Grump Gone Bad

Grumps Unleashed #2

by Cassie Mint

I’ve worked for my boss for years without a single spark between us.

Now his twin brother has set me ablaze.

I know as soon as I step into the penthouse office: this man is not my boss. No way. He has the same suit, same hair, same piercing blue eyes, but… nope. I’m not buying it.

Because my boss has never set my pulse racing. Not once. But this guy…

One single look and I’m struggling for breath.

He says they’ve swapped places for a few days. He’s filling in for his twin, and I’m to work as normal. Keep up the ruse.

Cool cool cool. Except I’m a terrible liar.

And he’s staring like he wants to eat me alive.

Grump Gone Bad is a short and steamy instalove story with a swapped boss and an assistant who WILL be professional, damn it. If only he’d quit staring like that…

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Short Stories

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2023

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely wasn't a favourite of mine, but the ending was cute 🤷‍♀️.

(I'm excited for the next book though 🙈)

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from an author who manages to capture intense yearning, burning chemistry and deep emotional bonds all packed into a novella format. Don’t know how she does it, but she does! In this one, the hero sneaks into his twin brothers life as a favor and is immediately caught out by the heroine who can tell the difference between the two with a look.

These are always quick, fun and easy to read. Can’t wait for the next.

Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except that he’s not a manwhore and has been celibate. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ”I've worked for Tom Landry for three years, and my pulse has never once fluttered in his presence. My mouth has never gone dry at the sight of his hands. But a single glance at his twin brother, and I'm sweating through my dress."

TROPES:
~instalove
~age gap

This was a really cute novella by Cassie Mint! Definitely one of my favorites by her.

Priya has worked for Tom for three years as his assistant. One day, she walks into the office and stops in her tracks because the man sitting behind Tom's desk... isn't Tom. It's his twin, Emmett. And man, does Emmett stir up some feelings in Priya. I enjoyed it!

I love that he wants me this badly, that he's snapping and snarling, so possessive over me. That I'm treasured. His.

SAFETY:
Ages: unknown but at least 10yr age difference
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, no history on hero
OM/OW drama: none
Cheating/sharing: none
HEA?: yes

[riley ☠︎︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Maybe a lil too fast pace but idc. Cassie’s books are like crack

[*˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.8/5 stars**

Priya is an assistant for the CEO of a big company. One morning, when she brings him coffee, she realizes that the man standing in the office isn't her boss, but his identical twin brother, Emmett. While his brother is outside of away from work for personal reasons, Emmett has to pretend to be him for a week. But what to do when Priya and him instantly feel a strong attraction for each other?

The butterflies in my stomach. The way my skin heats when this man looks at me. The way every nerve ending in my body crackled to life when I saw him, an electric current zinging through my veins. It’s the way something deep inside me recognized him, called out to him, but obviously I can’t say any of that.-Priya

This novella was better than the previous one but still lacking in the chemistry department. Priya was attracted to one twin but not the identical one she's been working for? Guess Emmett had some special pheromones because it was a very far-fetched instalove. I would've preferred if she did recognize he was different than her boss and slowly fall in love with his personality. She was somewhat sweet, a goodie two shoes who took her job seriously.

“Did you know penguins mate for life?”-Priya

No. Not cute. I'm forever traumatized by penguins and I can't stand quotes like this. I mean sure, they mate for life (some) but they also do horrible things like r*** females and chicks to show dominance, and even more disturbing stuff that relates to dead penguins. Please authors, stop using penguins as if they are cute little creatures.

As for Emmett, he wasn't much of a grump. Actually, I thought he was very mindful and nice. He wasn't a jerk to Priya even if she called him a jerk? He was a little bit jealous of his twin. Being identical to his brother, he struggled a bit to see himself as an individual, rather than just a twin.

They didn't have much chemistry. I prefer knowing where the attraction comes from, in a realistic way rather than insta-love without explaination. Their initial dynamic was a little bit weird too. Like Priya was mad that Emmett took her boss' place. Why would it matter if she takes care of everything already? It's not like she has an extra load of work because of it.

✔️HEA Epilogue: 1 year later, they are married and h is pregnant
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Instalove
✔️Age gap H is probably in his 30s and h is probably in her 20s
✔️Jealous/ Protective H
✔️Sweet/ Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Separation 1 day maybe
✔️Slow burn
🔥 Steam level: 1.5/5
⚡Content warning No condom/ Fingering/ First time

Would I recommend this novella? Overall, it was an okay read. Nothing amazing but decent with a little bit of spice at the end.

**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**

Grumps Unleashed Series
1. Grump Gone Wild - 2. Grump Gone Bad*
3. Whole Lotta Grump

[Kate V · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grump Gone Bad was a lot of instalust and instalove. Didn't hate it, didn't love it. It was cute with a little spice.

[Averie]

A short novella about the heroine falling for her boss's identical twin brother!
It was a fun read! :)

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

I liked this story but just not quite as much as the first book in the series.

I really liked the concept of the twin switch and only the heroine being able to instantly tell the difference. I’ve personally only seen that in one other book and I liked it then as well. Worth the read!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was enjoyable but nothing really special. A lot of instalust along with the instalove.

[Ignacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Priya (Fliss' roommate) and Emmett insta-love story was more enjoyable than the first book in this series.

Now I'm waiting for Maisie and Hudson story in Whole Lotta Grump.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was enjoyable, it didn’t have the yearning and the history the previous one had. Still a fun read and a cute trope.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second novella in the series follows Priya working as an assistant to Tom but one day, she is surprised when Tom's twin brother Emmett is sitting in the main office chair in charge... Very quick and steamy read.

[atomickitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a very sweet read but I didn't love it as much as I loved Grump Gone Wild.

But I did enjoy it and despite the instalove they didn't jump to bed right away but it took them a while so that was a plus.

And I liked the characters, they were cute together so I'm rounding it up.

I honestly am waiting for the third book in the series because I have a feeling I'm gonna love it.

So YAY!

[Luna ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea with the twins was interesting and I liked it. A quick and enjoyable read with likeable characters and an okay plot. It‘s difficult to write books this short with an amazing plot so I think this was perfectly fine. I enjoyed reading and that’s the most important thing for me. Still I will not give more than 3 stars because books with these less pages can‘t compare to full grown novels.





#1 Grump Gone Wild ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Grump Gone Bad ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Whole Lotta Grump ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I did love the first one more but this was still a really good time. Priya was in the first book so I was excited to read about what she mentioned in it. Emmett is filling in for his twin brother Tom at the office. Priya knows right away he is not Tom. I loved how jealous Emmett was when compared to his twin. He was so worried she had the hots for his brother. So far this series has been good. Off to the next book ✌️

[Khe · Rating 4 out of 5]

emmett did his thing and so did cassie! grump gone bad has a little more depth than grump gone wild and i appreciate that. the insta love/destined lovers trope is written well in the books that i’ve read by this author so far.

even though it’s such a short book, it had a little bit of everything that kept the book intriguing and somewhat realistic!

[Robin is it summer yet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved these two. They were amazing together. Wonder if Tom has a book?

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i need to be stopped before i ditch my whole tbr and dedicate myself to exclusively read cassie mint novellas. they're way too addictive for my own good.

[Ash Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Quick Read

This is such a cute and fast read. I like that it flowed nicely and the characters were cute. Overall, it was a decent novella to pass the time. I’d recommend.

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hero wasn’t even really grumpy, but that didn’t stop me from a Five star rating.

This was funny and witty and sexy and so, so sweet. Short reads that manage to pack in all of those feels PLUS a confident, competent heroine take skill to craft.

[Tiara Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

cassie mint, this was supposed to be a fun, easy, mindless read after my hellish double but what i got was DISAPPOINTMENT. DESPAIR!!! this was BORING!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, sweet and spicy novella. This wasn't the best but it was a cute story. Definitely insta-love but it was cute.

[˗ˏˋ mckenna ˎˊ˗ · Rating 2 out of 5]

these novellas aren’t what i would call “good” in the traditional sense, but dammit they’re fun

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

s h e l v e s :
blue collar
boss
instalove
men in suits
office
ott
possessive
protective

e n d e a r m e n t s :
sweetheart

e n d i n g :
HEA + baby otw!

🔥



The desk creaks as her legs part wider. Soon enough, my fingertips brush the blue lace of her panties, and Priya tips back her head with a sigh.
She leans her palms on the desk, and watches me beneath heavy lidded eyes. Her hips twitch up, chasing my touch.

She’s slick when I delve beneath the lace. Warm and wet and soft, her body calling me closer, and her breath catches each time I brush against her clit.

Perfection. Winding her braid around my free hand, I hold her in place with mock sternness, then press one finger inside her.

I inhale deeply, stroking her inner walls. She’s softer than velvet here too.
“Good?”

“So good. Oh, wow.”

I shift closer, adjust my wrist for a better angle, and Priya’s computer screen flickers to life when her thigh knocks the mouse. One finger inside her. Two.

“Emmett,” she gasps, and my name on her lips is pure music.

“Sweetheart.” I graze her clit and stroke deeper at the same time, muffling her cries with a kiss. “Priya. My Priya.”

♥︎

“Ah, fuck, Priya. Your tits could make a grown man weep.”

Is that a good thing? Judging by the reverent way Emmett cups and kneads me, and by his hungry groan when he sucks my nipple into his mouth… yes. It’s a very good thing.

The room spins, and I grip the back of his head, thighs suddenly wobbling beneath me. I’m aching, and with every pull of his mouth, the tingling between my legs gets even worse. His mouth is so hot and wet.

Feels so good, so impossibly good, and it’s nowhere near enough.

♥︎

I spank her nipples lightly, more to shock her than to hurt, and as Priya cries out and rides me harder, they flush a deeper brown. A blush stains her chest and throat, and her thighs are damp with sweat, and wherever I touch her, the muscles shiver.

I grip her ass and squeeze. Part her cheeks and fuck her deeper. Move her roughly, guiding her over my lap, belt buckle scraping against the floor—just because I can and I know she likes it, and every stroke into her channel sends red-hot sparks crackling down my spine.

“Mine,” I grunt. “Mine.”

It’s the only word left in my brain, and I grit it through clenched teeth. My abs ache, and I’m sweating into my clothes, and every roll of Priya’s hips makes me want to pound on the floorboards and howl.

♥︎

“If I’m yours, prove it,” Priya says, so breathless.

She whoops as I roll us over, laying her back on the blankets then shoving her thighs wide apart.

I hold her there, splayed open. Loom over her like a ravenous beast, the open edges of my jeans dragging against her skin.

“The fuck did you just say?”

She laughs as I thrust deep inside. It chokes off into a moan as I ride her without mercy, muscles flexing, jaw clenched,

Priya arches against the blankets when I rub her clit. She lets out a string of curses, eyes squeezed shut and head rocking side to side.

And I don’t hold back. I keep riding, keep rubbing.

Priya’s mouth drops open in a silent scream.

Yeah. That’s more like it.

[MerReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe
No cheating
No OM/OW
No separation
NO pinning
Insta love and insta lust
NO angst
Sweet virgin heroine, very goody good girl, but freak in the sheets
No history on the H, but there is a slight little tell that he might he a virgin? One thing is for sure, he is NOT a man whore! Oh, and he goes after his woman! He does not wait!!
So Priya, is walks into her boss's office like every morning with coffee and her eyes meet a different pair of eyes......HER BOSS HAS A TWIN AND IS SITTING AT HIS DESK!! There is no charade, and he knows he is busted, but enjoys it since he is falling hard for the beautiful assistant, but since he and his brother Tom are identical to the point of fooling everyone, he did not think he would be discovered. He is replacing his brother for a week and doesn't have to do much, since Priya is a superstar at her job. Emmett takes her to an old chapel he is renovating into a home and shows her around, (our hero's) jealousy quickly flairs when he imagines that Priya is attracted to his brother and even worse, are having an affair. This outburst has him course correct when she tells him that not once was she ever attracted to his twin. He feels better and kisses her, all is forgiven. They go back to the office, they make out, Tom walks in on them and fires Priya. Hours later while watching a documentary on penguins, and crying, someone knocks on the door, it's Emmett and she runs in his arms. What was he doing for hours?? *cheeky smile*
He brings her to the old chapel he is transforming into a home (Emmett renovates old historic places and sells them), and inside are pillows, duvets, candles in jars lit all around, he wanted their first time to be special and in her dream home,so he made it very romantic! That is what he was doing *sigh so sweet swoon*. There she loses her virginity, and tells him that penguins mate for life, but he is so into what they are doing he says, 'that's nice, so do I'. *eyes wide open, mouth agape* Does that mean what I think it means??? I am going to pretend that YES! And to me, they are each other's one and only. *firm head nod* The only thing we know is that unlike his twin Tom, Emmett, is glad to have NEVER 'sown his wild oats', and he is also sometimes flustered when he talks to Priya (which is so sweet). Plus, he almost came when he breached her virginity. Just sayin....*wink* Anyways, I loved these two, this was a short sweet read, and MUCH better than the first book.
I am looking forward to Maisie's story, the massage therapist and her client. That is the next book in this trilogy of roommates! Maisie seems like a sweetheart, and Hudson seems extra shy and grumpy (in an adorable way). Can't wait! I only hope he hasn't been pining for too long.
Happy reading!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella by Cassie Mint is an absolute gem and easily ranks among my favorites. Within its pages, we delve into the story of Priya, who has faithfully served as Tom's assistant for three years. But one ordinary day, as she enters the office, a surprising sight awaits her. Seated behind Tom's desk is none other than his twin brother, Emmett. Priya's heart skips a beat as she realizes there's something undeniably different about this man. Instantly captivated, she finds herself drawn to Emmett in a way she never expected.

The chemistry between Priya and Emmett is off the charts, and their blossoming relationship is nothing short of adorable. From the moment Priya lays eyes on him, she effortlessly discerns the truth about Emmett's identity, leading to a delightful exchange of witty banter between the two. Their connection intensifies, resulting in passionate and unforgettable moments that make this novella a delightful and steamy read.

What truly shines in this novella is Priya's character. Her no-nonsense attitude and sharp intuition lend a refreshing dynamic to the story. She refuses to tolerate any nonsense from Emmett, giving rise to humorous situations and allowing their relationship to flourish authentically. Additionally, the interactions between Priya and her roommates add another layer of enjoyment to the narrative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the potential for Maisie to find her own love.

With a captivating plot centered around mistaken identity and the complexities of attraction, this novella weaves a heartwarming tale. Priya's unwavering determination to embrace the undeniable connection she shares with Emmett, even amidst the challenges posed by an age gap and the boss's brother dynamic, makes for a satisfying and fulfilling romance. By the end, readers will feel a sense of contentment, assured that all is right in the world, as Emmett and Priya discover they are the perfect match for each other.

Highly recomment it if your looking for a short, steamy read!

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Priya comes to an abrupt halt when she enters her boss’s office one morning, who is this man sitting in her boss’s chair? He looks just like her boss but makes her body come awake? It’s Emmett, her boss Tom’s twin brother. Tom has had Emmett trade places with him many times throughout the years, with girl friends, teachers, even their own mother, who can’t tell them apart. Priya notices subtle differences about him and her own bodies reaction to him tells her he is not Tom. She has never had a reaction to Tom.
Emmett is immediately smitten with her and is surprised she can tell them apart. He does get jealous of Tom and wonders if the two are having an affair. Especially since Tom Cat Tom is with his newly discovered baby and baby momma.
Priya quickly stops his train of thought and lets him know it’s him she is interested in. Emmett restores old homes and wanting out of Tom’s stuffy office he takes her to a chapel that he is restoring into a family home. Priya loves the chapel and says it would be her dream house. They share a steamy kiss before heading back to the office. Wanting more Priya kisses Emmett follows her into her office and they are engaged in some very heavy petting when Tom shows up, seeing her in such a compromising position he fires Priya.
She’s at home being sad watching a documentary on penguins, who the narrator says mate for life. She wonders where Emmett is when thankfully he shows up and takes her to the chapel. After fighting with Tom he went and readied a room there with candles and pillows for Priya and his first time together. She’s so happy to be there with him, he’s so sweet with her. Their first time is sweet and sexy, she’s a virgin and no mention of his past. But, he does think he’s glad he wasn’t a Tom Cat like his brother and when Priya blurts out that penguins mate for life, Emmett says so does he. So is he a virgin?
Epilogue one year later with the chapel turned into Priya’s dream home, they are married, and expecting.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grump Gone Bad bk 2 [Grumps Unleashed Trilogy]
These are short Novella Romance books with Grumpy Heros and sweet Heroine's..

This book follows Emmett and Priya.. You will find Workplace, Boss's Twin Brother Trope, Swapped Boss Trope and more

Emmett likes fixing up old buildings but his brother needed him so he swapped places with his brother to help him out and no one knew that tom who is his brother was not at work because they both look alike.. When his brothers assistant came into the office with coffee he could see that she knew because she asked who he was which he had to tell her but she got their first by saying that they were twins and then she left.. He has not been able to stop thinking about her and wondering how she could tell them apart when no one else not even their family can tell them apart.. He falls hard for Priya

Priya was in a Office and one day when she walked into her work place she knew something was different but she could not put finger on it until she walked into her boss's Office with Coffee to find that the guy in the room was not her boss which turned out to be her boss's twin brother.. She knew straight away because she started to have feelings for him.. She fell for Emmett


This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Assistant Romance
⦁ Workplace Romance
⦁ Swapped Boss
⦁ Boss's Twin Brother Trope
⦁ Hero Restores old Buildings
⦁ Grumpy/Sunshine
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Some steam with a bit of workplace play
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Sweet Strong Hero
⦁ Fast Read

I really enjoyed the relationship between Emmett and Priya.. I am glad that everything work out and they got their happy ending.. I really like that this Trilogy is following 3 Roommates who are also close friends to find love, so i can not wait until the last book comes out..

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is the only one who can tell

Grump Gone Bad is the second book in the Grumps Unleashed series and is the story of Priya Dhawan and Emmett Landry. Priya is the executive assistant to the owner and CEO of Landry & Co., an architectural design company. When she walks into work one morning going about her usual routine she finds a man that looks just like her boss but who is not her boss sitting at his desk. Emmett is the twin brother of Tom who is doing a favor once again for him by pretending to be Tom for a week. Emmett and Tom are very much opposites except for the way they look, but no one can ever tell them apart. That is until Priya is able to with just one look. Now things are about to get complicated in other ways also as Emmett and Priya both have feelings for each other which develop over the week they spend together. Questions swirl though as to whether Priya has ever been attracted to Tom and what exactly could their future ever be. Things will get complicated before they finally sort out what future they both want and whether that future is with the two of them together.

[Mysti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet but took way too long for the sex and I was super mad at him.

Priya doesn't realize her boss has a twin brother until she walks into his office and immediately knows it's not the same man. She freaks out for a while because for some reason, she's never had feelings for her boss, but his brother Emmett makes her lose her mind. He's the complete opposite of his brother. They spend time together and of course have sex and fall in love.

I was confused on if she was a virgin. At one point it sounded like she was, but then they never mention anything about it when they have sex so I guess she's not?

Plus - one thing super pissed me off. When her real boss walks in on her and Emmett fooling around in the office, he fires her and she leaves. Why the f*ck didn't Emmett say anything then and there?? How could he possibly let her be fired and walk away humiliated. Super bad form!!! I would have told him to f*ck off if he had shown back up on my doorstep hours later. You know I don't forgive easily.

That said, I didn't feel the love connection as much as I did in the last book, but still good.