Member Reviews
A virtual assistant finally meets her boss (which last 2 years this feels so really ya know?). Throughout the book was see such cute interactions between the grumpy/sunshine boss. I also like that the kid was a part of the story, even though he was in school a lot you could tell how important he was and his interactions were adorable. Overall a very quick, fun read! Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A very quick, easy, enjoyable read. I had not read the first book in this series but it definitely can be read as a stand-alone book without issue. I do not typically gravitate towards books with single parents (or children in general) but I found this book to be refreshing!
I loved reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me. I love this author snd her writing style.
Thanks to netgally for this arc.
3.5 rounding to a 4 ⭐️
Oh this book is so sweet and fun.
I really enjoy a single mom trope book, i relate to them the most and really find myself connecting to the characters much easier and faster because of it!
While i did really enjoy Perry & Lila, something was missing for me. I felt like i kept wanting more for them and the writing and just wasn’t getting it. It lacked deeper connection for me and felt like it fell short and wasn’t memorable because of it!
BUT if you’re looking for a quick, easy read this is definitely the book for you! The banter between the brothers and their family was hysterical and i loved the body positivity that’s within this book! I love a plus size MC.
It’s giving: single parent, slightly grumpy / sunshine, forced proximity/one bed, closed door romance & found family!
I liked these two leads a lot and the life of virtual assistant made for a different kind of work romance. I liked the family of hawthornes too
A big thank you to NetGalley and Four Petal Press for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 2nd in a series, it reads well as a stand alone. What a nice family. So envious. What a cute book. This is Perry and Lila's story. 3.5 stars
I think Jack was my favorite person in this book. He’s such a little sweetheart and when he asked his mom if he could have a “Stair Dad” I about lost it. He makes them sound so amazing that I think I want one. I loved the dynamic between Perry and Lila. I love a good Grump who gets tamed by the sweet cheery gal. And well apple orchard. I think I need to take my husband to a local one for our date night. Such a swoon worthy book. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the Hawthorne family.
Thank you to the author for my review copy. These words are my own.
I love a series about families and this seems like a good one. I haven’t read book 1, but that didn’t take away from this story. I liked Perry and Lila and the natural way their relationship progressed. The struggle they had was reasonable and not contrived like the conflicts sometimes feel. I don’t usually gravitate toward dating-the-boss books, but this one was handled perfectly. This book is closed door, and I always appreciate that. I would have liked less mentioning of physical attraction though. Overall, it was enjoyable romance, and I’d like to read more about the Hawthorne brothers.
Quick Summary: A chameleon cover to true hearts revealed romance
My Review: How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss by Jenny Procter is book two in the How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother series.
Just like book one, this story was extremely sweet and very charming. The lead characters - Perry and Lila - were so right for each other. Jack was a doll who infiltrated my heart right away. The Hawthorne family and the general community enchanted me.
What I Appreciated About This Book:
- I admired the strength that Lila had as a single mother. She was no passive weakling who couldn't take care of herself or her child. She was strong, determined, convicted, and true to herself.
- I loved Perry's hard exterior (which really wasn't). He had more to him than was immediately obvious. He was a good guy... who just happened to be both hot and decent.
- I appreciated the closeness of the Hawthorne family. Their connection was real and their concern for one another was evident from the beginning.
- I really liked the humor that was injected into the story. It was so easy to laugh. I love it when romance stories add funny haha moments into the mix.
- The conflicts and the emotional arcs were relatable. The feelings that came up or that had to be tackled were understandable.
My Final Say: With family antics, backstory drama, hilarious puns, apple talk, and more, this book will easily appeal to romance readers. I strongly recommend this book. I cannot wait to read book three.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Keeper: Yes
Re-read: Yes
Favorite: Yes
Series Interest: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned parties in any way.
* A Goodreads review has been posted.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review. I’ve read another book by the author Jenny proctor and I enjoyed that just as much as I loved this one. Main characters had amazing chemistry, it was very cute and I enjoyed it
OMG so cute!! This book was my second read of hers and I just love her even more. Her books always make you laugh and smile. I love that her books seem to be quick reads for me because you can't put them down. I always love a Grumpy/Sunshine trope and this one didn't disappoint me. I highly recommend this cute and fun read!
Thank you Netgalley and Four Petal Press for allowing me to read this ARC.
How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss was unfortunately a DNF for me. I am halfway through and I just could not get into the characters or the story. Maybe if I had read the first in the series it would have built the world up and made me more interested, but it was a lot of names to keep track of initially and I wasnt as drawn in as I had hoped.
Jenny Proctor can do no wrong in my eyes! I've loved all of the "How to Kiss" books and this one didn't disappoint either! Great chemistry between characters, who doesn't love an office romance?!
I have read almost every single book Jenny has written (some of them two or three times), and this one is easily in my top three favorites! We first met Perry back in the third installment of the Some Kind of Love Series titled, "Love Off-Limits" (starring Perry's sister Olivia and everybody's favorite: Tyler). Perry was, even then, a grumpy brother with a past. So it was such a treat to dive into Perry's life and really get to know him in this book.
Now let's talk about the STAR of this book: LILA! In the book, Lila jokes that her grandparents used to call her "Likable Lila," well I can testify that that nickname has merit. Lila is exceptionally likable and endearing. Both Perry and Lila are very real and authentic characters who are extremely relatable.
If you love grumpy/sunshine, single parents, puns, happy endings, and meddling families then this book is exactly what you need!
"He told me that when I met the right woman, I wouldn't just know in my head or in my heart. I would know somewhere deeper. He couldn't explain how I would know, he just said that I would. I didn't know what my dad meant," he says. "Not until now. Not until you." 🫶🏼
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters: Perry Hawthorne, Lila Templeton
Tropes: Single Mother, Workplace Romance, Second Chance at Love, Previous Baggage, Small Town Romance, Boss-Employee Romance
Review: After reading How To Kiss Your Best Friend (How To Kiss A Hawthorne Brother #1), I wasn't sure any book in the series could live up to its standards. But boy, was I wrong. I am a changed woman with this book. And maybe, just maybe, a little hopeful that love is not a one-time hit-or-miss shot. Even if I'm heartbroken right now, someday, I'll find a second chance at this beautiful emotion. 🫶🏼
How To Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is the story of a widowed single mother, Lila Templeton. She is hired by Perey Hawthorne, the brother of celebrity chef Flint Hawthorne and manager of Stonebrook farms in Silver Creek. He thinks she's an older woman, and she thinks he's a grump, but when they meet in person, their story takes a turn they never see coming. 😗
Lila and Perry's story is soft, heartfelt, and poignant. They've both been burned by love in the past and are not ready to risk their hearts again. Perry hasn't felt anything in years, and Lila can't risk the heart of her little one, Jack. But love doesn't need permission. It happens when it happens. 🤓
Lila's POV is well-written; her pain flows through the pages and makes the readers bleed. Although her love for Jack is almost tangible, it makes me hurt for the little kid. While Lila says she had a happy childhood, I can't help but feel sad for her, too, comparing her misery to the guilt she feels for her child. Her husband must've been a great soldier, but he was a shitty human. 😠
Perry's apprehension about dating is understandable, and while he might not be able to share his feelings well, his predicament with Jocelyn is tragic. Even though his freakout breaks my heart, I understand it's a lot for him to take at once. His moments with Jack are so precious to me; it makes me want to hold my pillow over my face and cry out loud. 🥹
I'm happy with how the characters reached their HEA; it did not disappoint. Seeing Brody and Kate was lovely, and I loved how Kate helped Lila break the ice. Of course, I wish we had more moments with Jack, but I can only hope we'll see them in the later books. Asher, of course, gives Jack tough competition, and I can't wait to see them grow up together. 👶🏻👦🏼
The epilogue mentions Lennox having an enemies-to-lovers romance, but I actually feel like I won't like it. I know nothing of the story, but for someone with a history like Lennox, I'm sure love-at-first-sight or dating experiment romance would have done better. But that's just my opinion. Maybe Jenny will surprise me again. 😁
A cute boss romance with likeable and well written characters. A great read. Dialogue was fun and interesting.
Lila was hired by Perry to be his virtual assistant to help him get organised. Perry is a serious and grumpy boss but he is hardworking and very protective of those that he loved. Lila is a single mom who has been through a lot and is determined to provide a better life for her son, Jack. Everything seem to be going well until he meet Lila in person.
The book carries a messy yet complex storyline. Not just with both characters having a very different personality but when there is a child involved. When they finally meet face to face, there is an instant sparks between and I love their amazing banter. As the story develop, their instant connection grow into something wonderful to read. The character is well developed and I truly love them very much.
*review post scheduled to be posted on 24/2/23*
My first book by Jenny Proctor and I have no regrets. A lovely book with a cute somewhat enemies-to-lovers trope and a cute kid as well!
My first time reading anything by Jenny Proctor and I am definitely a fan. A cute and wholesome quick read. and I can wait to read more from Jenny
How to Kiss Your Grump Boss is the second book in the Hawthorne Brothers series by Jenny Proctor. I will forever stan Jenny's books, and have totally in love with the Hawthorne family and the world of the family farm. Baby goats, apple picking, and steamy restaurants...what more could you ask for?!