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Pineapple Grove #1.5
Drew & Mr. Grumpy
Drew Hopkins has had his eye on chef, Carson Mills, since he took the job at Wilton Cottage Bed & Breakfast. He’s always finding reasons to visit the kitchen to flirt with the sexy big guy, hoping to catch his interest.
Carson wants nothing to do with the tempting front desk manager even if Drew is cute as hell. He tried romance with a coworker, and it cost him everything.
When Drew’s flirting finally gets to him, the grumpy chef snaps and says something he truly regrets.
Hurt, Drew withdraws completely, and it doesn’t take Carson long to realize he’d been more tempted than even he knew.
Carson wants nothing to do with the tempting front desk manager even if Drew is cute as hell. He tried romance with a coworker, and it cost him everything.
When Drew’s flirting finally gets to him, the grumpy chef snaps and says something he truly regrets.
Hurt, Drew withdraws completely, and it doesn’t take Carson long to realize he’d been more tempted than even he knew.
65 pages, Unknown Binding
First published December 27, 2018
85 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Rinda Elliott
66 books426 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Okay, and some space opera and post-apocalyptic menage as Dani Worth. I'm a lover of all kinds of romances! Some of mine (so far) are M/F, M/M/F and M/M.
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
Currently, I'm focusing on M/M romance because that's been my favorite for many years. I finally took the plunge in 2015 along with my good friend and co-writer, Jocelynn Drake. We are releasing long M/M romantic suspense right now (Unbreakable Bonds) and are already planning another series as well--possibly one that combines our love of MM romance with our love of urban fantasy.
I enjoy unusual stories and credit growing up in a family of curious life-lovers who moved all over the country. Books and movies full of fantasy, science fiction and romance kept us amused, especially in some of the stranger places.
I do get questions about the open series out. Beri O'Dell, Crux Survivors, The Kithran Regenesis and The Brothers Bernaux are unfortunately all on hold. That publisher is in the midst of closing so I don't know what will happen with them yet. Also, they weren't selling very well either, but I'm hoping I can self-publish the last of the stories in them at some point for the fantastic fans they do have. I'm sorry for the delay.
I’m represented by Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Agency.
You can find me at http://rindaelliott.com, http://www.deadlinedames.com.
I also write erotic books as Dani Worth-http://www.daniworth.wordpress.com
And for more info on my co-authored M/M series with author, Jocelynn Drake, http://www.drakeandelliott.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 10, 2019
***2 Stars***
Well, this isn't the most promising start to my 2019 reading year.
This was a cheesy and underdeveloped short story with a weak plot and two one dimensional and immature MC's.
And in my opinion, Carson wasn't Mr. Grumpy...he was Mr. Asshole. His blowup was cruel, his apology was weak, and his reason was even weaker. Drew forgave him too easily. Carson ran hot and cold most of the time, and even by the end I'm not sure if he genuinely likes Drew or if the attention and constant compliments is an ego booster?
There was nothing here for me to sink my teeth into. I didn't care about either Drew or Carson. Their attraction to each other wasn't based off of anything else except looks...at least that's all they mentioned. And the amount of chemistry between them?
My 2019 reading can only get better from here, right?
January 10, 2019
🍓🍫I enjoyed Drew and Mr Grumpy aka Carson.🍫🍓
These two work at Wilton Cottage Bed & Breakfast in Pineapple Grove, Drew on the front desk and Carson is the chef.
I enjoyed these two together, I like it when a couple start off fighting and it soon turns to f*cking and these two had the angry part down great.
This was a quick fun read and hopefully Wesley's story will be next and I have a feeling it will involve one Nathan Randall - lots of fighting and f*cking in their future PLEASE.
These two work at Wilton Cottage Bed & Breakfast in Pineapple Grove, Drew on the front desk and Carson is the chef.
I enjoyed these two together, I like it when a couple start off fighting and it soon turns to f*cking and these two had the angry part down great.
This was a quick fun read and hopefully Wesley's story will be next and I have a feeling it will involve one Nathan Randall - lots of fighting and f*cking in their future PLEASE.
April 1, 2019
This was a cute short story about two guys, Drew and Carson, who work at Wes' (Secondary character from the first book) B&B. Drew works the front desk and Carson is the chef for the restaurant the big B&B has.
There isn't a lot of story here and the two are just starting to date by the end of it, but it was fun and sweet. I thought the chemistry wasn't built enough to feel much during the sex scene, but it was still fun and hot.
There isn't a lot of story here and the two are just starting to date by the end of it, but it was fun and sweet. I thought the chemistry wasn't built enough to feel much during the sex scene, but it was still fun and hot.
December 31, 2018
I normally find that novellas don't quite hit a five-star rating, but this was a cute little romp, and I'm admittedly a sucker for culinary romance.
Drew has a crush on the big bear Chef at his B&B job, and enjoys flirting outrageously until the man loses his temper and says something vicious and biting.
When multiple apologies and a sinful chocolate lava cake don't win Drew's forgiveness, Mr. Grumpy opens up just enough to risk being hurt again. When he tries to retreat back into his shell, Drew is done with the hot and cold, he wants answers, and a real chance with his gorgeous bear chef. Carson is, eventually, happy to oblige.
Shmoop, fluff, ust, communication fail, bear and twink, culinary. From the writers of The Unbreakables and Ward Security, a pre-release freebie for Jace, Pineapple Grove #1
Drew has a crush on the big bear Chef at his B&B job, and enjoys flirting outrageously until the man loses his temper and says something vicious and biting.
When multiple apologies and a sinful chocolate lava cake don't win Drew's forgiveness, Mr. Grumpy opens up just enough to risk being hurt again. When he tries to retreat back into his shell, Drew is done with the hot and cold, he wants answers, and a real chance with his gorgeous bear chef. Carson is, eventually, happy to oblige.
Shmoop, fluff, ust, communication fail, bear and twink, culinary. From the writers of The Unbreakables and Ward Security, a pre-release freebie for Jace, Pineapple Grove #1
August 16, 2019
Loved it!
Absolutely adorable! We get a little Pineapple Grove treat, it’s such an amazing universe, and we get to see some Wes’.
Drew and Carson are just a dynamic package ready to blow. Drew is adorable, sweet, energetic and caring, while our Mr. Grumpy is a sexy bear, ready for some loving!
Absolutely adorable! We get a little Pineapple Grove treat, it’s such an amazing universe, and we get to see some Wes’.
Drew and Carson are just a dynamic package ready to blow. Drew is adorable, sweet, energetic and caring, while our Mr. Grumpy is a sexy bear, ready for some loving!
January 3, 2019
Cute, fun read. Enjoyed. 3.5
January 4, 2019
2.5 Stars
This was a bit of a miss, there were time when I got it..I understood what the author was going for and I could feel the characters, then the next sentence would lose it for me. I think if this was a bit longer and more thought out, the characters would come off so harsh, needy and unrealistic.
I’m still looking forward to Wes’s story and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these two.
This was a bit of a miss, there were time when I got it..I understood what the author was going for and I could feel the characters, then the next sentence would lose it for me. I think if this was a bit longer and more thought out, the characters would come off so harsh, needy and unrealistic.
I’m still looking forward to Wes’s story and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these two.
January 7, 2019
I liked getting to see some different side characters and to see more action at the B&B. The title to this one was perfect. It was fun to see Drew and Mr. Grumpy spar and how each of them had to win the other over. But the best was Wesley and his reaction, no worries about a boss disapproving about a workplace romance.
February 9, 2019
Cute and fluffy and I'm very glad Drew didn't give in to the apologies right away!
October 13, 2019
3.5 stars
November 19, 2019
4 stars.
June 4, 2020
4 Stars
January 16, 2020
Short story that did not do much more me but craving something to eat.
It did laid down the groundwork for the next book, Wesley Blake & Nathan Randall's story.
Part of the Pineapple Grove Series, while each can be read as a standalone it is best enjoyed when read in order:
January 19, 2020
Short and fun
The story was super short but fun to read. Drew was a quirky character, and balanced out Carson's grumpy character pretty well.
The story was super short but fun to read. Drew was a quirky character, and balanced out Carson's grumpy character pretty well.
June 11, 2019
THEE cutest fucking cover :-D!!! Seriously, how friggin' cute is this cover?!!? ADORABLE :-D!!!
July 21, 2019
Drew Hopkins liebt seinen neuen Job als Rezeptionist im Wilton Cottage Bed & Breakfast. Und er hat ein Auge auf den Koch des Hauses geworfen. Leider ist dieser ziemlich grantig, abweisend und auch spassbefreit. Koch Carson ist ein Künstler in der Küche und Drew liebt sein Essen. Aber noch mehr liebt Drew es den einsilbigen Koch zu provozieren und mit ihm zu flirten. Gut, Drew versucht es. Aber das ist leider nicht von Erfolg gekrönt.
Carson hat seine liebe Not sich den attraktiven Drew vom Hals zu halten. Also ja, er findet ihn attraktiv. Und gewissermaßen ist er auch geschmeichelt. Aber Carson hat Gründe keine Beziehungen am Arbeitsplatz einzugehen. Da hat er sich schon einmal die Finger verbrannt und dieses Techtelmechtel hat ihn prompt ein große Karriere in New York gekostet. Leider führt Carson nicht gerade die feine Klinge und mit schnippischen und scharfen Worten verletzte er Drew schwer. So schwer, dass dieser sich wirklich von ihm fernhält und das Klima im Unternehmen um eine Grade sinkt.
Diese wirklich putzige Kurzgeschichte liegt schon eine halbe Ewigkeit auf meinem Reader. Irgendwie ist sie mir immer wieder durch die Finger gerutscht. Ich fand sie einfach nur süss und entzückend. Carson muss echt an seinen Social Skills arbeiten und es ist gut, dass man ihn eigentlich in der Küche verräumt. Denn höflich und freundlich geht anders.
Aber er ist jetzt nicht der ausgemachte Bösewicht, der einem unsympathisch ist. Ganz sicher nicht. Denn seine Zurückweisung hat ja seinen Grund und er gewinnt ja dann doch noch an Sympathie zurück. Ganz anders Drew, den man sofort mag und natürlich gleich auf seiner Seite steht. Aber auch Drew beweist Größe, denn er im Gegenzug lässt er sich von Carson nicht alles gefallen und hält ihn dann soch noch eine Weile hin.
Sehr lustig zu lesen. Toller Zeitvertreib für einen verregneten Sonntagnachmittag auf dem Sofa.
Carson hat seine liebe Not sich den attraktiven Drew vom Hals zu halten. Also ja, er findet ihn attraktiv. Und gewissermaßen ist er auch geschmeichelt. Aber Carson hat Gründe keine Beziehungen am Arbeitsplatz einzugehen. Da hat er sich schon einmal die Finger verbrannt und dieses Techtelmechtel hat ihn prompt ein große Karriere in New York gekostet. Leider führt Carson nicht gerade die feine Klinge und mit schnippischen und scharfen Worten verletzte er Drew schwer. So schwer, dass dieser sich wirklich von ihm fernhält und das Klima im Unternehmen um eine Grade sinkt.
Diese wirklich putzige Kurzgeschichte liegt schon eine halbe Ewigkeit auf meinem Reader. Irgendwie ist sie mir immer wieder durch die Finger gerutscht. Ich fand sie einfach nur süss und entzückend. Carson muss echt an seinen Social Skills arbeiten und es ist gut, dass man ihn eigentlich in der Küche verräumt. Denn höflich und freundlich geht anders.
Aber er ist jetzt nicht der ausgemachte Bösewicht, der einem unsympathisch ist. Ganz sicher nicht. Denn seine Zurückweisung hat ja seinen Grund und er gewinnt ja dann doch noch an Sympathie zurück. Ganz anders Drew, den man sofort mag und natürlich gleich auf seiner Seite steht. Aber auch Drew beweist Größe, denn er im Gegenzug lässt er sich von Carson nicht alles gefallen und hält ihn dann soch noch eine Weile hin.
Sehr lustig zu lesen. Toller Zeitvertreib für einen verregneten Sonntagnachmittag auf dem Sofa.
February 22, 2020
This review and other great stuff is at Love Bytes Review
Note: This is a super cute short set in the same locale as Something about Jace, the first book in this series. There are definite spoilers for Book 1.
Drew Hopkins loves his front desk job at Wilton Cottage B&B. Wesley Blake, the owner, is proud of the niche his beautiful location and establishment fulfills in Pineapple Grove. His LGBTQ friendly B&B is nearly always full and the restaurant attached is busier than he could have ever hoped for. They are open for breakfast, lunch and brunch and are extremely popular thanks to the New York chef transplant, Carson Mills. Drew has been flirting ferociously with Carson for months. But then Carson crosses a line with Drew and truly hurts him. When he tries to apologize, Drew refuses to forgive him. In fact, he leaves him completely alone. Things get pretty chilly!
Wesley has his own issues to deal with, one being the big festival in Pineapple Grove that will introduce his business to new customers. The booth will serve food – and Wes asks Drew and Carson to work together on it. This isn’t optional, and so the two men are forced to work together. As they work on the food for the festival, they agree to move forward together, but Carson is still holding back and Drew doesn’t know why. Obviously something or someone has hurt Carson in the past and so he’s not willing to take a chance with Drew. But Drew’s not one to take no for an answer 😉
This is a fun, short and sexy story. Drew is adorable! We hear about him in the first book of this series, but we don’t really meet him until this one. He’s so happy to be out and living his life away from his conservative hometown and he loves his job. Carson is a bit of a broody mess – because he’s gotten screwed over in the past and he’s got that fear factor going for him. Wes of course is smart and forces the issue with them – knowing they will either kill each other or end up together 🙂 Very sweet without being cloying. Loved the way Drew stood up for himself and the way he wouldn’t back down. I’m on to the next story now 🙂
Note: This is a super cute short set in the same locale as Something about Jace, the first book in this series. There are definite spoilers for Book 1.
Drew Hopkins loves his front desk job at Wilton Cottage B&B. Wesley Blake, the owner, is proud of the niche his beautiful location and establishment fulfills in Pineapple Grove. His LGBTQ friendly B&B is nearly always full and the restaurant attached is busier than he could have ever hoped for. They are open for breakfast, lunch and brunch and are extremely popular thanks to the New York chef transplant, Carson Mills. Drew has been flirting ferociously with Carson for months. But then Carson crosses a line with Drew and truly hurts him. When he tries to apologize, Drew refuses to forgive him. In fact, he leaves him completely alone. Things get pretty chilly!
Wesley has his own issues to deal with, one being the big festival in Pineapple Grove that will introduce his business to new customers. The booth will serve food – and Wes asks Drew and Carson to work together on it. This isn’t optional, and so the two men are forced to work together. As they work on the food for the festival, they agree to move forward together, but Carson is still holding back and Drew doesn’t know why. Obviously something or someone has hurt Carson in the past and so he’s not willing to take a chance with Drew. But Drew’s not one to take no for an answer 😉
This is a fun, short and sexy story. Drew is adorable! We hear about him in the first book of this series, but we don’t really meet him until this one. He’s so happy to be out and living his life away from his conservative hometown and he loves his job. Carson is a bit of a broody mess – because he’s gotten screwed over in the past and he’s got that fear factor going for him. Wes of course is smart and forces the issue with them – knowing they will either kill each other or end up together 🙂 Very sweet without being cloying. Loved the way Drew stood up for himself and the way he wouldn’t back down. I’m on to the next story now 🙂
March 15, 2019
Luckily it's a free super short read and positioned as such.
Going into the book, Carson and Drew were relatively new to us - Drew had a brief mention in Jace/ Trent's story st the end. The characters aren't overly explained in detail, other than both work for Wes at the B&B. Drew is more of a happy friendly flirty 'Mr Sunshine' front of house manager and Carson is a more reserved head chef, slightly grumpy about work romances owing to past events in NY (two years plus ago; jeez time to get over that 6month boss sex hook-up). Carson is mean to Drew and then tries to win back his smile. With chocolate cake - yum - Drew sneakily devours the cake and ignores Carson. Game on!
I'd definetly want to stay at the b&b with all the chocolate they give away.
It's a harmless short read, kills time and helps to set more of a scene for Wes/ Nathan's story in book2.
Going into the book, Carson and Drew were relatively new to us - Drew had a brief mention in Jace/ Trent's story st the end. The characters aren't overly explained in detail, other than both work for Wes at the B&B. Drew is more of a happy friendly flirty 'Mr Sunshine' front of house manager and Carson is a more reserved head chef, slightly grumpy about work romances owing to past events in NY (two years plus ago; jeez time to get over that 6month boss sex hook-up). Carson is mean to Drew and then tries to win back his smile. With chocolate cake - yum - Drew sneakily devours the cake and ignores Carson. Game on!
I'd definetly want to stay at the b&b with all the chocolate they give away.
It's a harmless short read, kills time and helps to set more of a scene for Wes/ Nathan's story in book2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
A cute short story about two men who work at the B&B in Pineapple Grove. Drew works the front desk and does the promotions for the B&B. Carson is the chef. Drew is attracted to Carson and teases him. One day Carson unloads on him saying horrible things to him. Drew is hurt and decides he will ignore him. Carson tries to apologize but Drew isn't listening. They finally have a discussion and Carson explains why he reacted the way he did to Drew. They agreed to talk to their boss to make sure it was OK to date. They were a cute couple.
December 30, 2018
Great short story about Drew who we met in Something About Jace towards the end of the book that he was working at Wes's booth at the Finlay Fair & works at Wes's B&B. Drew was funny & sweet & he could hold a grudge, couldn't blame him. Mr. Grumpy, aka Carson was a exactly that & a bit mean as well, but that changed & I'm glad. I'm glad they got their HFN ... Hopefully Drew & Carson have their HEA that they both deserve together.
January 4, 2019
Overall, very adorable and sweet, although I wasn’t so sure at first. Yes, Carson’s blow up was a bit cruel but I thought Drew was more of a jerk for refusing to accept Carson’s repeated attempts at a genuine apology. Once their boss Wesley forced them to work together on a project, it became predictable as to what would happen. Still, mostly well written (a few oddities but nothing too bad) and enjoyable.
October 3, 2021
Coming Together
Drew and Carson loved their respective jobs at Wilton Cottage. Drew had his eye on Carson since he started working at the cottage. Carson was afraid to have anything to do with Drew, due to something that happened at his previous job. Carson's grumpiness and Drew's silence was damping the mood at the cottage, it took Wesley throwing them together on a project for them to work it out.
Drew and Carson loved their respective jobs at Wilton Cottage. Drew had his eye on Carson since he started working at the cottage. Carson was afraid to have anything to do with Drew, due to something that happened at his previous job. Carson's grumpiness and Drew's silence was damping the mood at the cottage, it took Wesley throwing them together on a project for them to work it out.
May 15, 2019
This is a great bonus read from the writers & I hope that more is planned in the series. I really want Wes's story. For this one, Drew & Carson were a rough start. Drew could(should) have apologized for coming on so strong at work, but Carson definitely could have handled it better. Glad they smoothed it out in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2021
Sweet little story
Drew knew what he wanted and Carson was cautious for reasons. They were cute together. Looking forward to reading the next story. Really hope there is a Jamison and Lincoln story soon.
Drew knew what he wanted and Carson was cautious for reasons. They were cute together. Looking forward to reading the next story. Really hope there is a Jamison and Lincoln story soon.
August 17, 2024
A short story set in Pineapple Grove, this is sweet and introduces more great characters in the southern Florida town. Drew and Carson (Mr Grumpy the chef) spend a little bit of time annoying each other until they get over themselves and fall into bed. Short and sweet.
September 21, 2024
Honestly, I knew that I couldn't expect much from a book this short in the department of "development" but this was just so... Shallow. I didn't feel the tiniest bit of chemistry between the main characters.
June 23, 2025
Short, very, very sweet novella in the Pineapple Grove series. Drew was fun and Carson really was seriously grumpy - I'm not sure I would have forgiven his outburst, but I guess Drew knew better than me.
December 30, 2018
I loved it!!!!
December 31, 2018
Excellent short..Loved it...
January 4, 2019
Cute short story in this new universe. It’s a short story yet there is good character development and the storyarc is well paced. Makes me even more impatient for book two in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews