What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Chances & Grumpy: A Sweet Small Town Enemies to Lovers Romance
I kissed a girl under the stars ten years ago.
Now Jamie Reid's my rookie firefighter—and the one woman I can’t afford to want.
Being fire chief means I don’t bend, I don’t break, and I don’t mix business with pleasure.
But then Jamie walked into Redbud Ridge. The girl from that long-ago summer night, all grown up—and standing in my firehouse with a stubborn smile that makes me forget every rule I ever wrote.
She drives me crazy. She takes risks I can’t ignore. And every time I tell myself to keep my distance, I find myself right beside her—in the smoke, on a rescue, or swaying to a song we shouldn’t be dancing to.
I thought I could fight it. But then she saves a life, proves herself to my crew, and looks at me like maybe I’m worth more than the scars I hide.
Falling for her could cost us everything.
But if I lose her again, I’ll lose the only fire I’ve ever wanted to keep burning.
Second Chances & Grumpy is a sweet, clean & wholesome, standalone romance in the & Grumpy - Redbud Ridge Romances series—perfect for readers who love second-chance kisses, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and small-town firehouse drama with just the right amount of gossip. This heartfelt story proves that sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past… and that love might just be the bravest rescue of all.
Now Jamie Reid's my rookie firefighter—and the one woman I can’t afford to want.
Being fire chief means I don’t bend, I don’t break, and I don’t mix business with pleasure.
But then Jamie walked into Redbud Ridge. The girl from that long-ago summer night, all grown up—and standing in my firehouse with a stubborn smile that makes me forget every rule I ever wrote.
She drives me crazy. She takes risks I can’t ignore. And every time I tell myself to keep my distance, I find myself right beside her—in the smoke, on a rescue, or swaying to a song we shouldn’t be dancing to.
I thought I could fight it. But then she saves a life, proves herself to my crew, and looks at me like maybe I’m worth more than the scars I hide.
Falling for her could cost us everything.
But if I lose her again, I’ll lose the only fire I’ve ever wanted to keep burning.
Second Chances & Grumpy is a sweet, clean & wholesome, standalone romance in the & Grumpy - Redbud Ridge Romances series—perfect for readers who love second-chance kisses, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and small-town firehouse drama with just the right amount of gossip. This heartfelt story proves that sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past… and that love might just be the bravest rescue of all.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 28, 2025
Second Chances
Jamie Reid was the Redbud Ridge Fire Department's new rookie. Chief Mason Stevens thinks she looks familiar, but can't place her. He keeps her close to see if she can do this job. He sees that she is fearless and a little reckless. But she's good. The other fire fighters accept her from her first day. As she's given more responsibility, she continues to perform at a high level. The town notices her when she rescued a little girl from a community center fire. She is seriously injured getting elderly residents out of a nursing home fire. The ceiling collapsed on her and Mason used a huge surge of adrenaline to lift a ceiling beam off her and carry her to an ambulance. He is surprised by the deep fear he experienced when thought she might have died there. He was so relieved when he saw her breathing. They finally admit why they seem so familiar: they shared a kiss several years ago, but no names were exchanged and they never saw each other again. She came back to Redbud Ridge hoping to find that man. But now he was her boss. Getting involved could put people in danger. He becomes very protective of her. The others notice and start wondering how long before the chief asks her out. Lots of complications come from an ex, the city council, and her long lost father coming back into her life. This is a story of finding community and home. And one kiss that haunted two people for years. I really enjoyed it.
Jamie Reid was the Redbud Ridge Fire Department's new rookie. Chief Mason Stevens thinks she looks familiar, but can't place her. He keeps her close to see if she can do this job. He sees that she is fearless and a little reckless. But she's good. The other fire fighters accept her from her first day. As she's given more responsibility, she continues to perform at a high level. The town notices her when she rescued a little girl from a community center fire. She is seriously injured getting elderly residents out of a nursing home fire. The ceiling collapsed on her and Mason used a huge surge of adrenaline to lift a ceiling beam off her and carry her to an ambulance. He is surprised by the deep fear he experienced when thought she might have died there. He was so relieved when he saw her breathing. They finally admit why they seem so familiar: they shared a kiss several years ago, but no names were exchanged and they never saw each other again. She came back to Redbud Ridge hoping to find that man. But now he was her boss. Getting involved could put people in danger. He becomes very protective of her. The others notice and start wondering how long before the chief asks her out. Lots of complications come from an ex, the city council, and her long lost father coming back into her life. This is a story of finding community and home. And one kiss that haunted two people for years. I really enjoyed it.
September 15, 2025
Several things struck me as I read this sweet love story. One-the amount of research Ms. Mae must have put in to immerse this reader in the firefighting experience. It was terrifying and makes me incredibly thankful for our First Responders. She was able to sweep me into the reactions and circumstances those that rush into danger must routinely feel and experience. Second-the self-awareness and strength of Jamie, the female character. “Because I’m not just sunshine. I’m wildfire when I need to be.” Third-Mason’s leadership in training and the development of his team. Fourth-there were many take away lessons in this story of two strong people finding what matters. “Fear’s loud, but it isn’t truth. You’ve got to decide which one you’re going to listen to.” Great writing, cast of characters and left me ready to head back to Redbud Ridge for another story. Hope you join me.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews