What do you think?
Rate this book
Metamorphosis #1
Catalyst
This all started with a purple feathered peacock pen. Because who doesn’t love those bouncy plastic animals?
My boss, that’s who. He’s grumpy, growly, and one rainbow-printed sticky note away from a heart attack, I tell ya.
All I wanted to do was bring a little color into Adam Ellis’s life. I had no clue my efforts would bring out a man so incredibly tempting, I’d be willing to skirt the rules just to see what was under those freshly pressed suits.
I never expected Adam to let go of his rigid control enough to explore the sizzling chemistry between us. I also never expected to fall head over heels for the man.
But when someone threatens to upend what I thought would be our happily ever after, I have to make a ruin the one thing that has brought me true happiness or betray the love of my life.
My boss, that’s who. He’s grumpy, growly, and one rainbow-printed sticky note away from a heart attack, I tell ya.
All I wanted to do was bring a little color into Adam Ellis’s life. I had no clue my efforts would bring out a man so incredibly tempting, I’d be willing to skirt the rules just to see what was under those freshly pressed suits.
I never expected Adam to let go of his rigid control enough to explore the sizzling chemistry between us. I also never expected to fall head over heels for the man.
But when someone threatens to upend what I thought would be our happily ever after, I have to make a ruin the one thing that has brought me true happiness or betray the love of my life.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
71 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2025
Not the best, not the worst kinda romance. Adam was in the middle for me but enjoyed his development and loved lovely Ellie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
My thoughts with ***possible spoilers***: Ellie is absolutely delightful. Her personality had me from the very beginning. This book is dual POV, so you get to be inside the mind of both Ellie and Adam, which I love because then I can see how both characters are feeling, and how wrong each of them are about the other one’s feelings!
Adam is a deliciously complex character, and I love how hard he fought his attraction to Ellie. I loved watching him evolve from grumpy to content and happy.
I wish they would have waited on the kiss, and built it up a little more. However, I do not think that it lessened my enthusiasm for the story and the evolution of their relationship. They grew close quite fast, and Ellie opened up about her past and her relationship with her parents. She was raped by the son of a family friend. When she told her family, they slightly blamed her, saying she should have gone out with him and he wouldn’t have had to rape her. I’m sorry, but that is sickening. It made me furious at her parents. As a parent, I can’t imagine ever thinking that about my child. Then, Adam took her to meet his family, which is the opposite of Ellie’s family, so warm and inviting. There was a build up to the climax, and the ending was well written, with justice served!
If spice is something that you like, then this book is a solid 4.5 out of 5 in that department, but that is just my scale. I am not one who loves spice scenes, so what I think is spicy might not be that spicy to others. There were quite a few spicy scenes in this book.
Overall, I loved this book. The character development was solid. The plot kept me interested through the whole book, which can be hard. I would rate this book as a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Adam is a deliciously complex character, and I love how hard he fought his attraction to Ellie. I loved watching him evolve from grumpy to content and happy.
I wish they would have waited on the kiss, and built it up a little more. However, I do not think that it lessened my enthusiasm for the story and the evolution of their relationship. They grew close quite fast, and Ellie opened up about her past and her relationship with her parents. She was raped by the son of a family friend. When she told her family, they slightly blamed her, saying she should have gone out with him and he wouldn’t have had to rape her. I’m sorry, but that is sickening. It made me furious at her parents. As a parent, I can’t imagine ever thinking that about my child. Then, Adam took her to meet his family, which is the opposite of Ellie’s family, so warm and inviting. There was a build up to the climax, and the ending was well written, with justice served!
If spice is something that you like, then this book is a solid 4.5 out of 5 in that department, but that is just my scale. I am not one who loves spice scenes, so what I think is spicy might not be that spicy to others. There were quite a few spicy scenes in this book.
Overall, I loved this book. The character development was solid. The plot kept me interested through the whole book, which can be hard. I would rate this book as a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
September 20, 2023
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Catalyst!!
Catalyst is Book 1 in a new series by Shelby Gunter called Metamorphosis. Although this is a new series, there are several familiar characters from her other series in it, which I love! Catalyst is described as a grumpy/sunshine office romance. Adam is the grumpy workaholic boss and Ellie is the ray of sunshine temp secretary that brightens up his world! The chemistry between the two characters is very steamy and their banter is hilarious! This book is so good!! The banter between Adam and his younger brother, Matthew, who co-owns their business together, is equally hilarious! Matthew is a great side character! The slow burn office romance was very well written. There was wonderful character development and I loved how Adam and Ellie’s relationship grows and they learn to trust each other. Watching Adam’s brothers and sister (there are four brothers and one sister) all hang out together is extremely entertaining and gives you a chance to meet and get to know the whole gang. I bet there’ll be more Metamorphosis books to come about them! Again, 5 stars for Catayst!! Great job Shelby Gunter!! I will definitely be recommending this book!!
I want to thank Shelby Gunter for this gifted copy of Catalyst and I am honored to be chosen as an ARC reader.
Catalyst is Book 1 in a new series by Shelby Gunter called Metamorphosis. Although this is a new series, there are several familiar characters from her other series in it, which I love! Catalyst is described as a grumpy/sunshine office romance. Adam is the grumpy workaholic boss and Ellie is the ray of sunshine temp secretary that brightens up his world! The chemistry between the two characters is very steamy and their banter is hilarious! This book is so good!! The banter between Adam and his younger brother, Matthew, who co-owns their business together, is equally hilarious! Matthew is a great side character! The slow burn office romance was very well written. There was wonderful character development and I loved how Adam and Ellie’s relationship grows and they learn to trust each other. Watching Adam’s brothers and sister (there are four brothers and one sister) all hang out together is extremely entertaining and gives you a chance to meet and get to know the whole gang. I bet there’ll be more Metamorphosis books to come about them! Again, 5 stars for Catayst!! Great job Shelby Gunter!! I will definitely be recommending this book!!
I want to thank Shelby Gunter for this gifted copy of Catalyst and I am honored to be chosen as an ARC reader.
August 29, 2024
#AgeGap #Billionaire #FamilySeries #GrumpySunshine #Workplace #RomanticSuspense #SmallTown
This is my first book by this author. I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with her at a signing a couple of years ago and I am FINALLY getting one of her books read. When she wrote this series, I fell madly in love with the covers and have been wanting to read them ever since. I wanted to read at least one before I see the author again at a signing next month. Between the cover and the grumpy/sunshine trope, picking up this one was a no-brainer. Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this first-in-series book can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Adam is a grumpy workaholic. At 37, he and his brother have built their business to great success through hard work, smart decisions, and sacrifice. Ellie is straight sunshine. She always looks for the good despite the bad things that have happened to her in her life. At 27, she has spent the last several years working as a high-level office temp. I love how she challenges Adam. I adore that she can see the cinnamon roll man under the grumpy exterior. I really love how hard and fast Adam falls for her. I appreciated that they both tried unsuccessfully to fight the attraction and the feelings that were developing between them. Spice? Oh yeah. Open door scenes are just the right amount of spicy. Who knew Adam had a little alpha frosting on his grumpy cinnamon roll self?
The characters were complex and well-written. I loved the found family element of the story and I am super excited for the rest of the Ellis brothers to get their happy endings. The pace of the story was good, and I enjoyed the suspenseful elements of the plot. Readers should note the content w@rnings at the front of the book because the story does touch on some topics that could be difficult for some readers. As a survivor myself, I felt like the assault in Ellie’s past was handled well. I really liked that Ellie had done all the right things at the time including getting counseling to heal and move forward.
I am making it a goal to read the rest of this series before the end of the year.
This is my first book by this author. I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with her at a signing a couple of years ago and I am FINALLY getting one of her books read. When she wrote this series, I fell madly in love with the covers and have been wanting to read them ever since. I wanted to read at least one before I see the author again at a signing next month. Between the cover and the grumpy/sunshine trope, picking up this one was a no-brainer. Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this first-in-series book can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Adam is a grumpy workaholic. At 37, he and his brother have built their business to great success through hard work, smart decisions, and sacrifice. Ellie is straight sunshine. She always looks for the good despite the bad things that have happened to her in her life. At 27, she has spent the last several years working as a high-level office temp. I love how she challenges Adam. I adore that she can see the cinnamon roll man under the grumpy exterior. I really love how hard and fast Adam falls for her. I appreciated that they both tried unsuccessfully to fight the attraction and the feelings that were developing between them. Spice? Oh yeah. Open door scenes are just the right amount of spicy. Who knew Adam had a little alpha frosting on his grumpy cinnamon roll self?
The characters were complex and well-written. I loved the found family element of the story and I am super excited for the rest of the Ellis brothers to get their happy endings. The pace of the story was good, and I enjoyed the suspenseful elements of the plot. Readers should note the content w@rnings at the front of the book because the story does touch on some topics that could be difficult for some readers. As a survivor myself, I felt like the assault in Ellie’s past was handled well. I really liked that Ellie had done all the right things at the time including getting counseling to heal and move forward.
I am making it a goal to read the rest of this series before the end of the year.
December 21, 2023
Adam and Ellie
This might have been my favorite book from Shelby Gunter so far. I loved the banter between Adam and Ellie. I always love the grumpy/sunshine trope and Adam and Ellie fit that mold perfectly. This was the first book where there was a bit of a breakup, but it felt right in the plot. I wouldn’t necessarily call the intensity at the end suspense, but it definitely had me biting my nails and waiting for everything to come out.
Adam and Ellie shared a pretty instant connection. But Adam was a stickler for following the rules and it was against company policy for him to date his secretary, even though he owned the company and Ellie was only filling in temporarily, Adam still tried to uphold the rule. I loved his determination to be so strait-laced, especially in the face of his brother, and partner, Matthew egging him on. From the moment they met, Ellie was Adam’s sunshine and I loved that she continued to spread her happiness in spite of Adam’s surliness.
Adam and Ellie shared a pretty perfect relationship. They both supported each other in their own ways and gave each other the things they didn’t realize they were missing from their lives. I loved Adam’s relationship with his family and their easy acceptance of Ellie into that family. Both Ellie and Adam grew so much in the pages of this book. They made each other better. And the struggles they went through may have broken them apart in the short run, but in the long run it pulled them closer together.
This was a fun read. I loved seeing more of the Ellis family. I loved the tension between Adam and Ellie, their easy relationship and even the conflict. They were both very strong characters and so perfect for each other.
This might have been my favorite book from Shelby Gunter so far. I loved the banter between Adam and Ellie. I always love the grumpy/sunshine trope and Adam and Ellie fit that mold perfectly. This was the first book where there was a bit of a breakup, but it felt right in the plot. I wouldn’t necessarily call the intensity at the end suspense, but it definitely had me biting my nails and waiting for everything to come out.
Adam and Ellie shared a pretty instant connection. But Adam was a stickler for following the rules and it was against company policy for him to date his secretary, even though he owned the company and Ellie was only filling in temporarily, Adam still tried to uphold the rule. I loved his determination to be so strait-laced, especially in the face of his brother, and partner, Matthew egging him on. From the moment they met, Ellie was Adam’s sunshine and I loved that she continued to spread her happiness in spite of Adam’s surliness.
Adam and Ellie shared a pretty perfect relationship. They both supported each other in their own ways and gave each other the things they didn’t realize they were missing from their lives. I loved Adam’s relationship with his family and their easy acceptance of Ellie into that family. Both Ellie and Adam grew so much in the pages of this book. They made each other better. And the struggles they went through may have broken them apart in the short run, but in the long run it pulled them closer together.
This was a fun read. I loved seeing more of the Ellis family. I loved the tension between Adam and Ellie, their easy relationship and even the conflict. They were both very strong characters and so perfect for each other.
June 9, 2024
My first Shelby Gunter book and it definitely won't be my last!!!!
Catalyst is Book 1 in the Metamorphosis series by Shelby Gunter and who doesn't love a grumpy/sunshine office romance.
Our handsome hero Adam is a grumpy workaholic CEO.
And....
Our sweet heroine Ellie is literally like sunshine. I loved how from the moment she became his secretary she would leave him little affirmations daily and use a quirky and sparkly pen that drove him insane. hehe...
This may be a slow burn but..... holy chemistry and tension!
You knew the walls were going to come down it was just a matter of when.
And when they did... Hello spice!
I enjoyed everything about the relationship between these from the beginning. In particular, the banter that was not only hilarious but it brought out the soft and playful side of the normally uptight bossman Adam.
I just adore Adam's entire family and I loved that Ellie got herself a found-family. The way they accepted and cared for her instantly warmed my heart.
I highly recommend this book!
I'm jumping straight in to Book 2 as I need more of this world and Matthew who was definitely my favourite side character.
Catalyst is Book 1 in the Metamorphosis series by Shelby Gunter and who doesn't love a grumpy/sunshine office romance.
Our handsome hero Adam is a grumpy workaholic CEO.
And....
Our sweet heroine Ellie is literally like sunshine. I loved how from the moment she became his secretary she would leave him little affirmations daily and use a quirky and sparkly pen that drove him insane. hehe...
This may be a slow burn but..... holy chemistry and tension!
You knew the walls were going to come down it was just a matter of when.
And when they did... Hello spice!
I enjoyed everything about the relationship between these from the beginning. In particular, the banter that was not only hilarious but it brought out the soft and playful side of the normally uptight bossman Adam.
I just adore Adam's entire family and I loved that Ellie got herself a found-family. The way they accepted and cared for her instantly warmed my heart.
I highly recommend this book!
I'm jumping straight in to Book 2 as I need more of this world and Matthew who was definitely my favourite side character.
October 9, 2023
Catalyst (The Metamorphosis Series Book 1) by Shelby Gunter is a contemporary grumpy/sunshine workplace romance told in first person dual POV. The story follows the relationship between Adam, the brooding workaholic co-owner of a sporting goods store, and Ellie, his new temporary secretary.
I loved Ellie and Adam’s story! As characters, they were likable, relatable, well-developed, and realistically flawed. The side characters were great too, especially Matthew (Adam’s hilarious younger brother and co-owner of the store). Though initially grumpy, Adam starts to loosen up around kindhearted Ellie, and their undeniable chemistry builds. Equal parts steamy and sweet with a sprinkling of suspense mixed in, Catalyst is a fantastic series starter. I’m looking forward to reading Matthew’s story in book two, Blindsided.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
I loved Ellie and Adam’s story! As characters, they were likable, relatable, well-developed, and realistically flawed. The side characters were great too, especially Matthew (Adam’s hilarious younger brother and co-owner of the store). Though initially grumpy, Adam starts to loosen up around kindhearted Ellie, and their undeniable chemistry builds. Equal parts steamy and sweet with a sprinkling of suspense mixed in, Catalyst is a fantastic series starter. I’m looking forward to reading Matthew’s story in book two, Blindsided.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
November 3, 2023
A Delightful Grumpy/Sunshine Romance!
Catalyst is the first book I’ve read by Shelby Gunter and it was delightful in a way of seamlessly combining some of my favorite tropes, this grumpy/sunshine, office romance with a dash of suspense, steam and banter will make you feel like you can’t get enough of Adam and Ellie’s story.
Adam and Ellie just complete each other flawlessly even when they have their ups and downs; but the way they bring the best of each other and their chemistry is just charming.
I do have to say I wish I could’ve seen a little bit more of a glimpse of their future at the end.
Nevertheless I can’t wait to for the next book in the series!
***Check trigger warnings
Catalyst is the first book I’ve read by Shelby Gunter and it was delightful in a way of seamlessly combining some of my favorite tropes, this grumpy/sunshine, office romance with a dash of suspense, steam and banter will make you feel like you can’t get enough of Adam and Ellie’s story.
Adam and Ellie just complete each other flawlessly even when they have their ups and downs; but the way they bring the best of each other and their chemistry is just charming.
I do have to say I wish I could’ve seen a little bit more of a glimpse of their future at the end.
Nevertheless I can’t wait to for the next book in the series!
***Check trigger warnings
September 25, 2023
I can't get enough of this cover!! It is so gorgeous!
I love Shelby's ability to tell a story and get you invested into her characters.
Adam and Ellie are office romance superlatives. They recognize the attraction, go after it, and develop a wonderful relationship of loyalty and love. Adam is a grump in definite need of Ellie's light - but their devotion to helping one another heal from past trauma and current obstacles is what make them a great duo.
Looking forward to the next book!!
*ARC reviewer*
I love Shelby's ability to tell a story and get you invested into her characters.
Adam and Ellie are office romance superlatives. They recognize the attraction, go after it, and develop a wonderful relationship of loyalty and love. Adam is a grump in definite need of Ellie's light - but their devotion to helping one another heal from past trauma and current obstacles is what make them a great duo.
Looking forward to the next book!!
*ARC reviewer*
September 24, 2023
Another excellent read by Shelby 💕
A great book, I'm already on edge waiting for Matthew's story.
Great Author, I'll read anything she publishes, such a lovely story, I love Adam's family and it was a great tie in to Sara from the Sonoma series, this book is a standalone but it refers to characters we've grown to love, ahem Dax ❤️ 🤣
A great book, I'm already on edge waiting for Matthew's story.
Great Author, I'll read anything she publishes, such a lovely story, I love Adam's family and it was a great tie in to Sara from the Sonoma series, this book is a standalone but it refers to characters we've grown to love, ahem Dax ❤️ 🤣
October 12, 2023
I loved the story!
This is a story of Ellie and Adam. There are issues of rape, physical, and mental abuse. Natalie and Tucker Breathing Her Fire) have a part of the story.
SPOILER:
I gave this a 4 wanting to give a 5, however, ... I was very disappointed in the ending. I AM WANTING A BONUS EPILOGUE. How was the trial, did Adam propose to Ellie?
This is a story of Ellie and Adam. There are issues of rape, physical, and mental abuse. Natalie and Tucker Breathing Her Fire) have a part of the story.
SPOILER:
I gave this a 4 wanting to give a 5, however, ... I was very disappointed in the ending. I AM WANTING A BONUS EPILOGUE. How was the trial, did Adam propose to Ellie?
December 10, 2023
Hooked from the first Chapter. Discovered Shelby after she posted in a fb group, about to fall down a rabbit hole!
Really loved the characters. I'm a sucker for small town romances. Throw in some siblings and I'm obsessed.
Really loved the characters. I'm a sucker for small town romances. Throw in some siblings and I'm obsessed.
January 7, 2024
Loved!!
I am a sucker for an office grump romance! I loved Ellie and Adams banter. I do wish she would’ve found all the sticky notes he kept when she thought he was throwing them away.
I am a sucker for an office grump romance! I loved Ellie and Adams banter. I do wish she would’ve found all the sticky notes he kept when she thought he was throwing them away.
April 16, 2024
Mostly good. I liked Ellie and Matt's friendship. I also liked Adam and Ellie's relationship. It felt organic. Hated her parents! Loved his!
I knew who was doing the things. Too easy.
I do recommend this book.
I knew who was doing the things. Too easy.
I do recommend this book.
April 20, 2024
Great story
This story has suspence, danger,twist and keeps you turning the page to read what happens next,looking forward to reading more books from this author
This story has suspence, danger,twist and keeps you turning the page to read what happens next,looking forward to reading more books from this author
July 12, 2024
Love and the Kelly Girl
Should have been the title, l have worked as a temp enough times to know all about grumpy bosses but none of my temp jobs turned out like this! Read on …
Should have been the title, l have worked as a temp enough times to know all about grumpy bosses but none of my temp jobs turned out like this! Read on …
March 10, 2025
I really liked this. It reminded me of another couple of books that I have read recently but it still kept my interest.
July 16, 2025
Romance rating: 4. Sexy times rating: 3. Well written with characters I really cared about. Although I do wonder what made Linda go off the rails. I will look up more books by this author.
May 8, 2025
Catalyst: A Grumpy Sunshine, Office Romance (The Metamorphosis series book 1) by Shelby Gunter. This book is a standalone.
Ellie is starting her new job as a temporary assistant to Adam. Adam is a grumpy workaholic co-owner of a sporting goods store. Ellie manages to help Adam loosen up.
I think Catalyst is Shelby’s hottest book so far. Adam is a cinnamon roll with a dash of Alpha. I would describe him as a gentleman in the streets with a dash of Alpha in the sheets. Ellie is so kind and cheerful. Adam and Ellie are a perfect grumpy/sunshine couple and perfect for each other. Sometimes I wished Adam wasn’t such a rule follower since I can be a sucker for a bad boy. I also admire Ellie’s restraint after Adam did what he did (no spoilers) and not yell or or cuss him out. They both fit perfectly together.
There is also great banter between all the characters and found myself wishing every character in the book gets their own story. It was nice to see other characters from Shelby’s other series.
Catalyst is a great start to a series, and I already decided I want to read all the books from this series. I can’t get enough and I can’t wait to read Matthew’s story.
I was honored to receive an ARC.
Ellie is starting her new job as a temporary assistant to Adam. Adam is a grumpy workaholic co-owner of a sporting goods store. Ellie manages to help Adam loosen up.
I think Catalyst is Shelby’s hottest book so far. Adam is a cinnamon roll with a dash of Alpha. I would describe him as a gentleman in the streets with a dash of Alpha in the sheets. Ellie is so kind and cheerful. Adam and Ellie are a perfect grumpy/sunshine couple and perfect for each other. Sometimes I wished Adam wasn’t such a rule follower since I can be a sucker for a bad boy. I also admire Ellie’s restraint after Adam did what he did (no spoilers) and not yell or or cuss him out. They both fit perfectly together.
There is also great banter between all the characters and found myself wishing every character in the book gets their own story. It was nice to see other characters from Shelby’s other series.
Catalyst is a great start to a series, and I already decided I want to read all the books from this series. I can’t get enough and I can’t wait to read Matthew’s story.
I was honored to receive an ARC.
October 14, 2025
good....short read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews