He’s the most notorious grump in the world. An irresistibly sexy billionaire. And my new boss.
But I’m only on his megayacht for the money. If I can make it through the week, I’ll have enough to keep my slightly illegal betasitting business afloat, convince my parents I have what it takes to be the captain of my fate, and sail off into the sunrise.
It’ll be fine, as long as I don't fall off the yacht.
Or fall on Grumpy’s one-eyed pocket pirate.
Or fall in love.
Grumpy
She’s not a beta. She’s not a sitter. And she sure as hell can’t be my true mate, because the ray of sunshine taking care of my niece is everything I don’t need.
A gorgeous gold digger, eighteen years younger than me, and so sweet she makes my teeth ache to claim her as mine.
For the week at least. Or maybe forever.
It’ll be fine, I’ll just keep her at a distance. How hard could I be?
I mean, how hard could it be?
The Billionaire's Betasitter books are all standalone, knotty, billionaire romantic comedies with heart, heat, humor, and happy ever afters. Intended for adult readers only, please.
Once upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.
She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog. Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.
Thank you so much for reading Sunshine’s Grump, the first book in my Billionaire’s Betasitter series. I had so much fun seeing how many of my favorite tropes I could fit into one rom com. At last count, this one had: billionaire, age gap, forbidden love (boss), grumpy sunshine, soulmates… probably more. Oh, yes, and Omegaverse. Yachts, tots, and knots. ;)
The next book, Rainbow’s Storm, is coming soon. You can pre-order now: www.books2read.com/betasitter2 (Candy’s holiday heat-fest, published last year in an anthology, will be back later this year as well, with additional short stories featuring other characters in the series.)
If you enjoyed the steam and humor in Sunshine’s Grump, and don’t mind adding a few more sausages to the sausage party, you might love my Forgotten Angel series. Start with Lost Feather, and be ready for a wild ride! www.books2read.com/forgottenangel1
Sign up for my newsletter at www.merribright.com for the latest updates, excerpts, and random giveaways of signed books. I love to hear from readers, and I take kindly worded criticism/advice into account when plotting and planning my next books. Reach out to Merri@merribright.com, or join my reader FB group, Merri’s Mischief Makers. www.facebook.com/groups/merribrightau...
Reread I hate miscommunication as a plot device and that is what basically DRIVES this train wreck 😭 over and over the stupid H either saw, heard or misinterpreted something that could've been cleared up with a simple conversation but noooooooo 😒 These were the unsexiest sexy times in the history of sexy timing 😂
Original thoughts Spoilers ahead
This started of cute and got cheesy really fast. Had the mcs actually communicated there'd be no book 🤷🏽♀️ maybe it's me 🤷🏽♀️
Alllll the feels!!!! This book is exactly as advertised, and I love that. Read the authors intro and she tells you just what to expect, and then she delivers it. This has all the vibes of a contemporary sunshine/grump billionaire romance with the added heat of omegaverse. It’s written well even as it really leans into the tropes and archetypes (as expected). I couldn’t put it down, I started it at 10pm before bed and stayed up until 2am reading it 😂😂😂. The story is so cute. Soleil is everything you could want from a Sunshine FMC, so optimistic, sprinkling joy wherever she goes, but also intelligent and strong in her own right. The plot was intriguing enough to keep me captivated. I loved the tension between the main characters. I also absolutely love Sylvia/Ennui, it was so cute watching her and Soleil bond and seeing how Soleil could help this little family out of the grief they’re obviously still experiencing.
This is a great example of an omegaverse story that has character development, plot, and still a ton of steam. They’re kinda rare to find these days, so don’t skip this one! The fact that Merri was able to pace this story well and keep it balanced is a testament to her skill as a romance writer. I continue to be impressed as I watch this author grow!!
"I want your cock, your knot, your tongue, and if you don't get in that bed now and give me those, I'll settle for taking your balls instead and making them into earrings!"
It feels like ages since I've read a book that could be classified as romcom, but I admit "Sunshine's Grump" definitely added some sunshine in my life the last few days. I'm still curious to find out if this author will ever manage to write anything I won't like... It will probably become an unbeatable challenge...
It would probably make sense if I said "Sunshine's Grump" is the perfect beach read, with it being set on a gorgeous yacht in the summer. But it's also the perfect book to brighten up a rainy day, or to enjoy in the first rays of sunshine leading up to spring. No matter what your mood is like, this is the perfect book to add a bit of lightness to it and it was precisely the thing I didn't know I needed.
It's possible to describe this book with a lot of tropes, that truly fit the storyline: romcom, age gap, omegaverse, sunshine/grump, billionaire, breeding, ... But more than that, it's just a really enjoyable book that makes you forget about life for a moment, and makes your jaws ache from smiling the entire time.
First off, I am not a fan of billionaires, real life examples have absolutely tarnished any fun you can have with their money. This book was not about dating a billionaire though. It was about Soleil, an omega who wants to choose her own path and F The patriarchy. And Gio, a somewhat grumpy man doing his best to be a good brother and uncle.
Giovanni stood in the open doorway, panting. In his hand was a card that must have been the master key. He stepped inside, growling low, and shut the door behind him. “You’re not sick at all, little lying Sunshine,” he growled. He yanked the covers off the bed, leaving me totally exposed. “You were fucking yourself with those dripping fingers, weren’t you? Teasing me through the door. Worrying me.” His eyes practically glowed with dark fire. My own veins hummed with
It was all over the place and I loved it. One minute Soleil was being this awesome, understanding role model for her young charge and the next the charge’s uncle was being absolutely filthy and OTT with her. The friendships, family and filthy times were well balanced and created a great narrative for future books.
This started off cute but turned kitschy and cheesy super quickly. For how short the book was there were a lot of characters and plotlines and the flow and romance suffered. A lot of the angst was off page or from the wrong characters POV. The H regrets the h during their first little sexual tryst which would have been awesome from her POV but it’s in his so it just doesn’t hit the same way. The author tried way too hard to show us he was a nice guy just hurt from his past. The delivery just made it all boring.
I always love a story between a grump and a ray of sunshine. Especially if that ray os sunshine is sparkly and bubbly without being a naive and innocent Pollyanna stereotype. Can't wait to read the next one.
Sunshine’s Grump is the first book in Merri Bright’s Billionaire BetaSitter series. It is a standalone romance with an HEA.
Soleil is an ambitious Omega with a slightly illegal BetaSitting business. She wants more than to be married off to produce children. When her parents start matchmaking, she takes an exclusive and mysterious job aboard a billionaire’s yacht to babysit his niece.
Gio is underwhelmed by the Sunny personality of the decidedly NOT BetaSitter before him. He’s most definitely all Alpha can smell this little Omega’s deception. Why does she have to be so irritatingly alluring?
To say that this sea voyage is fraught with hilarity and hijinks is an understatement. Stuffy guests, a temperamental chef, and the most fabulous pre-teen ever. How is one Grumpy Alpha supposed to resist the temptation of the happiness that Soleil brings to everyone around her?
When the boats a-rocking it isn’t because of the waves. Gio is dirty talking deliciousness. High FIVE.
ARC and ALC Review - Updated 6 May 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ “Naughty, naughty. You deserve pink cheeks everywhere for telling lies. Need to be punished, don’t you?”
🎧 Audio Review: Talk about an audiobook that leaves you blushing! It didn't matter that I knew what was coming with this re-read; the narration team got my heart racing multiple times! The angst hit harder. The spice was spicier.
Michelle brought out Soliel's sunshine and humor. Tyler channeled Mr Grumpy, and boy, did he make Giovanni almost unlikable! I'd fogotten how much of an ass he was in the beginning, and then how deep he had his head buried in the sand before he softened towards his Sunshine.
I binge-listened to the audiobook in one day; it was so engaging. I highly recommend this dual-style narration.
Thanks to Merri Bright for the ALC.
📚 Story Review: Merri Bright has done it again, this time with a single sausage party! I find it hard to pick my favorite bits because so much of this book is fantastic – high humor, insanely spicy steam, and that bite of angst that makes the eventual HEA so worth it. Whether the passage is highlighted because I lol’d or the talking was so dirty my blood pressure spiked, a whole ton of this book is filled with yellow ‘ink’.
I adored the push-and-pull relationship between Soleil (Sunshine) and Giovanni (Grumpy). Scent matches who just couldn’t do or say the right things around one another and nearly ruined a good thing - I totally blame Mr. Grumpy for that; Soleil was a saint and could do no wrong. Soleil’s spunk and sass were a joy to read. She cracked me up continuously, even if she drove Giovanni mad. I rolled my eyes and cursed at Giovanni when he couldn’t seem to pull his head out of his ass, but I loved him just the same. It wouldn’t be a good story if everything worked out the first time, and following their foibles brought such sweet pain.
The steam… Holy moly, is it hot! Encountering her scent match puts Soleil in a mini-heat state, and she requires satisfaction. Giovanni is there to help with his “will it even fit” member. The dirty talk is panty-melting, the scenes may cause some heart rate spikes, and they get dirtier as the story progresses. (Make sure to download the bonus epilogue for even more spicy goodness)
I loved this book and cannot wait for Merri Bright’s next Betasitter release.
Thank you, Merri Bright, for the advanced review copy.
Genre: Contemporary (Human) Omegaverse/RomCom Tropes/Features: Human Omegaverse, scent matches, age gap, sunshine/grump, “will it even fit” peen, light BDSM, knotting, nesting, slick, claiming bites, accidental pregnancy Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV Relationship Type: MF Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
I really liked Candy’s story that I read in an anthology last year, so I was very excited when this one came out. Unfortunately, it just fell short for me. The MMC was so wish-washy, it was driving me insane and honestly the whole book was basically just one giant miscommunication trope…like come on, it’s 2023. Can we please leave lazy tropes like these in the past?
I feel like this book had a ton of potential, but overall the execution was just not there. I will definitely read the next one that comes out in hopes that it is more like the writing we saw in Candy’s story.
I thought the world was pretty interesting but there did seem to be some inconsistencies. An example that she was trying to cover her scent with perfume, but pretty much every alpha and omega knew what she was as soon as she got on the yacht. But she still carried on like she was a beta and very few people treated her differently. So I didn't quite get why there was still a concern of her getting found out.
Overall, there were just several inconsistencies that kept taking me out of the book.
This is book one of The Billionaires Betasitters series. This was an epic book and well worth more than 5 stars. I loved sunshines and grumpy's characters and storyline. I don't want to give ant spoilers away but Grympy certainly meet his match in sunshine. The was some steamy in this story and does have a Happy ever after.
What an absolutely fun, giggly and sexy read! Sunshine and Grumpy were so funny and hit together. Talk about opposites attract this was a prime example of that but I was living for their interactions. I really loved Sunshine as a character though. She was strong, sweet and truly took the time to get to know others. It was no surprise that she won everyone over. This read just brought a lightness to my day and I know I'm going to keep it on my reread rotation for a smile.
The story of Sunshine and the Grumpy Boss is a very refreshing one. Merri Bright writes some amazing delightful Omegaverse stories. I am a fan of her writing and with every story she writes, she wins me all over again. After reading some very emotionally draining stories, mind you which were good but I wanted something to relax and this one is just that. It fits my need to enjoy a story without much hassle and with lots of chemistry brewing, some spice, and an amazing FMC.
The plot is the cutest and insta-love kind of thing for me. I loved how everything starts and how freaking amazing it went to some shit and then rocked back on point and made me fall in love with the Grumpy here. Gio is good from the start but he has some back story of betrayal and didn’t want to repeat anything so he’s very guarded about his emotions. He needs a ray of sunshine in his life which by the Grace of God falls in his lap, fates (what can you say about them😉 ).
The unusual meeting turns into some hottest banter throughout the journey and increases the pheromone levels. Soleil is one woman that can change the mood of a room just by walking in it, she has that jolly nature everybody loves and wants to talk to. I love her character's vibe, her confidence, and her need to do things by herself and not take charity for it. She is a soft Omega but with a very opinionated brain. She’d be gorgeous and lovable and delectable.
Sylvia is one character I want to know more about, she is like ‘Ratter’ (One of the amazing characters in Merri Bright’s other series). Apart from this, I don’t know what else should I say because I want to say so much about the book but it’ll be too many spoilers so I rest my case here and will say that this book is worth your time. Do read it and enjoy.
I love this author but didn't like this story. It's a "true mates" story with an Alpha and omega, who are both too stubborn to actually talk to each other and figure out the like each other for like 90% of the book. The billionaire guy was usually a huge jerk. And the Sunny girl was (although sometimes hilarious), was usually over-the-top annoying with her sunshiney stuff. And the storyline did not move at all unless the girl went into another mini-heat. The book really could be renamed "Blame it on the Heat" and that would tell you a lot. And the number of miscommunication problems - my GAWD! This one was almost a dnf for me. I would have liked it a lot more if it was like less than half the length and just a funny little novella with the guy actually having a freakin clue a lot sooner, and none of the stuff with the creepy sister's fiancée.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay….WOW! This book? Phew, do not be fooled by the cutesy title- it packs a SPICY punch. The literal take on the grumpy sunshine trope was a really nice touch for me! (Soleil (Sunshine) and Grantham (Grumpy Grantham)) I liked the “lighter” nature of this book, I feel like her other omegaverse books have been a little heavier & this one is a bit more “fluff”- but in such a good way. Sometimes it’s hard to capture comedy in print, but this book manages to do it. The side characters? Magical. I want to see a lot more with these characters! I feel like with each book Merri just outdoes herself, each time I think “there’s no way she can top this” and then, she absolutely does. There is this perfect blend of sweet, funny, and SPICY that Merri has just perfected. If it’s by Merri? I’m reading it.
It is no secret that I love everything Merri Bright has written, so I had no doubts that her first foray into a “lonely sausage” book (her words, not mine) would be great. What I didn’t know was just how much this book would grab hold of my heart and not let go. Sunshine is that lovable Elle Woods type of character who shines because she makes everything and everyone around her better. Grumpy is in desperate need of having a stick dislodged from his bum, and Sunshine is there to help, much to his dismay. The other characters are amazing as well (Ennui 😍😭), and I’m already ready to hear more stories from this universe. The shenanigans, the humor, and the story make this wholesomely spicy. Is that a thing? If not, it is now. Regardless, it’s a must read for anyone looking to add some sunshine to their life.
This was such a lighthearted, refreshing read and I loved it! Soleil is an omega with a slightly illegal betasitting business, but she is determined and willing to do anything to keep her company and be on her own feet. She is such a bright and quirky character; the definition of sunshine and you can’t help but love and root for her. Gio is a grumpy alpha billionaire, who has been burned in the past, can’t help but to be drawn to Soleil. The push and pull between these characters were everything. They had great chemistry and the heat between these two was scorching! The banter between these two made me laugh and smile, it was such a fun read!
Merri’s books are like a ray of sunshine, they always bring a smile to my face. This one is packed full of the irreverent humour I so love, her saucy jokes really make the story shine. I love our FMC Soleil aka “Sunny” who’s such an incredible character, happy, always kind to others and empathetic, everyone adores her. She wants to make the world a better place for Omegas, chaffing at the unfair restrictions upon them, rebelling as much as she can. She finds it difficult to say no to the demands of her family which lands her on Granthams aka “Grumpy” yacht. Their interactions are hilarious, especially their initial encounter. The attraction between them is magical and the spice red hot when they both give in to their desires, Merri writes scorching scenes🌶️🌶️🌶️ Such an amazing feel good book, loved it.
This one was a really great story. I’ve had Merri Bright on my radar for a while and I finally took the plunge.
I am so glad I Sunshine and Grumpy a chance. Their story was fun, light-hearted, funny with just enough action. The side characters made it all even better. I liked the idea of an illegal business of beta-sitting run by omegas and how supportive most people were. I could have done with a bit less angst on Grumpy’s side but after all he is grumpy.
I will definitely be on the lookout for Rain’s book and whichever story follows in this series.
Has Merri Bright ever written a book I didn't like? Nope. I knew the very second I started this book I was going to love it but also that I wouldn't be getting anything done. That's exactly what happened. I got sucked into the story, and now I'm desperately wanting the next book in the series.
Soleil, aka Sunshine, is an omega who's desperately trying to get away from her family's expectations. So desperate, in fact, she takes a job as a betasitter on a cruise. The only problem? She has to deal with Giovanni Grantham, aka Grump. He's a rich alpha known for not smiling or having any type of sense of humor. The tension between the 2 leads to some 🌶 scenes that are off the charts 🥵.
I loved every character in this book! Well, aside from 2. You'll understand once you read it. This book right here was the perfect mix of comedy, romance, and smut.
This was so good, I pretty much inhaled it in a day. Sol is an omega living in an alpha world. She has an illegal business since omegas can’t legally own anything. Sol wants more then to just be a omega breeder. When her parents start pushing her towards marriage, she takes on one of her jobs as a betasitter. This is where we get to meet the grumpy Gio, who is taking a yacht to a private island for his sisters wedding and they need a sitter for his niece. However one look and smell for both of them has things heating up pretty quick. Sol seems to have the special ability to get under his skin, and Gio isn’t sure he likes it.
Sunshine's Grump by Merri Bright is the story of Giovanni Grantham and Soleil Fairweather. Soleil's family pretty much run her life she feels. So, when she gets the chance to take a job a get away from them she does. Giovanni is a grumpy alpha billionaire who doesn't have fun and is always series. When he spots Soleil he knows something up with her. This was a fun hot read. I hope to read more books by this author.
First book I've read by this author and i loved it. Who doesn’t love an Omegaverse romance with a dirty talking Alpha. Grumpy was just so swoon-worthy I may have fallen in love. Sunshine was just everything he needed and so much more. I can't wait for more in this series and I'm hoping for Sylvia's book in the future. Five star read that I would definitely recommend.
Fun age gap romance featuring Gio and Sunny. It is still packed with heat and drama. This really had me invested. There is no denying the sunshine/ grump dynamic between these two. The chemistry between Gio and Sunny is undeniable with the heat it throws off. I loved the fell good omegaverse romance and hope to read more like it from Merri .
Ooohhh, I loved this book! Within the first page, I was genuinely, literally, laughing out loud. Later there were heart touching emotional moments - and of course some heart pounding physical ones 😉
This author has a talent for writing characters it is almost impossible not to empathise and connect with. Sunshine and her Grump were excellent examples. I loved being inside their heads, and seeing their flaws and vulnerabilities as they fell in love with each other.
You know those books that hit you viscerally? That leave a genuine tightness in your gut, tears on your cheeks, or a pounding in your heart? This is one of those unicorns. Where as soon as you finish, you just want to read it again. Where the feelings it creates are too big to contain and you just want to hug your book or e-reader, and endure the hangover.
Merri Bright is a polished writer, well versed in the subtle art of “show, don’t tell”. Although this story could be described by several “tropes”, such cookie-cutter labels don’t do it justice. So, if you like sunshine/grump, omega/alpha, age gap etc etc, of course you’ll enjoy this. But if you aren’t sure about those labels, ignore them. They are only a small facet of the whole story that Ms. Bright so artfully crafts. If you love love, read this.
I was grateful to receive an arc for review, but my reactions are genuine.
This was really cute! I’m not a fan of billionaire romances right now, because billionaires 🤢, but Merri made this work! It was adorable and funny with her charismatic slap stick humor and angsty pining.
I like that its funny & hot at the same time. The angst was delivered for me tho a lil stupid miscomm, overall light & enjoyable read. I remember I like this author’s angel series before and this one didn’t dissapoint