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Call It Hope: A Grumpy Sunshine Billionaire Romance
He needs a bestselling author to win everything.She sent the wrong manuscript and might lose her heart.
Adam Pearson lives by one control everything. So when his late father’s will forces him into a cutthroat competition with his uncle for control of the family publishing empire, he’s ready. The deal? Launch a debut author to the top of the bestseller list in six months—without using company resources.
His plan doesn’t include Katherine Trujillo.
***
Katherine keeps her writing private and her life practical—until one wine-fueled night ends with her accidentally submitting the wrong manuscript. When Adam offers her a chance most authors only dream of, she’s tempted… even if it means confronting the painful story she swore she'd never share.
Their working relationship is supposed to be strictly business. But behind Adam’s gruff exterior is a man who sees her potential, and beneath Katherine’s careful guard is a woman who makes him question everything. As lines blur and feelings deepen, trust becomes fragile—and when betrayal threatens their future, they’ll have to decide what matters winning… or each other.
Call It Hope is a contemporary steamy, emotionally charged grumpy-sunshine billionaire romance set in New York’s high-stakes publishing world. It’s Book One in the Call It series—four interconnected standalones following best friends as they each find messy, unforgettable love.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn tension, unexpected vulnerability, and happily ever afters that feel hard-won.
Adam Pearson lives by one control everything. So when his late father’s will forces him into a cutthroat competition with his uncle for control of the family publishing empire, he’s ready. The deal? Launch a debut author to the top of the bestseller list in six months—without using company resources.
His plan doesn’t include Katherine Trujillo.
***
Katherine keeps her writing private and her life practical—until one wine-fueled night ends with her accidentally submitting the wrong manuscript. When Adam offers her a chance most authors only dream of, she’s tempted… even if it means confronting the painful story she swore she'd never share.
Their working relationship is supposed to be strictly business. But behind Adam’s gruff exterior is a man who sees her potential, and beneath Katherine’s careful guard is a woman who makes him question everything. As lines blur and feelings deepen, trust becomes fragile—and when betrayal threatens their future, they’ll have to decide what matters winning… or each other.
Call It Hope is a contemporary steamy, emotionally charged grumpy-sunshine billionaire romance set in New York’s high-stakes publishing world. It’s Book One in the Call It series—four interconnected standalones following best friends as they each find messy, unforgettable love.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn tension, unexpected vulnerability, and happily ever afters that feel hard-won.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
About the author
Amber Lee
4 books21 followersAmber Lee is a debut romance author crafting steamy, emotionally rich love stories set in the heart of New York City. Her first series, Call It, introduces four best friends, each navigating their own unforgettable romance.
She loves exploring messy, magnetic relationships between flawed but deeply relatable characters, set in fictional worlds that feel like a dream you never want to wake up from.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her binge-watching ‘90s sitcoms or rewatching her favorite 2000s rom-coms (hello How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). She’s a sucker for strawberry lemonade, never says no to sushi and considers a trip to Devoción Coffee in NYC the definition of a perfect day. Her go-to snack? Strawberries with Nutella or a loaded açaí bowl with bananas and honey. She’s also a proud frequent flyer at Barnes & Noble (because how could you not be?), and if you catch her there, she’s probably in the romance section—just “browsing,” of course.
FOLLOW AMBER ONLINE:
Newsletter signup ↠ https://amberleewriter.com/newsletter
Pinterest ↠ Pinterest.com/amberleewriter
Instagram ↠ https://www.instagram.com/amberleewri...
Website ↠ www.amberleewriter.com
TikTok ↠ TikTok.com/@amberleewriter
Facebook ↠ https://www.facebook.com/share/16roP3...
She loves exploring messy, magnetic relationships between flawed but deeply relatable characters, set in fictional worlds that feel like a dream you never want to wake up from.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her binge-watching ‘90s sitcoms or rewatching her favorite 2000s rom-coms (hello How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). She’s a sucker for strawberry lemonade, never says no to sushi and considers a trip to Devoción Coffee in NYC the definition of a perfect day. Her go-to snack? Strawberries with Nutella or a loaded açaí bowl with bananas and honey. She’s also a proud frequent flyer at Barnes & Noble (because how could you not be?), and if you catch her there, she’s probably in the romance section—just “browsing,” of course.
FOLLOW AMBER ONLINE:
Newsletter signup ↠ https://amberleewriter.com/newsletter
Pinterest ↠ Pinterest.com/amberleewriter
Instagram ↠ https://www.instagram.com/amberleewri...
Website ↠ www.amberleewriter.com
TikTok ↠ TikTok.com/@amberleewriter
Facebook ↠ https://www.facebook.com/share/16roP3...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 8, 2025
I could not stop reading 😍
September 5, 2025
A grumpy x sunshine romance set in New York City?? Yes please. The plot had me hooked, and the way Adam is with Katherine… chef’s kiss. The nicknames alone melted me. And don’t even get me started on the spicy scenes she really knows how to write those 👀. Definitely worth the read!
February 4, 2026
Some dreams feel out of reach, until fate throws them right into your lap.
Katherine Trujillo has always wanted to be an author, but between juggling two jobs and drowning in rejection, her dream feels like nothing more than a distant fantasy. She’s almost ready to give up, until one chaotic afternoon at the café where she works changes everything. First, a mysterious man rushes out before taking his coffee. Hours later, she ends up soaking the same man with a bottle of champagne at her second job. Embarrassed and apologetic, she has no idea that the soaked stranger is Adam Pearson, heir to one of New York’s most powerful publishing empires.
Adam is under pressure. In the race to become CEO of Pearson Book Group, he needs to discover the next big literary voice. What he doesn't expect is for a long-abandoned manuscript (Kat’s manuscript) to end up in his hands. And he definitely doesn't expect to be captivated by both the story and its stubborn, sharp-tongued author. As deadlines loom and professional boundaries blur, Kat and Adam are forced to ask themselves:
Can a relationship built on fiction survive the truth that's yet to be revealed?
----------------------
Firstly, THANK YOU, Amber, for sending me a copy of your book! I’m so honoured to have had the opportunity to read it, and completely fall in love with the universe you created.
Adam and Kat were absolute perfection, like fire and ice. But really, around each other, it felt like they were both on fire. This book was everything: a cozy, romantic read filled with yearning, slow-burn tension, and moments that made my heart acheeeeee. I’m not kidding, I kept thinking, “Too bad he’s fictional,” because this man had me swooning.
The slow burn was done so well. The buildup was deliciously drawn out, with just the right amount of tension and push-pull between them. And don’t even get me started on the one-bed-before-her-first-book-convention scene, it felt like a reward. (Someone please get the reference!)
Katherine was such a relatable FMC. I found myself emotionally connected to her so many times, especially in her more vulnerable moments. There’s something so special about how Amber wrote her that made me feel everything she was going through, and that’s no easy feat. I was truly constantly being left just CRAVING more.
This entire book was just addictive and I don't think I can truly comprahend it, and write down all my thoughts for you to read but all I can say is that I seriously hope you all pick this book up. It’s criminally underrated, and I can confidently say it outshines some of the bigger titles I’ve read over the years. I’m rushing to end this now so I can go get my copy of Call It Fair Game and dive into the new universe.
This one is a MUST-READ, take it from me!
Katherine Trujillo has always wanted to be an author, but between juggling two jobs and drowning in rejection, her dream feels like nothing more than a distant fantasy. She’s almost ready to give up, until one chaotic afternoon at the café where she works changes everything. First, a mysterious man rushes out before taking his coffee. Hours later, she ends up soaking the same man with a bottle of champagne at her second job. Embarrassed and apologetic, she has no idea that the soaked stranger is Adam Pearson, heir to one of New York’s most powerful publishing empires.
Adam is under pressure. In the race to become CEO of Pearson Book Group, he needs to discover the next big literary voice. What he doesn't expect is for a long-abandoned manuscript (Kat’s manuscript) to end up in his hands. And he definitely doesn't expect to be captivated by both the story and its stubborn, sharp-tongued author. As deadlines loom and professional boundaries blur, Kat and Adam are forced to ask themselves:
Can a relationship built on fiction survive the truth that's yet to be revealed?
----------------------
Firstly, THANK YOU, Amber, for sending me a copy of your book! I’m so honoured to have had the opportunity to read it, and completely fall in love with the universe you created.
Adam and Kat were absolute perfection, like fire and ice. But really, around each other, it felt like they were both on fire. This book was everything: a cozy, romantic read filled with yearning, slow-burn tension, and moments that made my heart acheeeeee. I’m not kidding, I kept thinking, “Too bad he’s fictional,” because this man had me swooning.
The slow burn was done so well. The buildup was deliciously drawn out, with just the right amount of tension and push-pull between them. And don’t even get me started on the one-bed-before-her-first-book-convention scene, it felt like a reward. (Someone please get the reference!)
Katherine was such a relatable FMC. I found myself emotionally connected to her so many times, especially in her more vulnerable moments. There’s something so special about how Amber wrote her that made me feel everything she was going through, and that’s no easy feat. I was truly constantly being left just CRAVING more.
This entire book was just addictive and I don't think I can truly comprahend it, and write down all my thoughts for you to read but all I can say is that I seriously hope you all pick this book up. It’s criminally underrated, and I can confidently say it outshines some of the bigger titles I’ve read over the years. I’m rushing to end this now so I can go get my copy of Call It Fair Game and dive into the new universe.
This one is a MUST-READ, take it from me!
September 17, 2025
Call It Hope by Amber Lee is book 1 of the Call It series. Released this month. It is a Grumpy Sunshine Billionaire Romance featuring Adam and Katherine.
Adam is a billionaire set to inherit his late father's publishing empire, The Pearson Group. He soon realises the only way he can do this is to go head to head with his uncle in a cutthroat competition. Whichever one of them can get an unknown author published and a best seller within 6 months, is the new CEO. Only he cannot use any of this companies resources to do it. Easy, right?
Katherine is an aspiring author, struggling to keep her dream alive to get published. She has a few glasses of wine, and accidentally sends the wrong manuscript to Adam, one she hasn't touched in nearly 6 years. Adam offers her a deal of a lifetime to publish this book within 6 months.
What's supposed to be a strictly professional relationship soon turns into more.
Can they both come out of this deal in one piece and where they wanted to be?
This book absolutely held me hostage. It had everything in it you could possibly want.
I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. When Kat realised Adam could speak Spanish during dinner with her Spanish mother? 🫣😂
I loved their relationship from the start. The push and pull, the sexual tension that was sooo intense.
Kats friendship group was absolute goals. I need me a Celeste, Elaina and Valery (and Kat) for sure.
The spicy scenes left me fanning myself 🥵🌶️
And the description of the bookstore? I want to find a store like this and never leave. The fact Adam recreated it? Swoon.
Seeing him on his knees to beg for forgiveness broke me and put me back together again.
Looking forward to book two, releasing in March 2026.
★★★★★
Adam is a billionaire set to inherit his late father's publishing empire, The Pearson Group. He soon realises the only way he can do this is to go head to head with his uncle in a cutthroat competition. Whichever one of them can get an unknown author published and a best seller within 6 months, is the new CEO. Only he cannot use any of this companies resources to do it. Easy, right?
Katherine is an aspiring author, struggling to keep her dream alive to get published. She has a few glasses of wine, and accidentally sends the wrong manuscript to Adam, one she hasn't touched in nearly 6 years. Adam offers her a deal of a lifetime to publish this book within 6 months.
What's supposed to be a strictly professional relationship soon turns into more.
Can they both come out of this deal in one piece and where they wanted to be?
This book absolutely held me hostage. It had everything in it you could possibly want.
I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. When Kat realised Adam could speak Spanish during dinner with her Spanish mother? 🫣😂
I loved their relationship from the start. The push and pull, the sexual tension that was sooo intense.
Kats friendship group was absolute goals. I need me a Celeste, Elaina and Valery (and Kat) for sure.
The spicy scenes left me fanning myself 🥵🌶️
And the description of the bookstore? I want to find a store like this and never leave. The fact Adam recreated it? Swoon.
Seeing him on his knees to beg for forgiveness broke me and put me back together again.
Looking forward to book two, releasing in March 2026.
★★★★★
May 29, 2026
I wanted to like and connect with this book so badly, especially because writer-centered romances are usually an instant win for me. Whether it’s a struggling writer, an up-and-coming author, or anything involving the publishing world, that kind of storyline almost always hooks me right away. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t fully land for me personally. The book opens with some deeply emotional trauma surrounding Adam, and while it explains why he’s so closed off and why he feels responsible for holding together the family business and setting the example for his brother, I kept waiting for a deeper exploration of how that trauma shaped him and how being with Kat would help him grow from it. That emotional progression never quite felt as developed as I wanted it to.
Kat was probably the easier character for me to connect with because her struggles as an unpublished author felt realistic and grounded. Watching her juggle two jobs while still chasing her writing dreams added a layer of authenticity that I appreciated. Even with that, though, I never fully connected to either character the way I normally do in romances that really stick with me. A lot of the emotional beats felt more told to me than shown through the characters’ actions and chemistry, so while I could understand the emotions the story wanted me to feel, I just didn’t fully experience them myself while reading.
Kat was probably the easier character for me to connect with because her struggles as an unpublished author felt realistic and grounded. Watching her juggle two jobs while still chasing her writing dreams added a layer of authenticity that I appreciated. Even with that, though, I never fully connected to either character the way I normally do in romances that really stick with me. A lot of the emotional beats felt more told to me than shown through the characters’ actions and chemistry, so while I could understand the emotions the story wanted me to feel, I just didn’t fully experience them myself while reading.
December 6, 2025
This is not your typical sunshine/grumpy story, it is more than that! You will be hooked from the first page and will enjoy the entire ride!
I haven't read a FMC so relatable in a long time, and Amber crafted Katherine so relatable, first of she is a hispanic, a great family and friends, feisty, determined, a bit fearful, dreamer, and let's be honest we have made mistakes while under the influence. Katherine is an author, whose dream is slowly dying, that is until a wine infused email has her sending an old manuscript to Adam.
Adam is the billionaire publisher, who needs to land a bestseller author within 6 months to take over the company fully. So when he finds the script he is intrigued by it, and meets KAtherine. Well, let sparks fly, the attraction is there, but this is a story that takes time, work, a few bumps, a few hilarious encounters, before it solidifies. They will have to work together to achieve both their dreams along the way they will learn about each other, and lean onto each other and their support team.
It was such an engaging read, I couldn't put it down, and I am sure you will love it, too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven't read a FMC so relatable in a long time, and Amber crafted Katherine so relatable, first of she is a hispanic, a great family and friends, feisty, determined, a bit fearful, dreamer, and let's be honest we have made mistakes while under the influence. Katherine is an author, whose dream is slowly dying, that is until a wine infused email has her sending an old manuscript to Adam.
Adam is the billionaire publisher, who needs to land a bestseller author within 6 months to take over the company fully. So when he finds the script he is intrigued by it, and meets KAtherine. Well, let sparks fly, the attraction is there, but this is a story that takes time, work, a few bumps, a few hilarious encounters, before it solidifies. They will have to work together to achieve both their dreams along the way they will learn about each other, and lean onto each other and their support team.
It was such an engaging read, I couldn't put it down, and I am sure you will love it, too!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2025
Call It Hope was such a heartfelt and emotionally rich read, and I’m genuinely glad I picked it up. From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in with its warmth, honesty, and the way it balances struggle with resilience. What really stood out to me was how deeply human the characters felt—flawed, hopeful, hurting, and healing in ways that were incredibly relatable.
Amber’s team dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. The relationships felt natural and layered, and I really appreciated how the author showed that support systems don’t always look perfect, but they still matter. The moments of vulnerability and connection were written so well that I found myself genuinely invested in every character’s journey.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging, with just the right mix of emotional depth and uplifting moments. Even the quieter scenes felt meaningful, and by the end, I was surprised at how much the book stayed with me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amber’s team dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. The relationships felt natural and layered, and I really appreciated how the author showed that support systems don’t always look perfect, but they still matter. The moments of vulnerability and connection were written so well that I found myself genuinely invested in every character’s journey.
The writing itself was smooth and engaging, with just the right mix of emotional depth and uplifting moments. Even the quieter scenes felt meaningful, and by the end, I was surprised at how much the book stayed with me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
AMBER LEE IS A DEBUT AUTHOR AND ONE TO WATCH. I was not expecting to fall in love with this story, her writing, or these characters, but she completely won me over. She is fantastic.
Adam and Katherine’s story was not just a beautiful billionaire romance, it felt like a romance written specifically for book lovers. She blended so many micro tropes into one story that it honestly felt like all my favorites wrapped into a single book.
I absolutely love the energy the four girls bring. It is giving Cheetah Girls in the best possible way. That sisterhood dynamic added so much heart and fun to the story.
And Adam. That man had one of the most admirable character arcs I have read in a while. The groveling was top tier, and I love to see a man grovel. He felt like a fully rounded character who genuinely changed for the better.
The world building was thoughtfully done. She clearly set up where the series is heading and gave us just enough hints about what is coming next without revealing too much. Books three and four are still a mystery and I love that.
Amber Lee, I am ecstatic for book two. If it is just as good as Call It Hope, which is bordering on a six star read for me, I fear you may become an auto buy author.
Adam and Katherine’s story was not just a beautiful billionaire romance, it felt like a romance written specifically for book lovers. She blended so many micro tropes into one story that it honestly felt like all my favorites wrapped into a single book.
I absolutely love the energy the four girls bring. It is giving Cheetah Girls in the best possible way. That sisterhood dynamic added so much heart and fun to the story.
And Adam. That man had one of the most admirable character arcs I have read in a while. The groveling was top tier, and I love to see a man grovel. He felt like a fully rounded character who genuinely changed for the better.
The world building was thoughtfully done. She clearly set up where the series is heading and gave us just enough hints about what is coming next without revealing too much. Books three and four are still a mystery and I love that.
Amber Lee, I am ecstatic for book two. If it is just as good as Call It Hope, which is bordering on a six star read for me, I fear you may become an auto buy author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Call It series. It is a wonderful start! Look forward to more from this series.
'Call It Hope is a contemporary steamy, emotionally charged grumpy-sunshine billionaire romance set in New York’s high-stakes publishing world.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Call It Hope is a contemporary steamy, emotionally charged grumpy-sunshine billionaire romance set in New York’s high-stakes publishing world.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2025
Amazing opening book by Amber Lee! Saw this on another creatives IG and was instantly drawn to the beautiful cover. Amber is stunning, hitting the marketing heavy on her Instagram (check it out).
The read itself is a classic romance:
- MMC billionaire fighting for this spot in his company
- MFC a struggling author with a bad ass friend group
- From their meeting to small details on locations throughout the book is simply adorable.
- I was surprised by the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- I believe she set us for the next book soon, HOPEFULLY
- Definitley worth the read!
The read itself is a classic romance:
- MMC billionaire fighting for this spot in his company
- MFC a struggling author with a bad ass friend group
- From their meeting to small details on locations throughout the book is simply adorable.
- I was surprised by the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- I believe she set us for the next book soon, HOPEFULLY
- Definitley worth the read!
February 18, 2026
Oh my heart. Adam and Katherine stole it. This book was so emotional, so good. This story was so beautifully written. This grabs you by the hand and asks you to sit for awhile while this wonderful story is told. I was so taken aback by this story. I just couldn’t put it down. Absolutely wonderful.
April 6, 2026
Loved it 😻. Amazing story and captivating characters. It pulled me out of my reading slump. One of the best romances I’ve read in a while. Adam will be added to my book husbands list for sure.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews