Grump and Grumpier

Double the Rom-Com #2

by Stephanie Brother

My job interview started with two scowls and ended with a bang. Yeah … that kind of bang!

There’s absolutely no way I can accept the position after the jaw-droppingly amazing and completely unprofessional things I did with the two gorgeous but grouchy men who own the buzz-worthy coffee company, Community Bean.

But then they make me an offer I can't a short-term position, more money than I currently make in an entire year, a fancy management job title, and—oh yeah—a chance to save their sinking business.

Why are they in such desperate need of help? Well, it turns out that Grump and Grumpier are as good at dealing with people as I am with quantum physics—which is to say, not at all.

Derek Brooks is all brooding intensity, with smoldering eyes that short-circuit my brain and a body that fills out custom-made suits so well I'm in danger of becoming dehydrated from constant drooling.

Jansen Bennett’s death-glare has sent multiple employees running for the hills, but for some reason, I’m dying to get behind that scowl, and for him to get behind me, if you know what I mean!

So what’s a girl to do? Take the job, obviously. But, maybe keep the “banging the grouchy bosses” part under wraps. It’s just a fling. A reckless, completely inappropriate, hotter-than-an-extra-spicy-tamale fling, and ninety-nine percent guaranteed to blow up in my face. (There's always a chance that everything will be fine, isn't there?)

But hey, I’ll only be working with them for six months. Surely I can resist falling for two bossy, grumpy, emotionally unavailable men with killer abs and extra large eggplant emojis, right?

…Right?

Grump and Grumpier is a spicy rom com with two hot grumpy bosses and one sunshiney woman who changes their lives, leading to a why-choose style happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Why Choose, Rom Com, Contemporary, M F M, Menage

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

International bestselling author Stephanie Brother writes high heat love stories with a hint of the forbidden. Since 2015, she’s been bringing to life handsome, flawed heroes who know how to treat their women. If you enjoy stories involving multiple lovers, including twins, triplets, stepbrothers, and their friends, you’re in the right place. When it comes to books and men, Stephanie truly believes it’s the more, the merrier.

She spends most of her day typing, drinking coffee, and interacting with readers.

Her books have been translated into German, French, and Spanish, and she has hit the Amazon bestseller list in seven countries.

Find her at:
WEBSITE - www.stephaniebrotherbooks.com
FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/stephaniebrother
FACEBOOK READER GROUP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/86194...
MAILING LIST - https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
INSTAGRAM - www.instagram/stephaniebrotherbooks
TIKTOK - www.tiktok.com/@stephaniebrotherbooks

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have to admit I almost DNF'd this one because of the abuse of power.

I've read a lot of workplace romances but its never made me uncomfortable until this book. The two guys didn't even seem to like her but they had sex with her during the interview and then offered her a job. She left telling them no and then there was pursuit and they ignored her statement of no.

Then after she set conditions of her employment they ignored those and even joked that the no sex rule wouldn't stand. One of the scenes even had her sucking one of them off to get what she wanted. It didn't feel like there was any respect there at all and Ana seemed really reluctant.

I think there was a mutual respect and playfulness that was missing here. PS You're Intolerable is a phenomenal example of a worker/boss relationship that doesn't feel like a power imbalance. It's handled well and acknowledged.

This felt like a convenient excuse to have them meet and then an inconvenient piece of the story that they had to get past.

The last few chapters actually worked for me. Ana found a new job which allowed her to have a real relationship and the 2 guys actually had facial expressions and emotions beyond annoyance.

Not nearly as fun as the previous book in the series.

[Stephanie Brother]

Do you like your romance with a lot of spice?

You’ll love Grump and Grumpier if you enjoy:

★ Grumpy/sunshine
★ Office romance
★ Two hot bosses
★ Opposites attract
★ Laughs, extra spice, and a bit of intrigue
★ A why choose style happy ever after

You won’t want to miss the conference room scene!

[Tea and Spite · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, let's be very clear: this is not romance. This is porn. There is not an emotional connection to be found in this book. It is the equivalent of a "movie" that starts with the pizza boy getting naked. Big titty hentai in narrative form.

If it would have just admitted that it was shameless smut, I'd have bumped the rating up a couple of stars, maybe even three. Dominant Asshole isn't my kink, but there's nothing wrong if it's yours. Porn for everyone who wants it, in whatever form they want it. Nothing wrong with a bit of fantasy.

Unfortunately, this insists on marketing itself as romance. And as romance it is complete and utter shit. Derek and Jansen aren't "grumpy". Mr Darcy is grumpy. Luke Danes is grumpy. Derek and Jansen are controlling, manipulative, possessive assholes who do not understand the meaning of the word "no". They are walking red flags. That Ana is apparently too god damned stupid and lacking in basic self-respect to deck the pair of them does not in fact make them better people. Most rapists swear up and down that their victims were into it.

Brother attempted to shoe-horn in a hint of romance in the very last 20% of the book, but it was far too little, far too late. A man who goes from controlling to doting the second you call him on his bullshit is more likely to be abusive, not less. It is a textbook example of the cycle of abuse. Add to that the fact that Brother insists on whirlwind romances that have the FMC engaged in under a year and knocked up not long after that, and it is actively romanticising the exact pattern of abusive relationships.

It's one thing to have a kinky fantasy. Like I said, if this had admitted that it was porn rather than romance I'd have had no problem with it. As romance, though, it is not only disappointing, it's actively damaging.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun to read, and I'm so glad that Stephanie continued it with Ana's story! Derek and Jansen were sexy alphaholes and the perfect guys for Ana!

They were, however, complete HR nightmares. It took me a little bit to get past the HR liabilities and potential for lawsuits, but once I did, their story really took off. Grump and Grumpier was the fast-paced, high heat workplace romance that I needed today, for sure.

I did wish that the drama would've been dragged out a little bit more. It seemed like everything wrapped up really quickly and conveniently, and I think a lot more could've been done to really ramp up the conflict and "danger" of it all.

I love a good stoic, dirty-talking book boyfriend, though, and what's better than one??? TWO serious, puddle-inducingly hot boss boyfriends! Stephanie's books are always a joy to read, and the references and Easter eggs to some of her previous books made this even more of a delight to read!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Is it hot in here?

One of the best things about this author is her consistent ability to write stories that are impossible to put down, and this one is no exception. This is an entertaining read, that enjoyed.

Ana took an interview with a coffee corporation, but things got heated when she met CEOs Derek and Jansen. The chemistry between the three characters is remarkably intense, and although Ana had no intention of accepting the job after the steamy interview, she unexpectedly finds herself agreeing to work for them, on a six-month contract. After the contract ended, the men didn’t realize she was leaving for good, and their budding relationship took a turn for the worse. They realize they both need to win her over before finding their happily ever after.

This was easy to read, with plenty of spicy scenes to keep you entertained, and a good HEA. It is book two in this collection, but it can be a stand alone, if you choose. I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this book (thank you) and happily leave my review.

[Kimberly Holmgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana meets Derek and Jansen when she interviews for a position in their company. The guys are immediately taken with Ana. Ana is attracted to the guys as well, even though she finds them both grumpy, bossy and demanding. Quickly, the interview turns into a very erotic encounter. She decides then that she can never work for these guys. She will just have the memories and go on with her life. The guys have other plans and convince Ana to work for them. She agrees to work for them for 6 months. 6 months to figure out their hiring problems and straighten out their company. Along the way, she finds herself giving in to them, blurring the lines between bosses and employee. She falls quickly for the guys. And, while she loves their dominance in the bedroom, can she handle these very possessive men outside of the bedroom?

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book, which I wasn’t able to put down until I had finished every single page in it. Ana applies for a job for a coffee corporation, and when she meets the CEOs Derek and Jansen, things soon take a turn for the heated variety. The chemistry between all three characters is through the roof, and although Ana has no intention of taking the job, she finds herself working for them on a six month contract. When the contract is over, the guys don’t realise that she is really leaving, and things turned south in the relationship department. Now they both have to prove themselves to her, and eventually they sort things out and have their happily ever after.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.

[Lisa Watt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm honestly shocked by all the 5 star reviews!!! Was this book bad? No, but 5 stars!! There was absolutely no substance to this book. It starts with a scene straight out of a 90s p0rn0. Who shows up to a job interview, decides the guys are too sexy and grumpy to work for and then has hot sex with both of them in the conference room? No, I'm not shaming women and their sexuality. I'm fine with one night stands and all that, but sex with potential bosses during an interview!!!?? Yes, I'm aware it's a book, but a little reality goes a long way!!
I did read the whole book as it was a really quick 3 hour read and I was in the mood for a mindless story, but I can't say I enjoyed it. It was what it was, and what it was, was implausible and rather boring.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to advance her career in HR, Ana starts applying for new positions. She goes to an interview with Derek and Jansen, which ends in an unexpected way. Receiving a call that she received the job, Ana is hesitant to accept it after what happens. Derek shows up and convinces her to take the job and she agrees, but quickly finds out that her new employers are an HR nightmare. Drama builds as threats to the company are received and Ana's relationship grows with her two new employers. Watching the changes in Derek and Jansen as well as the building relationship between the three made this hard to put down.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana applies for a job at a wonderful company and is interviewed by two absolutely gorgeous men. The interview changes to seduction and Ana gives in. She knocks back the position but is offered so much money that she cannot turn it down. But she will only take the job for six months because of what she has done with the men. Derek and Jansen are both extremely grumpy men with no idea of how to treat their staff, leading to a very high turnover. Ana tries to change this. Will these three fall for each other and find their happily ever after?

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workplace romance, employee/boss, MFM
I think this was a fun and enjoyable read. There was a perfect balance of plot and steam.
We also had a little drama, a few emotional moments, and some humor. Then we have a bit of a side story with the threatening emails.
Ana was an intelligent, confident, and refreshing FMC.
I really liked Derek and Jansen. They were a bit of a mystery at first, but the more we learned about them, it was easy to fall for them. I love how they made things up to her.
Ana was just what they needed and same for her.

[Chani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a laugh out loud, super spicy book! I very rarely give books 5 stars and even more rarely 5 🌶️. But this book deserves both! I finished it in about 24 hours and when I finished I literally squealed. This was the perfect book I needed at the moment. It’s no secret I love Stephanie’s books in general but this was one of my favorites. The spice, the suspense, the sneakiness, the groveling, just everything about it was amazing!! Go read it for yourself but make sure you have cold water handy

[Kelsey McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and Quick

Ana's relationship with Janson and Derek was super cute. I liked how even through their POV, they were grumpy and grumpier. I could definitely see how Ana would think that things were strictly physical. My only real complaint is that things seemed to get cut short towards the end. The build-up with the mystery emails and the blackmailing fell flat when things were sped over. It would have been nice for the whole book to stay on pace and give us more details. Overall, though, this book was adorable, I can't wait to read Stella's story.

[Brylea Wilmot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Absolutely loved this book by Stephanie she is an amazing writer and I have loved all her books I can't wait for the next in the series.
This book came with lots of conflicting emotions for the characters who had to come out of their comfort zones so that they could be together they was hidden plots for you to try and figure out as you got through the book which kept you reading to find out more it also included a character from the previous book I'm really looking forward to the next book and finding out who is next Stella or marrissa

[TL Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was too much...

CEO's running a business with high turnover
... i wonder why! I guess they are slutty too. I usually like this author, but this one...
I just could not take her slutty and wimpy behavior. You want to run an HR department, but two men you meet in an interview you are being intimate with within minutes. But you can't seem to keep your thoughts straight or your legs closed.
I skipped from 52 to 294.... I don't feel like I missed any part of the story.
Read it for yourself...

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana finds herself in a secret steamy relationship her two grumpy bosses. From her interview to late nights in the office, their relationship appears to just be physical, but her grumpy men soon realize she’s the best thing to ever happen to them. This book has two grumpy hunks and a vibrant, optimistic girl who discover that romance is real. Steam, drama, friendship, intrigue and fun times fill these pages.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

I have read and enjoyed many many books by this author. Unfortunately, I almost DNF this one. Full on sex at first meeting? Full on sex at every subsequent meet? In the office multiple times? I lost respect for her and the guys seemed cold and indifferent. Yes, there is an HEA with redemption. But too little, too late. And yes, I will continue to read her books. Hoping this is a one off.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you can figure out, on interview, why employees aren't lasting at a successful company? You start an affair with the determination to fix the problem!
I loved this story. This author is great at taking silly premises and creating great characters and a story you need to read. There is a lot of smexy time throughout, enough to make you melt.
I loved it and highly recommend.

[Airy M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and Flirty

This story was so different from the screaming eagles franchise but no less adored. I truly enjoyed the grumpy CEOs and their sunshine Human Resources manager who also was a spitfire and held no prisoners. The story was funny but also quick enough not to drag on. I usually prefer dark romances or action packed but this was a great quick read for a hot summer day with a cold drink.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Jansen and Derek are as grumpy as they come. Always scowling and putting their employees in their places. That is, until Ana comes around to work in HR and getting them back on track. At least, trying to. A sweet story, that gets hot and dirty from the very first chapter.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It almost felt autobiographical! Lol!

While I was reading, it didn't feel like a story. It felt like my inner thoughts. I could relate to the character so well that I almost felt like I was reading my own story. While my life was not quite as steamy as Ana's, there were scenes that I felt were taken out of my life story.

This was a wonderful experience for me. Thanks, Stephanie!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Talk about steam! Ana, Derek, and Jansen definitely have it! I loved the dynamics of these characters! This story had a little bit of everything to keep you turning the pages. It was a very enjoyable and entertaining read that I highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for workplace drama, and this book delivers into the fantasy. Thank goodness for books, lol. Where else can not 1 but 2 alphaholes make a stickler for the rules Ana drop literally everything for a chance to explore her awakened desires. And boy, are they set to test her resolve! The only complaint is that they needed to grovel more in the end.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

from the moment they meet at the job interview sparks fly between Derek and Jensen and Ana they had a ana thought one time thing but things change and they persuade her to take the pr job she agrees but temp and she told them no smexy time but things change and she not only saves there business she falls in love

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Fun, exciting, emotional, surprises, twists and turns and so much more. She went to work with a company with two men. There was so much going on there. A lot besides between the three of them. I just loved this one and highly recommend it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Jendy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Xs 2!

There's just something about taming a grumpy guy. But taming two grumpy guys? That takes a special gal. This was a great fast burn romance. I loved how Ana stood by her decisions and stood up to these grumps instead of letting them run all over her. I'm very much looking forward to the stories with all the other gals that are coming up next year!

[Jason Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling

Hot, steamy and funny to the core. Janson and Daniel are the perfect epitome of moody , grumpy book boyfriends and Ana is so perfect at keeping them inline. One of my favourite scenes had to be Janson's other lover of leg humping kind I was almost on the floor laughing. Another world most definitely have to be the interview wow just wow.

[Crystal Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grump and Grumpier

I absolutely love Derek, Jansen, and Ana’s book!!!! I absolutely loved the way they started out and ended up!!! They’re honestly my new favorite couples!!!! I can’t wait to read the bonus epilogue!!! I plan to read more from Stephanie Brother as she’s becoming a reverse harem author I love to read from!!!!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ana has a interview with job with sexy owners she never thought that she would end up in a three way. What was she thinking. She vows not to accept the job if they offer but she gives in on the stipulation that there is no more sex. Can she resist. Steamy menage.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grump & Grumpier, book 2 in the Double the Rom-Com series, by Stephanie Brother @stephaniebrotherbooks. I love Stephanie’s books & this one was good!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about Ana, Jansen & Derek. Tropes: MFM, Boss/Employee, Spicy, Miscommunication, rom-com, & groveling.