The Hating Game meets The Proposal—if the grumpy billionaire you had a one-night stand with ran a luxury jet empire, ghosted you like a pro, and then became your next PR nightmare at 40,000 feet.
Months ago, I had a scorching one-night stand with Harrison Ashford. CEO. Sin in a suit. Human red flag.
Also? The grumpiest man alive. Think smoldering glare, dripping sarcasm, and the emotional range of a brick wall.
He ghosted me so hard I had to check for a pulse.
Then we collide again in an airport lounge—just as he’s going viral for trash-talking Scarlett Rush, America’s sweetheart and the world’s most beloved pop star.
Now he’s public enemy number one, the fandom is out for revenge, and his private jet company is bleeding money.
And he wants to hire me to fix it.
I’m a crisis PR pro, not a billionaire wrangler. Babysitting a grumpy jet mogul with a god complex and a grudge against joy—who had me breaking all my rules, then vanished—is not in my five-year plan.
Still, the money’s obscene. The jets are private. And the job? Temporary.
I can keep it professional. I can ignore the tension in every private jet and late-night strategy session. I will absolutely not fall for the man who ghosted me.
New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
How to Survive Your Boss by Leslie North is polished, confident, and dangerously easy to devour. North’s writing is clean and controlled, but never sterile—there’s a smooth, intentional rhythm to the prose that keeps the story moving while letting the emotional tension simmer just under the surface. This is the kind of romance where the author clearly knows what she’s doing and does it without apology. The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Scenes flow naturally into one another, and the story never stalls out or overindulges. North balances plot and romance with precision, using external stakes to drive momentum while letting the relationship unfold in a way that feels earned rather than rushed. Even when the trajectory is familiar, the execution is sharp enough that you don’t mind—you’re too busy enjoying the ride. The dialogue deserves special mention. The banter is tight, witty, and purposeful, with conversations that actually reveal character rather than existing purely for flirtation. Each exchange pushes the dynamic forward, layering tension, vulnerability, and humor in a way that feels deliberate. The chemistry builds steadily, and when it tips from restraint into heat, it feels inevitable rather than sudden. North’s attention to professional detail also elevates the writing. The workplace elements are handled with specificity instead of vague gloss, grounding the story in a believable world and giving the romance something solid to push against. Those details add texture and credibility, making the story feel thoughtfully constructed rather than trope-assembled. Where the book narrowly misses a full five stars is predictability. A few emotional beats and plot turns are easy to see coming, and some resolutions arrive a bit quickly. Still, this feels less like a flaw and more like a conscious choice—this is comfort romance with teeth, not chaos for chaos’s sake. The payoff works because the foundation is strong. Ultimately, How to Survive Your Boss succeeds because the writing understands exactly what it’s offering and commits to it fully. It’s escapist without being sloppy, spicy without being gratuitous, and emotionally satisfying without spiraling into melodrama. Leslie North delivers a romance that’s confident, competent, and unapologetically fun—one that knows its audience and feeds them well. Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie North, and Relay Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own
How To Survive Your Boss, is a very fun, second chance romance story about Harrison and Gwen. Harrison is the CEO and founder of the Ashford Luxury Jet Empire. When he finds himself struggling a PR nightmare, there is only one person who seems to be able to help him: Gwen. Gwen is very good at what she does. Unfortunately, Harrison and Gwen had a magical week in Aspen, and after that week Harrison ghosted Gwen. So how are they supposed to work together again? There are a lot of unresolved issues between them, and the chemistry is definitely flying of the pages.
How To Survive Your Boss was a book I easily devoured in only two days. Leslie North has been one of my favorite authors of 2025. And she definitely did it again with this first book in a new series. I loved how different Harrison and Gwen were, since it made for some very funny interactions, and how Gwen was able to stand up to Harrison. The chemistry was amazing, the romance definitely swoon worthy, and we also read about some other side characters I definitely can’t wait to read more of.
Sure, some moments were a bit predictable, and I kind of felt like the start of this book needed a bit more explanation about when Harrison and Gwen met first.. But overall I really loved and enjoyed this book.
Gwen met Harrison in Aspen and they had a wonderful and romantic vacation fling, but Harrison doesn't do relationships and ghosts her at the end without even a note. It's been months and Gwen has to admit she gets a little thrill every time she hears the billionaire CEO's name trash talked on social media! In a moment of temper on camera, Harrison bashed pop star Scarlet Rush and now her Fandom is out for blood. His aviation company and their stocks are sinking fast and he needs a solution. When he literally runs into Gwen at the airport, she becomes his PR solution. Spending so much time with Gwen at the office brings back so many of the feelings he was afraid of in Aspen and he doesn't do feelings! But at the end of her contract, can he let her go and give up this new happiness he's never felt before. In some ways Harrison is the perfect boyfriend and he really tries, but when things get stressful he becomes an unemotional robot. Gwen is such a strong female character unafraid to stand for what she deserves. This book introduces another set of brothers I can't wait to get to know. Office Romance at its best lol. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Money can’t buy love, but it sure can get you places to prove it. Especially if you own an aviation company. Showing emotion is the last thing Harrison wants or needs in his life. And it’s the one thing Gwen wants/needs from the man she loves. Break up or wake up. Which will it be? There is definitely sexual content/sizzle so it’s advisable that it’s an adults only read. There is a lot of emotional ups and downs to keep the reader engaged. And no surprise, a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were well developed and relatable. The story held my attention and it was hard to tear myself away. There are lots of laughs and also lots of emotion, both highs and lows, and I liked the growth and development of the characters over the course of the story, especially Harrison’s relationship with not only Gwen but also with his family. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gwen enjoys her job, just not the people she works with. Her boss treats her like a secretary but is happy to take her ideas as his own. When she walks into the man who she spent a week with then he ghosted her without even leaving a note. Harrison runs his own aviation company. He doesn't like people knowing his private life. Now hes in need of help to sort out his reputation. Then who does he walk into. Yes the one woman who he truly has feelings for. But he doesn't do feelings. He doesn't do relationships. But she's good at what she does. Can they work together. Will Gwen be able to move past his rejection. Is Harrison finally able to be honest with her. This is a brilliant story that's easy to read. It's also a brilliant start to more from the Ashford family. As always Leslie has given us a really great story
Will he stay this time, or walk away from her again?
Gwen is a PR whiz working at a job she loves at a company she hates. The company is run as if it were a frat house. She brings in clients to the firm but isn't allowed to work with those clients after they sign on the dotted line.
Harrison's family is in the hospitality business and is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts. He's the rebel of the family and founded a luxury charter airline business.
He needs a PR whiz to help him ASAP after a feud began between him and Scarlet Rush, a very popular music artist with a huge fan base called Rushies. She had booked a flight on one of his planes after her commercial flight had issues, and she was unable to get to a fan event on time. Unfortunately, her assistant had given Scarlet's driver the wrong hangar number. When she didn't show up at the designated departure time and had failed to call his company, they had released the plane to one of their frequent flyers who had had an emergency. She showed up an hour late, and there were no planes available. Her handlers were not happy and raised a hullabaloo. The airline had set up an area where she was able to do a live performance for her fans, but the live connection between her and her fans had been severed. Her fans, many of them teenage girls, are turning out to be a force to be reckoned with.
He was on the courthouse steps trying to deal with a very emotional situation when the press cornered him. He really didn't know much about what had happened with Scarlet. When the press continued to hound him, he snapped. He said things he couldn't take back, calling her and her fans “silly little girls” and “spoiled-rotten princesses.” First shots were fired, and the Rushie war has begun.
Gwen and. Harrison had met before. They had a one-night stand from which he bolted and ghosted her. They met again in an airport, where he splashed the contents of his drink container on her and then didn't even apologize. She'd like to know what really happened when he dumped her, but it's unlikely to ever happen.
He hires the firm where she works to clear up this mess. Their approach is all wrong for this situation considering the fact that they're dealing with teenage girls, but "men know best" seems to be their motto. She was right. Even he can see that the campaign they have planned for him will only make things worse. There's nothing else for him to do if he wants to end this feud with Scarlet. He offers Gwen the job.
She doesn't want to work with him. But she knows she's his only hope to be able to fix the mess he made of things. Plus, with what he is willing to pay her, it will allow her to open her own agency. But what will happen when their old feelings start resurfacing?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
From chapter 1 the book pulled me in, the first two chapters! I’m invested and need to know more about their story. The banter is very well done and you can feel the immediate connection and chemistry between these characters.
I love that they continued to discover more about each other organically and their connection grew
I wouldn’t describe Harrison as grumpy per se but you’ll just have to read his POV to find out what I mean 😉
I have had a hard time getting into billionaire romances before because the MMC always was seemed over the top is maybe the best way to put it. but I went in to this one hoping for some fun banter and connection and I got it. Harrison was charming, funny, (sure “grumpy” at times), sweet.
Gwen fit with him so well from the beginning with the callbacks to their time in aspen (this absolutely helped with feeling they had a prior connection even in the first couple chapters), the banter and teasing, the honesty and how he recognized what other people couldn’t relationship wise and work wise, Harrison took her seriously and took a chance on her and it did not disappoint!
Gwen’s relationship with her sister was refreshing to see characters so close even though she wasn’t in the book much she made a big impact to Gwen’s story.
Kevin and Susan also made a huge impact on Harrison’s side of the story because he had people in his corner noticing the small changes he had about himself when he was with Gwen. He had found the love of his life and was happier because of it. She is one of the few things that can ground and center him (Go Susan! 🎉)
I cannot wait to continue the Ashford brothers series and dive into Drew and Logan’s stories!
We all need a Denise and Susan in our lives
It was very easy to get invested and connected into this soon to be series, it left me wanting more of them and more into the Ashford family. On its own it’s very unique and I love that throughout the book a lot of things mentioned came full circle in the end!
Spice: 2 🌶️
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Tropes
Billionaire Romance One night stand Grumpy (kind of) x sunshine Workplace romance Second Chance
Quotes:
"Believe me, I already know more than I want to. I would love to snap my fingers and forget all about you,"
So why was I stuck daydreaming about the gorgeous woman who hated everything about me?
"Sir, you're delusional. Because I know for a fact that when you want to be charming you ooze it. I've been on the receiving end. I know what it's like when you lock onto someone and really listen to them”
Gwen was running through the terminal to reach her connecting flight. Although she had been there on time, her plane had been late and the other plane was waiting at the farthest end of the airport! She would need to clean herself up on the way there to be ready for her Vegas meeting. This meeting was the critical one! She was cutting it close as she looked at the time and ran straight into a very hard body. Making that flight would be impossible now... and then she found out she knew the man she had collided with. Harrison had ghosted her after spending a week together and it took a long time to get over him. Now his drink was spilled on her as she slammed into him and her blouse became see-through. Even he was not happy about this experience. The public is likewise not happy with him since he had trash-talked a pop star everyone adored, and the bad press he is getting is becoming damaging. Gwen wondered why the CEO of a private luxury jet company would ever be flying commercial? But she continued to blame him for currently making her miss her connection to Vegas and without a change of clothes. He told her she didn't miss it since it was actually still here, having been delayed. He surprised her by giving her a key code to a secret first class lounge in the terminal that would dry and press her blouse. Then a few of his comments set her off again. Her job in public relations required a cool disposition and a level head, but this man knew how to rattle her in an instant.
With his private jet company losing money, Harrison needs a PR firm to get the heat off him from the angry starlet he allegedly insulted. His marketing manager Denise told him the starlet was not backing off with the public pressure and it was hurting his business (all because he had called them “silly little girls” and “spoiled-rotten princesses” when they blamed him "personally" for their missing a fan event in Colorado when their own assistant gave her driver the wrong hangar number). So now Denise strongly recommends a PR firm with a crisis-management focus rather than trying to "wait this out" (his words). Will he hire Gwen despite their past? Can she remain professional despite her own anger about being ghosted? And will he panic at his feelings for her returning and choose to back away from a relationship once again?
Leslie writes witty banter like no other and I seriously enjoyed this one!
Gwen and Harrison first met in Aspen, after spending a week getting to "know" each other. When Harrison leaves without a trace, Gwen is shocked but also wants to put this experience behind her.
Come reality, Harrison is caught mouthing off America's pop princess and sweetheart, Scarlett, causing a media storm. He is in desperate need of crisis management and enlists the help from McPherson Media - where Gwen also coincidentally works.
The PR strategy presented to him by the big boss is child's play, preferring to taking a hedge on Gwen, tripling her salary to take her with him. However, Gwen despises the man himself - grumpy, arrogant and closed off - but the money is way too good to pass up on, instead thinking of her own future.
As time passes, Gwen starts to see the 'Aspen' side of Harrison again. Despite his reputation and the armour he wears in the boardroom, outside of it he is a sucker for Gwen... But what happens when Harrison starts reverting back to his old ways? Will Gwen's heart be able to stay intact when he starts to walk away the second time round?
Ahhhh.. these two were just the sweetest. I loved the top notch banter and the undeniable chemistry between them. It was a constant "will they-won't they" situation where I was flipping them pages to know more! Gwen was a strong and independent FMC with so many likeable traits but happens to be the one that thaws Harrison's heart. Harrison was the typical obnoxious boss who couldn't stand that a) Gwen was always right and b) Gwen was so damn good at her job. She was also the woman he couldn't have and was literally his biggest temptation 🫠 personally, I would have loved to have seen more grovelling scenes from Harrison but overall I loved their well deserved HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jetliner Jackass and his PR genius.... Gwen is a resilient, artistic, determined, creative and a distraction for Harrison Ashford he wasn’t expecting. Harrison has emotionally closed himself off to others, he is a no nonsense, stern man who instead of following his family legacy went after his own. Harrison is in need of a PR rep and never expected to see the one woman who could turn his world upside down after he ghosted her after one amazing week. Gwen has been fighting her path through a male dominated industry being overlooked and underappreciated, so when the last person on earth she expected to see again offers her an opportunity of a lifetime she must decide if she can put her hurt feelings aside and take a chance. Gwen is amazing in this story, her strength, wisdom, passion and her witty personality captivate all. I l. I loved Kevin, Gwen's sister Sarah and Harrison's brothers Drew and Logan. My favorite part of story was England Airport scene, WOW! It was so romantic but then ending was just as romantic, especially the song “It was always you” part. This story is full of heartbreak, sweet moments, shock and feeling of helplessness, as well as loneliness and abandonment and being afraid. Boved how Harrison grows from a man who wasn’t able to show his feelings to a passionate romantic. I loved how Gwen was able to finally find courage to make her dream into reality. This second chance story captivated me from moment I started reading, there is so much growth for both Gwen and Harrison. Their chemistry was out of this world their banter had me begging for more and their spark as well as passion had me mesmerized. Harrison was once lost but now found and saved by his angel. I absolutely adored Monty, soooo cute most of all it’s a fun, sweet and happy story with an amazing HEA ending that will leave anyone begging for more. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC. …
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC for the honest view.
I really enjoyed it. It took me a minute to warm up to the MMC, Harrison (maybe it was my mood). I immediately enjoyed Gwen. This isn't your classic grumpy sunshine billionaire romance. This billionaire is a grumpy golden retriever. He has all the trappings of being a brooding grumpy billionaire, but he's actually a golden retriever in disguise.
If you're looking immediate spice, this book may not be your jam. The author does an incredible job. of world building and relationship building between the male main character and the female main character before anything serious happens. I totally loved that you got to see each character in their element with their own friends/family.
This is second chance so you get the MMC groveling a little bit more. I love the fact that Gwen totally held Harrison accountable for everything. This isn't something you see often in romance novels. It was nice to see the character development of the male main character. I would have liked to see Gwen develop a little bit more.
If side characters are your thing this book is really going to hit. It’s got a little bit of everything fun best friend, siblibngs for both MMC and FMC and two amazing dads. There's some mom stuff to, but it's neatly packaged. I really enjoyed the side stories and I hope each one of Harrison's brothers gets their own story. The author definitely provided a really interesting twist. I thought the book was going one way with Gwen's first PR disaster and I was pleasantly surprised that it went a different way.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone that wants a cinnamon roll billionaire. Nope, to the author I would love to see Scarlett get her own story.
This book is a great start to a new series, I was fully invested from the first page. Gwen Ackland was unhappy with her job at McPherson Media, she was good at her job but was never given the opportunity to shine, all this was about to change after a chance encounter with Billionaire Harrison Ashford, the same Harrison Ashford with whom she had enjoyed a torrid, romantic vacation in Aspen, the same Harrison Ashford who had walked out on her without a backward glance. Harrison ran a private luxury jet company which was part of the mighty Ashford corporation, he was ultra wealthy, and although grumpy, he was good at his job, the company was thriving, that was until ......... After a particularly rough day in court and having a microphone shoved in his face he made a disparaging remark about Scarlet Rush, a singer with a massive adoring fan base, a singer who was about to make his life a misery. Harrison began to worry, it wasn't going away, his staff began to worry, stock prices and business partnerships were beginning to suffer, he had to do something. As this story unfolds and after a few witty encounters and a huge bribe, Gwen started to work for the man that she had nicknamed Jetline Jackass, she was the only one that he thought could sort out his mess, but wouldn't let him walk out on her a second time, no way was she losing her heart again to the handsome billionaire. I really enjoyed this story, I loved the connection and attraction between the two, I love the banter, I love the supporting characters, I love the grovelling happy end and I look forward to reading about the remaining Ashford brothers. I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review: How to Survive Your Boss by Leslie North The Ashford Brothers, Book 1
This book was such a fun, emotional roller coaster in the best way. How to Survive Your Boss delivers sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a grumpy billionaire hero who is deeply, painfully bad at feelings—but absolutely gone for the heroine.
Gwen is smart, capable, and refreshingly self-aware. As a crisis PR professional, she knows exactly what she’s getting into when she agrees to work for Harrison Ashford… and exactly why she shouldn’t. Their prior history adds delicious tension from the start, and every forced interaction afterward crackles with unresolved emotion.
Harrison is the definition of an emotionally stunted man who means well but executes terribly. He’s sarcastic, closed-off, and infuriating—yet his quiet actions, loyalty, and soft spot (especially for dogs!) reveal a man who loves deeply even if he doesn’t know how to show it. Watching him realize he’s messed up—and then scramble to fix it before it’s too late—is incredibly satisfying.
The workplace setting, private jets, PR disasters, and celebrity fallout keep the pacing brisk and entertaining, while the romance hits with genuine emotional weight. This isn’t just enemies-to-lovers or second-chance romance—it’s about growth, accountability, and learning how to choose someone out loud instead of hiding behind silence.
Witty, swoony, and full of heart, this book is a fantastic start to the Ashford Brothers series. If you love grumpy billionaires, competent heroines, forced proximity, and a hero who has to work hard to win her back, this one is absolutely worth the read. ✈️💙.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Ashford Brothers Series and Harrison is the oldest of three brothers. I'm sure Logan and Drew's story will follow. What a great book. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. Harrison was CEO of Ashford Jets which was a part of the family conglomerate of resorts, hotels, etc. He was still emotionally raw from losing his mother to cancer and a messy divorce. She was his rock and he was closer to her than his father or brothers. He let his temper get the best of him and created a PR nightmare when he let loose on a superstar singer and her mostly teenage fans. With time on their hands, it didn't take them long to set the internet on fire. With his company's stock declining and the backlash increasing, he had no choice but to hire a damage control PR firm. He and Gwen met in Aspen and had a wonderful week until he ghosted her, Needless to say, she's not happy when he literally runs into her at the airport weeks later and he spills water all over her blouse. Things get more interesting when he interviews the PR firm she works for and ends up hiring her to work for him. The angst between them is strong, their banter is tense and sarcastic but their chemistry is off the charts. An emotional roller coaster where he goes hot and then cold. She is the missing link that brings joy back into his life and helps his family heal. A lot of heartbreak but eventually an HEA you'll love. No cliffhanger and a great start to the series. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at times as he learned to unlock his heart. I read a free arc via Booksirens and voluntarily chose to write a review. A must read that you will enjoy.
Harrison Ashford is CEO of Ashford Jets. Told mogul and total jerk. He ditched Gwen with no note. You can understand her dislike of the man. When she is given the chance to clear his image and save his company, she will do it for the right price. And guess what, he delivered. But Scarlett Rush and her Rushies fans aren’t willing to let it go. Gwen has to fight hard to save him and the company. But we also learn a great deal about why Harrison bailed and the person he truly is. Gwen is Harrison’s temptation. He is trying really hard to not fall for her. It would be a conflict of interest.
As you read on you also learn about bit more about each of them and their past. Did I think it could have cut some things out, yeah. It got a bit long. Gwen was a smart woman when it came to PR. She had great instincts and even though they get blindsided, she was able to fix the issue. Harrison had so much stress with his job that he never had time to have a life. But it’s not only the job but the family. Yes, we learn about why the Ashford Family has become jaded. Gwen helps to clear away all that and bring them back together. When I first started reading the story you aren’t given a reason why these two dislike each other. But it isn’t really dislike but major attraction. This story gives you a view into the Ashford family. That is why it seems to be long. Could it have been divided up into other books to follow, yes. But all in all it turns out to be a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Ashford Brothers Series and Harrison is the oldest of the three brothers. I'm sure Logan and Drew's story will follow. What a great book. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
Harrison was CEO of Ashford Jets which was a part of the family conglomerate of resorts, hotels, etc. He was still emotionally raw from losing his mother to cancer and a messy divorce. She was his rock and he was closer to her than his father or brothers. He let his temper get the best of him and created a PR nightmare when he let loose on a superstar singer and her mostly teenage fans. With time on their hands, it didn't take them long to set the internet on fire.
With his company's stock declining and the backlash increasing, he had no choice but to hire a damage control PR firm. He and Gwen met in Aspen and had a wonderful week until he ghosted her, Needless to say, she's not happy when he literally runs into her at the airport weeks later and he spills water all over her blouse.
Things get more interesting when he interviews the PR firm she works for and ends up hiring her to work for him. The angst between them is strong, their banter is tense and sarcastic but their chemistry is off the charts.
An emotional roller coaster where he goes hot and then cold. She is the missing link that brings joy back into his life and helps his family heal. A lot of heartbreak but eventually an HEA you'll love. No cliffhanger and a great start to the series. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at times as he learned to unlock his heart.
Surviving Your Boss was a fast, entertaining workplace romance with great chemistry and strong character dynamics.
The story centers on Gwen, a skilled crisis PR professional who reluctantly accepts a temporary job working for Harrison Winslow—the grumpy, emotionally closed-off CEO she once had a scorching one-night stand with… before he ghosted her. When a viral scandal threatens Harrison’s jet company, Gwen is hired to manage the fallout, forcing them into close quarters and unresolved tension.
Gwen is a capable, confident heroine who feels grounded and realistic in her role. I appreciated that she’s competent at her job and sets boundaries, even as the chemistry between her and Harrison simmers in every private jet scene and late-night strategy session. Harrison fits the “grumpy CEO” archetype perfectly, but the gradual emotional softening makes his character arc satisfying rather than frustrating.
The pacing is strong, the banter is sharp, and the forced-proximity setup is well executed. The public scandal adds meaningful external stakes without overpowering the romance, and the relationship development feels earned.
This wasn’t a full five-star read only because a few plot beats were predictable, but overall it was a fun, engaging romance that delivered exactly what it promised.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy workplace romance, grumpy heroes, second-chance chemistry, and competent heroines.
Harrison and Gwen immediately captured my interest and drew me into their story. Their banter, the sniping, the push and pull nature of their relationship and their incendiary level chemistry make this book an engrossing read. Harrison is a billionaire businessman who doesn’t do relationships or feelings. A hot fling in Aspen with Gwen sparked something in him he refused to examine and led to him ghosting her. Months later they cross paths again and let’s just say they exchange snarky words more than once. When a PR disaster has Harrison walking into the PR firm she works for, Gwen ends up leaving with him after he hires her to work exclusively with him.
Both are actually stunned by their actions, but surprisingly, they work very well together, even if their attraction to each other and their tempers sometimes flare. Harrison’s softer more charming side, the side Gwen met in Aspen, makes an appearance again, in sharp contrast to the rude and arrogant business mogul side that he usually shows her and the world at large. Gwen is more than capable of handling the demands of her job, standing up to Harrison and showing any doubters that she is at the top of her game. It takes a beat or two and working through some turbulence before the two finally admit their feelings and give their relationship a real chance.
This book has my full recommendation. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
I’ve finished How to Survive Your Boss, and overall it was a very satisfying read. The story is fun, fast, and comfortably escapist, with characters that quickly become easy to root for. While the opening chapter leans into some clichéd banter, the book finds its rhythm soon after and never really lets go.
He’s the cold, powerful boss with genuine depth and kindness beneath the surface. She’s smart, capable, and grounded, which makes the grump x sunshine dynamic and competence kink especially satisfying. Their forced proximity moments push the relationship forward in a way that feels earned rather than manufactured, and the emotional beats stay consistent throughout.
I was especially pleased with the author’s aviation knowledge. Instead of vague references to “a jet,” she uses proper air traffic language, names an Embraer specifically, and even nods to aviation superstitions. Those details add texture and credibility and show real care for the subject.
The pacing felt good from start to finish. The ending wraps up fairly quickly, but it still delivers a satisfying emotional payoff. Most of all, this book made me happy. It’s a polished, escapist romance that understands exactly what it’s offering: a rich, kind, handsome man who genuinely cares and respects his partner, and a love story that’s easy to sink into and enjoy.
Hang on, get comfortable you are going to be a minute because you won’t be putting this one down until the last page has been turned. They say it is a thin line between love and hate and boy do these two make a believer out of us in the best way. Gwen loves her job but like most of us she does not really like the people she works with her boss steals her ideas for himself while treating her like a glorified secretary and the last straw is when she runs into her one night of pleasure, who immediately ghosted her right after. Harrison sexy as all get out owner of aviation company doesn’t like people really especially when they try to involve themselves in his private life, but his reputation isn’t the best he needs someone or some help to polish his reputation and the one person he bumps into again is the one he ghosted because he had feelings for her but of course he told himself he doesn’t do feelings or relationships so he walked away the first time but now he needs her to help him with his reputation but will she work with him, can they work together, will she be able to get past him ghosting her, can he even explain the reason behind it, what happens when his feelings become very real will he run again or man up, and are they headed for happiness?
Harrison’s in a mess of trouble when a famous rock star, Scarlet Rush, had a bad experience during her flight on his airline. With Scarlet’s complaint spiraling out of control & her fans backing her up, he needs someone to stop this from escalating & affecting his company’s business. As luck should have it, his appt. is where Gwen works. They already have bad history & are enemies but she does give him advice & insight on how this company will play out the scenario on what they’ll do to fix it. But she knows everything about Scarlet, as Gwen’s a huge fan of hers & said she’d fixed his problem but not what her boss suggests. Harrison believes her & hires her & they work together in fixing this problem. How is it Harrison messes up crushing her heart 3 times?!!! Does he honestly get a 3rd chance with winning Gwen back in getting a HEA? He’ll need to change a lot to get the forgiveness from her.
An excellent novel to read. Harrison learns he cannot ‘buy’ Gwen’s feelings or seek forgiveness. She’s great in standing up to him & not putting up with his smooth moves. I absolutely loved the ending of this story.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sharp banter, forced proximity, and tension you can feel—this workplace enemies-to-lovers romance delivers it all. What started as a hot vacation and ended with ghosting, left Gwen angry and heartbroken. So what happens when she finds herself working for Harrison Ashford, the grumpy billionaire with a luxury jet empire. She will need to deal with his PR crisis and her own heart that tries to betray her. The misunderstandings slowly unravels into trust, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry.
The tension? Immaculate. The mistakes? Plenty of The vibes? Absolutely worth it ,with a bit of luxury travel
The MMC is walking red-flag energy (the cold, domineering and irresistible kind), the FMC makes choices we’d all judge ( but don’t have the courage to do ourselves).
The book is fast paced and captivating. The witty banter and undeniable chemistry capture the reader from the beginning.
Perfect if you love romance with attitude, swoon-worthy tension, and mistakes that are never to big to overcome
Definitely will be using the word bosshole more in 2026 .
How To Survive Your Boss is my first Leslie North but I had already ordered my second before even finishing this book. How To Survive Your Boss is about Harrison, CEO of a private jet company and Gwen, PR Guru who spent a magical week in Aspen before he ghosted her. Gwen comes back into Harrison’s life when he hires her after going viral from trash talking one of America’s biggest singers. I loved the character of Gwen who was a strong and independent woman not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, as well as the personal growth in not only Harrison but the men in his family. As a Swiftie I also appreciated the likeness to her and her fans. I like the way that this book sets the scene for future books in this series and I can’t wait to read more about Harrison’s brothers. I love the parts of the book where Gwen is completely kicking butt as well as all of the puppies. I found this book easy to read and had trouble putting it down to get on with the real world. I recommend this book to any romance lover, especially those who enjoy a workplace romance with a grumpy MMC. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. All opinions are voluntarily made.
This one is a nice little story when you're looking for a light read, nothing serious, just curling up with a book and a cup of tea.
I did find the pacing could have been better to really connect more with the story and characters a bit more.
The banter between Harrison and Gwen, and the comedic timing was handled very well. They're likeable characters (yes, even grumpy Harrison) and they will have you cheering for their happily ever after. Gwen is a solid female lead - she's strong, career focused, and feisty. I enjoyed how she repeatedly put Harrison back in his place.
Read it if you love: - Open door romance - Second chances - Billionaire - Grumpy/Sunshine - Boss/Employee - Dual POV
Overall, this one wasn't quite for me, however I do believe it will win over a lot of people for the above reasons.
Release date is 8 January 2026. Also, it's the first in a series, so check back in to read all about his brothers.
A big thank you to Leslie North and Relay Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book is very on brand for Leslie North. This story follows a predictable but fun algorithm that you’ll be familiar with if you’ve read her other works. You can expect your grumpy MMC, your sassy/sweet FMC. Sprinkle in some spice, wait for the third act break up and then a satisfying HeA. I’m fine with that and keep coming back for more! The premise is that a fling on vacation is reignited when FMC finds herself working for the MMC who ghosted her. I like the backstory but the only thing I wish were different here was a bit more back story in Aspen (the fling). It’s apparent they have a quick and passionate history but it doesn’t do a good job of setting the stage for their attraction rather but then references how intense it was. Aspen almost seemed like the synopsis on the back of the book and then you just know it for the story.. it’s what takes my rating down a star but overall still a guilty pleasure read when you need something that will pull a little on the heartstrings but still have a HeA.
How to Survive Your Boss by Leslie North was an absolute five-star read for me. I loved everything about this book—from the engaging, well-developed storyline to the perfectly balanced romance and spice. I genuinely could not put it down once I started.
What stood out most was that this story had real substance. The plot was strong, fast-paced, and engaging, making the romance feel meaningful rather than rushed. The banter between the FMC and MMC was sharp, witty, and incredibly entertaining, adding so much life to their dynamic.
The chemistry was undeniable, the tension was expertly built, and when the spice hit, it delivered. Everything worked together seamlessly—the humor, the emotional beats, and the romance—to create a story that felt both fun and satisfying.
If you love workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, incredible banter, and a story that delivers on both plot and heat, this book is a must-read. Easily one of my favorite reads and an easy recommendation. ✈️🔥📖
Gewn is working for a pr company that seems to only offer her what the men do not want. Harrison Ashford is part of a family invested in many ares of luxury hotels. Harrison went out on his own and runs a private jet business.Their worlds are crushed together when Harrison, on camera makes a less than complimentary comments about a headlining starlet, Scarlett and her fans. Now he needs the best pr in the business to help change the direction of things. Gen, who knows her stuff winds up in the elevator with Harrison. She tells him that company is a mistake. Then she proceeds to go thru what their typical mo is and why they will be wrong. Harrison asks what she would do to thwart the ugliness of the fans. Just like that he knows that she is the person for the job. When her boss and male co-workers try to convince him Gwen is not for this job, Harrison offers her a job. Right there in front of co-workers he offers her more than double her pay. How could she say no? It is a bumpy road for her and can she get the job done and not fall for the handsome grumpy boss?
What are the odds that the person you least want in your world is the one you need! I feel for Gwen who is struggling at an airport to make a connection and runs in to the man she abhors after a wonderful week in Aspen with him. Harrison learns none to easily that pissing off a music star with a cult social media following is not great for the company's bottom line. When Harrison decides to hire a PR fixer, he once again runs in to Gwen who tells him all the things her company will want to do that won't fix his problem. When her words come to fruition, he hires Gwen on the spot and agrees to an obscene amount of money which Gwen will need to start her own PR firm. What follows next is some ups and downs in their former relationship and Harrison's PR nightmare. Yet as things start to turn around for Harrison's company, it becomes clear that their budding relationship was just an anomaly. Does Harrison know what it means to "Go Big!" to win Gwen's heart back? You have to read to find out!
This story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster but in the best possible way. There are ups and downs. Moments of extreme happiness and moments of shared tears. Where Harrison and Gwen learn the true meaning of family that show up. Sharing the good and bad with all the emotions that come with it, even the hard ones! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved the part where Gwen cooked in Harrison's kitchen for the first time. Loving to cook myself, that would have been amazing! I could easily picture the fun that Gwen was having. I loved the dynamics between Gwen and her sister, Sarah. I would definitely loved a get a look inside Sarah's closet with Gwen. Especially since she reached fairy godmother status! The plane ride to Camel was super hot!! I had mixed feelings about when Harrison made his awesome jester to Gwen. I kept thinking that while it was an awesome gift, her lousy landlord would benefit from it also. Which he definitely didn't deserve!! Excellent book!