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Grumpy Cowboy Boss

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Grumpy and arrogant are the qualities I never wanted in a new boss.

And yet here I am, tolerating this billionaire cowboy.

He is no longer the chubby nerdy kid I defended in school.

Dangerously handsome and filthy rich, this broken cowboy gets what he wants.

I feel his eyes follow me whenever I pass by.

His hand touches mine and sparks fly.

We were separated when we were young, because I was poor and he was rich.

I still find it hard to forgive him for what happened then.

He wants a second chance with me.

But I can’t risk losing this dream job by dating my boss.

I realize I love him, but we are still from different worlds, and his world rejects mine.

I won’t risk my heart again.

282 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2023

19 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

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Rose Luv

11 books22 followers

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5 stars
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15 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
February 20, 2023
This was a good read. Ruth and Mark were childhood friends. Then she moved away. Years later they end up working together. Of course they fall for each other. However, his mother complicates things. Thankfully in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
962 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2023
Two Phobias, A Meddlesome Mother, And A Wonderfully Clean Story!

by Barbara Kelley

Grumpy Cowboy Boss is Book 2 in Rose Luv's Small-town Billionaire Romance series. Book 1 was about Sarah meeting, falling in love with, and marrying her Grumpy Cowboy Protector in Texas. Book 2 is about her older sister, Rose Ruth, known as Rose when she was a child, and now going by her middle name of Ruth. Ruth moved from Jacksonville, somewhere in the Eastern United States, back to her hometown of Elmore, Wyoming. She got a lucrative marketing job with a billionaires company. There, she met Mark, a gorgeous billionaire that owned the company. He is the one who hired her because of her answers to the Board of Directors. What Ruth and Mark don't know at the time of hire, and not for a few days, is that they were childhood sweethearts from the time they were 8 years old. Mark was bullied most of his childhood by other elementary and middle school students. Little Rose took up for him and told the bullies to leave him alone. They were each other's best friend. When Rose was 13, a terrible incident happened that made Rose extremely afraid of ain, thunder, and lightening. The incident is first mentioned in the Prologue, so be sure to read it first. When Ruth and Mark realize in the current day that they were those childhood friends, they are happy. However, no good story is without an abundance of conflict. The conflict includes letters that were sent weekly for a decade to Mark from Rose, but that he never received; Mark's abandonment phobia because of first Rose leaving and then his biological father leaving his mother for a younger woman; Rose/Ruth's phobia with rain; and Mark's meddlesome mother who threatens Ruth. Will Mark have to make a choice between his biased mother and his daily growing love for Ruth? This was a very good book and I rated it solely on the story, giving it 5 stars. However, if Rose Luv would have been one of my students when I taught college English, she would have gotten a B, because there were an extremely large amount of missing commas, other missing punctuation, misplaced punctuation, and a few other grammatical errors. For one example: "You baked Grandma?" should have been, "You baked, Grandma?" The way it was written made it sound like somebody baked Grandma. The comma after the word baked lets the reader know that Grandma baked. Anyway, I received an advance reader copy and have posted my honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,618 reviews25 followers
February 15, 2023
The second book in a really good small town romance series with characters that need to overcome their own personal demons or phobias. In this book we have Rose aka Ruth beginning as a child with her best friend, Mark. Mark was an awkward child who was bullied only to be befriended by Rose. They had each other's backs. But, Mark had to see his friend on the sly since his overbearing, snob of a mother didn't think Rose was good enough for her son to be friends with since Rose was from the poorer side of the tracks. When Rose's family moved from Wyoming to Jacksonville, the two friends lost touch. But eventually Rose moved back home with her sister and grandmother who she was taking care of. So when she secured a lucrative job in a billionaire's company because the boss liked her ability to stand her ground with the board of directors. As a child, she had this rain phobia due to an accident that killed her father but scarred her which had happened in the pouring rain. Did she grow out of it or will it affect her new life with the family she is taking care of? When she discovers who her new boss is and what the connection is to her path, things follow a very strange path toward a great end! No spoilers here since you just have to read this wonderful sweet romance that has you cheering at the end. I can't wait to see what romance the author treats us with in book 3. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,865 reviews52 followers
February 12, 2023
Ruth and Mark’s story is heartwarming and poignant. They were best friends as young children despite their vastly different backgrounds and the social status of their families. A tragedy caused young Rose, now Ruth, to suffer psychological trauma. Where usually Mark had leaned on her for support and even protection, the tables had turned while he tried to comfort his friend. To ease her trauma, her family moved away. Unfortunately, that action only led to more abandonment issues for Mark.

Some two decades later, their lives intersect again. This time, Mark is a handsome, well-built man with a grumpy and off-putting personality who is now also her boss. They don’t recognize each other at first, though he feels some strange pull toward his beautiful new employee that he impulsively hired on the spot. When they finally do recognize each other, each has so much past hurt, many doubts and a whole lot of confusion. Both feel the attraction, the same connection they had as kids, though much stronger, and pray that this time they can stay in each other’s life. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t want them to be together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
389 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2023
After hiring Ruth, Mark later realizes that she is his childhood best friend. They had both changed considerably since elementary school, including name changes. After getting reacquainted, they realize they still have the same feelings for each other, but in a much more mature aspect. They both want to pursue the friendship with the desire for more, but Mark’s mother has never liked Ruth because of her lack of a wealthy and prestigious background. She shows her hostility in several ways including sending Ruth a very hurtful note warning her away from Mark. When Mark finds out, he is furious with his mother. Because of childhood events, Mark has a fear of abandonment and is afraid Ruth will abandon him. Can Mark and Ruth overcome the opposition they face and their different backgrounds to find their happing ending?

I most appreciate the biblical aspects such as prayer and loving and forgiving the enemy.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
586 reviews
February 9, 2023
Grumpy Cowboy Boss is a second chance love story of Ruth and Mark. They were best friends when they were kids. He was from a rich family and she was from the poor side of town. To them money was not important. Ruth's family moved to Jacksonville and none of her letters to Mark were ever answered. They lost touch with each other for over 20 years when they meet again. This time it was as boss and employee. But the odd thing was they did not recognize each other at the interview. After Ruth has a relapse of her rain phobia they figure out who each other are and life seems good. When Mark starts to fear losing Ruth every time she is around any other man, he gets upset. Combine that with a mysterious envelope delivered to her before her first day on the job, and Ruth knows her work is cut out for her or she will have to pack up her grandmother and sister and move away again.

I was given an advance copy of this book for my review. I am giving this book 4🌟🌟🌟🌟.
3,244 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2023
I enjoyed Grumpy Cowboy Boss. It’s a sweet story of young friends who were torn apart but meet years later not realize who the other is. Ruth has changed careers and interviews with Mark. They don’t recognize each other at first but when Mark sees her scar he real Ruth is his young friend Rose. They still face the same problems they had as children, namely Marks mom who doesn’t like Ruth. Throw in interference from men trying to make Mark jealous, insecurity issues and just life. Mark and Ruth have to decide what’s worth fighting for. A bad accident may end their chance at happiness. This was a great storyline and I loved the characters. I loved how they found each other all these years later. I wish it had an epilogue so I could see how their future turned out. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
827 reviews19 followers
February 11, 2023
Childhood friends, Ruth and Mark, are reunited when Ruth returns to their childhood home and is employed by Mark’s firm, although they initially don’t recognise one another. As they regain the friendship they enjoyed as children, and they explore their growing attraction, various circumstances and obstacles test their trust in each other.
Both have long-term emotional issues, stemming back to their childhood years, phobias which the author initially describes well, but which becomes a little repetitive as the story continues.
Rose Luv has written another fairly enjoyable story in her Grumpy Billionaire series, with a cast of diverse characters. Unfortunately, for this reader, the events toward the end of the book lacked credibility. However, it was pleasing to see that Ruth and Mark finally developed into stronger, independent characters who were willing to stand up for their principles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
20 reviews
February 12, 2023
Firstly, this book needs a serious editing. Lots of mistakes, such as missing punctuations, misspellings etc. Looking past that, I also didn't prefer the author's way of writing.

About the story itself, the synopsis was a bit misleading. Mark did not do anything wrong to Ruth; neither of them did. It was a missed chance due to someone else's intervention, which lead to a misunderstanding between them.
I would have preferred more moments between Mark and Ruth after their reunion instead of the couple having conflict very soon after. I definitely liked the story better once they talked things out.

Overall, it was an okay read, but the book didn't consume my attention enough for me to finish it in one sitting, or two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,921 reviews
February 12, 2023
This was a wonderful love story and a second chance at love in one. Mark and Ruth have known each other since childhood and despite the fact that there was a class difference between them, they were crazy about each other, he came from a wealthy family and she was not and from the wrong side of town. Once she moves she keeps writing letters to Mark but that stops when he doesn't respond not knowing that he never got her letters, When they meet after years they don't recognize each other, what happens when they do recognize each other again she will get answers when asked why he never responded to her letters and can she cure her phobia of rain? These are all questions with answers that you will find out when you read this book. I will definitely read more books by this author.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
353 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2023
What a great story about two kids who grew up so differently but had a connection that wouldn't break. Mark comes from a rich family. Ruth comes from a loving family who made ends meet. Mark was bullied as a kid. Ruth came to his rescue. When a tragedy occurs, Ruth's family moves. Many years later, Ruth is back and interviews for a marketing job. Ruth doesn't recognize the owner as Mark. Mark didn't recognize Ruth. As they put together the pieces of the puzzle, they can also piece together what happened in their time away from each other. They both have phobias and try to help the other get through life. Will they end up together? Are they soulmates or just there at the right time? Great story! Loved the interactions between Mark, Ruth, Ruth's family and Mark's home away from home family.
939 reviews29 followers
February 12, 2023
Firstly, I have to say that the title is misleading.
They go to a ranch for two brief day outings & on one trip ride horses. He’s a Marketing Company boss, & she gets a job working for him. They don’t realise who each is, as they have both changed their names, him his surname, & her from Rose to Ruth. At last they come to the realisation that they are old childhood friends who lost touch. And soon they find out it was his Mother who kept the letters Ruth wrote him all those years ago. Both have phobias, hers is Ombrophobia-fear of rain, & his is abandonment phobia. I like that they pray together & help each other. They have a positive attitude & respect each other.
An encouraging read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Booksprout & I am writing an honest voluntary review.
313 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2023
There are so many things I enjoyed about this book… The interplay between the characters, the complexity of figuring out relationships after many years of separation, the way the faith of the characters is a normal/ natural part of their day-to-day lives. On top of all that, I wanted to keep reading so I could see what challenges Ruth (Rose) and Mark would run into next as they work their way through their relationship. Would they end up together – or would everything be too much for them to be able to do that? Read the book and find out!

I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
777 reviews
February 14, 2023
Enjoyed this sweet second chance romance.Could not put it down.
Mark and Ruth were childhood friends until Ruth moved away with her family.
They have not seen each other for twenty years.Now Mark is her boss and their friendship is turning into something more.
They both are in love,but their childhood phobias and Ruth and the difference's in their background is coming between them.
They do eventually get to their happily ever after which warms the heart,but they have to work for it.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
477 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2023
Enjoyed reading this ebook. Like the long time on and off relationship between Joe and Olivia. Their feelings just can't be denied or can they? The passion is intense. Can Olivia protect her heart after a previous breakup? Does she secretly still have feelings for Joe? Will Joe finally tell Olivia what he feels for her? This 4⭐ great read has excitement, friendship drama as well as ex's, steamy moments, secrets, and long time love. I recommend you read this enjoyable read. Good writing as well. You will find yourself fussing at the both of them and shaking your head.😁.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,380 reviews11 followers
February 17, 2023
This is the 2nd book I have read by Rose Luv.

This book is about Ruth and Mark, they were best friends as children but came from very different backgrounds and social statuses.
When Ruth's, previously known as Rose, family moved away they lost touch.
Ruth is now back in town and hired by a billionaire, who just happens to be Mark. But they both have troubles from their past that still affect them, but there is also an attraction between them, but what happens when someone doesn't want them to be together.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
257 reviews
February 11, 2023
This was a fun book to read. The two main characters are friends from childhood who reunite 23 years later. Two people, needing each other, but not knowing they do, try to find their way. The story is full of emotions.

However, I did have one main concern. A few chapters in, the author uses different names for the main characters without telling the reader why, so I thought maybe it was a mistake. The name changes are finally explained and the reasons make sense, but the explanation needs to come sooner to avoid the confusion.
70 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2023
Rose Luv has a knack for creating realistic characters for her books. I imagine we all know of or can relate to the the awkward kid who was bullied in school having only one true friend, but also having a parent forebidding that relationship. I felt as if I knew Ruth & Mark personally. I could feel the anxiety as each experienced individual struggles with phobias. It wasn't a page turner for me. But, definitely kept me anticipating the next hurdle and how they would handle it.

I received this book as a member of the ARC team in exchange for an honest review.
86 reviews
February 10, 2023
Another wonderful story! and clean. so much going on!! great characters. Ruth and Mark are childhood friends that are later reunited when Ruth returns home. She even works for Mark's firm! they don't recognise each other at first. But they build a relationship, although both have childhood dramas. lots of twists and turns! I read the whole book in one sitting!! very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
February 11, 2023
The second book in the Rose Luv's Small-town Billionaire Romance series. Mark and Ruth's story of a second chance they have not seen each other in twenty-three years. When they first meet they do not instantly recognize each other until something happens and he realizes who she was. Both have a phobia they have to overcome. I enjoyed seeing them get a happy ending and find out how they lost touch all those years ago. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,262 reviews38 followers
February 14, 2023
A realistic second chance romance. A wonderful story with so much emotion, past trauma, fears, and love. I loved the past childhood friends connection for the main characters. They have issues to overcome but this is such an enjoyable book. A well written, entertaining story that checked all the boxes for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,376 reviews140 followers
February 9, 2023
Ruth and Mark were childhood friends who reunite when she returns to her hometown and she's hired to work in his firm. They slowly reconnect and gain trust in each other and discover a romantic relationship together. It's well written, moves fluidly and is an interesting read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,049 reviews12 followers
February 13, 2023
Great story with wonderful characters. Mark and Rose/Ruth were best friends as children. Life totally separated them and years later reunited them. Despite their immediate connection and attraction, they have many obstacles to overcome. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evelyn Foreman.
736 reviews30 followers
March 23, 2023
After moving back to her childhood home with her grandmother and sister, Ruth landed her dream job with none other than her former childhood best friend, Mark. Sparks began to ignite but would the prejudices of his mother deter a budding romance? An intriguing tale of second chances, healing from the past, hope for a fulfilling future.
Profile Image for Kimberly  Bransford .
415 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2023
What better way to start a new relationship with than with someone you have a history with, however sordid it may be? Missing letters, childhood fears and a meddling mother all come together while Mark and Ruth work on rebuilding their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
188 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2023
Grumpy Cowboy boss is a thrilling read that will give you all the emotions. I'm so glad the main couple finally got their HEA!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,589 reviews33 followers
February 18, 2023
Mark’s and Rose/Ruth’s stories broke my heart. Rose Luv drew me in and made me want to make things better for both of them. Mark may have had money but his mother’s version of love need lots of work. I really couldn’t put the book down until I found out how the problems were resolved.
27 reviews
September 15, 2023
I loved this book. It made me wish I had a childhood friend like them.God gave them the strength to overcome barriers from the past that are still impacting the present and build a strong future. This whole family is so much fun. I can't wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,455 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2024
Christian Standalone Romance Interconnected Series HEA

Can be read as a standalone, but characters show up throughout the series. Ruth is interviewing for a new job. There is something about the one that seems familiar. Mark hires her on the spot despite the opinions of the board. When he too feels like there's something familiar about her he starts trying to figure it out. Where do they know each other from? What caused them to lose touch? How does their families react and how does it affect their relationship? Can they reunite and rekindle or will it keep them apart?
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