Trapped with my Grumpy Boss

by Audrey Robert

I have to keep my boss at arm’s length. But my body never got the memo.

Day one at my job, and I’m introduced to the CEO.

Turns out he’s the guy I had the hottest night of my life with two nights ago.
Determined to stay professional, I give him the cold shoulder.

That is, until we get stuck in an elevator. Panic hits, and I seek his strong arms for comfort.

His unexpected kindness breaks down my walls. He shows such care, such desire to protect me.

Suddenly, I can't resist him anymore, and now my panties are on the floor.

When has sleeping with the boss ever been a good idea?
Not to mention developing feelings for him!

I cannot lose this job and go back to Hick Town.

Which is exactly what I’m thinking the night he takes me on his desk.
And his ex walks in on us…

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2024

Reviews

[LizzyLa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable easy to read romance

Having moved to New York from a small town, hoping for better career opportunities, Jessica Martin (Jessy), finally gets an entry level front desk job at the Grand Princeton hotel. Whilst out celebrating her new job, Jessica hits it off with a gorgeous stranger and they end up having a one night stand. The next day she is shocked to discover that the boss of the hotel, Ethan Reid, is the man from the previous night. Watching his tough and authoritarian stance with staff members, Jessica is appalled by how ruthless and arrogant he seems, however she is unable to deny her attraction to Ethan. Determined not to jeopardise her job or reputation, Jessica tries to keep her distance from Ethan and maintain a strictly professional relationship, but fate has other ideas.

CEO of his late father’s company Reid Holdings, Ethan is a hardworking man who is “married to his job” and definitely not looking for a relationship. Ethan has been burned by his ex, Lysa, who’d been a childhood friend and was now a manager at the Grand Princeton. Ethan’s relationship with Lysa has left him wary of risking his heart again but he can’t stop thinking about Jessica. Unfortunately, delusional Lysa has decided that she wants Ethan back and won’t take no for an answer.

Trapped with my Grumpy Boss is written from the points of view of both Jessica and Ethan, giving the reader an insight into each of their personalities and helping to develop their characters. Whilst Ethan is grumpy and comes across as arrogant, Jessica is sweet and friendly. Both Jessica and Ethan have supportive friends and families who feature in the story but their characters aren’t really developed, apart from Ethan’s sister Amy, who becomes a friend of Jessica. Whilst I noticed a few inconsistencies in the storyline, the magnetic attraction between Jessica and Ethan makes this an engaging read and there were enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.

To me, the ending of the story felt rather rushed and predictable (especially chapter 38). I would have liked Lysa and Ethan’s background to be explored more, to show just how much he’d had his trust broken, and also felt her character could’ve been used more in the workplace scenes. Likewise, Jessica’s ex is mentioned as emotionally abusive but nothing is explored about how that experience affected her feelings towards Ethan. Having said that, I definitely enjoyed reading Trapped with my Grumpy Boss and will be reading more of Audrey Robert’s books.

Disclaimer: I was fortunate to receive an e-ARC of this book, thanks to author Audrey Robert and to BookSirens, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to keep my boss at arm’s length. But my body never got the memo. Day one at my job, and I’m introduced to the CEO. Turns out he’s the guy I had the hottest night of my life with two nights ago. Determined to stay professional, I give him the cold shoulder.



That is, until we get stuck in an elevator. Panic hits, and I seek his strong arms for comfort. His unexpected kindness breaks down my walls. He shows such care, such desire to protect me.



Suddenly, I can't resist him anymore, and now my panties are on the floor. When has sleeping with the boss ever been a good idea? Not to mention developing feelings for him! I cannot lose this job and go back to Hick Town.

Which is exactly what I’m thinking the night he takes me on his desk. And his ex walks in on us ….

The story literally starts off with a bang! Ethan and Jessy’s relationship starts off as a one night stand - after a wonderful night together, she wakes up, much to her disappointment, he his gone. Imagine the shock the next day, her first day at her new job, when her one night stand walks into the room, her new boss! Oh boy, now things get complicated …. Jessy tries to maintain a professional relationship with Ethan, but boy, he does not make it easy! Ethan wants to be with Jessy - can he convince her to give them a chance? Jessy finally agrees on one condition, their relationship is kept quiet. Only one more hurdle, what will happen when she finds out who he really is?

This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, physical attraction and heat 🔥🔥 I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, you will enjoy this beautiful story - from cover to cover! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[Lois Karasek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Ethan and Jessica started out with a bang. It was well-written, good phrasing, spelling and punctuation. Regrettably, it went south on a slow boat to China. The author has the exasperating habit of repeating her preferred phrases and certain words ad nauseum, and it spoiled my reading experience after struggling to get halfway through. I did finish the book, though, hoping for improvement as the story progressed. It didn't.

The premise of the story was good: protagonists hook up one night at a bar as strangers, and the next day, the female discovers her hot lover from the night before is her new boss. In spite of her actions, she believes she has principles to uphold and vows to stay away from him to avoid any repeat of her lack of judgment. But he, totally contrary to his history with women, finds her intriguing and wants to pursue her. Although in her mind she is determined to stick to her guns, her emotions and her body keep wanting to betray her....and they do, repeatedly. He also has a secret that he never shares with her, although he knows he should. This, of course, is an ultimate betrayal as far as she is concerned.

This conflict is pretty much the whole premise of the story, even though there is a little excitement before the eventual HEA. I wouldn't put this book on my re-read list, but if you like sweet but frustrating, soppy romances, this fits the bill. In fairness to the author, I will compliment her writing of the spicy scenes. They were each unique and not the least bit boring.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Destined Forever -
Jessy’s night of celebrating her new job ended in a night of mind blowing pleasures with a stranger, but everything changed when she walked into the office the next day and discovered her boss was the stranger from the previous night. Ethan wasn’t really into relationships after his breakup, but he just couldn’t get Jessy out of his mind, so he was overwhelmed when he found out she was the new hire to the company. Even though they Jesse tried to maintain a professional relationship with Ethan, he always found a way to get them into a situation where they engaged in steamy encounters.

Unfortunately, just after Jessy and Ethan settled into their relationship, their budding romance was nearly derailed, as she discovered the secret he had been keeping from her, which made her walk away. However, Ethan wasn’t prepared to lose her, so he did everything possible to make her forgive him. Regrettably, just as they got back on track towards their happiness, Ethan’s ex-girlfriend decided decided to reek havoc on their reignited relationship and Jessy nearly lost her life, but luckily Ethan was able to rescue her in time, so they could get the chance at the life they both deserved.

This was a wonderful romance story, with engaging characters, a scintillating storyline, panty wetting sexual encounters and enough drama that kept me totally engrossed for a few hours. Make this book your next weekend read and you won’t be disappointed.

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

[Stacey T · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jessica is searching for a job and after taking her friend’s advice, lands one. Her celebratory one-night stand was amazing but now she needs to focus on the job. She needs to gain experience so she can eventually achieve her dream job in marketing. Ethan is the young CEO of his family’s holdings after his father passed away unexpectedly. He is dealing with his ex-girlfriend at work and is still thinking about the woman he left in the hotel room. Coming face to face with your new boss and/or employee and one-time fling wasn’t what either expected from this day but leaving it in the past will be harder than either one thinks. As they continue working together, will old flames get in the way or will secrets be the ultimate demise of their future?
I have never read a book like this that I questioned whether someone actually wrote it or if it was generated by AI without any editing before being released. The number of grammatical errors, the use of past and present tense wording and the incredible number of repetitive statements was overwhelming. The MC’s had strong personalities at times and then were meek, insecure and immature at others. There was no chemistry between them, sexual or otherwise, because they were so wishy-washy in personality and behaviors. This trope is generally one that I enjoy but this was a poor representation and an author that I will not be considering in the future. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trapped With My Grumpy Boss by Audrey Robert is an opposites attract romance. This is Jessica and Ethan's story and they couldn't be more different. When she goes to work at his family's hotel she just thinks he's her grumpy boss. Little does she know the secrets he's hiding.

There are a lot of workplace issues and many are caused by Ethan's ex-girlfriend who is the direct boss of Jessica. There are multiple stories being told and they are woven together nicely. There's a lot of heat and chemistry between Jessy and Ethan no matter what the expectations of their working relationship and friendship is. There are family and friends along with a lot of drinking and partying.

The story has a few unexpected twists and turns and was somewhat choppy. It was hard to tell how much time sometimes passed even with the dialogue. There is closure with a happily ever after nicely portrayed but there are more stories to tell. Some of the supporting characters are crying out for their stories to be told - hint, hint!

[Sue Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing workplace romance. Whilst the first part of this story engages the reader, I felt that the pace really slowed in the final third of the story. I liked the setting of the story (top class hotel) as it made a change from the ‘usual’ office scenario. I loved the character of Ethan who really falls first and is a caring man, who initially fights his attraction for receptionist, Jessy. The title is inaccurate as, not only is he not really ‘grumpy’ but the ‘trapped’ aspect of the story barely covers one chapter! Sadly, I just found the Jessy character somewhat annoying and got the impression that Ethan couldn’t do anything right by her on occasions! Add in the somewhat two-dimensional and silly ‘villain’ of the piece, Jessy’s boss Lysa, and I did struggle to finish the story. An ok read, but not one I felt fully engaged my attention.

[Amber Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how the story starts off with all of her struggles on finding a job and her independence in the world. Ethen seems like a wet dream for all women who read this book. He has a good caring side for Jessy, his sister, and his mother. They might have started off as sex partners at first, but they ended up falling in love with each other, and they became the best for each other. Amy is one of the characters I enjoy with her personality. I believe it was amazing to have two mothers who were caring, accepting, and good supporting mothers. If you are looking for a story that involves steamy scenes, romances, drama, and family moments. If you like a good romance between the boss and the employee, then it is a must to read for sure.

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranger no more …what a bore. Because this man is a grump and so annoying! Ethan was her one night stand from the previous night , imagine how she stands the next day when at her new job the big boss walks her way! Jessy is determined to prove her worth while giving him a wide berth. So when he asks her to manage a big conference in the mountains , she grabs her chance. What she wasn’t to know , was there’s a blizzard ahead and it’s going to be an explosive ignition of epic proportion that sets a hotbed of lovemaking in motion… riding a desk was never the answer but she thrives on being his private dancer … until his assistant shows up to spoil the party… A good read indeed by Audrey Robert , an impressive storyline that was divine.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read too many books from this author, but each one that I have I've thoroughly enjoyed. What I like most about Ethan & Jessy's story was the whole one-night stand and the next day oops he's my new boss. I just loved this!! The rest of the story tends to follow we should just forget that this ever happened and not do it again as we now work together. Yep, let's see how that works out for you all. Reading the pair try to stay professional but unable to deny their mutual attraction is romance reading gold in my opinion. But I honestly cannot get enough of when the alpha male falls first and falls hard, which is the case in this book - just amazing.
After finishing this book, I look forward to Audrey's next release.

[M H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the book a bit different from what I expected based on the blurb. The incident highlighted in the description turned out to be a relatively small part of the overall plot, which felt a little misleading. Additionally, I didn’t find much of the 'enemies-to-lovers' dynamic—it seemed more focused on a fear of attachment.

While the story had potential, I would have appreciated more 'showing' rather than 'telling' to bring the characters and their emotions to life. At times, the transitions felt abrupt, which made the narrative a bit difficult to follow. That said, I understand every reader experiences a story differently, and others may enjoy it more than I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and reviewed a few books by this author, but this is by far the best book by her that I have read. The characters are fun and likeable and there is plenty of spice (although there's always room for more!) starting pretty early on, which is always a plus. My only complaint is the same one I have with all of these books: the description of the main female character is lacking, i.e. I want to explore her, through the text, as thoroughly as the male lead gets to explore her. But seriously, the book was great and I was sorry it had to end.

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

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy love story between a boss and his employee. I felt myself rooting for the potential relationship all the way through the book. While the ending was somewhat predictable it still left you happy that it was the ending you had hoped for. Do not listen to this book with young ones present or else you may find your self having to explain adult bedroom relationships sooner than you are ready for. It was a quick read because I really did enjoy the characters and wanted to see what happened next. I definitely enjoyed it and will be looking to see what else this author for me to read in the future. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I dive right into this book as it was a steamy page turner. It was an sensational of romance between these characters. It was a steamy page and I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. It was addicted. The lives between them will be intense and complicated of the passion between them in a romance moment. They will never thought they would have falling in love with each other and with some unexpected consequences.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Pam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the storyline and the additional characters of both moms, his sister, his friend and her 2 best friends. I also liked that they didn't just instantly fall for each other. They actually got to know each other, eventually, over time. I knew that Lysa was going to do something to Jessy but I think it should have been something else with a little more information and depth. It seemed rushed and quick. I also liked the ending but an epilogue would have wrapped things up completely. I'm voluntarily leaving my review

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and Jessy have a one night stand, then she finds out he’s her boss. They find it difficult to keep their hands off each other. In the mix is his ex.
Jessy is a strong woman and quite principled. Ethan is seen as a hard grumpy boss. Their steamy relationship continues until she finds out he’s kept something hidden. His love for her is strong and true, but can she see that?
An enjoyable book, good storyline and characters and well written.

[Maxime · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a nice break from all the other stories where woman are always the first to fall head over heels for the man. I enjoyed the first half of the book. It had me wanting to read more but as the pages progressed, my excitement started to waver. A lot of things didn't add up. Jessy calls with her dad one chapter only to tell a story later of how her dad died at the age of 8. Sloppy editing added to it with a lot of words and sentences on repeat.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was in Jessica's shoes and had a oh so HOT boss like Ethan, I think my heart might explode. This romance read has loads of sparks and bedroom steam just screaming for you. So, might I HIGHLY no I STRONGLY suggest you give this book a spin because it's a no brainer 5/5 star read. Anything less and your nuts.

[Gloria Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story and characters that you can relate to in some way shape or form. Who doesn't love that instant attraction/connection, plenty of heat/sizzle, chemistry off the charts, family support, support of friends, crazy ex, giving into love and a HEA.

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

[Esmeralda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trapped with my Grumpy Boss" is a captivating tale of love, passion, and self-discovery. The story follows a strong-willed woman and her grumpy boss as they navigate their forbidden love. A must-read for fans of office romances!.

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

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is unsure of Ethan. Ethan's ex-girlfriend still works at the company taking advantage of the situation. The ex when fired for incompetence blames Jessica. Read to find out what happens in the steamy and fun story.

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

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The 2 main characters have great chemistry from the start and they each have a well written character. This book is full of romance and passion with a bit of drama.
They hook up the first night they meet then go their separate ways until he turns out to be her new boss.
A brilliant story!.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is in for a shock when she sees who her boss is and he was her one night stand. She needs the job so she ignores him until she falls under his charms again. Trouble will be coming when his ex find them making love on his desk. What will happen now? Will she lose her job? See what will happen next

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped with my Grumpy Boss is a great story with main characters that will keep you entertained until that last page. The book has everything drama, suspense and two characters that are attracted to each other since they first met.

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

[Jill Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read. Ethan and Jessy came from totally different backgrounds but that did not stop their attraction.
I felt this book was a bit rushed in places and lacked detail, for example when Lysa kidnapped Jessy it was over so quickly with no details. The ending was a bit rushed and would have liked an epilogue.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Sarah Seafoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute read. Good banter between the MMC and FMC. The MMC is of course the evil ex and is written very well. The MMC gives off golden retriever vibes and the work place romance trope is on point. Definitely worth the read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story line, but it was worth sticking with. It's got everything you could want from a book, sweet fmc bossy mmc, angry ex, supportive friends and a few twists. All in all a nice little read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, intense, gripping and captivating! The push and pull of feelings and emotions warring with the off limits, forbidden and unknown, had me engrossed as I followed along hoping and wondering if Jessica and Ethan could find their happy future.

[Carina Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a favourite trope of mine, always a storyline I love. Who doesn’t love a grumpy hero! Ethan and Jessica made a beautiful couple and had a great chemistry. An easy to read book that I enjoyed relaxing with, a bit of angst and interesting characters.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped with my Grumpy Boss: An Enemies to Lovers Opposites Attract Romance story of Ethan and Jessica..Boss and Employee romance.;A wonderful,enjoyable,with family drama,steam,crazy ex and hea..

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