The Grumpy One – Leslie North – NextBookAroundTheCorner

Cleaning floors in Branson Couture was never part of my career plans. Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop. Of course, I didn’t know he was the CEO—my mind only registered “intruder” and “hot”. Maybe not in that order.

Meet James Branson: infuriatingly hot, obscenely wealthy, and as charming as a door slammed in your face. He’s the king of high fashion. And, apparently, of ruining my day. The thing is, he wants to do more than just ruin my day. In my hasty retreat from the mop-attack I left my design journal behind. James discovers my designs and offers me truly insane money to work beside him.

Every cell in my body is screaming: “Run, girl!” James is a master of the boardroom with a heart encased in steel. This Snarlmaster General has a scowl that could out-thunder a hurricane. He also holds the key to my dreams in his giant mitts. But I can’t think about his giant… anything. In the fashion world, it’s not just designs that get ripped apart at the seams. Hearts do as well. But if James thinks I’ll let him unravel mine, he’s in for the fight of his billionaire life.

So I have a plan: Show up. Do my job. Don’t think about my boss naked.

Piece of cake, right?

My review

As Leslie usually publishes her books in sets of three, I had the impression that The Bossy One was a standalone. But noooo, Leslie just wanted to drag it out this time… Fine by me, I’ll patiently wait for the next parts… So when The Grumpy One arrived on Netgalley, I grabbed it of course (and now I have to wait for the last one: the Grouchy One until June 2024…). Ugh.

But well worth the wait! James is one hunkey dorey man. And yes, a big marsh mellow, but of course he keeps that a secret from everyone. And Natalie is just plain funny. The mop incident, which is directly at the start of the story is funny as hell and sets the tone for the rest of the banter throughout the book. Of course, Leslie-style, there will be a happy ending with some hot and naughty in between. Loved it, and I’ll eagerly await part three on this one!

Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.