attraction for each other, while still keeping the story clean (which I love). And I'm always a sucker for a good second-chance story! There are few things better than reading about unexpected love and unwavering hope overcoming even the most painful heartbreaks and suffering in a person's past. If you're looking for a quicker read, clean, second-chance romance that will melt your heart, then you'll love this book as much as I did!

(I was given a free Advanced Reader copy of this book from the author, but all reviews and opinions are mine and are 100% honest.)

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful story is filled with great characters, a flailing flower shop, an estate lawyer who is on a mission, and more-so much more. Ruby has taken over Clara’s flower shop after her passing. Ruby worked with Clara before she passed and is trying her best to keep the shop running. Griffin is Clara’s nephew and a lawyer. He has been trying to get in touch with Ruby. She doesn’t answer his calls and doesn’t respond to his messages. I believe that Ruby believes if she ignores him, he’ll give up and go away.
The first meeting happens in the coffee shop. Griffin enters the coffee shop engaged with his phone and does not look where he’s going when he collides with Ruby. (At this point, he doesn’t know it’s the person he’s been trying to get in touch with.) His phone pops out of his hand and two thoughts are in two heads, Ruby is thinking if the screen breaks, she’ll be “paying him back in daisies, because that’s all my bank account can handle.” She somehow manages to catch the phone. Unbeknownst to Ruby, Griffin is extremely thankful that she caught his phone. He would be lost without all the information he has on it. Griffin observes the flower shop and is happy to find out it’s larger than he was expecting. He spies a woman in the shop and singing loud enough that he can hear her. Ruby turns to greet the customer with her cheery, “Welcome to Oopsie Daisies! We’re running a special on-“ When she spies the guy from the café, she stops talking. He introduces himself and tells her he’s left messages. Griffin also informs Ruby that he is the owner of the flower shop. Mrs. Periwinkle enters the store and gets right to the point and asks him if he’s planning to expand the shop. His response, “I’m here to assess the business, evaluate operations, and determine the next steps.” Ruby translates his response inside her head: “Translation: sell the shop. End of story.” Now, Ruby is not willing just to give in and accept what he’s told her, she is “not going down without a fight.”
There is so much more going on in this sweet story. Will Ruby be ablet o convince Griffin not to sell the building, which is her livelihood? Is it possible for the two of them to work together to try and save the shop? I do not want to give too much away. I want you to get lost inside this wonderfully written story and fall in love with the people and the town. I’ve always been drawn into stories that happen in small towns. I think small towns sometimes get a bad rap due to people being involved and some crossing the line. Some people do cross the line, but most of them are looking out for your best interest. That’s what the people are doing for Ruby, protecting her. Get your copy of The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie Hartwood today and get lost in this wonderful story.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

The Midlife Meet Cute series is back, this time though it’s all about Valentine’s. Ellie Hartwood kicks off the next collection with The Grump Who Kissed Me. This book includes opposites attract, small town, and later in life romance. I adore books with MCs who are “later in life” as love doesn’t stop when you turn 40. What starts out as two people fighting for the same flower shop, slowly grows into a relationship neither one can live without.

Ruby will keep ignoring Griffin’s phone calls regarding the flower shop she took over from Griffin’s aunt Clara, after her passing. She has no desire to learn what he wants, nor does she want the extra work as keeping the flower shop open is already taking all her time. Griffin is going to do whatever it takes to get in contact with Ruby, so he decides to go there in person. Their first interaction almost ends in disaster, but crisis averted and identities remain unknown. Until Griffin goes into the flower shop and they realize who they are. Immediately Ruby’s defenses are back up and she’s not giving in.

As these two find a way to work together and get what they both want out of the flower shop, the small town that loved Clara and loves Ruby begins to meddle. This is one of my favorite things about small towns, everyone looks out for everyone. Well in books anyways. The town’s people start to keep the shop safe, then quickly switch to bringing Ruby and Griffin together for different reasons. They see how good these two are for each other. With cameos from other series that Ellie has written, the story feels like a continuation of already beloved stories.

Ellie has always provided sweet romance with sizzling kisses. She is able to bring so much to her short stories. The character development is well rounded and the conflict resolution doesn’t seem forced. The growing feelings between our MCs is genuine and I love the tension between them.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🌷Grumpy x Sunshine
💫Workplace Romance
🌷Small Town Romance
💫Later in Life MCs
🌷Love After 40
💫Opposites Attract
🌷Closed Door Romance

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly liked this book. Ruby was quite the character. Griffin is a typical grump who thinks he just wants to be left alone, but his Aunt Clara's will forces him to go and try to save her flower for a month. I liked how he helps Nick fix up the inn and finds that working with flowers isn't as bad as he thought. The thing I didn't like is when Ruby finds the shop closed up, she immediately flies off the handle and acts as if this is completely unexpected when she knew how bad the finances were, and Griffin had told her from day one that he meant to close it, and was only waiting because Clara's will asked him to. She thinks something like 'he was playing her' or something, and she doesn't say to him about it, even to yell at him, and just vanishes without a word to anyone. How was he playing her? She knew the shop was in deep, deep trouble, but acted as if he had just randomly shut down a perfectly profitable shop for no reason. Everyone in town acts like he's a villain, too! Even Clara, in the letter she wrote for him to receive at the end of the month, didn't expect him to be able to save it; she just wanted him to meet Ruby. It turns out that he had told his lawyer, at the beginning of the month, to close the shop unless they heard otherwise, and by the end of the month, he had forgotten he'd said that. It seemed like saving it was kind of forced, and not really sustainable in the long term, just making it die a slower and more painful death.
In spite of this, I did enjoy most of the story.

I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grump Who Kissed Me is Ellie Hartwood’s contribution to the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series. This series of interconnected sweet romantic comedy novellas are written by multiple authors and can be read as stand-alones and in any order. There are cameos from characters in the author’s story, Nicked by the Mistletoe, from the multi-author Letters to Mrs. Claus series.

48-year-old Ruby is a super-sunshiny florist at Oopsie Daisies in tiny Silver Pine, Colorado. Her beloved boss, Clara, passed away a month earlier, and Ruby is doing her flighty best to keep the shop open. Ruby is aware that she is “a lot” and has no filters, but she embraces her personality. She refuses to take calls from Clara’s nephew, who inherited the shop.

40-something Griffin Renshaw is a type-A accountant who runs a successful Denver investment firm with his younger brother in Denver. He’s surprised to learn that he inherited his Aunt Clara’s struggling floral shop, and heads to Silver Pine to make arrangements to sell it. Ruby convinces him to give it thirty days to see if the business can turn around.

There’s no rooms available in Silver Pine, so Griffin talks Nick into letting him stay in the attic of the lodge that he’s renovating. Griffin winds up helping Nick with construction projects in the evening, while doing his accounting during the day and occasionally helping Ruby at the shop. Ruby shows Griff around town, and he quickly falls in love with the scenery and the charming local businesses.

Ruby and Griff are attracted to each other, but they’re hesitant to make a move because they each have emotional baggage and worry about their opposite personalities. Griff was badly hurt in a divorce and is estranged from his adult son, while Ruby lost her husband in a car accident 20 years earlier. There’s a constant push-pull tension between Ruby and Griff because of their differences.

The Grump Who Kissed Me is the first story by this author that I’ve read. It’s a plot-driven story, and I felt like I didn’t really know Ruby or Griff well. There’s very little information on their backgrounds, and I think I would enjoy the story more if it was longer. I realize that it’s difficult to write a novella length story, let alone a series starter. Readers who enjoy Hallmark movies will love this story, with no profanity, a single kiss, and a happily ever after. The short chapters told in alternating POV make it a nice afternoon read.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby marches to the beat of her own drum. Everything from the clothes on her back to the way her house is decorated is flamboyant and happy. She has chosen joy over sadness. The flower shop where she works has given her purpose. The owner, Clara, has passed away, and Ruby is worried about the future.

The future just came strolling in the shop in his custom suit, a permanent scowl on his pretty face and he is almost growling with grumpiness. Griffin Renshaw has inherited the shop from his great aunt, Clara. Why she left the shop to him is a mystery he cannot fathom. He has come to town with one purpose with his no-nonsense business attitude, but Ruby is about to shatter everything he thought he knew.

This was a short story, but it was just the right length. All the bases were covered. The chemistry was present and the backstory for both main characters was explained, so you could more fully appreciate their present circumstances and attitudes. I just loved Clara. She could find sunshine on a rainy day. Everyone should live life with such joy and happiness. The small town of Silver Pine and the residents were like family and looked out for one another. This sweet midlife romance will tickle your funny bone and steal your heart.

Thank you to the author and Story Origin for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful way to start off this multi-author series by beginning with Ellie Hartwood’s enemies to more set in the small town of Silver Pine, Colorado! Enemies may be rather harsh but for sure when grumpy Griffin Renshaw, the man who had just inherited Oopsie Daisies flower shop from his Aunt Clara, arrived in Silver Pine his intentions were to close the struggling flower shop and that was the one thing ever-joyful long-term manager Ruby feared the most. The shop was what kept her going and it was the place she and Clara had lived dearly. These two will now be forced to try to work together for thirty days to see if there are any solutions but what these two mid-lifers didn’t foresee will definitely change everyone’s plans.
I love the portrayal of Ruby in this book, someone who has experienced grief but chooses to be joyful. Here’s a quote from her: “… joy is conditional on one person only. Me. And I choose happy.” Beautiful sentiment. We need more Rubys in the world. A sweet, clean novella with lovely character development set in a small town where everyone knows you and your business and willing to help when needed. It offers humor along with the emotional, sunshine for the grump, and a delightful happy ever after.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, I was so excited to find out that we'd be returning to the world of the Meet Cute series!

The Grump Who Kissed Me is a heartwarming, small-town rom-com that proves opposites don’t just attract - they heal. Set in the charming fictional Colorado town of Silver Pine, this first installment in the Valentine’s Meet Cute series delivers true grumpy x sunshine. Ruby, the joyful and resilient heart behind a beloved flower shop, has a way of choosing hope even when life has handed her loss - and watching her optimism clash with Griffin’s big-city practicality is both hilarious and deeply satisfying. Griffin arrives all sharp suits and spreadsheets, determined to treat everything like a transaction, but small-town magic, floral chaos, and Ruby’s quiet strength begin to unravel his carefully guarded worldview. Their chemistry builds through shared moments, reluctant teamwork, and the kind of emotional honesty that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. A swoon-worthy slow burn, and a story that celebrates grief, growth, and choosing joy again, this book is exactly the kind of feel-good romance - sweet, sincere, and utterly Valentine-approved!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was such a sweet and uplifting read. Book 1 in the 2026 season of Valentine Midlife Meet Cute series. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ruby and Griffin. Ruby is full of light and joy, the kind of person who doesn’t hide who she is, and I loved how she brought warmth not only to the flower shop but to the whole town. Griffin, on the other hand, comes in with his grumpy, no-nonsense attitude, ready to shut the shop down. At first, he seemed impossible to like, but as the story unfolded, I could see the softer side hiding underneath his scowl.

The small-town setting made everything feel cozy and familiar. I liked how the community rallied around Ruby, showing that even though people can be nosy, they also care deeply. The flower shop itself felt like a character in the story.

The romance between Ruby and Griffin was gentle but full of charm. Their banter, their differences, were fun to follow.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favourite tropes, fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Valentine's Midlife Cute Series, this is quite the kickoff to the series. A heart warming small town rom com about Ruby and Griffin complete opposites who find they have more in common once they put the past behind them. Ruby is a little ray of sunshine even if she is dealing with more grief than one person should. But taking over the flower shop after beloved Clara passed away gave her purpose and a new outlook on her life. That is until Griffin Clara's nephew and lawyer comes to town and threaten to permanently shut it down. The chemistry between Griffin and Ruby is there right from the start and slowly builds through special shared moments, teamwork and emotional honesty. Clara had a plan and she is working it very well from the beyond. But will Griffin be able to see the true plan before he loses Ruby for good?
I absolutely loved this read. It has amazing wonderful characters and takes place in a little town where everyone is family and everyone takes care of each other. There were happy moments, swoon worthy moments and melt your heart moments. Everything you want in a great page turning book.

[Karen "Kay" · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to return to the Meet Cute series, this series is the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series. This is book 1 in the 7 book series and all can be read as standalones, and by various authors. I loved the characters in this book. Ruby the MFC was the manager of the Oopsie Daises flower shop and has now taken over the running of the shop after Clara (who owned it) has passed away. Clara had left the shop to one of her nephew’s, Griffin the MMC. Griffin had been calling and leaving messages for Ruby, who has been ignoring the calls and not responding to his messages. Ruby is the sunshine, she has decided to be happy instead of sad. While Griffin is definitely a grumpy. The story develops when Griffin has come to town to talk to Ruby but first runs into her in the Coffee Shop when he enters while on his phone and not paying attention he runs right into Ruby. No spoilers, you need to read this story to see how it develops and the reason why Clara had left the shop to her nephew Griffin.
I received an ARC of this story through StoryOrigin and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a quick Valentine's read that feels like it straight from Hallmark... look no further than The Grump Who Kissed Me! Ruby runs the flower shop left to Griffin by his great aunt. When he comes to town with the intention of selling the shop, the last thing this unlikely pair expected was to fall for each other. Like I said, the perfect makings of a Hallmark movie--- in the best ways possible. Right away, I really enjoyed the sweet chemistry between these two. She was the perfect sunshine to his grump. As a novella, it was a quick read but didn't feel rushed or lacking in any way. If you love later in life romance with small town, Hallmark and Valentine vibes, this is certainly one to check out.

The Grump Who Kissed Me is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of later in life Valentine romcoms that can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.


**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was fighting to succeed. He came to shut her down.
A sweet story of finding love where you never expected. Ruby has worked the last year, since Clara the owners passing, to keep the flower shop alive. She knows it’s losing money, but the shop is where she finally had found peace and joy. Griffin had been left the flower shop in Aunt Clara’s will. He had no idea why. Sure, he’s a businessman but he wasn’t interested in the shop. However, the inheritance came with a letter from Clara asking him to spend one month trying to find a way to rescue the business before he sells. He's grumpy and mad, life has not been fair to him. Ruby is continuous sunshine and joy. Now he’s working with Ruby, looking forward to the day he can sell. Then slowly things begin to change but other forces are at play. A very enjoyable quick read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the first page that I was going to enjoy this book tremendously. I loved the way Ruby approached life and her past hardships - “Choose joy, Ruby. Even when it doesn’t choose you back.” She is a true testament to putting on a brave and happy face. The initial meeting between Ruby and Griffin is spot on for their characters. I appreciated that the author let you see the complete development of the characters-foibles and all. Romantic moments abound in this wonderfully fun later in life rom-com - “You color my entire world.” (swoon) Griffin, aka The Grump, becomes a truly terrific person that earned this reader’s heart through his actions. Silver Pine is written as such a lovely place, we should all have our travel agents book us a room and take it all in. In the meantime, put yourself there by diving into this great story.

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC, coming January 5th.

This is such a delightful later-in-life romance, the kind that feels like a warm hug with a side of small-town charm. Ruby adores her hometown and has one clear mission: save Oopsie Daisies, the beloved local flower shop. Griffin, on the other hand, arrives with the opposite goal—to close his aunt’s struggling business and move on.

What he doesn’t plan for is Ruby: walking sunshine, stubborn optimism, and impossible to ignore. As these two are forced to work together, sparks fly, walls wobble, and hearts-grumpy ones included-are tested. Can they save the shop? And more importantly, can Griffin open his heart to love?

As always, Ellie Hartwood delivers a heartwarming, gentle, happily-ever-after that proves it’s never too late for romance. A sweet start to the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute series-and yes, this is book one.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Thank you to Ellie Hartwood for allowing me to be a part of this ARC team. Absolutely love the way this unfolds. Griffin, still bitter from his divorce years ago is forced to go to Silver Pines and try to salvaged his recently deceased aunt's flower shop, Oopsie Daisies, per her dying wish. His plan is to close it. Only, he is unaware/not expecting Ruby, the wildly eccentric, unorganized but life-loving woman who runs the store. On top of it all, it is Valentine's and there's a Cotillion planned to happen. There is tons of banter, background characters stand out as they are part of the story of saving Oopsie Daisies. Gotta love time flying and forgetting to handle matters of business, especially when matters of the heart are at stake. Ending is expected as this is a HEA. Was written extremely well!

[Geneva Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️Opposite attracts
💐Later in life
♥️Grumpy/sunshine
💐Enemies to lovers
♥️Small town

The story follows Ruby and Griffin. Griffin's aunt passes away and left him her flower shop in Silver pine. He's determined to sell the shop but his aunt wants him to take 30 days to try to turn it around. When he gets to Silver pine he meets Ruby, who currently runs the shop.

Ruby and Griffin are complete opposites. He's more of a grump and she's all sunshine. She's bright, funny, bubbly and a little chaotic. Griffin on the other hand is more realistic. Serious. While working together to save the shop, they start falling for each other but held back by old trauma.


This is the first book in the Valentine's midlife meet cute series. The story was so cute. It had everything, it was everything. It had all the feelings. I ate this book up. I couldn't put it down.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes people come across as grumpy, uncaring, and negative. Enter Griffin Renshaw, owner of his aunt's flower shop by inheritance. Never mind that he is a corporate big shot and can't stand small towns. Provisions of her will means he has to try for a month before closing it up permanently. What he never expected was his Aunt Clara's employee Ruby. A woman full of sunshine, positivity, and kindness.

This story captivated me from the start, and every time I thought I knew what would happen next, there were surprises. Warm and genuine characters with a beautiful small town backdrop made this a love story that slowly came to an enterprising and wonderful conclusion. Don't miss this later in life love story! It's delightful!

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

hello Hallmark this is influencer romanceland65. I got a perfect little short Christmas story for you! it's everything Hallmark loves. small town, grumpy guy and the perpetual sunshine florist. oh yes Hallmark here is the best part. both characters are over 45. as an older romance reader this hit the spot. those small town vibes the characters that inhabit said small town. it's just beautiful.
I also must tell you that it's a quick novella but all the parts that matter are there. it's not choppy it flows wonderfully and you don't feel like there were gaping holes. and its the first of a mini series. so if you watch here closely the rest are coming soon. don't worry Hallmark i will give you the most important information you need.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression of the book after reading it even though I wasn’t required to do so.

This is a sweet second chance romance between a woman who is sunshine and optimism even though the store she is managing is failing after her best friend, the owner, passed away. She meets her late friend’s nephew who inherits the flower shop and he is all grump and serious. He tells her they have thirty days to get the store profitable or it’ll be closed.

However, working together he starts to change but he forgets what he told his brother and neglected to
Inform them he had a change of heart about the store and after a dancing night with Ruby she finds her heart shattered by the closed out of business sign and leaves town. When he sees it and realizes what he’s done he enlists help to save it to ask Ruby for a second chance with him if she comes back.

This is a sweet no spice story that shows even grumps can change when they are surrounded by someone who radiates warmth, happiness and cheerfulness on a daily basis even when it hides her own heartbreak.

I enjoyed this second chance at love for two people who were actually brought together by the matchmaking capabilities of someone one knew very well and the other well you’ll find out!

Love is messy and some people really screw it up but when the chips are down the desire to fix what they have broken becomes the overriding concern to repair the damage they’ve caused.

I recommend this book as one I think you’ll enjoy especially if you believe in second chances for happiness in spite of how you mess up!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute with Ruby and Griffin…

Tropes:
* Later in life
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Workplace romance
* Opposites attract
* Second chance
* Small town romance

This is such a cute/sweet read.

“Choose joy, Ruby. Even when it doesn’t choose you back.”

The FMC Ruby is a bit of a mess, but she’s endearing and sweet. Meanwhile, Griddin is all business… until he’s not.
I enjoyed the slow change of heart, the reveal of feelings and the beginning of their love story.
My heart hurt when Ruby’s heart hurt, Griffin’s betrayal wasn’t in the traditional sense, but it was still a horrible situation. To be blindsided as she was, was pretty rough.

A story of second chances (maybe, a few more), finding love and belonging.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fast paced, easy to read novella to get you ready for Valentine’s Day.

Ruby is managing a flower shop after the owner’s death. The owner was like a mother to her and was more the organized brains of the business while Ruby was the optimistic heart and soul of it. The owner left the business to her nephew Griffin who thinks only in profits as terms of success and seems to be allergic to anything small town.

I loved watching both Ruby and the town as a whole wear Griffin’s grumpiness out of him. Ruby’s motto of “Choose joy, even when it doesn’t choose you back,” is a great reminder going into the new year. The whole thing kept me smiling as I was reading.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t imagine a more opposite couple than the two main characters in The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie Hartwood. While I know that a florist needs a creative heart, a business head is also needed. I saw early on how these two characters would complete that requirement but could see how they would get past the total difference in personality especially in a novella length story. I shouldn’t have doubted Ellie Harwood, who with magical writing made this happen. It makes you happy that Griffin Renshaw’s late Aunt Clara has something more romantic in mind when she wrote the note for him to try any save Oopsie Daisy along with Ruby. One sweet romance that is bound to leave a smile on your face, just as it did mine.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin inherits a failing flower shop, Oopie Daisies, from his late aunt and intends to close the business in the next thirty days, right after Valentine’s Day. Ruby, the shop’s manager, loves the place and refuses to let him shut it down.
What a cute story! It’s the classic tale of opposites attract and enemies to lovers, but without the spice. He’s straightlaced and finance-oriented, and she’s carefree and colorful. They balanced each other out perfectly.
Ms. Hartwood’s writing style was smooth and easy to follow, though I could’ve used more detail at times. I would love to read more of her work.
Readers of sweet, slow-burn, holiday rom-coms will love The Grump Who Kissed Me.
5 Stars

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oopsie daisies, he never meant to fall for her.

First, I loved the name of the shop and these characters. Griffin is a finance guy, and his aunt left him her flower shop in the small town of Silver Pines. Unfortunately for Ruby, Griffin has already decided that since the shop finances have been in the red for months if not years, he will be closing it down. Ruby, widowed many years ago, decided that being happy was more important than continuing to grieve, and is one of the happiest most upbeat people Griffin has ever met.
Wonderfully written, quirky, and laugh out loud funny Valentine's romance with compelling, realistic characters, and a happily ever after. Fantastic sweet, and kisses only romance I recommend to other readers.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW 📚

The Grump Who Kissed Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a cute novella! I loved the small town setting and the characters. Ruby was such a bright person, even though she’s been through the worst, her personality shines through. I loved how her and Griffin balanced each other out. This book was told in a dual point of view and with short chapters. It was such an easy read and perfect for the upcoming holiday!

If you love a quick read with a small town feel, then this is for you! It’s the 1st book in the Midlife Meet Cute Series and will publish on January 5, 2026. Thank you to the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean, later in life romance.

Ruby has been managing the floral shop, Oopsie Daisies since the owner died. Her nephew, Griffin, shows up. According to his aunt’s will, he has to stay for 30 days and then decide to close the shop or keep it open. For someone who things are black and white, can she get him to see color? Will they be able to keep the shop open?

This was a cute story that had the characters trying to figure things out. Both have been dealt with some prior issues that reflect on how they live their lives. The town gets involved and you can’t keep a secret for long there. A cute, short read.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for my ARC of this book via StoryOrigin. This was truly a very sweet quick and easy book to read in one sitting but packed a lot into this 5 star book. Wonderfully written by Ellie Hartwood this midlife romance was so cute and touching it actually founds its way very quickly into my heart. I absolutely loved the two main characters who proved that opposites can attract and it's never too late to fall in love or change. This would be a perfect book to give as a Valentine's gift and is a perfect read for February 14th. I highly recommend this novella and I know I will be reading it again.