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lauriereadsrom1's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Following a tough breakup, branding expert Stella Woodward moves to New York City for a fresh start. She's excitedly preparing for the first day at her dream job when her prospective employer calls to inform her that they've decided to go in a "different direction" with the position. There's no job for Stella after all, and she's left scrambling to find another way to pay the bills. In an effort to be helpful, Stella's parents call her older brother's best friend, math genius Hugo Jones, who arranges a job for her in the admin pool at the hedge fund where he works. The only catch is that she must pretend not to know him. Swallowing her pride, Stella accepts the offer, though her gratitude quickly turns to anger when she finds out that Hugo is the reason she lost out on her dream job. This discovery sets off a battle of wills that each of them is determined to win.
This was such a fun story! Hugo and Stella were both incredibly likeable, three-dimensional characters, and their sparkling, witty banter kept me laughing all the way to the end. Even after ten years apart, their secret feelings for each other remained strong, and I couldn't wait for them to finally act on their attraction. Their personalities balanced each other perfectly and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.
I highly recommend "The Grumpy Billionaire" for all contemporary romance and rom-com fans and can't wait for the author's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was such a fun story! Hugo and Stella were both incredibly likeable, three-dimensional characters, and their sparkling, witty banter kept me laughing all the way to the end. Even after ten years apart, their secret feelings for each other remained strong, and I couldn't wait for them to finally act on their attraction. Their personalities balanced each other perfectly and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.
I highly recommend "The Grumpy Billionaire" for all contemporary romance and rom-com fans and can't wait for the author's next release.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
ohshebookish's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Huge thanks to Valentine PR and Annika Martin for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I cannot explain how much I loved this book! It's the first book that I've read by Annika Martin, and it certainly won't be the last!
Stella is the quirky, upbeat, colorful person in a family of mathematicians. She's always been made to feel like a black sheep by her parents and her brother, and even her brother’s best friend, Hugo. Despite growing up constantly being made to feel like she wasn't good enough, Stella is still a happy, caring and incredibly talented FMC that did not let anything stop her. She continued to push herself and got her dream job, then when that fell through, she continued to apply for jobs in her field. No matter the setbacks, Stella kept moving forward. She also wasn't one to back down, and I love the banter that she has with people, especially Hugo.
Hugo, the stoic, brilliant billionaire. He's hit a wall in his latest project and if that wasn't enough of a problem, his best friend's little sister is thrown into the mix at his company. That's the last thing that he needs...or is it exactly what he needs? I love Hugo and Stella's relationship. The opposites attract, the push and pull, the will they/won't they. The slow burn and tension was literal chef's kiss. The roller coaster of Stella rediscovering her feelings for Hugo, Hugo discovering his feelings for Stella, and both off them trying to fight said emotions had me squiggling and jumping around. Even when Hugo realized how he really felt, but Stella refused to give him a chance, I swear I was yelling at her through my book. "Just give him a chance! He loves you!" I was very impressed by how Hugo respected Stella's wishes and went along with what she wanted. The way they were there for each other and helped each other grow was incredibly sweet and you could easily see how genuine their feelings were for each other. And let's not forget the spice! Whew was it hot in there! We love a respectful, communicative relationship, with dirty dirty spicy time.
This book gave me all the feels- the tears, the laughs, the heat and the kick your feet giggles and squeals. Annika does an amazing job at weaving together a beautiful, and spicy, romcom. Highly recommend!
I cannot explain how much I loved this book! It's the first book that I've read by Annika Martin, and it certainly won't be the last!
Stella is the quirky, upbeat, colorful person in a family of mathematicians. She's always been made to feel like a black sheep by her parents and her brother, and even her brother’s best friend, Hugo. Despite growing up constantly being made to feel like she wasn't good enough, Stella is still a happy, caring and incredibly talented FMC that did not let anything stop her. She continued to push herself and got her dream job, then when that fell through, she continued to apply for jobs in her field. No matter the setbacks, Stella kept moving forward. She also wasn't one to back down, and I love the banter that she has with people, especially Hugo.
Hugo, the stoic, brilliant billionaire. He's hit a wall in his latest project and if that wasn't enough of a problem, his best friend's little sister is thrown into the mix at his company. That's the last thing that he needs...or is it exactly what he needs? I love Hugo and Stella's relationship. The opposites attract, the push and pull, the will they/won't they. The slow burn and tension was literal chef's kiss. The roller coaster of Stella rediscovering her feelings for Hugo, Hugo discovering his feelings for Stella, and both off them trying to fight said emotions had me squiggling and jumping around. Even when Hugo realized how he really felt, but Stella refused to give him a chance, I swear I was yelling at her through my book. "Just give him a chance! He loves you!" I was very impressed by how Hugo respected Stella's wishes and went along with what she wanted. The way they were there for each other and helped each other grow was incredibly sweet and you could easily see how genuine their feelings were for each other. And let's not forget the spice! Whew was it hot in there! We love a respectful, communicative relationship, with dirty dirty spicy time.
This book gave me all the feels- the tears, the laughs, the heat and the kick your feet giggles and squeals. Annika does an amazing job at weaving together a beautiful, and spicy, romcom. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
nebulousbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
tldr; Brother’s best friend. New boss. Sexy nerdy billionaire.
Stella is a marketing genius if she does say so herself. She’s landed her dream job and moved to The Big Apple all by herself after her fiancé stomped all over her heart. The problem is her dream job has been sabotaged and now she has to work for her brothers super hot- I mean, super smart best friend who hates her. But does he really? And what if she’s only convincing herself she really hates him too?
My god, if you are looking for your next steamy book boyfriend look no further than at Hugo Jones. He’s brilliant, he’s rich, hes so very sexy and triangles are his favorite shapes ;). This was a fun and quick read. I could not put it down whatsoever.
I got this as an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
tldr; Brother’s best friend. New boss. Sexy nerdy billionaire.
Stella is a marketing genius if she does say so herself. She’s landed her dream job and moved to The Big Apple all by herself after her fiancé stomped all over her heart. The problem is her dream job has been sabotaged and now she has to work for her brothers super hot- I mean, super smart best friend who hates her. But does he really? And what if she’s only convincing herself she really hates him too?
My god, if you are looking for your next steamy book boyfriend look no further than at Hugo Jones. He’s brilliant, he’s rich, hes so very sexy and triangles are his favorite shapes ;). This was a fun and quick read. I could not put it down whatsoever.
I got this as an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
clairemcclelland's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kayren32's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Grumpy Billionaire is an Opposites attract/ /Brother's best friend/Billionaire / Grump Sunshine/ Workplace romance. It's the 8th book in the Billionaires of Manhattan series and was an entertaining read.
This is Stella and Hugo's story. They were complete opposites, he was reserved and serious and I loved how he saw Stella better than anyone else, while she was quirky and outgoing and was able to push all his buttons, and they balanced out each other so well.
They were supported by a cast of secondary characters who provided additional entertainment and great banter.
This was a hilarious, steamy, heartwarming tale that will make you swoon. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
This is Stella and Hugo's story. They were complete opposites, he was reserved and serious and I loved how he saw Stella better than anyone else, while she was quirky and outgoing and was able to push all his buttons, and they balanced out each other so well.
They were supported by a cast of secondary characters who provided additional entertainment and great banter.
This was a hilarious, steamy, heartwarming tale that will make you swoon. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
serenaerinreads's review against another edition
3.0
Read This Book If…you love quick chapters and fun characters!
Please note: This was an ARC provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: romance
Series: Billionaires of Manhattan # 8 (standalone)
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Setting: NYC
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Tropes: billionaire, brother’s best friend, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, longtime crush
What I Thought: This was a quick, fun read! I did find the pacing to be a little odd; sometimes I wanted scenes to last longer and other times it felt like a lot of repetition. I overall enjoyed the shared history and unrequited crushes between these two!
Memorable Quote: “I’ve broken one code in my life—it’s the code to stay away from you.”
naniisbookcorner's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
I have beef with both Hugh-dini & Charlie. Yes they were forgiven and they apologized for their wrongdoings but I feel like they were let off the hook too easily. Especially Charlie, one “I’m sorry” does not make up for all the years of BS that girl was put through. Still Hugo & Stella were very hot 🥵 the elevator scene was everything and that damn pineapple mystery was hilarious almost as hilarious as Wulfric’s obsession with keeping the pineapple away from Hugh-dini 😂
If you want to jump between anger, happiness and sadness read this book.
Disclaimer: Although I received an ARC for this book, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you want to jump between anger, happiness and sadness read this book.
Disclaimer: Although I received an ARC for this book, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
diandra_s's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
thebookishspot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
✨ARC Review✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐ for The Grumpy Billionaire by Annika Martin
I love a good brother's best friend romance and this one was so cute! Combine that with a grumpy/sunshine trope and workplace setting and I was sold. Hugo is the grumpy billionaire to Stella's sunshine and they complement each other so well. They worked great as a team, and their chemistry was fire! I loved how quirky Stella was, and how straightlaced Hugo was, but they both tried to step outside their comfort zones for the other. Thanks to @valentine_pr_ and @annikamartinauthor for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
tiaaislin's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
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