Forbidden Grumpy Boss

by Ivy Snow

One night with my best friend’s daughter was a sin.
Now, she’s my fake fiancée, but our baby might turn this lie into forever.

I built my billion-dollar empire on rules.
Rule #1: Never touch my best friend’s daughter.
Especially when she’s half my age.

One night with her broke every rule I made.
Five years later, she struts into my office as my assistant.
With eyes burning with hatred.

I should have sent her packing.
Instead, I made her my fake fiancée.
A lie I need to save my studio and my son.

But Leah is my greatest weakness.
Her fire burns every rule I’ve built my life on to ashes.
Her touch makes me weak in ways I hate to admit.
And her warmth makes me want to hold her in my arms forever.

But love doesn’t come easy for bastards like me.
If Leah’s dad finds out, he’ll destroy us.
And if he learns about our baby… he might do worse.

Hop on the emotional rollercoaster ride with a Happily-Ever-After ending. Forbidden Grumpy Boss is Book Two in Damaged Daddies Series. Each book can be read as a standalone with no cheating and cliffhanger.



Enemies to LoversSurprise BabyFake EngagementOne Night StandFather’s best friend or Best Friend’s daughterAge GapBoss and EmployeeFlawed and Broken Billionaire Silver Fox HeroPersonal Assistant Heroine

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2025

About the author

Ivy Snow is an author of steamy contemporary romance with deliciously damaged billionaires paired with sassy, strong heroines who turn their worlds upside down. She loves throwing her readers into an intense emotional storm of secrets, betrayal, angst, chemistry, heat, drama, and wrap them up with a satisfying happily ever after.

She also loves cooking, traveling, and planning the next date with her husband. She'll never say no to ice creams and ramen.

Claim a free copy of full-length novella ==> The Perfect Lie: An Enemies to Lovers Billionaire Romance https://dl.bookfunnel.com/irc42bnbuk

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Leah’s Story . . .

Leah wants nothing to do with her estranged father. He will never be able to buy back her affections. So she heads to Rome on her own for a little holiday. Returning to her hotel room, her swiped card doesn’t work; but a second try opens the door. But it’s not HER door that opens. And at that moment, a stranger steps out of the bathroom looking like one of the gorgeous Roman statues he had admired earlier. After a snarky conversation, he removes the towel from his hips. As she turns away, she noticed he at least had briefs on underneath as he starts to chuckle at the look on her face!

The next day, she goes to a museum and sees a scene being filmed over in the corner. The building starts to vibrate and everyone panics. Something heavy falls on her and she can’t get up. Then suddenly a voice tells her to move as he lifts the heavy weight. The building is ready to collapse and they need to run out, but he won’t leave without his brother Ezra who was shooting a movie scene at the museum, not until she insists that he had already escaped the building. Returning to their hotel, they find it has also collapsed. And they finally tell each other their names! As she laments having no place to stay now, he invites her to Bracciano where he has a place, especially since any remaining hotels will now be fully booked. Maybe he shouldn’t have promised her he would keep fully dressed this time...

Five years later, Leah applies for a job, realizing her new boss is her hero from Rome. He needs her to pretend to be his fiancée, but can they keep it “pretend” when their feelings had never gone away? And despite her father being estranged, how will he react when he finds out about their relationship… and the result of their giving in to it? Is Silas ready to admit he wants forever with Leah?

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I just finished reading "Forbidden Grumpy Boss" by Ivy Snow, and whew, girl, let me tell you, it was a ride. This book throws you right in with a Roman holiday, a one-night stand, and then bam! Five years later, they're working together. It's about Silas, this billionaire in the movie industry who's in his early 50s, and Leah, who's in her mid-20s and happens to be the daughter of his best friend. Talk about complicated!

The opening was so intriguing. I mean, a Roman holiday that leads to a one-night stand? I was hooked from the first paragraph. The author sets the stage for a story about time, lost connections, surprises, and healing. It's got that "missing puzzle piece" vibe, where everything just clicks into place once they reconnect. And let me tell you, the chemistry between Silas and Leah? Fire. Just pure fire. The spicy scenes? Whew, chile.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked how Silas treated Leah. He was all about spoiling her and treating her like a queen, even when they were both fighting their feelings. It was sweet, even though they were supposed to be "enemies" at first. The fake engagement thing was interesting too, especially since it was partly for his teenage son, Caleb, who had formed a bond with Leah. Caleb was a sweetheart, by the way. He and Penny, the side characters, were awesome!

Now, there were a couple of things that made me raise an eyebrow. First, I couldn't wrap my head around how Silas could be best friends with Leah's dad. The dad is portrayed as a total scumbag, while Silas is a hardworking, decent guy. It just didn't make sense to me. It's like, how are these two even friends? It was a major disconnect for me.

Also, Leah's dislike for her father felt a little underdeveloped. She kept mentioning it had to do with her mother, but the explanation felt incomplete. I didn’t quite grasp the full extent of their strained relationship. It felt like a loose thread that wasn’t tied up properly.

The book moved fast, maybe even too fast at times. But despite that, I was still entertained. It’s a quirky take on the billionaire romance trope, with the added drama of a meddling, clueless father. The "clueless protector" act he put on was actually kind of relatable, even though the stakes were way higher because, you know, billionaire problems.

I did appreciate that the age gap wasn't overemphasized to the point of being uncomfortable. It was handled much better than some other age-gap romances I've read where the age difference gives you the "ick" factor. This one avoided that, which was a plus.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It had a lot of good elements: great chemistry, hot scenes, and a compelling storyline. The inconsistencies with the father's character and the underdeveloped backstory with Leah's family held it back a bit. I also felt the ending could have been more fleshed out. I wanted to see more of them as a couple, not just the getting together part.

I’d give this book a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was a fun, steamy read with some interesting twists, but the plot inconsistencies kept it from being a full 4 or 5 stars for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One night with my best friend’s daughter was a sin.

Now, she’s my fiancée in name, but our baby might turn this lie into forever.


I built my billion-dollar empire on rules.

Rule #1: Never touch my best friend’s daughter.

Especially when she’s half my age.


One night with her broke every rule I made.

Five years later, she struts into my office as my assistant.

With eyes burning with hatred.


I should have sent her packing.

Instead, I made her my fake fiancée.

A lie I need to save my studio and my son.


But Leah is my greatest weakness.

Her fire burns every rule I’ve built my life on to ash.

Her touch makes me weak in ways I hate to admit.

And her warmth makes me want to hold her in my arms forever.


But love doesn’t come easy for bastards like me.

If Leah’s dad finds out, he’ll destroy us.

And if he learns about our baby… he might do worse.

This contemporary billionaire enemies-to-lovers fake dating romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are exuding power, billionaire CEO, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the forbidden grumpy boss, a one-night mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a fake engagement, an age-gap with a silver fox, a.k.a., father's best friend, boss and employee romance, a surprise baby, holiday romance, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the forbidden grumpy boss and an enemies-to-lovers fake dating romance that is explicit in every sense and sure to transport readers into a world that is wild and unforgettable.

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

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

Forbidden Grumpy Boss is Book 2 of the Damaged Daddies Series. It's a super steamy, instalove turned enemies to lovers, OTT, age-gap, fake dating, fake engagement, girl gets her Dad's best friend romance. Leah is a 25 year old who has just been hired as a personal assistant to the CEO of a tech company. She has been estranged from her father for over 5 years. Silas is a 52 year old hunky silver-fox who is the CEO and Leah's new boss. He is also her dad's best friend for the past four years. The two met 5 years prior in Rome and had a hot one-night stand full of passion before he pushed her away rudely the next morning. Now, when she shows up on her first day of work, she has no idea it's the man who's haunted her for 5 years. He has never forgotten her either. A series of events leads to a fake engagement between the two, but the feelings are very real, even if Silas can't admit it. I wanted to slap him so many times. Finding out she is his best friend, Harvey's, daughter definitely complicates things. Not to mention the baggage these characters all need to work through. This book was just a roller-coaster of emotions. These two had insane chemistry, and we finally get a happy ending, but you are put through the ringer first. Her father is a piece of work, and I'm surprised Silas was friends with him. I loved this couple and their story. I am normally not a fan of such a large age gap, but this one worked and didn't seem creepy to me.

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent ,immersive love story with all the feels and angsts too. I ask you is there anyone does this better? Ivy Snow knows just how to grip you and hold your attention . These awesome characters and their fake dating . Who were they kidding , they were mating! They couldn’t get enough of,but her daddy found it and thinks no way. He will ruin that man today and all that he is, he’ll be on his knees begging please. To be left alone ,no more will he make HIS daughter moan and groan and writhe on his face . He’s going to be put in his place. Now Silas he has a son named Caleb and he’s under threat. He doesn’t want to believe that a man could be such an awful cruel person. But he finds out there couldn’t be a worse un. Leah made it clear she wasn’t interested in any sort of appeasement with her father dearest, but he drops her a line or two and has her doubting all that she knows to be true. Well he nerve said he loved you , remember that. The emotional torment is very real and it’s a good job she has friends to rely on when she’s upset. Because this break up is the worse yet. No going back ,what is it all worth ,this time on the earth ,she’s so dismayed. In the end what price to pay because she got laid. Excellent storytelling,I’m amazed by this awesome book ,full of amazing characters that are real to life. Loving and strife and lots and true but a bit uncaring what can you do. Great writing Ivy Snow way to go !

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake engagement workplace romance

This was another great slow-build romance by Ivy Snow; with wonderful chemistry between the main characters, misunderstandings, business dealings, friendship, twists, a charming 13-year-old boy, humor and a great HEA.

Silas and Leah first meet in Rome while she's trying to have time away from her father and he saves her when there's an earthquake which leads to a steamy one-night stand but he then calls it a mistake. Five years later Leah has moved back to New York and is looking for work. When she goes for a PA position she doesn't expect Silas to be the one she'll be working for and though they both deny it, the feelings are still there.

To help with a business deal as well as with his 13 year-old son, Silas proposes a fake engagement which Leah accepts as she's become fond of his son, Caleb, and to get at her father, who she discovers is his best friend. But after a family trip to England to seal the business deal with Kane's family (Baby & My Next Door Billionaire) they can't deny the feelings between them anymore.

But is Silas willing to admit he wants a future with Leah, and how will her father react when he finds out?.

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

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Grumpy Boss is about Silas who is in his early 50s, a billionaire, in the cinematic industry. Leah is the daughter of Silas best friend. She is in her mid 20s. The two meet years ago in Rome by accident and have a one night stand, present time she is looking for a job because she doesn’t want to work for her father and ends up working for him. He needs a fake fiance and she accepts because his son, a teenager, has built a connection with her.

Overall the good is pretty good and I love their chemistry and hot scenes. He loves to spoil her and treat her like a queen even when they don’t accept the feelings they have for each other.

One thing I question is how can Silas be best friends with her dad who is such a scum bag. Silas is hard worker and decent and the father is not. The other thing I thought was still open was the dislike of Leah towards her father. She kept saying it was because of the mother but I don’t get a sense that it was fully explained.

Overa I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Ivy Snow book but highly unlikely to be my last. I love the fast pace, the emotions this book brought out and the sometimes angst that made me set it aside for a few minutes to collect myself. Not long though, as I had to find out what was going to happen next.
The main characters are Leah and Silas. They meet accidentally in Rome and have a wonderful night of passion. Silas does what he does, panics and pushes her away in the morning. Years pass and Leah, unknowingly to her and Silas, she ends up taking a job as his assistant.
As the story continues to go through ups and downs her father finds out she is Silas’s fiancé to make him look better for a potential buying opportunity. And to say he is not too pleased is an understatement. Things start to fall apart quickly (with help from Leahs father) and both Silas and Leah pay a price that neither really wants and they shortly discover life together will be better than apart. This book is a surprisingly quick read and very enjoyable. I’d highly recommend it and would carve out a weekend to read it.

[Mommy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Ivy Snow, and I was not disappointed! Right from page 1 my attention was caught, and I could not put it down until the very end. This book has enemies to lovers tension, a fake engagement, spice (lots of it!) and a whole lot of drama you will not want to miss. This is an age gap forbidden romance. I loved how Leah and Silas met in the opening chapters. When visiting Rome, there is an Earthquake, and Silas ends up saving Leah from the museum rumbles, and they share a passionate one night stand. The next morning, Silas leaves her broken hearted. Fast forward 5 years later, Leah takes a job as a CEO's assistant, and guess who it is? None other that her hot billionaire one night stand from Rome. Leah also learns that Silas is her estranged father's best friend, who will stop at nothing to end Leah and Silas's fake engagement. There are plot twists and drama to keep the reader's interest until the very end.

If you enjoy spicy age gap romance, I highly recommend this one!

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas is a man in his 50’s, a billionaire who is in Rome to see his brother direct a movie. Leah, a woman in her mid 20’s walks in on him coming out of his bathroom at the hotel. Wrong room, wrong card key. Leah is here to take in Rome - see the sights, art, museums. Leah and Silas hit it off. The next day they run into each other at a museum. There is a big rumbling and shaking of buildings and walls start crumbling. Leah is caught under some rubble and is rescued by Silas. Five years later Silas is still a billionaire, still owning his own company and still being successful. Leah get’s a request for a personal assistant and she would be working for Silas. Leah really doesn’t know if this would be a good idea! It’s a love - hate relationship. Will they hate more - love less or not love at all! They are passionate, sexy, steamy and unsure about what they are experiencing. Will we finally make it home?.

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

[Darlene Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first paragraph opens this book with much intrigue.
A Roman holiday you say...
The author has given the reader much to absorb.
Time, lost, found, surprises and healing are part and parcel in this love story.
The fire that started so long ago is burning hotter. It never went away.
Like a missing puzzle piece, everything that was missing is found effortlessly slides into place. The author gives a deep description of characters, Silas, Leah and Caleb whom you learn to love.
There a connection becomes real. We feel that they become a part of us.
Silas has built his empire by rules he set out for himself and they have served him well.
Until Leah, then, rules are meant to be broken. From tragedy, starts new beginnings. I did not want this story to end it was that good.
Ivy Snow has given this story all the feels with plenty of hot spice that holds me and keeps me coming back for more.

[Patricia Ausmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah wants nothing to do with her father so she decides to travel. While in Rome she accidentally walks into the wrong room just as the guest is coming out of the shower so she gets a show. Feeling embarrassed she leaves. The next day she is visiting a museum right in the middle of a movie shoot. All of a sudden there is a massive earthquake and she gets trapped. When someone finally comes to rescue her it is none other that the man she walked in on. They end up spending the night together after their hotel is destroyed.
5 years later she ends up going to work for him and finding out that he is her estranged father's best friend.

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

[Terily · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning this book was a page turner. Reading it made me feel like I was in the book itself like I was one of the characters, it was a very descriptive book. The whole fake concept what a joke you just knew it was going to turn into something real. I really enjoyed the story so much I couldn’t put the book down until I noticed it was way early into the next morning that’s how good it was. I didn’t too much care for Leah’s father. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the plot thickens and secrets are discovered. I would recommend this book to fans of the Author and to those that enjoy billionaire age gap romances with a HEA.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss, Love, and Finding Peace! This is about Silas and Leah. These two meet in Rome by accident at first but then bump into each other as he comes to her rescue when an earthquake occurs. After the quake, he takes Leah to his home outside of the city, and there they have a one-night stand because the next day is rough for Silas, and he takes it out on her. There is an age gap between these two, but five years later, they meet again because she is applying to his company but doesn't know who he is. He, of course, hires her, and the story takes off. Note that he has a son, and she doesn't speak to her father, who is also his best friend. This is a must-read!.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW this a great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. This was a forbidden love affair like a rollercoaster ride of madness. The chemistry between Leah and Silas sexual tension and the physical attraction was unbelieveable of emotions and drama of passion. One night with him will change her life forever in a big way. Could he be falling in love with him in this moment.

I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Maria Blackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute good read! I loved the different family dynamics and a strong FMC who doesn't bend to others will, even family. This story starts with a one night stand gone wrong to 5 years fast forward getting into a fake engagement, with lots of twists and turns along the way. The 'fake' engagement starts to turn real for both, but only one side acknowledged it. But, in the end we get our HEA and I LOVED the swooning!!!! There were some inconsistencies in the story, but for the most part it was a very good and very fun read!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah and Silas meet when they are in Rome during a bad earthquake. When he takes her with him when she has no place to go its not long before things heat up between them. Now years later they reconnect when Leah applies for a job and Silas is her new boss. Things get complicated when he asks her to pretend to be his fiancé but its not long before things heat up between them again. Will this is another chance for them?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[LeeBee8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky take on the billionaire romance trope, wirh with a side hustle of deeply annoying interference from a clueless father. Estranged dad playing clueless “protector” to his daughter and screwing everything up is strangely relatable - although the bank account balances involved meant the level of interference was far more intense than expected.

Story was enjoyable, stayed up way too late finishing it!.

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

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas is in Rome supporting his brother, who is making a film. Leah is on holiday by herself and finds herself needing to rescued by Silas twice. Both have chemistry and spend a steamy night together. Five years later Leah applies for a job and the owner and her boss is no other than 50 year old billionaire Silas her hot one night hero. Leah's relationship with her father is one of distance but he is Silas best friend.

We have fake fiancé, age gap, chemistry and family.

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

[Kelly Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his brother’s death, Silas kept everything bottled up. Leah was doing a good job of avoiding her father, dashing off to Rome. Rome where two people in different stages of their lives have one steamy night together. Five years later their paths cross again. As their story ebbs and flows, and Leah’s father rears his ugly head, the drama unfolds. Grab the tissues with this Age-gap steamy HEA love story.

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

[Pam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't finished reading this book yet but I wanted to go ahead and leave my thoughts. They've all been through a lot with each of them having different issues, of course. But I like how Caleb's attitude improves because of Leah and the chemistry between Silas and Leah is 🔥. I'm looking forward to reading about their relationships and what the ending will bring. I'll report back!! Okay, I finished the book. It's a great story with lots of drama, friendships and love. Thankfully, there's a HEA.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rome Vibrations

Leah and Silas meet in Rome, where he ends up saving her life, but the consequences of that day haunt them years later. Reuniting wasn't expected, but the chemistry they shared lingers with uncertainty. This story was emotionally charged and heartbreaking at times. The development of the main characters was complex and added to the overall plot. Despite the outcome of some things, it was enjoyable to read.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not knowing he’s her dad’s best friend, Leah falls for an older man. Lots of heartache, a relationship built on lies, and a controlling vengeful dad. I love how headstrong Leah is, but she takes it a little bit overboard.
For some reason, I just couldn’t connect with these characters. It’s not a bad book, I personally, just didn’t connect.
I always love a good age-gap romance and this one came with a great HEA.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being on vacation in Rome by yourself isn't so fun when your dad can't be there. Silas is there because his brother is shooting a movie and wanted to support him. Throw in a earthquake, a one night stand, a job interview, dad's best friend, and a whole lot more, and you've got a story that will knock your socks off. Loved all the dynamics.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! I loved how they met and a one night stand came back and turned into a fake engagement. There was great chemistry between Leah and Silas. Leah had great patience and forgiveness. The drama in this book was just crazy and pure evil. A great story that sucks you in, it was hot, steamy, cringe worthy and sometimes made you want to scream. Highly recommend!

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

[lissyloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Leah and Silas. He helps her out 5 years prior, but met again 5 years later when she is his new assistant. This is an older man younger woman romance. It has some hot and steamy scenes. There are lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes. It was an addictive read that I couldn’t put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would highly recommend it.

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

[Kristen Kull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the story and couldn't put it down. Both MC'S had intense chemistry from the beginning in Greece. Even though the male MC was her father's age. I love a hot, older, distinguished gentleman. Both were trying to fight their attraction to each other. Among other issues in their own lives. HEA was fantastic! Epiloge rocked.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah and Silas have a lot of baggage starting five years before when he helps her out it led to an intimate encounter with repercussions. They reconnect when she becomes his assistant, and their story path begins. If you are a fan of books that reads like soap operas this one will have you all caught up in it.

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

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC read and was a book that I generally enjoyed. The storyline was great and kept me hooked… I’m not sure whether “Daddy Issues” or “Age Gap” is for me, especially one where the guy is old enough to be her dad. However, I often forgot that was the case due to the story and character development.

Overall, a good read but feel like it’s not one of Snow’s best pieces of work - although it won’t stop me reading any of future ones!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thi story grabs your attention from the first page to the last one. It has the perfect combination of complicated and complicated. Silas has a one night stand with Leah, who is much younger but also his best friend's daughter… Five years later they meet again under different circumstances. It is a story of passion, adventure and so much chemistry between the characters . Really good story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.