Blurb
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.
Review
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
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