Second Chance With The Grumpy Billionaire

Stuck Together In Mermaid Shores

by Andrea Ocean

He’s the grump who broke my heart. Now he’s back… a billionaire sent to destroy my family legacy.

If I ever imagined laying eyes on Jack Wolfington again, I could never see him as the devastatingly handsome, grumpy billionaire businessman sent to bully me out of my one prized possession, the landmark diner I inherited from my aunt Rina.

He’s a completely different person from the boy with the artist’s soul who broke my heart fifteen years ago.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself. But being around him again feels as natural as my breath. And there’s no denying all the unspoken feelings drawing us together.

With matchmaking friends ensuring we’re constantly stuck together, I’m reminded of the love we were once so certain of. I can feel myself falling for him again.

But how can I trust him when the fact is, he came here to destroy me.

If he betrays me now, it will be the end of my family legacy and the final blow to my aching heart.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

Reviews

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance with the Grumpy Billionaire is a heartwarming story filled with love, hope, and resilience. Violet’s in dire need of a miracle. Judy’s Diner needs more customers, maybe some new menu items, perhaps an exciting promotion. The problem is Violet has no idea where to start or what to do; and to top it all off, she’s short on money to fund anything. Tourist is over and the need to turn Judy’s Diner into a profitable business has no chance of happening until the new tourist season starts and even that’s not a guarantee. Violet has struggled to lure customers to the diner. Due to competition that offers newer buildings and more extensive menus, nothing she’s tried is bringing in new customers. There are also the other unexpected expenses of a tropical storm that knocked down an old maple tree that plunged through the roof. The necessary codes, regulations, and certificates were a nightmare. There was also a shut down for two weeks while the repairs were made, then both stoves broke down which caused her to have to shut down for another week. As if that wasn’t enough of a burden to bear, her cook fell in love with a tourist and ran off to Hollywood.
As Violet is trying to come to grips with how much money she’s spent and still not turning a profit, the bell over the door chimes. As she turns to tell whoever it is that the diner is closed for the day, she recognizes the man who is standing there. She hasn’t seen him in fifteen years. When he realizes who she is, he looks confused, frustrated, or maybe just annoyed. It’s Jack, the friend she grew up with and hasn’t heard from in forever. Now Jack is working for Mr. Mosimo, an unscrupulous man who buys up property at low costs and replaces it with an upscaled business to make more money. He doesn’t take no for answer and gets all the properties he goes after. He's found out that Seaview Orchard has several dozen commercial properties on the Cape that have been struggling. He wants all of them so he can build a fancy salad place he’d just acquired, SweetKale. Now, Jack knows that Violet’s aunt Judy diner is one of those properties. He can’t let Mr. Mosimo buy her building, but how will he be able to convince him.
Will Violet be glad to see him? Will she accept his help? Will Jack be able to steer his boss away from Violet’s building? Please don’t miss out on this wonderful drama filled story. I just couldn’t stop reading it, because I had to find out what would happen between Violet and Jack.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s the grump who broke my heart. Now he’s back… a billionaire sent to destroy my family legacy. If I ever imagined laying eyes on Jack Wolfington again, I could never see him as the devastatingly handsome, grumpy billionaire businessman sent to bully me out of my one prized possession, the landmark diner I inherited from my aunt Rina. He’s a completely different person from the boy with the artist’s soul who broke my heart fifteen years ago. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. But being around him again feels as natural as my breath. And there’s no denying all the unspoken feelings drawing us together. With matchmaking friends ensuring we’re constantly stuck together, I’m reminded of the love we were once so certain of. I can feel myself falling for him again. But how can I trust him when the fact is, he came here to destroy me. If he betrays me now, it will be the end of my family legacy and the final blow to my aching heart.

This contemporary small town second chance rom-com romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Mermaid Shores with breathtaking sunset and sunrises that are vibrantly painted across the sky, and characters that are a grumpy alpha billionaire, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with a second chance with the grumpy billionaire, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, high school sweethearts, heartwarming billionaire sent to destroy my family legacy, deception, drama, heartfelt emotions, difficult to trust, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a second chance with the grumpy billionaire and a sweet second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly heartbreaking and unforgettable.

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

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

In Andrea’s latest book, we are swept back into her world where happy endings reign and feel good novels are a guarantee. Everytime I pick up a book by Andrea, I find myself smiling, laughing out loud, and instantly engaged in the story. She writes stories that are easy to connect to, find an escape through, and the ability to read in one sitting. This book gives us romance, a touch of drama, and the second chance love we love to read about.

Violet Truman and Jack Wolfington have a past. One that ended in heartbreak and them not seeing each other for many years. Now Jack is back in Mermaid Shores working for the man who is trying to buy Violet’s diner to turn into something that is not Mermaid Shores. The man who broke her heart once upon a time is now the man she has to convince to not buy the diner just to be torn down.

As these two continue to orbit around each other, their feelings from the past begin to surface again. But how can Violet trust Jack again? How can Jack earn Violet’s trust again? I loved watching these two let their guard down around each other. It was enduring to see Violet open up to Jack about past hurts and Jack taking her words to heart. Andrea doesn’t disappoint in providing a wonderful, second chance, romance that leaves you feeling giddy!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🍴Second Chance Romance
🌹Small Town Romance
🍴Business in Trouble
🌹Childhood Friends to More
🍴Billionaire x Small Town Gal
🌹Coming Home

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Andrea Ocean, and this does not disappoint!! Fifteen years ago Violet Truman and Jack Wolfington were high school sweethearts in Mermaid Shores. Once they went to different colleges they were doing the long distant relationship; then he just dumps her. He changed his mind. Currently Violet is running her late Aunt Rina's diner; Judy's Diner. Violet never left Mermaid Shores, she always worked at Judy's Diner and inherited it from her Aunt. The diner is in need of more customers and more income; it is barely surviving. The diner had needed a new roof and new stoves. New restaurants in the area are getting the customers and the tourists. Violet is barely hanging on. Jack is now a billionaire businessman, he works for a real estate developer as a senior account manager. His boss is sending him to Mermaid Shores to purchase some property "Judy's Diner." As Jack shows up at the diner, Violet is shocked to see him, he asks for her Aunt Rina; not knowing she died. Violet nearly throws him out. He finds out Violet is running the diner herself, and that it needs major upgrades. He worked there in high school as a cook, and helps Violet out now. Can they keep the diner without Jack's boss getting it first? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Andrea Ocean!!!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and Jack’s Story . . .

Violet needs to find a way to increase business at Judy’s Diner. But tourist season is over and she has little money left to add some much-needed changes and generate more customer interest. With repairs she has had to make and storm damage, she was not feeling hopeful she could bounce back from this. When someone walks in the door whom she hasn’t seen for 15 years, she is not happy to find her old friend Jack Wolfington. His wealthy boss buys up failing properties to build high price commercial buildings. Is Jack here to force Violet to sell the diner that means so much to her? Or will he instead want a second chance with the woman whose heart he broke? Will the community pull together for them? And can she trust him this time to do right by her?

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Mermaid Shore series. A heartwarming second chance love story. When Jack comes back to Mermaid Shores after fifteen years to close a deal for his boss he’s shocked to find Violet still there and now owner if the restaurant his boss wants. He broke her heart and discovers he wants a second chance. Violet can’t trust this new version of Jack and doesn’t want to forgive him. Jack has to prove he’s here to stay. With the help of some from members of the community there just might be a chance. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend.

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

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story and I recommend it to everyone who loves a great romance story. The H and h meet and fall in love in high school and after one year in college the H breaks up with the h who is devastated. Fifteen years later the H returns on business. The encounter between the two is not pleasant and the confrontation continues for a few days until the H realizes that he really doesn’t want to do what he was sent there to do and then he takes a different approach. How he changes and changes the mind of the h is wonderful to read. They get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. ENJOY!

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Mermaid Shores Series and is a heartwarming second chance love story. When Jack comes back to Mermaid Shores after being away for 15 years, he is shocked to find Violet is still there and running the diner. Unfortunately, the reason he is in town is because his boss wants to buy the diner. Jack broke her heart when he left and now wants to make amends while Violet isn't sure she can trust this new version of him and doesn't want to forgive him. Well-written story with great characters. I love how Jack and Violet end up working together and how his boss's plans are thwarted. A fun, sweet read. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet inherited her Aunt Rina’s diner but things are not going well for her. Jack was her boyfriend who disappeared after college and broke her heart. Now he is back and Violet is not exactly happy. A wonderful story of second chances. Ms Ocean paints lovely pictures of Mermaid Shores. Her writing grabs the reader from the first and doesn’t let the reader go till the final word. Wonderful main characters and I also loved Miss Maisie. I highly recommend this book.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet and Jack have a history... And when Jack comes back to town, expecting to meet with Violet's aunt, but finding Violet instead, we're given a story with some enemies-to-lovers, some second-chance, and all the magic of Miss Maisie and Mermaid Shores - making a really fun and sweet read for a cosy reading session.

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

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! Literally read it in one sitting💖 it was a cute second chance clean romance that just makes you feel so happy by the time you finish it.
It is part of a series but each book can be read as a standalone!
I am so excited to read more in this series!

✨Dual POV
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
✨Small Town
✨Sweet
✨Clean

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is trying to save her aunts diner. What's worse is the man who stands before her looking to buy the diner and other property in the area is also the same boy who broke her heart years before. Great fun romantic comedy!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute mermaid shores book. Enjoy reading them because they are short and sweet. This was a second chance at love for Violet and Jack. Didn't disappoint.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! Literally read it in one sitting

[Hara Drakou · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️
Finally a slightly different trope. Easy to say I liked this a lot more than the previous three ones!

[Frances Packingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story line. Clean story. No spice. Jack and Violet had been a couple when younger and now fit to enemies. It was an interesting way he tried to "prove" himself to her. This story kept me going. It was good.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance with the Grumpy Billionaire is a heartwarming story filled with love, hope, and resilience. Violet’s in dire need of a miracle. Judy’s Diner needs more customers, maybe some new menu items, perhaps an exciting promotion. The problem is Violet has no idea where to start or what to do; and to top it all off, she’s short on money to fund anything. Tourist is over and the need to turn Judy’s Diner into a profitable business has no chance of happening until the new tourist season starts and even that’s not a guarantee. Violet has struggled to lure customers to the diner. Due to competition that offers newer buildings and more extensive menus, nothing she’s tried is bringing in new customers. There are also the other unexpected expenses of a tropical storm that knocked down an old maple tree that plunged through the roof. The necessary codes, regulations, and certificates were a nightmare. There was also a shut down for two weeks while the repairs were made, then both stoves broke down which caused her to have to shut down for another week. As if that wasn’t enough of a burden to bear, her cook fell in love with a tourist and ran off to Hollywood.
As Violet is trying to come to grips with how much money she’s spent and still not turning a profit, the bell over the door chimes. As she turns to tell whoever it is that the diner is closed for the day, she recognizes the man who is standing there. She hasn’t seen him in fifteen years. When he realizes who she is, he looks confused, frustrated, or maybe just annoyed. It’s Jack, the friend she grew up with and hasn’t heard from in forever. Now Jack is working for Mr. Mosimo, an unscrupulous man who buys up property at low costs and replaces it with an upscaled business to make more money. He doesn’t take no for answer and gets all the properties he goes after. He's found out that Seaview Orchard has several dozen commercial properties on the Cape that have been struggling. He wants all of them so he can build a fancy salad place he’d just acquired, SweetKale. Now, Jack knows that Violet’s aunt Judy diner is one of those properties. He can’t let Mr. Mosimo buy her building, but how will he be able to convince him.
Will Violet be glad to see him? Will she accept his help? Will Jack be able to steer his boss away from Violet’s building? Please don’t miss out on this wonderful drama filled story. I just couldn’t stop reading it, because I had to find out what would happen between Violet and Jack.

[Ruth R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet works in her own restaurant that inherited from her aunt,there were some unfortunate circumstances and she had to close for repairs,and than the chef fell in love and he gone and she had to work herself into the kitchen .
One evening as always the customers were few and when they left she was closing until a figure appeared ,he entered inside, he was her first love and the one who broke her heart.
She didn’t seen him for about fifteen years.
Jake came back to his childhood home town, his boss wanted him to buy the Judy restaurant ,she laughed to his face.
When he asked for her aunt ,he didn’t know that she died,he felt sorry for her.
The day after he went to help on the kitchen but his boss continued phoning him to see if he made the deal.

A book that I really loved reading,
A story that for sure everyone appreciates.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely visit to Mermaid Shores. Andrea Ocean really hit a home run with this book. I fell in love with the characters, Violet and Jack, and loved seeing the town wise woman again-Miss Maisie.

Jack gets sent home (from NYC) to Mermaid Shores to acquire a home-town diner, one he worked at in high school. Unbeknownst to him, the owner has died and passed ownership over to her niece-his high school flame.

Can Jack tackle how he has changed in the last 15 years? Can he ever hope to get Violet to trust him again? Can Violet move past her heartbreaking past with Jack long enough to get to know him again?

Favorite quotes:

“The silence stretches between us like a living thing – a lazy cat elongating its limbs with careless disregard for all the space it’s taking up.”

“Of course, forgetting Violet was never an option. She’s a part of who I am. She’s woven into my very soul, and it’s about time I stopped pretending otherwise.”

I loved this book.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When he is assigned to buy out a restaurant in the town he used to live he knows things are going to be complicated. What he didn't know was how complicated. She's struggling to keep the restaurant afloat after her aunt passed away. Seeing him walk in wanting to buy the restaurant was the last straw. Will he succeed in his boss's plan? How do they know each other?.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more great read in Stuck Together In Mermaid Shores series.
Jack ruined her heart fifteen years ago and now he is here to ruin her business? Is this the way how it supposed to be?
Emotional and bit heavy reading of second chances and following dreams. Violet and Jack have supporting community in Mermaid Shores who love Love and second chances.
Enjoyed the book!.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great story. It was a page turner and the suspense was sweet and exciting. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. These characters were fun and entertaining of the emotions and romance.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like these books except sometimes the female protagonist can be a real pain in the rear! I wish Violet could see past her hurt to realize what Jack lost. But these are written as real people with real emotions.
I love Mermaid Shores and look forward to the next love connection!

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