Just So You Know, I Don't Work Fridays

The Darling Campbell Sisters #1

by J.S. Cooper

A Hilarious Grumpy Boss Steamy Romance Book from New York Times Bestselling Author J. S. Cooper...Dear Diary,

I’m having the absolute worst week.

I just got evicted from my apartment, my parents just announced their divorce, and to top it off, I was just fired from my job at the coffee shop because of some ridiculously grumpy hot wall-street-looking banker and a bad cup of coffee I made.

But the story gets worse because the guy that got me fired, Finn Joseph. Well, he’s now my new boss. Yes, I, Harriet Campbell, am now a housekeeper for a billionaire. And the joke is on him because I can’t cook or clean.

And get this, this morning, he walked into my bedroom at five a.m. demanding his breakfast, and I may have told him to make it himself, which led to him pulling the sheets off the bed and revealing that I slept in the nude. Yeah, FML… only somehow I made it even worse.

But I’ll save the blindfolded quasi-lap-dance breakfast story for another entry. I’m too mortified to think of it right now.

❤️ Harriet

P.S. If anyone is reading my diary, I will get revenge on you in a slow, tortuous way!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Comedy

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2023

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like you need to be drunk to follow along with this tilt-a-whirl meets printed word.
Let’s be real here, this isn’t a realistic scenario. This billionaire guy goes along with this psychotic plan just to perform an experiment?!
The h is a mess. She has a degree, she could be working a real job. Yet she scrapes along the barely above poverty line because she literally has no adult survival skills.
The bologna she spews to get the job is ridiculous, and yet she keeps being offended that no one believes her/it?!
The ending is a real suspension of belief. I feel zero need to read any more of the series.

[Michelle Kobylarz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Complete Disaster

This was my first J. S. Cooper book. I was not prepared. The first thing you need to know is that the book is set in Florida, but the book is written with Brittish language. 2nd, the FMC and the supporting female characters are written as though they are complete morons. I don't think I've ever read a book where it reads as if the author doesn't even like women. The MMC treats the FMC like absolute trash, apparently with her parents' blessing. He allows his staff & friends/colleagues to as well. It's 310 pages of lies, manipulation & gas lighting. The end is a sorry-not sorry with 0 redemption.

[Michele A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like I was placed in an alternate universe in this book. Harriett was a hot mess from the very beginning. She was rude and acted horribly for a service perfessional. Finn was all over the place and came across as creepy at points, and interested in only one thing the other times. He and Harriett were dishonest with each other throughout most of this book. I didn't care for either of them. The whole premise of what he was meeting her for was ridiculous. Her constant lying and not owing up to what she really could do was appalling. She was a woman who was going to go on to seek her Master's Degree in Art and instead claimed to be a graduate of the Culinary Institute in Paris? I found her to be a ditzy liar and I was not impressed with her at all. They both deserved each other, which isn't saying much. I was very disappointed that I read this book. Definitely not my favorite by far by J.S. Cooper.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would think that it is your typical billionaire, and you would be true 😊Finn sexy as all get out grumpy billionaire very arrogant jerk for the most part with no redeeming qualities in the beginning goes into a coffee shop treats everyone like they are beneath him and when the worker gets rude right back with him her job was only the line not that he cared. Harriet was a sweetheart with a lot of spice to her, feisty to a fault, stood up to those who treated others as if they are beneath them and when she encounters a rude billionaire, she gets rude with him of course she lost her job now searching for another seeing an ad for a housekeeper for none other than the rude billionaire who cost her job. Finn immediately recognizes her one because he isn’t used to people standing up to him and two, he sort of feels bad about causing her to lose her job (mind you I said kind of) so he hires her, but she doesn’t tell him she is the world’s worst cook and housekeeper. Now here is where the roller coaster ride becomes a little crazier he wakes her up at 5am demanding breakfast when she sass him he yanks the covers off only to be met with a nude Harriet now the attraction was there from the start now the chemistry is hotter than hot and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored despite both of them trying to forget what they saw or feel at the moment but each day she is around him the harder it gets to ignore. The thing is he doesn’t fire her even after learning she can’t cook or clean and the banter continues between the two of them but will they be honest with each other, will she learn why he is so rude, why he treats others so mean, will he learn a little humbleness from her, a little understanding of others outside of his billions, will she learn a little about him, his lifestyle, will they work together or continue to fight one another on everything, and will it lead them to happiness?

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story where the main character has lost her job, her place to live, and a lot of other things. She takes a chance on a housekeeper job, even though she can't cook, she can't clean, she can't organize a house, and she certainly can't believe that the man hiring her is the same arrogant rich man who got her fired from the job that she so desperately needed. There are many laugh-out-loud situations as the plot unwinds. This is a fun read when you need something light.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a blast reading this book! I really enjoyed the story and laughed out loud at times. I also enjoyed the twist at the end. Jaimie has outdone herself with this book, such a great read.

[Zephyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.

I had some issues with this book, personally. The writing was mostly dialogue, so I didn’t get an insight into the thoughts of the characters and there wasn’t a lot of plot. There were chapters that felt chopped up that didn’t need to be, and some parts that felt incomplete. That being said, There were some moments that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, like the haunted house and the twist at the end was creative.

[Keri Caruso · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried to finish the book, but the bickering between the sisters was very annoying. It feels like this book was written by a 16-year-old. The storyline had a lot of potential and is intriguing, but there is so much immature conversation between the characters I just couldn't read it anymore. It is extremely rare for me not to finish a book, I think i have only done this maybe once or twice before in all my years of reading, and I read about 200 books a year.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

not worth the read

The book is beyond bizarre and totally not believable. Harriet is a free loader with no character depth! She has a bachelors degree and does nothing but wine about being broke. Once of my
Least favorite reads in a long time

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made me laugh, but what did I just read?

I have no clue how I got thru this book. It was very all over the place and there was some bad grammar, misspellings, and even a few times where there were different names used (i.e. there was an instance where either Polly or Molly was actually called Holly... no I'm not joking).

The entire plot of this story was just bad. From my calculations it took place over a week and 2 days and let me point out that they only interacted 4 of those days. Let me break it down: 1st meeting the MMC meets the MFC at a coffee shop he gets her fired. You assume a week passes (honestly it could have been less) since she had 1 week to move out of her place. During this week she somehow gets hired as a housekeeper for the MMC (their 2nd meeting is her interview) and moves into his place. Their 3rd meeting (which is the morning after she moves into his house) is where she has to make him breakfast, which goes terribly, and then she has to plan a dinner party for that night (at this point they're already doing dirty things with each other after knowing the other for a few hours). Then all hell breaks loose at the dinner party (more dirty things happen), then the next day he wants to take her and her sisters to a fair and meet her parents. By the end of this everything is revealed and he's already telling her he loves her. He tells her to move in with him and she says she loves him. So the majority of the story takes place over 2 days. Yes you read right, the majority of the story ALL happens over TWO days.

They constantly mention that the FMC is kooky and crazy, but honestly I feel like every character in here is just unstable. There's not really any chemistry and it's so out there and all over the place it can be confusing.

The only upside to this book is that it did make me laugh a few times. But even those laughs couldn't get me to rate this book higher

Personally, I would not recommend reading this. It felt like a waste of time.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Harriet and Finn

Main characters: Harriet (housekeeper and cook who can’t do neither) and Finn (billionaire investor and professor on the side)

Single person POV (Harriet’s) in First Person

I am happy that this is not the first book I read by the author (I started with Molly’s story and then the last book in this series, Chelsea’s story) and I really liked those. Harriet and Finn’s relationship is unbelievable to me - it is pretty much based off of lies from both sides, and she never really gets to know him before she decides that she loves him. Actually she knows nothing about him. Every spicy encounter between them has her questioning if she really wants it making it seem like he’s taking advantage of her - even if she does tease him. It’s weird. Maybe because it’s just until the book is 92% complete when we find out what is really go by on which means he lied to her 92% of the book and while lying he never revealed anything about himself. Maybe would have liked it better if it was dual POV because from Harriet’s POV it read like someone was taking advantage of her, lying to her and then telling her that she had no choice but to be in a relationship with him. Also, while I enjoy someone goofing up I tend to cringe at people going overboard with lies to cover up a lie and that’s all Harriet did.

Would I recommend this book?: Yes it is well written just not my cup of tea/humor. Someone else would really enjoy this.

Would I read again?: Maybe not

Book notes: single pov, billionaire investor, pretends to be chef trained in Paris when she really can’t even boil an egg, pheromone cologne or Woman Attractor cologne for men, Harriet is the oldest, then Polly, then Chelsea

Related books that I read before this one : Sorry You’ve Got the wrong number (Harriet’s sister Chelsea’s story) as well as Don’t Quit Your Day Job (Molly’s story - coworkers at Coffee shop)

Other Related books: “By the Way you’re Not the Boss of Me” (Harriet’s sister Polly’s story)

[Eliza ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was bad. Like really really bad. I think I read it word from word up until 40% of the book, then the plot suddenly went from insane yet semi adorable to completely bonkers. I skimmed through the rest of the book, because at that point I had already committed too much to walk away from it. And it got progressively more and more ridiculous.

For starters the female characters just rambled on about nonsense for no real reason? The female lead was a hot mess that just lied in the most ridiculous sense. And don't even get me started on the so called sexy male lead... He was just a giant red flag that would have had me running for the hills just from his comments, let alone his actions. I don't know if the author was trying to set some sexy 50 Shades Christian vibes but... let's be honest, hot as Christian may have seemed he was a nutcase and nutcases at the end of the day are not sexy.

I also felt like there was just way too much information shared and so fast. I get telling my sisters everything but the female lead told EVERYBODY everything and bounced from asking herself AND others if she's a "hoe" or if she's simply living her "best summer life" for the choices she made. Like girl!??! Finally, the big plot twist at the end which was second to the first plot twist (which mind you was already so bloody ridiculous) was even more ridiculous than I could imagine and it just amplified the fact that I find the male lead a giant walking red flag.

So in conclusion, not even my poor sick bed ridden self could endure the terribleness of this book. I'm truly sorry. I know it's someone's hard work but if you have this much imagination, please maybe try to focus on not glorifying red flags...

[Stephanie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the blurb about this book when Harriet's boss Finn abruptly woke her up at 5am wanting to know where his breakfast was that she was supposed to have ready for him. When she gave a sarcastic reply, he pulled the sheets off her. She was sleeping naked so they both had a shock. This one could sort of be called an enemies-to-lovers story, although they made that transition pretty rapidly. They definitely had chemistry, but the transition seemed a bit fast to me. There were tons of humorous episodes which had me laughing/smiling. The interactions between Harriet and her sisters were often hilarious. Her friend Molly, the actress wannabe, was funny but a little bizarre. There were a number of events that happened that seemed odd in Finn's behavior and the events leading up to Harriet being hired as his housekeeper after his actions as a customer caused her to be fired from her previous job as a barista at a coffeehouse. I liked the story overall, but agree with another reader that Harriet forgave her parents and Finn WAY too soon when all secrets were finally revealed. Finn, especially, should have had to grovel and go out of his way to regain her trust before she forgave him and resumed her relationship with him. He lied to her repeatedly to conceal what was really going on. He and her parents had basically used and disrespected her with no regard for her feelings. They should not have gotten off so easily. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the stories about Harriet's sisters. Overall, I'd rate this one 3.5

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook ARC, from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
Once again J. S. Cooper wrote an outstanding book about crazy situations, while the couple fall in love.
Finn is a Billionaire/Professor when he meets Harriet at a coffee shop. He is being rude, so she also gets rude with him, but this ends up in Harriet gettin fired. Looking for a job, she finds one where she will be a housekeeper for a wealthy man. The man results in being the rude Billionaire, that got her fired at her previous job. He decides to hire her, without realizing that she is the worst cook, and even worst housekeeper.
Craziness abounds thru the entire book, especially when Harriet and her sisters are together. During a dinner party, the sisters almost poison the guests. Finn begins to act different, and Harriet is unaware of what is going on.
After a day at a carnival, the couple go to meet Harriet’s parents, and the truth is revealed. Without realizing what was going on, Harriet finally is told the truth about the situation that has been going on. At first Harriet has hurt feelings, but realizes that she loves Finn, and after full truths are revealed, the couple finally obtain their HEA.

[Laura Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um what the hell did I just read? There was so much fucking pointless drivel in this book. The girls were completely clueless and it was absolutely infuriating to read their dialogue. This has got to be one of the most unbelievable storylines I’ve ever read. And this moronic woman just goes around fucking this guy she just met without a condom even though she has no birth control and they also haven’t discussed anything about their sexual history. Now I’m not one to think those convos have to take place in books but my god. This author is terrible. At one point Finn Joseph is referred to as Finn Campbell, which is the female’s last name - can’t even remember her name and I just finished the book.

There’s no plot, no arcs, this book has absolutely nothing and the title doesn’t even make sense since we don’t even get to A FRIDAY. This book takes place over like two days (three if you count the day she gets fired). They are in love by the end? They know nothing about each other. And the lies holy shit. Just … a terrible, terrible book.

Ah Harriet was her name. She was a stupid cunt. How anyone could find her appealing is beyond me.

The best part of this book was the fact the author gave this young lady a full bush since that’s not common these days.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batista turned housekeeper fiasco

Harriet worked as a batista at a coffee shop. Finn comes into the shop but ignores Harriet by talking on his phone. She finds him offensive and rude. He then asks her for all these exotic coffees. He angered her, and she decided payback by lie about the coffee she served him. The coffee was terrible, and her told her so. He made such a commotion that her boss fired her. Harriet walked out very angry.
What else could go wrong? She has a week to find a new place to live and now a new job.
She goes home and looks in the paper for a new job. She sees a job for a housekeeper. She doesn't know how to cook and isn't the best at keeping a house clean.
She calls and then goes for the interview. She lies about being a Michelin cook from Paris. Lie after lie gets her in deeper.
But she gets hired.
This is one of the funniest books I've read. The more Harriet lies, the deeper she gets, and the more trouble she gets in.
Her sisters, Chelsea and Polly, are just as crazy and funny.
Finn puts up with the antics of these three crazy women. He is attracted to Harriet, and she gives into his sexual advances.
I recommend reading this story with all the lies that come to the surface and the funny outcome.
Great story by J.S.Cooper

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Darling Campbell Sisters series and it is Harriet and Finn’s story. Harriet is a breath of sunshine, funny, scatty, her parents are getting a divorce, had lost her job and also her apartment only to end up working for Finn who is the billionaire that got her fired and now she is his housekeeper but the laugh is on him because Harriet can’t cook, clean or do the work that he wants her to do and this starts there story that will have you laughing so much because it is such a hilarious story. This book pulled you in right from the first page and i just couldn’t put it down and the more you read this book the more humour jumped off the pages along with great characters and hot and intense chemistry between Harriet and Finn that sizzled off the pages and kept your attention throughout the whole book and i read it in one sitting because it was so addictive and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet has just finished her degree and is working in a café. Not exactly her dream job, but it does help pay the bills. That is until one day, with one rude customer, demands that she be fired for being rude. This not exactly how her life is supposed to go. It doesn't help that her sisters can talk her into all kind of crazy schemes and her parents also help cause chaos. She sees an ad for a live-in house keeper and decides to apply for it. However, she doesn't have the skills needed and starts telling white lies to get the position.

What Harriet doesn't know it is that her new boss is the rude guy. Finn has a plan up his sleeve, but doesn't let Harriet or her sisters know. It is a social experiment to see how far a person will go to keep up a deception to keep a job that they are not qualified for. Almost like a "My Fair Lady" set up with an unknowing cast of characters.

This book made me laugh and shake my head at parts. Harriet and her sisters are the given stars of the book, with Finn coming in a close second. It is a quick read and perfect for a weekend.

[Amber Fenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kooky read

Harriet and Finn meet at a coffee where Finn gets Harriet fired. Harriet then needs a new job as she needs to find a new place to live. She ends up getting a housekeeping job which happens to be for Finn. Harriet lies about being able to cook and she continues on with the lie and ropes her sisters into it. That made me not like her so much as I felt she could’ve come clean sooner than she did. Finn felt a little off but you could tell there was chemistry between them. I liked Harriet’s sisters as they seemed they would do anything for one another-they didn’t care too much for the lying but helped Harriet anyways. Their parents are kooky and they have some of that kookiness too. There is a reason behind Finn and Harriet meeting. Overall it was an ok read for me. This is an honest review for an advanced copy.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny dialogue. Needs a little editing.

Funny dialogue, kept me laughing. The opening scene seemed familiar, so I wanted to read more. Story moved a bit, but seems like a rushed write. A lot of recent references, so I would not be surprised if it skipped some editing phases. I caught a couple of typo errors, such as mixing up character surnames, but then there were some larger inconsistencies that affected the storyline. Harriet finally confessed that she didn't go to a formal culinary school. Then the next chapter she admits that she didn't go to the Culinary Institute in Paris. Another plot hole, she described her outfit as shorts at the fair, but then gets frisky TWICE under her supposed skirt. Maybe could have used more workshopping. Or fresh editor eyes. Overall a decent story, I found could follow it.

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet is working at a coffee shop when she meets Finn. Things don't go well, and she ends up fired because of it. Now she has to find a job quickly because she is about to be homeless. Things has her interviewing for a housekeeper job, but she isn't completely honest during the interview because she can't cook. She is stunned when she is hired but nothing could have prepared her for her new boss. Turns out Finn is who she is now working for and he is wanting something to eat. Soon her lies start involving her family. Sparks fly between her and Finn. Will he give her a chance when he learns about her lies?

This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Melissa Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute love at first sight

Harriet is a liar. She lies about what kind of coffee beans she is serving Finn, and when she ultimately gets fired, she lies on her job application about her cooking and housekeeping skills. Her new employer is Finn. And he's already been a victim of her terrible coffee and awful customer service. But he feels bad for getting her fired, so he gives her a shot.

This was really cute and hilarious. I was laughing out loud a few times. Harriet is absolutely ridiculous and comes up with the most outrageous lies. Her sisters are nosy and opinionated and helpful and loving and everything that sisters should be.

I gave it 4 stars because Finn was really starting to creep me out. He was being a little too pushy. There should have been a bit more groveling before she forgave him.

[romance_lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lmao it was legit the most ridiculously funny story ever 😭😂 like I couldn’t take anything seriously at ALL. But did I still laugh and finish it quickly? Yeap.

The whole cologne thing was just so weird and made no sense at all tbh. And the whole forgiving thing- it was too fast- and skimmed over. It shouldn’t have been like that. No matter what he says, he played her and then played it off as nothing, so he def deserved to grovel.

I guess this was fictional, so I just had to turn my brain off to read this tbh, bc how in the world were the parents okay w what they were doing? Lol

But anyways, if u want a good laughter and ridiculous plot that makes you go like “should i cry or laugh at this?” This one’s for you. 😭😂

I swear even though, I have it a 3 star, it DID make me laugh a lot lol.

[Christine Catarino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first ten chapters focused more on the quirky relationship between the sisters and not as much on the actual relationship between Harriet and Finn. By chapter 11 we finally got to read all about the two main characters and how their sexual chemistry turned into so much more. I think there was too much back-and-forth banter between the sisters. And all the female characters somehow drifted off topic every time they got into any type of conversation. They were all a little spacey. At the same I really enjoyed the twists and turns the book delivered. I'm a huge J.S. Cooper fan, and once again I feel she definitely delivered another fun and exciting read! I'm looking forward to reading Polly and Chelsea's stories.

I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Darkstuff1991 · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.S. Cooper once again wrote a story that kept me guessing about what was going on to the very end. I adore that about this author it is so rare to find someone I can’t predict the ending on and this was definitely not predictable. I can’t say that my personality would have allowed me to forgive as quickly as Harriet did however her character is a ball of sunshine which is not at all like me so her reaction would not be mine. Had it been me prank wars would’ve commenced until I felt vindicated with the help of my sisters of course but again I’m a petty emo snarky person and Harriet is a ball of sunshine who tried to make the best of every situation so it seemed fitting for her to be more willing to forgive and just move on to the HEA.

[De Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Surprise Ending

I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
Harriet was one quirky gal and after meeting her sisters and then her parents I can understand why. Her antics were way crazy and I shuttered after each one, I would never have had the nerve to do any one of them and then keep a straight face. Her sisters at least questioned her but still went along with her crazy ideas.
Finn is a whole other story. I won’t spoil it but you will understand at the end. I just didn’t see this twist coming.
These two together were hot as hades and then some.
If you want some laughter and some steam this is the book for you.
I will say when I read the blurb for Polly’s book I couldn’t stop laughing.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Waseema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely relaxing read, that gives you a snippet into the lives of Harriet and the Campbell sisters, and her journey into the sophisticated employment as a housekeeper for the delectable Finn.
The book taught me so much about cooking and the offerings of the a la Campbell delicacies lol lol! If you are not crying with laughter in each of the scenes involving food then I'll eat a a la Campbell potato dish lol!!

Finn is a billionaire who hires Harriet, and the adventures they go through are told with wit and the twist and turns are ones you do not see coming! I thoroughly enjoyed this and don't want to spoil it. There is a spicy scene but its kept to a minimum as this story is about so much more! Hope you enjoy

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet and Finn meet at a coffee shop where she works. Finn comes in and requests a brew of coffee Harriet has no knowledge of, so Harriet lies and brews him a cup of coffee on an instant machine. Finn knows it’s not the specialized coffee he requested and him and Harriet have words. As they are arguing her boss enters the coffee shop and Harriet is fired. Later Harriet become aware that Finn needs a chef/housekeeper and applies for the position when she finds out the salary. Now Harriet doesn’t know how to cook or even clean house, how she expects Finn to not notice is beyond me. There are some very funny scenes in this book. Her sisters are hilarious and will be featured in their own books soon. This was a very cute romantic comedy.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I wasn't sure I wanted to like Harriet. She's definitely a creative type that spins so many tales it was hard to keep track of them all.
But she was so funny you couldn't help but giggle. Then groan at another one of her tales she created.
But then you learn about her family, and get why she has such a personality.
Regardless, she's an interesting character.
Then there's Finn. He's cunning, interesting, a bit kind, and not to mention filthy rich. Who wouldn't want to be with him?
Overall, the story was good, just all the stories she made up were a bit cringe.
But it won't deter me from reading more!!
Can't wait for the next book!

[Helen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I have purchased several books by this author this is the first one I have actually read ( i have a lot of books!) and I have mixed feelings about it. There were a couple of inconsistencies and the declaration of love at the end? They had known each other for 2 days and those 2 days had been spent lying to each other so I don't buy that. Saying that though this is fiction and a romance so I suppose we need that ending to satisfy our romantic cravings. The reason this got 4 stars from me despite that is because it was so funny. I laughed my way through the whole book so overall I did really enjoy it and will probably read the other books about the other two sisters