Daddy's Grouchy Best Friend

by Brooklyn Cox

Daddy’s grumpy best friend is my new boss and secret boyfriend. I’m in way over my head. Taking a dream job in a new city seemed like the fresh start I was looking for. My new boss is my dad’s best friend and twice my age. He’s also the kind of handsome that almost erases the memory of his constant late night demands in the office. My fantasies started when I walked in on him changing out of his gym clothes. It makes me want to run my hands down his chiseled abs and not stop. His power, striking looks and the attention he gives me make me forget all the reasons we can’t be together. His sexy accent alone sends tingles in all the right places. My willpower completely melts while alone on his private jet. We agreed it couldn't happen again, but that’s a promise we can’t keep. Sneaking around is getting near impossible, but I don’t want my coworkers to think I’m getting special treatment. Plus, my dad would completely FREAK out. I’m either going to lose my job or shatter my reputation and heart.

Genres: Romance, Love

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2023

Reviews

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn Cox has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Hazel and Noah. Hazel has moved to Chicago and is starting a new job with the marketing department for the Chicago Bees soccer team. She got the job thanks to her father, Henry, who is an assistant coach for the team. Noah has just bought the team and is moving to Chicago. Hazel and Noah see each other outside the bar she went to with Amanda, her new boss. They don't give their names when they meet since she is uninterested. When she starts work, Amanda has a meeting with Noah and she is not impressed with how he treats her. Noah has a meeting and tells everyone that he is open to them in case they had any ideas. for the team. Noah has a one-on-one meeting with all his employees so that he can get to know them. When it is Hazel's turn, things don't turn out very well. She tells him that she has some new ideas for marketing the team. He tells her not to waste his time. His assistant, Marisa tells him about an event that he has to go to. When he gets to the event, he sees a woman getting out of a car and he is attracted to her. He wonders who she is there with. When he finds out, he gets upset. The person that brought the woman was Henry. He goes to speak to Henry, and he finds out the woman is his daughter, Henry is told that it was only VIPs and he should not have brought her to the event. Noah sees her, he goes to talk to her and tells her she should leave since it was only for VIPs. After seeing Noah, Hazel doesn't like him much. She decides that she is going to stay away from him. Noah is attracted to Hazel and he thinks about her all the time. He comes up with a plan for her to be with him on Friday nights and Saturdays. At first, she is not happy to be working all the time and lets him know how she is feeling. As she spends time with Noah, she starts to fall for him since she realized that he is not like she thought he was. Noah wants to be with her and he comes up with a way for them to do that. He has to go to New York and he wants her to go with him, so he calls her and tells her to take the next week off so that she can go with him. Things change for them when they get to New York. They spend as much time together as they can while they are there. They both know that when they get back to Chicago, things will be different. Her father will not be happy to know they are together. She tells him that they can't continue seeing each other once they get back to Chicago. She doesn't want people to think that she got where she was because she is sleeping with the boss. They try to stay away from each other but they can't. Noah calls her and wants her to have dinner with him at his house and when she gets there, they don't eat. They end up sleeping together again. Things don't go so well when Courtney stops by. She is bringing some papers for him to sign. They have to lie to Courtney about the reason for Hazel being there. When she goes to work on Monday, things are worse than she thought. Amanda asked her if she was with Noah. She tells her "Yes" and that she had not told her father yet. When she is ready to leave Amanda's office, her father shows up and wants to talk to her. It is not a good talk. Her father is upset that she is with Noah. Her father tells her that he is not any good. He would only use her until he finds someone else. They have words and he walks out on her. After her talk with her father, she goes to see Noah and tells him what happened with her father. Noah tells her that her father came to see him and he tried to talk to him but he didn't want to listen to him. She tells him that she would talk to her father and that Noah needed to do the same. Noah tells her that he would try.
Can Hazel get her father's forgiveness?
Will things work out for Hazel and Noah?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having no luck in finding a job after getting her degree, Hazel accepts her dad Harry's offer and moves to New York to work with him.  She accepts after the promise that Harry would tell no one they were related.  After she arrives, she meets her supervisor and they have drinks together.  While waiting for a car to take her home, Hazel is approached by a very handsome man.  She declines his offer of a ride.  He was interested in her and left her with his card.  She did not realize until after she was home that Noah was the new owner of the soccer team and someone to stay away from!  Based on observation, he seems to treat people like they are inferior to him.  Hazel pays him a visit to introduce herself as they would be working together from time to time.  He was rude to her as well.  After a confrontation at a charity event, they get stuck in the elevator.  He started to put a move on her when the door opened and they went their own ways.  He cannot get her out of his head and figures out ways to have her in his office even to the point of making her work on the weekends.  On his last effort to make his move, her father showed up!  Foiled again.  Several weeks later she finds out she gets to attend an away game with the team.  What she doesn't know right away is that it is on a private plane with Noah.   He was not told the regular person was not going and that Hazel was attending.  It was a good flight and they learned more about each other including how similar their childhoods were.  A small connection starts to grow between them.  I love how the friendship/relationship starts to take shape, piece by piece, just like a spider weaving its web, such intricate detail.  Each step is amazing and you can almost feel the change of emotions between them.  Even the eventual drama pulls you in!  I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down!
Susan C.

[Sherri Leisure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn Cox has blown me away with this book. I have read a few of her other books, but I feel this is her best one. Well, at least Daddy's Grouchy Best Friend is my favorite one and I could reread it right now - that is how much I liked it. Brooklyn's plot was original with perfect pacing and delivery of the story. Noah and Hazel are an adorable couple who I just loved. I thought they were perfect together and their chemistry was seriously off the charts. The minute I began reading this book I seriously could not put it down - yep, I read it in one sitting. When a book can draw me in and not let go I know that the author has mastered their craft within the pages of their book. Brooklyn has definitely nailed it with this one. I am sure looking forward to reading her next published book.

The dynamic and chemistry between Noah and Hazel was instantaneous...it was incredible...it was hot...it was intense and it was more than either of them could have ever imagined. Unfortunately, there are a couple of obstacles that present a problem for their budding relationship. Hazel's father Harry who happens to be Noah's best friend is the number one contentious problem that stands in their way. Closely followed by the fact that Hazel is one of Noah's employees. This chemistry between them can only be contained for so long before they give in to their carnal desires. What will happen when not only Harry finds out, but Hazel's fellow co-workers?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SpeedReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

• Story/Plot: 📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
• POV: Dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? No
• Epilogue? No

The FMC is hired at the MMC’s new purchase, a soccer club. Her dad is the coach but she’s asked for no one to know including the new owner.

First, I HATED the MMC for a good chunk of the book. He was a self-important jerk who thought he was above the “little people” in the company. He was an utter a$s to the FMC until he found out who she was. Even then, he was a butt.

I disliked the constant back and forth of, “I want you so much, let’s fool around” then “we mustn’t!” Then back and forth and back around again. It was excessive. I also wasn’t fond of her father’s cruelty. I’m just not personally a huge fan of so much drama and angst, thus the 3 ⭐️.

I appreciated that the MMC grew a bit as a character. The steamy scenes were great (if only they weren’t constantly inundated with the, “we mustn’ts”

Overall, the story was decent. If you’re a fan of angst and a MMC who grows a lot in the story, then this is the one for you!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was rough... very rough. Thebstiry was OK, but the editing was practically non-existent.

There were so many issues here, from an editing standpoint. Quotation marks in the wrong place, missing altogether, several times a new paragraph wasn't started for a new speaker, and once a new sentence wasn't capitalized. There were not any breaks or indication of a time gap in a few places, too. The editing was sloppy.

Story/content-wise, Noah was a complete ass in the beginning. How do you get to be so successful in business by treating your employees like that? He singlehandedly is a walking toxic work environment.
Not to mention, he just forgets her face because she rejects him? Does he not realize how dangerous it can be for a woman to hop in a car with a stranger? What if she had decided to call him, after all?

I liked that nobody knew who her dad was initially, but that doesn't last long, either.

Overall, this was OK. I didn't really get why he was so enamored with her, especially in the beginning. It just felt off. Given how much of a dick he was, it was surprising she gave him the time of day at all.

I don't think I would read this again.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for review from Brooklyn Cox.
A Romànce story narrated in the first person narrative by Noah,Hyde and Hazel about the love triad between Hazel Archibald and Noah as she feels her dad Harry had hyped his friend Noah who she saw as a bragger while Noah feels he couldn't be with Hazel as she was Harry's daughter and his employee .It also tells of Hazel being attached to her daddy and his being her best friend checking or her after their many quarrels and disagreements.It is a daddy(pronounced da-di to mean farther eat with da meaning father in ijaw pronounced father and do meaning eat or come in effik) or "eat after depth or cum grouchy best friend in reference to her earning as an employee after sex between them.The title can also be looked at from the perspective of Noah being older than her like a daddy.It discusses in an entertaining manner sex with ones boss while putting forward lessons on the resultant effect; managing a team;the need for straight financial records;marketing campaigns;and training plans.

[casvec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel does not have the best relationship with her father, Henry, but he helped her get the job with the team he was a coach. Hazel's only request was that people did not realize who she was to him.

Noah has known Henry for years and he knows how Noah is with relationship and work. When the chance to buy the team Henry worked for, he jumped at the chance, soon the employees realized not to waste his time.

The energy between Hazel and Noah's was electric, sparks fly from their first meeting. As things heated between them, so did the relationship with Henry.

Good read, Noah was a bit off putting at the start, but he started warming up one he opened up. I like Hazel's character; she is young but not too you that make you feel that she naive. Her determination at work add to her maturity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine knows mixing work and pleasure is a bad idea. Add in that her boss is also her dad's best friend and she really shouldn't do what she so wants to do. Best intentions and all that...

This is a contemporary romance with a bit of a taboo theme. The story is well written and easy to read with a simple setting which serves as a nice background. The characters are well done and it is a lot of fun watching the chemistry between them develop. Watching them fight their attraction, and of course lose, is definitely lots of fun. Along the way we get some nice steam and a rather nice HEA. Overall, a very entertaining story and I look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow this book is so fantastic, and it has such orgasmic sex scenes. I absolutely can't say enough good things about this book. The characters Noah and Hazel are perfect. I love how they came together, and the ending is so romantic and perfect. I am defiantly not going to give anything away about this book you're going to have to read it for yourself to see how fantastic it is. This is the first book I have read of Brooklyn's and most defiantly will not be my last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll Love Hazel and Noah's StoryA lot of troupes in this book. Daddy's best friend, age-gap, boss and plenty of drama to go along with it. Their chemistry is off the charts, but their relationship is taboo for many reasons. One time on his private plane, and they're done, at least that's what they keep telling each other. Hazel and Noah will take you on an emotional journey. What happens when her dad finds out? This was a good book, and you'll love the HEA and the way he proposes. I read a free arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel and Noah's Story . . .

Life is filled with bad decisions, and these two characters, Hazel and Noah, are determined to tempt fate anyway. Hazel’s wonderful dream job offers her a promising start to her career. She will be working for her dad’s best friend. But both of them eagerly cross the line. Do they stop once they realize what they have done? Do they try to hide what’s going on from the other employees and from Hazel’s father? Or is there another option available to them – and walking away is probably not the one, right?

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars of Brooklyn Cox awesomeness = a win for the reader

Brooklyn Cox you had me hooked from the very first page of Noah & Hazel's story & I didn't want the book to end. She's just started her dream job & her new boss is hot with a sexy accent that sends tingles down her spine + he's best friend's with her dad. A moment on his jet & they vow to not repeat it but the pull towards each other is too strong. Can they keep it a secret & what will her Dad say?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hazel decides to come home to work for the soccer team her father coaches for, she's happy. So when Noah and Hazel accidentally meet, neither realizes who the other is. What she doesn't know is he is the new owner, as well as, her father's best friend which mean forbidden.

But once they both realize they can't keep their hands off, they give in to the forbidden romance only to be pulled apart.

In the end, will they be able to find their way back to each other and a happily ever after?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel moves to the same town as her dad to go to work for the soccer team that he is a coach for. He has sworn to her that no one will know that they are related. When she meets Noah one night while she is out, there are sparks between them immediately. Later, Hazel finds out who Noah is: her new boss! Noah is often cruel and extremely demanding. They start a relationship, but agree that no one can know. What happens when Hazel's father finds out and then other coworkers do as well? Will Noah support Hazel or return to his pattern and deny her?

[Sandra Lail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not developed well. Poor writing

This story was very poorly written. Maybe a first book for the author. needs better editing. A lot of telling, skipped time and sparse details and descriptions. I had to skip a lot to get to the end. Basic older man, best friends daughter trope. Some heat but not written well and a little cringy to me. The H was a total jerk in the beginning but just suddenly became a great guy when they got together, but no reason for the change in his personality.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hot and steamy Story kept me glued to Noah and Hazel and everything they got into and sometimes it was sizzling! Her father helped her get a job where she connected with Noah who happens to be her father's best friend. When their relationship heats up and turns into so much more, will their forbidden relationship end a relationship between two best friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Serlina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very interesting, and kept me captivated from start to end. Love the way the characters seems to banter with each other. This makes for a medium pace read, the way the MCs fought their attaction after finding out they're work colleages made this quite entertaining and fun to follow. It was a wonderful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel moves to Chicago and thanks to her dad, she gets a new job. Hazel’s new boss is Noah, her dad’s best friend, and there is an instant and intense attraction between them. This is a well written story which has an age gap, enemies / lovers’ romance, with family, friendship, challenges, emotions, and love, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Bierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hits all the elements of a good book. It keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are well developed with a broad spectrum of conflict & emotions. You can't help but root for them in both sorrow and happiness. Totally entertaining...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting Their Connection

Dad's best friend Noah hires Hazel to work at his company but it is more than they bargain for when they cannot resist each other. This was a very entertaining story as these two tried to fight their emotions and connection. Well written and enjoyable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense,steamy with a roller coaster ride of emotion..An Age Gap,Dad's bestfriend Enemies to Lovers Romance story of Hazel and Noah that you couldn't put it down..a page turner.;if you love a forbidden romance this is for you..looking forward for more! well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah and Hazel’s story has them meeting when her dad gets her a job working for his team that he coaches and Noah buys. But he doesn’t know who she is to her father, Henry. The chemistry between these two is sizzling but what happens when he finds out who her father is and when her father finds out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a fan while reading this book it is smoking hot!Hazel lands a job working in marketing dept and her Dad is an assistant coach and his best friend new owner of the bees soccer team.when sparks fly between Hazel and Noah can they stay away from each other or will hearts get broken?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say that I enjoyed Daddy’s Grouchy Best Friend. It took me a while to warm up to Noah as he was an a** towards everyone. Right away I found Hazel to be likeable, so I was hoping they would find their HEA as they seem to balance out each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaelyn Rogerson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst age gap books I have read in while. I DNF'd a book by this author earlier this year and barely made it through this one so I do not think I will be giving her another try.
The will they or wont they got annoying after about the 3rd time. And after about 50% everything was repetitive or just dumb.

[Rebecca Cheehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The characters were great and I enjoyed then getting to know each other. I finished this book in 2 days. I thought it was a quick read, and it was light and not heavy in the slightest compared to most books I have been reading lately.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with fantastic characters. The author has written a great storyline that will keep you glued to your book from start to finish. A wonderful story and a page turner and highly recommended to read.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Angel Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of my favorite tropes in this book. Workplace, dad's friend, age gap... All combined with great characters and an emotional roller coaster of a plot.

Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

not her fault

Apparently I just don’t appreciate this kind of romance. He will dump her when she turns 40 or she will dump him when he turns 60, wrinkly or if she wants children. Just impractical.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her new boss is her father's best friend. She is still drawn to her boss and the age gape doesn't bother her. If her father finds out about their relationship there will be trouble. I loved this book, the story is original and the characters are amazing. The heart wants what the heart wants!