Grumpy CEO

by Ainsley St. Claire

Rhys finds a runaway bride, who runs away with his heart.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

Ainsley St Claire is a Romantic Suspense Contemporary Romance Author and Adventurer on a lifelong mission to craft sultry storylines and steamy love scenes that captivate her readers.

An avid reader since the age of four, Ainsley’s love of books knew no genre. After reading, came her love of writing, fully immersing herself in the colorful, impassioned world of contemporary romance.

When she isn’t being a bookworm or typing away her next story on her computer, Ainsley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is happily married to her incredible soulmate and is a proud mother of two rambunctious boys. A scotch aficionada and lover of good food (especially melt-in-your-mouth, velvety chocolate) St Claire has an appreciation for the finer things without pretention. Travel and adventure have taken her around the world, getting inspiration for many of her stories from the characters she meets and observes along the way.

To find out more about Ainsley St Claire both creatively and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.ainsleystclaire.com or follow her on social media (@ainsleystclaire). St Claire always loves to hear from her readers so feel free to reach out via ainsley@ainsleystclaire.com

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Part 3

The mcs had an unanticipated contact at the beginning and I had to wait for them to meet again in the middle of the 5th chapter.
In the meantime, I was mostly being acquainted with the hero’s business dynamics and colleagues.

The romance delay and all that business drama tired and bored me... 🤷🏻‍♀️

Dnf @ 13%

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book two in the Billionaire's Secrets series. This is Rhys and Jade's story. With an unexpected introduction, a casual separation, to a thank you that transitions to forever. This book holds some answers to what is happening with these founding friends of EnergiFusion but it also brings about more questions. Rhys finds himself in a couple new positions - one he is willing to forgo his one night stand policy and two, he is announced as EnergiFusion's interm CEO. Jade is firecracker determined to distance herself from the family business and keep her simple self sufficient life. These two characters compliment and balance one another - a great match. The story focuses around our two main characters but it also includes some development among everyone. The big mystery still remains but modern technology is hopefully pointing them in the right direction. I love a book that offers me everything in a great story and this author always manages to deliver with a perfect red bow. Enjoy!.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running from Life, but Falling into Love

Very few college graduates walk off the stage with a degree in hand and directly into their dream job situation. But, that is what Georgia Tech seniors in Engineering, Justin Capriotti, Austin Sands, Rhys Smalls, Theo Reed, and with the assistance close buddy, Turner Bishop, an engineering graduate but also an aspiring musician have achieved. By winning their graduation competition to create a new energy vision, they guys crafted a car’s engine that would be completely powered by a unique battery utilizing no copper or lithium. The good friends and classmates saw themselves as warriors against outdated tech creating environmental ruin. Their graduation project product would revolutionize electric vehicles providing a sustainable answer to the need for clean energy.

But, beyond the thrill of engineering a winning entry was the sponsorship of San Francisco based SHN, a premier start-up incubator which would guide the young innovators by helping them enter the world of high-stakes business. SHN would provide the entrepreneurs with guidance through the early challenges that overwhelmed young innovators. SHJ would provide funding as well as mentorship the young enterprise as they moved their creative college project to incorporation and launch. And, with the SLM sponsorship came the security protection of Clear Security for the new wealthy entrepreneurs’ unfamiliar security needs.

And over the next few years, the young company while juggling the challenges both expected and unexpected, have triumphed. But what they had not expected was the unexplained disappearance of their CEPO, Justin.

Now, to not overburden the team—each of the remaining founders has his and her own role in the company’s organization—they decide to each carry the load of CEO for a designated time. And unfortunately for Rhys Small, it is now his turn as CEO. Now, he must hand his “real job” as CFO to someone else—another hire for SHN to locate. And while he isn’t happy with his new assignment, he understands the need.

So, to keep his sanity under the challenges of being Acting CEO, his “escape” from the stress of managing the company is to indulge his passion for cars. And his current passion is his bright blue McLaren Artura Spider convertible equipped with an EnergiFusion battery. So, he escapes the EnergiFusion offices as often as he can for a few hours.

But today, before he can fully physically and mentally escape his new responsibilities, his plans are unexpectedly disrupted. As he sits at a stop light, he watches in amazement as a beautiful woman—attired in full bridal gown and veil—runs out of Grace Cathedral. And, tracking her course across the grounds of the Cathedral, he’s stunned to realize that she is headed for his car. And as she reaches the car, she dives over the convertible’s side, and glancing at him as she hides in the car’s well, begs him to “Drive!”

Once again, Ainsley St. Claire’s creative and engaging writing captures the challenges of the EnergiFusion inventors’ trials in business, life and love, spinning a delightful connected series –each of which can be read alone—but which compels the reader into their world of creativity and now, danger—a world worth exploring completely.

I received a free review copy, but have so enjoyed reading each installment, that I have added the titles to my personal collection.

[Mary Lawrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to this, the next instalment in Ainsley St Claire’s Billionaire Secrets. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved it, thought it was a great book. It was a compelling story, I was quickly drawn in,& was engrossed - I couldn’t put it down & stayed up until gone 2.00am to finish it. I loved the way Jade & Rhys, the main characters, met; it was different, a lol moment, and I immediately liked them both. Superficially they seemed very different people, but as we got to know them we discovered that they had quite a lot in common despite their different backgrounds & life choices. I liked that Rhys was very respectful of Jade & her situation & didn’t push the development of their relationship too fast, that they took the time to form a strong friendship before anything romantic began to develop. At the start of this book Jade is a talented ceramicist & Rhys is about to take over as interim CEO of EnergiFusion, the company he co-founded with Justin, Austin & Theo. Justin (CEO) is still missing & there has still been no definite trace of him. But things in this area may be about to change. A message comes purporting to be from Justin which prompts new initiatives in the search; the security company investigating his disappearance made use of new technologies to help the search. It gets very tense as various avenues are pursued in the search, & when there is a death threat; it’s hard to know who can be trusted. I’m in awe of Ainsley’s ability to plot out this series, weaving the ongoing story about the disappearance of Justin, along with the romance between Rhys & Jade & the goings-on in Jade’s own dysfunctional family. It was a great read, & I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.

[P. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew after reading Bossy CEO, this story was just going to get even better - although I don't know how that is possible. This is a slam dunk, TD and every other expression you want to give it. It's so good. This picks up after Austin has turned over the CEO reins to Rhys so he can go on his honeymoon. Rhys is the guy who runs the lab of EnergyFusion. Not the entire business. This has happened because the original CEO, Justin has gone off the grid along with 1 billion dollars of their assets. Justin is sending mixed messages about who to trust and seems to be pitting the remaining partners against each other. Enter Jade Allerton, ceramist, potter and daughter of a mining tycoon who has had the business for 8 generations. Jade has just run out of her wedding to a childhood friend that was supposed to give land to the Allerton's and bring the 2 companies together. So much happens. Jade runs into Rhys at a stoplight and jumps into his sports car! Clear Security is in the picture trying to find Justin and verifying the "messages" he leaves. Jade leaves quite an impression on Rhys and he finally runs into Jade on an early morning run. She isn't very trusting of anyone considering what her former fiancee did to her. She finally meets with Rhys and their connection begins. So much heat, intrique and mystery you won't want to stop until the end. This was just an amazing read and I have never been disappointed in these stories. I can't wait for Theo's turn. Thank you Ainsley - 5 star!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy CEO
By Ainsley St Claire
Main Characters: Rhys and Jade
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 stars out of 5 stars
Rhys is one of four partners at EnergiFusion and is currently CEO and Jade's family owns Atherton Mining. Jane however took a different route than working for the family company. She is a ceramicist. This is a romantic suspense. Justin one of the partners and Rhys best friend has been MIA for about 1 year now along with 1 Billion of the company's money and they really are not any closer to finding him or finding out what happened to him. There are threats against Rhys, especially Austin and Theo. Someone is trying to pit the guys against each other and Rhys worries about his budding relationship with Jade. I loved the way Rhys met Jade in the beginning of this story. It was good for a laugh. This story has a hea ending for the couple but ends in a cliffhanger about Justin. There is one additional book coming up. Ms.St Claire's stories are all so good and if you want to get the most out of this series you should start at book one.

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

[Susan S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley St. Claire wrote her two main characters beautifully. They come from completely different backgrounds and family dynamics and yet Jade and Rhys are perfect together. I love the way they support and ground each other even though there are other people in their lives that they can count on. They realize early on how easy and comfortable their friendship is.
I appreciate the way St. Claire took the romance part of their story a little slower. The "jumping into bed after one glance" is getting a bit old. St. Claire allowed a friendship to grow and a support system to be formed first. Well done, Ainsley!
The corporate espionage portion of the story continues to develop. It's clever the way each of the stories is its own and yet builds on the previous one. (You could get away without reading each of the books, but I would recommend you read them for their own merit!) St. Claire has a way of drawing you in to the world of corporate corruption. The combination of her wonderful writing and her background research makes for an incredible story that you should not miss.

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

[Tiffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, this is the story of Rhys and Jade. She is the run away bride and he isn’t looking for love. Their story is set in the story of the the 4 guys that went to college together and have successfully made a life in California as millionaires. Justin has vanished and Rhys is now the new CEO of the company and with that comes so much responsibility. Jade has a family that is a very toxic and she is trying to not be apart of it, when she jumps/falls into Rhys world, the very life she doesn’t want to be apart of or so she thinks. The 2 are left trying to navigate a world neither know as they don’t know what real love really is or feels like.

I highly recommend this book but I would definitely recommend going back to read the other books by Ainsley St. Claire because they are all intertwin with the different characters.

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

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley St. Claire has a way of writing steamy, intriguing book series. Grumpy CEO is the second in the Billionaire Series. The main characters in this one are Rhys Small and Jade Allerton. Both characters are well-written, as we learn their background. Rhys is a geeky nerd who has made millions by inventing a battery to power electric cars with his three college buddies. Jade, on the other hand, is from "old" money. They meet uniquely; she is running away from her wedding and he is waiting at a stoplight. As they navigate their blossoming relationship, things are still crazy at EnergiFusion with Justin still missing and Jade's dysfunctional family driving her crazy, they manage to find HEA.
I can't wait for the next and final book in this series.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being in the Right Place at the Right Time -
OMG! I think Ainsley St Claire should definitely be nominated for ‘Queen of the Cliffhanger Award’, because each of her books take you on an an adventure filled with drama, secrets, betrayals, romance, amazing camaraderie and wonderful happily ever after, but it always leaves the reader craving to to read the next book in the series. I can tell you without a shadow of doubt, that this book is no exception in the way I was hooked on the story from the first page and didn’t take a break until I reached the end. Grab a copy of this book now and indulge yourself for a few uninterrupted hours of an amazing reading experience.

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

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from Grumpy CEO this book is the next installment of the EnergiFusion group.

Rhys has just taken over as CEO, Justin is still missing, this book continues the drama of Justin’s disappearance with threats against the 3 remaining guys, someone is definitely trying to break this group. Some new clues are revealed for them to follow and it ends on a cliff hanger!

The story of Rhys & Jade is a good one, it starts with a runaway bride, then a friendship develops before the HEA. It was great watching their relationship slowly develop rather than the sometimes overused meet, have chemistry and jump into bed.

I can’t wait for the 3rd installment to see how this story ends.

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

[J VPen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Billionaire Secrets series, continuing from the first book. Ainsley St. Claire skillfully integrates characters from her other novels, adding depth to the story.

Jade, escaping from her wedding, seeks refuge in the car of Rhys, a brooding CEO with a mysterious, guarded nature. The plot follows the unfolding mystery of Rhys' missing business partner and delves into Jade's complicated family dynamics.

Packed with suspense and passion, the book is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romance and sort of a mystery story. Rhys is awesome in a nerdy kind of way. Jade is a free spirit, beautiful woman. Her family is difficult and loaded. He is mostly a solo traveler. They meet by chance and work well together, but he freaks out and pushes her away. They are able to mend the differences and get their HEA, but the shadow of the missing friend still exists. That’s the mystery part of the story that began in Bossy CEO and will likely be solved in the next book in the series. I have to say I’m enjoying the cliffhanger part because it’s like a parallel storyline to the romance. I get a feeling the resolution of the mystery will be epic!

[Tina Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how Rhys met Jade. She did the right thing for herself and not her family. She is a strong character who has her own independence and is financially secure on her own making money from her own business. Rhys is now the CEO of Energifusion. Rhys finds more questions than answers about Justin's dissappearance. This book is full of secrets and suspense and I want more answers to what is happening or going to happen to Energifusion. Love the chemistry between Rhys and Jade. Looking forward to what happens next!.

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

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billionaire Secrets book two is just as good as the first in this new series. While I have comfort that old familiar faces are in this series, this truly belongs to the men of Energi-Fusion. This one centering on Rhys, overwhelmed at carrying more than one person’s workload should be. While their CEO Justin is MIA, Rhys steps up to the helm. This is just the beginning. From meeting Jade, a runaway bride to life and death danger for Rhys. He is definitely a swoony hero who has set his sights on Jade. I felt their courtship is one for the books, at least in mine.
Ms. St. Claire brings us wild events and more suspense as the “where is Justin” mystery deepens and this is why she is one of my favorite one-click authors.

[Suzanne Giorgione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Secret Billionaires series and I have been really looking forward to it! Justin Capriotti was the CEO of EnergiFusion, the company that he co-founded along with Austin Sands, Theo Reed and Rhys Smalls. He was still missing and Rhys was about to take over as the interim CEO when he meets Jade Allerton. She is a ceramist, potter and daughter of a mining tycoon. Her family drives her crazy. Imagine being at a stop light and a runaway bride jumps into your car! LOL As always tons of heat, intrigue, mystery, drama, adventure, friendship, and romance. Great series! Excited for the final book and hopefully find out about Justin!

[Rebecca Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book by Ainsley
The twist and turns of ‘Where is Justin?’ mixed with a hot billionaire and a ceramist.
Rhys and the Energifusion team are still trying to find answers about Justin while Jade has to fight her own battles with her family. With a family like that who needs enemies!
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Can’t not wait for the final installment not only find Justin but to see who can bring Playboy Theo to his knees.

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

[Jo-Ann Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I was intrigued after reading the runaway bride preview in the first book of this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between CEO Rhys and potter Jade and the ongoing mystery of the missing founding CEO. I had so many scenarios running through my mind while reading this. I can’t wait for the next installment of this Ainsley St. Claire story line to solve the mystery and to see the next CEO fall in love.

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

[Jurae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though their meeting was unconventional it seems as though it was meant to be. Jade is a self made woman who is happy with her life outside of her family's drama. Rhys and his business partners are successful but seem to be putting out more 'fires' lately. An unexpected meeting thrust has them together but will outside forces brek.them apart?

I absolutely love this series and can't wait to read more.

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

[Waseema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab book in the series. The billionaire moguls are so unique each one is enjoyable.
In this book we meet Ryan. The dynamics between the group develop in the book which made it enjoyable. It is a standalone but the background knowledge makes it more enjoyable.
In comes Jade who is so fiery, talented and artistic and impressive, her strong character is a good match. The continuing mystery has me hooked, looking for easter eggs.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys and Jade meet when she lands headfirst into his car and directs him to drive away from the church. Their unusual meeting will start them along their path that is filed with suspense and intrigue. Rhys is trying to find his friend who had caused an upheaval at their company. Will Justin be found and will the blossoming relationship between Rhys and Jade lead them to their chance for happiness.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys and Jade

The mystery of Austin being missing deepens as it intertwines with Rhys and Jades path towards a relationship. Family issues, weird voicemails and financial discrepancies added a layer of suspense and excitement to this story. It was emotional and heartbreaking at specific moments of this plot. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next installment.

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

[Katielarocque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thiis Ainsley St Claire story is fantastic! It has comedy- love, steam, drama, and strong male and female characters! Each book in the series tells its own story of the main characters but she intertwines it with some espionage and it is truly amazing! I think Rhys and Jade are my favorites so far! I am on eggshells for the next book and final in the series! Ashley St Claire books are a must read! I voluntarily read this book as an arc copy!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will captivate you with great character development and very interesting storyline.
It has a lot of tension,suspense and drama..
The runaway bride adds some some intrigue.
As Rhys and Jade navigate thru their journey to happiness you will be amazed to see how author put this together.
Great book,very well written.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy CEO is the intriguing and unique romance focusing on billionaire CEO/CFO, Rhys, and Jade, a runaway bride after witnessing her groom cheating with a bridesmaid right before the wedding. Her marriage was an arranged business event. This enjoyable romance has mystery, sabotage, unexpected plot twists, suspense, and steamy romance. I highly recommend this well written book.

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

[Barbara Gramatikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

confused title

When I started reading this book, I expected the normal grumpy CEO and light hearted, heroin, meeting up and living happily ever after. Rhys was no way a grumpy CEO. I think the title needs to be changed. Other than that I really enjoyed the cat and mouse mystery of the book. The romance was great love scenes were hot. It delivered on every front. Looking forward to the conclusion

[traci l. Stambaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to get more intriguing. I love how all of the stories revolve around the same mystery, but showcase individual problems as well. Rhys and Jade make for a perfect match. They complement each other in all ways bringing a new balance to each of their lives. Not to mention their chemistry is also steamy. I cannot wait for the conclusion in the next book.

[Nadine Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of EnergiFusion - it's got romance, steam, suspense, and bring back characters we've met before.
I finished this on a lazy Sunday and loved it.
The characters are well crafted and well suited, and their meet-cute is perfect.
You'll love it.

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

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a wonderful addition to the arcing story of this series.

Rhys and Jade make for a wonderful couple. I love the meet sweet beginning. This just adds to the wonder that is their relationship. We learn a few more things in the arcing story of why Justin is missing.

I can't wait for Theo's book!!!

[TRACEY A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I thought it was a great book with a compelling storyline, a few laugh out loud moments and a totally different start.

There is lots of suspense, intrigue and romance.

Can’t wait for the next instalment.

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