What do you think?
Rate this book
Grumpy Boss Daddy
Crushing on my daddy’s best friend is one thing.
Getting pregnant with his child is a whole different ball game.
Top of my class and I still end up jobless, having to move back home.
My dad’s best friend steps in and gives me a job.
At work, he’s super cocky and high-and-mighty not taking me seriously.
Things get complicated when I realize he’s my next-door neighbor.
It melts my heart when I see the tenderness he has for son.
I catch myself peeking through my window at his rock-hard body, imagining those hands caressing every inch of my body.
He looks at me with desire in his crystal blue eyes.
A few cocktails later, we are intensely entwined with each other stuck on replay.
We know it’s not right, so we decide to stay away.
This stick with two pink lines will make that impossible.
Getting pregnant with his child is a whole different ball game.
Top of my class and I still end up jobless, having to move back home.
My dad’s best friend steps in and gives me a job.
At work, he’s super cocky and high-and-mighty not taking me seriously.
Things get complicated when I realize he’s my next-door neighbor.
It melts my heart when I see the tenderness he has for son.
I catch myself peeking through my window at his rock-hard body, imagining those hands caressing every inch of my body.
He looks at me with desire in his crystal blue eyes.
A few cocktails later, we are intensely entwined with each other stuck on replay.
We know it’s not right, so we decide to stay away.
This stick with two pink lines will make that impossible.
Audible Audio
Published March 17, 2025
65 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 11, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive another ARC from the lovely Lisa and *gasp* I absolutely loved it!
You first meet Ava at her dad’s funeral. She’s having mixed feelings because her dad featured in her life sporadically after succumbing to alcoholism following his discharge from the army. And now, when she’s just 18, he died. George introduces himself to Ava and pulls her away from the crowd of mourners because he can see she needs space. He was a friend of her father’s, having served alongside him.
Then fast forward 3 years. Ava is back in her hometown after an opportunity in New York has fallen through. She moves in with her mum and stepdad when a ball comes flying over the fence. She chats to the boy who kicked it over, Freddie, then notices his dad. She thinks he looks familiar and then it hits her, it’s George. She tells George her predicament and he offers her a job. The rest, we we say is history.
This is another awesome age-gap romance by Lisa. Her spicy scenes are on point and both Ava and George are lovable characters.
Overall a nice, easy HEA to start the long weekend.
You first meet Ava at her dad’s funeral. She’s having mixed feelings because her dad featured in her life sporadically after succumbing to alcoholism following his discharge from the army. And now, when she’s just 18, he died. George introduces himself to Ava and pulls her away from the crowd of mourners because he can see she needs space. He was a friend of her father’s, having served alongside him.
Then fast forward 3 years. Ava is back in her hometown after an opportunity in New York has fallen through. She moves in with her mum and stepdad when a ball comes flying over the fence. She chats to the boy who kicked it over, Freddie, then notices his dad. She thinks he looks familiar and then it hits her, it’s George. She tells George her predicament and he offers her a job. The rest, we we say is history.
This is another awesome age-gap romance by Lisa. Her spicy scenes are on point and both Ava and George are lovable characters.
Overall a nice, easy HEA to start the long weekend.
March 31, 2023
Love that Bridges Across the Years
When beautiful blond-haired 18-year-old Ava Goodson met her dad’s best friend, George Harvey, at her dad’s funeral, the older man was one of the few individuals who had known her dad before his time in Afghanistan, lived through the scaring experiences of war with him, and understood the demons that had chased the once lighthearted man into a downward spiral of PTSD and alcohol, no one else could understand the beautiful 18-year-old’s mixture of grief and bitterness. The handsome older man with his comforting words shared with the grieving daughter her dad, Bryan’s love and pride in his young daughter. And while Ava only recalled a broken man filled with darkness and demons, George’s words brought comfort to Ava’s heart which had been bruised by her father’s damaged heart, mind and actions.
3 years since her dad’s funeral, 21-year-old Ava has graduated from NYU with a degree in creative promotion and is excited to have reason not to return home to Merced, California and all the shadows of her childhood. She had hoped to spend the summer in NYC, securing the apartment that she and good friend Mindy would share over the summer until they enrolled in NYU to pursue graduate degrees. But, when her summer job falls apart, she and Mindy have no choice but to return to their homes, whether they wished to or not.
But home isn’t a happy place for Ava. Mom, Belinda, has remarried and now, Steve is the “man of the house,” a man who resents that her mom had been previously married. And, with Ava home, Steve is reminded every day that he is not her mom’s first husband. And Ava is clear proof that the relationship was physical. So, for Ava, home is not home, and she is frustrated by how fate has undercut her plans. But, fate isn’t done with Ava. Surprisingly, Mom and Steve’s next-door neighbor is the man who was her dad’s military buddy and confident, George, the man who had comforted her the day of dad’s funeral. And, he is a man of skill and business, but his PR department has an opening. Once more, as he had 3 years earlier, George helps her, this time by providing her a summer job which Ava happily accepts. What neither boss nor new hire anticipate is the magic that exists between the young college graduate and the man who is twice her age.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed the older man-younger woman romance, but was constantly distracted by the numerous grammar issues, especially with pronouns. Such grammatical errors are distracting to the reader and undercuts the writer’s claim that the heroine is a college graduate. Also, the writer offers too many complications—boss/employee, older man/younger woman, family friend/daughter of the family. Focus is needed.
When beautiful blond-haired 18-year-old Ava Goodson met her dad’s best friend, George Harvey, at her dad’s funeral, the older man was one of the few individuals who had known her dad before his time in Afghanistan, lived through the scaring experiences of war with him, and understood the demons that had chased the once lighthearted man into a downward spiral of PTSD and alcohol, no one else could understand the beautiful 18-year-old’s mixture of grief and bitterness. The handsome older man with his comforting words shared with the grieving daughter her dad, Bryan’s love and pride in his young daughter. And while Ava only recalled a broken man filled with darkness and demons, George’s words brought comfort to Ava’s heart which had been bruised by her father’s damaged heart, mind and actions.
3 years since her dad’s funeral, 21-year-old Ava has graduated from NYU with a degree in creative promotion and is excited to have reason not to return home to Merced, California and all the shadows of her childhood. She had hoped to spend the summer in NYC, securing the apartment that she and good friend Mindy would share over the summer until they enrolled in NYU to pursue graduate degrees. But, when her summer job falls apart, she and Mindy have no choice but to return to their homes, whether they wished to or not.
But home isn’t a happy place for Ava. Mom, Belinda, has remarried and now, Steve is the “man of the house,” a man who resents that her mom had been previously married. And, with Ava home, Steve is reminded every day that he is not her mom’s first husband. And Ava is clear proof that the relationship was physical. So, for Ava, home is not home, and she is frustrated by how fate has undercut her plans. But, fate isn’t done with Ava. Surprisingly, Mom and Steve’s next-door neighbor is the man who was her dad’s military buddy and confident, George, the man who had comforted her the day of dad’s funeral. And, he is a man of skill and business, but his PR department has an opening. Once more, as he had 3 years earlier, George helps her, this time by providing her a summer job which Ava happily accepts. What neither boss nor new hire anticipate is the magic that exists between the young college graduate and the man who is twice her age.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed the older man-younger woman romance, but was constantly distracted by the numerous grammar issues, especially with pronouns. Such grammatical errors are distracting to the reader and undercuts the writer’s claim that the heroine is a college graduate. Also, the writer offers too many complications—boss/employee, older man/younger woman, family friend/daughter of the family. Focus is needed.
March 12, 2023
Grumpy Boss Daddy was a great read and I didn't want the book to end. Lisa Ryan put together an original story that was easy to read and kept me engaged throughout the book. George and Ava met when she was 18 and there was a spark of chemistry they both felt. Now that she is back from college she discovers they are neighbors. The chemistry is ever present and much stronger this time around. There are some taboo elements and misgivings with George's friendship to her dad and of course their age gap. George's little boy Freddie takes an instant liking to Ava and these two bond quickly. As George and Ava spend more time together their attraction becomes harder to fight. Before they know it these two find themselves in a secret relationship that no one will approve of which only adds stress to the situation. I really liked George and Ava and found myself relating with them. He is an honorable man, a dedicated father, and a grumpy boss who really cares about his employees, but has a weird way of showing it. George has been through a lot and has closed himself off from sharing a relationship with women. Ava has shaken him up and caused him to feel things he doesn't want to feel. Ava has not had an easy life, but she has stars in her eyes dreaming for a bright future. One that will lead her back to New York and out of her little hometown in Merced. She is a little down on her luck when she sees George again. He decided to give her a little help by hiring her to work for him. Ava is a very bright young lady who takes her job seriously. The proximity of their work environment quickly becomes problematic. George makes Ava feel things she has never felt before and as hard as she tries there is no turning off those emotions. There is a lot to be worked through if George and Ava want to have a lasting relationship. This is a book that I feel everyone might enjoy adding to their library.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2023
Ava was just 18 yrs old when her father passed. She only knew him has a angry, drunk father who was hardly around. When he passed, she felt very little emotion. That was when she met George, a friend of her father's from when he was in the military. He helped her through the funeral but otherwise kept his distance from her. Ava left and went to college and now three years later she is back living at home with her mother and stepfather due to plans falling apart.
George kept a eye on Ava from a distance but has worked hard to make a name for himself. He is raising his son on his own after his girlfriend walked out on them both. George sees Ava again and can't get Ava out of his thoughts.
Both fall hard for each other and both want to deny it even to themselves. Follow along has they both navigate their budding relationship and how friends and family react when they learn the truth about their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
George kept a eye on Ava from a distance but has worked hard to make a name for himself. He is raising his son on his own after his girlfriend walked out on them both. George sees Ava again and can't get Ava out of his thoughts.
Both fall hard for each other and both want to deny it even to themselves. Follow along has they both navigate their budding relationship and how friends and family react when they learn the truth about their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2023
Surprise Pregnancy Romance
George & Bryan (Ava's dad) were in the military together. So when Bryan passed away, George goes to his funeral where he saves an overwhelmed Ava from the crowd of people. Even though there is an age gap between George & Ava, there is an instant attraction between them that is hard to ignore. George is a successful businessman, single & has a young son, Freddie. When Ava returns from New York to Merced, Cal. to her mom's place 3 yrs later, she learns George lives next door. The chemistry between them is still strong & his son adores her. Once their secret becomes public, their small town is full of gossips. Will the powers of the gods bring Ava & George together in having a HEA they so richly deserve? Will Ava be ready to step up to be a mom? Read this novel to find out the answers! Lots of drama & mixed feelings with this age-gap couple.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
George & Bryan (Ava's dad) were in the military together. So when Bryan passed away, George goes to his funeral where he saves an overwhelmed Ava from the crowd of people. Even though there is an age gap between George & Ava, there is an instant attraction between them that is hard to ignore. George is a successful businessman, single & has a young son, Freddie. When Ava returns from New York to Merced, Cal. to her mom's place 3 yrs later, she learns George lives next door. The chemistry between them is still strong & his son adores her. Once their secret becomes public, their small town is full of gossips. Will the powers of the gods bring Ava & George together in having a HEA they so richly deserve? Will Ava be ready to step up to be a mom? Read this novel to find out the answers! Lots of drama & mixed feelings with this age-gap couple.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2023
Arc Review
An early intro into the the life of Ava. The loss of her father at a young adult age. The accidental meeting at her Fathers service of one of his Military friends… and the story begins.
“I’m a virgin” not what George expected to hear at the ripe old age of Ava at 21 🫢
Overall, an age gap read. Friend --> Boss --> Lover, a love story from the beginning. Being back at a small town where everyone knows each other and being neighbours too… well… everyone knows each other which causes trouble too.
Yet, when 2 people who fall in love, nothing gets in their way, except the usual -
Age
Virginity
Gossip
Always an Ex.
Greed
A simple read but also brought forth an awareness to children not being cherished by a parent.
George and Ava sitting by a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G 🫢😉 and more
An early intro into the the life of Ava. The loss of her father at a young adult age. The accidental meeting at her Fathers service of one of his Military friends… and the story begins.
“I’m a virgin” not what George expected to hear at the ripe old age of Ava at 21 🫢
Overall, an age gap read. Friend --> Boss --> Lover, a love story from the beginning. Being back at a small town where everyone knows each other and being neighbours too… well… everyone knows each other which causes trouble too.
Yet, when 2 people who fall in love, nothing gets in their way, except the usual -
Age
Virginity
Gossip
Always an Ex.
Greed
A simple read but also brought forth an awareness to children not being cherished by a parent.
George and Ava sitting by a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G 🫢😉 and more
March 21, 2023
George & Ava first met when she was 18. She went off to college and now she has returned. She finds out that they are neighbors and she thinks now is a good time to act on the chemistry that they have. They start a secret relationship because they believe that no one will approve of them being together. Ava bonds well with George's young son, Freddie, as well, which makes him like her all the more. Because she is looking for work, George offers Ava a job working for him. It's not ideal, but they will try to make it work.
I really liked the characters in this story, they were relatable and their reactions made sense. At times I did feel like they were fighting their feelings and just looking for excuses to not be together, but when they gave in it was amazing.
I really liked the characters in this story, they were relatable and their reactions made sense. At times I did feel like they were fighting their feelings and just looking for excuses to not be together, but when they gave in it was amazing.
March 12, 2023
Ava and George will grab your heart in this age gap romance. Not only is he older but her late dad's good friend. The chemistry between them is explosive and the find it hard to stay away from each other. He's grumpy at work but deep down cares about his employees. But he's all sweet and tender when playing with his young son. They get closer now that she's his neighbor and also works for him. What happens when his ex comes back in the picture? What happens when two pink lines appear on her pregnancy test? A good book with no cliffhanger and an HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2023
AVA AND GEORGE
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Ava meets George at her father’s funeral when she is eighteen. George was Ava’s father, Bryan’s, best friend. The two meet again when Ava is down on her luck at the age of twenty-one. The stirrings of love felt at eighteen are still persistent at twenty one and George is an older man of thirty-nine. I like the way the story develops with a dash of menace from an ex and a ray of hope with a pregnancy. The fact that everyone finally wants Ava to be happy is the key to this story being great.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Ava meets George at her father’s funeral when she is eighteen. George was Ava’s father, Bryan’s, best friend. The two meet again when Ava is down on her luck at the age of twenty-one. The stirrings of love felt at eighteen are still persistent at twenty one and George is an older man of thirty-nine. I like the way the story develops with a dash of menace from an ex and a ray of hope with a pregnancy. The fact that everyone finally wants Ava to be happy is the key to this story being great.
March 19, 2023
3-1/2 Stars
I’m a fan of age gap romances. This one drew me in but about half way through I had to push myself to finish. Ava tended to run when faced with a challenge. George didn’t seem very mature in making good choices for a man of his age. Freddy, George’s son was adorable. The book would have earned a 4 star rating, but too many editing errors drove this down to a 3-1/2 stars. Originally I had signed up for an ARC review but I was too late in downloading the book so I purchased the book to honor my review obligation.
I’m a fan of age gap romances. This one drew me in but about half way through I had to push myself to finish. Ava tended to run when faced with a challenge. George didn’t seem very mature in making good choices for a man of his age. Freddy, George’s son was adorable. The book would have earned a 4 star rating, but too many editing errors drove this down to a 3-1/2 stars. Originally I had signed up for an ARC review but I was too late in downloading the book so I purchased the book to honor my review obligation.
April 12, 2023
After graduation Ana’s NY job falls through, and she returns home to stay with her mom and stepfather. George is a neighbor, and was her dad’s best friend, and the chemistry between them is undeniable, and the sparks fly between them, and he offers Ava a job. This is a well written story which has romance, secrets, family, friendships, emotions, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2023
Will family tear Ava & George apart before they've had a chance?
Loved Ava & George's story. Who doesn't love love an age gap romance containing a sexy silver fox. Their story is steamy, forbidden, sexy all wrapped up into a awesome 5 star reading experience. I highly recommend giving their story a read. Looking forward to the author's next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved Ava & George's story. Who doesn't love love an age gap romance containing a sexy silver fox. Their story is steamy, forbidden, sexy all wrapped up into a awesome 5 star reading experience. I highly recommend giving their story a read. Looking forward to the author's next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2023
Top of her class and she still ends up jobless, having to move back home. Her dad’s best friend steps in and gives her a job. Things get complicated when she realizes he’s her next-door neighbor. It melts her heart when she sees the tenderness he has for his son. But soon things get complicated. An entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 6, 2023
Ava
Ava has to return home to live after college because her job fell through. There she isn't welcome by her moms new husband. Their neighbor is her dad's best friend that she met at his funeral. He offers her a job and has helped her heal from the loss of her dad. As they spend more time together they are attracted to each other and want to be more than friends.
Ava has to return home to live after college because her job fell through. There she isn't welcome by her moms new husband. Their neighbor is her dad's best friend that she met at his funeral. He offers her a job and has helped her heal from the loss of her dad. As they spend more time together they are attracted to each other and want to be more than friends.
March 13, 2023
I liked that the relationship happened a few years after their first meeting. So it wasn't fresh 18 year old and an older man. But I liked this book, I like most of Lisa Ryan's books I've read so far!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews