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Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump
I came to renovate the British billionaire’s paradise resort.
I'm leaving with an island bump.
Winning a design competition brought me to Damon King’s outdated island resort.
An encounter in a dodgy elevator, and I mistake the powerful owner for a hot-looking construction worker with salt and pepper stubble.
One heated glance and I’m undone.
But working for Damon? Pure hell.
He hates change—on his island, in his life, in his heart.
He guards his secrets well, but watching him with his little girl reveals the tender heart beneath that no-nonsense exterior.
When a tropical storm strands us together those walls he's built crumble against my fingertips.
Calloused hands caress my flesh…his smooth tongue takes me to downtown ecstasy.
I see — beach walks, candlelit dinners, a future bright as the Caribbean sun with a man learning to love again.
Until his college-aged daughter arrives. One look at me—close in age—and her accusations of “gold-digger" hurt.
Now I'm back in Tennessee, hugging the toilet each morning, wondering why I told the baby daddy that I left with much more than a great resume.
Some renovations are messier than others.
__________________________________________________
Ready for a night you won't forget?
If you like brooding billionaire bosses, sassy younger heroines who don't back down, steamy island encounters with silver foxes, and surprise pregnancies that change everything, then you will love Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump.
One-click now and let the heat begin!
I'm leaving with an island bump.
Winning a design competition brought me to Damon King’s outdated island resort.
An encounter in a dodgy elevator, and I mistake the powerful owner for a hot-looking construction worker with salt and pepper stubble.
One heated glance and I’m undone.
But working for Damon? Pure hell.
He hates change—on his island, in his life, in his heart.
He guards his secrets well, but watching him with his little girl reveals the tender heart beneath that no-nonsense exterior.
When a tropical storm strands us together those walls he's built crumble against my fingertips.
Calloused hands caress my flesh…his smooth tongue takes me to downtown ecstasy.
I see — beach walks, candlelit dinners, a future bright as the Caribbean sun with a man learning to love again.
Until his college-aged daughter arrives. One look at me—close in age—and her accusations of “gold-digger" hurt.
Now I'm back in Tennessee, hugging the toilet each morning, wondering why I told the baby daddy that I left with much more than a great resume.
Some renovations are messier than others.
__________________________________________________
Ready for a night you won't forget?
If you like brooding billionaire bosses, sassy younger heroines who don't back down, steamy island encounters with silver foxes, and surprise pregnancies that change everything, then you will love Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump.
One-click now and let the heat begin!
- GenresContemporaryAmazon
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
About the author
Aria McDow
35 books23 followersAria McDow is an author bringing contemporary romances to readers who love stories featuring hot as all get-out men who have just that right mix of power, charisma, and hidden vulnerability, and sassy, smart women who turn their worlds upside down. Aria is an angst junkie who believes in true love. Whether a billionaire, professor, or grumpy boss, every book is guaranteed a happy ending and readers will enjoy a rich, bumpy ride to get there. Aria lives in Virginia and started her own love affair with romance books when she read them clandestinely in middle school.
She enjoys travel, drawing and hanging upside from rollercoasters. The best part of life is being retired from the military and having time to create as well as enjoy her family, especially her new grandbaby.
She enjoys travel, drawing and hanging upside from rollercoasters. The best part of life is being retired from the military and having time to create as well as enjoy her family, especially her new grandbaby.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 1, 2025
Book Review: Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump by Aria McDow
If you're craving a steamy escape filled with tropical heat, emotional tension, and a swoon-worthy grumpy billionaire, Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump delivers on every front. Aria McDow's latest romance is a whirlwind of passion, heartache, and second chances set against the backdrop of an idyllic island resort.
When a fiery young designer wins a dream renovation gig, she doesn’t expect her client to be a brooding, emotionally walled-off single dad with a devastating smirk. What follows is a delicious slow burn packed with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and an emotional tug-of-war as two opposites navigate unexpected connection, hidden vulnerabilities, and—surprise!—a baby on the way.
McDow masterfully blends classic tropes like age-gap romance, forced proximity, and surprise pregnancy with heartfelt depth and fresh energy. Damon is the kind of alpha male whose icy reserve hides a fiercely tender core, while the heroine’s strength, sass, and vulnerability make her instantly relatable.
Tropical storms aren’t the only things brewing in this story—prepare for emotional thunderstorms, sizzling encounters, and a satisfying arc of redemption and real love. Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump is messy, funny, tender, and unapologetically sexy. A must-read for fans of grump/sunshine romances with a side of scandal and a whole lot of heart.
If you're craving a steamy escape filled with tropical heat, emotional tension, and a swoon-worthy grumpy billionaire, Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump delivers on every front. Aria McDow's latest romance is a whirlwind of passion, heartache, and second chances set against the backdrop of an idyllic island resort.
When a fiery young designer wins a dream renovation gig, she doesn’t expect her client to be a brooding, emotionally walled-off single dad with a devastating smirk. What follows is a delicious slow burn packed with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and an emotional tug-of-war as two opposites navigate unexpected connection, hidden vulnerabilities, and—surprise!—a baby on the way.
McDow masterfully blends classic tropes like age-gap romance, forced proximity, and surprise pregnancy with heartfelt depth and fresh energy. Damon is the kind of alpha male whose icy reserve hides a fiercely tender core, while the heroine’s strength, sass, and vulnerability make her instantly relatable.
Tropical storms aren’t the only things brewing in this story—prepare for emotional thunderstorms, sizzling encounters, and a satisfying arc of redemption and real love. Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump is messy, funny, tender, and unapologetically sexy. A must-read for fans of grump/sunshine romances with a side of scandal and a whole lot of heart.
June 12, 2025
**My thanks to the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
Twenty something Riley has won a competition for a TV show called The Last Resort and she has her choice of Resorts to choose from. She has chosen the Golden Sun resort, a resort that Damion King is renovating and a place close to his heart.
Damion is a widower in his forties and has two teenage children. This resort meant something to his family and his late wife , he has also been grumpy, but finds that he is immediately attracted to Riley especially as she does not recognise who he is at first.
The relationship happened both fast and slow between the pair and Riley is a strong character and shows an emotional maturity and heads things straight on when there is an issue, she does not sulk or go off in a strop.
I loved the supporting characters and that those that needed to made apologies where needed and that Damion had people to point him in the right direction.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.
Twenty something Riley has won a competition for a TV show called The Last Resort and she has her choice of Resorts to choose from. She has chosen the Golden Sun resort, a resort that Damion King is renovating and a place close to his heart.
Damion is a widower in his forties and has two teenage children. This resort meant something to his family and his late wife , he has also been grumpy, but finds that he is immediately attracted to Riley especially as she does not recognise who he is at first.
The relationship happened both fast and slow between the pair and Riley is a strong character and shows an emotional maturity and heads things straight on when there is an issue, she does not sulk or go off in a strop.
I loved the supporting characters and that those that needed to made apologies where needed and that Damion had people to point him in the right direction.
June 22, 2026
Riley and Damon—she’s the winner of a reality TV series about renovating resorts; he’s the owner of the resort she’s renovating. He’s older by over 10 years and has a daughter not much younger than her. Sparks fly between them, and they go from wild hot sex to formality and staying apart. They survive a hurricane together and still make the proposed opening date because they are both incredibly dedicated and have excellent craftsmen and workers dedicated to making the renovation a success. And, of course, she turns up pregnant. They come to a mutual decision not to rush I to anything, so she goes back to her grandparents’ place when her contract is ended. And they’re both miserable. So he flies out to get her, charms her grandparents, and takes them all back to the resort in Florida for Christmas with his daughters and closest staff to start their HEA. As is my usual complaint with this author’s books, editing is a massive problem. Yes, a good editor costs money, but the right editor greatly enhances the quality of the end product.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
Billionaire silver fox, with a daughter similar in age - these are super addictive reads.
Riley wins a competition, landing her the opportunity of a lifetime, where she meets Damon…
Our first introduction to Damon is interesting - he seems pretty down to earth, but geez… his daughter is a piece of work, and his family kind of sucks. I’d be grumpy too…
This story hooked me in, and I felt betrayed on Riley’s behalf during the confrontations. The nerve of the entire family - including Damon. I’m more than happy for her HEA to involve no man…
I do feel that the turn-around from nastiness to rational thought seemed pretty quick, and I don’t truly believe it
I loved Riley - I found her refreshing. She had the maturity to make some tough decisions and was so self-aware. Her grandparents are the best!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley wins a competition, landing her the opportunity of a lifetime, where she meets Damon…
Our first introduction to Damon is interesting - he seems pretty down to earth, but geez… his daughter is a piece of work, and his family kind of sucks. I’d be grumpy too…
This story hooked me in, and I felt betrayed on Riley’s behalf during the confrontations. The nerve of the entire family - including Damon. I’m more than happy for her HEA to involve no man…
I do feel that the turn-around from nastiness to rational thought seemed pretty quick, and I don’t truly believe it
I loved Riley - I found her refreshing. She had the maturity to make some tough decisions and was so self-aware. Her grandparents are the best!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
I was given this as an ARC through Hidden Gems.
I am being very generous with the 3 stars, should be closer to 2 or 2.5. This is a stereotypical romance, with little story-line to back up a so-so mildly spicey relationship. The issues that I have with this book, is that whoever edited it, did not do a very good job. There are several areas that repeat who paragraphs (around 195-196) and smaller grammatical and punctuation errors throughout. At this point of reviewing, you'd think the book would be better put together. Also, there are so many things not told about or even solved enough for the reader to find said closure; such as more specifics illustrated to her renovations, what happened with the brother to make him run and what is still happening with all that he did, who the leak was to the papers, just to name a few. I truly wanted to like this one more but just couldn't as it seemed rushed on the pages.
I am being very generous with the 3 stars, should be closer to 2 or 2.5. This is a stereotypical romance, with little story-line to back up a so-so mildly spicey relationship. The issues that I have with this book, is that whoever edited it, did not do a very good job. There are several areas that repeat who paragraphs (around 195-196) and smaller grammatical and punctuation errors throughout. At this point of reviewing, you'd think the book would be better put together. Also, there are so many things not told about or even solved enough for the reader to find said closure; such as more specifics illustrated to her renovations, what happened with the brother to make him run and what is still happening with all that he did, who the leak was to the papers, just to name a few. I truly wanted to like this one more but just couldn't as it seemed rushed on the pages.
May 24, 2025
Aria McDow did not disappoint as usual. This book was fabulous. Real life scenarios and believable characters and just the right amount of sizzle. Age gap I am usually not fan of, but this was not distasteful at all. The only things I am critical of -- and this wasn't a dealbreaker for me -- are I didn't want it to end. I wanted to see where the story went after meeting family. And the other thing was I would have liked to have seen more indepth details about the two main characters and their inner dialogue within themselves.
I loved the storyline of a sucessful business man and woman with intelligence that is successful in her own right.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the storyline of a sucessful business man and woman with intelligence that is successful in her own right.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2025
Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump is a wonderful contemporary age-gap romance that takes place surrounded by sand and sea for reality show winner Riley Carter who has won a hospitality industry contest and the renovation project for Golden Sun Resort owned by billionaire Damon King.
Their attraction for each other becomes surprising but not unwanted and slowly begins to breech the walls Damon has built after loosing his wife.
Loved the story which was nicely written with well crafted characters and just the right amounts of drama, spice, intrigue, surprises, emotion, and family dynamics to keep the narrative a perfectly paced story finished in one book. HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Their attraction for each other becomes surprising but not unwanted and slowly begins to breech the walls Damon has built after loosing his wife.
Loved the story which was nicely written with well crafted characters and just the right amounts of drama, spice, intrigue, surprises, emotion, and family dynamics to keep the narrative a perfectly paced story finished in one book. HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
Any book written by Aria is an instant MUST READ!!
So when I saw this one, it was no different and of course did NOT disappoint!!
Being the winner of a renovation tv show meant Riley got the opportunity to renovate an island resort for a billionaire who has been hidden from the social eye for years, ever since his wife died.
Little did he know that this woman who is a little older than his oldest child, would not only renovate his resort, but his entire life!!
Follow along this story as the hurricane rips through the resort and their lives, but somehow makes renovating and putting all the pieces back together, even better than before!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So when I saw this one, it was no different and of course did NOT disappoint!!
Being the winner of a renovation tv show meant Riley got the opportunity to renovate an island resort for a billionaire who has been hidden from the social eye for years, ever since his wife died.
Little did he know that this woman who is a little older than his oldest child, would not only renovate his resort, but his entire life!!
Follow along this story as the hurricane rips through the resort and their lives, but somehow makes renovating and putting all the pieces back together, even better than before!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2025
Enjoyed main characters Damon and Riley, Silver Fox and much younger young lady of mid twenties. Liked how they met, started working together at his resort and Kitty, Damon’s youngest young daughter, who kept her dad and t
Young energetic Riley together.
Janny, Riley’s best friend who supported Riley up to and through the contest, which she won and went to Damon’s island to restore. She has a loyal and quirky fun personality. There was enough intrigue and drama throughout to keep the reader interested til ending, which I enjoyed.
I received an early, free AR copy and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review.
Young energetic Riley together.
Janny, Riley’s best friend who supported Riley up to and through the contest, which she won and went to Damon’s island to restore. She has a loyal and quirky fun personality. There was enough intrigue and drama throughout to keep the reader interested til ending, which I enjoyed.
I received an early, free AR copy and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review.
May 31, 2025
She wins the reality TV show prize, and it starts her adventure. Riley is thrilled to win and anxious to get engrossed in the project. She and Damon meet in the most unusual place thinking that he is a construction worker. This heartfelt story has some dramatic twists and turns that had me connecting with Damon and Riley as they navigated their path to happiness. It is a descriptively well written story with compelling charters I enjoyed connecting as the story unfolded.
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.
July 5, 2025
OMG 😱 this was absolutely a fantastic story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. Their love chemistry between them was captivating and passionate. The physical attraction was like hot fireworks as the sparks when they saw each other it was like heaven. They couldn’t fight the temptation any longer. One night with him will change her life forever in this moment.
I definitely 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
I definitely 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
June 10, 2025
Renovating his Heart
When Riley wins a once in a lifetime job opportunity her career is all but set in the right direction of her goals. Mistaking Damon for a construction worker was a delightful meet cute for this plot and its characters. I loved the chemistry between Damon and Riley, it was electrifying. The hesitation and obstacles just added to the overall vibe and made this a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Riley wins a once in a lifetime job opportunity her career is all but set in the right direction of her goals. Mistaking Damon for a construction worker was a delightful meet cute for this plot and its characters. I loved the chemistry between Damon and Riley, it was electrifying. The hesitation and obstacles just added to the overall vibe and made this a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2025
This is a good read. Riley won the reality show and gets to renovate the resort. The resort is run owned by widower Damon who has two daughters, one almost her age. When things get hot, there is a lot to consider. Then Riley ends up pregnant. Will they come together or is there too much to hold them apart?
June 1, 2025
I love reading this type of romance story where it sucks you in right from the start. Riley and Damon is going to have you saying OMG and WOW many times throughout this book by Aria. I felt like this romance story has lots of deep emotions when it comes to Riley and Damon's age gap romance that keeps you turning the pages.
June 4, 2025
Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump by Aria McDow is a great quick read. Riley and Damon's story pulled me in from the beginning. Their story is well written with a great storyline. This is one you won't want to miss.
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.
June 6, 2025
Good, easy read age gap romance, with a bit of spice.
Strong likeable, well described characters. Riley wins a reality show from her talented vision for design, but butt's heads with the owner over the resort she is hired to help redesign. There is plenty of chemistry, a surprise pregnancy, and a good romance story, would say a grumpy/sunshine feel to it.
Strong likeable, well described characters. Riley wins a reality show from her talented vision for design, but butt's heads with the owner over the resort she is hired to help redesign. There is plenty of chemistry, a surprise pregnancy, and a good romance story, would say a grumpy/sunshine feel to it.
June 3, 2025
A lovely second chance story and with the resort as the focal point I felt like I was there on the beach! This is my first book by the author and I’m excited to try her others.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 11, 2026
I have enjoyed this story
I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more of them in the future.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from a bookworm that loves to read
I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more of them in the future.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from a bookworm that loves to read
April 3, 2026
The winner is!
The answer is this book. What a awesome book to spend a cold rainy day reading. You knock it out of the park with this one. I can't wait to fi mmm d out what the GB any is.
The answer is this book. What a awesome book to spend a cold rainy day reading. You knock it out of the park with this one. I can't wait to fi mmm d out what the GB any is.
May 24, 2025
Loves the characters! Great Weekend read, brings out some feels and has some good spice too! Would Recommend!
June 6, 2025
Great story! Quick burn to slow burn to quick burn again. Unknown ending when Riley who has won the competition to renovate a hotel, finds life choices complicated, especially when she is unsure what Damon’s feelings truly are.
I received this book as an arc from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily submitting my review.
I received this book as an arc from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily submitting my review.
October 18, 2025
This got off to a slow start and didn't make complete sense, but there was a HEA.
June 1, 2025
I love reading this type of romance story where it sucks you in right from the start. Riley and Damon is going to have you saying OMG and WOW many times throughout this book by Aria. I felt like this romance story has lots of deep emotions when it comes to Riley and Damon's age gap romance that keeps you turning the pages.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews