Book Description

My Billionaire Grump: An enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine romantic comedy (Billionaire Romance Book 1)

When Lucy planned a summer trip to Florence, she didn’t expect to have to go single. Or for the hotel manager to cheat her out of her river-view room. And especially not for a broody, handsome stranger to offer to swap rooms with her.

Offer is a euphemism. The mysterious George Emerson sort of brutalizes her into accepting the exchange. His gesture is as kind as the tone in which he poses it is barbaric, leaving Lucy rightfully confused.

What is it about this man that makes her heart race while simultaneously making her want to punch him in the face?

Only an unforgettable vacation under the Tuscan sun will unravel Lucy’s true feelings.

An enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine rom-com.

Author Profile

Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.

She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you’re a vampire, of course.

Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

My Billionaire Grump by Camilla Isley: A Squeaky Clean Romance with Natural Wit

 

Non-review Rant

This is going to be a continuance of my one-book-review-per-month pledge. Let’s see how long I can make this work. I was checking for the book rank for one of my books under a pen-name. Next to it, I saw this cover. I have read Camilla Isley before: goodread review.

And, here’s the review. 

Recap

The story is about Tori, who has just been kicked out by her husband, the husband who she put through college by working three jobs, the husband who cheated on her, the husband who took all her money. That shows us just how vulnerable and how heroic our heroine is (I like what I did there).

The story is also about Mark, a doctor, a divorcee with son autistic Gabe. The two meet in a bar where Tori is kinda forced to celebrate her impending divorce. Mark is intrigued, talks to Tori and is smitten. But, he doesn’t want to act on his impulse. Mark needs someone to look after Gabe, and Tori needs a job.  So, that leads to a nice working condition.

Tori is like a magician in dealing with kids, and is an instant hit with Gabe. The story follows Tori and Mark’s growing attraction towards each other, until they finally concede to their animalistic desires. The final conflict is their falling out, and then the happily ever after. 

Review

I’m going to go with a list, because lists are so handy. 

So, are you ready for some swoon-worthy romance that doesn’t skimp on the humor? Well, look no further than Camilla Isley’s “My Billionaire Grump.” As part of my monthly book review series, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts on this delightful read.

Things I loved

Naturally Funny

One of the first things that struck me about this book was the humor. It’s not the kind that feels forced or contrived, but rather, it flows naturally through the characters and their interactions. Isley’s writing style is a perfect match for my own preference for witty and sarcastic humor. The banter between the characters is simply priceless and had me chuckling more than once.

Squeaky Clean Passion

Now, let’s talk about the romance. What sets “My Billionaire Grump” apart is that it manages to convey a passionate connection between the main characters while keeping things squeaky clean. There are no explicit scenes here, which might be a breath of fresh air for readers who enjoy the emotional aspect of romance without diving into explicit details. Isley masterfully crafts the tension and chemistry between the characters, making their connection palpable without crossing into explicit territory.

Just the Right Length

This novella is a compact 115 pages, and it knows how to make every page count. The pacing is excellent, and the story doesn’t drag on. In fact, the last 12 pages cleverly serve as a Call to Action (CTA) and a sneak peek of the next book in the series. It’s a smart move that keeps you engaged and eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Things I Didn’t Like Much

George’s Mysterious Demons

Now, let’s address George’s enigmatic demons. You’re absolutely right; the book does hint at some inner struggles that George is dealing with, but it never quite delves into what those demons are. It’s like a tantalizing secret that’s just out of reach. Why was he so resistant to pursuing a relationship with Lucia? What haunted him? This lack of insight into George’s inner world left me, and I’m sure many other readers, with some lingering questions. It might be due to the constraints of the novella format, where every word counts. Sometimes, it’s a challenge to delve deeply into a character’s past and inner turmoil within such a limited space.

The Instant Love Conundrum

Now, let’s talk about the insta-love aspect, which is a valid concern. George and Lucia’s initial interactions aren’t exactly what you’d call romantic. He’s rude, and there’s clear animosity between them. So, when he starts penning poetry for her, it does feel a tad abrupt. The transition from disdain to deep affection might seem a bit too quick to be entirely believable.

It’s a common pitfall in romance novels, particularly when they aim for a compact narrative. Building a convincing and gradual emotional connection between characters in a limited page count can be challenging. The shift from hostility to love might have benefited from a bit more development, allowing readers to witness the evolution of their feelings in a more nuanced way.

Some Lines I Highlighted

Chapter One – Page 8

You don’t negotiate with terrorists.

Chapter Two – Page 13

Here’s some authentic dirty fabric for you.

Chapter Two – Page 16

“So he’s just a natural grump who means well?”

Chapter Four – Page 36

Sometimes I wonder why I do the things I do.

Parting Thoughts

It’s worth noting that some readers do enjoy the trope of enemies-to-lovers or insta-love, finding it a source of entertainment and escapism. So, while it didn’t quite hit the mark for you, it might still resonate with others who appreciate this type of romantic dynamic. It’s essential to remember that reading preferences can be highly subjective, and what doesn’t quite work for one reader might be precisely what another reader enjoys.

To sum up, “My Billionaire Grump” by Camilla Isley is a charming and witty romance that hits all the right notes. With its natural humor, squeaky clean passion, and a well-thought-out length, it’s a book that’s easy to enjoy. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a touch of snark, this one should definitely be on your reading list.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free copy (it’s on sale right now), settle in with your favourite beverage, and prepare to be entertained by the delightful world Camilla Isley has created. You won’t be disappointed!

Stay tuned for more book reviews in my “one book review per month” series. Until next time, happy reading!