Bossy Grump: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Bad Chicago Bosses)

Ward & Paige’s Slow Burn Is An Enemies-To-Lovers Fake Fiancée Story About An Overprotective But Grouchy Chicago Billionaire Trying To Make His Grandmother’s Dream Come True. Ward Ends Up In Over His Head With Paige, Who Isn’t At All Afraid Of Telling Him Exactly What She Thinks Of Him.This Chicago-based billionaire standalone follows Office Grump, Magnus Heron and Sabrina Bristol’s story. Magnus and Brina’s enemies to lovers romance will have you in stitches! The slow burn turns tender when a teenage boy named Jordan enters the mix. It is a story about family and grouchy billionaires with golden hearts.In this story, Bossy Grump, Sabrina’s roommate Paige gets her own story with a different Chicago billionaire. Note that the pair attended college together and roomed together after graduation until Magnus came into the picture. In Sabrina’s story, she had attended the University of Chicago. Bossy Grump has the girls attending Northwestern together.Fans will appreciate references to other series by the author, including Heart’s Edge and Knights of Dallas. Paige is cousins with Olivia, the heroine of book three of the Enguard Protectors series. Liv is an author who finds love with Riker Woods in Still Not Yours.IN THIS STORY:This story takes place about one year following Magnus and Brina’s story.Brandt Ideas Inc. is an esteemed Chicago architecture firm. Started by the legend Beatrice Nightingale Brandt and her husband Godfrey Brandt, the company’s designs are highly coveted. Godfrey passed away seven years ago, but Beatrice, in her seventies, shows no signs of slowing down as the creative genius behind the company’s success. She views architecture as an art form. Her designs have become known for her unique ability to combine design and nature with a modern eye for style and a sustainable green imprint. Her home base is known for its iconic Arboretum Office, which is both an office and a greenhouse. A replica is included in the Nightingale Brandt exhibit housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Beatrice and her husband shared the dream of one day winning a contract with multi-billionaire Ross Winthrope to build fabulous new hotel that graces the Chicago skyline. Beatrice just might have the opportunity to fulfill that dream as Mr. Winthrope is finally getting serious about the project.Despite the stellar reputation of Brandt Ideas and Beatrice, the family’s reputation is far from squeaky clean. Victor and Giselle continue to grace headlines from time to time, apparently not having learned their lesson back during the Dylan Parnell incident. Nicholas is routinely featured in the gossip columns with models and actresses, and the bachelor enjoys playing the field. Ward, too, has been the subject of some stories that paint him in a negative light. Roland Osprey of The Chicago Tea is always game for running stories on the troubled Brandt family.Ward Brandt, thirty-two, is the straight-laced Senior Partner at Brandt Ideas Inc. Unlike his thirty year old brother Nick, who thinks everything is a joke, Ward assumes personal responsibility for both Brandt Ideas and the tarnished Brandt family reputation. He spent four years in the Army, where he made good friends, developed great discipline, and enjoyed a sense of purpose. That last deployment to Iraq, however, had left him jumpy. He returned home a little lost, but went to college while working at Brandt Ideas. He attended Northwestern and earned two degrees. He is a tireless workaholic and poised to one day take over as CEO.He has had just a few girlfriends – his dating habits are nothing like those of his brother – though as a handsome young billionaire he has no shortage of options. He hasn’t had time for dating in a few years – not since that disastrous breakup with his ex-fiancée, Maria Duchessny. The tabloids ate up his heartbreak with stories about his playboy ways. It seems he will never live down his family’s scandalous past. Ward knows it is his job to protect his family and the company that his grandparents built. The company is especially vulnerable with him and Nick in leadership roles. Though they are both well-educated and practically grew up in the company’s offices, some will forever associate the Brandt boys with the sins of their parents. Determined to maintain a sterling reputation both personally and for the company, Ward works hard and follows the rules, and expects nothing less from Brandt Ideas employees. This unfortunately makes him come across as grouchy and hard to get along with.Paige Holly, twenty-four, is energetic and outgoing. She has an eye for beauty and believes that art can work miracles. That is why she was an art major at Northwestern, where she fell in love with sculpture. If she could, she would make a career of sculpting, but the startup costs are prohibitive. She comes from a good upper-class family, and her parents have offered to help, but she stubbornly prefers to do things her own way. Though she is warm and friendly, she finds herself alone these days. With her friends all moving forward in life, getting married and starting families, she is feeling a little left out. It has been especially quiet since Sabrina moved out and married Magnus last year. Still haunted by how her relationship with Austin Gifford ended in college, Paige has been more focused on her sculpting and building her career than dating. After spending some time doing freelance work, Paige’s patience has finally paid off. She has landed her dream job as an executive assistance at Brandt Ideas, where she will be able to work with the Beatrice Brandt.To celebrate her victory and the job she begins on Monday, Paige opts for spending Friday evening at the Art Institute, one of her favorite jaunts. Brina suggests she take a date, which leads to a Tinder disaster. After spending some time online getting to know her date, he turns out to be nothing like he described. But ever the optimist and a believer in second chances, it isn’t until they are at the Art Institute that she realizes just how much trouble she is in with Dumb Date Guy. Fortunately for her, she is saved by the mysterious Dark Knight. It looks like her evening might be turning around, but alas it ends in nothing.When Ward comes to the rescue of an adorable damsel in distress, he finds that he might actually be interested in her if it weren’t for the fact that she announces she will be starting at Brandt Ideas on Monday and he never mixes business and pleasure. With a deal with Ross Winthrope on the line, the company cannot afford to have Miss One Glass on the payroll. That changes everything, and Ward immediately sets about trying to get her fired. His grandmother thinks he is overreacting and insists that Paige Holly gets the opportunity to prove herself, much to his chagrin. He doesn’t make it easy for her, but the spirited beauty fights back. The pair spar it out, and their chemistry builds throughout. There are several laughs in the beginning as the stage is set.About twenty percent through, the story takes on a more serious turn. An unexpected event causes some turmoil at Brandt Ideas just as Ross Winthrope is coming close to a decision. Ross is rather old fashioned and has some doubts about the Brandt boys. The Brandts come to a consensus that their chances of winning the bid might be improved if Ward were to become fake engaged with Paige. Since they already spend time together and argue like an old married couple, the theory is that it might just be credible. Paige believes whole-heartedly in Beatrice Brandt and her vision, and eventually buys into the farce. This story is a slow burn, so nothing happens overnight. The couple continues to spar, but they also continue to bond. Their chemistry eventually cannot be denied, and there are several steamy scenes later in the book. They eventually earn a happy ending.Paige faces pressure from her parents, who aren’t thrilled about her situation. She must also deal with her past if she has any interest in moving forward. Austin had used her, and she never wanted to be in that position again. Though there are similarities with her current arrangement with Ward, he has at least been upfront and honest about it. Ward, too, must get past his broken engagement if he wants to pursue anything with Paige. Ward and Nick have skeletons in their closets that once again begin to cause havoc in their lives. Roland Osprey and The Chicago Tea are always ready to capitalize on any perceived scandal, and with the Winthrope deal on the line, the biggest deal Brandt Ideas has ever won, the reputation of the company could boosted just to have it all come crashing down. While winning the job will help business, losing such a big job can easily scare away new customers.Ward is a complex character. He and Nick were essentially raised by their grandparents, which certainly had an impact on them. While the separation from their parents would be difficult to digest on one hand, on the other hand their grandparents loved them. Ward is brilliant and terribly civil. He comes across as heartless, and yet it might just be that he cares too much, if that makes sense. He goes into protective mode for his family and the business, quietly sacrificing himself and his own happiness. His gruff and demanding nature doesn’t garner much benefit of the doubt from those around him. Only his grandmother and brother really know him well enough to understand that there is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is driven by the Brandt curse, and though he has given up on the idea of escaping it himself, he works tirelessly on damage control. Ward, his family, and Brandt Ideas add depth and detail to the story. They make it feel real and tangible. Beatrice is brilliant and sweet, much like a grandmother might be.The nicknames used throughout the story are fabulous and really add to the style and tone. Some deserve a shout out: King Idiot, Nameless, Grumpyface, His Grump-faced Highness, Dumb Date Guy, King Grumpyface, Dark Knight, Crankyface, Bossypants, Mr. Congeniality, Miss One Glass, Wardhole, and more. There are running jokes that liven the story as well. Coffee runs become a vehicle for pranks. High heels, sensible shoes, and gaudy slippers garner a few laughs, but also lead to a sweet moment or two.Don’t forget to download the free Flash Forward via the link at the back of the book! Ward and Paige’s slow burn is an enemies-to-lovers fake fiancée story about an overprotective but grouchy Chicago billionaire trying to make his grandmother’s dream come true. Ward ends up in over his head with Paige, who isn’t at all afraid of telling him exactly what she thinks of him. His grandmother likes her, so she decides she has nothing to lose. The story is unrushed, and the end feels complete. Their shared love of art initially brings the couple together, but Ward doesn’t mix business with pleasure – and he doesn’t break rules – so when he learns she will be working for him he rapidly turns against her. The story is well-written. My ARC copy had just a few typos, but I anticipate they were caught in the final draft (they usually are). The plot is complex. The characters are thoughtfully developed. They are three dimensional. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Ward and Paige. I rate this book 4.5 stars.I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Paige and Ward's story was just as phenomenal as Brina and Mag's. Both were "cannot put down" reads. I cannot wait to read the next in the series of Nicole's "Bad Chicago Bosses" which I know will also be a 5+star book!

Childhood trauma, which leave scars, can seep into one’s adult life causing massive self-deprivation. Heartbreak with someone you trusted can leave a person delusional about true love. This story captures all aspects of the character’s questioning if they were capable of love or if it would be forever illusive! 🦋

I really enjoyed this love story. The witty, sarcastic banter between the two main characters. It took a long time to get their happy ending, but this story shows how love can change a person. And it does. Its a light in the darkness when we desperately need it.I had a hard time out putting this one down and was almost sad when the story was over. That's a sign of a good book. Don't hesitate to read this one. It will make you laugh and hold your breath. Happy reading.

This was a mostly light-hearted romance with only one break-up due to misunderstandings and fears stemming from having really rotten parents! But hey, without one break-up, there's no happy make-up!The couple's first met this kinda unique. She is in a "Tinder" date from he'll and he comes to her rescue. Even though he believes she was drunk he sees her home and takes care of her beforehand leaves. The following Monday she shows up as the new executive assistant at the family business he owns and runs with his grandmother and brother. He still believes she's a drunk so what ensues ashe tries to overload her with assignments so she'll quit or he can fire and she meets his every challenge is some hilarity as she gives it right back to him.What I loved about this story is the h, Paige Holly, is she's a really sweet, kind-hearted, artsy nerd and a dreamer, but she's no push over and can give back as good as she gets. Her interactions with her new boss are down right funny! Ward Brandt (aka Warden and Wardhole) is really a nice guy underneath, but shoulders a lot of responsibility. He and his brother, raised by their grandparents since Ward was 10, have both had to deal with scandals caused by their ne're do well parents who only ever appear to cause trouble and or try coerce needed funds from him or his grandmother.On the verge of a major contract that is the culmination of his grandmother 's dream, tragedy strikes in more ways than one. Used to being colored with the same crayons his parents are, and believing he will loose the contract, Ward enters into a fake engagement with Paige in an effort to make him appear more stable. What starts as fake, soon becomes real, but he isn't ready to admit it and doesn't want to paint her with his family's scandals.This is a humorous, heart-warming, and for a short time heart-breaking before we get the happily ever after romance as these two work their way from frenemies to forever lovers!

The bones of this story are very good and even believable. Unfortunately, there are some awkward scenes, some kooky dialog, and some truly out of character scenes that distract from the overall story. This author is really good at great sex scenes, but the rest leaves room for improvement.

I got Office Grump for free and although a bit ‘drawn out’ it was a decent read so I decided to purchase this one. Unfortunately this was very similar to Sabrina and Magnus’ story.. e.g Paige becoming the EA to a multimillion dollar company (as did Sabrina), both hating their boss, both falling in love with their boss, both breaking up with their bosses and both men hiding family drama. Paige annoyed me somewhat in Office Grump and my opinion of her didn’t get any better in this book. I can appreciate that she’s only in her early-ish 20’s but much of her behaviour comes across as really immature and bratty. I found myself skimming through this book because of the similarity to the first book and found it rather repetitive and boring. The main difference between the two books is that Paige agrees to a fake engagement with Ward but that didn’t keep the book interesting or significantly different from the last one either. Because of my disappointment in this book It doesn’t tempt my to get/purchase any further novels by this author

I'm a Superfan of Nicole’s books, her series and her new book, Bossy Grump. It definitely made my Top 5 List of 2021, thank you Nicole for making book magic happen again. There aren’t enough stars for this book. It will grab you from the first word and not let go until the last, leaving you wanting more! Fantastic storyline, realistic characters and smart writing that will have readers eagerly awaiting Nicole’s her next release. I totally binged this book from the minute I started reading and everything I was meant to do that day totally didn’t get done lol so what you waiting for, go find out for yourself what all the fuss is about. You won’t regret it, I promise you. Once you pick up a Nicole Snow book, you just want to read all of them. Happy reading everyone!!

Paige and Ward. She didn’t make a good first impression when they met as strangers. Little did she know she was about to become his new EA. The sparks will fly and she will constantly challenge him. When trouble strikes and Ward needs a temporary fiancée, Paige is the first person Ward thinks of. Working and living together, it soon becomes clear they’re more than just boss and employee. His past has left him determined never to have a permanent relationship. Can he overcome these hurdles before he breaks both their hearts? Whilst this story has plenty of drama and plenty of laughs, it’s entertaining, it draws you in and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Yet another outstanding read by this author .This is Ward and Paige's story.Both Ward and Paige are shaped by their past , both haunted that their past will be their future .Ward fights not to be like his parents , and Paige hopes that she can find true love , and not end up being someone's place card , again .There is a fine line between love and hate , or in Ward and Paige's case, hate and love . Past demons stand in the way , hearts need to break before they can be mended .Such a great read

Awful date turns into a disaster but the awkwardness doesn't stop there. Girl starts new job and unfortunately the universe isn't that kind when she finds out who her boss is. There's banter and chemistry between the two in this entertaining romance. Good characters and dialogue with a simple storyline.I enjoyed it worth a look.