A Very Grumpy Boss

Wolf Valley: Grumps #4

by Shaw Hart

The girl that he’s always loved just asked him to be her boyfriend. Her fake boyfriend.

Cameron
Life in a small town can suck.
Everyone knows everyone else’s business and it can feel like there are no secrets.
I’ve managed to keep one though.
I’m in love with Ford Miller.
I have been since I was a kid, but I never knew how he felt so I kept it to myself.
When I started to work for him, keeping that secret became harder.
Then my grandma comes back to town, determined to set me up with someone.
I know she’s just worried about me, but that doesn’t mean I want her playing matchmaker.
So, I come up with a plan.
Now, I just need to convince Ford to go along with it.

Ford
I’ve been pining for Cameron since we were kids, but she’s always kept me at arm’s length.
When she comes to me looking for a job, I’m happy to give her one.
I also hope that maybe she’ll finally let down her guard and realize that we’re meant to be.
It’s been months now though and we’re still just friends.
Until one day she comes to me and asks me to pretend to date her.
She says that it will just be for a week or two until her grandma leaves, and because I can’t say no to her, I agree.
Then it hits me.
This is my chance.
Now I just need to show my dream girl that we’re meant to be together.
For real.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

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Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford (H) has been in love with Cameron since they were kids, but now he’s her boss at the diner he owns, and their friendship has never crossed the line into romance. Cameron (h) has likewise been in love with Ford, but her insecurities and fear of ruining their friendship hold her back. When Cameron’s grandmother comes to visit, determined to set her up with someone, Cameron asks Ford to pretend to be her boyfriend. Ford agrees, seeing this as his chance to show Cameron how he truly feels. As they navigate their fake relationship, the lines between pretend and real begin to blur. Ford is so patient and supportive, hoping to turn their act into something genuine. Loved how everyone else around Cameron and Ford could see how perfect they were together, but it took a Grandma nudge to get them to finally act. Sweet and steamy curvy girl, friends to lovers romance.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Ford are best friends since childhood. They are in love with each other , but both of them are to afraid to take a chance on the whole dating stuff. When Cameron's meddling grandma thinks Cameron is in a relationship with Ford, things change while these two try to pretend to date😉 Instalove, sweet, friends to lovers , steamy, fun to read, romantic and totally safe (dual virgins- the only way I love friends to lovers 😍) with an awesome HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this grumpy series

This is number 4 in the series and Ford finally gets Cameron. It may only be fake dating for them but Ford can’t tell her no when she asks. Will they ever get the courage to tell each other they loved each other. Fast quick read, sweet and steamy. Loved it.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Finally Ford and Cameron, have known each other since they were kids. Ford never wanted to ruin the friendship between him and Cameron so he never asked her out. When Cameron's grandmother plans to come and visit she tells her granddaughter she has a nice man she wants her to met. Cameron makes up a lied and tells her grandmother she's seeing someone. When her grandmother wants to know who she tells her Ford. The next day Cameron heads to the diner Nosh when Ford comes in she asks him to be her boyfriend. Ford is so happy then Cameron tells him it's all pretend, because of her grandmother. Ford's has a plan to make Cameron fall in love with him. As soon as Cameron's grandmother arrives Ford is there and he helps anyway he can. Cameron shows her grandmother into the room she'll be staying in, but it's her art room. So Cameron tries to get ahead of her grandmother and Ford, she needs to hide a few paintings. When Ford steps in the room he finds out that Cameron painted him a lot. When Cameron gets to work the next day, Ford tells her to let him know when she's going on break. When her break arrives she walks by his office to tell him, Ford follow her and orders her some food. They sit and talk, Cameron finds out that Ford knows more about her than she realized. A few days later they all head to bingo, Ford and Cameron sit in the back. Ford asks her if they can make a deal if either one of them wins they share the winnings. When Cameron calls bingo he ask her if they have a deal and she tells him no. After bingo Cameron gets her grandmother settled and she tells them to go and enjoy themselves. Ford asks Cameron what she wants to do and she tells him go to his home. Ford shows Cameron around his home, it's not what she expected. When Ford shows Cameron his bedroom, she tells him it's nice. Then Ford kisses her, he then picks her up and she tells him she's to heavy. Ford carries her to his bed, and he lays her down. Ford pleasures Cameron then they make love. When Ford wakes the next day he thinks he's dreaming, Cameron is pleasuring him, then they make love. Cameron needs to put distance between them, because she doesn't know how she's going to end this pretend dating. Ford gets a phone call one of his cooks at Nosh called in sick, so he heads to the shower. Cameron knows this is her chance to leave, so while he's in the shower she gathers her clothes and leaves. When she arrives home, her grandmother knows something is wrong. Cameron confesses to her that they were never dating. Cameron's grandmother tells her that Ford loves her she can see it where ever he looks at her. Cameron's grandmother tells her that they will figures things out. Cameron goes to take a shower then there's a knock on her door. Ford is there, he tells her he wants to talk to her. Cameron tries to tell him that she needs to run some errands. Ford tells her no he's been waiting years to tell her and he can't wait any longer. Ford tells her he only agree to be her fake boyfriend because he loves her and would do anything for her. Ford tells her he's loved her since they were kids, he missed her when she left to follow her dream and tried to think of ways to come and visit her. When Cameron came back to Wolf Valley Ford tired to take a chance with her but he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Ford tells her he loves her and there will never be anyone else for him, he only said yes to being her fake boyfriend because he was hoping that he could show her how perfect they are together. Cameron tells him that he didn't have to show her how perfect they are together, she's been in love with him too. Cameron tells him she wanted them to be friends, and when she failed at being an artist she was terrified she'd mess up dating him. Ford tells her they have known each other for a long time, and his love has never wavered, they can never fail, and she didn't fail at being an artist, she just needs to try again. Cameron tells him he can be her muse, Ford tells her always. Cameron tells him she loves him and Ford tells her he loves her. Ford kiss her, and then they head inside and head to Cameron's bedroom. Ford tells her they are done pretending and he'll be her muse. Five years later, Cameron heads to girls night with Lilliana A Very Grumpy Best Friend, they head to Vera and Fisher's A Very Grumpy Billionaire home. Ford and Cameron have a daughter, Alma. Cameron has been drawing character for romance books and loves it, she's sold a few paintings. Cameron does character stickers or cards for custom orders and it's picked up over the years. An art store opened up in town and she's been working there once a week teaching kids art classes. Ford and Cameron only dated for about two weeks before he proposed, a few weeks after that she found out she was pregnant. They got married at the court house, and when they came back from their honeymoon Cameron moved in with Ford. Cameron's grandmother moved back to Wolf Valley and moved into her rental after Cameron had her daughter. Cameron likes to think that her and Ford would have eventually figured things out, both of them getting tired of hiding their feelings.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Boss is Book 4 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship but real feelings, double virgin, curvy girl gets her best friend romance. Cameron is a curvy artist and waitress. Ford is a hunky, grumpy, diner owner and her boss and best friend. The two have been in love with each other forever but don't realize the other feels the same. When Cameron's matchmaking grandma comes to visit, she tells her she is dating Ford to avoid another matchmaking attempt. Ford agrees to "fake" date her but plans to show her his feelings are anything but fake. This couple had such great chemistry. I've been excited for this book as it's clear the whole town was aware these two loved each other, even if they were oblivious. I loved it!.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back to the Wolfe Valley Grumps. We are finally getting to Foster's story. He has watched his friends and twin find love, and he's jealous. His twin Ford finally confessed his feelings to long time BFF Lily after much persuading.

Foster can't seem to do the same. Foster has been in love with his BFF Cameron since they were kids. Life, and hidden feelings let a lifetime go by. When Cameron needs a fake boyfriend to dissuade he grandmother, he can't say yes quick enough.

You can feel the magic between the two. They are pining for each other half their lives, thinking the other is just a friend. Once the dam breaks and they give in....oh boy is it good. Like a fresh baked cookie right out of the oven in your stomach, or a cold popsicle on a hot summer day. It just makes it better!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Ford have been friends since they were kids. They’ve both had more than friends feelings for each other. The whole town knows that they belong together. When Cameron’s grandmother arrives for a visit, Cam tells her that she and Ford are together.
This book is the perfect combination with all the feels! There is steam, there is angst, there is plenty of love. I especially adored how Ford will do anything for Cameron except tell her how he feels. Cameron does her best to keep Ford at arm’s length but backs herself into a corner when she asks Ford to be her fake boyfriend.
I loved this book! Just when I think that Shaw Hart has written my favorite book, she comes out with another book! I highly recommend reading this book!.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Boss: A friend to lovers romance story of Ford and Cameron..They've known each other since they were younger,having feeling for each other in secret but they didn't act on it because of their friendship...she's an artist and left town to pursue her dream but failed and moved back and work at the diner owned by ford.;but when her grandma wanted to visit her and telling her she have someone for her to meet but told her she have already a boyfriend only it's not true,so she asked ford to be her Bf and he agreed...because he loves her and this is the only way to show her how important she is to him and that he love her..A quick,wonderful,sweet,steamy and fun story..Book 4 of Wolf Valley: Grumps Series!.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Wolf Valley! Cameron's returned from the city, feeling like a failure, and Ford is finally going to make her his (if he can find the gumption and the right timing). Ugh! These two are so perfect for eachother but have friendzone one another to protect their relationship. Both feel the pull, but both are scared. When grama starts making waves about setting up blind dates for Cameron on an upcoming surprise visit, a quick lie suddenly takes on a life of its own.

I gobbled up this little gem and was almost devastated when it ended cause I wanted more!! Alas, I'll have to wait for Hart's next foray to Wolf Valley. Rest assured, I'll be there with bells on! I received an advanced copy of this book and volunteered my review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 of Shaw Hart's charming Wolf Valley: Grumps series is Ford and Cameron's story. Ford has been in love with Cameron since they were kids, and vice versa, but neither has worked up the courage to risk their friendship. When Cameron returns to Wolf Valley after trying her luck as an artist, she ends up working for Ford at his diner - and now he's her boss. But when her grandmother comes for a visit and tries to set her up, she quickly lies and says Ford is her boyfriend. Eager to spend whatever time he can with her, Ford quickly agrees - and now he is determined to make their fake relationship something real. A quick, steamy, entertaining friends-to-lovers / fake relationship romance.

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

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the series, Wolf Valley Grumps. “A Very Grumpy Boss”, by the amazing author Shaw Hart.
Cameron is our sweet, innocent and beautiful MFC.
Ford Miller is our big handsome MMC…and Camerons boss.
They have loved each other since they were kids, not telling the other of that love.
Now Grannies come for a visit, doing what Grannies do best..doings things for love!😂
This is such a sweet, “I want THAT”! kind of book. I highly recommend this book because it’s everything you want in a short, but packed full, read.👍🏻🥰.

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

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diner owner Foster has been crazy for Cameron since they were kids, but he’s never acted upon it.

Cameron has also been in love with Foster, and afraid to let him know. When her grandmother announces a surprise visit and the intention of finding her a date, Cameron impulsively asks Foster to pose as her boyfriend.

However, feelings cannot be denied, and their ruse becomes all too real.

This was very short and sweet, with some spice. Foster never really seemed grumpy, except when dealing with his brother and their friends, but that’s the common denominator in the series’ titles.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma knows best!

A short, sweet but very steamy story about Cameron and Ford. Both have known and loved each other for years but never said anything. Cameron left town to pursue a career as an artist but came back home after it didn’t work out as she planned. She is working for Ford in his diner when her Grandmother calls saying she is coming for a visit. In a panic to avoid matchmaking, Cameron blurts out she is dating Ford. With no other options, she asks Ford to fake date. He leaps at the chance and it is all low angst, high heat from there!! Great Feel-Good read!!.

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 4 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series and focuses on Ford and Cameron. Ford and Cameron have been pining for each other since they were kids. Neither one had made a move on each other but Ford has decided that he is done waiting to make Cameron his. Once Cameron’s grandma comes to town, it gives Ford the perfect opportunity to win Cameron over once and for all. Ford is determined to finally get his girl and doesn’t stop until he gets what they both want. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Ford have secretly been in love with one another for years but they each assume the other only wants to be friends. Ford owns a diner in their small town and Cameron needs a job, so he hires her to be a waitress.

Enter Cameron's adorable grandmother and things get complicated between Cameron and Ford. Maybe a grandma push was what they needed. It was fun reading how their relationship evolved and how Cameron’s grandmother evolved, as well.

'A Very Grumpy Boss' is a sweet and engaging story. The one part that didn't fit was the title, as Ford wasn't grumpy at all.

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Ford have been in love with each other for a long time, but do not admit to that due to various reasons. Now Ford is Cameron's boss and they have remained in the friendzone. But her beloved grandma comes to visit and they fake a relationship and the lines are blurred.
Cute, sweet and hot story. I was not able to put it down. The grandma is so lovely, like always all characters and the story are written amazingly.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron has been in love with Ford since they were kids but she never acted on her feelings because she didn't know how he felt. Little did she know Ford had been in love with her for just as long, so he jumped at the chance when she asked him to be her fake boyfriend. I loved Cameron's grandmother; she was the perfect motivation for these two to finally admit their feelings. This is a sweet and steamy friends to lovers romance with believable characters, a sweet and well written story, and a perfect happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford has been in love with his best friend, Cameron, forever. Cameron loves him too but the fear of loosing their friendship holds them back from admitting their feelings. When Cameron’s grandmother decides she is going to set her up with someone she asks Ford for help. Playing a fake couple soon turns very real. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, true love, a caring if a little grumpy hero and a wonderful HEA.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story makes my heart ache.... Ford has been in love with Cameron since they were kids. He loved her from a far and even watched her leave town. Now that she is back she keeps him at a distance. Cameron has kept her feeling for Ford under wraps, especially now that he is her boss, but when her grandmother is wanting to play matchmaker, she needs a way out and Ford can help.

Fun and sexy fast read that pulls you in and keeps you as you follow Cameron and Ford on the journey.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford and Cameron habe loved each other for years but never told one another, now she works for Ford, and her grandma's coming to town woth ideas of setting her up in the dating world, and when Cameron asks Ford to be her fake date, he'll do everything to prove this can be their real forever . Well written steamy friends to lovers, fake dating and more.

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

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, but I don't believe the title is correct. I did not find Ford grumpy at all, he was just a man who has been in love with his best friend for a long time. He did not know how to get out of the friend zone, but once the chance came up he just took what he could.
To finally be able to kiss, hug, and show how you truly feel to the one person who has always owned your heart. This book was great.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A Very Grumpy Boss Book 4 of Wolf Valley: Grumps. Ford needs to figure out how to tell Cameron on he feels, he’s loved her since they were kids. When she needs a fake boyfriend, he’s more than happy to help. He needs to turn this fake relationship into a real one. I loved the story and the characters. It was a short and sweet story. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been dying to read these two’s story. The way I’ve been following them throughout the series was building them up for me in ways that I needed to know what happened. I loved their relationship and how sure our mane knew that she was the one. It’s was smutty and adorable. I can’t wait for what comes next!.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford has been in love with Cameron for years but she has put him firmly in the friend zone. Since she has been back in town she has been working for him at his diner. He gets his break when her grandmother is coming town and she tells her that she is dating Ford. She want him to be her fake boyfriend, it is time for him to make it count.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Cameron and Ford are such a cute couple. This might be an instant love story, short and sweet but it is definitely a slow burn. The story line is well thought out. Grandma is sweet and all knowing. The girl group is fun. The boys are gpod friends that care about each other and absolutely love their girls. This is a good read that leaves you happy.

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

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic friends to lovers story with great friends, humor, and a matchmaking grandmother to boot. I loved the friendship between Ford and Cameron and how effortlessly they fell into that more than friends relationship. The entire Wolf Valley series was a fantastic insta love, small town, slow burn book series that I could go back to again and again. I can't wait for the return of the Baker sisters in the other Wolf Valley series.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had read only the first book of the series before this. I must say, since the books in this series are very short with less than 100 pages, there is no emotional connection or much story, but it is a quick read and straight to the point. So do not expect these books to have the major storyline suggested in the synopsis as much since we would barely graze that topic given the number of pages. I would have loved to understand the characters better and would have loved more story or flashbacks.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story of two people who have loved each other for years but were afraid to pursue a relationship. A little interference from a grandmother helps the situation. This quick read features great characters and lots of loving.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short instalove romance where neither of the main characters knew the other was in love with the other.
Dual pov writing, standalone within a series, steamy scenes, double virgin leads, pure love, childhood crush turned love, no cheating, no angst, HEAs.

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was great book. I really enjoyed Cameron and Ford together. These two have been in love with each other for years but neither said any with the fear they would ruin that they had. When Cameron needs help, Ford can't tell her now and he finds that it is the best opening to show Cameron how he truly feels. These two are sweet and steamy together; there is a little bit of drama but Ford won't let his woman get away again.

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