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Not" Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

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I never imagined a fake engagement to my brother’s best friend was in my future.

In high school, Nate was my crush—but now, he’s a grumpy, single dad billionaire who’s even more gorgeous than I remember.

While my brother’s house is being renovated, I’m staying with Nate.

Living here has me falling for him hard, especially when I watch him with his son.

His love for Max is undeniable, but his heart seems otherwise locked away after a past heartbreak.

Our fake engagement, meant to handle his menacing ex-wife, feels more real than I want to admit.

And soon, our tender moments together make me believe we’re both finding love.

Everything changes when his amnesic ex-wife moves in under doctor’s orders.

Heartbroken, I fear what this means for our budding romance.

I’m not about to become second best to a woman from his past, but I don’t want to lose him either.

If I can't handle this, it may lead to a heartbreaking farewell.

Totally heartbreaking.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

17 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Josie Frost

27 books27 followers

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5 stars
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8 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Yugie Caroline.
324 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2025
If there is one way to describe how I felt while reading this book, it would be "heavy." Like a weight was on my chest for the most part of the book. Yet it doesn't mean I didn't like it. In fact, I know when a book is good because it elicits strong emotions from me. That heaviness is actually what kept me glued to the book from start to finish, because I knew that at one point that heaviness would be replaced by the profound delight of a happy ending.

Much of the heaviness was brought about by the dynamic between the two main characters, Nate Kingston and Liz Lawson. Nate is Liz's big brother's long time best friend, and someone she's had a crush on forever. He's a single dad, and the relationship he's had with the mother of his son has been remarkably painful enough to make him build stiff walls around his heart.

Trying to move past her own failed relationship, Liz heads over to their old hometown to temporarily live with Nate while her big brother's house is under renovation. Nate is shocked to see her arrive at their home, for apparently her big brother failed to mention her temporary stay with them. So from then on starts a tentative relationship where they fight - and fail - a growing attraction. It's Liz who more readily accepts the strong pull Nate has on her, and acknowledges that she is falling for him. Nate is equally drawn to her, but his walls are harder to break, and he more strongly denies the growing need he has for Liz. For me, that's the source of the heaviness I felt, seeing Nate's continued resistance, and the way he kept pushing her away with his words when his actions clearly say another. But his words cut deeper than his actions, and you could not help but empathize with Liz for how he made her feel with his words.

Then there's the added complication of Nate's ex-wife. Uuugh, she truly was someone you'd love to hate! The difficult predicament she thrust Nate into was truly something you wanted to strangle her over.

Finally, it's the threat of truly losing her that finally forces Nate to man up, fight be through his fears, and take the risk with Liz. This, for me, is one of the best tropes: where the gruff man who's sworn off any chance at love finally holds up their hands in surrender after realizing once and for all that it will hurt him more if he doesn't let her in.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,110 reviews22 followers
February 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Josie’s book are usually light hearted and full of easy to read goodness. This book was just as good, but definitely focused on some heavier emotions than previous books. The MMC has walls built around his heart that he isn’t going to let down easily. This story made me hurt for our FMC, get angry at the MMC, but finally the HEA came through. The more emotion a book can elicit from me, the more I enjoy it.

Liz is coming home after another failed relationship. Her brother arranged a place for her to stay until his place was ready. Only problem is he forgot to tell his best friend he offered his house up to his sister. So when she showed up at his doorstep, it wasn’t to a warm welcome. But he still welcomes her in and allows her to stay. Now living with a man she’s been crushing on forever, her feelings continue to grow. She knows she’s falling, and her roommate’s actions say he is too. However, his words say something els and they cut deep.

Nate hasn’t trusted anyone fully since his ex-wife ruined their relationship. Now a single father, his heart is guarded. When his best friend’s sister arrives at his house to stay for a little while, a fact his best friend forgot to mention, he knows he can’t turn her way. Nate can feel himself starting to melt around Liz, but isn’t ready to fully take down the walls he’s built up. He knows his actions don’t match his words and he continues to keep Liz at an arm's length away, even though all he wants is to pull her close.

Josie provides her readers with a book that is full of raw emotion, pain, and healing. When you give your heart to someone and they stomp on it, it’s easy to hide your heart away. I loved reading about Nate softening for Liz and enjoyed the journey he had to go on to finally admit his feelings. Liz remains steadfast and resilient throughout the book as well. Another amazing story from Josie that I am so glad I read!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🌹Brother’s Best Friend
🔥Fake Engagement
🌹Small Town Romance
🔥Mutual Pining
🌹Clean Romance
199 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2025
“NOT” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire is a wonderfully written story of unexpected attraction, love, suspense, and has Max wondering how the younger sister of his best friend is now staying in his house and has his attention. Liz has arrived back home for the time being. She shows up at Nate’s house thinking he’s expecting her, but he’s not. Her brother, Bryan, was supposed to let him know since he had told Liz she could stay with Nate while his beach house is being renovated. This is an awkward situation as Liz overhears the conversation between Nate and Bryan. As Liz attempts to get settled in her room, her mind is filled with thoughts of Nate. She’s attracted to him and not quite sure how to keep those feelings and emotions unknown.
As Liz wakes up the next morning, there’s a little boy watching her, he’s the spitting image of Nate, he must be his son. Max and his ever-present dog Boomer are easy to like. Max has a wonderful imagination and is energetic and always ready for adventure.
Nate can’t believe how much Liz has changed and why he feels attracted to her. This cannot happen, it’s the bro code, you don’t mess with your friend’s sister. Nate has bigger things to worry about, his company. It seems that the past few deals he’s proposed have not gone to his company. There’s a ruthless newcomer, Jensen Kirk, who seems to know what Nate’s proposal is and makes his proposal better. There must be someone that works for Nate who provides the information. Bryan’s company can investigate cases like this, so Nate hires him to find out who it is so he can press charges against them.
This heartwarming story is filled with emotions, humor, suspense, and the unexpected. It’s a must-read book if you enjoy uplifting, feel-good stories. Don’t miss out…get your copy of “NOT Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire” today.

1,499 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2025
I never imagined a fake engagement to my brother’s best friend was in my future.

In high school, Nate was my crush—but now, he’s a grumpy, single dad billionaire who’s even more gorgeous than I remember.

While my brother’s house is being renovated, I’m staying with Nate.

Living here has me falling for him hard, especially when I watch him with his son.

His love for Max is undeniable, but his heart seems otherwise locked away after a past heartbreak.

Our fake engagement, meant to handle his menacing ex-wife, feels more real than I want to admit.

And soon, our tender moments together make me believe we’re both finding love.

Everything changes when his amnesic ex-wife moves in under doctor’s orders.

Heartbroken, I fear what this means for our budding romance.

I’m not about to become second best to a woman from his past, but I don’t want to lose him either.

If I can't handle this, it may lead to a heartbreaking farewell.

Totally heartbreaking.

This contemporary billionaire brother's best friend romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Ocean Bay and characters that are alpha, exuding power, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with "Not" engaged to the grumpy billionaire, tame romance, a fake engagement, humor, drama, heartfelt emotions, possible heartbreak/wearing heart on the sleeve, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers hearts and attention with "not" engaged to the grumpy billionaire and a tame sweet romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly hilarious and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile.
724 reviews35 followers
February 10, 2025
"Not" Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire follows Liz, a woman recovering from a failed relationship, who unexpectedly finds herself living with her brother's best friend, the wealthy and brooding Nate. Despite their initial animosity, a strong attraction develops between them. However, Nate's past heartbreak and the return of his manipulative ex-wife threaten to derail their budding romance.

This story explores the complexities of second-chance love and the challenges of overcoming past hurts. The "grumpy sunshine" trope is well-utilized, with Nate's gruff exterior gradually softening as he succumbs to Liz's infectious charm. The author effectively captures the internal struggles of both characters as they navigate their growing feelings while grappling with their pasts.

However, the narrative suffers from some pacing issues. The rapid escalation of their attraction, coupled with the frequent shifts in Nate's emotional availability, can feel somewhat inconsistent. Additionally, the constant threat of Nate's ex-wife returning creates a sense of manufactured drama that occasionally overshadows the development of the main characters' relationship.

"Not" Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire is a quick and engaging read for fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope and readers who enjoy stories about second chances and overcoming past hurts. While the pacing and character development could be more nuanced, the story offers a satisfying romantic resolution and will appeal to those seeking a lighthearted escape.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
February 2, 2025
Taking a Stand . . .

Nate Kingston and Liz Lawson have a surprise coming. After a breakup, Liz needs a place to stay and plans on staying with her brother temporarily. However, that situation is not available to her and she instead will be staying with her brother’s best friend, Nate, a single father with a young son Max. Four years ago, his ex-wife Becky had walked out on him and their son without a second glance. For that reason, Nate strongly protects his heart so he never has to go through that pain again. Despite an attraction, Nate just can’t bring himself to fully take a chance on love again. And to make things even more difficult, his horrible ex-wife pops back in to complicate his life. She says she has changed and wants to make things right, but it doesn’t seem truthful. She’s playing some sort of game, and Nate doesn’t want Max to be hurt. But what is she up to? And how will Liz react to all the drama that Becky will most certainly elicit? If Nate doesn’t show Liz how he feels about her, he very seriously risks losing someone very special. Will he finally take a stand and fight for what he wants? Or will he let his ex-wife manipulate him and ruin everything?
395 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2025
This novel is an engaging and heartwarming romance.

It blends the beloved tropes of a grumpy billionaire, single dad, and brother’s best friend into an emotional love story.

The plot is well-paced, offering just the right balance of tension and tender moments.

The emotional development feels natural, and incorporating family and personal growth themes enhances the story’s richness.

Frost’s writing is smooth and immersive, with witty dialogue and characters.

The emotional stakes keep the reader invested, though some moments could have benefitted from deeper introspection.

In places, the internal monologues slow the pacing.

Overall, Not Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire is a delightful read for fans of heartfelt, slow-burn romance with strong emotional depth.
861 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2025
Liz was a burst of sunshine and comfort into grumpy Nate and his 6 year old son Max's life. Everything was completely unexpected and just so naturally right. Reading their story was a huge dose of pleasant mornings, perfect afternoon outings, and even a few sweet romantic evenings. Not to say their relationship was without its challenges. Work, exs, the whole best friend's little sister who is off limits thing.....

Add to that all the fun characters that are best in romcoms, like the small town gossips who love a good story and a seriously manipulative ex and there is just enough excitement, history, and character growth to keep the story interesting. The kid was well written too - I think my favorite scenes were where he was being grumpy just like dad.
1,397 reviews16 followers
February 2, 2025
I love all things Josie Frost, and this does not disappoint!! Nate Kingston is a grumpy single dad to his son Max, and a billionaire CEO. Liz Lawson has moved back to Ocean Bay. She had planned to stay with her brother Bryan, but his home is being renovated. He said it was ok to stay with his friend Nate. As she shows up at Nate's door, he does not recognize her; and knows nothing about her staying with him. She had had a crush on him as a teenager. Liz is working through a bad breakup. With Nate's ex-wife Becky showing up, and wanting to get back together; Liz is now Nate's fake girlfriend- fiance. How does this work out for everyone? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Josie Frost!!!!
595 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2025
Josie is always a go to author for me. I have enjoyed many of her books over the last year or so.

Nate is a single dad of a little boy named Max, and also happens to be her brother's best friend. Liz turned to her brother for a place to stay after her last relationship ended. She ends up at Nate's house due to his company working on her brother's beach house.

How will Nate react to having Liz in his house and around his son? How does Max act around Liz? Will Nate ever relax around Liz? What happens between the two of them? Will he let her leave his house when her brother's house is completed? What happens with her ex? What happens to Nate's competition? Who has betrayed him in his own company? Let's finish reading to find out!
376 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
Is a sweet single dad, brother's best friend, fake dating romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- "You’re leaving?" Max asks. "Oh! But Liz is here, so it’s okay!" --- "When it comes to love, rules tend to break." --- "Flattery won’t get you out of buying me dessert." --- You light up every room you walk into. I don’t want to imagine my days without that smile. --- "I just want to give you the best time and create memories with you.” ---
Max and Boomer are adorable, funny and sometimes they steal the show.
What's Kirk up to? Who sold Nate out? Who's the mole in Nate's company? What's Becky up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Liz and Nate's story and I'm sure you will too. I can't wait to read her next book.
33 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
Josie ends up at Nate’s house when she comes home from a bad breakup. She had planned to stay at her brother’s house, but his best friend’s (Nate) company is redoing his house. So, Bryan (Josie’s brother) sets it up for her to stay at Nate’s house. Somehow, Nate didn’t get them memo. Max, Nate’s son, is a charmer! Josie and Max become fast friends. Nate is supposed to “keep away” from Josie - so says brother. But…..well, you know how that works, right? Anyway, this is a great read and I can’t wait for the next one in the series! You will have a hard time putting the book down once you start reading!

I received an advanced readers copy and this is my honest review freely given.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
February 5, 2025
Her brother says she can stay at his house until his is done.
BUT HE FORGETS TO TELL HIM. Awkward!!! Also forgets to tell her he has a son!!! He goes to work - and realizes someone is undercutting him — WHO is leaking the info??? When he finds out he fires her - but now he has no secretary. . . . NOW WHAT?? When he gets home Is really grumpy and she wants to know
Why . . . .and ends up helping him!!! Taking care of his son, cooking for them . . . .and life takes on some curves . . .. this is a superb book. Loved it!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
147 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2025
Well written and entertaining!

This didn’t read quite your typical “fake”
trope. I was drawn in very quickly. I like the way she developed the characters in this book. The author’s descriptions of Nate’s young son and Boomer, the dog, were vibrant and very amusing. Liz may have been recovering from a bad relationship but she doesn’t hold back her thoughts and feelings. Her warmth toward Nate’s son felt very real. Nate is relatable and a caring father. The ex-wife was very very easy to dislike. It was a good book. You will enjoy this book especially so if you enjoyed her other “fake” relationship stories.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews156 followers
February 1, 2025
This heartfelt story captures your emotions and have you cheering on Nate and Liz to get their second chance for happiness. They both have endured dysfunctional relationships that have the walling off their hearts but when she comes back to town and has to stay with Nate for the duration of her brother's beach house renovation feels bloom and walls come to down. Will their feelings lead them along the path to a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,081 reviews21 followers
January 31, 2025
This is book 1 in Frost's The Billionaire Best Friends of Ocean Bay series. A good start to a new series that promises to be great. Well written, sweet and clean romance read with main characters Nate Kingston and Liz Lawson. Captivating and heartwarming this romance read is sure to please and if like me, you'll be excited to see what's next from Frost and this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for C.Y..
156 reviews
February 2, 2025
As with Josie's other books, I appreciated this one, although it wasn't my favorite due to the ex-wife's character, which began to frustrate me. It seems like a common trope in stories like this for the ex-wife to sabotage the relationship. Becky does this not once, but twice throughout the narrative. On a positive note, Nate's son was endearing. Overall, it was a great book, and I'm grateful to have received an advance copy for free. I voluntarily left my review.
Profile Image for Book Addict.
785 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2025
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Best Friend's little sister... bit of an implausible meeting after so many years but aside from that a sweet clean story of missed opportunities and love. With loads of grumpy morning breakfasts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,403 reviews11 followers
February 1, 2025
One more great read of the Author. Liz’s temporary stay at Nate’s house changed their minds.
Well written and very emotional story that engages readers immediately.
Loved characters, their stubbornness but easy falling into family rhythm. Adorable Max and Boomer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,589 reviews31 followers
February 6, 2025
Josie Frost brings us an entertaining story with a fake engagement between Liz and single dad, Nate, who is Liz’s brother’s best friend, who also has a conniving ex-wife, a company traitor, and problems with his board of directors. In addition to all of that we get romance, humor, and a few twists. I loved this book.
Profile Image for ABurch74.
423 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2025
This is a fast-paced heartwarming story. I fell in love with the characters, especially Max and Boomer. The author does a good job painting the picture and keeping the reader involved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cyndi Taylor.
511 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2025
I like a good slow burn, brothers best friend, second chance. Josie Frost writes great clean romances.i wanted to reach through the Kindle screen and shake his ex.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashley Eppley.
Author 12 books2 followers
February 1, 2025
What a heartfullter of read I was satisfied by it is tenderness and lightness. The reading was smoothing simple and warm for wholesomeness.
Profile Image for Qhuay.
402 reviews8 followers
February 21, 2025
Sympa mais sans plus. Aussitôt lu aussitôt oublié. Ça manquait de profondeur.
Profile Image for Hannah.
126 reviews
February 3, 2025
I absolutely loved everything about this book! Nate and Liz were perfect and add in Max & of course Boomer and what's not to love?
No detail is left out and I really enjoy a good clean rom-com with a HEA.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,415 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2025
This is the first book in the series. Hopefully the following books include some of the same characters.
After a messy breakup she decides to visit her brother. Only problem is he's out of town and his house isn't available. When she shows up at his choice of backup housing for her she discovers he forgot to inform the owner. How does she go from a surprise unwelcomed guest to fake engaged? What is her brother's reaction when he comes back?.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews156 followers
February 1, 2025
This heartfelt story captures your emotions and have you cheering on Nate and Liz to get their second chance for happiness. They both have endured dysfunctional relationships that have the walling off their hearts but when she comes back to town and has to stay with Nate for the duration of her brother's beach house renovation feels bloom and walls come to down. Will their feelings lead them along the path to a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hannah.
126 reviews
February 3, 2025
I absolutely loved everything about this book! Nate and Liz were perfect and add in Max & of course Boomer and what's not to love?
No detail is left out and I really enjoy a good clean rom-com with a HEA.
Profile Image for Sae.
13 reviews
April 28, 2025
Overall, it was a good book, but it felt a bit underdeveloped. There was so much more that could have been explored. The romance also felt a bit too insta-love for me.

I’d give it 2.5 stars.
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