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The Family Business
Welcome to Warren Farm and Apiary
I'm always on the move. Since I was nineteen, I've gone where the wind takes me, never staying in one place for more than a year. Only now, traveling has lost its sparkle, and I'm ready to put down some roots. My new job leading educational tours at Warren Farms has me wanting to make this place my home. They're working on renovations for my building, and I end up sharing an office with the grumpy goddess, Elle, the older sister of the owner. She's not okay with me in her space, but I'm determined to change her mind about me in the short time we have together between these four walls.
I like my space. I like to be alone. I handle all the paperwork for my family’s farm, paperwork over people. But when my sister makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I find myself sharing my office space with the newest employee? Despite my best efforts, I simply can't ignore this stranger. His sunshiny outlook is driving me crazy. I keep telling myself it's only for a few weeks, but it's becoming harder and harder to ignore the tension building between us. Once we get to know each other, I start to wonder why I’m fighting it so hard?
I'm always on the move. Since I was nineteen, I've gone where the wind takes me, never staying in one place for more than a year. Only now, traveling has lost its sparkle, and I'm ready to put down some roots. My new job leading educational tours at Warren Farms has me wanting to make this place my home. They're working on renovations for my building, and I end up sharing an office with the grumpy goddess, Elle, the older sister of the owner. She's not okay with me in her space, but I'm determined to change her mind about me in the short time we have together between these four walls.
I like my space. I like to be alone. I handle all the paperwork for my family’s farm, paperwork over people. But when my sister makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I find myself sharing my office space with the newest employee? Despite my best efforts, I simply can't ignore this stranger. His sunshiny outlook is driving me crazy. I keep telling myself it's only for a few weeks, but it's becoming harder and harder to ignore the tension building between us. Once we get to know each other, I start to wonder why I’m fighting it so hard?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 21, 2026
Oh, these two little dorks have a special place in my heart! This book is super cute but still has a touch of spicy good times!
Elle Warren works on her families Honey farm (such a different idea) and love paperwork more than she loves people. When she is forced to share an office with the new employee Patrick she is NOT impressed. Elle gives me Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory vibes. But she is sweary and awesome! Her favourite human is her nephew, and she has a soft spot for the farm cat aptly named Honey cat.
Patrick is looking to set down roots after his parents passed away, he kinda just floated about collecting postage stamp tattoos and going from one thing to the next. He wants to make this move more permanent and goes out of his way to not annoy Elle. He is really sweet and is a total Golden Retriever.
Elle’s 2 sisters who also work on the farm can see what these two can’t and try to put them together. Patrick treats Elle with respect and doesn’t try to get her to change who she is as a person he just walks beside her and accepts her as she is. When these two get together it’s so good.
There isn’t really a third act break up just a bit of a misunderstanding, but this book is a delight to read it’s the perfect beach read and I can’t wait to see what else happens on Warren Farms
Elle Warren works on her families Honey farm (such a different idea) and love paperwork more than she loves people. When she is forced to share an office with the new employee Patrick she is NOT impressed. Elle gives me Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory vibes. But she is sweary and awesome! Her favourite human is her nephew, and she has a soft spot for the farm cat aptly named Honey cat.
Patrick is looking to set down roots after his parents passed away, he kinda just floated about collecting postage stamp tattoos and going from one thing to the next. He wants to make this move more permanent and goes out of his way to not annoy Elle. He is really sweet and is a total Golden Retriever.
Elle’s 2 sisters who also work on the farm can see what these two can’t and try to put them together. Patrick treats Elle with respect and doesn’t try to get her to change who she is as a person he just walks beside her and accepts her as she is. When these two get together it’s so good.
There isn’t really a third act break up just a bit of a misunderstanding, but this book is a delight to read it’s the perfect beach read and I can’t wait to see what else happens on Warren Farms
January 23, 2026
Elle works for her family business, the Warren Family farm, finds out she has to share her office with the new hire, Patrick. Elle is pretty particular about her ways, so she quickly gives him the nickname Intruder. Patrick, has jumped from job to job, and is finally ready to settle down, is immediately intrigued by Elle. He definitely falls first, and hard!
This was a sweet, fun read but still had some spice. There was fun teasing banter between Elle and Patrick, but it never felt too mean, and some small issue with an overbearing ex, that leads to a small misunderstanding towards the end, but it was resolved pretty quickly and the reaction ended up being very sweet. It was good to see how everyone rallied around each other.
I appreciated how Elle’s mom made it clear to her that she was loved exactly how she was, she didn't need to water herself down, and in fact needed to stick up for herself. I loved how Elle’s family treated Patrick, and also teased her. But nothing felt too critical, just the way families will love each other. Elle is a virgin, but it didn’t feel forced, or like a focal point to the story. I liked how the author handled it.
This is book one in the Warren Honey series, I am so excited to read more about the rest of the Warren siblings!
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC!
This was a sweet, fun read but still had some spice. There was fun teasing banter between Elle and Patrick, but it never felt too mean, and some small issue with an overbearing ex, that leads to a small misunderstanding towards the end, but it was resolved pretty quickly and the reaction ended up being very sweet. It was good to see how everyone rallied around each other.
I appreciated how Elle’s mom made it clear to her that she was loved exactly how she was, she didn't need to water herself down, and in fact needed to stick up for herself. I loved how Elle’s family treated Patrick, and also teased her. But nothing felt too critical, just the way families will love each other. Elle is a virgin, but it didn’t feel forced, or like a focal point to the story. I liked how the author handled it.
This is book one in the Warren Honey series, I am so excited to read more about the rest of the Warren siblings!
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I knew from the very first chapters that I was going to love this book. The characters are wonderfully drawn and full of heart. Ellie is a grumpy, independent heroine who tries to keep her feelings in check, while Patrick is kind, thoughtful, and quietly charming. Their dynamic, grumpy meets sunshine, in a slightly reversed way, is delightful and engaging from the start.
The supporting characters, especially Ellie’s family, add so much warmth and humor to the story. The siblings’ playful scheming and the way they interact with Patrick are both heartwarming and entertaining. Patrick’s experiences traveling and working around the world add depth to his character, and his desire to find a place to settle makes his story relatable.
The book balances humor, emotion, and tension beautifully. I particularly appreciated the characters’ emotional growth and how the story handles self-reflection, relationships, and personal boundaries.
Overall, this debut is a gem, well-written, heartfelt, and completely engaging. I’m already excited to read more from the Warren Farm series.
*Thank you for the author and Luna Literary for the ARC!*
The supporting characters, especially Ellie’s family, add so much warmth and humor to the story. The siblings’ playful scheming and the way they interact with Patrick are both heartwarming and entertaining. Patrick’s experiences traveling and working around the world add depth to his character, and his desire to find a place to settle makes his story relatable.
The book balances humor, emotion, and tension beautifully. I particularly appreciated the characters’ emotional growth and how the story handles self-reflection, relationships, and personal boundaries.
Overall, this debut is a gem, well-written, heartfelt, and completely engaging. I’m already excited to read more from the Warren Farm series.
*Thank you for the author and Luna Literary for the ARC!*
Review of advance copy
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What to expect:
🫂 Forced Proximity
👔 Workplace Romance
🥰 Plus Size FMC
🌟 Golden Retriever MMC
😠 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Small Town Romance
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elle is the middle child of her family business. She is grumpy and hates people in her space.
Patrick is ready to settle down after traveling around, bouncing job to job for years. He is sweet and kind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I overall loved the story. I found the farm to be such a cute concept. Each member of the family having built their own home on the property. I just love that they can see each other all the time.
I loved Elle's grumpiness. It made me feel like I was reading about myself! I too am grumpy and enjoy horror movies. Please do not invade my space!
Patrick was adorable and I felt so bad for his character. I love the idea of postage stamp tattoos of the places you've been.
Honey Cat and Henry are probably the best characters out of the whole entire book. I loved them both! I hope to see more of both in the series.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What to expect:
🫂 Forced Proximity
👔 Workplace Romance
🥰 Plus Size FMC
🌟 Golden Retriever MMC
😠 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Small Town Romance
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elle is the middle child of her family business. She is grumpy and hates people in her space.
Patrick is ready to settle down after traveling around, bouncing job to job for years. He is sweet and kind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I overall loved the story. I found the farm to be such a cute concept. Each member of the family having built their own home on the property. I just love that they can see each other all the time.
I loved Elle's grumpiness. It made me feel like I was reading about myself! I too am grumpy and enjoy horror movies. Please do not invade my space!
Patrick was adorable and I felt so bad for his character. I love the idea of postage stamp tattoos of the places you've been.
Honey Cat and Henry are probably the best characters out of the whole entire book. I loved them both! I hope to see more of both in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Warren Honey is a family run farm that is expanding their business to offer tours. Enter Rick aka Patrick aka the intruder. While he is settling into his new job, he must share an office with middle sister Elle, the family paper pusher extraordinaire who is the most loveable grump who ever grumped. I want to be friends with Elle.
The plot of this book is excellent, the build up of their relationship while they go from enemies (at least to Elle), to friendly coworkers to much more is beautiful. It's believable and builds some perfect tension. Rick is swoon worthy from the beginning to the end. Elle goes through some ups and downs with her family and her ex, and through it all Rick is there to support her and be what she needs.
This book is a cute reverse grumpy/sunshine workplace romance. Including meddling family members, an adorable cat and what has to be a beautiful location of a family honey farm in Utah. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes small town, forced proximity, found family or plus size representation as well. Overall it was an excellent read, and I can't wait for the next one.
The plot of this book is excellent, the build up of their relationship while they go from enemies (at least to Elle), to friendly coworkers to much more is beautiful. It's believable and builds some perfect tension. Rick is swoon worthy from the beginning to the end. Elle goes through some ups and downs with her family and her ex, and through it all Rick is there to support her and be what she needs.
This book is a cute reverse grumpy/sunshine workplace romance. Including meddling family members, an adorable cat and what has to be a beautiful location of a family honey farm in Utah. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes small town, forced proximity, found family or plus size representation as well. Overall it was an excellent read, and I can't wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Patrick is looking to set down some roots after years spent traveling. Elle has just learned that she has to share her workspace with the 'Intruder' until his can be finished. Cue the black cat/golden retriever, forced proximity goodness.
I don't know that I've ever related to a character than I do to Elle. It was so heartwarming to find a grumpy heroine who realizes that she doesn't need to change herself to make herself palatable to the right person. And Patrick adores the prickly curmudgeon just as she is. The sibling bond between the Warren family was equally endearing.
I enjoyed this book so much I didn't want it to end, and can't wait for the rest of the series!
4.5/5
I don't know that I've ever related to a character than I do to Elle. It was so heartwarming to find a grumpy heroine who realizes that she doesn't need to change herself to make herself palatable to the right person. And Patrick adores the prickly curmudgeon just as she is. The sibling bond between the Warren family was equally endearing.
I enjoyed this book so much I didn't want it to end, and can't wait for the rest of the series!
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this debut novel from Mercy Kay, and I absolutely adored it. Elle is simply too relatable as a grump who does not share her space well, and often seen as the unlikable member of her family. Despite this, I loved that Elle had no desire to change herself at any point, she recognized that she was worthy as she was.
Watching Rick and Elle circle each other had me kicking my feet and giggling to myself, not to mention all the delightful family antics of trying to force them to admit their feelings for one another. I'm so excited for the next book in this series, as all the siblings seem to have love interests that are calling their names!
Watching Rick and Elle circle each other had me kicking my feet and giggling to myself, not to mention all the delightful family antics of trying to force them to admit their feelings for one another. I'm so excited for the next book in this series, as all the siblings seem to have love interests that are calling their names!
Review of advance copy
This book honestly felt like a journey for Elle more than Patrick, but in the best way! I loved reading about a plus sized, grumpy heroine who isn’t trying to be something she’s not and still has a man so down bad for her! 😍 It was amazing to see her opening up to family at the same time as she fell for Patrick so they could reinforce that the people who love her, love her as she is. And what a great reminder for us readers that we don’t need to change who we are to be loved by the right people!
January 19, 2026
This was a good book! I found the relationship between Patrick and Elle very interesting. The reverse grumpy x sunshine trope was also very interesting in this setting - Elle’s behavior towards everyone kind of through me off at times. I found Patrick’s immediate attraction towards Elle endearing, and his inability to hid it had me giggling. I felt like this was a really quick read! Thank you to Mercy and the Luna Literary team for allowing me to be on this ARC team!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐ 3 🌶️
The Family Business is a sweet, heart-warming, reverse grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance. I love Elle and Patrick's story! This is a beautifully written, quick and easy read! I love the short chapters! I can't wait to read more in the Warren Honey Farm series! Thank you Mercy and Luna Literary for including me as an ARC reader!
The Family Business is a sweet, heart-warming, reverse grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance. I love Elle and Patrick's story! This is a beautifully written, quick and easy read! I love the short chapters! I can't wait to read more in the Warren Honey Farm series! Thank you Mercy and Luna Literary for including me as an ARC reader!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Super cute grump X sunshine but she is the grumpy one. Minimal drama HEA can't wait to see where the other stories will go in the series
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews