Not Today Bossman

The McGuire Brothers #2

by Lili Valente

Barrett McGuire is the grumpiest, growliest, most frustrating man on the planet.
He’s also my boss, my first crush, and—three months ago—my one and only one-night-stand.

I’m pretty sure I’m already addicted to his body, but that doesn’t matter. After an empowering solo trip to the other side of the world—during which Barrett made no attempt to contact me or discuss said one night stand—I’ve realized I have to let go of this crush and move on. I’ve wasted enough time pining for a man who doesn’t feel the way I do.

Now that I'm home, I’m determined to keep the walls around my heart high and impenetrable.

Then Barrett adopts the world’s ugliest dog because he knows how much I love animals. He also texts to say how much he missed me, then shows up at my house simply to devour my lady parts (while saying naughty things that give me a new appreciation for his bossy side).

He tells me he wants to change, to be what I need, then proves it with the most romantic “just one bed” weekend ever.

But can Barrett and I make it work in the real world?
Or will the scars on his heart ruin our second chance the way it did our first?

Welcome to Bad Dog where the men are incredible, the animals are ridiculous, and the happy ever afters are super emotional and steamy. Not Today Bossman is a Standalone Romance with Spice!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Workplace Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2023

About the author

Visit Lili at www.lilivalente.com

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!

Reviews

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5⭐️

Odio la infidelidad, pero entiendo porque la ex-esposa de Barrett lo engaño.

Me enojó ver como Wren se arrastraba por el tipejo. No tengo idea qué le vio, lo único bueno que tiene es que es buen doctor.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Today Boss Man is the sequel to Boss Without Benefits in Valente’s Bad Dog series. Towards the end of Boss Without Benefits that book’s heroine Tatum’s new BFF Wren Baxter is out dancing with Tatum at a sketchy dance club when her boss Dr. Barrett McGuire decides she’s had enough to drink and isn’t happy seeing her dancing provocatively with another man, insists on taking his head nurse home. The reason Tatum and Wren had been out drinking and dancing was to get over their broken hearts. Tatum was convinced her brief love affair with her boss Derrick McGuire (Barrett’s younger brother) whom she’d been working for as his daughter’s nanny was over before it barely got started and Wren was convinced the lifelong crush she had on her boss Barrett McGuire M.D. was never going anywhere. If you read Boss Without Benefits you know that Barrett drove Wren back to her house, they hooked up, she told Tatum the sex was great but Wren was so upset afterwards that she decides to take an immediate three month leave of absence and travel to Thailand the very next day. As Boss Without Benefits draws to a close Wren has just returned from her three month sabbatical. This book picks up there. We learn the details of what happened after Barret dragged Wren out of the nightclub. After an extremely hot session of wall sex Barrett ran out on Wren while she was cleaning up in the bathroom expecting to move the party to her bedroom. We also learn that given time to think about what he did he’s come to realize that he’s actually in love with his head nurse whom he’s known since she was his little sister’s childhood but never saw her as more than his most trusted employee. Now he just has to figure out how to get her back. We also learn that Wren spent her 3 months in Thailand basically trying to push the man she’d been secretly in love with for years out of her heart.
Here’s the cliff notes version of this story. Barrett was married to Lane who cheated on him before finally leaving him for her lover. He had been oblivious the the fact that Lane had been unhappy in their marriage. This shattered Barrett’s confidence in his personal life. Having always felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole it has convinced Barrett that he is incapable of romance and keeping a woman emotionally satisfied. He is so convinced that the failure of his marriage was his fault that he remains friends with the ex-wife who cheated on him and agrees to attend her wedding to the man she cheated with.
Wren having had a crush on Barrett for pretty much her entire life was crushed when they finally had wild sex and then he immediately ghosted her. She’s convinced herself she is finally over Barrett and there’s no way she’s going to give Barrett a second chance to break her heart again. Because Wren still loves Barrett in his own clumsy, awkward way Barrett manages earn a second chance to win Wren back. But because he’s so clueless when it comes to romance its one step forward and two steps back for Barrett and Wren. Just when it appears they’re finally going to make it to happily ever after Barrett allows a conversation he overhears to mess with his head making him believe Wren would be better off without him. Can Wren possibly forgive him for breaking her heart again even if she knows he did it thinking he was protecting her?
Similar to a Pippa Grant novel whom Valente has co-written several books with, this series contains a crazy turkey named Kyle and an extremely ugly, sometimes vicious small dog Keanu that appears to be some labs failed science experiment. We get brief appearances of Tatum and Derrick the protagonists from the first book who are now engaged and expecting a child in supporting roles helping Barrett and Wren find their way. We get a whole lot of Wren’s younger sister Starling (really someone should have sued these girls parents for child abuse) and Barrett’s younger brother Christian who are the main protagonists in the next book in this series. I truly enjoyed this story. I felt for both Barrett and Wren struggling with their issues and learning about each other to come together. There were enough steamy sex scenes to require a cold shower. None steamier than the one at the start of the book. There were also plenty of laughs which is always a very good thing for a romantic comedy.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been dying for Barrett and Wren's story since I met them in Drew and Tatum's book and it was everything I anticipated and more. Barrett has some deep and troubled layers, and the more they were revealed, the more I adored him.

Wren Baxter has known Barrett McGuire most of her life and works as his head nurse in his OB/GYN practice. He's grumpy and growly and bossy, and her life-long crush on him makes it easy for her to put up with him. That is, until one night between them crosses every line in existence, and before she can blink, Barrett is gone.

Oh my heart, y'all, these two are everything! I love Wren's competence, sass, and take-charge attitude which cover her vulnerabilities. And Barrett, gah, this man! His walls are high and his layers deep, and I wanted to wrap this guarded, misunderstood hero in my arms.

Add in an ugly devil dog, Keanu and a psychotic turkey, Kyle, who somehow become best friends and you get this delightful, charming, exquisite romance. This one will tickle your funny bone, make you blush, and manipulate your heartstrings in the best of ways, so run to the 1-Click and start reading this phenomenal romance right away!

[Maggie Sinclair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did, but I just couldn't get there. The constant animal drama that started off funny became annoying and distracted from the rest of the actual story.

While I appreciate witty banter, that too also became boring and irritating because it was too much. She was a doormat and kept letting him insult her repeatedly, which is not romantic, and I kept wondering why she liked him at all.

A big miss for me.

[Lexi Cubbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, fun!

We got a hint or a hundred about Wren and Barrett's relationship in the first book. He's Drew's brother, kind of detached, and a lot grumpy. Wren is his head nurse, secretly totally in love with him, and a total sweetheart.
They hook up one night and the oblivious, stupid man he is, he leaves without a word, a note, or a text the next morning. So what's a girl got to do to escape the heartbreak? She takes off for 3 months to the other end of the world.
And that's what finally opens Barrett's eyes, he makes it his mission to finally pay attention and try to get out of his comfort zone to be the best version of himself and the man Wren deserves.

I think it's rare that a man owns up to his mistakes and flaws so quickly and openly, and that's what makes this story such a gem.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first in some respects, and less so in others. So, all in all, a good listen! (audiobook) I really enjoyed how Valente threads the new family members together in each, so they feel like they spill into each other.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hard to get into and then it was over before I knew it. The plot was so hard to get into, the characters weren’t clearly developed in this story to me…feels like it was a lot of leaning on the previous book in the series to explain these 2.

Like surface level explanation on the divorce from Lane, what happened when Wren was in Thailand, no Wren and Tatum time to build their friendship at all. It felt very superficial. That’s not always bad if it’s easy to read, but this took SO MUCH EFFORT to get into. The juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Today Bossman: A Bad Dog Novel is the second book in the McGuire Brothers series by the ever-talented, Lili Valente. I am loving this series! Barrett McGuire started wiggling into my heart in Boss without Benefit and now he is living in there.

It all started three months ago at the honky-tonk. Barrett just had to give Wren a ride home after the girls’ night was highjacked by two McGuire brothers. Wren has had a crush on her boss and friend’s older brother since she was twelve years old. The man was oblivious to it until…that night. And the next day Wren was gone…

She was hoping three months away from the man who ghosted her would be enough to move on. She was wrong. It was still complicated but he wanted to prove that he wasn’t the same man from that night. He saw her and he wanted more. Can they get a do-over?

Lili absolutely killed it with Barrett and Wren’s story. I love second-chances and small-town romance and this one was fire. Not only that but it was emotional. I cried a few times! I was full invested in their love story! I can’t wait for the next book, I know the banter is going to be epic.

Quotes:

I’m beyond language, beyond thought, beyond anything but hunger and bliss and the determination not to let Barrett’s body out of my reach ever again.

The pleasure is so pure, so sweet, so exactly what I’ve craved from this man for so long.

I kiss her without hesitation or fear, I kiss her the way I wished I’d been kissing her for years.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with all the emotions, the connections and the love

I loved Wren and Barrett’s workplace, second chance, secret crush romance. And the feels - definitely expect them - you’ll swoon, grit your teeth, snort laugh, groan, cry, and cheer. I am a sucker for the characters who just want to be loved but are just so uncomfortable in their own skin that they are not sure that they are lovable. Wren and Barrett are so lovable and relatable in their awkward, bruised insides but doing their best to fake it way. “You can be smart and successful and handsome, and still feel like you’re on the outside looking in. And that’s a hard feeling.” Wren and Barrett have been friends and coworkers for years but one intense steamy encounter results in him running from the scene and her taking a three month overseas sabbatical. When Wren returns they’ll need to figure things out and deal with all their baggage to get to their HEA. This was a beautifully crafted story of love, acceptance, joy, and laughter as shown through sweet moments, steamy scenes, weird pets, painful pasts, supportive family and friends, missteps, gossips, fears, and swoony love. The book is well written with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. Definitely a fun and heartwarming read. I am looking forward to more stories about the McGuire brothers. 4.5 stars.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not Today Bossman” is a fun, laugh out loud and steamy frenemies to lovers romance that had me cracking up one minute and sighing in contentment the next. Wren and Barrett’s story was everything I love in a frenemies to lovers romance.

Wren and Barrett are co-workers and are constantly at each other’s throats. They clash often over things because both are stubborn in what they want. And what they want is each other. The attraction between them is obvious to anyone with eyes but after a one night stand that ends with Barrett walking away, Wren leaves for 3 months. Now she’s back and the attraction they have for each other is still there and still very strong.

I loved Barrett and Wren so much. They were the perfect mix of grumpy and sunshine which will always be my favorite trope. Barrett has a grumpy personality because of a past relationship that definitely didn’t work in his favor. After finding that out, all the walls he had up made sense. Wren was so much fun and I loved her spirit and how she stood up for herself. She wasn’t afraid to call Barrett out and I loved that about her. Their steamy scenes were so good and some of the steamiest Lili has written. Kyle and Keanu stole the show with their antics and I love how weird but lovable animals are a part of the storyline. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett and Wren 🥰🥰🥰

These two were so much fun! He was absolutely clueless until she threw down the gauntlet at him and then he freaked out hard lol

I loved that he took it upon himself to go to therapy while she took her trip and then showed her how much he learned while she was away even with their fight and him pushing her away at the end he had the emotional maturity to ask for help.

I love this trend of adding therapy and counseling to books and making it more normal

These two were so incredibly perfect for each other and once he opened his eyes and the door to her their relationship just clicked ❤️

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single minute of Wren and Barrett's story. Every struggle they each had with being together and every struggle with being apart. It took Wren taking off for Barrett to wake up and realize what she means to him. I loved every moment of him trying, though he was a bit of a clueless bone head at times. My favorite line was from Wren, "I'm ready to finish falling in love with him all over again, and this time, I'm never letting go."

[Kim Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had a very different vibe from the last book. The other one has a lighter, more flirty feel to it whereas this one took on a more subdued, vulnerable theme. You notice this in both Barrett and Wren. I like when the characters show this side of themselves because this winds up being the relatable part to the reader and connects it to the reasoning behind the way they are. When you combine this with showcasing the physical connection between the two characters multiple times, you get a 5 rating from me. This book delivers that in this aspect and eliminates the teasing of a relationship in this story. I feel that by not having many intimate moments in a romance book is missing parts of the story and the author fixes that in this book. Drew was more confident in himself and knew what he wanted for the most part, whereas Barrett didn’t. He let his insecurity and low self esteem get in the way of allowing himself to belong to Wren. Since his ex-wife Lane cheated on him, he blames himself for it happening because of work and inability to be aware of her. He goes through his days clothing himself in sadness and grumpiness as well as being the boss that he hides all emotion from everyone. He believes he will just hurt those he cares about just from the way things went down with him and Lane. You feel his inner turmoil and struggle with his thoughts worrying about what he could have done differently. He closes himself off to love, women and leaning on family for help. He believed he needed to have this smooth and calm facade so no one would get too close. He deals with this with Wren and his oblivion to see her as a person, to understand that she is someone who has needs and feelings for him. He never noticed it nor did he notice her and she proves in the story that he doesn’t know her at all even though they talk everyday and catch up with each other at the end of their shifts. Both Barrett and Wren struggle with self esteem, insecurity and not trusting easily which is why they get along so well because they can relate to each other and understand how they are. Both of them run from something the moment it seems like it will get serious and they are afraid of facing it. This book had a lot of questioning from both Barrett and Wren but it kept me drawn into the story, with their thoughts, connection and vibe, plus picking up where the last book left off. It went without saying that you never question your heart because it’s right every time.

[bookishWife · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is… I honestly don’t know how to say it—just filled with pathetic attempts at emotional depth.

Barrett is supposedly a nice guy, and Wren is a nice woman—smart, beautiful, and capable. But somehow, they just don’t work. Or rather, the book never gives their relationship the exploration or chemistry it desperately needed.

First of all, Barrett claims his failed marriage traumatized him and left him emotionally numb. Yet he maintains a perfectly good relationship with his ex? And on top of that, he RSVPs himself and a plus-one to her wedding. I’m sorry, but that’s not tragic—that’s idiotic.

Then there’s Wren, who spends years pathetically in love with this emotional robot while being firmly friend-zoned. They drift into ongoing one-night stands, and eventually Wren realizes how ridiculous it is to put her life on hold for him. So she leaves for three months in Thailand—good for you, Wren!

Meanwhile, during her absence, Barrett suddenly decides he’s in love with her. Why? How? Based on what emotional evidence? And instead of doing anything meaningful with this realization, he joins a dating app—to find a date for his ex’s wedding. I’m sorry, but that’s not an explanation; it’s a pathetic and idiotic excuse masquerading as logic.

When Wren returns, Barrett is suddenly all in. Wren, understandably, has built walls sky-high to protect herself. In theory, this should be where the story finally gets interesting. In reality, it’s the most boring part of the book. Wren gives in far too easily, Barrett barely grovels, and the emotional payoff is nonexistent. I wasn’t impressed.

Finally—and this is where I completely lost patience—Barrett proclaims that his feelings for Wren run deeper than his love for his ex, yet he leaves Wren alone at his ex’s wedding. Without a car. Completely stranded. At that point, I wanted to slap Wren, dig a grave, and throw Barrett into it myself.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want this woman to be my first and last do-over, from now until death do us part.”

Not Today Bossman was delightfully funny, deliciously steamy and so much fun. The emotion and heat between Barrett and Wren was on fire and I loved their journey from bickering co-workers to a relationship.

“With her…it’s like I’ve finally found my purpose.”

Both Wren and Barrett are a lot alike. They can both feel a bit awkward and lonely in a crowd of people and feel like they are on the outside. When they have an unexpected steamy encounter one night, Barrett finally opens his eyes to the woman that has always been by his side and slowly realizes that he has feelings for her. Wren, on the other hand, has always had a crush on Barrett and decides it is time to move on from him, once and for all. Watching the push and pull relationship between these two was a riot.

“You are safe with me. You always will be. I promise.”

I loved their intense chemistry and their feisty banter. There is a lot of miscommunication and running away in their relationship and they have to learn how to communicate with one another. Barrett, especially, had to learn how to let down his defenses and learn how to trust in Wren. Her loyalty and support was so sweet and it was obvious how perfect they were for each other.

Full of heat, humor and heart, Not Today Bossman was a fun, heartfelt and emotional story that is full of steam. Wren and Barrett were so much fun and now I cannot wait for Christian and Starling.

[Debbie Readsalotl Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down because I'm just not feeling 4 stars about this, even if it's rounding up.

Not a bad story, I just wasn't a fan of how emotionally repressed Barrett is in this story. And Wren is supposed to be the same - an introvert who doesn't really know how to express her emotions, but she's really not. She wears her heart on her sleeve, even if she doesn't have a lot of close friends, she *does* have friends and seems to make them easily.


She's had a crush on him since she was 12 (and I think he was 17?) and has worked for him since she got her nursing degree. When they have their initial night together and he runs afterward, I'm not a fan of the fact that she ran the very next morning without talking to him, nor that she blocked him so he could call or text once he realized he'd been an idiot about the whole thing.

Barrett really is emotionally damaged for whatever reason, but we also know that he decided to talk to a therapist after Wren disappeared for 3 months. So he gets points for that. But Wren gets points docked for not thinking of couples therapy when she finally learns just how hard it is for him to express his feelings.

Happy Ever After, once Wren decides not to let him throw away their relationship at one of the first bumps in the road, and yes, she gets points for that. And she gets points for being a relatively strong female character - even when she ran away after their first night (I really disliked this part).

I'd recommend the series, but this won't end up being my favorite of the McGuire Brothers books.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili Valente takes readers back to the town of Bad Dog, Minnesota with the second book in her McGuire Brothers series. This time around, we've got the eldest brother who happens to be a doctor with his own OB-GYN practice (Barrett McGuire, 35), and he's paired up with his head nurse and a childhood friend of his sister's (Wren Marie Baxter, 30). After what he thinks is a drunken hook-up, Barrett up and runs off, leaving poor Wren, who's had a major thing for him for what feels like forever, humiliated and heartbroken. She then decides to take a three-month break, and in that span of time, he realizes he's in love with her just as she's ready to move forward from what she believes are unrequited feelings. Clearly, Barrett has a heck of a challenge in front of him if he hopes to convince Wren he's worthy of her love and affection. Of course, I love that she didn't give in to him too quickly, protecting her heart and making her work for it in the process. Valente gave these two such depth and complexity, allowing their story to be more than a cookie-cutter office romance. Bonus points for Keanu and Kyle. *snort laugh* This series is fast becoming one of my favorites from this author, and I can't wait to see what she's got in store for the rest of the McGuire brothers. Five stars!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Barrett have been friends for a very long time (she and Barrett's were BFF growing up). They also work together. He's a doctor and she's his head nurse. She's been in love with him for a very long time, but he treats her like she's still his sister's best friend that needs protecting. They do not get along at all, he's totally oblivious to anything she does, however, she's very in tune to everything he does.

While out one night at the same spot as Marvin and Barrett, she's drunk and decides it's a good time to lay everything out on the line with Barret telling him how much he annoys her. Barrett being very much a gentleman, takes her home so she isn't driving drunk (after an argument with her). He takes her to her door to make sure Kyle (from book 1) doesn't attack her. And then it happens....fireworks, magic, chemistry!

Barrett regrets what happened and leaves immediately. Wren decides since he ghosted her, she goes to Thailand for 3 months to get her head together and things will be better when she gets back. However, when she gets back...........

What a great story! I loved these characters and their chemistry! It was awesome that Kyle got to be in the story with a big surprise!!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren and Barrett make a very interesting couple, who are way more alike than either of them realizes...which makes them both a bit awkward. At first, I thought this was going to be a grumpy/sunshine story. And while Wren is definitely more sunshiny than Barrett is, he's not so much grumpy as serious and not one to show his feelings...or even know HOW to show his feelings. Wren is a bit more impulsive than he is, which is a nice juxtaposition in some instances, but she's as much of a runner as he is.
Honestly, I liked the story more because of these quirks in their personalities, even if they frustrated me at times! Just talk to each other, for crying out loud, lol. The comic relief, in dog form, kept me in stitches, even as I cringed and tried not to image what poor Keanu looked like. And the smexy scenes were very steamy, but playful at the same time.
I do wish a certain something that happened near the end had a different outcome...I know, vague! But I'm not about to give away plot points. I wanted a bit of vengence ;) Anyway, I love Wren and Barrett and being back in Bad Dog again. Can't wait for the next book!

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read Boss Without Benefits I've been looking so forward to more from this world! It always makes me smile whenever I get to pick up another book by Ms.Valente. I got right back into The McGuire Brothers world! I so enjoyed this story!

Wren and Barrett's journey captured my attention right from the get go! These two have been in each other's lives for some time and now they work together. The thing is though, Wren has a thing for Barrett. One night shakes things up for them. As Wren returns from her trip, will she take a chance on Barrett? Or will she move on?

I really liked how I got right into Wren and Barrett's story. I related to Wren, especially when it came to how much she cared. I enjoyed digging deeper with Barrett. I didn't know how these two would tackle their feelings for one another and things in their lives which had me turning the pages even more.

The chemistry Barrett and Wren shared was great! These two had me feeling so much with them. From the priceless moments to the ones that got me in the feels, I throughly enjoyed Wren and Barrett's journey. I was glad to be back in this world as well!

With Not Today Bossman, Ms.Valente has created such a good and entertaining read that brought heart, spice, and feels! I can always count on this author's books to brighten my day. I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ You simply can't go wrong with a Lili Valente romcom! I love all of the delightful surprises and bizarre animals that work their way right into your heart. I enjoy the small town with all of those smexy McGuire brothers. Barrett is that grumpy boss who struggles with human connection since he is a serious introvert who is a wonderful doctor, but kind of clueless. Wren really turns him upside down in the best of ways. She is a breath of fresh air and exactly what he needs to shake him up. They fit so well together once they start communicating, and I love that message. They fall down, they communicate, they get back up and smash into each other in all of the best ways. I love this series and look forward to Starling and Christian's book, especially with the teaser at the end. Woohoo!! Watch out for sneaky turkeys and ugly dogs who are adorable in disguise!

Lily is such a talented performer and really is the perfect choice to voice her lady parts... Tyler Donne has a deep, pleasant voice and is great as Barrett, the wonderfully sweet but clueless brilliant doctor. Another great story!

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barret and Wren... I don't have words for how sweet they are! I got some series 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S. vibes from them. (The TV show, not that they should be only friends, their chemistry is FAR too hot for that!). Like neither is any one particular character, I actually see alot of their combined good AND bad traits in them both. Like if you threw all of them into a blender I think you'd have Barret and Wren, and I WANT to be their friend with their chaotic small town comings and goings, seems like their world would be a fun place to visit. I love Barret and Wren but I wanted to give their shoulders a good shake multiple times throughout! Neither can see the forest for the trees, but their vulnerability with each other and really making a solid effort to mold their relationship into something that would accomodate both their needs, to keep working until you get it right, THATS what I loved most about this book. But Kyle and Keanu certainly made it even more enjoyable lol. Now bring on the next McGuire because so far they are crushing it!

[Stephanie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barrett and Wren were introduced in the first book. Barrett has the only OB/GYN practice in the small town of Bad Dog. Wren is his very competent, organized head nurse who seamlessly helps the practice run smoothly. Wren has been in love Barrett for a long time, but he's clueless about her feelings for him. Then one evening they have sex against the wall in her apartment. She's happy and excited that Barrett FINALLY is seeing her as a woman instead of his little sister's best friend whom he's known for many years. But Barrett panics and leaves without a word while she's in the bathroom. Wren takes a three-month sabbatical and goes to Thailand alone. When she returns, she's determined to forget about Barrett and move on with her life. Meanwhile, her absence has made Barrett realize he's in love with her and he's determined to make things right. I liked the strong, independent woman Wren became and how she made Barrett really work for a second chance with her. He had a lot of insecurities that he had to work through.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Barrett McGuire
Wren

Wren is the Head Nurse in Dr. Barrett McGuire’s OB Practice and has been in love with Barrett since she was 12 years old. After a one night stand Barrett disappears and Wren decides she is going to take a 3 month sabbatical and races off to Thailand to regroup and forget Barrett. Now back from her empowering solo trip she realizes she must move forward. Barrett has spent the last 3 months finding out about Wren, going to therapy and working on changing. He also ends up with a dog that hasn’t really been trained. Barrett and Wren decide on a Do Over which turns out to be a great weekend. The relationship builds from here. This book is a very good and fast paced book. I really liked Barrett as he learns more about himself and the effort he puts into making himself better. Wren also puts in work to make herself better and to help Barrett. They both work with and adore the dog, Keanu Reeves. I would definitely read more books by this author and read more books in the series.

[Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Today Bossman is the second book in the McGuire Brothers series by Lili Valente! I'm loving this series and these characters. We already know Barrett and Wren and we love them. Barrett is a great doctor, but his personal skills needs some work. He's known Wren since she was a kid, but hasn't noticed her until very recently. After spending one night together, he leaves without a word and she literally flees the country. Now it's months later and he realized what he was missing and wants to show Wren he missed her and he wants more than friendship. Wren isn't sure how things will be once she's back. Even more so when Barrett starts acting nice and overly friendly. She doesn't want to get her heart broken again, but she never stopped loving him. Barrett is going to show her that he's changed. He's ready to make the leap with her. Is she ready to put her heart out there? I loved this story! It's fun, sexy and emotional! Looking forward to the next one!

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it (rounded up)

This one is a sequel and even though the whole series is standalone, I'd highly recommend reading book 1 first and Barrett and Wren's story very much starts there when Barrett and Wren end up having a one-night stand (he's her boss) after Barrett literally sweeps her off her feet and carries her out of a club after a night of dancing with Tatum. We don't know what happened, but something terrible happened and Wren took a 3-month leave of absence to travel Thailand the very next day. This book starts there.

We learn (quickly) about what Wren did while she was gone and what said terrible thing Barrett did to drive Wren to literally flee the country. Now that she's back, these two have to deal with what happened, the consequences of it, and figure out what they want and how to get it.

Barrett seemed a little on the spectrum for me and my poor heart cracked for him with how hard he tries and just never seems to get it right or is always misunderstood. He's clumsy and awkward and his ex-wife broke not only his spirit but his confidence and self-esteem. He thinks he's incapable of love or being loved, but he knows that the last 3 months without Wren has been miserable.

Wren has been in love with Barrett almost her entire life and is shattered and doesn't know how to move forward or where to even go. She thinks she's finally past Barrett, but all the quirky things she loves about him causes her to really try this time with him.

The third-act breakup in this one is tragic and heartbreaking. It's a backslide as everything with these two seems to be two steps forward and one giant step back, but that's why the ending is that much sweeter.

On to the furry friends that keep making this series a pure delight. We still have Kevin the wild turkey from the first book, but we also have now Keanu the ugly dog who may/may not have been a failed lab experiment or related to Gizmo the gremlin.

Tyler Donne and Lili Valente are perfection. Tyler does such a great job making Barrett quirky and clumsy and awkward to the point where you just want to hug him.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and heartfelt read! Barrett and Wren definitely belong together and it's quite the journey to get there. These two both grow so much. My heart broke for Barrett! He has always felt like an outsider looking in, especially because he doesn't always get social cues or how to let people in. This man grows so much in his quest to win back Wren. When she realized that she had more in common with Barrett than she knew, I cheered! They both can be a little socially awkward, they're both very smart, and more! I think my favorite part is when Barrett asks her to help him make up for what he lacks and that he wants to help her too. He's so sweet and I just loved him! Wren is hilarious and so loving! And of course there's animal hijinks and family love. I'm looking forward to more stories from Bad Dog!

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It's a funny heartfelt story. Poor Barrett, he's a little oblivious when it comes to certain things and one of them is Wren. I want to hug him and strangle him at the same time. I get he looks at the world a little different, but the hot and cold was no fun. I love books with some quirky, but loveable animals. I'm glad to see Kyle the turkey is up to his shenanigans. Then we have Keanu. He is definitely a quirky little thing for sure! Barrett with Keanu melts the heart. Wren grows a lot in this one and I like she won't go for less than she deserves. This is a delightful friends to lovers story. Wren brings out the best in Barrett. He just has to realize it before he lets it slip through his fingers once again. I liked the tease for the next book and I can't wait for it!

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, the insta-love/love at very first sight thing about this series is a little too much for me I much prefer a will they wont they denial of being in love then this instantaneous omg you're the love of my life even though we've known each other for two seconds. I also felt like the dialogue was a little corny at times and the third act break up was the same shit from earlier and I felt like damn Wren how many times are you going to let this man lead you on. To be left STRANDED in a different town at your "boyfriends" ex-wifes wedding by said "boyfriend" and then you're the one to chase him down and he tells you to leave is insane. Also why did she borrow the old ladies car just to return it to the wedding and take a cab ride home? Couldn't you have just taken a cab from the beginning?? Idk these book are not it for me though. 

[Heather Dochylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili ran a special to purchase all ten books in this series, so I grabbed them. If you haven't seen the new covers, treat yourself to looking them up. I'll admit that half the initial reason I took advantage of this sale was because I'm a cover whore, but I've read enough Lili that I know I'll enjoy whatever ride she takes me on. I'm only two books in so far, and I'm not regretting this purchase so far...not one bit. Lili,s wonky sense of humor and gift for animals and secondary characters is worth the investment alone, but throw in her particular brand of romantic leads, and I'm hooked. It's been a while since I read one of her books, but I'm glad I found my way back. This may not really be a book review, more of a reading experience review, and for me right this second, that's more important.