What do you think?
Rate this book
The Harder They Fall #1
Sevgili Huysuz Patronum
Son birkaç yılı, ağabeyimin en yakın arkadaşı Weston Aldrich’ten uzak durarak geçirdim.
Ama şimdi o, Andes Inc’in CEO’su olarak patronum oldu.
Aslında ondan uzak durmak zor olmamalıydı. Sonuçta o yönetici katındaydı, ben ise birçok metin yazarından sadece biriydim.
Ama Weston'ın bizimle ilgili kendi fikirleri vardı. Masama notlar bırakıyor ve yetmezmiş gibi beni bir iş seyahatine götürmek için ayarlamalar yapıyordu.
Weston hiçbir zaman kurallara göre oynamadı.
Ve ben… Onunla oynanan bu oyunun tam ortasındayım.
Kaçmam gereken adam, artık en çok yaklaştığım kişi.
Ve bu, sona ermeli.
Yakında.
Belki.
Ama… Henüz değil.Eğer gözlerime on saniyeden fazla bakarsan seni sonsuza kadar kalbimde tutarım.”
Ama şimdi o, Andes Inc’in CEO’su olarak patronum oldu.
Aslında ondan uzak durmak zor olmamalıydı. Sonuçta o yönetici katındaydı, ben ise birçok metin yazarından sadece biriydim.
Ama Weston'ın bizimle ilgili kendi fikirleri vardı. Masama notlar bırakıyor ve yetmezmiş gibi beni bir iş seyahatine götürmek için ayarlamalar yapıyordu.
Weston hiçbir zaman kurallara göre oynamadı.
Ve ben… Onunla oynanan bu oyunun tam ortasındayım.
Kaçmam gereken adam, artık en çok yaklaştığım kişi.
Ve bu, sona ermeli.
Yakında.
Belki.
Ama… Henüz değil.Eğer gözlerime on saniyeden fazla bakarsan seni sonsuza kadar kalbimde tutarım.”
372 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2023
3880 people are currently reading
22137 people want to read
About the author
Julia Wolf
49 books3,459 followersJulia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,769 reviews
March 13, 2023
I really wanted to like this book because FINALLY there is an actual plus size FMC in a story with a grumpy CEO. The only problem is that I hated how she dealt with problems in relationships. Girl, start communicating and don‘t expect him to change all the way while you stick to ghosting and retracting yourself. Especially with the major plot twist (for lack of better word), I could not understand how she could be so whiny and selfish while he tried to safe what he needed to safe.
March 10, 2023
Okay I'll be honest this one could've been a higher rating for me if Weston choices weren't bad.
Elise was in a 4 year relationship when someone informed about her bf and his friends group chat. He shared a video of her and she was being fat shammed by the group made Into a gif as a joke so she ghosted him and left. Moving back home and getting a new job all fresh and new. She ended up working for her brother's friend Weston. Who she had a crush on in her younger days now she kinda has a crush but not as much since she's dealing her with heartbreak. As for Weston he leaves her post it notes and tries to make her feel welcome but El brushes him off thinking her brother put him up to it.
But their friendship/workships grows it had its ups and downs even has Weston to busy for her, he tries to apologize and it works since there friends, until a work trip makes them go further and into a relationship. They were HOT together I loved their steamy scenes.
Now for the drama...Weston has a problem with being a workaholic and a boyfriend his past relationship even said that he ties to change key word tries but when huge problem happens at work El tried to be there for him as a girlfriend he brushes her off sorta bands her from his office and just texts her. El tries to put on a brave face but when he's working never has time for her dismisses her like she doesn't mean anything she has enough and pushes him away.
I'm glad El doesn't forgive him easily when the drama at work dies down she iced him out wish she let him grovel more but he did a okay job. He still pissed me off.
Low angst, om/ow drama (exs and dates), no cheating (she does go on a date but there not together), slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburnist
Push/pull from both
Pinning
Seperation few weeks
Tiny Violence
Praise kink
Mentions Abandonment
Mentions of fat shamming
Safe sex/no condom
Hea
Epilogue
Elise was in a 4 year relationship when someone informed about her bf and his friends group chat. He shared a video of her and she was being fat shammed by the group made Into a gif as a joke so she ghosted him and left. Moving back home and getting a new job all fresh and new. She ended up working for her brother's friend Weston. Who she had a crush on in her younger days now she kinda has a crush but not as much since she's dealing her with heartbreak. As for Weston he leaves her post it notes and tries to make her feel welcome but El brushes him off thinking her brother put him up to it.
But their friendship/workships grows it had its ups and downs even has Weston to busy for her, he tries to apologize and it works since there friends, until a work trip makes them go further and into a relationship. They were HOT together I loved their steamy scenes.
Now for the drama...Weston has a problem with being a workaholic and a boyfriend his past relationship even said that he ties to change key word tries but when huge problem happens at work El tried to be there for him as a girlfriend he brushes her off sorta bands her from his office and just texts her. El tries to put on a brave face but when he's working never has time for her dismisses her like she doesn't mean anything she has enough and pushes him away.
I'm glad El doesn't forgive him easily when the drama at work dies down she iced him out wish she let him grovel more but he did a okay job. He still pissed me off.
Low angst, om/ow drama (exs and dates), no cheating (she does go on a date but there not together), slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowburnist
Push/pull from both
Pinning
Seperation few weeks
Tiny Violence
Praise kink
Mentions Abandonment
Mentions of fat shamming
Safe sex/no condom
Hea
Epilogue
April 11, 2023
4 stars
Dear Grumpy Boss is a brother’s best friend/office romance and the first book in Julia Wolf’s ‘The Harder They Fall’ series. I love Julia Wolf’s rockstar romances as well as her new adult ones, but I’m pretty sure I just love her writing! Weston and Elise’s story was fantastically fun and steamy. Toward the end Weston’s workaholic tendencies got the best of him, but aside from that it was great!
Dear Grumpy Boss is a brother’s best friend/office romance and the first book in Julia Wolf’s ‘The Harder They Fall’ series. I love Julia Wolf’s rockstar romances as well as her new adult ones, but I’m pretty sure I just love her writing! Weston and Elise’s story was fantastically fun and steamy. Toward the end Weston’s workaholic tendencies got the best of him, but aside from that it was great!
March 11, 2023
This was genuinely so bad. I had to force myself to get through it. Both characters were so mentally unstable and unhealthy, with the emotional maturity of 15 year olds it was honestly ridiculous
July 4, 2024
Reread in 2024...
I loved revisiting this book. Although, after having read all 4 and seeing how great the others are.... I'm bumping it down a bit.
4 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
.
.
.
Obsessed Hero. Curvaceous and sweet heroine... we're in for an adventure.
Brother's Best Friend gives her a job when she needs to ghost a lame ex-boyfriend. He's never forgot her even though he left town after High School and they havent seen each other much since then and she's determined to do her job and keep it professional..
But Weston can't stop sending her little gifts and leaving post-it notes to help her feel welcome. What he thinks is nice, she sees as patronizing. And soon their chemistry is boiling over in unexpected ways. These too just had such a great connection!
I may have seen where the conflict was coming from but Weston makes good in some BIG ways. He's also the kind of possessive and bossy that works for me. And his dirty mouth... lawd have mercy!
This was a great start to a new series and I can't WAIT for the next one. I have high hopes.
5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
I loved revisiting this book. Although, after having read all 4 and seeing how great the others are.... I'm bumping it down a bit.
4 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
.
.
.
Obsessed Hero. Curvaceous and sweet heroine... we're in for an adventure.
Brother's Best Friend gives her a job when she needs to ghost a lame ex-boyfriend. He's never forgot her even though he left town after High School and they havent seen each other much since then and she's determined to do her job and keep it professional..
But Weston can't stop sending her little gifts and leaving post-it notes to help her feel welcome. What he thinks is nice, she sees as patronizing. And soon their chemistry is boiling over in unexpected ways. These too just had such a great connection!
I may have seen where the conflict was coming from but Weston makes good in some BIG ways. He's also the kind of possessive and bossy that works for me. And his dirty mouth... lawd have mercy!
This was a great start to a new series and I can't WAIT for the next one. I have high hopes.
5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
Read
October 24, 2024Available now!
Dear Grumpy Boss
https://mybook.to/DearGrumpyBoss
❤️ brother's best friend
❤️plus size heroine
❤️billionaire, grumpy boss
❤️all the spice
I’ve spent the better part of the last few years successfully avoiding my brother’s best friend, Weston Aldrich.
As CEO of Andes Inc, the infuriatingly handsome and incessantly grumpy Weston also happens to be my new boss.
It shouldn’t have been hard to continue avoiding him. After all, he’s on the executive floor and I’m one of many copywriters.
Weston has his own ideas about how things should go between us. He’s in my emails, leaving notes on my desk, and as if that’s not enough, he arranges for me to accompany him on a business trip.
That leads to stolen touches, frenzied kisses, and the undeniable need to work each other out of our systems. That always works, right?
Except now that I know what it feels like to have Weston Aldrich appreciate every inch of my abundant curves, avoiding him is impossible.
But he’s my brother’s best friend.
And a workaholic.
We have to stop.
And we will.
Soon.
Just…not yet.
Dear Grumpy Boss
https://mybook.to/DearGrumpyBoss
❤️ brother's best friend
❤️plus size heroine
❤️billionaire, grumpy boss
❤️all the spice
I’ve spent the better part of the last few years successfully avoiding my brother’s best friend, Weston Aldrich.
As CEO of Andes Inc, the infuriatingly handsome and incessantly grumpy Weston also happens to be my new boss.
It shouldn’t have been hard to continue avoiding him. After all, he’s on the executive floor and I’m one of many copywriters.
Weston has his own ideas about how things should go between us. He’s in my emails, leaving notes on my desk, and as if that’s not enough, he arranges for me to accompany him on a business trip.
That leads to stolen touches, frenzied kisses, and the undeniable need to work each other out of our systems. That always works, right?
Except now that I know what it feels like to have Weston Aldrich appreciate every inch of my abundant curves, avoiding him is impossible.
But he’s my brother’s best friend.
And a workaholic.
We have to stop.
And we will.
Soon.
Just…not yet.
dnf
March 9, 2023Dnf at 43%
He wasn’t grumpy.
He called her a bitch at one point I guess as a joke.
At 30% they kissed. AT 30%!
Also he left her with 2 random guys to go off with another girl.
Then they’re fucking at 40%. The rest of the story was going to be so boring I just know it.
He wasn’t grumpy.
He called her a bitch at one point I guess as a joke.
At 30% they kissed. AT 30%!
Also he left her with 2 random guys to go off with another girl.
Then they’re fucking at 40%. The rest of the story was going to be so boring I just know it.
May 22, 2024
DNF at 56%. I have lost the last vestiges of my sympathy for these characters and prefer not to have an aneurysm because of my fury.
Until about 30%, this book was life. I loved Weston so much. He was obviously crushing all over Elise while being completely clueless how much he liked her. And she wasn't super interested in caving to him.
And then, things started going downhill.
1. The first clue that Weston is actually a big pile of steaming 💩 was when he was describing Elise as a 14-year old who had just lost her dad and was going through some crap as going from his "little buddy to a stone-cold bitch". That gave me a start and a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach. What grown ass adult describes a kid that way? And what good man describes a woman that way? That was my first hint that Weston wasn't actually the amazing hero I thought he was.
2. Then, Elise is hiking alone when a man comes up behind her and grabs her and puts his hand over her mouth. It turns out that it's Weston. That threw me, but I kinda forgave him because he was saving her from a mountain lion. But, in light of later events, this is the second clue that Weston is a horrible, horrible human being. And then, he kisses her... and then pushes her away.
3. When Elise is on a date, Weston lies in wait outside the bathroom where he mauls her, kissing and touching her, telling her she could have moved away so she's consenting, taking it further, and then PUSHING HER AWAY AGAIN! Oh... and this is AFTER he let some chick hold his hand and flirt with him in front of Elise.
4. Weston (HER BOSS) calls her into his office, where he ONCE AGAIN, mauls her and then tells her they shouldn't be together for "reasons" (F you). She agrees and walks away.
5. On a work trip, they come across an ex-girlfriend of his and he DRIVES AWAY WITH THE OTHER WOMAN and leaves Elise to fend for herself with strange men (yes, they are coworkers, but he doesn't even have the decency to tell her about the car arrangements before leaving with his ex). Oh... and it turns out this is a woman he almost married. WTF!? How could you treat Elise that way!? And make this other woman more of a priority? You shouldn't have to be told that's unacceptable behavior... even if you didn't want to get in Elise's pants, she was still the coworker you brought with you that didn't know anyone.
6. Elise (wisely) avoids Weston and his ridiculous hot-cold self. But he's not okay with that. But then Weston decides he wants to hang out with her for dinner. For ONE MOMENT, I was excited when Elise tells him no... but it doesn't last cause Weston decides he cannot stand not having her and bangs on the connecting door between their two rooms, WAKING HER UP! And she lets him have sex with her. Even after all this hot-cold-hot-cold behavior, she still lets him have sex and "its the best sex of her life"... but they are only together while they're on this business trip.
I AM SO FURIOUS with this book and hero.
I don't understand why the author had to bring in other woman drama and make him such a GIANT DOUCHEBAG!!!! He's jealous, possessive, and controlling... but also won't commit to her.
This book puzzled me because it has "forbidden romance" vibes... but why? They can't tell her brother they want to date because it would ruin Weston's friendship with Elliot. Tell me that Elise isn't important without telling me Elise isn't important. Also, if I were Elliot, I would be so much more pissed to find out you F'd my sister on a work trip where you also flashed another woman in front of her but aren't brave enough to value her enough to date her. Ya, make that make sense. If you were really concerned about Elliot, you wouldn't have fucked her in the first place. And if you cared AT ALL about Elise you wouldn't fuck her without any bravery. Either way, you should have just left her alone. Cause you are a douche nozzle.
----
Also, on a separate note... the heroine finds out that her boyfriend made her a meme with his friends and completely ghosts him. She doesn't break up with him. She just moves away, changes her phone number, and has every friend of hers pretend to him that she never existed. What!? Who does that? Just tell him "you are being a douche bag and I won't stand it" and THEN leave. Who ghosts someone they've been with for FOUR years!? I could understand it if she was trying to escape abuse, but she's just escaping feeling humiliated (which, as much as he was being a tool, is related to how she sees herself... he seemed pretty proud of having a hot girlfriend, even if he was an immature tool).
Elise is a door mat who also has no backbone to tell Weston no or to tell her ex-boyfriend why she's done.
On a positive note, I enjoyed the audiobook narrators.
Jen's review captures this book perfectly: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Until about 30%, this book was life. I loved Weston so much. He was obviously crushing all over Elise while being completely clueless how much he liked her. And she wasn't super interested in caving to him.
And then, things started going downhill.
1. The first clue that Weston is actually a big pile of steaming 💩 was when he was describing Elise as a 14-year old who had just lost her dad and was going through some crap as going from his "little buddy to a stone-cold bitch". That gave me a start and a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach. What grown ass adult describes a kid that way? And what good man describes a woman that way? That was my first hint that Weston wasn't actually the amazing hero I thought he was.
2. Then, Elise is hiking alone when a man comes up behind her and grabs her and puts his hand over her mouth. It turns out that it's Weston. That threw me, but I kinda forgave him because he was saving her from a mountain lion. But, in light of later events, this is the second clue that Weston is a horrible, horrible human being. And then, he kisses her... and then pushes her away.
3. When Elise is on a date, Weston lies in wait outside the bathroom where he mauls her, kissing and touching her, telling her she could have moved away so she's consenting, taking it further, and then PUSHING HER AWAY AGAIN! Oh... and this is AFTER he let some chick hold his hand and flirt with him in front of Elise.
4. Weston (HER BOSS) calls her into his office, where he ONCE AGAIN, mauls her and then tells her they shouldn't be together for "reasons" (F you). She agrees and walks away.
5. On a work trip, they come across an ex-girlfriend of his and he DRIVES AWAY WITH THE OTHER WOMAN and leaves Elise to fend for herself with strange men (yes, they are coworkers, but he doesn't even have the decency to tell her about the car arrangements before leaving with his ex). Oh... and it turns out this is a woman he almost married. WTF!? How could you treat Elise that way!? And make this other woman more of a priority? You shouldn't have to be told that's unacceptable behavior... even if you didn't want to get in Elise's pants, she was still the coworker you brought with you that didn't know anyone.
6. Elise (wisely) avoids Weston and his ridiculous hot-cold self. But he's not okay with that. But then Weston decides he wants to hang out with her for dinner. For ONE MOMENT, I was excited when Elise tells him no... but it doesn't last cause Weston decides he cannot stand not having her and bangs on the connecting door between their two rooms, WAKING HER UP! And she lets him have sex with her. Even after all this hot-cold-hot-cold behavior, she still lets him have sex and "its the best sex of her life"... but they are only together while they're on this business trip.
I AM SO FURIOUS with this book and hero.
I don't understand why the author had to bring in other woman drama and make him such a GIANT DOUCHEBAG!!!! He's jealous, possessive, and controlling... but also won't commit to her.
This book puzzled me because it has "forbidden romance" vibes... but why? They can't tell her brother they want to date because it would ruin Weston's friendship with Elliot. Tell me that Elise isn't important without telling me Elise isn't important. Also, if I were Elliot, I would be so much more pissed to find out you F'd my sister on a work trip where you also flashed another woman in front of her but aren't brave enough to value her enough to date her. Ya, make that make sense. If you were really concerned about Elliot, you wouldn't have fucked her in the first place. And if you cared AT ALL about Elise you wouldn't fuck her without any bravery. Either way, you should have just left her alone. Cause you are a douche nozzle.
----
Also, on a separate note... the heroine finds out that her boyfriend made her a meme with his friends and completely ghosts him. She doesn't break up with him. She just moves away, changes her phone number, and has every friend of hers pretend to him that she never existed. What!? Who does that? Just tell him "you are being a douche bag and I won't stand it" and THEN leave. Who ghosts someone they've been with for FOUR years!? I could understand it if she was trying to escape abuse, but she's just escaping feeling humiliated (which, as much as he was being a tool, is related to how she sees herself... he seemed pretty proud of having a hot girlfriend, even if he was an immature tool).
Elise is a door mat who also has no backbone to tell Weston no or to tell her ex-boyfriend why she's done.
On a positive note, I enjoyed the audiobook narrators.
Jen's review captures this book perfectly: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
This book was going fine until he messed up and kept saying “I love you” thinking it would solve everything. And he threw glass because he was angry…
I’m excited to read Luca and Miles book 😩
I’m excited to read Luca and Miles book 😩
April 5, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars
Spice: 5/5
“My body might not have been everyone’s ideal, but it belonged to me. If I didn’t love it, who would?”
Dear Grumpy Boss is book one in the The Harder They Fall collection by Julia Wolf. This is my first book by her and I have to say I’m blown away. Her word choice and the way she wrote this, is extreme talent. The words just flew off the page and entrapped me in the story.
“You don’t even know what he did,” I argued. “I know it was bad. I know he hurt you. That’s all that matters.” -brothers are the best 💙
This book is a brothers best friend, plus size, friends to lovers, grumpy boss, office romance novel. Weston and Elise are fire and I couldn’t put this down. I loved how Weston had been doing little things for Elise ever since they were kids, before he had feelings for her, he loved her like a sister. All he talks about is wanting to make Elise happy and I’m here for it. For someone so grumpy, he really tries to accomplish making her happy. I loved all the post it notes he left her and the email exchange they had.
“He’s more beautiful than he ever was. It’s sick.”
“Sick? You’re crazy, Lise. If he insists on being in your face, enjoy the view.” - what would we do without our besties lol
Elise is smart as a whip and I love her sassy, smart-ass, sarcastic personality. She is funny and so entertaining to read. She jokes with everyone and I can relate to her so well.
“It was incredibly gentlemanly of you to fetch the car for me, you know.”
“If I don’t practice once a year, I’ll forget how to do it.”
This was a great read especially,if you like the tropes it involves. I love books that give me all the feelings, from crying, to laughing, to feelings of violence, this had me feeling it all. Elliot should of beat Weston for his treatment of Elise when his company start having issues. Good thing Weston came to his senses and fixed everything.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Elise. You’re safe with me. All you have to do is keep walking. Just keep walking. I’ve got you.”
Julia announced the second book of the series coming out, and personally, I’m dying to have my hands on it. Can’t wait to learn more about Luca, love his personality and friendship. He is Elise’s brothers best friend, along with Weston. I hope Elliot’s book is the third one🤞🏻
“I don’t know…” I lifted Luca’s hand to my cheek, pressing it there, “Luca’s looking awfully good today, and I’m single now. It might be our time.”
Luca shot me a wink. “Is it? Jesus, Elise. Give a guy some warning. I haven’t had the chance to have a full-body wax.” He gestured to his T-shirt and jeans. “I’m basically a human sweater under my clothes.”
I bit my bottom lip and let my lashes flutter. “Oh, keep talking, you filthy, fuzzy bear.”
Happy Reading 💞
Spice: 5/5
“My body might not have been everyone’s ideal, but it belonged to me. If I didn’t love it, who would?”
Dear Grumpy Boss is book one in the The Harder They Fall collection by Julia Wolf. This is my first book by her and I have to say I’m blown away. Her word choice and the way she wrote this, is extreme talent. The words just flew off the page and entrapped me in the story.
“You don’t even know what he did,” I argued. “I know it was bad. I know he hurt you. That’s all that matters.” -brothers are the best 💙
This book is a brothers best friend, plus size, friends to lovers, grumpy boss, office romance novel. Weston and Elise are fire and I couldn’t put this down. I loved how Weston had been doing little things for Elise ever since they were kids, before he had feelings for her, he loved her like a sister. All he talks about is wanting to make Elise happy and I’m here for it. For someone so grumpy, he really tries to accomplish making her happy. I loved all the post it notes he left her and the email exchange they had.
“He’s more beautiful than he ever was. It’s sick.”
“Sick? You’re crazy, Lise. If he insists on being in your face, enjoy the view.” - what would we do without our besties lol
Elise is smart as a whip and I love her sassy, smart-ass, sarcastic personality. She is funny and so entertaining to read. She jokes with everyone and I can relate to her so well.
“It was incredibly gentlemanly of you to fetch the car for me, you know.”
“If I don’t practice once a year, I’ll forget how to do it.”
This was a great read especially,if you like the tropes it involves. I love books that give me all the feelings, from crying, to laughing, to feelings of violence, this had me feeling it all. Elliot should of beat Weston for his treatment of Elise when his company start having issues. Good thing Weston came to his senses and fixed everything.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Elise. You’re safe with me. All you have to do is keep walking. Just keep walking. I’ve got you.”
Julia announced the second book of the series coming out, and personally, I’m dying to have my hands on it. Can’t wait to learn more about Luca, love his personality and friendship. He is Elise’s brothers best friend, along with Weston. I hope Elliot’s book is the third one🤞🏻
“I don’t know…” I lifted Luca’s hand to my cheek, pressing it there, “Luca’s looking awfully good today, and I’m single now. It might be our time.”
Luca shot me a wink. “Is it? Jesus, Elise. Give a guy some warning. I haven’t had the chance to have a full-body wax.” He gestured to his T-shirt and jeans. “I’m basically a human sweater under my clothes.”
I bit my bottom lip and let my lashes flutter. “Oh, keep talking, you filthy, fuzzy bear.”
Happy Reading 💞
January 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama
- Fatshaming
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of neglectful parent
- Mention of abondonment
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I had such high hopes for this but honestly the MMC really disappointed me with his choices throughout the book.
I could not stand the fact that he would say he puts her first and would do better but then goes on for 2 weeks where he treats her like an inconvenience and a bother. I felt like this behavior of his (it happened twice in this book) will just happen again in the future.
She deserved better. He treated her like a second thought too many times. We also get the ex-girlfriend trope here where she works for him and whenever he would visit California they would hook up. He even was with her for three years and planned on marrying her.
Honestly, I didn't believe his love for Elise. It seemed like an afterthought and safe option for him since they had known each other for a long time.
Also, the way Weston treated his brother was shit and did it over and over again until the brother opened up about what clearly was obvious to me.
Weston's company ordeal was a big deal yes, but his attitude towards Elise was just so unjustified. He placed her under the same branch as everyone else in his life and didn't see anything wrong with it. All she got for two weeks was one lousy text every night and that's it. He flew to California without telling her and she finds out from his brother.
OH and let's not forget the fact he basically yells at his secretary as to why he let her HIS GF in his office to drop his lunch off right after Elise leaves the office and she overhears that tidbit.
Elise should have quit her job at his company when he basically broke up with her (and then pretends he didn't when it was so obvious) and just moved away leaving him completely alone. He deserved a longer grovel period. The whole trying to make a plan, so he has more help in order to avoid workload issues was just not good enough for me.
Weston just was not it for me lol
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama
- Fatshaming
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of neglectful parent
- Mention of abondonment
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I had such high hopes for this but honestly the MMC really disappointed me with his choices throughout the book.
I could not stand the fact that he would say he puts her first and would do better but then goes on for 2 weeks where he treats her like an inconvenience and a bother. I felt like this behavior of his (it happened twice in this book) will just happen again in the future.
She deserved better. He treated her like a second thought too many times. We also get the ex-girlfriend trope here where she works for him and whenever he would visit California they would hook up. He even was with her for three years and planned on marrying her.
Honestly, I didn't believe his love for Elise. It seemed like an afterthought and safe option for him since they had known each other for a long time.
Also, the way Weston treated his brother was shit and did it over and over again until the brother opened up about what clearly was obvious to me.
Weston's company ordeal was a big deal yes, but his attitude towards Elise was just so unjustified. He placed her under the same branch as everyone else in his life and didn't see anything wrong with it. All she got for two weeks was one lousy text every night and that's it. He flew to California without telling her and she finds out from his brother.
OH and let's not forget the fact he basically yells at his secretary as to why he let her HIS GF in his office to drop his lunch off right after Elise leaves the office and she overhears that tidbit.
Elise should have quit her job at his company when he basically broke up with her (and then pretends he didn't when it was so obvious) and just moved away leaving him completely alone. He deserved a longer grovel period. The whole trying to make a plan, so he has more help in order to avoid workload issues was just not good enough for me.
Weston just was not it for me lol
May 15, 2024
DNF 30%.
Grumpy control freak obsessed with titties.
Grumpy control freak obsessed with titties.
October 16, 2025
Hmmmmm.. Ne denmeli. Aradığımı buldum mu.. Galiba?
Dear Grumpy Boss (Sevgili Huysuz Patron) adı üstünde her tuşa basmış.
Ağabeyinin en iyi arkadaşı ✅
Balıketli kadın karakter ✅
Ofis ortamı ✅
Huysuz adam ✅
Eski erkek arkadaş dramı ✅
Elise eski sevgilisinden ayrılıp erkek kardeşinin yanına döner ve çalışmaya başlar. Erkek kardeşinin arkadaşının şirketinde 🤓️️️️️️ Her iki tarafın da eskiden kalma duyguları vardır olaylar gelişir.
Ay yazarken bile şiştim daha başka şeyler de var. Kadın karakter kafasında kurduklarını laps diye söylese 440 sayfa değil 200 sayfalık olacaktı. Neyse.. Her iki karakter de saçma sapan davransalar da sonunun nereye varacağını bilerek okumak beni rahatlatıyor.
Yazarı uzun süredir merak ediyordum ve merakımı giderdim.
Elliot' un hikayesine çok yükseldim (3. kitap); serinin en çok okunan kitabı olmasının bir sebebi olmalı- bu sefer doğru sırayla ilerleyeceğim.
Dear Grumpy Boss (Sevgili Huysuz Patron) adı üstünde her tuşa basmış.
Ağabeyinin en iyi arkadaşı ✅
Balıketli kadın karakter ✅
Ofis ortamı ✅
Huysuz adam ✅
Eski erkek arkadaş dramı ✅
Elise eski sevgilisinden ayrılıp erkek kardeşinin yanına döner ve çalışmaya başlar. Erkek kardeşinin arkadaşının şirketinde 🤓️️️️️️ Her iki tarafın da eskiden kalma duyguları vardır olaylar gelişir.
Ay yazarken bile şiştim daha başka şeyler de var. Kadın karakter kafasında kurduklarını laps diye söylese 440 sayfa değil 200 sayfalık olacaktı. Neyse.. Her iki karakter de saçma sapan davransalar da sonunun nereye varacağını bilerek okumak beni rahatlatıyor.
Yazarı uzun süredir merak ediyordum ve merakımı giderdim.
Elliot' un hikayesine çok yükseldim (3. kitap); serinin en çok okunan kitabı olmasının bir sebebi olmalı- bu sefer doğru sırayla ilerleyeceğim.
February 16, 2024
Spoilers ahead
I'm so bummed I feel like I've been cheated on 😔😭 soooo I read book 3 first and Elliot was just all the damn things! I loved that book so I decided to backtrack through this series....I should've taken my win with book 3 and run
Onwards
Here we have Weston and Elise, friends from young as her brother is his best friend. Elise froze him out without explanation and their friendship was changed forever. Fast forward to present day and Elise has returned to town after ending a 4 year relationship because she came across her boyfriend's texts to his friends making fun of her. Weston hires her in his company and she's living in his same building. A near death experience explodes the chemistry between them and they quickly fall in love.....but Elise's biggest competition is Weston's love for his company and his absolute dedication to it. Time after time he sets her aside to deal with his business until she's finally had enough.
*****
1) First of all I'm grossly offended by the OW drama....my Elliot would NEVER! Ugh!!! Weston was involved with a woman who worked for his company at another location. He didn't inform Elise of this until they actually got there and she saw them together....as a matter of fact he left Elise to go off with the OW to discuss business. I was pissed with how many times she appeared!!!! He wasn't interested but ughhhhhhhhh c'mon!!!!!!
2)Elise ended her last relationship by ghosting the guy....I get it she saw the texts and was heartbroken but the handling of that matter just screamed immature to ME. Matter of fact Elise annoyed me in her handling of a lot of matters👀 I get not liking confrontation but jeeze girl cuss someone out it's good for the soul
3)Weston left Elise alone at a charity function to deal with business.....she was upset and hurt and he promised never to do it again. Then his company was involved in some major drama and he basically set her aside while he sorted things out. It was just soooo stupid! Yes the drama with the company was a huge deal but all those professions of love and he basically set her on a shelf to pause while he sorted things out.....all while his ex was there because she was involved too.......grrrrrrr I wanted to throw hands
4)Elise was a pushover 🙄 she finally stood up for herself after that debacle and made him work for another chance.....again
5) When I finish a book I like to leave KNOWING my couple is solid.....I did not get that here even with an epilogue
All in all I'm pissed off man
*****My love Elliot truly was an awesome brother 😍
I really wanted Elise to open that email from her ex because I was interested in his explanation for those texts even though there would be no forgiveness
No cheating
H gave off manwhore vibes
Friends to lovers.....both with others over the years no pining however.
Elise was recently out of a relationship
Reference to bullying as the H's brother bullied Elise when they were younger
I'm so bummed I feel like I've been cheated on 😔😭 soooo I read book 3 first and Elliot was just all the damn things! I loved that book so I decided to backtrack through this series....I should've taken my win with book 3 and run
Onwards
Here we have Weston and Elise, friends from young as her brother is his best friend. Elise froze him out without explanation and their friendship was changed forever. Fast forward to present day and Elise has returned to town after ending a 4 year relationship because she came across her boyfriend's texts to his friends making fun of her. Weston hires her in his company and she's living in his same building. A near death experience explodes the chemistry between them and they quickly fall in love.....but Elise's biggest competition is Weston's love for his company and his absolute dedication to it. Time after time he sets her aside to deal with his business until she's finally had enough.
*****
1) First of all I'm grossly offended by the OW drama....my Elliot would NEVER! Ugh!!! Weston was involved with a woman who worked for his company at another location. He didn't inform Elise of this until they actually got there and she saw them together....as a matter of fact he left Elise to go off with the OW to discuss business. I was pissed with how many times she appeared!!!! He wasn't interested but ughhhhhhhhh c'mon!!!!!!
2)Elise ended her last relationship by ghosting the guy....I get it she saw the texts and was heartbroken but the handling of that matter just screamed immature to ME. Matter of fact Elise annoyed me in her handling of a lot of matters👀 I get not liking confrontation but jeeze girl cuss someone out it's good for the soul
3)Weston left Elise alone at a charity function to deal with business.....she was upset and hurt and he promised never to do it again. Then his company was involved in some major drama and he basically set her aside while he sorted things out. It was just soooo stupid! Yes the drama with the company was a huge deal but all those professions of love and he basically set her on a shelf to pause while he sorted things out.....all while his ex was there because she was involved too.......grrrrrrr I wanted to throw hands
4)Elise was a pushover 🙄 she finally stood up for herself after that debacle and made him work for another chance.....again
5) When I finish a book I like to leave KNOWING my couple is solid.....I did not get that here even with an epilogue
All in all I'm pissed off man
*****My love Elliot truly was an awesome brother 😍
I really wanted Elise to open that email from her ex because I was interested in his explanation for those texts even though there would be no forgiveness
No cheating
H gave off manwhore vibes
Friends to lovers.....both with others over the years no pining however.
Elise was recently out of a relationship
Reference to bullying as the H's brother bullied Elise when they were younger
February 26, 2023
The only reason I'm giving this book 3 stars is for Elise and Elise ONLY. Because Weston was NOT it. His behavior was inconsistent and his actions never matched up with his words. He'd mess up and apologise and then he'd proceed to make the same mistake again, twice, thrice and several more times until it became a cycle. And then he'd apologise AGAIN and make empty promises AGAIN. Nah bruh. Not cool. Elise's abandonment issues and way of shutting down when she was hurt was something I related to very deeply because I'm the same way. I gotta give it to her tho, she made Weston work for it every time. But that just wasn't enough. Elise honestly deserved better. Props to Elliot for being a good big brother and proving that fact time and time again throughout the book. I honestly believe that if Weston wanted to, he would. He would have made the effort to make Elise a priority in his life, knowing that his incapability of doing this had been the exact reason for the downfall of his previous relationships. But he didn't. And that shit hurt ya know...big time. Now that we're on the topic of past relationships, I feel the need to express how unnecessary Marisol's character was. Like there was OW drama just for the sake of it in this book??? Look, I'm not saying that Elise was completely right or perfect. Because she wasn't. Some her coping mechanisms or her habit of up and leaving people/ghosting them was erm...certainly questionable. Although that's a bit rich coming from me since I'm no different lmao *side eye* But at least she was much more emotionally mature than Mr Aldrich. Also, apparently, Elise is supposed to be a plus sized woman but I felt like the plus sized rep wasn't done THAT well in this book. Apart from her (and I quote) "big titties" and soft stomach, no light was shed on her insecurities. I would like to see a scene where Elise was concious of her body but Weston made her feel like she was beautiful no matter what. Instead of that, Weston constantly made her feel like an afterthought - unimportant, even. (Welp, at least he was consistent in one thing lmao). I think we've pretty much establised by now that I am not a fan of Weston, based on my rant lol. Overall, I'd say that this was decent read if you can get past Weston's behavior. Luca and Elliot def made the book much more bearable tho imo haha. I sure hope that Luca and Elliot get their own stories because I'm SO looking forward to that.
*Thank to Valentine PR and Julia Wolf for providing me with an ARC!
*Thank to Valentine PR and Julia Wolf for providing me with an ARC!
March 13, 2023
I knew this author would not disappoint! Everything I’ve read from her I’ve love and this was no different. It was fast paced with interesting characters and a really good romance.
The romance was a slow burn but once they got there, it was well worth it. They loved each other so deeply that I felt comfortable throughout reading the book. Like I wasn’t worried there’d be some pointless OW drama that jumped out of no where or that there’d be anything really toxic about their relationship. That’s not to say there wasn’t any because there was, but it was dealt with well.
I really liked this book because the couple’s main focus was on themselves. They did worry about what Elise’s brother (and Weston’s best friend) would think but most of their conflict was internal. Weston is a workaholic and has always put his business above everything. It was an issue with his past relationships and was just with Elise too.
There was a lot of side development and history of the other characters too. It was enough to make me feel emotionally attached to multiple characters but didn’t take away from the main couple. It helped make the story go by quickly because there were never any filler moments that didn’t serve a purpose. I also can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots with Saoirse sooner, but I was happy when I figured it out.
This was a great book. It’s best friend’s sister, workplace, and smutty. I’m excited to see what comes next in this series.
The romance was a slow burn but once they got there, it was well worth it. They loved each other so deeply that I felt comfortable throughout reading the book. Like I wasn’t worried there’d be some pointless OW drama that jumped out of no where or that there’d be anything really toxic about their relationship. That’s not to say there wasn’t any because there was, but it was dealt with well.
I really liked this book because the couple’s main focus was on themselves. They did worry about what Elise’s brother (and Weston’s best friend) would think but most of their conflict was internal. Weston is a workaholic and has always put his business above everything. It was an issue with his past relationships and was just with Elise too.
There was a lot of side development and history of the other characters too. It was enough to make me feel emotionally attached to multiple characters but didn’t take away from the main couple. It helped make the story go by quickly because there were never any filler moments that didn’t serve a purpose. I also can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots with Saoirse sooner, but I was happy when I figured it out.
This was a great book. It’s best friend’s sister, workplace, and smutty. I’m excited to see what comes next in this series.
July 15, 2024
Jefe/Empleada
GrumpyxSunshine
Brother's Best Friend
Elsie acaba de salir de una relación que la ha lastimado y dañado su orgullo y decide pedirle ayuda a su hermano, él la lleva de vuelta a su ciudad y le consigue trabajo con su mejor amigo.
Weston es gruñón y frío, a veces es controlador pero siempre tuvo un lado amable con Elsie hasta que ella le dejó de hablar.
Ahora su relación es distante y ella se muestra cautelosa pero gracias a su química y tensión sexual se volverán a unir.
Pensé que no me iba a gustar pero es una historia ligera y muy spicy que se lee muy rápido.
GrumpyxSunshine
Brother's Best Friend
Elsie acaba de salir de una relación que la ha lastimado y dañado su orgullo y decide pedirle ayuda a su hermano, él la lleva de vuelta a su ciudad y le consigue trabajo con su mejor amigo.
Weston es gruñón y frío, a veces es controlador pero siempre tuvo un lado amable con Elsie hasta que ella le dejó de hablar.
Ahora su relación es distante y ella se muestra cautelosa pero gracias a su química y tensión sexual se volverán a unir.
Pensé que no me iba a gustar pero es una historia ligera y muy spicy que se lee muy rápido.
September 14, 2023
I'm honestly so disappointed in this book, and had I paid attention to the author, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. This is the second book I've read by this author where the MMC does something completely inexcusable, and the FMC forgives after an I'm sorry. There was nowhere near enough grovel imo. If an author insists on making the 3rd act conflict be a character doing a horrible thing, at least make them grovel. Weston was so incredibly inconsistent in his actions. He is oh so concerned about her safety but ditches her with 2 guys she doesn't know to ride in a car with his ex-girlfriend without a first thought, let alone a second one. So it's definitely an actions don't match the words or thoughts. Especially since he was losing his mind while she was on a date, but it's fine for him to just ditch her to go be with an ex-girlfriend over and over.
The charity event he left her twice, and promised to never do it again. Yet he did even worse, completely shutting her out because supposedly his company issues took absolutely every moment of the day, all he could manage was texts at midnight, like why even bother at that point. Going so far as to tell his assistant that she isn't allowed in his office. Who does that when they are supposedly so in love with someone? Then he leaves the state entirely and doesn't think to mention it???? Finally, she tries to confront him, and he tells her he doesn't have time, but all of a sudden, he can make time if it's about work? Two weeks of completely ignoring her and treating her like she is dirt and all it takes is barely an apology and him saying, oh I'm making changes but it won't be immediate? This was after multiple other screw-ups, so it's not even like he wasn't aware of it. But then he wants to act like he can't breathe without her? That she is just so important to him he can act like she doesn't exist for 2 two weeks? It doesn't make any sense at all especially since he made a big deal about how easy it was to fit work around her before that. I get that it was a big deal for his company but, there is literally no way it took every moment of every day for 2 weeks.
Honestly, the whole thing was disappointing because this could have been a 5 star read. Had the author even bothered to make him grovel at all. Weston had so much promise too, he seemed like he actually cared, but his actions didn't really show it.
The charity event he left her twice, and promised to never do it again. Yet he did even worse, completely shutting her out because supposedly his company issues took absolutely every moment of the day, all he could manage was texts at midnight, like why even bother at that point. Going so far as to tell his assistant that she isn't allowed in his office. Who does that when they are supposedly so in love with someone? Then he leaves the state entirely and doesn't think to mention it???? Finally, she tries to confront him, and he tells her he doesn't have time, but all of a sudden, he can make time if it's about work? Two weeks of completely ignoring her and treating her like she is dirt and all it takes is barely an apology and him saying, oh I'm making changes but it won't be immediate? This was after multiple other screw-ups, so it's not even like he wasn't aware of it. But then he wants to act like he can't breathe without her? That she is just so important to him he can act like she doesn't exist for 2 two weeks? It doesn't make any sense at all especially since he made a big deal about how easy it was to fit work around her before that. I get that it was a big deal for his company but, there is literally no way it took every moment of every day for 2 weeks.
Honestly, the whole thing was disappointing because this could have been a 5 star read. Had the author even bothered to make him grovel at all. Weston had so much promise too, he seemed like he actually cared, but his actions didn't really show it.
December 19, 2023
ramblings and spoilers
- The push-and-pull, hot-and-cold treatment of Wes was goddamn infuriating. He'll push her away for one minute, then reel her back in. Will say things that'll hurt her or excuse why they can't act on their attraction, then backtrack and soothe her. Fucking make up your mind.
- When they visited one of his factories, the fact that he left her without a word and rode the car with the woman he used to fuck with was so fucking rage-inducing. He left her to ride with the other two managers, who are strangers to her.
- Elise was pathetic, like, really. He treated her like shit, made her feel worthless (unintentionally, but still), and hurt her with his actions. Yet she fucking crumpled when he propositioned that they should get each other out of their systems while they were on that work trip. Guuurl, I had many high hopes, but no, you're just one of those weak heroines led by their hormones.
- I didn't like their first time together. I was so annoyed by the events that happened before that I'm still seething and the scene freaking jumps to them deciding to screw each other out. I'm so pissed that even their supposed conversations while doing the deed were making me roll my eyes so hard. It's not cringey but because I'm pissed, I find their lines goddamn annoying.
- When he's wearing the CEO hat, he forgets everything around him. He has a one-track mind, and that's all about his company. Don't get me wrong, it was commendable at some point—the way he values his company and people. But he was so in his mind that he didn't see that there were people who were willing to help him.
- I couldn't get past what he did for the last 80% of the book. I understand the importance of his presence to solve his company problems, but the way he handled his relationship with Elise was just the same as the way he handled his previous failed relationships. He left her alone in a sense and in the dark, though this wasn't intentional. This only shows that no matter what happens, his company will come first, despite the fact that he kept saying Elise is different and he's her priority.
- The grovelling wasn't enough; I don't know how she was able to forgive him within a week. He put her through so much pain, and he basically abandoned her during those times. She's not asking for much, just some assurance that he still cares about her. All Elise ever did was be there, letting him know that she's willing to help him in whatever way she can.
- I didn't appreciate the OW drama. His ex-girlfriend, who was also the general manager of one of his branches, keeps appearing in the book. He treated her professionally because that's all he's been to her when he's in CEO mode. But he always forgets that Elise is there, and he's not doing very well with ensuring that she has nothing to worry about. But then again, this has been his behaviour for the last decade. He just falls into the habit, and he never sees anything or anyone else when the topic involved is his company.
- He should take some advice from his two best friends; they were both successful CEOs too, but they know how to find balance.
- Weston was so hard on his brother when he basically abandoned him too when they were young. He found refuge with the Elise family, but he left Miles, who is younger than him, to fend for himself in their toxic family. Miles had no one, yet even though he grew up alone, he still looks up to him. Yet Weston only sees him as a failure. The fact that he only knew what happened to him for around 85% of the book is another sign that he's a neglectful and selfish person. He was so busy getting away from his family, and though I know he was a child at the time, he should've thought about his brother too.
- Tbf he was not all bad; he had his good times too. He was a present and caring boyfriend when his company wasn't in crisis. He can be attentive to Elise when he wants to. But when it comes to his company, it always seems to come first, among other things. Yet in his mind, Elise has always been his priority, and his company was only a second thought, but his actions and words contradict each other.
- Elise has this habit of going cold when she's hurting. She doesn't scream, yell, or lash out, but she'll ice out someone without any second thoughts. I think this is her way of protecting herself, but at some point she has to grow up and needs to have some grown-up conversations that are way uncomfortable.
- She was hurting so much that she ran away from Weston and treated him like the way she treated her ex-boyfriend, even after she promised Wes that she'd be patient with him. Honestly, she holds up. The first time he abandoned her, she forgave and gave him another chance. But the second one was so bad; she gave him time and multiple chances to include her in what's going on in his life, but he cut her off and abandoned her again (unintentionally, but still).
- Probably she's just a good person overall and understanding, because she forgave him and took another chance with him. I don't know if I should be happy about this or not.
Overall, there were good times in this book. I love the side characters Elise's new found friends and Miles. Elise's relationship with her brother and Luca. I love some of Elise and Weston's moments too; when they're in their bubble, they're actually good together. But then again, there's the fact that it happened around 80%, which totally ruined the whole book for me. I don't think I'll ever settle for someone who doesn't see my worth until I'm gone, but that's just my personal opinion.
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- Death of loved one
- OW (Wes ex-girlfriend has been around for at least 30% of the book, I think?? This was also the only gf he considered marrying. She caused some drama, probably wanting to get back with him. Not outrightly said, but her actions did)
- OM1 (The ex-boyfriend she ghosted took a flight to speak with her, but she didn't give him a chance)
- OM2 (She went on a date with this guy to test the waters and see if she could have fun again without the need for a real relationship. They only went on 3 dates, I think, and ended up being friends only)
- The push-and-pull, hot-and-cold treatment of Wes was goddamn infuriating. He'll push her away for one minute, then reel her back in. Will say things that'll hurt her or excuse why they can't act on their attraction, then backtrack and soothe her. Fucking make up your mind.
- When they visited one of his factories, the fact that he left her without a word and rode the car with the woman he used to fuck with was so fucking rage-inducing. He left her to ride with the other two managers, who are strangers to her.
- Elise was pathetic, like, really. He treated her like shit, made her feel worthless (unintentionally, but still), and hurt her with his actions. Yet she fucking crumpled when he propositioned that they should get each other out of their systems while they were on that work trip. Guuurl, I had many high hopes, but no, you're just one of those weak heroines led by their hormones.
- I didn't like their first time together. I was so annoyed by the events that happened before that I'm still seething and the scene freaking jumps to them deciding to screw each other out. I'm so pissed that even their supposed conversations while doing the deed were making me roll my eyes so hard. It's not cringey but because I'm pissed, I find their lines goddamn annoying.
- When he's wearing the CEO hat, he forgets everything around him. He has a one-track mind, and that's all about his company. Don't get me wrong, it was commendable at some point—the way he values his company and people. But he was so in his mind that he didn't see that there were people who were willing to help him.
- I couldn't get past what he did for the last 80% of the book. I understand the importance of his presence to solve his company problems, but the way he handled his relationship with Elise was just the same as the way he handled his previous failed relationships. He left her alone in a sense and in the dark, though this wasn't intentional. This only shows that no matter what happens, his company will come first, despite the fact that he kept saying Elise is different and he's her priority.
- The grovelling wasn't enough; I don't know how she was able to forgive him within a week. He put her through so much pain, and he basically abandoned her during those times. She's not asking for much, just some assurance that he still cares about her. All Elise ever did was be there, letting him know that she's willing to help him in whatever way she can.
- I didn't appreciate the OW drama. His ex-girlfriend, who was also the general manager of one of his branches, keeps appearing in the book. He treated her professionally because that's all he's been to her when he's in CEO mode. But he always forgets that Elise is there, and he's not doing very well with ensuring that she has nothing to worry about. But then again, this has been his behaviour for the last decade. He just falls into the habit, and he never sees anything or anyone else when the topic involved is his company.
- He should take some advice from his two best friends; they were both successful CEOs too, but they know how to find balance.
- Weston was so hard on his brother when he basically abandoned him too when they were young. He found refuge with the Elise family, but he left Miles, who is younger than him, to fend for himself in their toxic family. Miles had no one, yet even though he grew up alone, he still looks up to him. Yet Weston only sees him as a failure. The fact that he only knew what happened to him for around 85% of the book is another sign that he's a neglectful and selfish person. He was so busy getting away from his family, and though I know he was a child at the time, he should've thought about his brother too.
- Tbf he was not all bad; he had his good times too. He was a present and caring boyfriend when his company wasn't in crisis. He can be attentive to Elise when he wants to. But when it comes to his company, it always seems to come first, among other things. Yet in his mind, Elise has always been his priority, and his company was only a second thought, but his actions and words contradict each other.
- Elise has this habit of going cold when she's hurting. She doesn't scream, yell, or lash out, but she'll ice out someone without any second thoughts. I think this is her way of protecting herself, but at some point she has to grow up and needs to have some grown-up conversations that are way uncomfortable.
- She was hurting so much that she ran away from Weston and treated him like the way she treated her ex-boyfriend, even after she promised Wes that she'd be patient with him. Honestly, she holds up. The first time he abandoned her, she forgave and gave him another chance. But the second one was so bad; she gave him time and multiple chances to include her in what's going on in his life, but he cut her off and abandoned her again (unintentionally, but still).
- Probably she's just a good person overall and understanding, because she forgave him and took another chance with him. I don't know if I should be happy about this or not.
Overall, there were good times in this book. I love the side characters Elise's new found friends and Miles. Elise's relationship with her brother and Luca. I love some of Elise and Weston's moments too; when they're in their bubble, they're actually good together. But then again, there's the fact that it happened around 80%, which totally ruined the whole book for me. I don't think I'll ever settle for someone who doesn't see my worth until I'm gone, but that's just my personal opinion.
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- Death of loved one
- OW (Wes ex-girlfriend has been around for at least 30% of the book, I think?? This was also the only gf he considered marrying. She caused some drama, probably wanting to get back with him. Not outrightly said, but her actions did)
- OM1 (The ex-boyfriend she ghosted took a flight to speak with her, but she didn't give him a chance)
- OM2 (She went on a date with this guy to test the waters and see if she could have fun again without the need for a real relationship. They only went on 3 dates, I think, and ended up being friends only)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: workplace romance, best friend's little sister
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Elise runs back home after a bad break up, right into the arms of her brother and his best friends, despite having avoided one of those said friends for years. Weston Aldrich was the star of all her teenage fantasies and while she spent the last 5 years avoiding him, she can't very well do that since he's given her a job to help her get on her feet. The attraction is still there, though and when Weston shows he's not immune either, the biggest obstacle seems to be Elise's brother. Until it's not. Can this grumpy workaholic find a balance they can both live with?
Dear Grumpy Boss definitely earned it's 5 grumperiffic stars! Well written, the story moves quickly, is laugh out loud funny, and surprised me with how emotional it got in places. I absolutely loved Elise. I love how she refuses to bring the drama, but still manages to stand up for herself and knows her worth. Weston is jealous, possessive, and completely in over his head for her. He makes huge missteps, but tries to do what's right while having not the best set of coping skills. The banter is great and there's a fun cast of family and friends that I eagerly wait to read more of. Just a great start to what's bound to be a wonderful series!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: workplace romance, best friend's little sister
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Elise runs back home after a bad break up, right into the arms of her brother and his best friends, despite having avoided one of those said friends for years. Weston Aldrich was the star of all her teenage fantasies and while she spent the last 5 years avoiding him, she can't very well do that since he's given her a job to help her get on her feet. The attraction is still there, though and when Weston shows he's not immune either, the biggest obstacle seems to be Elise's brother. Until it's not. Can this grumpy workaholic find a balance they can both live with?
Dear Grumpy Boss definitely earned it's 5 grumperiffic stars! Well written, the story moves quickly, is laugh out loud funny, and surprised me with how emotional it got in places. I absolutely loved Elise. I love how she refuses to bring the drama, but still manages to stand up for herself and knows her worth. Weston is jealous, possessive, and completely in over his head for her. He makes huge missteps, but tries to do what's right while having not the best set of coping skills. The banter is great and there's a fun cast of family and friends that I eagerly wait to read more of. Just a great start to what's bound to be a wonderful series!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
March 16, 2023
This book is similar to my experience with roller skating when I was younger, started off ok, wasn't as fun as I had anticipated, got really hard work very quickly and then I just gave up .
This book is really boring, It's really generic, it's been written from romance novels 101
Crappy ex ✔
Female insecure over body ✔
Female thinks shes ugly ✔
Cannot date cause brother objects✔
Hero (not female) super rich ✔
I didn't finish the book (I buggered off at about 60%) but if it stays true to the romance standard plan then I'm guessing they split up and get back together again 🤷♀️
Fuck me even the sex in it got borrrring.
I found it really immature like when you use to date when you were a teenager,the whole stooge of "we can't date because my brother would go mad" is really shite and to me misogynistic.
I know I won't remember the name of this book or any of the characters names by this time next week.
Kind of glad about that
This book is really boring, It's really generic, it's been written from romance novels 101
Crappy ex ✔
Female insecure over body ✔
Female thinks shes ugly ✔
Cannot date cause brother objects✔
Hero (not female) super rich ✔
I didn't finish the book (I buggered off at about 60%) but if it stays true to the romance standard plan then I'm guessing they split up and get back together again 🤷♀️
Fuck me even the sex in it got borrrring.
I found it really immature like when you use to date when you were a teenager,the whole stooge of "we can't date because my brother would go mad" is really shite and to me misogynistic.
I know I won't remember the name of this book or any of the characters names by this time next week.
Kind of glad about that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
I really loved Weston up until he messed up so I’m really sad he didn’t grovel more. I wanted to see him in tears begging on his knees, so it’s disappointing we didn’t get that and she forgave him after a measly week of flowers and an email
September 7, 2025
Merhabalar
⭐️2,5 Yazarla tanışma kitabım #lapisyayinlari dan çıkan Sevgili Huysuz Patronumun yorumuyla geldim. Kitabın Trope larında sevdiğim temalar olunca merak etmeden duramadım tabi kendimle birlikte @okumayaasikkadinlarr dan bir kaç arkadaşımda merak edince spontane bir grup ile haftasonu bir çırpıda okuduk.
Genel anlamda ben klişe okumaktan gocunan bir okur değilim zira kaliteli bir kalemle yazılan klişe konuları ele alan çok güzel #romancebook okumuşluğum var. Fakat bu kitap onlardan biri değildi maalesef….
İlk başta bence yazar ne Weston’un nede Elsie nin karekterine karar verememişti…karekterlerini tam oturtamamıştı anlayacağınız. Buda tabi aradaki ilişki gelişimini romance okurken beni tatmin etmedi. Yan karekterlerin kitaba katkısı güzeldi zira ana karekterleri okurken sıfır heyecan yaşadığımdan onları okurken daha keyif aldım açıkçası. Kitapta herşey tahmin edilebilirdi her ne kadar smutt sahnelerle bu durumu kurtarmak istesede yazar o sahnelerde oldukça vasattı..olmamıştı anlayacağınız.
Tüm bunlar dışında kitabın eksi bir diğer yönüde çeviriydi maalesef…kitaba başladığımda oldukça akıcı gelen kitap ilerledikçe arada anlamsız cümle biçimleri yada farklı kelime seçimleri yer almaya başladı. Buda doğal olarak tabi okuma keyfini kaçıran bir başka olaydı..
Netice olarak benim açımdan yetersiz beklentimin altında kalan bir okuma oldu…türü sevenlerin tercih edeceği çok daha iyi alternatifler var diyerek yorumumu noktalıyorum🌸🫶🏻
⭐️2,5 Yazarla tanışma kitabım #lapisyayinlari dan çıkan Sevgili Huysuz Patronumun yorumuyla geldim. Kitabın Trope larında sevdiğim temalar olunca merak etmeden duramadım tabi kendimle birlikte @okumayaasikkadinlarr dan bir kaç arkadaşımda merak edince spontane bir grup ile haftasonu bir çırpıda okuduk.
Genel anlamda ben klişe okumaktan gocunan bir okur değilim zira kaliteli bir kalemle yazılan klişe konuları ele alan çok güzel #romancebook okumuşluğum var. Fakat bu kitap onlardan biri değildi maalesef….
İlk başta bence yazar ne Weston’un nede Elsie nin karekterine karar verememişti…karekterlerini tam oturtamamıştı anlayacağınız. Buda tabi aradaki ilişki gelişimini romance okurken beni tatmin etmedi. Yan karekterlerin kitaba katkısı güzeldi zira ana karekterleri okurken sıfır heyecan yaşadığımdan onları okurken daha keyif aldım açıkçası. Kitapta herşey tahmin edilebilirdi her ne kadar smutt sahnelerle bu durumu kurtarmak istesede yazar o sahnelerde oldukça vasattı..olmamıştı anlayacağınız.
Tüm bunlar dışında kitabın eksi bir diğer yönüde çeviriydi maalesef…kitaba başladığımda oldukça akıcı gelen kitap ilerledikçe arada anlamsız cümle biçimleri yada farklı kelime seçimleri yer almaya başladı. Buda doğal olarak tabi okuma keyfini kaçıran bir başka olaydı..
Netice olarak benim açımdan yetersiz beklentimin altında kalan bir okuma oldu…türü sevenlerin tercih edeceği çok daha iyi alternatifler var diyerek yorumumu noktalıyorum🌸🫶🏻
December 7, 2025
Neresinden başlayıp da gömeyim bilemediğim bir kitap oldu. Arka kapak yazısına ve troplarına bakarsak gayet güzel olabilecekken saçma sapan olaylar ve hareketler beni benden aldı. İncir çekirdeğini bile doldurmayan sebeplerden tartışmalar ve "ne alaka abi" dedirten yakınlaşma sahneleri ve tüm bunların üzerine bir de çevirinin rezaleti. Yani öyle bir çeviri yapılmış ki cümleleri anlamlandırmak için tekrar tekrar okudum. Çeviri, Google Translate'den hallice yapay zeka gibiydi. Hal böyle olunca da maalesef sevemedim.
March 11, 2023
julia wolf can do no wrong, i swear!
elise leaves town and ghosts her boyfriend after finding pictures of herself and texts making fun of in her boyfriend’s group chat. her brother helps her out with a job at his best friend’s company and an apartment in his building and all that proximity pushes them together.
per usual, julia is blessing us with great representation and another curvy heroine and elise was a heroine who loved her body and was confident in herself. weston really, really loved her body too 🤪
i loved that he had been looking out for her for so many years and there were so many cute moments and gestures. i hope we get books for elliott and luca 🤞🏼
elise leaves town and ghosts her boyfriend after finding pictures of herself and texts making fun of in her boyfriend’s group chat. her brother helps her out with a job at his best friend’s company and an apartment in his building and all that proximity pushes them together.
per usual, julia is blessing us with great representation and another curvy heroine and elise was a heroine who loved her body and was confident in herself. weston really, really loved her body too 🤪
i loved that he had been looking out for her for so many years and there were so many cute moments and gestures. i hope we get books for elliott and luca 🤞🏼
March 20, 2023
i’m only giving this two stars because i liked elliot and luca…
elise was okay in the beginning but she got so annoying throughout the relationship. SHE JUST DOESNT SAY WHEN SHES MAD LIKE DAFUQ
weston was so boring and literally every “dominant” male character you’ve ever read about. and tbh he was cringe to me 😬 honestly this book was just so… unoriginal i wish it had something different to it idk but ig at the same time you should know what ur signing up to by looking at that cover!
elise was okay in the beginning but she got so annoying throughout the relationship. SHE JUST DOESNT SAY WHEN SHES MAD LIKE DAFUQ
weston was so boring and literally every “dominant” male character you’ve ever read about. and tbh he was cringe to me 😬 honestly this book was just so… unoriginal i wish it had something different to it idk but ig at the same time you should know what ur signing up to by looking at that cover!
September 29, 2025
2,5
Çok sıkıldım aşırı ruhsuz bir kurguydu üçüncü kitabı merak ettiğim için baştan okuyayım demiştim ama gerek yokmuş.
Çok sıkıldım aşırı ruhsuz bir kurguydu üçüncü kitabı merak ettiğim için baştan okuyayım demiştim ama gerek yokmuş.
March 11, 2023
there is nothing i love more in a workplace romance than a workaholic H neglecting the h and that causing all sorts of problems.
Weston had me crying, screaming, throwing up all over the place because he was SUUUUUUUUCH a dick and SUUUUUUCH an idiot. but i loved him!
the way he was so over the top jealous over EVERY TINY THING happening with Elise was just 🥹😗🤌🏻
i could really relate to Elise because my way of arguing is shutting down so i loved that she was an ice queen and didn’t take him back so easily.
BUT THE PICKLES 🥹 the college tuition 🥹 the apartment 🥹 her old coworkers gaslighting her ex boyfriend by saying she never existed 🥹 her NEW coworkers pulling the same stunt with Westie 🥹
freaking MILES 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 i hope he gets a book because that boy needs a fucking hug
Luca’s book is next and i don’t loooooove a manwhore but i love Luca so i’ll make an exception.
Every side character needs a book because i loved them all.
I know i’m ranting but also can we give the BEST sibling in the history of siblings a shout-out. ELLIOT my baby boy. he was perfect. absolutely perfect. he didn’t get all gross and misogynistic when he found out his best friend was with his sister. he just laid down the law and showed where his loyalties lie…..with Elise 10000% of the time. i loved him so freaking much.
Now i do wish we would have gotten more closure with the ex Patrick… and i honestly loved that even though he was an ass for what he did, he didn’t cheat on her, and their sex life was awesome. I’m tired of the heroines being in terrible abusive relationships with no orgasms and a shitty sex life.
Also that BITCH of an ex that the worked for the H. i didn’t like her at all. Am i happy Westie out her in her place? yes but i also hate that they would hook up every time he would go to california when i don’t know when the last time that was!
no safety was mentioned like when the last time they were active or anything and condoms were used except for one time and no one mentioned anything 😅 especially since Elise had to see West with a “plethora” of women growing up. okay she was 14 and he was 18 so like that’s fine BUT STILL. i need to know when the last time he got some was 😂😂😂
anyway! i loved this book, can’t wait for the rest.🥰
Weston had me crying, screaming, throwing up all over the place because he was SUUUUUUUUCH a dick and SUUUUUUCH an idiot. but i loved him!
the way he was so over the top jealous over EVERY TINY THING happening with Elise was just 🥹😗🤌🏻
i could really relate to Elise because my way of arguing is shutting down so i loved that she was an ice queen and didn’t take him back so easily.
BUT THE PICKLES 🥹 the college tuition 🥹 the apartment 🥹 her old coworkers gaslighting her ex boyfriend by saying she never existed 🥹 her NEW coworkers pulling the same stunt with Westie 🥹
freaking MILES 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 i hope he gets a book because that boy needs a fucking hug
Luca’s book is next and i don’t loooooove a manwhore but i love Luca so i’ll make an exception.
Every side character needs a book because i loved them all.
I know i’m ranting but also can we give the BEST sibling in the history of siblings a shout-out. ELLIOT my baby boy. he was perfect. absolutely perfect. he didn’t get all gross and misogynistic when he found out his best friend was with his sister. he just laid down the law and showed where his loyalties lie…..with Elise 10000% of the time. i loved him so freaking much.
Now i do wish we would have gotten more closure with the ex Patrick… and i honestly loved that even though he was an ass for what he did, he didn’t cheat on her, and their sex life was awesome. I’m tired of the heroines being in terrible abusive relationships with no orgasms and a shitty sex life.
Also that BITCH of an ex that the worked for the H. i didn’t like her at all. Am i happy Westie out her in her place? yes but i also hate that they would hook up every time he would go to california when i don’t know when the last time that was!
no safety was mentioned like when the last time they were active or anything and condoms were used except for one time and no one mentioned anything 😅 especially since Elise had to see West with a “plethora” of women growing up. okay she was 14 and he was 18 so like that’s fine BUT STILL. i need to know when the last time he got some was 😂😂😂
anyway! i loved this book, can’t wait for the rest.🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
I finally finished this one. It was one of those get to 40 percent and stall books. I didn’t want to DNF this one though because it was actually a book I liked. It was well written. Elise and Weston grew up together.Elise finds out that the guy she’s been living with for 4 years has a chat group with his college friends. They use a meme making fun of her curvy body to joke about things like the stock Market crashing. She packs her bags and ghosts him. She goes to work for her brothers best friend Weston. They write each other emails and post it’s. He’s grumpy at first. There’s a bit of ow stuff. They fight their attraction because of her brother. They get together. He puts his company first and does some dumb stuff. He grovels big time. She makes him work
For it and they live hea.
For it and they live hea.
November 20, 2024
Dear Grumpy Boss by Julia Wolf
3,5/5⭐
3,5/5🌶️
“There is a shelf where I keep the jars with their hearts. I always take the hearts. Leaving them behind to rot seems wrong, somehow. My morals are my own. Don’t judge me. Earlier, I gave her her own jar. She asked me why. I told her to put it on a shelf. Anytime she wants, she can pluck my heart from my chest and put it in her jar. My heart is hers, after all.”
This is my first book from Julia Wolf, and I’ve had this series on my TBR for a while now, finally finding the time to dive in. Some of my friends have recommended it to me, which is probably why my expectations are pretty high. I really wanted to enjoy this book, and there were some scenes I loved. It started off strong, but as I got to the middle, the pace slowed down, and not much was happening. I saw the third-act drama coming from a mile away, and unfortunately, the ending felt rushed, leaving me unsatisfied.
Elise has been living with her boyfriend for years, but one day she discovers something he did behind her back. So, she decides to move back to her hometown and gets a job with Weston, her brother's best friend, who she had a crush on ages ago. Weston is a self-made billionaire who built his company from scratch and it's doing really well now. He’s a total workaholic and tends to put everything else on the back burner when he’s working. He’s always cared for Elise like a little sister, but those feelings have grown over time.
“You haven’t demanded it, because you’re a better person than me, but you should know I’m yours too, Elise. There is no one else—and there won’t be.”
Weston and Elise have such amazing chemistry, especially when they finally let loose and dive into their feelings for each other. Elise is my favorite character in this book; she's a curvy girl who, despite having her insecurities, is confident in her body and knows her worth. It’s great to see her not settling for less. Weston can be a bit tough to like at times. I do think it’s sweet how he leaves her little Post-it notes to make her smile. The way he quietly takes care of her, especially after her dad passed away, is swoon-worthy. But when things go south at his company, he pushes Elise away instead of leaning on her for support, which is frustrating. My heart broke for Elise when she tried to help him, and he just brushed her off like she didn’t matter. There was no communication from him, and that part really bugged me. Weston did a little groveling, but honestly, it didn’t feel like enough, and I was left feeling kinda unsatisfied.
Overall, it’s a pretty good read. I love Julia's writing, and there are some heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments. Plus, the side characters are awesome, and I know they have their books which I'm excited to read.
“If she had any idea how much it bothered me that I couldn’t witness every single one of her breaths, she would have run far and fast.”
3,5/5⭐
3,5/5🌶️
“There is a shelf where I keep the jars with their hearts. I always take the hearts. Leaving them behind to rot seems wrong, somehow. My morals are my own. Don’t judge me. Earlier, I gave her her own jar. She asked me why. I told her to put it on a shelf. Anytime she wants, she can pluck my heart from my chest and put it in her jar. My heart is hers, after all.”
This is my first book from Julia Wolf, and I’ve had this series on my TBR for a while now, finally finding the time to dive in. Some of my friends have recommended it to me, which is probably why my expectations are pretty high. I really wanted to enjoy this book, and there were some scenes I loved. It started off strong, but as I got to the middle, the pace slowed down, and not much was happening. I saw the third-act drama coming from a mile away, and unfortunately, the ending felt rushed, leaving me unsatisfied.
Elise has been living with her boyfriend for years, but one day she discovers something he did behind her back. So, she decides to move back to her hometown and gets a job with Weston, her brother's best friend, who she had a crush on ages ago. Weston is a self-made billionaire who built his company from scratch and it's doing really well now. He’s a total workaholic and tends to put everything else on the back burner when he’s working. He’s always cared for Elise like a little sister, but those feelings have grown over time.
“You haven’t demanded it, because you’re a better person than me, but you should know I’m yours too, Elise. There is no one else—and there won’t be.”
Weston and Elise have such amazing chemistry, especially when they finally let loose and dive into their feelings for each other. Elise is my favorite character in this book; she's a curvy girl who, despite having her insecurities, is confident in her body and knows her worth. It’s great to see her not settling for less. Weston can be a bit tough to like at times. I do think it’s sweet how he leaves her little Post-it notes to make her smile. The way he quietly takes care of her, especially after her dad passed away, is swoon-worthy. But when things go south at his company, he pushes Elise away instead of leaning on her for support, which is frustrating. My heart broke for Elise when she tried to help him, and he just brushed her off like she didn’t matter. There was no communication from him, and that part really bugged me. Weston did a little groveling, but honestly, it didn’t feel like enough, and I was left feeling kinda unsatisfied.
Overall, it’s a pretty good read. I love Julia's writing, and there are some heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments. Plus, the side characters are awesome, and I know they have their books which I'm excited to read.
“If she had any idea how much it bothered me that I couldn’t witness every single one of her breaths, she would have run far and fast.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,769 reviews