Cover Image: Mr. Grump

Mr. Grump

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Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. This is a book that will give you that warm fuzzy feelings. Told in dual POV.

The characters were likeable and relatable.

James was a devoted father. He was always putting his daughter first. His interactions with his daughter were just adorable and sweet.

James and Katie met at an event and got together. And things happened that caused their abrupt separation.

Katie also happened to be his daughter's therapist. And I loved how Katie helped Harper.

There were a few subplots that were really interesting. Some family drama too. One last thing, I didn't find James to be that grumpy to warrant the title Mr. Grump.

I enjoyed this book and will pick up the next book in this series!

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I loved this story!
Kaitlyn is her sister’s MOH, so she finds herself in a super swanky Miami club—exactly where she doesn’t belong. After she accidentally knocks a drink onto a VIP and herself, she meets Mr. Tall, Dark and Grump, who offers the penthouse to change her clothes. They end spending the night there until he kicks her out. A couple of days later, she starts her new job as nanny/therapist of Harper.
Her new boss? James Morris, aka Mr. Grump. Billionaire club owner, deal maker, and single dad to an adorable girl who needs her help. How could that possible work?
I absolutely adore these characters. Kaitlyn, James and Harper are amazing. This is a super sweet, romantic story with great sexy times, but mostly is about family, trust and commitment. She finds herself in a new life and helps a little girl to regain confidence in herself while making his gorgeous dad fall in love with her. It’s super cute the way they try to stay apart but lucky for us, they don’t succeed.
I enjoy this story a lot and I highly recommend it.
If you like a hot romance with a beautiful emotional trip too, this is your cup of tea.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This was my first Leslie North book and certainly won’t be my last!

Mr Grump was a wonderful tale of familial struggle along with some sexy, angsty romance.

I loved the character development of both James and Kaitlyn, and subsequently both their relationships with James’ daughter, Harper.

Yes, at times it could be said the story is a little “tropey” or predictable. However, this is typically what we want in a romance.

My only qualm would be I’m not sure James was grumpy enough to warrant the title.

All in all, I’d certainly recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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James seems like a partying playboy to the outside world, but he is actually a hard-working businessman who loves his 4-year-old daughter with everything he has. He also happens to be a grumpy control freak. Kaitlyn is a counsellor who is working hard to complete her PhD so she can start having a life outside of work. They have a lot of pressure from the outside world on their relationship, but will it destroy it before it even has the chance to begin?

James is grumpy but he has good reasons. The author did a good job balancing the tightrope between him being intense and being a loving family man. The author gives a little bit of background on James, and I don't think more was necessary. The author wanted the reader to understand that he's always been rich, but he is also a down to earth guy who wants to do right by his family and his employees. James gets one huge growth moment involving his sister that was really nice because it gives the reader a glimpse into his innermost psyche. Kaitlyn gets more background than James but it's not a ton. There are some critical elements like Kaitlyn's sister getting married and some of the drama surrounding that which the author used to show how Kaitlyn has overcome past obstacles like growing up with an abusive mother. Kaitlyn doesn't always make the best decisions, but she always owns up to them and learns from her mistakes. And then there's James' daughter, Harper. She's perfect. I don't always like little kids being a huge part of the story because they are often unrealistic and obnoxious. Harper hits a pretty balanced character development. She has really bad psychological issues and the reasons really work. It's so sad that she's confused about what a mommy is. The author did a good job working Harper's care into the core of the love story between James and Kaitlyn.

The bad guy in this story is actually a couple of different things. First, there is the paparazzi and the tabloids. It added to the sense of urgency in the story, so I think it was a good addition. Second, child protective services are part of the story. They are included for a reason, and it was well done. Third, the bad guy that is trying to destroy James's business was a bad dude. I really wanted him to have a big comeuppance, but the author had a different plant that worked well with the tone of this story.

My issues with the story were that at times I wondered how Harper's treatment fit the timeline. As an example, she is spending time with her aunt but where is she spending time with her? Harper is housebound because of her issues. Also, James seemed to work all the time but was also available all the time. He runs nightclubs so I would assume that he works nights and weekends quite often but that didn't seem to be the case. Finally, I didn't understand the security set up. James and Harper need constant security for a variety of reasons but then they hop on a boat with no security at all? These things pulled me out of the flow of the story so I couldn't give it a 5 star review but it was close.

This is a contemporary story that takes place primarily in Miami, Florida. This is a billionaire, single dad falling in love with a caregiver story. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

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Overall I liked the story, their relationship, and the spice, but there was a bit missing for me here with this read. Their connection would speed up and then slow down in frustrating ways. I felt that it started off so strong with chemistry off the charts, but then when the main heroine starts her work it was pages and pages of content with the child of the story. It was honestly a bit boring and skimmable when I just wanted to see the push pull between the love interests now that it was a workplace relationship especially that potential inner conflict of her trying to keep things professional.

While dual POV was a benefit in this story I did feel as though it wasn't used to it's maximum capacity. At one point there was a truth revealed to the hero and then the next chapter it was suddenly assumed knowledge for the heroine but there would have been no way for her to have known that without it being explicitly said. It felt as though the narrator/voice never really changed. I also felt like some of the dialogue was forced and not a realistic response to the moment. It took me out of the story.

The hero was not very grumpy as the title suggests which is forgivable, but it definitely led to less angst and character growth. I had to really push through to make it to the end.

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Not bad but, ironically, I expected (and needed) more grumpiness.

This was my first time reading Leslie Nortyh and it definitely won't be the last.
I definitely enjoyed the writing, the story, the smut and the characters. They were all well developed and pleasant.
I unfortunately have some complaint about the romance. It was very clichéed and tropey, in a cheesy way, and I felt like the progression of the relationship between James and Katie made no sense and kind of clashed with their characterization. They feel this super attraction
to each other (fueled rightly by their previous first night together when they had no idea they'd be working together), but I found underwhelming how they act on it even once Katie starts working with James's daughter and they decide to be professional.
Not much space is left for the usual inner-distress, indecision, struggle, suppression of those feelings they're not supposed to feel that usually follows a forbidden relationship like theirs.
In my opinion, this was one of the rare cases in which I think the story would have benefitted from a little more groveling and angst, especiallu in the beginning.
I point this out because we unfortunately have to witness to the umpteenth romance novel's unfortunate third act break up, followed by the obvious consequent grand gesture ([in this case, the private hot billionaire single dad will profess his love for our fmc in a public interview (hide spoiler)]) that'll magically fix everything up.
I honestly could use a few less of these.
And don't even let me start on their first date. I'll let you imagine how it unfolded, but I'll tell you it was very impressive for someone who's not trying to impress and only wants something casual.
I also found James's character a little lacking in the grumpiness department. If anything, he was serious, but definitely not a grumpy one. A shame, because I'm always a sucker for a grumpy, sarcastic bosshole.
I loved Harper's relationship with her dad and Katie and the whole subplot that revolved around her.
Epilogue was spicy but nothing original.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange for a honest review

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I loved this story - may be my favorite Leslie North to date!
Kaitlyn and James have an intimate first meeting, only to find out she is the person he has hired to help his daughter, Harper, deal with her emotions after her kidnapping. Love the interaction between all the characters - some real life emotions. The plot, while predictable, is enjoyable and had me reading straight through. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Publication Date: February 9th 2023

Author: Leslie North

Review: From the start I knew I was going to throughly enjoy this book. Even with the kid element. The people who know me know I don’t really vibe with the kids aspect of probably why I don’t vibe with CoHo like most people do they all have kids in them even sexy single dads just doesn’t do it for me. BUT this was just different James was defending Harper with everything he had which made me fall in love with him. I really liked the dynamic of Kaitlyn from the start it was full of spark. The book was very easy to read and it left you wanting to keep going with every chapter.

I cannot wait to continue reading the Billionaire Bosshole series

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The love this daddy has for his daughter and protecting her is beautiful. I liked that the subject of mental health aware is addressed. This book is somewhat predictable, but I never lost interest in it. I was so into it I almost read it in one setting. I have added this author and several of her books to my TBR list! Now if we could all just be billionaires!?!

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The book starts with Kaitlyn having her first one night stand, only to find out on her first day of work; that the man she slept with is her new boss.

Enjoyed that this had a real story line, with lots of spice mixed in. It was nice to get to know the characters in depth, and follow their love story. It’s also a quick and easy read!

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Romance 💕💕💕
Overall story line and ending ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Also want to suggest that the author writes a sequel where we can read about James’ sister Jess! And sprinkle in what Kaitlyn and James life looks like after this book ends!

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I’m not going to lie to you.

This was my first book I have ever requested with a naked, hungry man on the cover .

You see the last time I picked up one of these spicy little books I was 8 and used to steal my grandmothers cowboy clad novels to hide in the bathroom with .

My secret is safe with all of you, right?

Well, my husband just had surgery on his man parts so I needed a little boost to you know… “take care of myself”

Well, wham bam thank you mam!

This book delivers!

Here’s a bit of a teaser :

I have a confession.
I hate bachelorette parties.
A night of dick straws, awkward dancing and being told “it’ll be you soon, Kaitlyn!”
Especially when it’s at a super swanky Miami club—exactly where I don’t belong.
Couldn’t get any worse, right?

Enter Mr. Tall, Dark and I-didn’t-know-they-made-people-this-gorgeous.
Grump supreme. His scowl has a scowl.
Especially after I knock a drink onto a VIP and myself.
He must be the manager of the club because he has keys to the penthouse above it.
A penthouse he offers to let me change clothes in.
A penthouse we screw all over.
Then, he gets a call and kicks me out. Jerk.
Told you it got worse.

Ready for worser?
First day at my new job as a nanny and Mr. Scowl is my boss.
James Morris.
Billionaire club owner, deal maker, and first grade bosshole—if the tabloids are to be believed.
Also a single dad to an adorable daughter who needs my help.

But there's no way I can take this job—every time I look at him, I’m back in that penthouse.
And from the way he smiles when he looks at me, he’s thinking the same.
Then he tells me why this has to work. Why he needs me. Why I can’t say no.

New confession?
I hate my boss.

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First off, let me say I enjoyed this book. Great plot with a good pace, good writing, good characters. I cried at the end, too.

I felt a connection with Kaitlyn immediately and saw a lot of myself in her……….which is probably why I hated her and every decision she made 😂. The mom thing blew my mind - doesn’t this woman have an MSW? What was she thinking?!

There were some small time skips/jumps that I would have rather read what happened, but I understand every book can’t be 600 pages.

Overall, I definitely recommend.

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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I am a fan of Leslie North and I really enjoy reading most of her books. Mr. Grump is a different troupe than the other books I have read by Leslie North. This one follows our title character, James, a billionaire who has a one night stand with a woman that ends up being his daughter's new live-in therapist, Katelyn. For once in a book, I really bought that the couple was trying to keep things professional for the sake of James' daughter, whom Katelyn was having a lot of success with helping her work through a trauma. This book is really good and a series starter, I am really looking forward to more books in the series. Very strong start!

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This was a cute read but it wasn’t my favorite. I love a good one night stand and then boom surprise encounter. It’s one of my favorite tropes. Especially, when the young woman will be working for the man. However, something just fell kind of flat for me unfortunately. I feel like so much was thrown around and there was too much going on. I did love the mental health representation for kids. I enjoyed the interaction between the father and daughter a lot. However, the bit with her mom felt a little off. It just felt a little random in my opinion. All in all it was a quick read with some sweet moments.

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I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know the characters. I loved James and Kaitlyn's story. These two each had things from their pasts in their way but throw in a 4 year old little girl and you have a captivating read that I read straight through.

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Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

This is such a feel good, uplifting book to read and had everything I like in it - very likeable and relatable characters, good writing and the ‘ahhhhh’ factor. James and Katie meet one night and get together and enjoy each other’s company until Katie is unceremoniously discarded. I really enjoyed this book and reading it was a pleasure. I think the author has created two great characters that I just took to heart right from the start and was rooting for them throughout the story. I enjoyed the story being told through the two main characters perspectives. Add in a struggling daughter, family issues and you’ve pretty much got the perfect romance read. I will definitely be looking to read the next books in the series and if you’re a fan of romance books you’d probably enjoy this one.

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I adore harper, she’s so strong and i just want to give her a big warm hugs!! The story start strong in my opinion with the meet-cute(kinda) in one of famous club between james and katie and a little bit surprised (not really because you can see it in blurbs) that the jerks/hook-up night turned out to be kaitlyn boss!!!

I love 80% of this book except the part where the problem and james trust issues towards katie starts to arise, i kinda hope that there’ll be some grandeur groveling but it just feel too fast to resolve. I love the characters development in harper, seeing her growth in epilogue makes me really just in awe!! My strong girl! Kaitlyn is such an awesome and badass woman, she just trust and forgive too easily, the complete opposite of james but somehow it works for both of them!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book!

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I received an advanced reader's copy of Mr. Grump (Billionaire Bossholes #1) by Leslie North from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I quite enjoyed this novel and it made for a nice break on a chilly winter day. The main characters - Kaitlyn and James - were an entertaining pair and secondary characters were well developed. I liked the characters’ banter, chemistry, and story arc. The novel was well written and the plot was engaging.

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James and Kaitlyn have a one night stand only to later find out he's her new boss, she will be taking care of his daughter. The premise lends itself to a lot of friction and chemistry, but it fell short on this. The ancillary relationships were better explored than the main one so I ended up liking the characters but the romance was okay.

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Mr. Grump, is the first book in the Billionaire Bossholes series. I love the series name. Made me laugh so hard. Mr. Grump has a lot of very serious parts. A few light hearted ones that made me smile. I read this book in one day, I had a hard time putting it down.

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