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My Grumpy Valentine
Flora's grouchy nature has never been something she's paid much attention to. She's surly and cantankerous and she likes it that way. The chip on her shoulder is there for good... or so she thought.
When bright and warm Teddy wanders into her bakery, her world flips and she realizes that maybe not everyone is as they seem. Maybe she isn't even as she seems.
A chance meeting and a mostly joking bet sets them off on a hilarious courtship that will have you laughing and crying until the very end.
Spice Rating: 1(Sweet Romance)
CW- My Grumpy Valentine shallowly dives into topics such as the loss of a parent figure and terminal illness. The storyline is supportive in a manner that offers a lighthearted approach to this topic, but please use your discretion if you are sensitive to topics such as this. Infidelity is also briefly mentioned.
When bright and warm Teddy wanders into her bakery, her world flips and she realizes that maybe not everyone is as they seem. Maybe she isn't even as she seems.
A chance meeting and a mostly joking bet sets them off on a hilarious courtship that will have you laughing and crying until the very end.
Spice Rating: 1(Sweet Romance)
CW- My Grumpy Valentine shallowly dives into topics such as the loss of a parent figure and terminal illness. The storyline is supportive in a manner that offers a lighthearted approach to this topic, but please use your discretion if you are sensitive to topics such as this. Infidelity is also briefly mentioned.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 1, 2023
My Grumpy Valentine by C.P River
Rating: ★★★★
Read if you like:
・ He falls first
・ Dual POV
・ Reverse grumpy/sunshine
・ Witty banter
“You’re a masterpiece.”
My Grumpy Valentine is a sweet, feel-good romance that encourages its readers to believe in love despite any past disappointments. Thank you so much C.P River for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.
“Sometimes the heart knows instantly and the brain has to sprint to catch up.”
*This review contains slight spoilers*
I was hooked on this book the moment I started it. Flora is such a captivating and likable character that shocks you in the best ways possible. The way she decorates her bakery in spite of Emilia, the anti-conversation hearts, and the fake conversations she has with herself during the process are absolutely hilarious and incredibly relatable to grumpy individuals like myself. The meet-cute between her and Teddy follows suit; very enjoyable.
Can we please talk about how sweet Teddy is? The flowers, the Valentine’s Day gift, his family’s cooking, the way he cares for his students…*chef’s kiss* Anyway, in all seriousness, Teddy is such a great representation of what it means to be a man, a boyfriend, a friend, a son, a teacher, a role-model etc. His level of self-awareness and introspection present him as a man who is secure in his masculinity. The way he pays extra attention to Lou and Bradley, calls ahead at restaurants to confirm an allergen-free menu for Flora, puts his family first, and understands his role as a man in Flora’s past trauma demonstrate a high level of empathy that I find very attractive in a male main character. Long story short, Teddy: 10/10.
This book discusses a few substantive topics such as unknowingly dating a married man, emotional childhood abuse, severe allergies, childhood loneliness, etc. C.P River handles each of these issues with such care and honesty – both of which I applaud and appreciate immensely.
Finally, I would just like to say how freaking proud I am of C.P River. I have read all three of her self-published books, and My Grumpy Valentine is just on another level: the plotting, the writing, the character development, etc., have advanced so much since her first two books. I just cannot emphasize enough how happy I was reading this. She has grown so much as an author, and I cannot wait to see what she does next:)
I highly recommend you read this cute romance or just head over to C.P’s socials to show her some love and support on her newest release!
Rating: ★★★★
Read if you like:
・ He falls first
・ Dual POV
・ Reverse grumpy/sunshine
・ Witty banter
“You’re a masterpiece.”
My Grumpy Valentine is a sweet, feel-good romance that encourages its readers to believe in love despite any past disappointments. Thank you so much C.P River for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.
“Sometimes the heart knows instantly and the brain has to sprint to catch up.”
*This review contains slight spoilers*
I was hooked on this book the moment I started it. Flora is such a captivating and likable character that shocks you in the best ways possible. The way she decorates her bakery in spite of Emilia, the anti-conversation hearts, and the fake conversations she has with herself during the process are absolutely hilarious and incredibly relatable to grumpy individuals like myself. The meet-cute between her and Teddy follows suit; very enjoyable.
Can we please talk about how sweet Teddy is? The flowers, the Valentine’s Day gift, his family’s cooking, the way he cares for his students…*chef’s kiss* Anyway, in all seriousness, Teddy is such a great representation of what it means to be a man, a boyfriend, a friend, a son, a teacher, a role-model etc. His level of self-awareness and introspection present him as a man who is secure in his masculinity. The way he pays extra attention to Lou and Bradley, calls ahead at restaurants to confirm an allergen-free menu for Flora, puts his family first, and understands his role as a man in Flora’s past trauma demonstrate a high level of empathy that I find very attractive in a male main character. Long story short, Teddy: 10/10.
This book discusses a few substantive topics such as unknowingly dating a married man, emotional childhood abuse, severe allergies, childhood loneliness, etc. C.P River handles each of these issues with such care and honesty – both of which I applaud and appreciate immensely.
Finally, I would just like to say how freaking proud I am of C.P River. I have read all three of her self-published books, and My Grumpy Valentine is just on another level: the plotting, the writing, the character development, etc., have advanced so much since her first two books. I just cannot emphasize enough how happy I was reading this. She has grown so much as an author, and I cannot wait to see what she does next:)
I highly recommend you read this cute romance or just head over to C.P’s socials to show her some love and support on her newest release!
February 9, 2023
My Grumpy Valentine by C.P. River
First I want to thank C.P. River for my eArc even though I requested it late in the game but I loved it so much I bought the Kindle version and a physical version!
Guys that’s how good this book is!
I want to point out that I LOVED the role reversal in this so much! You don’t see too often the grumpy character being the female lead!
The book is set up with duo points of view and it’s absolutely one of my favorite things! I love getting both sides💖
The pop culture references in this were spot on, the relatability was scary good (I feel like any book I read Im just like the main character), it literally had moments where I was feeling what the character was feeling I’ve never felt so literally connected to a book that it was physically affecting me. When there were moments of suspense I felt like I was losing my stomach, butterfly feelings, sadness, all of it. UGHHHH IT WAS SO GOOD🤌
The gut wrenching moments (IYKYK) felt a bit random at first but then I realized it shared how the characters handle things and dealt with their emotions and it was just super freakin perfect and necessary!
I was about 30 pages away from the book ending and the plot twist hadn’t been “remedied” and I was FREAKING OUT THE ENTIRE TIME! It had to have a happy ending right?!
Just you wait this had the best, mushiest, most perfect happily ever after moment you’d want in a RomCom!
Ugggghhh you guys!!! I didn’t want this book to end!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Please do yourselves a favor! If you love romance, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! If you love romcoms, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! If you love that grumpy trope, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! if you are a grinch yourself, READ👏THIS👏BOOK!🤣
First I want to thank C.P. River for my eArc even though I requested it late in the game but I loved it so much I bought the Kindle version and a physical version!
Guys that’s how good this book is!
I want to point out that I LOVED the role reversal in this so much! You don’t see too often the grumpy character being the female lead!
The book is set up with duo points of view and it’s absolutely one of my favorite things! I love getting both sides💖
The pop culture references in this were spot on, the relatability was scary good (I feel like any book I read Im just like the main character), it literally had moments where I was feeling what the character was feeling I’ve never felt so literally connected to a book that it was physically affecting me. When there were moments of suspense I felt like I was losing my stomach, butterfly feelings, sadness, all of it. UGHHHH IT WAS SO GOOD🤌
The gut wrenching moments (IYKYK) felt a bit random at first but then I realized it shared how the characters handle things and dealt with their emotions and it was just super freakin perfect and necessary!
I was about 30 pages away from the book ending and the plot twist hadn’t been “remedied” and I was FREAKING OUT THE ENTIRE TIME! It had to have a happy ending right?!
Just you wait this had the best, mushiest, most perfect happily ever after moment you’d want in a RomCom!
Ugggghhh you guys!!! I didn’t want this book to end!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Please do yourselves a favor! If you love romance, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! If you love romcoms, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! If you love that grumpy trope, READ👏THIS👏BOOK! if you are a grinch yourself, READ👏THIS👏BOOK!🤣
March 14, 2023
Support your local indie authors!!!
C.P. River's books fell into my life while I was perusing through book Instagram one day. How could you not instantly be intrigued by a book called "Puppy Love in the Adk."
One day River's updates that she's writing a book that basically is catered to all my trope hopes and dreams. A grumpy sunshine unicorn fluff romance. *happy sigh*
I love this book.
I caught myself constantly smiling while I was reading.
It was really refreshing to read a grumpy sunshine romance that has the male main character as our sunshine, cinnamon roll, warm hug of a being. First off, his name is Teddy. That immediately elicits pure happiness from my feels system. I just imagine this man as a human golden retriever. I strive to be happy and just a positive light on the world like he was. I could swoon about him all day. The way he expressed his love toward Flora was everything.
Speaking of Flora, I love that River's focused on a character with dietary needs. I don't think I have ever read about a character that struggles with eating in a sense of health.
I really appreciate when author add details like mental health, dietary safety and normal life struggles to help make their readers feels seen. I personally don't have serious stomach and allergy issues but I know a lot of people who struggle with Celiac Disease which affects their entire daily routine. I think that Flora can be a nice sense of normality of a lot readers and I appreciate that River's made this part of her storyline.
I just have to say I feel like this book was made for me. It's the perfect comfort read for me. It's bell pepper spiced. It feels like a warm hug. I constantly felt happiness while I was reading.
This book truly is just pure joy.
But hey, C.P. River, I feel like we need a novel of Teddy's best friend Griffin going on ridiculous dates with the eccentric girls he meets and then he ends up being with a woman that’s been in his life all along. Maybe a girl who is at the rock climbing gym and he’s formed a friendship with already…Should I write this book?
You guys have to read this book! It's all the cinnamon roll and unicorn fart happiness you could ever want in a romance novel! I am feeling the joy radiate through me just thinking about "My Grumpy Valentine" *all the happy sighs here*
C.P. River, ma'am, anything you write. Sign me the heck up!
C.P. River's books fell into my life while I was perusing through book Instagram one day. How could you not instantly be intrigued by a book called "Puppy Love in the Adk."
One day River's updates that she's writing a book that basically is catered to all my trope hopes and dreams. A grumpy sunshine unicorn fluff romance. *happy sigh*
I love this book.
I caught myself constantly smiling while I was reading.
It was really refreshing to read a grumpy sunshine romance that has the male main character as our sunshine, cinnamon roll, warm hug of a being. First off, his name is Teddy. That immediately elicits pure happiness from my feels system. I just imagine this man as a human golden retriever. I strive to be happy and just a positive light on the world like he was. I could swoon about him all day. The way he expressed his love toward Flora was everything.
Speaking of Flora, I love that River's focused on a character with dietary needs. I don't think I have ever read about a character that struggles with eating in a sense of health.
I really appreciate when author add details like mental health, dietary safety and normal life struggles to help make their readers feels seen. I personally don't have serious stomach and allergy issues but I know a lot of people who struggle with Celiac Disease which affects their entire daily routine. I think that Flora can be a nice sense of normality of a lot readers and I appreciate that River's made this part of her storyline.
I just have to say I feel like this book was made for me. It's the perfect comfort read for me. It's bell pepper spiced. It feels like a warm hug. I constantly felt happiness while I was reading.
This book truly is just pure joy.
But hey, C.P. River, I feel like we need a novel of Teddy's best friend Griffin going on ridiculous dates with the eccentric girls he meets and then he ends up being with a woman that’s been in his life all along. Maybe a girl who is at the rock climbing gym and he’s formed a friendship with already…Should I write this book?
You guys have to read this book! It's all the cinnamon roll and unicorn fart happiness you could ever want in a romance novel! I am feeling the joy radiate through me just thinking about "My Grumpy Valentine" *all the happy sighs here*
C.P. River, ma'am, anything you write. Sign me the heck up!
February 15, 2023
Flora owns her own Gluten Free Bakery in town with dreams and goals of expanding. There is only one thing standing in her way… Emilia. Emilia has it out for Flora and her bakery. Flora is a rebel and decorated her bakery for Valentine’s Day or rather Anti-Valentine’s Day. With rude conversation hearts, actual heart hearts, and a bad attitude, Flora catches the eye of Teddy.
Teddy is an elementary school teacher just looking for some goodies for his students when he falls head over heals for Flora. I loved where this story was going… BUT Teddy was way to insta lovey for me. Flora is so rude to him and he just keeps coming back for more. If I’m going to be honest he came off as a tad annoying and creepy… Besides this aspect the book was so real. It discussed real issues that I’ve hardly ever seen a book attempt to do.
Teddy is an elementary school teacher just looking for some goodies for his students when he falls head over heals for Flora. I loved where this story was going… BUT Teddy was way to insta lovey for me. Flora is so rude to him and he just keeps coming back for more. If I’m going to be honest he came off as a tad annoying and creepy… Besides this aspect the book was so real. It discussed real issues that I’ve hardly ever seen a book attempt to do.
February 26, 2023
C.P River came up with such relatable characters, they pulled at my heart strings. It was a quick read and I enjoyed her work and can't wait to read more.
February 19, 2023
This book had a cute premise, but I couldn’t get past how cheesy and unrealistic it was. All the events in the book took place over 2 weeks and suddenly they were in love. The side storyline of Emilia and Flora was cliche. This is one of those books that uses waaaay to many similes (or is that just me?!)
June 17, 2023
After her last relationship ended badly, bakery owner Flora gave up on finding love, choosing to focus on expanding her business instead. Unfortunately for her, romance is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches, and she can't seem to avoid it even in her own bakery. The town of Lark's Grove is competing to be named the best tourist destination in the county, and the local chamber of commerce has "asked" all of the businesses in the main shopping district to decorate for the holiday. They hope to create a festive atmosphere that will draw in more visitors and make them feel welcome. At first, Flora has no intention of complying with the request, but she's forced into it when the head of the chamber threatens to have the permits for her upcoming expansion denied if she doesn't cooperate. She does it her way, however, coming up with an anti-Valentine's Day theme.
Everything begins to change for Flora when she meets her nephew's third grade teacher, Teddy Morgan, who comes into the bakery one morning looking for gluten- and dairy-free treats for his class. He's immediately smitten with Flora, but for some reason she interprets his interest as light stalking rather than flirting at first. He convinces her to give him a chance and she quickly finds herself developing feelings for him, but will trust issues from the past stand in the way of her future happiness?
I really enjoyed this fun twist on the grumpy-sunshine/opposites attract trope. While the story touched on several heavier topics, including chronic/terminal illness, there was plenty of humor to offset the serious moments. Also, I really liked Teddy and Flora as a couple; their personalities balanced each other perfectly, and when she finally let her guard down with him, they were super cute together.
I'd recommend "My Grumpy Valentine" for all fans of sweet/closed door contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to the author's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Everything begins to change for Flora when she meets her nephew's third grade teacher, Teddy Morgan, who comes into the bakery one morning looking for gluten- and dairy-free treats for his class. He's immediately smitten with Flora, but for some reason she interprets his interest as light stalking rather than flirting at first. He convinces her to give him a chance and she quickly finds herself developing feelings for him, but will trust issues from the past stand in the way of her future happiness?
I really enjoyed this fun twist on the grumpy-sunshine/opposites attract trope. While the story touched on several heavier topics, including chronic/terminal illness, there was plenty of humor to offset the serious moments. Also, I really liked Teddy and Flora as a couple; their personalities balanced each other perfectly, and when she finally let her guard down with him, they were super cute together.
I'd recommend "My Grumpy Valentine" for all fans of sweet/closed door contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to the author's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews