Title: The Grump I LoatheAuthor: Leslie North
Series: The Lockhart Brothers #3
Pages: 404
Publication Date: Sept. 11, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Synopsis:
Connor Lockhart is gorgeous, grumpy, and about as charming as a brick wall. He’s also—plot twist—my new boss.
Our first meeting? A total disaster. I’m late for a major panel at a gaming convention, standing in line for a burrito, and the guy in front of me is treating the menu like it’s a gourmet tasting. I ask if I can cut. He says no—like I asked for his social security number. I may or may not have dumped super spicy salsa all over his precious order.
Fast forward: that burrito snob? Now signs my paychecks. At the company of my dreams.
Dream job. Nightmare boss.
He’s impossible—cold, cranky, allergic to small talk. Smiling seems physically painful for him.
Sure, he’s got that jaw-dropping face. And when the smile does show up? Swoon.
But there’s something else—something under all that grump that’s way too easy to like.
When his nine-year-old daughter starts feuding with my nine-year-old half-sister, we’re forced into a truce. Then a kiss. Then… way too many feelings.
I don’t want to fall for my grumpy boss. I just want to get him out of my system.
Too bad my heart has other plans.
This blog uses affiliate links for some book recommendations, and if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting this little bookish corner of the internet!
The Grump I Loathe was such a fun contemporary romance! It hooked me from the start with a disastrously messy meet-cute, an interesting setting, and a fabulous cast of characters.
Connor is the definition of a broody MMC. A brilliant, driven CEO who is still grappling with the aftermath of a divorce, he’s all rules and restraint. Connor definitely comes across as cold and untouchable at first, but the more time Eddie spends with him, the more it becomes clear that his guarded personality hides someone loyal, thoughtful, and kind. Unlike Connor, Eddie is pure brightness. She’s funny, warm, and unafraid to throw a little sass his way, which is very different from how others treat him.
The romance between Connor and Eddie is full of banter, tension, and so much chemistry. They definitely make a good team, both at work and as partners. Their romance has a lot of challenges, between work stresses, a no work relationships clause, an age gap, and Connor being a complete fool. I’m so glad there was a bunch of groveling, because Eddie deserved it.
The family dynamics are also fantastic, especially with Connor’s daughter and Eddie’s young sister. They are both going through struggles of their own, and Connor and Eddie are steady influences in the girls’ tumultuous lives. I really loved seeing Connor with his daughter. He’s a wonderful father, and the love he has for her is endearing. Connor’s brothers and their partners are great, too. I definitely want to go back and read their stories!
Overall, The Grump I Loathe is a swoon-worthy, opposites-attract romance with plenty of heat, humor, and heart. If you enjoy messy meet-cutes, grumpy heroes who turn out to be cinnamon rolls at their core, and heroines who shine without being pushovers, you should check this one out.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- workplace romance
- enemies to lovers
- grumpy/sunshine
- single dad
- age gap
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
Alright girl, you convinced me to read the book!