Such a feel good romance. This one is for the single moms and it doesn’t disappoint. I mean hello Mr. Rugged and Handsome!

THE PUNS IN THIS BOOK ARE THE BEST! I couldn't put this book down, I woke up at 2AM to read it! Perry and Lila are adorable and they both are so awkward. And the running commentary between the brothers is so good. I love how close the family is, and how Hannah knows exactly who Lila is to perry. Really really great storytelling! I am definitely going back and rereading this whole series!

Lila is Perry’s new virtual assistant. She’s also very efficient, very punny, and a single mom. Once they meet in-person, sparks seem to fly. They need to figure out how to work with this new dynamic and overcome fears their last relationships caused. The secondary characters were really great in the story, adding lots of humor.

My only hang-up with the book was how fast their relationship grew. Lila even asked her boss at the placement agency about rules against dating him… before they even met. Just seemed a bit odd to me. But the story flowed well from there.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss to come out November 1, 2022!

This was apples-lutely a wonderful read! (My pun game is lame)
I loved the MCs and really the entire family.
The challenges were real but not so dramatic that it weighed the whole book down.

Some of my favorite scenes:
-the apple tasting
-the reunion! Both of these MCs are just GOOD people and so easy to like
-the pancake breakfast … yikes
-the finale ❤️

This is a slow burn, sweet romance. It is well written and I enjoyed it. I usually go for a bit more steam, so it is only getting 4 stars, but if you like something more on the sweet side, this is for you.

2.5 Stars This was a cute, closed-door romance between a single mom and her grumpy boss (hence the title). I didn’t realize when I began reading that this was the second book in a series of interconnected standalones, but it obvious when introduced to some of the other characters (especially Perry’s siblings) who were coupled up already. Luckily this didn’t make it difficult to understand who everyone was or what their backstories were. Speaking of backstories, I’m disappointed that we didn’t get more of a backstory for both Perry and Lila. We didn’t hear too many details about either of their previous marriages, nor did we hear much about Lila’s parents. Those details would’ve definitely helped to better understand the characters. I also felt like the romance developed a bit too fast. (Spoiler) it felt like they were both worried about how Jack factored into their relationship one minute and the next they were getting married. Still, this was a sweet, easy read.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!

Yup, that pretty much sums up my feelings on How To Kiss Your Grumpy Boss. I loved the characters, the setting, the writing, and the feelings this book gave me. You know that swoony feeling that makes your stomach take a dip? I totally got that from this book. It was beyond good and I’m delighted that it came to life the way it did. A perfect romance, filled with pure sweetness (and not just from the apple puns!) that I could spend all day gushing over.

I am so in love with the Hawthorne family! I knew when I started reading this series that the Hawthorne family would steal my heart. And they are doing it. Completely. I adored the first book and the second one is no different. It brought me the same feelings but with a fantastic new couple.

Perry and Lila’s romance was so divine. I adored these characters individually, and together they were perfection. Their dynamic was balanced in this perfect way so that her sweet sunshine met his grumbly grump and lasered straight to that irresistibly soft underbelly - and I was a goner. Perry was gruff at times, but he is hardworking and protective of those he loves. He was incredibly endearing and swoon-inducing. I loved him! Lila had this special quality about her. She was so down to earth and strong. She's a single mom who has been through a lot but has come out the other side better, stronger, and determined. She's a hard worker and fighting to make something of herself, to create a good life for her son. She was so relatable and I love that in a heroine. Oh, and their chemistry together? Combustible! Not only did I love Perry and Lila’s story, but I loved the part that Perry’s entire family played in the book. They were fantastic with Lila and gave her that sense of family she had always wanted.

To say I LOVED this book would be an understatement. It was a joy to read. Perry and Lila are ALL FEELS. They made me melty and gushy and warm and so incredibly happy. This romance was delicious, light and easy, and so undeniably beautiful. This is romance at its finest and can I just say how excited I am that there are more Hawthorne’s to come? I just adore this family and simply cannot wait for the next book!

I usually don’t read books where characters have children from previous marriages. I often feel like the authors never write the scenes without the child’s interaction being cheesy. But this book is the exception. I went in expecting to be disappointed but in stead I fell in love with the characters and their story!

The story
Lila is a single mom to five year old Jack. Her husband, a military pilot was killed in an accident a few years ago, and she’s been by herself ever since with very little family or friend support. She is asked to be the virtual PA for Perry Hawthorne, CEO of the nearby apple farm and event business, and he believes she is the little old lady of her avatar until they meet in person when his car has a flat and no one else to help him. Divorced and slightly grumpy, Perry feels all the feels once he meets Lila and her son Jack in the flesh.

My thoughts
I wished the happy feelings from reading this delightful, feel-good romcom wouldn’t end. Lila is a ray of sunshine whose realistic take on life and optimism shine through her gorgeous character. She is wise and forgiving and the perfect match to Perry who secretly feels pressure to be perfect. I loved the refreshing chemistry between them, and the romance that sparkled. Jenny Proctor’s writing feels like a happy tonic 🍎🍏🍎

Read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the author
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫

Blown kept me interested all the way through. Once I started I didn’t stop until the end, even though I had to get up early the next day. Keep up the good work.