What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ashford Brothers #3
How to Defy Your Boss: A Grumpy Sunshine Billionaire Boss Romance
The Hating Game meets Ticket to Paradise—if the grumpy cruise ship billionaire you drunkenly married also happens to be your boss… and your new co-parent.
For one reckless, rum-soaked night, I decide to let my hair down.
I wake up married.
To my boss.
Logan Ashford is a cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline, and an ego bigger than his floating palace. Cold. Controlled. Allergic to chaos.
I’m the ship’s daycare worker. Too sunny. Too opinionated. Too unimpressed by his cufflinks and control issues.
And somehow now Admiral Grump’s wife.
The plan is keep it quiet, annul it fast, and move on.
Except his six-year-old son announces our marriage to the entire ship like a human TikTok gone viral.
Now the press is circling, the crew is whispering, and nothing says “family-friendly brand disaster” like secretly marrying an employee.
So Logan proposes a deal. Smile for the guests. Hold hands for the press. Pretend our late-night arguments aren’t charged with heat.
The marriage is fake.
The arrangement is temporary.
And falling for my grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband is absolutely not part of the plan.
…Right?
For one reckless, rum-soaked night, I decide to let my hair down.
I wake up married.
To my boss.
Logan Ashford is a cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline, and an ego bigger than his floating palace. Cold. Controlled. Allergic to chaos.
I’m the ship’s daycare worker. Too sunny. Too opinionated. Too unimpressed by his cufflinks and control issues.
And somehow now Admiral Grump’s wife.
The plan is keep it quiet, annul it fast, and move on.
Except his six-year-old son announces our marriage to the entire ship like a human TikTok gone viral.
Now the press is circling, the crew is whispering, and nothing says “family-friendly brand disaster” like secretly marrying an employee.
So Logan proposes a deal. Smile for the guests. Hold hands for the press. Pretend our late-night arguments aren’t charged with heat.
The marriage is fake.
The arrangement is temporary.
And falling for my grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband is absolutely not part of the plan.
…Right?
- GenresRomance
392 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2026
About the author
Leslie North
705 books1,538 followersNew 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!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
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!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 4, 2026
3.5 Stars
One Liner: The last quarter could have been better
Nina, a daycare worker on a cruise ship, ends up marrying Logan Ashford, the rich and arrogant owner, after a night of too much drinking. They decide to keep it a secret until they can dissolve it, but Logan’s six-year-old son announces the news, leading to a new deal. Nina has to act like his wife for a few more days.
Can the pretend accidental marriage turn into a real one?
The story comes in Nina and Logan’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The book works as a standalone since I didn’t read the previous two, but I had no trouble following the family subplot in this. Don’t take the ‘defying’ the boss part seriously. The title seems more in line with the series titles than a literal one.
The swear word count is high. That’s how the book starts, but it is woven into the plot (think swear words and kids’ reactions), so it sets the stage for a not-meet-cute.
The FMC is easy to like, and the kids are… kids! Noah is a darling, the best! I wish I could say the MMC was an adorable grump. I would have if he had redeemed himself properly.
The plot flows well until the third-act break-up, which was bound to happen. It was a bit fine after that, but there wasn’t enough groveling or apologizing. Instead of making him work hard, we get an easy enough reunion and more lovey-dovey after that. This is where my rating dipped.
Given that the book presents some heavy themes (death of a parent, trauma of relocation, lack of stability or love, yearning for a sense of belonging), the book doesn’t exactly work on them. The setup has many opportunities to include them more intrinsically, but we don’t get any of it. Feels like a lost opportunity.
And… the MMC is a blonde! Based on the cover, I imagined him with dark hair, so imagine my surprise when I read he was blonde. Google says it is uncommon for them to have darker beards, but nah… I’m not changing the visuals in my brain.
Of course, there are some super sweet and funny moments, many of them with that kid. There’s a kitten, too (Ariel). The side characters from previous books have roles to play, and there are some new ones as well. I wish we had at least one active scene with the FMC’s roommate. She sounds like a good one.
To summarize, How to Defy Your Boss is a pretty entertaining read, but it definitely has the potential to be much better and a tad more emotional. It is an open-door romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and Relay Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HowToDefyYourBoss
One Liner: The last quarter could have been better
Nina, a daycare worker on a cruise ship, ends up marrying Logan Ashford, the rich and arrogant owner, after a night of too much drinking. They decide to keep it a secret until they can dissolve it, but Logan’s six-year-old son announces the news, leading to a new deal. Nina has to act like his wife for a few more days.
Can the pretend accidental marriage turn into a real one?
The story comes in Nina and Logan’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The book works as a standalone since I didn’t read the previous two, but I had no trouble following the family subplot in this. Don’t take the ‘defying’ the boss part seriously. The title seems more in line with the series titles than a literal one.
The swear word count is high. That’s how the book starts, but it is woven into the plot (think swear words and kids’ reactions), so it sets the stage for a not-meet-cute.
The FMC is easy to like, and the kids are… kids! Noah is a darling, the best! I wish I could say the MMC was an adorable grump. I would have if he had redeemed himself properly.
The plot flows well until the third-act break-up, which was bound to happen. It was a bit fine after that, but there wasn’t enough groveling or apologizing. Instead of making him work hard, we get an easy enough reunion and more lovey-dovey after that. This is where my rating dipped.
Given that the book presents some heavy themes (death of a parent, trauma of relocation, lack of stability or love, yearning for a sense of belonging), the book doesn’t exactly work on them. The setup has many opportunities to include them more intrinsically, but we don’t get any of it. Feels like a lost opportunity.
And… the MMC is a blonde! Based on the cover, I imagined him with dark hair, so imagine my surprise when I read he was blonde. Google says it is uncommon for them to have darker beards, but nah… I’m not changing the visuals in my brain.
Of course, there are some super sweet and funny moments, many of them with that kid. There’s a kitten, too (Ariel). The side characters from previous books have roles to play, and there are some new ones as well. I wish we had at least one active scene with the FMC’s roommate. She sounds like a good one.
To summarize, How to Defy Your Boss is a pretty entertaining read, but it definitely has the potential to be much better and a tad more emotional. It is an open-door romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and Relay Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HowToDefyYourBoss
April 3, 2026
More like 2.5
I’m one of those weird people who enjoys a third act break up if it’s short and there’s some grovel, no cheating thanks,
This author always delivers a brutal break up scene but never a good grovel
He is too cruel, he doesn’t let heroine say goodbye to his son, he throws her from his home, the only home she has ever had. the boy suffers a lot and honestly he is just too cold
We don’t know how long is the separation, how they signed divorce, in which terms, nothing.
There’s no grovel and we go to the separation to a wedding proposal to a sex scene and I couldn’t care less
Honestly, she should go to the boat and start a new life
I’m one of those weird people who enjoys a third act break up if it’s short and there’s some grovel, no cheating thanks,
This author always delivers a brutal break up scene but never a good grovel
He is too cruel, he doesn’t let heroine say goodbye to his son, he throws her from his home, the only home she has ever had. the boy suffers a lot and honestly he is just too cold
We don’t know how long is the separation, how they signed divorce, in which terms, nothing.
There’s no grovel and we go to the separation to a wedding proposal to a sex scene and I couldn’t care less
Honestly, she should go to the boat and start a new life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
May 4, 2026مزيج بين "لعبة الكراهية" و"تذكرة إلى الجنة" - إذا كان جم السفن السياحية العابس الذي تزوجته وأنت ثمل هو أيضًا مديرك... وشريكك الجديد في تربية الأطفال.
في ليلة واحدة طائشة، غارقة في الروم، قررتُ أن أتحرر من قيودي.
استيقظتُ متزوجة.
من مديري.
لوغان آش فورد هو قطب سفن سياحية ذو سمعة لا تشوبها شائبة، وخط فك حاد، وغرور أكبر من قصره العائم. بارد. متحكم. يكره الفوضى.
أنا عاملة حضانة السفينة. مرحة أكثر من اللازم. صاحبة رأي قوية. لا تُثير إعجابي أزرار أكمامه ولا نزعته للسيطرة.
وبطريقة ما، أصبحتُ زوجة الأدميرال العابس.
الخطة هي التكتم على الأمر، وإلغاؤه سريعًا، والمضي قدمًا.
إلا أن ابنه ذو الست سنوات يُعلن زواجنا أمام جميع ركاب السفينة، وكأنه مقطع فيديو انتشر كالنار في الهشيم.
الآن، الصحافة تُحيط بنا، والطاقم يتناقل الخبر همسًا، ولا شيء يُشير إلى "كارثة عائلية" مثل الزواج سرًا من أحد الموظفين.
لذا، يقترح لوغان صفقة. الابتسام للضيوف. الإمساك بالأيدي أمام الصحافة. التظاهر بأن نقاشاتنا الليلية ليست حادة.
الزواج صوري.
والترتيب مؤقت.
والوقوع في غرام زوجي العابس، الجذاب حدّ الإغاظة، ليس جزءًا من الخطة أبدًا.
...أليس كذلك؟
في ليلة واحدة طائشة، غارقة في الروم، قررتُ أن أتحرر من قيودي.
استيقظتُ متزوجة.
من مديري.
لوغان آش فورد هو قطب سفن سياحية ذو سمعة لا تشوبها شائبة، وخط فك حاد، وغرور أكبر من قصره العائم. بارد. متحكم. يكره الفوضى.
أنا عاملة حضانة السفينة. مرحة أكثر من اللازم. صاحبة رأي قوية. لا تُثير إعجابي أزرار أكمامه ولا نزعته للسيطرة.
وبطريقة ما، أصبحتُ زوجة الأدميرال العابس.
الخطة هي التكتم على الأمر، وإلغاؤه سريعًا، والمضي قدمًا.
إلا أن ابنه ذو الست سنوات يُعلن زواجنا أمام جميع ركاب السفينة، وكأنه مقطع فيديو انتشر كالنار في الهشيم.
الآن، الصحافة تُحيط بنا، والطاقم يتناقل الخبر همسًا، ولا شيء يُشير إلى "كارثة عائلية" مثل الزواج سرًا من أحد الموظفين.
لذا، يقترح لوغان صفقة. الابتسام للضيوف. الإمساك بالأيدي أمام الصحافة. التظاهر بأن نقاشاتنا الليلية ليست حادة.
الزواج صوري.
والترتيب مؤقت.
والوقوع في غرام زوجي العابس، الجذاب حدّ الإغاظة، ليس جزءًا من الخطة أبدًا.
...أليس كذلك؟
April 3, 2026
Best of the series
For me this was my favorite story. Partly because I know what it's like to be the step mom and also the woman who married a widower and not be accepted. I felt this series each storyline.
For me this was my favorite story. Partly because I know what it's like to be the step mom and also the woman who married a widower and not be accepted. I felt this series each storyline.
April 27, 2026
How to Defy Your Boss is the third and final book in The Ashford Brothers Series. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. A daycare worker drunkenly marries their cruise ship bills boss, leading to a fake marriage arrangement to save the company's reputation. This is Logan and Nina story told from a dual point of view. An amazing written story with two unlikely individuals and a twisty and complex storyline that captures the audience attention and keeps you riveted and turning the pages until the end. This is Nina and Logan story told from a dual point of view.
Tropes:
🏫Workplace Romance
✔️Women's Fiction Story
♟️Romantic Comedy Story
💋👅👀Insta-lust Romance
💍👰♀🤵♂Accidental Marriage
🧍♂️👨👦Single Dad Romance
✔️Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
💸💰Billionaire Romance
☀️🌞Grumpy Sunshine Boss Story
✔️Hate-to-Love Vibes Story
🥃🍸🍷Rum Soaked Night Story
✔️Contemporary Romance
💸💵Offer She Can't Refuse
✔️Fake Marriage Story
🙅♂️🙎6 Year Old Who Spills Every Secret
👩🍼🧑🍼Daycare Worker
✔️Forced Proximity Romance
♟️Rom-Com Romance
Logan Ashford the grumpy billionaire cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline and an ego bigger than his floating palace. He's also a single dad to an adorable six year old little boy name Noah. He's drop dead gorgeous but with a nasty attitude and a constant need to control everything and everyone around him. He's domineering, stoic, cold-hearted, control and allergic to chaos. Nina is the ship's daycare worker who's very opinionated, a sunny sunshine and is very unimpressed by his wealth or his cufflinks and control issues and he's her boss. Nina is a sweetheart towards Noah which impresses Logan.
One reckless rum-soaked night she decided to let her hair down and have some fun she ended up having a little too much to drink with her boss and the next morning she woke up married to her boss. She doesn't have any plans on staying married to him and plans on keeping it quiet, annul it fast then move on.
However, things doesn't go as she plans because his six year old son announced to the entire ship like a himan tik tok gone viral about their marriage. And now the press is circling around like vultures, and nothing say family friendly like the boss secretly marrying his employee. Because Noah put a monkey wrench into their plans of quietly getting an annulment Logan proposed a deal that they stay married to each other. Smile for the guests, hold hands for the press and pretend that their late night arguments aren't charged with heat.
Their marriage is fake and their arrangement is temporary and the next thing you know she started falling in love with her grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband and it absolutely was not part of the plan when he proposed the plan. But Logan is fighting what was happening between them because of past trauma. Nina suggests a camp to Logan but he misconstrue what she was trying to convey and walk away ending their relationship. Will Logan put his insecurities side to realize that she's what he and Noah needs in their life? Will they find their way back to each other? Will they get their HEA?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes:
🏫Workplace Romance
✔️Women's Fiction Story
♟️Romantic Comedy Story
💋👅👀Insta-lust Romance
💍👰♀🤵♂Accidental Marriage
🧍♂️👨👦Single Dad Romance
✔️Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
💸💰Billionaire Romance
☀️🌞Grumpy Sunshine Boss Story
✔️Hate-to-Love Vibes Story
🥃🍸🍷Rum Soaked Night Story
✔️Contemporary Romance
💸💵Offer She Can't Refuse
✔️Fake Marriage Story
🙅♂️🙎6 Year Old Who Spills Every Secret
👩🍼🧑🍼Daycare Worker
✔️Forced Proximity Romance
♟️Rom-Com Romance
Logan Ashford the grumpy billionaire cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline and an ego bigger than his floating palace. He's also a single dad to an adorable six year old little boy name Noah. He's drop dead gorgeous but with a nasty attitude and a constant need to control everything and everyone around him. He's domineering, stoic, cold-hearted, control and allergic to chaos. Nina is the ship's daycare worker who's very opinionated, a sunny sunshine and is very unimpressed by his wealth or his cufflinks and control issues and he's her boss. Nina is a sweetheart towards Noah which impresses Logan.
One reckless rum-soaked night she decided to let her hair down and have some fun she ended up having a little too much to drink with her boss and the next morning she woke up married to her boss. She doesn't have any plans on staying married to him and plans on keeping it quiet, annul it fast then move on.
However, things doesn't go as she plans because his six year old son announced to the entire ship like a himan tik tok gone viral about their marriage. And now the press is circling around like vultures, and nothing say family friendly like the boss secretly marrying his employee. Because Noah put a monkey wrench into their plans of quietly getting an annulment Logan proposed a deal that they stay married to each other. Smile for the guests, hold hands for the press and pretend that their late night arguments aren't charged with heat.
Their marriage is fake and their arrangement is temporary and the next thing you know she started falling in love with her grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband and it absolutely was not part of the plan when he proposed the plan. But Logan is fighting what was happening between them because of past trauma. Nina suggests a camp to Logan but he misconstrue what she was trying to convey and walk away ending their relationship. Will Logan put his insecurities side to realize that she's what he and Noah needs in their life? Will they find their way back to each other? Will they get their HEA?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Logan Ashford, the youngest of the Ashford clan, runs the cruise line division with the same sharp focus and intensity that defined his brothers. But behind the polished exterior, he’s a man quietly unraveling as a new single father to his six-year-old son, Noah, after the devastating loss of the boy’s mother. Hoping to bridge the growing distance between them, Logan takes Noah on a cruise, convinced it will bring them closer. Instead, it only highlights how far apart they’ve drifted. Enter Nina, a daycare provider onboard who becomes, quite unexpectedly, Noah’s safe harbor. Despite a less-than-perfect childhood of her own, Nina has an effortless warmth that draws Noah out of his shell in a way Logan hasn’t been able to manage. Watching his son come alive in her presence, Logan hires Nina as Noah’s nanny. What follows is a beautifully layered dynamic. Nina doesn’t just connect with Noah. She challenges Logan, softening his edges and pushing him to confront both his grief and his role as a father. Their growing bond is tender, complicated, and laced with undeniable chemistry. And then… one impulsive night flips the script entirely, leaving Nina married to Logan. An annulment should’ve been simple. Quiet. Clean. But thanks to fate and one very determined little boy, their marriage becomes anything but private. Suddenly, Logan and Nina are thrust into a very public fake relationship… that starts to feel all too real. Logan begins as exactly what you’d expect: confident, controlled, a little arrogant—a true Ashford. But as the story unfolds, glimpses of vulnerability emerge, especially in his interactions with Noah and Nina. Nina, for her part, is an absolute standout. She’s strong without being hardened, compassionate without being a pushover, and completely unafraid to stand her ground. Their chemistry is electric, fueled by sharp banter and that delicious push-and-pull tension that keeps the pages turning. The third-act breakup, now something of a signature for Leslie’s books, hits hard. Logan says things that are genuinely brutal (the kind that make you want to reach into the book and strangle him). While I appreciated the family stepping in to call him out, I’ll admit… Nina forgave him a little too easily for my taste. A bit more groveling wouldn’t have hurt. That said, this story delivers exactly what it promises: a swoony, emotionally charged romance filled with heart, humor, and just enough angst. If you’re a fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope, fake relationships that blur into something real, and stories that leave you smiling from ear to ear, this one is worth a go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Leslie North is an amazing story teller! I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of her ARC team for all three Ashford Brothers books, and my opinions are my own.
I’ve been waiting for Logan’s story since he was introduced in How to Survive Your Boss, and Leslie North did *not* disappoint!
Logan is the youngest of the Ashford brothers and runs the cruise section of the Ashford empire. He has an adorable 6 year old son who, until recently, lived full time with his mom. Logan had him for visits every month. Unfortunately, Noah’s mom died in an accident, so Logan is trying to navigate being a full time dad to Noah while helping him manage his grief and running a business.
Nina never had a stable childhood or really a stable life with a permanent place to call home. She has a degree in early childhood education and is wonderful with kids! She works on the cruise ship in the kid’s club. Nina instantly falls in love with Noah and does everything she can to help him, even before she knows he just lost his mom.
Logan and Nina’s story isn’t just about their love story, but how they become a proper family. I love how Noah is always in the forefront of their decisions and he is never pushed off to the side. Nina helps Noah come out of his shell with the other kids and teaches Logan how to get on Noah’s level to help him with his feelings.
There is attraction, and one drunken night changes everything. Maybe that’s something to be expected from the youngest? Maybe it’s because this Ashford brother was the wild child? I’m here for it.
There is a third act breakup, and in this case, I applaud Logan for drawing the line (even if he was wrong about Nina’s intentions because he DIDN’T ASK or EXPLAIN why he was angry).
Logan and Nina were both expecting it to end, and they let it because they couldn’t see they were meant to be. They didn’t think they would ever really have a love that would last.
Logan does own up to his mistake and there is groveling. This book has a very happy ending, and I love it!
I love that the brothers and dad step in and tell Logan he’s a moron and needs to fix HIS mistake.
I love how welcoming the Ashford family is to the new wives.
I love how Candace is finally welcomed and accepted.
I love that the family home stays in the family. I’ve been hoping one of the brothers would end up buying it.
My negative? The title of the book really doesn’t make sense. Defiance wasn’t really a theme of this book. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m not an author, though.
I’ve been waiting for Logan’s story since he was introduced in How to Survive Your Boss, and Leslie North did *not* disappoint!
Logan is the youngest of the Ashford brothers and runs the cruise section of the Ashford empire. He has an adorable 6 year old son who, until recently, lived full time with his mom. Logan had him for visits every month. Unfortunately, Noah’s mom died in an accident, so Logan is trying to navigate being a full time dad to Noah while helping him manage his grief and running a business.
Nina never had a stable childhood or really a stable life with a permanent place to call home. She has a degree in early childhood education and is wonderful with kids! She works on the cruise ship in the kid’s club. Nina instantly falls in love with Noah and does everything she can to help him, even before she knows he just lost his mom.
Logan and Nina’s story isn’t just about their love story, but how they become a proper family. I love how Noah is always in the forefront of their decisions and he is never pushed off to the side. Nina helps Noah come out of his shell with the other kids and teaches Logan how to get on Noah’s level to help him with his feelings.
There is attraction, and one drunken night changes everything. Maybe that’s something to be expected from the youngest? Maybe it’s because this Ashford brother was the wild child? I’m here for it.
There is a third act breakup, and in this case, I applaud Logan for drawing the line (even if he was wrong about Nina’s intentions because he DIDN’T ASK or EXPLAIN why he was angry).
Logan and Nina were both expecting it to end, and they let it because they couldn’t see they were meant to be. They didn’t think they would ever really have a love that would last.
Logan does own up to his mistake and there is groveling. This book has a very happy ending, and I love it!
I love that the brothers and dad step in and tell Logan he’s a moron and needs to fix HIS mistake.
I love how welcoming the Ashford family is to the new wives.
I love how Candace is finally welcomed and accepted.
I love that the family home stays in the family. I’ve been hoping one of the brothers would end up buying it.
My negative? The title of the book really doesn’t make sense. Defiance wasn’t really a theme of this book. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m not an author, though.
Review of advance copy
What happens in Nesion never stays in Neison... As the youngest of the Ashford Brothers Logan is not only launching a new family-oriented Cruise line for his family empire but trying to navigate his troubled son after traumatic event. Logans micromanaging style, confident commanding leader vibe, and a no-nonsense controlling way are no match for his cruise line Kids Club manager. Nina has a degree in child development she loves working with children and families in need. Nina has a warmth about her that captivates all around her with her bold, sweet, determined nature, and how she wants to constantly help other is what not only captivates Noah but his father unwillingly becomes smitten too. Logan realizes how beneficial Nina can be for his son and makes her an offer she can't refuse, only issue is the more time they spend together the harder it is to resist temptation her magnetic ways are irresistible and has him reevaluating all. Between lines blurring, one drunken night at a ship layover stay, and changes to their routines their dynamics are altered when Noah finds driver license with his daddy and Miss Ninas name, a domino effect alters voyage Nina and Logan had set out on. I absolutely Love little Noah, kid is a genius, so brave, so sweet and lovable. This story captivated me by the dynamics of how well its family oriented. Logan and Nina's story not only bring us into their unconventional attraction, the predicament that leads to their fake marriage, but it's about how they work hard to create a family dynamic that works for them all. Their story is more about family healing, growth and cohabiting ups and downs. The instant chemistry between Nina and Noah is just adorable and inspirational. However, the chemistry between Logan and Nina is not only full of tension with sparks and an addictive push and pull banter that has you hooked until the end, but a sweet irresistible buildup that leaves you begging for more. I love how they each grow individually and together, reading updates on the rest of the family, the interactions and banter between siblings and wives, but how well they all grow as a complete family and unite to celebrate not just old memories but new ones too. Ariel is adorable and a lifeline. This story is easy to connect with and fall in love with bringing warmth and sunshine to all that read it. I received this arc for my voluntary review.
April 3, 2026
The Hating Game meets Ticket to Paradise—if the grumpy cruise ship billionaire you drunkenly married also happens to be your boss… and your new co-parent.
For one reckless, rum-soaked night, I decide to let my hair down.
I wake up married.
To my boss.
Logan Ashford is a cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline, and an ego bigger than his floating palace. Cold. Controlled. Allergic to chaos.
I’m the ship’s daycare worker. Too sunny. Too opinionated. Too unimpressed by his cufflinks and control issues.
And somehow now Admiral Grump’s wife.
The plan is simple: keep it quiet, annul it fast, and move on.
Except his six-year-old son announces our marriage to the entire ship like a human TikTok gone viral.
Now the press is circling, the crew is whispering, and nothing says “family-friendly brand disaster” like secretly marrying an employee.
So Logan proposes a deal. Smile for the guests. Hold hands for the press. Pretend our late-night arguments aren’t charged with heat.
The marriage is fake.
The arrangement is temporary.
And falling for my grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband is absolutely not part of the plan.
This contemporary billionaire enemies-to-lovers fake marriage workplace romantic comedy insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are an alpha male billionaire boss who is grumpy, exuding power/wealth,/female heroine employee who is sunshine, both are captivating, humorous, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling, with how to defy your boss, explicit, mature romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a fake marriage, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with how to defy your boss and billionaire enemies-to-lovers fake marriage workplace romantic comedy insta love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For one reckless, rum-soaked night, I decide to let my hair down.
I wake up married.
To my boss.
Logan Ashford is a cruise ship magnate with a spotless reputation, a lethal jawline, and an ego bigger than his floating palace. Cold. Controlled. Allergic to chaos.
I’m the ship’s daycare worker. Too sunny. Too opinionated. Too unimpressed by his cufflinks and control issues.
And somehow now Admiral Grump’s wife.
The plan is simple: keep it quiet, annul it fast, and move on.
Except his six-year-old son announces our marriage to the entire ship like a human TikTok gone viral.
Now the press is circling, the crew is whispering, and nothing says “family-friendly brand disaster” like secretly marrying an employee.
So Logan proposes a deal. Smile for the guests. Hold hands for the press. Pretend our late-night arguments aren’t charged with heat.
The marriage is fake.
The arrangement is temporary.
And falling for my grumpy, infuriatingly attractive husband is absolutely not part of the plan.
This contemporary billionaire enemies-to-lovers fake marriage workplace romantic comedy insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are an alpha male billionaire boss who is grumpy, exuding power/wealth,/female heroine employee who is sunshine, both are captivating, humorous, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling, with how to defy your boss, explicit, mature romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, a fake marriage, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with how to defy your boss and billionaire enemies-to-lovers fake marriage workplace romantic comedy insta love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The harder they try to avoid love, the harder they fall!
Logan is the youngest Ashford brother and runs the Cruise Line division of the Ashford Company. Now a single father, he just wants to make sure his son, Noah, is well-adjusted after the loss of his mother and living with Logan full-time. Enter Nina, the kids' director on his latest ship, who bonds with Noah immediately and is therefore offered the position of being Noah's new nanny once the ship docks. One night without kids leaves Logan and Nina drinking a little too much and accidentally married; something Noah's extremely happy about. Although it's a rocky start, things go well at first, and it seems like there's a real connection. That is, until Logan thinks Nina's trying to get Noah out of the picture to have Logan all for herself and calls it all off.
Logan and Nina get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I was so right about the gang up on Logan after he messed up, and I loved that their father was also involved in that intervention as well!. Noah was such a sweet kid, and it broke my heart for how much he had to go through at such a young age. I do hope that Nina's moving back in helped bring the smiling little boy back. And I loved how in the final chapter he proved to be much like he was on the boat when he discovered their "driver's" license and had to tell everyone the good news in the best way possible. I would have loved to have seen just a bit more into the future, just to see how the Ashford brothers were doing five years down the road with their lives and how they all (hopefully) found a work/life balance that they seemed to lack at the start of each of their stories.
I received an advance review copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan is the youngest Ashford brother and runs the Cruise Line division of the Ashford Company. Now a single father, he just wants to make sure his son, Noah, is well-adjusted after the loss of his mother and living with Logan full-time. Enter Nina, the kids' director on his latest ship, who bonds with Noah immediately and is therefore offered the position of being Noah's new nanny once the ship docks. One night without kids leaves Logan and Nina drinking a little too much and accidentally married; something Noah's extremely happy about. Although it's a rocky start, things go well at first, and it seems like there's a real connection. That is, until Logan thinks Nina's trying to get Noah out of the picture to have Logan all for herself and calls it all off.
Logan and Nina get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I was so right about the gang up on Logan after he messed up, and I loved that their father was also involved in that intervention as well!. Noah was such a sweet kid, and it broke my heart for how much he had to go through at such a young age. I do hope that Nina's moving back in helped bring the smiling little boy back. And I loved how in the final chapter he proved to be much like he was on the boat when he discovered their "driver's" license and had to tell everyone the good news in the best way possible. I would have loved to have seen just a bit more into the future, just to see how the Ashford brothers were doing five years down the road with their lives and how they all (hopefully) found a work/life balance that they seemed to lack at the start of each of their stories.
I received an advance review copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
*How to Defy Your Boss* by Leslie North is such a fun and engaging read it totally delivers on that mix of romance, tension, and just the right amount of workplace drama. From the first few chapters, it pulls you in with its fast pacing and playful tone, and it never really lets go. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to binge in one sitting because every chapter leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
Logan is a really strong lead. He has that classic commanding, confident boss vibe at first focused, intense, and not exactly easy to read but as the story unfolds, you get to see a much more layered side of him. There’s a protectiveness and underlying vulnerability that makes him stand out, especially in the way he reacts to Nina. He’s not just stubborn or controlling for the sake of it his actions feel rooted in real emotions, which makes his growth throughout the story really satisfying to watch.
Nina is such a great counterpart to Logan. She’s bold, determined, and absolutely not afraid to challenge him, which creates some of the best moments in the book. I loved how she doesn’t back down easily she has her own goals, her own voice, and she sticks to them even when things get complicated. At the same time, she’s not written as invincible; there’s a vulnerability and warmth to her that makes her feel very real and easy to connect with.
The chemistry between Logan and Nina is easily the highlight. Their dynamic is full of sparks lots of tension, sharp banter, and that irresistible push-and-pull that makes a romance so addictive. You can feel the buildup in every interaction, and when things finally shift, it feels completely earned. If you’re in the mood for a light, entertaining romance with strong characters and great energy, this one is definitely a must-read.
Logan is a really strong lead. He has that classic commanding, confident boss vibe at first focused, intense, and not exactly easy to read but as the story unfolds, you get to see a much more layered side of him. There’s a protectiveness and underlying vulnerability that makes him stand out, especially in the way he reacts to Nina. He’s not just stubborn or controlling for the sake of it his actions feel rooted in real emotions, which makes his growth throughout the story really satisfying to watch.
Nina is such a great counterpart to Logan. She’s bold, determined, and absolutely not afraid to challenge him, which creates some of the best moments in the book. I loved how she doesn’t back down easily she has her own goals, her own voice, and she sticks to them even when things get complicated. At the same time, she’s not written as invincible; there’s a vulnerability and warmth to her that makes her feel very real and easy to connect with.
The chemistry between Logan and Nina is easily the highlight. Their dynamic is full of sparks lots of tension, sharp banter, and that irresistible push-and-pull that makes a romance so addictive. You can feel the buildup in every interaction, and when things finally shift, it feels completely earned. If you’re in the mood for a light, entertaining romance with strong characters and great energy, this one is definitely a must-read.
February 26, 2026
ARC review
1st POV MMC and FMC
🌶️🌶️
Drunken marriage
HEA
Here we meet Logan and his 6 year old son with some trauma, and Nina who works in the Kids Club on Logan’s cruise ship. Nina forms a bond with Noah and is quickly enlisted as his nanny to help him heal during and after the cruise. As a thank you, Logan takes Nina out during a cruise stop where things get Vegas style wild!
I really liked this story and its relatability to parents. I loved that the FMC was sensible and sweet. I also liked that the MMC was kind of a goofy dad at times. The classic Leslie North third act breakup was pretty heart wrenching too. Rather than fire and snark, it was pure pain and tears. This was by far my favorite Leslie North book so far.
Spoilers ahead
*
*
*
To preface, I’m not looking for explicit realism in my romance novels, but I would say this book of the series presented with the most relatable story line (aside from the drunken marriage which ends up taking a back seat anyways). I say this because it helped me connect with the story in a way the other didn’t. I always feel the heartstrings pulled during the third act break up, but this one pulled the heart right out. I have deep bonds with children and to be removed suddenly from them would bring me to my knees. When Nina is sobbing “he didn’t even let me say goodbye!” I was nearly in tears myself. I honestly don’t think he did enough to warrant her forgiveness so quickly. I honestly wanted another 10% where she rejected his proposal because of the damage he did by the severe accusations he threw at her and the hurt! I also didn’t love how quickly things progressed after the reunion.. to go from unshakable anger and hurt to trying to get pregnant in the course of a birthday party was… not my favorite.
1st POV MMC and FMC
🌶️🌶️
Drunken marriage
HEA
Here we meet Logan and his 6 year old son with some trauma, and Nina who works in the Kids Club on Logan’s cruise ship. Nina forms a bond with Noah and is quickly enlisted as his nanny to help him heal during and after the cruise. As a thank you, Logan takes Nina out during a cruise stop where things get Vegas style wild!
I really liked this story and its relatability to parents. I loved that the FMC was sensible and sweet. I also liked that the MMC was kind of a goofy dad at times. The classic Leslie North third act breakup was pretty heart wrenching too. Rather than fire and snark, it was pure pain and tears. This was by far my favorite Leslie North book so far.
Spoilers ahead
*
*
*
To preface, I’m not looking for explicit realism in my romance novels, but I would say this book of the series presented with the most relatable story line (aside from the drunken marriage which ends up taking a back seat anyways). I say this because it helped me connect with the story in a way the other didn’t. I always feel the heartstrings pulled during the third act break up, but this one pulled the heart right out. I have deep bonds with children and to be removed suddenly from them would bring me to my knees. When Nina is sobbing “he didn’t even let me say goodbye!” I was nearly in tears myself. I honestly don’t think he did enough to warrant her forgiveness so quickly. I honestly wanted another 10% where she rejected his proposal because of the damage he did by the severe accusations he threw at her and the hurt! I also didn’t love how quickly things progressed after the reunion.. to go from unshakable anger and hurt to trying to get pregnant in the course of a birthday party was… not my favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some Mistakes Turn out Even Better -
Logan thought a working vacation with his son would help bring them closer, but nothing he did helped, but everything changed after Nina came into their lives and made his son come out of his shell. The initial interactions between Logan and Nina were strained due to the different ways they handled situations that involved his son, but he soon realised that his son had been opening up more with her in their lives. However, everything changed after a decision to have dinner together changed the dynamics of Logan and Nina’s relationship.
Even though, Logan and Nina tried to keep the situation under wraps, his son let the cat out of the bag, which led to them having to come to an agreement. Spending time together brought Logan and Nina closer, which heightened their attraction for each other. Unfortunately, not long after Logan and Nina settled into their relationship, an incident occurred that led to their relationship ending, which caused a major impact on his son.
Nevertheless, neither Logan nor Nina was happy during their time apart, which led to his family getting involved and giving him the push needed to do something about it. Luckily, Logan was able to get help from his son to convince Nina to give them a second chance at building a family, which she ultimately agreed, so they could have a happily ever after. This is a really fun, enjoyable, entertaining romance story, that had me glued to the pages from the beginning, all the way through to the end. Grab a copy of this fabulous book to read and you won’t regret it.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan thought a working vacation with his son would help bring them closer, but nothing he did helped, but everything changed after Nina came into their lives and made his son come out of his shell. The initial interactions between Logan and Nina were strained due to the different ways they handled situations that involved his son, but he soon realised that his son had been opening up more with her in their lives. However, everything changed after a decision to have dinner together changed the dynamics of Logan and Nina’s relationship.
Even though, Logan and Nina tried to keep the situation under wraps, his son let the cat out of the bag, which led to them having to come to an agreement. Spending time together brought Logan and Nina closer, which heightened their attraction for each other. Unfortunately, not long after Logan and Nina settled into their relationship, an incident occurred that led to their relationship ending, which caused a major impact on his son.
Nevertheless, neither Logan nor Nina was happy during their time apart, which led to his family getting involved and giving him the push needed to do something about it. Luckily, Logan was able to get help from his son to convince Nina to give them a second chance at building a family, which she ultimately agreed, so they could have a happily ever after. This is a really fun, enjoyable, entertaining romance story, that had me glued to the pages from the beginning, all the way through to the end. Grab a copy of this fabulous book to read and you won’t regret it.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
Romantic Comedy at Its Finest
This novel feels so special, it’ll melt your heart. Logan is a single parent & is struggling to reach his young son, Noah. Noah’s mom passed away tragically & Logan’s been trying the psychologist's suggestions to help Noah overcome his grief without success. He’s so busy with the family-orientated cruise’s maiden voyage, ensuring everything flows smoothly, he hasn’t spent much time with his own son. Life on the cruise ship becomes interesting as Logan & Nina had a one-night stand, accidentally get married & then learn they work on the same ship the next day. He’s a grumpy guy & she’s full of sunshine. What a combo!
Nina is the Kids’ Club Manager, keeping the kids entertained with different activities during the daytime. Nina understands Noah & has been his lifeline, helping him with his grief, encouraging him to participate with other children & to try new activities. Nina has a positive effect on Logan & Noah’s lives – she’s a breath of fresh air.
Logan’s family welcomes Nina into the family & Logan is tuned in about Nina being a great person by helping both of them during their time of grief. Both are so much happier since Nina came into their lives & it would be a shame to shut her out of their lives. Like any typical new marriage they have their growing pains & hiccups along the way but they learn to compromise & have a HEA. I love Noah with his assumptions & his need of keeping Nina in his life. The whole story-line flowed so well, a page-turner & never a dull moment.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novel feels so special, it’ll melt your heart. Logan is a single parent & is struggling to reach his young son, Noah. Noah’s mom passed away tragically & Logan’s been trying the psychologist's suggestions to help Noah overcome his grief without success. He’s so busy with the family-orientated cruise’s maiden voyage, ensuring everything flows smoothly, he hasn’t spent much time with his own son. Life on the cruise ship becomes interesting as Logan & Nina had a one-night stand, accidentally get married & then learn they work on the same ship the next day. He’s a grumpy guy & she’s full of sunshine. What a combo!
Nina is the Kids’ Club Manager, keeping the kids entertained with different activities during the daytime. Nina understands Noah & has been his lifeline, helping him with his grief, encouraging him to participate with other children & to try new activities. Nina has a positive effect on Logan & Noah’s lives – she’s a breath of fresh air.
Logan’s family welcomes Nina into the family & Logan is tuned in about Nina being a great person by helping both of them during their time of grief. Both are so much happier since Nina came into their lives & it would be a shame to shut her out of their lives. Like any typical new marriage they have their growing pains & hiccups along the way but they learn to compromise & have a HEA. I love Noah with his assumptions & his need of keeping Nina in his life. The whole story-line flowed so well, a page-turner & never a dull moment.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good romance with a lot of charm, "How to Defy Your Boss" by Leslie North absolutely delivers.
This third installment in the Ashford Brothers series leans hard into the beloved grumpy-sunshine trope, and it works so well. The premise alone is fun—waking up married to your billionaire boss after one wild night is chaotic enough, but setting it on a cruise ship with a fake-marriage arrangement and a kid who accidentally spills the secret to everyone? It creates the perfect mix of humor, tension, and swoony moments.
What I really liked about this book is the vibe. It’s warm, playful, and easy to sink into. The heroine’s sunny, outspoken personality balances Logan’s controlled, broody energy in such a satisfying way. Their banter feels natural and often funny, and the slow shift from “this is just an arrangement” to real feelings is genuinely heart-melting. Logan being both intimidating and secretly soft—especially when it comes to his son—adds a lot of depth and makes the romance even sweeter.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. If you like grumpy billionaires, sunshine heroines who refuse to be intimidated, fake marriages that get a little too real, and stories that leave you smiling by the end, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s one of those romances that’s simply fun to read and leaves you with good, cozy vibes afterward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This third installment in the Ashford Brothers series leans hard into the beloved grumpy-sunshine trope, and it works so well. The premise alone is fun—waking up married to your billionaire boss after one wild night is chaotic enough, but setting it on a cruise ship with a fake-marriage arrangement and a kid who accidentally spills the secret to everyone? It creates the perfect mix of humor, tension, and swoony moments.
What I really liked about this book is the vibe. It’s warm, playful, and easy to sink into. The heroine’s sunny, outspoken personality balances Logan’s controlled, broody energy in such a satisfying way. Their banter feels natural and often funny, and the slow shift from “this is just an arrangement” to real feelings is genuinely heart-melting. Logan being both intimidating and secretly soft—especially when it comes to his son—adds a lot of depth and makes the romance even sweeter.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. If you like grumpy billionaires, sunshine heroines who refuse to be intimidated, fake marriages that get a little too real, and stories that leave you smiling by the end, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s one of those romances that’s simply fun to read and leaves you with good, cozy vibes afterward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Logan and Nina’s story is both sweet and spicy with a good amount of humour and some messy emotions. Nina is a child care provider on one of the cruise ships Logan and has family own. Logan is on board with his young son Noah who is rather withdrawn after the death of his mother. Logan hopes the vacation will give him a chance to connect better with his son and ease his grief. Young Noah, who is absolutely adorable and has had far too much pain in his young life, makes a real connection to Nina and begins to come out of his shell. She tries her best to help father and son to communicate better.
A shared dinner and too much alcohol leads to an unexpected marriage between Nina and Logan. Noah is all too happy to announce it to one and all. For the sake of Noah’s happiness, Nina and Logan agree to stay married, at least temporarily. Neither expected very real feelings for the other to develop or to want their marriage to last. Unfortunately, the past comes back to haunt them and serves to lead Logan into making a big error in judgement. He pushes Nina away, something she is far too used to, unfortunately. Logan ends up breaking three hearts and it takes his concerned family, including young Noah, to spur him into action to win back Nina. With protective guards erected around her heart, she certainly doesn’t make it easy. I do enjoy a good grovel and loved how Noah stepped up to coach his dad.
This heartstring-tugging book has my recommendation.
A shared dinner and too much alcohol leads to an unexpected marriage between Nina and Logan. Noah is all too happy to announce it to one and all. For the sake of Noah’s happiness, Nina and Logan agree to stay married, at least temporarily. Neither expected very real feelings for the other to develop or to want their marriage to last. Unfortunately, the past comes back to haunt them and serves to lead Logan into making a big error in judgement. He pushes Nina away, something she is far too used to, unfortunately. Logan ends up breaking three hearts and it takes his concerned family, including young Noah, to spur him into action to win back Nina. With protective guards erected around her heart, she certainly doesn’t make it easy. I do enjoy a good grovel and loved how Noah stepped up to coach his dad.
This heartstring-tugging book has my recommendation.
Review of advance copy
This is book 3 in North's Ashford Brothers series. A wonderful addition / ending to this series. It can be read as a standalone but I adore this as the conclusion to the journey of the three brothers. Our main characters are Logan, the youngest of the Ashford brothers, his son Noah and Nina, a nomad looking for a forever while always caring for others, especially children. Nina is the childcare go to on a maiden voyage that Logan and his son are embarking on to promote a family friendly cruise experience. Trama has left Noah in a vulnerable state made more difficult by Logan's rigidness. Nina is a breath of fresh air for them both and somehow comes in with calm and joy to defuse even the most difficult of situations. While Logan didn't provide the best impression with Nina initially, the physical chemistry between them in undeniable and a drunken night out changes everything...for the better or not - you'll need to read the story to get the full journey. Needless to say, it will have its ups and downs with the best balance of sweet and steam and some cuteness as well. North as always delivers a well written romance that is captivating from the beginning with relatable and charming characters. I adored this book and the series, and I hate to see it come to an end but excited to see what's to come next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really sweet story
From the first pages I was completely emerged in the plot. All three main characters were relatable and easy to connect with. Yes three!! Because we‘ve got a single dad his and his little son Noah.
I think Noah was my favourite character from the whole book series. He was so sweet and vulnerable, my heart really bled for him.
Nina is an amazing person. One could really see that her childhood left some inner scars by her over-emphatic personality. It is common for socially vulnerable children to be able to read and adapt to other‘s moods and emotions easily as a protection mechanism. This made the third act break up punch scene even more painful.
Logan is an amazing dad, struggling to adjust into his new routine. His past unaddressed trust issues made him lash out out of fear and although I can relate, I still wasn’t able to fully forgive him.
Unfortunately the make up scene felt somewhat manipulative, because Noah shouldn’t have been involved and Nina should have gotten a chance to decide wether she wants Logan back or not without her connection with Noah being wiggled in front of her. I think one or two extra chapters of his turmoil and trying and failing to get Nina back could have helped convincing me of his sincerity and her confidence that this is what she wants. Then it would have been a 5⭐️ read for me.
From the first pages I was completely emerged in the plot. All three main characters were relatable and easy to connect with. Yes three!! Because we‘ve got a single dad his and his little son Noah.
I think Noah was my favourite character from the whole book series. He was so sweet and vulnerable, my heart really bled for him.
Nina is an amazing person. One could really see that her childhood left some inner scars by her over-emphatic personality. It is common for socially vulnerable children to be able to read and adapt to other‘s moods and emotions easily as a protection mechanism. This made the third act break up punch scene even more painful.
Logan is an amazing dad, struggling to adjust into his new routine. His past unaddressed trust issues made him lash out out of fear and although I can relate, I still wasn’t able to fully forgive him.
Unfortunately the make up scene felt somewhat manipulative, because Noah shouldn’t have been involved and Nina should have gotten a chance to decide wether she wants Logan back or not without her connection with Noah being wiggled in front of her. I think one or two extra chapters of his turmoil and trying and failing to get Nina back could have helped convincing me of his sincerity and her confidence that this is what she wants. Then it would have been a 5⭐️ read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, a huge thank you to Leslie North and her PA, Ilaria, for reaching out and sending me an ARC of this book!
Anddd the last one was great too! We finally got Logan’s story. This one is just as cute as the others in the series and a very quick, easy read.
Also, this one is for my single dad trope lovers! I know there are quite a lot of you 😂
If you know me, you know I’m not the biggest fan of kids in books, but Noah is ADORABLE. I just wanted to protect him at all costs. He’s so precious and has had to go through so much 🥺
The setting was perfect. A cruise, tropical islands, and even an island that’s basically Las Vegas! So fun. They definitely had a lot of fun at the casino too 🤭
Nina is amazing. You can tell she genuinely loves working with kids, and she’s SO kind. And Logan — that man LOVES his son. We got glimpses of them in the other two books, but I really loved seeing more of them here.
What threw me off a little was the fight they had close to the end and how quickly it was resolved. The things Logan said were so horrible they made me gasp. He should’ve had to grovel way longer. But oh well, I’m glad they got their happy ending!
This was genuinely the perfect end to the series. I’m going to miss these characters. I loved all three brothers and their journeys to find their person 🥹
Anddd the last one was great too! We finally got Logan’s story. This one is just as cute as the others in the series and a very quick, easy read.
Also, this one is for my single dad trope lovers! I know there are quite a lot of you 😂
If you know me, you know I’m not the biggest fan of kids in books, but Noah is ADORABLE. I just wanted to protect him at all costs. He’s so precious and has had to go through so much 🥺
The setting was perfect. A cruise, tropical islands, and even an island that’s basically Las Vegas! So fun. They definitely had a lot of fun at the casino too 🤭
Nina is amazing. You can tell she genuinely loves working with kids, and she’s SO kind. And Logan — that man LOVES his son. We got glimpses of them in the other two books, but I really loved seeing more of them here.
What threw me off a little was the fight they had close to the end and how quickly it was resolved. The things Logan said were so horrible they made me gasp. He should’ve had to grovel way longer. But oh well, I’m glad they got their happy ending!
This was genuinely the perfect end to the series. I’m going to miss these characters. I loved all three brothers and their journeys to find their person 🥹
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book. The opening scene that described how Logan Ashford and Nina Reyes met was priceless. Logan getting caught acting like a raving, foul-mouthed tyrant, had me rolling in my recliner. The rest of the book was just as captivating. Logan was a gorgeous, grumpy billionaire that owned a cruise line. Nina was the beautiful, cheery, ray of sunshine that was hired as the head of the ship’s daycare. Logan’s 6-year-old son Noah was timid, withdrawn, and had recently lost his mother. Noah had a strained relationship with his father. Nina was able to bond with Noah, so Logan tried to hire her away as his nanny. Nina helped bring balance to their lives. Logan and Nina shared a drunken night that resulted in a marriage. The book described their relationship as they try to decide if they want to stay married or not.
This fast-paced, opposites attract, widower/single dad story was told from dual POVs. There was plenty of workplace and family drama, plenty of humor mixed in with heavy emotions, and an adorable little boy. My favorite supporting character was Ariel, the sweet kitty that brought joy and fun to the family. I thought the book was excellent and would recommend this book to fans of workplace, single dad, and billionaire romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fast-paced, opposites attract, widower/single dad story was told from dual POVs. There was plenty of workplace and family drama, plenty of humor mixed in with heavy emotions, and an adorable little boy. My favorite supporting character was Ariel, the sweet kitty that brought joy and fun to the family. I thought the book was excellent and would recommend this book to fans of workplace, single dad, and billionaire romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is third in the series of Ashford brothers, all billionaire CEOs of different branches of the family company. Logan is the most controlling of them all and is overseeing the maiden voyage of his family friendly cruise line. Nina Reyes is in charge of the kids program and daycare aboard the ship, and she butts heads with Logan at every turn, especially when it comes to his young, Noah. She has a special connection with the sad and withdrawn little boy and even Logan can agree she's the only one that's been able to make him smile. After a drunken mistake leaves them unexpectedly married one night, they plan to secretly annul until Noah let's their secret slip, causing a possible PR firestorm. They agree to stay married until the gossip dies down, but when living with Logan and Noah feels like the only home she's ever known, how can Nina ever give them up?
You just have to love this little boy and seeing him come out of his grief was really my favorite part of the story. Both main characters had difficult pasts and learning to trust each other was a struggle. I enjoyed seeing them progress past their issues, and even though I expected a bigger grovel from Logan, I still enjoyed their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
You just have to love this little boy and seeing him come out of his grief was really my favorite part of the story. Both main characters had difficult pasts and learning to trust each other was a struggle. I enjoyed seeing them progress past their issues, and even though I expected a bigger grovel from Logan, I still enjoyed their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
April 2, 2026
Will Logan’s best laid plans run amok?
It might be kismet when Nina knocks on the conference room door with the children in her daycare group fully intending to play pictionary on the whiteboard as the backup to the foiled baking activity only to discover Logan reaming out said supplier of the missing baking needs. When the children of which one is his son, Noah call him on his language, he reluctantly gives up the room. When Logan sees how well Noah responds to Nina, he hires her as his nanny outside of daycare hours. When Noah has a meltdown, it’s Nina that Logan calls to help. When the cruise ship docks for the evening, Logan takes Nina out for a well deserved dinner and night of gambling. What follows is an unexpected surprise the next morning that they hope to fix in quiet. Or that was the plan until Noah discovers the license and talks about it with Nina in the daycare center which little ears tell their parents. The new plan is to pretend they are married until such time as they can divorce, so Nina engages with plans for Logan’s new childcare center at work to an astounding success. Their acting becomes almost real until such time as Logan overthinks Nina’s care plans for Noah and blows up! Will Noah be the reason for Logan to regret his actions? You have to read to find out!
It might be kismet when Nina knocks on the conference room door with the children in her daycare group fully intending to play pictionary on the whiteboard as the backup to the foiled baking activity only to discover Logan reaming out said supplier of the missing baking needs. When the children of which one is his son, Noah call him on his language, he reluctantly gives up the room. When Logan sees how well Noah responds to Nina, he hires her as his nanny outside of daycare hours. When Noah has a meltdown, it’s Nina that Logan calls to help. When the cruise ship docks for the evening, Logan takes Nina out for a well deserved dinner and night of gambling. What follows is an unexpected surprise the next morning that they hope to fix in quiet. Or that was the plan until Noah discovers the license and talks about it with Nina in the daycare center which little ears tell their parents. The new plan is to pretend they are married until such time as they can divorce, so Nina engages with plans for Logan’s new childcare center at work to an astounding success. Their acting becomes almost real until such time as Logan overthinks Nina’s care plans for Noah and blows up! Will Noah be the reason for Logan to regret his actions? You have to read to find out!
April 2, 2026
Logan Ashford is a single father caring for his son Noah. During the most tumultuous period in little Noah’s life, Logan is also launching a luxury cruise. Taking his little man with him on a cruise while dealing with startup problems is not the smartest yet leaving Noah in the hands of a nanny wasn’t an option either. He’s very much a hands on father but being a fulltime father after Noah’s mom was killed isn’t easy.
Nina is a complicated person with her fair share of heartache and traumas. She’s a childhood developmental expert and working with children is something she thoroughly enjoys. But little Noah tugs on her heartstrings and they soon built a rapport. But she didn’t count on his father. The grumpy workaholic doesn’t exactly make a good impression. A night out on an exclusive island and they wake up married. For the sake of his reputation and his company, they decide to stay married.
Add in 2 meddling brothers, a soon to be retired father and a kitten and you get this great story where going head to head with your boss might not be the smartest move but can definitely bring you banter, a tearjerker apology and a little boy who’s wise beyond his years.
A worthy ending for the Ashford brothers and their significant others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nina is a complicated person with her fair share of heartache and traumas. She’s a childhood developmental expert and working with children is something she thoroughly enjoys. But little Noah tugs on her heartstrings and they soon built a rapport. But she didn’t count on his father. The grumpy workaholic doesn’t exactly make a good impression. A night out on an exclusive island and they wake up married. For the sake of his reputation and his company, they decide to stay married.
Add in 2 meddling brothers, a soon to be retired father and a kitten and you get this great story where going head to head with your boss might not be the smartest move but can definitely bring you banter, a tearjerker apology and a little boy who’s wise beyond his years.
A worthy ending for the Ashford brothers and their significant others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How to Defy Your Boss by Leslie North is a fun, swoony, and drama-filled grumpy/sunshine romance that’s impossible to put down.
The premise alone hooked me—waking up married to your billionaire boss after a wild night? Yes, please. Nina is bright, outspoken, and completely unimpressed by Logan’s control-freak tendencies, which makes their dynamic so entertaining from the start. Their banter is sharp, funny, and full of tension.
Logan is the ultimate grumpy billionaire—cold, composed, and used to being in control—but Nina completely disrupts his world in the best way. Watching him try (and fail) to keep things strictly professional while their fake marriage turns into something real is incredibly satisfying.
And his son? Absolutely steals the show. The way he unintentionally exposes their marriage adds chaos, humor, and heart, while also pushing Logan and Nina closer together as they navigate this unexpected “family” dynamic.
The forced proximity, fake marriage, and opposites-attract energy all come together perfectly, with just the right balance of humor, emotion, and chemistry.
Light, romantic, and full of feel-good moments—this is a must-read if you love grumpy/sunshine with a billionaire twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The premise alone hooked me—waking up married to your billionaire boss after a wild night? Yes, please. Nina is bright, outspoken, and completely unimpressed by Logan’s control-freak tendencies, which makes their dynamic so entertaining from the start. Their banter is sharp, funny, and full of tension.
Logan is the ultimate grumpy billionaire—cold, composed, and used to being in control—but Nina completely disrupts his world in the best way. Watching him try (and fail) to keep things strictly professional while their fake marriage turns into something real is incredibly satisfying.
And his son? Absolutely steals the show. The way he unintentionally exposes their marriage adds chaos, humor, and heart, while also pushing Logan and Nina closer together as they navigate this unexpected “family” dynamic.
The forced proximity, fake marriage, and opposites-attract energy all come together perfectly, with just the right balance of humor, emotion, and chemistry.
Light, romantic, and full of feel-good moments—this is a must-read if you love grumpy/sunshine with a billionaire twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2026
How to Defy Your Boss ended up being my favorite in the series! It definitely has a great setup with the FMC drunkenly marrying her boss on a cruise ship, but the family dynamic is pure gold. Noah isn’t just there to be cute (even though he is). He’s a huge part of the story and how he slowly opened up through the story was so beautiful.
I'm not gonna lie, Logan frustrated me, but it made sense. He’s trying so hard to be a good dad that he ends up overcorrecting and making things worse. Nina balances that out really well. She’s consistent, she stands her ground, and she’s not afraid to call him out when he deserves it- which is quite often. The romance isn’t super heavy on spice, but I didn’t miss it- the connection is what carries it. You can actually see them start to feel like a real unit instead of just a fake marriage situation. That third act conflict hurt, and I do wish we got a little more time with the resolution because Logan had some serious making up to do. He gets there, but I wanted way more groveling.
Like all of Leslie North's books, this was a really solid read. She is my go-to for boss/employee romances and does an amazing job writing that dynamic. I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
I'm not gonna lie, Logan frustrated me, but it made sense. He’s trying so hard to be a good dad that he ends up overcorrecting and making things worse. Nina balances that out really well. She’s consistent, she stands her ground, and she’s not afraid to call him out when he deserves it- which is quite often. The romance isn’t super heavy on spice, but I didn’t miss it- the connection is what carries it. You can actually see them start to feel like a real unit instead of just a fake marriage situation. That third act conflict hurt, and I do wish we got a little more time with the resolution because Logan had some serious making up to do. He gets there, but I wanted way more groveling.
Like all of Leslie North's books, this was a really solid read. She is my go-to for boss/employee romances and does an amazing job writing that dynamic. I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
April 5, 2026
Get comfortable you won’t stop this until the last page has been turned and you will be looking for a few more pages after. Logan sexy as all get out last brother but he also has an acquired taste personality, attitude yes, his looks can make you do a double take but boy his grumpiness will have you walking the other way and add to that his need to control is a hot mess. Nina is working on the new voyage family ship when she along with her boss has a little too much to drink, too much fun waking up married to the very boss who needs to control the narrative of their marriage when all she wants is an annulment and move on with her job. But nope their marriage continues but between them only her outspokenness to his grumpiness, her bright attitude to his everyday unimpressed attitude and the banter between them is so funny you will find yourself laughing out loud while reading about these two. The magnetic pull grows between them but the more he tries to control everything keeping their relationship professional the more out of hand things get but will he ruin their relationship with his need for control, will he allow her to walk away knowing his heart needs her, his son boy that little boy isn’t going to allow them to separate without a fight, where are they headed, and will it lead them to happiness?
May 3, 2026
Have been waiting for Logan's story.
Logan is a single dad.His son Noah is trying to come to terms with his mother's death,Logan's ex.
Logan is trying to help Noah to come out of his shell without much success.Enter Nina Reyes.
Nina is one of the kids co-ordinators on the cruise.
One drunken night they both throw caution to the wind and they wake up married.
No problem,they just have to keep their marriage a secret until they can get it annulled.They were not counting on a six year old announcing it to everyone.
To stop the PR disaster they end up in a fake marriage.
They soon realise their feelings for each other are changing and they eventually admit to them.
The chemistry is also off the charts.
Noah is going through a lot of hurt after losing his mum.He is very withdrawn,but Nina slowly brings him out of his shell and the bond he forms with her is heartwarming.
Loved Logan,Nina and Noah.Ariel the kitten is adorable too.
Another great read by Leslie North full of family,freindships,humour,
emotions,sizzling chemistry,romance and a heartwarming happily ever after.
Cannot wait for Leslie's next series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan is a single dad.His son Noah is trying to come to terms with his mother's death,Logan's ex.
Logan is trying to help Noah to come out of his shell without much success.Enter Nina Reyes.
Nina is one of the kids co-ordinators on the cruise.
One drunken night they both throw caution to the wind and they wake up married.
No problem,they just have to keep their marriage a secret until they can get it annulled.They were not counting on a six year old announcing it to everyone.
To stop the PR disaster they end up in a fake marriage.
They soon realise their feelings for each other are changing and they eventually admit to them.
The chemistry is also off the charts.
Noah is going through a lot of hurt after losing his mum.He is very withdrawn,but Nina slowly brings him out of his shell and the bond he forms with her is heartwarming.
Loved Logan,Nina and Noah.Ariel the kitten is adorable too.
Another great read by Leslie North full of family,freindships,humour,
emotions,sizzling chemistry,romance and a heartwarming happily ever after.
Cannot wait for Leslie's next series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review*
This is the last book in the Ashford Brothers series, and each one keeps getting better. This one focuses on Logan, and I really liked how North handled the emotional side of his story with Noah.
I loved how North handles the trauma Noah is dealing with after losing his mom and suddenly being with Logan full‑time. She keeps it simple, and I liked seeing Logan and Noah work through it together in those smaller day‑to‑day moments.
I also liked Logan and Nina’s relationship and how she impressed him right away. Even with the chemistry between them, they tried to keep things professional — on the boat and while she was working as Noah’s nanny — which made their connection feel more natural. I liked that Logan never treated Nina like she was beneath him. He listens to her ideas, both at work and with Noah, and even with his baggage from past relationships, he still tries to be fair to her, especially since he’s worried she might end up like his last partner who tried to push Noah aside.
I’m sad to see this family’s series end, and I was really surprised by how these books were a little more serious than I originally thought they would be.
This is the last book in the Ashford Brothers series, and each one keeps getting better. This one focuses on Logan, and I really liked how North handled the emotional side of his story with Noah.
I loved how North handles the trauma Noah is dealing with after losing his mom and suddenly being with Logan full‑time. She keeps it simple, and I liked seeing Logan and Noah work through it together in those smaller day‑to‑day moments.
I also liked Logan and Nina’s relationship and how she impressed him right away. Even with the chemistry between them, they tried to keep things professional — on the boat and while she was working as Noah’s nanny — which made their connection feel more natural. I liked that Logan never treated Nina like she was beneath him. He listens to her ideas, both at work and with Noah, and even with his baggage from past relationships, he still tries to be fair to her, especially since he’s worried she might end up like his last partner who tried to push Noah aside.
I’m sad to see this family’s series end, and I was really surprised by how these books were a little more serious than I originally thought they would be.
Review of advance copy
How to Defy your Boss is the third book in the Ashford Brothers series and a wonderful tale of a billionaire and employee romance that sparks aboard a cruise ship during its maiden voyage.
Logan Ashford and his Kids Club manager Nina clash even before the ship leaves port when she and her young charges, one of whom is his son, overhear his angry profanity laced tirade with a vendor.
Umm, this family focused cruise might be in trouble!
Internal monologues hint at attraction but for the antagonism that keeps getting in the way for them both…until that one night.
Turns out there was more like than dislike between the two after too much celebration results in an unplanned, and inebriated marriage on shore.
A quick annulment is in the future until the news of their nuptials leaks out.
Loved the story that had its drama, family dynamics, emotion, passion, vulnerabilities, and good writing in a narrative populated by expertly crafted characters, and Noah his adorable six year old son nearly stealing the show. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Logan Ashford and his Kids Club manager Nina clash even before the ship leaves port when she and her young charges, one of whom is his son, overhear his angry profanity laced tirade with a vendor.
Umm, this family focused cruise might be in trouble!
Internal monologues hint at attraction but for the antagonism that keeps getting in the way for them both…until that one night.
Turns out there was more like than dislike between the two after too much celebration results in an unplanned, and inebriated marriage on shore.
A quick annulment is in the future until the news of their nuptials leaks out.
Loved the story that had its drama, family dynamics, emotion, passion, vulnerabilities, and good writing in a narrative populated by expertly crafted characters, and Noah his adorable six year old son nearly stealing the show. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Logan, the billionaire CEO and Noah, his six year old son who just lost his mother in a tragic accident have a beautiful and loving relationship, but Logan is struggling with Noah's grief. The beautiful and joyful Nina has the magic spirit to help with Noah's healing. It is a sweet and compassionate relationship between Nina and Noah. It is a magnetic and spicy connection between Nina and Logan. Their unintended surprise relationship is everything Nina ever hoped for and Logan is optimistic for their future, until he makes some rash conclusions and devastates everyone with his dictate.
This romance has its ups and downs and when everything is going smoothly, it is way up and when it's down it is soul crushing. I cried for Nina. My heart ached for Noah and my head couldn't believe Logan's actions. It is a very emotional time for this little family and it takes a small boy to teach his father how to put them back together. A passionate happy ending sealed the deal for this incredible book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This romance has its ups and downs and when everything is going smoothly, it is way up and when it's down it is soul crushing. I cried for Nina. My heart ached for Noah and my head couldn't believe Logan's actions. It is a very emotional time for this little family and it takes a small boy to teach his father how to put them back together. A passionate happy ending sealed the deal for this incredible book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews