The Grumpy One was an enjoyable read! A modern Cinderella story between Natalie, a janitor and aspiring designer, and James, the 'king of high fashion'. The enemies/rivals to lovers vibe between Natalie and James was so good, the snark followed up by denial of the attraction they feel for one another. It's was also interesting to see the passion for high fashion that both characters have. This book went by way too quickly for me, but it was a great 5 star read.

Thank you to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read the ARC of this book, I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a cute story about a lovely romance sparking between two unlikely people.
Natalie has a hidden talent for fashion designing. She is working her way through college by working as a cleaner for a big fashion company. Her first meeting with the insanely hot CEO of the company was hardly a meet cute, seeing that she hits him with her mop. Despite this embarrassing encounter, sparks sizzle between them. When James discovers Natalie's hidden talent for designing, he offers her the opportunity to work with him.
Filled with steamy as well as sweet moments and sassy banter that will have you laughing out loud, made this a delightfully fun and heartwarming read. The story was well-written and entertaining and kept my attention from start to finish. If you're looking for a quick, fun escape, you will definitely want to pick this one up!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

My review of this book is a bit delayed. I had a hard time getting through it. I would pick the book up, read a few chapters and put it back down. I think my major dislike was primarily the female main lead. I am usually into a grumpy sunshine dynamic but this just didn’t do it for me. That being said, the story plot was fairly decent. I like the fashion centered story and didn’t drop the book because of it. I think I will likely give this another opportunity to see if it delivers better with a second read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this.

I truly loved this book. Natalie and James' love story was amazing. I truly enjoy the unique story line with her being the cleaner for his company, which he is CEO of. Yet it did feel gross at times due to the power dynamic.

If there's one thing I love to read as a reader it's a good grumpy x sunshine. So when I read the title of this romance I couldn't help but request the arc.

James was soooooo grumpy, no smiles and a straight face, he was annoyed even by the music. While Natalie, was all lights and sparkles. Always with a smile, despite the odds, and always singing Beyoncé songs, even if she couldn't sing well. I just love her.

I loved this one. It's just that this trope always hits. What's better than good chemistry between the grumpy hero and the sweetest sunshine heroine? Reading it always gives me that serotonin boost because the grumpy boy is always trying to fight the attraction he feels for the sunshine girl, but it's impossible for him to escape. They always end up gravitating towards each other. Until they become each other's favorite person and before they know it they love each other.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was cute and I liked the MMC a lot. It was an easy read, perfect to blow through in a day and help curb book hangovers.

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for providing me with an e-arc of book #2 in the Bossy Glenhaven Billionaires series.

When Natalie picks up a second job at Branson Designs, to help pay for design school, she couldn't possibly have imagined she'd find herself slapping the CEO in the face with a wet mop. Yet, there she was. There they both were. James Branson, the handsome CEO of Branson Designs, in his perfectly tailored, now ruined, suit and Natalie Reynolds, the woman with an annoying knack for off-key Beyonce sing-alongs, threatening to call security on him.

'The Grumpy One' is a romantic comedy filled with banter, spice, and so many heartfelt moments. The author does an incredible job blending romance and humor, while still creating those grab-the-tissues moments that leave you wanting more once the story's over. This is my first Leslie North book and it will absolutely not be my last.

If you're not looking to get into a series, please note the books in this series can be read as standalones.

The next book in the Bossy Glenhaven Billionaires series, 'The Grouchy One', is scheduled to release on June 6, 2024 and I can't wait to read it!

This book introduces readers to a hilarious and charming romance between Natalie, a spirited cleaner, and James Branson, the grumpy CEO of Branson Couture. Their worlds collide when Natalie accidentally attacks James with a wet mop, leading to unexpected sparks and a surprising job offer for Natalie on James's design team.North skillfully weaves together humor and romance in this delightful romantic comedy, featuring witty banter, steamy encounters, and heartwarming moments. Despite their initial clash, Natalie and James find themselves drawn to each other, creating a captivating story filled with laughter and love.With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and sizzling chemistry,

Great read, definitely got the blood boiling. It was an easy read and I would recommend it for someone who would like to read something easy and enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a really cute read, if both a bit predictable and unbelievable at times. There was no way that Natalie would have been able to keep her job after throwing a mop at her boss. This book had good banter between the two leads and was exactly what you'd expect with a billionaire boss romance.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a digital ARC of this book for my honest review.

Natalie starts off seeming spoiled and bratty, which makes her hard to like at first. James is all over the place—he's into Natalie one minute and not the next. His behaviors made me want to rattle him around. The other characters don't get much development, so they feel flat. The story's plot is a bit predictable, but I still found it enjoyable. The writing is okay, but forgettable. I finished the book and quickly forgot about it. The ending wasn't satisfying for me either.

Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.

💵 Enemies to lovers
👗 Boss x Employee
💵 Forced proximity
👗 Billionaire MMC
💵 Sassy FMC

This was my first read from Leslie and overall I enjoyed it for the most part. I felt this book was what it was but the characters infuriated me at some points and not in a love to loath them kind of way which was a bit disappointing…..Natalie I’m looking at you and it grates on me we share a name, you were an idiot!

The bit that was done best in the entire book was the grovelling, nice to see a main character that doesn’t fold at the first ‘I’m sorry’ which makes a change.

Overall if you want a read that delivers the spice but you’re not majorly fussed about an impeccably thought out plot or needing to have comprehensive characters you may like this one.

I loved this title! It's been a long time since I've read a Leslie North title and I won't wait so long again! I loved everything about this title from the "following your dreams" to the fashion talk. It was a delight to read...and plenty hot!

As Leslie usually publishes her books in sets of three, I had the impression that The Bossy One was a standalone. But noooo, Leslie just wanted to drag it out this time… Fine by me, I’ll patiently wait for the next parts… So when The Grumpy One arrived on Netgalley, I grabbed it of course (and now I have to wait for the last one: the Grouchy One until June 2024…). Ugh.

But well worth the wait! James is one hunkey dorey man. And yes, a big marsh mellow, but of course he keeps that a secret from everyone. And Natalie is just plain funny. The mop incident, which is directly at the start of the story is funny as hell and sets the tone for the rest of the banter throughout the book. Of course, Leslie-style, there will be a happy ending with some hot and naughty in between. Loved it, and I’ll eagerly await part three on this one!

Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

In the way of this type of “Never Going to Be Believable But Read It Anyway” type story (i.e. completely unbelievable), Natalie charms a curmudgeon of a billionaire who only loves one person in life (and it isn’t her…yet). Fortunately for him, she is insanely talented in fashion design because he owns a fashion design business. But wait- there’s more! Not only can she design, but she never makes a false step in her business suggestions to him. And - everyone loves her! And she’s gorgeous! And kind! Yes I know- this could never happen in real life. Who cares!

The book is escapist fun. The crises are sure to end in a satisfactory manner. Her relationship will culminate in a better than satisfactory manner. So, read and enjoy for the couple of hours it takes to finish the story, and feel the stress in your own life melt away.

The Grumpy One is such a fun read. Imagine hitting your boss with a mop. On your first encounter. The amount of embarrassment and horror.

Other then Natalie and James, I admire the Branson's family (Bernie, and even the sweet cinnamon roll Christopher). Can't wait to read more of Leslie's works!

If you're looking for a next read with grumpy boss, sassy heroine, banter, family drama and office romance, you’ve found the perfect read!

3.75/5

Thank you to Relay Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All my opinion are mine, and mine alone.

This was my first Leslie North book, and hopefully not my last! I did really enjoy reading this book, even as being a second book a part of an interconnected series. It satisfied all the boxes for a romance novel for me: good character dynamic, spicy, and immersive.

We follow heroine Natalie, who is a fashion college student working multiple jobs, including one at a department store. One night she crosses path with the CEO, James, on the wrong foot. James discovers her designs and promotes her to the design department. Natalie is ferocious and determined, and slowly a taboo boss-employee relationship forms. Lots of shenanigan's occur, and we learn about James's family including his mysterious older brother who hasn't been at work in many months.

I think the writing was good, and this novel was heavily edited, so I found this easy to read. My only major critique is sometimes I got whiplash from Natalie. Her sass and assertiveness was over-the-top, and then she would come off meek. I think realistically there would have been different consequences for her words and actions in real life. Alas, it is a work of fiction, and I can suspend suspend disbelief in order to enjoy the story.

I would rate the spice a 2.75/5. It was present but not overdone for the sake of being a part of the story.

There are some heavier topics including drug abuse, so please take care when reading if that could be triggering for you.

Overall this was a good read, and I have added a new author to the rotation.

This was a run of the mill boss-employee/billionaire romance. Generally these tropes are not my favorite so take my review with a grain of salt I guess. I didn't find either character very interesting. It doesn't help that the heroine is loud and abrasive in the first scene and doesn't consider the fact that a person she discovered in the building she works at overnight might also work there. This leads her to threaten and even hit him, which is just jumping to all sorts of conclusions. We're not off to a great start when I don't really care for the characters who I'm supposed to be rooting for to get together.

Next, the plot was not exciting. I can put up with a dull plot if the heat is there in the romance. Let me just say that this cover lead me to believe that there would be more excitement in that department as well and there just was not. If you like workplace or billionaire romances this might be for you. There are fun scenes with him taking her shopping and to fancy parties, but as I said it's not my thing.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super cute for an enemies-to-lovers romance. I had fun reading it and devoured it in one sitting. It made me laugh, made me smile as I was reading. The characters had cute chemistry although I will say Natalie as a character was not my favourite but her being with our grumpy CEO helped her cause a little bit.

It was definitely a fun read and one I enjoyed! Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.