Marrying the Grumpy Billionaire

Fake Married to the Grumps #3

by Leah Blair

I swore off America's No. 1 grumpy playboy. Until he asks me to be his wife and makes me an offer I can’t resist.
Billionaire CEO Ethan Everhart is my brother’s best friend and was my secret teenage crush. His smoldering eyes left me breathless when we were younger. Until I discovered what a player he was. I vowed to stay away from him. But now he makes me an offer I can’t his wife for one year. He’ll inherit his empire. Then he’ll rescue my company. There’s only one: No feelings allowed. Locking my heart away from the gorgeous grump should be easy. Especially when he only sees me as his best friend’s annoying little sister. But the way his fingers intertwine with mine steals the air from my lungs. I'm falling harder than ever before. I can't risk my heart to a man who doesn’t believe in love.

And when his lips brush against mine, I’m not sure if he’s playing by the rules…

Marrying the Grumpy Billionaire is a sweet standalone, closed-door romance, brimming with sizzling chemistry without the spice.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Rom Com, Chick Lit

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

About the author

Leah Blair is a sweet romcom author whose books deliver big swoons, bigger laughs, and absolutely zero spice. Her goal? To make you fall in love a thousand times, brighten your day, and leave you smiling just a little more.

When she’s not busy writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, playing piano, or getting lost in music. She has a soft spot for small-town charm and loves wandering with her husband through the coziest corners of New York, probably daydreaming about her next fictional couple.

Find her on Instagram (@leahblair.author), Facebook (@leahblair.author), TikTok (@leahblair.author), and check out her website leahblairauthor.com for news about upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a best friend's brother trope and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Ethan needs to stabilize his playboy image and Nelly (Ethan's best friend's little sister) needs to save her dying company. Enter the fake married scheme! They'll be married for a year and then go their separate ways. Only issue is that they're already in love with each other and have been for many years. Ethan, however, is too spooked to admit that to himself (or to Nelly) and Nelly, being burned by Ethan before, isn't going to be the first one to admit her feelings. But, things go from bad to worse and they find themselves needing to work together to untangle the lies and nefarious activities happening around them. They just need to trust each other first, which is no easy feat.

Overall, this was a fun, easy to read book that had me laughing out loud multiple times. The banter between the two leads was enjoyable and the situations, while a little overboard, provided solid tension for the storyline.

I did have a couple of small issues with the book, however, in that a few of the secondary characters seemed either too one-sided or didn't fully make sense. The strangest of these, I think, was Ethan's ex. She's shown as cold and calculating, yet somehow also caring and eventually becomes friends (or at least on friendly terms) with Ethan and Nelly at the end of the book. I just couldn't get a clear picture of who she actually was personality wise.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelly's family business is about to go bankrupt, until she gets an offer that she can not refuse to save it. Marry Ethan ,her brothers best friend, and he will merge his company with hers and save the company. Nelly does not want to take the offer, and Ethan doesn't want to make the offer. But in order for Ethan to get the new position in his Grandfathers company he needs to be a family man, and married. Its all just for show, right? Ethan's determine love isn't an option, and Nelly refuses to fall for Ethan after he broke her heart 5 years ago. But as they work toward the merger and the marriage, their friendship starts to cause feelings they both don't want to happen. No matter how hard they try, the marriage is proving to be a huge distraction and they both are bound to get hurt. As jealous business partners, and meddling ex-fiancees get in the mix, things only get trickier. Can Ethan and Nelly manage the 1 year marriage? Or should they back off and spare themselves the inevitable heartbreak now?!

Loved this story. The back and forth of trying to keep your distance from someone you feel so magnetically drawn to, made for a good read. Leah is a wonderful author!.

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

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly Sinclair and Ethan Everhart have a slightly complicated past, one that Nelly would like not to revisit. A playboy can’t change that much. Nelly is trying to save her family business, and Ethan makes her an offer that she can’t refuse. If she marries him, he’ll help save her company, and having a wife will make for a better image as CEO. Business is just business, so no feelings are attached, but longing glances and secret moments make them think otherwise.

*I received a free advanced copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

This is my second time reading a Leah Blair book, and I loved it as much as the first. The chemistry between Nelly and Ethan felt exciting but also realistic. I loved the vulnerable moments between these characters, whether it came to their jobs or their love lives. Overall, I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read it again!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know there are a lot of grumpy billionaire stories out there, probably more than there are real grumpy billionaires, but this one managed to keep me reading. Ethan and Nelly are old friends, along with her older brother. Now if you’ve been reading romances very long, you’re bound to know that there is a “bro” code. In other words, you do not date your best friend’s sister. No matter what “hot” they are, how smart they are, or how flirty they are, you just run, ignore, and unfortunately sometimes hurt their feelings. Added to the “bro” code , Ethan had been badly betrayed years before and has never gotten over it. Okay, we know that won’t last, but Leah Blair manages to make that journey interesting, fresh, and funny. The two of the tiptoe around the truth of their feelings to the point you want to lock them in a room and tell them they can’t come out until they wake up. This was a fun book to read and will keep you shaking your head.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun marriage of convenience story.
A company needing saving. A friend needing a wife. What could go wrong? Nelly has taken over her parents’ company, only to be facing a lawsuit that could destroy their legacy if she can’t raise the money. Ethan has worked for years to move up in his grandfather’s company only to be told that he needs to be married to become CEO. Ethan has money but needs a wife. Nelly needs money and is not married. Nelly isn’t happy about the arrangement but to save her company she’s getting married. Married to her brother’s friend who she had a crush on before he suddenly left years ago. But when faced with a business rival out to destroy Ethan and his company what will be the outcome and what dangers will they face? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Kary Bobbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fake marriage, corporate love story with some soap opera vibes to spicy things up.

A marriage of convenience with benefits to both. Nelly and Ethan were friends, they love each other in a platonic way, but when the feelings starts to get serious, they try to run away from them to save their hearts. But after a certain incident Eathan finally realizes there's not going back... He just needs to convince her he's really serious this time.

Not a fan of the whole bad woman trying to snatch her man, neither the bad guy just trying ruin everything for vengance. But luckily those soap opera elwments didn't developed to seriously, just spiced things up.

- Fake marriage
- Brother’s best friend
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance vibes
- Workplace romance
- Clean romance
- Dual POV
- HEA

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

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelly and her brother Tom have been running their parents' company since they have passed away. They have lawsuits from when one of their engines caused a plane to crash years ago. Ethan Everhart, Tom's best friend, wants to merge their companies. Nelly lost her heart to Ethan 5 years ago and wants no part of him. Ethan knows he has hurt Nelly but could not declare his feelings for her back then and walked away. Ethan's grandfather wants to retire and in order to become the CEO, Ethan needs to be married and show stability. Now he wants to marry Nelly. Because Nelly and Ethan's families have always been each other's family, Ethan knows his grandfather will believe it is a real marriage. The story feels real and the people who try to hurt Nelly and Ethan get their just desserts. I enjoyed reading their story and know you will too!.

[Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a less than 200 page book, so much happens! This was a great fast read that was perfect for kicking me out of a reading slump. Give this once a shot if you’re looking for:

- brother’s best friend
- workplace romance
- second chance
- some unexpected drama

Even if Ethan is the titular billionaire, I love that Nelly is a highly educated CEO in her own right. So many of this kind of stories feel like they have a power imbalance, but Leah Blair gets around that issue really well.

I have zero problems with this novel, and would definitely recommend it, but I also think so much was happening that it was hard to get deep into characters histories, and that it could have been a little richer for being a little longer.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan ran from Nelly 5 years ago, when he realised he was falling in love, and things from his past had him believing he wasn't long-term material. But now, he needs to help Nelly save her company, and he needs to prove himself to his grandfather so he can become CEO when his Grandfather steps down.

But Ethan and Nelly have intense chemistry, and through nefarious actions of a vile competitor, they are forced to acknowledge their feelings and work together to save everything.

A great plot, with a lot of action. A really enjoyable read.

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

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was funny, romantic and sweet.
I loved this read!
Nelly’s company is in trouble.
And the only one who can help is the company of the man who broke her heart and rejected her 5 years before. Nelly’s college years had included her brother Tom and Ethan.
Nelly hates that Ethan’s the one to come to her aide.
Ethan Everheart is on his way to becoming CEO of his grandfather’s company Sunny’s Aerospace- all he has to do is convince his grandfather that he has fallen in love and has married that love.
Nelly seems the best choice, right? They know each other. They are friends.
What could go wrong?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, sweet read. Ethan and Nelly are interesting, intriguing, entertaining, relatable, complex, wounded characters. Their romance is entertaining with all it’s twists and turns. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. I love that we got to see so much of both the main characters’ families and the roles they play in their lives. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying the Grumpy Billionaire is a clean, second chance, brother’s best friend, fake marriage romance! I really enjoyed this well written book. I immediately fell in love with both Nelly, a well educated, super smart, CEO of a failing company, and Ethan, who needs to prove himself to his grandfather so he can become their company’s next CEO. There is even a villain the reader can love to hate!I enjoyed watching the main characters let go of the past and work together to outwit the villain. I could not put the book down.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly Sinclair gets an offer she can’t refuse from billionaire CEO Ethan Everhart , her brother’s best friend to boot. She’s wowed but vowed no feelings are allowed ….He broke her heart five years ago , it’s off limits this time around for both are on the same page. He needs his inheritance, she needs the money a merger will bring but a ring on their finger and things just got complicated and they’re in a fix when ex fiancés enter the mix. Brilliant writing and great humour too.

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

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly works on her parents company she took it after her parents die in a car crash.
The company was going downhill.Her brother suggest to save the company they have to merge with other company and he told her that his best friend Ethan is coming to talk.
Ethan accepted to Merge with his company but she has to marry him so he can take a CEO position of his grandfather company.
She doesn’t accepted because 5 years back he broke her heart.
Will she accept?

This book believe me is fantastic,I really loved it
I highly recommend it

[MommyO · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story that told how two people could move beyond their past to step into a beautiful future. Ethan had a lot of past hurts that he had to get through before he could find his forever with Nelly and the future he never dreamed he would have. Nelly is extremely patient with Ethan and truly a sweet soul. Loved their HEA story.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun 2nd chance, brothers best friend story! I enjoyed the characters and the swoon was engaging! The story was a little disjointed, but ended nicely! I love a good HEA! Enjoy!

Thank you to booksprout for the opportunity to read this books. All opinions are my own. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

[MaryBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a fake marriage? While it is probably one of the more unrealistic tropes out there, it is one of my favorites and in this book you get brother's best friend, billionaire, fake marriage, second chance, and work place. Win, Win, Win, Win, Win.

Nelly has been in love with Ethan for years. Ethan has been hurt before and is now terrified of love. They are both fighting falling in love and in the end, they both lose.....or win depending how you look at it.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the Fake Married to the Grumps series. This was an excellent story. Ethan and Nelly are wonderful characters and I couldn't help but hope they'd get their HEA. The twist and turns kept me intrigued. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from the author. Highly recommend reading this book.

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

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Belly and Ethan

Getting fake married.... I'm curious: is there ever anyone in real life who would honestly follow through with a fake marriage? Honestly, I often wonder what our lives would be like if we still lived in a society of arranged marriages. We joke that my grandma chose my dad for my mom, and my mom loves to say that my siblings and I should have allowed her the same privilege. Lol.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marrying the Grumpy Billionaire

This is a cute Marriage of Convenience story about Nelly and Ethan. Nelly inherited her company when her parents died. The company is in trouble due to an unforeseen accident so her brother suggests that she and his best friend who is CEO of his family business merge the two businesses. Ethan’s grandfather has stipulated that he needs a bride before he would turn over the company to Ethan and Nelly seems like the perfect candidate. He had never intended to marry after being hurt by a previous relationship and he liked and trusted Nelly. Read about all of the turmoil as they navigate the business world and the world of marriage together.

[Tabitha Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down, I read it in one sitting. I loved how well we got to know the characters and why they are the way they are. I love that they both had secret feelings for eachother and the way they overcame their past hurts to find happiness. Leah really pulled me in and I love when everything else around me falls away and I’m just engrossed in the book. Definitely recommend this!

[AugustRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book, written by Leah Blair, that I've read, and it won't be my last. The silent exchanges between Ethan and Nelly, with their eyes "showing" how deep their feelings go, wow! I loved the book, and the ending was epic, don't know when last I've read such an awesome ending, and the epilogue was the final cherry on top.

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me reading late into the night. I was not expecting the twists and turns that it had. Closed door, Grumpy Sunshine, fake marriage, Billionaire, best friend's little sister, strong female, intrigue, and a Happily Ever After—sign me up! Watching Ethan figure out how much he loved Nelly was so sweet. This was a quick, fun read that I highly recommend.

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a beautiful story! They had a great HEA and who doesn't love that! Even Ethan fought the love he knew he had but didn't want to get hurt! However, Nelly fought for what she believed in and that was Ethan and her love for him! it was a beautiful loving sweet, cute story! I recommend you read it!

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story! This is a dual pov, clean romance. I absolutely loved Nelly’s character and how she took care of Ethan even when he constantly pushed her away. I also love how she wanted to honor her parent’s legacy. Ethan was a character you grew to love. He starts out as a play boy of sorts but being forced to be around Nelly constantly is giving him a reason to change his ways.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance, brother’s best friend romance and marriage of convenience read. This book will definitely capture your heart. It's filled with fun, witty dialog, longing looks and the slow burn. You'll fall in love with the wonderful charactrers and find it hard to put down. I loved it!.

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

[whimsical reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked and hated the book 🤣I felt like it took themselves forever to get together. It seems like a lot of romance books have really random things happening in the end like someone getting kidnapped and what not. I definitely didn’t like Julia that’s for sure but she probably wasn’t supposed to be liked. This book definitely kept my interest. I’m pretty sure I finished it in like an hour.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

classic hang up on some stupid event from forever ago

The MMC internal conflict is so cliche and takes away from the legitimacy of the story. It’s the classic, someone broke my heart 75 years ago and I can never love anyone ever because the person I loved when I really had no idea what love was betrayed me. Wouldn’t read again, wouldn’t recommend.

[Whitney Matthews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of the book, but it kind of fell flat for me. I typically read books with way more spice, so that may just be a preference thing, but it just wasn't my favorite read. The brother's best friend trope is one that I absolutely love, but this was missing some of the angst that usually comes with that trope. This was a really cute read, but it felt like it was missing a little more substance or drama or something.

[ABurch74 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Blair has written another great book. I love the development of the characters and the storyline. It is always a pleasure to read the books by this author.

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