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Better Than Your Grumpy Bosshole: A Small Town Grumpy/Sunshine Romance
Ava Munroe sizzles in this Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore-inspired friends to lovers romance.
Chef Enzo Barone is the hot thing they warn you about when they tell you to stay out of the kitchen, but I always intended to give my boss his distance.
Unfortunately, FedEx tempted fate when it sent *that* special toy box to the restaurant instead of my house.
Still, I was determined to keep chill vibes (er, no pun intended) between me and my boss now that he’d seen a little too much of my private life. I promised my friends I would stay man-sober for a year, and I meant it!
I’m definitely not tempted by the fiery bosshole with tatted arms and a dimpled chin. Not into the protective brother who gave his runaway sibling a better home. Won’t fall for the delicious, grumpy man who swore off relationships for the exact opposite reason from me—because he 100%, definitely doesn’t believe in love.
Then one steamy “no strings attached” rooftop encounter later, and I’m relapsing.
I’m Enzo’s employee. I’m a single mom with baggage.
And I’m head over heels for the man who is only prepared to offer a taste, when this love addict is desperate for the whole meal.
How can I convince Enzo this fire between us is the real deal—not a flash in the pan?
Chef Enzo Barone is the hot thing they warn you about when they tell you to stay out of the kitchen, but I always intended to give my boss his distance.
Unfortunately, FedEx tempted fate when it sent *that* special toy box to the restaurant instead of my house.
Still, I was determined to keep chill vibes (er, no pun intended) between me and my boss now that he’d seen a little too much of my private life. I promised my friends I would stay man-sober for a year, and I meant it!
I’m definitely not tempted by the fiery bosshole with tatted arms and a dimpled chin. Not into the protective brother who gave his runaway sibling a better home. Won’t fall for the delicious, grumpy man who swore off relationships for the exact opposite reason from me—because he 100%, definitely doesn’t believe in love.
Then one steamy “no strings attached” rooftop encounter later, and I’m relapsing.
I’m Enzo’s employee. I’m a single mom with baggage.
And I’m head over heels for the man who is only prepared to offer a taste, when this love addict is desperate for the whole meal.
How can I convince Enzo this fire between us is the real deal—not a flash in the pan?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2023
About the author
Ava Munroe
18 books95 followersAva Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 18, 2023
Literally laughed so hard I cried. And also cried. Enzo and Kelly’s story is so great both being single parents of an older child. And Kelly’s daughter works for Enzo? Ahhh literally could not put this down, it was an original and well written read!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all opinions/thoughts above are completely my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all opinions/thoughts above are completely my own!
August 30, 2023
Cute story overall. I think the MMC could have been fleshed out a bit more- his whole personality was being grumpy and every time he said something dumb, the FMC forgave him way to easily. The author did try to explain that it was because of his upbringing but I think we needed to see that just a bit more. The FMC had more personality. Her relationship with her friend group was fun. It appears as though that friend group will each have their own story and I would definitely be interested in reading more about them.
I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light fluffy grumpy/sunshine small town romance book.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for my review. Opinions are my own and I wish the author lots of luck!
I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light fluffy grumpy/sunshine small town romance book.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for my review. Opinions are my own and I wish the author lots of luck!
August 22, 2023
Loved this book. Going into it I didn’t realize what it was going to be about. I just saw the cover and was like ‘I’ll read this’. When I tell you my jaw dropped with the first roof interaction scene🥵 I was not expecting the 🌶️ in the book. I LOVED IT. I need to get my hands on a physical copy so I can reread and tab it💕
September 24, 2023
UGH! This book had me laughing out loud to the point my husband asked what I was laughing at. Such a cute book! Kelly and Enzo were so relatable at times. This was such a feel good chef-in-a-small-town. Great character development for the other characters as well. Great plot. Not too long!
August 17, 2023
Enzo is a head chef and restaurant owner. He's surly, burly, and a general solo grump. Kelly, his assistant GM, recently moved in to the townhouse next door to the restaurant. A fun, young single mom with definite Lorelai Gilmore tendencies and a history of heartbreak who "could befriend a Disney Villain."
Enzo's grumpy exterior is slowly starting to thaw thanks to his younger brother, Matteo, also a golden ray of sunshine, who is crashing on his couch, washing dishes in his restaurant, and gardening on the roof. When a surprising delivery comes to the restaurant instead of Kelly's house and Enzo suddenly drops his mountain man beard, Enzo and Kelly find themselves with off the charts chemistry and attraction.
Better than Your Grumpy Bosshole is the second installment of the Better Than Josh Everton Club series. I absolutely loved the first story (Better Than The Single Dad), and had high hopes for this book. I was blown. away. Enzo and Kelly's story is Gilmore Girls inspired, with some extra heat, a precious mother-daughter relationship, great friends, and laugh out loud moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enzo's grumpy exterior is slowly starting to thaw thanks to his younger brother, Matteo, also a golden ray of sunshine, who is crashing on his couch, washing dishes in his restaurant, and gardening on the roof. When a surprising delivery comes to the restaurant instead of Kelly's house and Enzo suddenly drops his mountain man beard, Enzo and Kelly find themselves with off the charts chemistry and attraction.
Better than Your Grumpy Bosshole is the second installment of the Better Than Josh Everton Club series. I absolutely loved the first story (Better Than The Single Dad), and had high hopes for this book. I was blown. away. Enzo and Kelly's story is Gilmore Girls inspired, with some extra heat, a precious mother-daughter relationship, great friends, and laugh out loud moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2023
If you take Lorelei Gilmore and give her a grumpy boss that makes decadent desserts and whispers sweet nothings in Italian, you would get Kelly Hastings and Enzo Barone.
The banter between Kelly and Enzo is hilarious. Kelly is optimistic with a sunny outlook on life. (Despite having the worst luck with men.)
Enzo, on the other hand, watched his parents make each other's life miserable and in turn ignore their children. Enzo lets his younger brother, Matteo, stay at his apartment while he is figuring out his next steps. The age gap between Enzo and Matteo has made Enzo feel more like a dad than brother.
Enzo makes Kelly realize that she can be herself without loosing herself and Kelly reminds Enzo that the mistakes of your parents don't have to be your life too.
Tropes:
- workplace
- single parent
- forced proximity
- chef
- banter
The banter between Kelly and Enzo is hilarious. Kelly is optimistic with a sunny outlook on life. (Despite having the worst luck with men.)
Enzo, on the other hand, watched his parents make each other's life miserable and in turn ignore their children. Enzo lets his younger brother, Matteo, stay at his apartment while he is figuring out his next steps. The age gap between Enzo and Matteo has made Enzo feel more like a dad than brother.
Enzo makes Kelly realize that she can be herself without loosing herself and Kelly reminds Enzo that the mistakes of your parents don't have to be your life too.
Tropes:
- workplace
- single parent
- forced proximity
- chef
- banter
August 19, 2023
He is a grumpy restaurant owner, and she is a single mom. She works as his GM and has moved in next door to his establishment. When a package is accidentally delivered to him by mistake instead of Kelly will be the spark that starts these two along their journey. It is an engaging story that draws you in and will have you cheering for these two to get their chance for happiness.
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.
August 21, 2023
Better Than Your Grumpy Bosshole by Ava Munroe is a good, and enjoyable spicy steamy grumpy sunshine small town neighbors to friends to lovers work place romance read. The story has a good world building engaging story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2023
A special toy box is delivered to the restaurant she works for instead of her house next door. Enzo is the chef and Kelly is the GM and the skyrockets ignite. Let the joking and ribbing commence. Loved the characters, their backstories, entertaining situations and banter. Totally enjoyed the storyline with all its ups and downs Great ending.
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.
August 21, 2023
This is deliciously fun, sweet, cute, spicy and romantic. But it also has lots of emotion, drama, heartache, angst, arguments and apologies. Kelly and Enzo are complex characters that experience a lot of growth and healing. Add to that teenage Summer, the adorably cute Matteo, the Club ladies and wise Arlo and you are in for terrific read with a beautiful HEA.
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.
August 24, 2023
loved it !! love this series !! love Kelly and Enzo.. this is their story.. a fast paced rom/com.... so funny... Enzo is the chef and owner of the restaurant that Kelly works for.. and Kelly lives next door... both have sworn off relationships but, for different reasons... then, the package gets misdelivered.. for Kelly... it should have gone next door.. opps !!! so good !!!.
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.
August 20, 2023
This had all the Luke and Lorelei feels from Gilmore Girls...it was a great story! Kelly is a single mom whose package was accidently sent to her bosshole, Enzo, and she's sworn off men. After a rooftop encounter, will she be able to convince Enzo that it wasn't just one time and could be forever?.
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.
August 24, 2023
A delightful,fun,steamy with a touch of drama..A Small Town Grumpy/Sunshine Romance story of Kelly and Enzo..A grumpy chef and a single mom and a love addict.. chemistry,attraction is there but Enzo have a commitment issue but can this single mom melt his heart? read it to find out!.
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.
August 23, 2023
I found this book to be a funny and entertaining read. I love these characters and the well written story had me engrossed throughout.
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.
August 29, 2023
A southern version of Stars Hallow? Yes, please.
Had me laughing and crying 😅
Enzo…my guy…you are sexy but you need therapy. My man put myself and Kelly through the wringer. Hurt so good though 😏
Loved the banter and all the feels.
Had me laughing and crying 😅
Enzo…my guy…you are sexy but you need therapy. My man put myself and Kelly through the wringer. Hurt so good though 😏
Loved the banter and all the feels.
August 31, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
A cute and entertaining story, Kelly works for Enzo who is a major grumpy bosshole. They have plenty of humorous and fun moments. Good characters, entertaining story.
A cute and entertaining story, Kelly works for Enzo who is a major grumpy bosshole. They have plenty of humorous and fun moments. Good characters, entertaining story.
September 4, 2023
Enzo and Kelly were so good together with off the chart heat but a common fear of commitment. Loved Enzo's brother Matteo!
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.
September 5, 2023
This is a story that easily pulls you in with fun characters, Kelly and Enzo, who have amazing sizzling chemistry and an electric banter that I did not want to put down.
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.
September 12, 2023
A great read, book two in this series. The story of Enzo and Kelly, a grumpy and sunshine romance. I liked how it was told from both points of view and can't wait for the next book in the series.
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.
October 4, 2023
This was THE cute rom-com Gilmore Girls start to fall read I needed.
Grumpy boss? Yes.
Friends with benefits gone wrong? Double yes.
Lovable side characters for comedic relief? Yes and thank you.
Would I butter my pop-tarts? (literally) Absolutely not. Would I let Enzo butter my pop-tart? (Euphemism) 🤫
All I can really say is it felt like love to me.
Grumpy boss? Yes.
Friends with benefits gone wrong? Double yes.
Lovable side characters for comedic relief? Yes and thank you.
Would I butter my pop-tarts? (literally) Absolutely not. Would I let Enzo butter my pop-tart? (Euphemism) 🤫
All I can really say is it felt like love to me.
August 22, 2023
A sweet, low angst romance with a engaging storyline.
August 23, 2023
Ava and Enzo are total opposites but they have so much chemistry. I enjoyed this book so much. I laughed, swooned and fell for these two and the love they had for eachother.
August 25, 2023
ARC REVIEW
I really enjoyed reading this! I thought it was funny and cute, and the 🌶️… soooo good!
I love Kelly and Enzo together!
I really enjoyed reading this! I thought it was funny and cute, and the 🌶️… soooo good!
I love Kelly and Enzo together!
August 28, 2023
ARC honest Review
Cute and fun with lots of laughs! A grumpy/sunshine trope is my favorite!! A package delivered to a wrong address starts this whole romance? So random but so perfect.
Cute and fun with lots of laughs! A grumpy/sunshine trope is my favorite!! A package delivered to a wrong address starts this whole romance? So random but so perfect.
August 31, 2023
ARC honest Review
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
A Gilmore Girls inspired story
Grump/sunshine , single parent, slow burn
Better than Josh Everton Club series
*over 18 readers only *
Enzo (35) is giving his 22 yr old brother a place to stay. Where Enzo is a serious Grump, Matteo is smiles and bright ideas. How they were both raised by the same ahole dad is anyone's guess. Kelly (32) is raising her high school-aged daughter, Summer, while working as Enzo's general assistant manager. Kelly is a self-proclaimed love addict, reading into things and falling way too fast. She had Summer at 16, was married at 17, and divorced at 20. Josh Everton, her last boyfriend, was cheating on her with her sister and 3 other women. So now, she's decided to take a break from love. Both Kelly and Enzo are expecting deliveries, but the delivery service switches the packages. Kelly gets Enzo's garden things while Enzo gets Kelly's lady garden toys. Things are done, then things are said, and then they forget they're adults and hide from each other. But the fuse has been lit, and it's going to blow... soon. Will it blow up in their face to light fireworks?
Bring tissues to read this book. You may laugh til you cry, or it just might break your heart. The ending was different than what I expected, but in a good way.
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
A Gilmore Girls inspired story
Grump/sunshine , single parent, slow burn
Better than Josh Everton Club series
*over 18 readers only *
Enzo (35) is giving his 22 yr old brother a place to stay. Where Enzo is a serious Grump, Matteo is smiles and bright ideas. How they were both raised by the same ahole dad is anyone's guess. Kelly (32) is raising her high school-aged daughter, Summer, while working as Enzo's general assistant manager. Kelly is a self-proclaimed love addict, reading into things and falling way too fast. She had Summer at 16, was married at 17, and divorced at 20. Josh Everton, her last boyfriend, was cheating on her with her sister and 3 other women. So now, she's decided to take a break from love. Both Kelly and Enzo are expecting deliveries, but the delivery service switches the packages. Kelly gets Enzo's garden things while Enzo gets Kelly's lady garden toys. Things are done, then things are said, and then they forget they're adults and hide from each other. But the fuse has been lit, and it's going to blow... soon. Will it blow up in their face to light fireworks?
Bring tissues to read this book. You may laugh til you cry, or it just might break your heart. The ending was different than what I expected, but in a good way.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews