Grumpy Beignet Boss

Broussard Brothers #1

by Melissa Chambers

He’s betrayed her before, but she won’t fall into his trap again…

After the seventh loan denial, Peyton Boudreaux knows she’ll never get the money to start her own healthy junk food restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She’s left with no other choice than to trudge back home to New Orleans to claim her trust fund with her tail between her legs. But before the money is hers, she’s got to complete the required hours, cleaning grease traps and mopping floors at Boudreaux’s: Home of the Chocolate Hazelnut Beignet. On top of that, she must face the CEO of the dual family business – former love of her life, Braxton Broussard, Traitor. He shot her down both romantically and professionally years ago, and now he’s the one whose butt she’s got to kiss.

Not even the ten years Braxton has spent apart from Peyton have been enough to shake the brown-eyed girl from his fantasies. As much as he loves to see her dressed as a fairy, sitting in his office on Mardi Gras day, he was really hoping he could get the money back into her faux trust fund before she came home to claim it. He can’t let her know her deceased father gambled her cash away. He’s got to find another way to get her the money she’s owed. But more importantly, he’s got to work his way back into her heart, because now that she’s home, he never wants her to leave again.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Smut

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2023

About the author

Find a FREE book from Melissa here: https://books2read.com/SeasideSweets

Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights getting lost in her characters. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She’s a member of several online and local writers groups, all of which she treasures and is unendingly grateful for, and has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers. She is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Destiny Dunes series, the Broussard Brothers (of New Orleans) series, the Before Forever series (YA), Courting Carlyn (YA), and Two Boy Summer (YA).

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Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. I was sure that I had it all figured out but there were several surprises along the way. In fact, the ending was not at all what I had expected.This book introduced us to all of the characters and I look forward to Garrett and Savannah story.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets - Scandals - Second Chances
This was as addicting as the beignets
Peyton had returned home to NOLA after years of ghosting her family and friends - She had her reasons for leaving - But now she is back to claim her trust and she isn't that little girl anymore

Before she can claim her trust she has to complete the requirements
and that means working under the man who broke her heart and betrayed her trust
She can do it though - She learned her lesson long ago

Braxton never forgave himself for the events that drove Peyton from him
He tried for years to find her to no avail
Now she is back and she wants her trust
Small issue there - there is no trust left to claim
Determined not to let her down again Braxton seeks a way to replace it before she can find out - At the same time he is determined to claim her heart once and for all

This was such a great read
An outstanding cast of characters that are so vivid - You will instantly find yourself endeared to them, or loathing them, lol
The story dragged me through a gauntlet of emotions - I was laughing, cheering, fuming, and everything in between
The chemistry between Peyton and our dashing Braxton was magical - It flowed naturally - They fit - Even with the back-and-forth
Wait until you hear why Braxton did what he did *melt*
I am excited to return for Garrett's story

[Patrick Dizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don’t even know where to begin with this book, but all I can say is this book is amazing! Growing up in the south you are accustomed to people who are just like each and every character in this book! This is one book where I absolutely loved every single character in a book and I felt like each character just heightens the book and makes it amazing!

For me Braxton is such a picture perfect southern gentleman. The way Melissa writes he would be any southern woman’s dream guy. I love that in the book loyalty to his family and their business is so important to him and he fights at all costs to do what is right to those two things the entire book. I love that a guy that is like Braxton and could have his pick of any woman, but his heart belongs to the love of his life, Peyton and he stays loyal and true to that love. Another enduring quality about Braxton is the care he provides for his parents and throughout the book you will see difficult choices he has to make, but how much he takes into account how it will impact them and wants the best for them.

Peyton is such a spitfire and in many ways the perfect mix of a southern belle with her sass, frankness, care, compassion and love! The thing I love about Peyton is that I see so many of my best friends in Peyton and I love how in the book over time the hard, stoic girl starts to crumble and show her true southern roots after her time spent in New York.

The supporting charters are all AMAZING! You root for every single one of them and long to know more about them as well and I have a feeling that in future books we will hear more about their happily ever afters! Personally, I adore Shula, Garrett and Calliope! Every single one of these will grab your heart and run with it!

I’ve read nearly every single one of Melissa’s books and I love how she writes characters you feel like are your best friends and you’ve known your entire life, you root for them and want them to have every happiness life presents to them! This is my favorite of hers and I’m so excited for the next book in the series!

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not the worst book I have read, so 1.5 stars rounded up.
There is something fundamentally wrong when you write a romance novel and the sex is bad. what is the point of fantasy, if you’re gonna make it as cringe and ugly as worst possible scenario reality?

[Sara E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Melissa Chambers’ writing. Grumpy Beignet Boss did not disappoint. Thanks for the advanced copy.

This is the story of Peyton and Braxton. After being gone 10 years, Peyton returns home to work in order to receive her trust. The man she’s working for has been her teenage crush and the one who was part of crushing her career dreams. Now he’ll do anything to help her succeed but at what cost.

I loved the chemistry between Peyton and Braxton. I enjoyed reading what he was willing to do for her and seeing her do anything to reach her dreams.

[Janeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me author, this was an enjoyable start to a new series. There were some good, unexpected surprises along the way and I look forward to the next book in the series..

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton needs money for her share of a new business adventure she created with her friends up in New York. She is finally able to make her dream come true of opening up a healthier option for snacks and treats. But first she needs to get her share of the capital and that means going back home and working her hours required to get her inheritance. It also means she has to face the man that has shut her down in more ways than one. Not just in business but personally too.

Braxton has been in love with Peyton for years but never acted on those feelings claiming age differences, the family ties between them, since their families own what was a successful beignet chocolate company. Braxton does his best to make sure that the company is running smoothly, even if it seems to be dipping into the red more and more. Braxton has given his all to the family business and refuses to let it go down, but maybe the time has come, especially now that he has to find the inheritance money for Peyton.

Peyton doesn't know how bad things are in the chocolate beignet business. It seems like it has come to an end of an era, but Braxton keeps assuring her everything is ok. She will get her money once she does all of her hours required, so she can go back up to New York and make her dream become a reality.

Peyton and Braxton have a very hot relationship and fall for each other deeply, but once the truth comes out, will it be too much for these two to over come? Will Peyton's dream change after finding out the truth or from her falling in love? Will she want to stay in New Orleans and be there with Braxton and her family? Is it too late for new and old resentments to be forgiven and forgotten?

I loved this story! Braxton has a tough exterior but inside is such a loving, caring man and wants the best for everyone. Peyton is one determined woman and wants to get to the finish line so she can make something of herself in New York. I can't wait to read Garrett's story next. I am very intrigued by this whole family.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton Boudreaux wants to start a healthy junk food restaurant with two of her best friends in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has no other choice but to go for her trust fund. To claim it, she has to work so many hours. What she doesn’t know is that the provision was placed on those trust funds stating that is the money is needed for the business that it could be taken out. For that reason, there is no money left in any of the trust funds after Payton’s father died and had so many gambling debts that Braxton Boudreaux has tried to pay off all his debts as well as keep the company up and running. He even sold his house and lowered his wage to just enough to survive on. When they were young, Peyton in high school and Braxton going off to college, Peyton had such a crush on him but when she offered herself to him and he turned her down, she was devastated. She also didn’t know how hard it was for him to walk away from her. This lets you know how each of them are feeling now…her having to ask Braxton for the money, and Braxton trying to figure a way to find the money for her.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books Ms. Chambers has written and I have to say that I am delighted with her books so far. I loved the fact this book was set in New Orleans!

I loved both Peyton and Braxton’s characters and the chemistry between them. Braxton was Peyton’s teenage crush, but he is also the reason why she moved away. Braxton always kept his distance from Peyton while she was growing up because of the age gap between them and because both families owned a business together. Now 10 years later, Peyton’s all grown up. She heads back home to New Orleans expecting to work in the family business to collect her trust fund. Unfortunately, Braxton has been keeping secrets from Peyton about her father and the company finances. Will Braxton ever admit his feelings for Peyton? Will Peyton forgive Braxton for keeping secrets? Will they get their happily ever after?

If you love romance then I recommend this book! I received an advanced copy and I’m leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

first in the series. The female character Peyton is determined to get her healthy eating business with her friends off the ground. Her money is tied to a trust which means having to return to her home and her share of working within the family business. The male character Braxton has been ecretly in love with her for a long time, but kept a distance using an age difference as the reason. He has been her secret crush. There is definitely a an attraction and relationship between them, but it may come at a cost. All is not well and not all as it seems with the family business.
Good start to this new series.

[Ann Tosti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to cry for Braxton so many times! He put is all in for those he cared about. Yet it was all crumbling around him. Even the chance with Peyton he was finally getting. She may love him, but she’s all set and determined on her goals. Even when it seemed those goals would cost her love- her career goals meant more to her. It meant more to prove she could do it. And the way it ended- thanks to ideas and advice from two others- I loved how they got to have it all in their happy ending. It’s not what either thought it would be, but instead it’s better.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spend some time in the Big Easy

Peyton is coming home to the joint family business. But only long enough to claim her trust fund to invest in a dessert bar cafe in NYC. She can't face being in NOLA where her childhood crush is CEO of the family business. Braxton has watched Peyton grow up, always keeping a careful distance, due to the gap in their ages. Now that she is all grown up, how can bridge that divide and persuade her to take a chance on forever?

In this new series, Ms.Chsmbers takes us to New Orleans at Mardi Gras and offers a chance to indulge in a limitless supply of delicious little fried dough pastries. Spend time with two families twined together by friendship and business interests.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via Bookhip/BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Autumn Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Grumpy Beignet Boss. The relationship between Peyton Boudreaux and Braxton Broussard is very realistic. Lots of ups and downs. They each had multiple issues to work through, which made the relationship feel real. I also enjoyed the surrounding story lines and seeing the internal and external pressures felt from family and friends. The ending is unpredictable, which is very refreshing. Melissa Chambers is a new-to-me author. I loved this book so much that I'll keep an eye out for future releases.

[Kerri Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a get comfortable,curl up in your favorite reading spot for the day kind of story. It was enjoyable and I finished in two days. I liked the characters, I liked the setting, and I liked the writing. There were one or two unexpected issues as the story progressed that Peyton and Braxton had to deal with and I liked the unpredictability of the issues and the resolution. By the end of the story I was ready for a beignet and a visit to New Orleans!

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read a book by this author and received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Peyton returns to her home in New Orleans to claim her trust so she can open a store of her own in NY. She is unaware the family business is on the brink of bankruptcy and there is no trust fund. While there she rekindles her passion for Braxton Broussard who was directly responsible for her leaving New Orleans for New York.

Its both sweet and steamy with some fun repartee thrown in. The book was easy to read and the characters were easy to identify with. This is the first in a new series and I'd b happy to read the next one.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton has spent the last six years in N.Y.C., working in a bakery and dreaming about opening a bakery with her two friends. Since she has not been able to securing a loan she has decided to go back to her hometown New Orleans to work in her family's beignet shop in order to get access to her trust fund. Little does she know the money is long gone. Her childhood crush Braxton is trying hard to keep the company afloat and find a way to get Peyton her money. He would love for Peyton to stay in N.O. and be with him but he will not stand between her and her dreams. Peyton is keen on getting her money and going back to N.Y.C but there is still attraction between her and Braxton.

I liked liked the characters and how the story unfolded and I couldn't help but root for Baxton, since he is the ultimate good guy. I loved how we are introduced to the other family members and get a glimps of the stories that are to come. I will definitely read the next book in the series.

I got an ARC of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton was working on living her dream but needed some guaranteed cash to pull it off. Braxton was running a business their parents founded and was trying to save it from the damage Peyton’s father had done. She needed the trust and he was trying to produce it for her. Too bad her father emptied the account. He loved her and wanted all her wishes to come true but it may just be too late to save everything including her dream. Good book and lovely story

[VIVI · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a GREAT story Braxton showed no matter what you ALWAYS support your family and find a way. I fell in love with Peyton and how she came home to start a new adventure in her life and little did she know what was really waiting for her at home or should I say who... Melissa Chambers thanks for writing this book can't wait for the next one.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the first book I read from this author and it certainly didn't disappoint. It was a nice second chance romance between Peyton and Braxton. He was such a nice hero in my book and really cared for others even though tough decisions needed to be made in managing the company on the verge of financial collapse. Peyton on the other hand, came back to collect her trust fund. It was an interesting sweet story overall. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Frances Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braxton & Peyton

Lots of highs & lows for Braxton and Peyton, but all is well in paradise. Lots of great support from friends and family. A great read!

[Susan S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed many of Melissa Chambers' books so I was excited to learn of a new series set in New Orleans.
Overall, I would say that I liked this story, I did not love it. When I really love a book, I love all the parts of it: the setting, the characters (good and bad), the theme, the twist or problem, etc. "Grumpy Beigney Boss" only fulfilled some of those for me. Braxton Broussard (H) was well written. He loved his family and would do just about anything to help them. He has also really only ever loved one girl: Peyton Boudreaux. This trope is one of the two main characters being in love with each other for years, but neither one knowing it. Years have gone by, both have tried to move on with other people, but their hearts belong to each other. So far, I liked the setting (New Orleans is always a fun city!) the theme (one character secretly wants to help the other), Braxton may not be able to help Peyton in time (the problem) ; so that just leaves the characters. Braxton was well written and very likable. A great romance boyfriend! That just leaves the other main character (h) - Peyton. I was back and forth with Peyton but for the most part, I found her whiny and self-obsorbed. One chapter she is the kind of character that makes a romance story fun and in the next, her immaturity seems too much for the story to work.
Grumpy Beignet Boss has a good base to it and I can definitely see a series coming from it. Although this book was only so-so for me, I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Peyton and Braxton's story. Peyton has returned to New Orleans to claim her trust fund and start a business in New York with friends. She's in for a surprise when she finds out the money is gone, and the family business is in trouble. There's' still sparks between her and Braxton can they have a future together? This is a second chance that's easy to read with great character's and you want to root for Braxton who's trying to keep everything going and trying to save the company business. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable second chance romance. Peyton and Braxton have been in love with each other for years, although Peyton doesn't realize that Braxton loves her. But as she works at Broudreax's to complete the terms of the trust fund and they spend time together, the attraction between them grows. There are some interesting secondary characters, such as Shula who is basically like a second mother to Peyton. At times it seemed like these two wouldn't be able to get out of their own way but eventually they found their HEA.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the Boudreaux and Broussard families in this book and that it was set in New Orleans. It was fun watching Braxton and Peyton. Sometimes they seemed to like each other and sometimes they just avoided each other, so I wasn't sure how the story would end. It was interesting to see if lies and the truth would bring them together or tear them apart. I really enjoyed Braxton's epiphany and the ending to this fun book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing the Destiny Dunes series, I looked forward to where Melissa Chambers would take her readers next. This new series is set in New Orleans and introduces us to the Boudreaux and Broussard families. I enjoyed learning about the food and culture of this unique city. The author seamlessly alternates the voices of Peyton and Braxton in telling their complicated story. It didn't take me long to guess that the next book in this series will feature Garrett and Savannah.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. The characters are richly defined and you are really drawn into their feelings and conflicts. Love the New Orleans setting. Braxton is keeping lots of secrets from Peyton. Finding their HEA is going to take a lot of soul searching and discovering what they really want. I can’t wait to read Savannah and Garrett’s story.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[JOYCE PITTARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Peyton and Braxton both have know each other since they were small children. V. She comes home to claim her money from her trust fund. Braxton is ahead of it knowing there isn't anything there for her Dad gambled away. They have both loved each other for years but never admitted to each other. He doesn't have the heart to tell her. then his dad wants to sell the business. Many things happen in between but works out in the end. HE A.

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read a book that takes place in New Orleans it makes me want to visit and this was no exception. I love the flavor it gave to the story. This book gave me some anxious feelings at various points because I didn’t know how things were going to work out, but I loved how they did. I’m excited to read Garrett and Savannah’s story.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like Peyton and did not feel the connection between her and Braxton much at all. She seems more in love with the vanity of her own business and her concerns for Braxton didn't seem all that strong. Her strong dislike for children of her own should be a red flag to Braxton.

I read this in New Orleans on vacation.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Chambers
Grumpy Beignet Boss: A Second Chance Steamy Romance (Broussard Brothers Book 1)
Peyton and Braxton
I really enjoyed reading this story! The struggles they had to keep their relationship together and all of the baggage they worked through.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.