4.5 stars!!!
This was honestly one of the best single mom romances that i’ve ever read, it took me about 3 hours to read this and i couldn’t put it down.
I loved almost everything in this. I loved Jack, i loved Lila, i loved Perry and i loved the hawthorne family.
Everything was very well executed and this was a very easy read for me.
There was a part near the end with Perry that made me a bit angry and that is probably the only reason that this is not getting 5 stars but it may as well be.
I loved how Lila confided in Perry when talking about Trevor and i loved their whole dynamic, i also loved Lila and Jack’s relationship and how she wouldn’t undermine him and would actually explain and talk to him, she is a great model of the perfect mom, in my opinion (obviously you may not think the same).
I also loved Lola’s relationship with Hannah and Olivia, they all just instantly loved each other and that was really nice to read.
So yeah, if you are thinking of reading this then definitely do!!!

Such a fun, sweet read, full of likeable characters. I really enjoyed the story the puns included. I felt the relationship between Perry and Lila progressed nicely. Both having to deal with their emotional baggage together. Lila seems like a confident character who knows who she is and what her value is, I really like that about her. Perry, although he seeks perfection from himself, he also is a strong character with family values.

As a widow, Lila focuses her energy on her young son. But when she meets her new boss, she starts to wonder whether there can be more to life. Perry feels like he failed in his marriage and has no plans to try again - until he meets his new assistant. But she comes as a package deal with Jack, and Perry is even less sure that he's ready to be a father than to be a husband. Can Lila convince him that no one is perfect - and that perfection isn't necessary? Or is grumpy Perry back to stay?

I really enjoyed this light clean read - it's got some great humour (especially if you like apple puns...), but it also has 'heart'. I particularly appreciated the way that Lila responded to Perry's doubts. With amusing and at times encouraging characters, a beautiful setting, touching moments, delightful humour and a satisfying ending, this is great for an escape from 'real life' - without feeling too unreal! Looking forward to my next visit to the Hawthornes' farm.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This book was too cringy for me. From the very beginning I was already tired of reading it.

I think the title could use some help, because I would not pick up this book on my own. It does not entice me to read the story at all.

This is such a fun, laugh out loud, adorable sweet romance from @jennyproctorbooks! Here we meet Hotty Hawthorne and resident grump Perry…who is back running the family farm after a super messy divorce. And Lila, widowed single mom with an adorable 5 year old son who really wants a “stair dad”. These characters are so fun and lovable. There are some really funny laugh out loud moments as well as really sweet, swoony moments. Jenny does sweet romance really well..these two characters had a lot of chemistry. A really good read! 4.5 Stars!

Loved this book so much! Oh Perry I had been waiting for your story and it did not disappoint! I always enjoy a nice visit to Stonebrook and the Hawthorne Family! Perry has a rough exterior and often comes off grumpy but of course it is just his protective shell as a result of his horrible first marriage. Lila exudes joy and sunshine and is just so likeable, but she also has some deep trauma from a previous relationship and guilt from wanting to find happiness again, she also has a 5yo son. I loved this book and just couldn’t get enough! It’s one of those that you stay up well into the night telling yourself you are just going to finish the chapter… then it arrives and you just need more! I laughed, I cried, and it was full of chemistry! Closed door romance with plenty of kisses! I would definitely recommend this book! I have loved this whole series and can’t wait for the rest of the Hawthornes to find their match!

Oh my goodness! This book was so so sweet and such a great romance! I enjoyed every second of it. This Grumpy x Sunshine trope was done so impeccably well!
The love that developed between Perry and Lila was so beautiful and the added single parent trope was also added in such a good and seamless way. I love the communication between the MCs and the way the relationship was handled in such a mature way. This was my first Hawthorne brothers book and it's safe to say that I'll be coming back for more!

Thank you to net galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I apple-solutely loved this book. I have loved everything I have read by Jenny Proctor but I think this just took 1st place. I loved Perry the grumpy boss. I have been waiting for his story and this definitely did not disappoint. Lila was so fun to get to know and such a sunshine to his grumpiness. I loved seeing her relationship with her son Jack as well. The apple puns, a rampaging pig, apple tasting are just a few of my favorite parts. Definitely give this cute romcom a read. It is sweet but also has such swoony kisses.
#HowtoKissYourGrumpyBoss #NetGalley

This grumpy/sunshine book was a fun read. I thought being a virtual assistant was an interesting career choice for a romance. I don't think I've seen that before in my reading. Obviously the author has to come up with a way for the assistant to meet the boss if they are going to fall in love. Nice set up.
There is insta-attraction between the two but their love seems to grow over time. I liked that.
Jack was cute in his desire for a "stairdad". And Lila does remarkably well in handling awkward conversations.
I liked that Lila and Perry were pretty good at having real conversations communicating their thoughts and feelings instead of just assuming and misunderstanding the other.
I loved that there wasn't too much focus on oogling bodies. And most of the body focus wasn't on how sexy someone was because of their perfect body. The focus in this book was more on how she loved her own body even though it is flawed, by societal standards, and that he loved her just the way she is.
If you enjoy Hallmark movies, then you will likely enjoy this book. It is very Hallmark-esque. I look forward to the next one.

Potential triggers: Emotional abuse references, loss of spouse, toxic relationships
No sex language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Well, it's a perfect read in the rainy weather with a cup of tea. I enjoyed every chapter completely. The Virtual P.A is actually something new to me. Would love to try this Virtual job 😅

PERRY- The Male Character is actually divorced and works in his apple farm. A hard working man. I enjoyed his interaction with his brothers.

LILA - A mom for a five year old who lost her husband recently. She's all that her kid (JACK) needs in his life. I would actually preferred to read a little more about her bond with her father. There's actually a gap between them both. I later didn't expect the twist in the book which came out regarding her late husband.

Overall it was a fine read. Loved the part where Perry tried to be the best day for Jack. He was very much disappointed thinking he wouldn't be able to deal with Jack. But I'm glad he realised Lila will help him and he's gonna be the best dad for Jack.

"I’m coming, Lila. Don’t give up on me. I’m coming,"

This line just made me satisfied and I was so happy to see their apply (happily) ever after.

Tropes:-
Apple farm
Single mom
Grumpy Boss
One bed
Kiss only
Gambling (From her past)

As a reader I didn't want the book to end this early. I wanted to see Lila singing with Perry. Them having kids. I wish there's a bonus epilogue.

Anyone who loves to read a quick rom-com with a grumpy hero, super heroine, sweet kid, a baby goat and a apple orchard can go for this book blindly.

I love the Hawthorne family. I love the family dynamics! They are nosy and in each other’s business but in the most lovable way!

In this book we get to read Perry’s story. He’s the grumpy brother or at least he is until he hires a new assistant, Lila. Lila easily brings out Perry’s sweet and funny side. These two have an instant connection and fall quickly for each other.

Lila was so easy to like. She’s a single mom who throws down some hilarious puns! She’s also representing for all us curvy girls with hips! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Perry is the star of this show for me. He’s hard working and so protective of the ones he loves, especially Lila. Some of the things he said to Lila seriously made my insides melt.

I really enjoyed how the “single parent” dating played out in this story. It felt so realistic. It forced both characters to be vulnerable with each other.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC.

What a book! Grumpy/Sunshine, single patent, one bed in a hotel - need I say more?

The story was not your typical predictable romance, there was so much to unpack- I loved it and cheered Lila every step of the way - that woman had been through such heartache but now there's an Apple-y-ever-after for her 💖

💞Man ISO virtual assistant, boy ISO "stair dad"!

4.5🌟 stars
I really enjoyed this novel! It's a lovely, light second chance romance with a humorous start told in dual point of view, alternating between Perry, the already been burned by a bad divorce boss, and Lila his new virtual assistant who soon finds herself morphing from virtual to on-site work when Perry can't get enough of her presence.

Young Jack's innocent desire for a man to make his and his mom's family complete was cute but pulled on the heartstrings a bit and a good element in this sweet romance between a single mom and her new boss. The story had realism, especially the parts where Perry is anxious about becoming a father for a lively five year old.

This is one of those feel-good stories where everyone is likable and family members are really supportive. The exceptions are Lila's controlling deceased husband who only flashes back in reminiscence, and Perry's ex-wife (although even she is redeemed somewhat).

I found it quite a quick and easy read and I will definitely be interested in other books in the series.

Thanks to Four Petal Press and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Thank you Four Petal Press and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was the cutest grumpy boss vs. single parent ft. adorable kid ever! There was no heavy conflict in this and there was an opportunity to make one at the end but overall this book was SOFT!

This book was too sweet. I actually read this with no idea it was the second in a series and now I can’t wait to go back and read the first one!

This was such a fun book! I mean I was really excited for it but it exceeded my expectations. I love the grumpy/sunshine trope and this book was perfect. How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is the second book in Jenny Proctor’s How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brothers Series. This series has been wonderful and I am super excited for the next book.
Oh, Perry. I felt so bad for Perry, he was just trying so hard to control things. But life was throwing him upside down. Perry was the grumpy brother but he had a heart of gold and he loved his family. He fell hard and fast for Lila and she really managed to shock up his world. Perry had to learn that he didn’t have to be perfect to make things work with Lila. He had to learn to enjoy life and just hope for the best.
Lila was also an amazing character. She was so funny to read about. She was a single mom just doing her best to care for her kid. She never expected to fall for her virtual grumpy boss, but life had other plans. She met Perry and she was smitten but she was also careful because of her son, Jack. I really liked Lila and how she was reasonable but she also saw the best in life. She cared for Perry but she also had to put her son first, which I admire. Lila had to learn to trust Perry and maybe learn that her wishes could come true.
Lila and Perry were so cute together! I really enjoyed their interactions and their fun banter. Jack was just so sweet and I loved reading about his interactions with Perry. He was a fun little kid. The Hawthorne family really just adds to the story and I enjoyed reading the sibling banter and advice. I love books with siblings that love each other and honestly want the best for each other. The story was sweet and I was rooting for Perry and Lila as they tried to work out their relationship.
How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss was even better than the first book! I would definitely recommend it! I would recommend it to those at least 13 years and up because it is a closed door romance. I am also beyond excited for How to Kiss Your Enemy! How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is a closed door contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

This was such a sweet book. Lila is so likable. Perry is her sorta grumpy boss with some emotional baggage from his ex. I loved the whole Hawthorne family and how quickly they accepted Lila. Luke was a funny kid and I’m going to be using the phrase stair dad going forward.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What I liked: Lila was a very likeable FMC (and seems like a fantastic mom), and I’m always a sucker for a good pun
What I wanted more of: I would’ve liked to see a little more “grumpy” from our grumpy boss, and I would've liked it if we delved a bit more into the main conflict

Jenny Proctor’s How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is a charming story that feels perfect for autumn. A grumpy x sunshine story with apple puns, an adorable little boy, and a big family with lots of heart, this book is sure to get readers smiling. This book is a romance without steamy scenes but where it lacks steam it adds sweetness.

#HowtoKissYourGrumpyBoss #NetGalley

Reviewed on:
Goodreads
Will add a review to Likewise when the book is available on there.

Review posted: October 31, 2022

Read it for the:
- Grump/ Sunshine trope
-Forced proximity
-instant attraction
- Representation (single parent, curvy heroine, insecurities)
- Found Family themes

*TW: Past death of a spouse, past divorce
*Part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Solid characters, legitimate internal conflicts, insecurities, chemistry, and overall good writing - How to Kiss your grumpy boss is a fun read that will leave you wishing there was a real farm filled with Hawthorne brothers around.

Perry and Lila were so sweet together. Perry, the oldest Hawthorne brother, and farm manager was stressed and a bit of a perfectionist; Lila with her positive outlook on life was just what he needed to balance him out. While this is a sweet romance, the chemistry between Perry and Lila was felt by everyone around them. I liked the message of feeling loved and appreciating your body. I enjoyed watching Perry and Lila’s romance grow as they worked on tackling the scars from their past relationships and current fears together.

I was repeatedly impressed with Jenny Proctor's ability to address the emotions of entering a new relationship and being ready to be a parent to a child. It's not talked about enough and I loved that it wasn’t a read that overlooked the child and assumed the lead would have no anxiety in taking over such an important part in their life. It added an element of realism to the plot that made reading that much more enjoyable.

Seeing more of the Hawthorne family dynamics and revisiting some of the characters from previous books was a treat. I can’t wait to read what comes next for the family!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Loved loved loved it . An amazing story about a grumpy boss and a single mom . He needs a virtual assistant and she is the one hired for the job . The first weks they work without him ever seen her but after an accident he calls her and ask for her help they finally meet in person . His first tought is that she is a very beautiful woman . While they work side by side their feelings develope . Will he accept Jack too ?
I loved Jack and the stairdad that he wanted . Looking for the next book in the series .
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.