By The Way, You're Not The Boss Of Me

The Darling Campbell Sisters #2

by J.S. Cooper

Max Whitlock may be a partner at the law firm I work at, but I let him know quite plainly that he’s not the boss of me!

I should have known from the first moment I met Max Whitlock that he would be an arrogant, egotistical, and pompous boss. In fact, as soon as I saw him walking into the boardroom, I should have left.

He thinks that just because he’s handsome and rich I want him. Which couldn’t be further from the truth. I only made up the white lie about my hunky boyfriend to stop him from insinuating I wanted him. And hey, maybe I shouldn’t have shown him what I’d do to him if I did want him…that did cross a little line. But he was down for it.

Now he wants to meet my ‘boyfriend’. And I have one week to find a man to fool him. So I did what any red-blooded hot young woman would do, I joined a dating app. I just didn’t expect the options to be quite so bad.

Then I matched with Ben and he’s perfect. I know Max is going to be shocked when I show up with him. Only, when Ben shows up, I’m the one that’s shocked. Because he’s definitely not who I thought he was. And I’m pretty sure that Max is now going to get the last laugh.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2023

Reviews

[Darkstuff1991 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get to ARC read J.S. Cooper’s book ‘What Did Your Last Maid Die Of?’ and while I had a larger part of the plot predicted in my mind while reading this book, I still love that it was the absolute last little bit of the book when I finally figured out how the title came to be the title. I just kept thinking: “I don’t get it how does this book get this title?” and then bam, it’s revealed, and I absolutely loved it and laughed out loud. It was so adorable. The crazy Campbell sisters are everything I dreamed having a sister would be like as a kid. Bets were made, dares were issued, feelings were hurt, but when one needed a hand the others always had their back no matter what. No matter how outlandish the predicament they had gotten themselves into. They may have given each other enough grief to last a lifetime, but they also gave each other crazy levels of love and support when the world felt like it was about to crumble around them. Sometimes their love came through in a way that said “How crazy can we be to make our sister laugh so she doesn’t cry?”; but I feel like even then it was just teasing. Sometimes in life you just gotta laugh or crumble and I for one would much rather choose joy, and I feel like the Campbell sisters seem to embrace that mentality. Polly, as the middle child, I feel had a tendency to feel not seen, so she would do crazier things than was called for in a situation and then found herself in hot water a lot of the time and feeling overwhelmed. She knew when the chips were down her sisters would always have her back though, which they did in spades. She also had a good moral compass because even though she could’ve taken credit for getting a job done, she gave credit to her friend who had actually done the work for her because she was in over her head. Not all people would be so loyal to a friend they just met. Max was a cocky, arrogant, jerk but he also had a gift for seeing people. He truly saw people, not just the exterior that they showed the world but the whole package. He saw Polly, I feel possibly better than even her family did at times. He understood the artistic side of her and valued it even more than she did. I feel she was having trouble believing in herself since she had had some negative experiences with sharing her writing. Max had a way of pushing her out of her self doubt and building her confidence enough for her to trust in her true dreams and not try to settle for stability instead of joy in life’s true pathways.

[Chantel Deeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. I enjoyed reading it, and now that I know it is the second one in the series, I will have to go back and read the first one. My rating of a 3 star is mostly because I felt the main female character was very immature and annoying. I am changing my rating to a 4 star because this book pops in my mind often. Once the build up was over and the steamy scenes started to happen, it got better, but then it ended pretty quick. I feel the ending could have been written out more and maybe some of the Polly scenes in the beginning taken out. I am definitely glad the title of the book changed. I did like some of the banter between the characters and I like Max's character. I will definitely read the first one and the 3rd book. I will also look for more from J.S. Cooper because I do like the writing style. It was an easy read.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may very well be my favourite Ms Cooper book!!

Ms Cooper does it once again. She gives her reader another phenomenal read. I know I can’t go wrong with Ms Cooper and her fictional world. She has a talent to captivate her readers to the story and fall for the characters and root for them. Ms Cooper has crafted a romcom gem in By The Way, You’re Not The Boss Of Me. I think this may very well be my favourite Ms Cooper book! It’s full of everything I’ve come to know and love from her but, in an amplified way! I laughed, I swooned, I had the best time and every single thing in between while reading this book. I simply couldn’t and wouldn’t put this book down. Loved it. Definitely pick this book and other books by this fantastic author. You won’t be sorry. Happy reading everyone

[Marcia Brodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Polly Campbell's story. A want-to-be lawyer but a writer at heart!📚

I LOVED IT! It's a fast-paced, ‘feel-good’ love story!!! The sassy, sarcastic banter was witty and hilarious! The closeness of the three quirky and kooky sisters❣️

Polly and Max will take you on a journey that will leave you breathless, a little frustrated, and excited; but will also leave you happy and swooning. The chemistry between these two was undeniable and their passion was off-the-charts once it was ignited!
A Happily-Ever-After is guaranteed! ❤️‍🔥🔥❤️‍🔥

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.💋

[Doris Runyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Polly

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review. The Campbell sisters are definitely a little crazy! I enjoyed the book. Only reason I didn't give this 5stars is because I felt the drama within the sisters and some of their conversations were a little drawn out and childish at times. But I'm still waiting to read the next book in the series!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book to review. I enjoyed the storyline and the interactions between Polly and Max. Polly frustrated me a bit as she seemed way too quick to lie for seemingly little reason other than to make herself look better. I felt her storyline and actual ambitions could have been more fleshed out, but I still enjoyed the book. It was a quick read.

[Sabrina Malloy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Expected More

There were a few inconsistencies in name continuity. The man characters chemistry was apparent but then it felt rushed. There was not enough background establishment outside of the dating app to explain the pick up for them to be in love by the end of the book. I believe the book is missing the MMC pov.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly Campbell wants to be a lawyer.

Polly announced to her family that she wanted to be a lawyer. She figured that she would get an intern job in their town. See if she wants to get into Harvard. Big dreams. She doesn't even know what it takes to be a lawyer, other than what she watched on TV. She only thinks about the glamor of the job.
Chelsea, her younger sister, talked her into going for interviews. This is when she pumps into this obnoxious man in the elevator. He asks her if she is selling Girl Scout cookies. She tells him it was none of his business, but she was applying for a job. As she was at the top of her class at Harvard. He didn't believe her. He still asked about the cookies.
When she got to the car. She told her sister what had happened. She laughed at her because on the outside of her resume folders, an order for Thin Mints and Samoas.
Polly wanted to kill Chelsea. She was so embarrassed.
Finn, Harriet's boyfriend, offered to ask his friend Travis. He knew that he ran a summer program for interns.
Polly decided she would try it out. Travis ran the program. But his partner, Max, was his partner.
When he walked in, Polly realized he was the man in the elevator.
Right from the beginning, sparks flew between them. He was attracted to her personality and spunk. He wanted her and told her that. She not if he was the last man on earth.
He gave her crappie work to do. Then he made her his assistant. Just to get her mad or to have her give in to his advancements.
Great story of a steamy romance for these crazy, zany Campbell girls.
Laughed through the story with their crazy antics and their attractive men.
Another hit by J. S. Cooper

[Dea Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, J.S. Cooper for the gifted eARC.

Polly has decided that she wants to become an attorney, so she is going to spend her summer as an intern at a law firm. On her first day, she meets the two partners at the firm, only to realize she's met one of them before. Max was a jerk from the moment she was stuck on the elevator with him, and now he's a jerk who is insisting that she wants him. Maybe she is attracted to him a little and gave him a taste of what she would do to him if she did want him, but Polly also lied and told Max she had a boyfriend. Now, Polly has to find a boyfriend because Max wants to meet him. The only way to do that is by doing what she likes the least...joining a dating app. On there she meets Ben. Only Been isn't really who he says he is.

By The Way, You're Not The Boss Of Me is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book, but I did not have any problems understanding what was happening in this one. I found this story to be good, but not great. The FMC Polly and her sister Chelsea were very annoying. I found them to be very immature. Some of the back and forth banter between the two reminds me of what I would read in a YA novel. I also felt the character development was very flat. I wanted to see more out of the relationship development between Polly and Max. It was more like, bam! Relationship. The book also just abruptly ends. It didn't give a nice, well-rounded ending. This is the only book I've read by J.S. Cooper, but I definitely want to read more.

[Christine Catarino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book where we not only met Harriet and Finn, but we learned that Harriet's family is all a little quirky. Ok fine, a lot quirky. In book two, the banter between the sister's continued in full force. The first 9 chapters of the book mainly focused on their odd relationship with each other. If I were rating the book solely on the relationship amongst the sisters, I would not have given this book a 4-star rating, as this story made me like both Polly and Chelsea less. They both came across as extremely childish and it's shocking that a man like Max would actually fall for Polly, as she is often persuaded by her youngest sister to do some really dumb and childish things. However, the reason I absolutely love reading J.S. Cooper books is because she is fantastic at sucking us in once the actual love story is in play. Just like with Harriet and Finn, when you finally start reading about Polly and Max you are totally wrapped up in their every interaction. To me, the love story between Max and Polly was even better than Harriet and Finn. There were less lies amongst them and more raw moments that captivated the reader and really drove home their love story! Finally, as much as I disliked Chelsea in this book, the snip-it about her book at the end of this story reeled me in and I can't wait to see where J.S. Cooper takes us with Chelsea's love story.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars but rounding up) Max and Polly's story from the Crazy Campbell Sisters (ok, it's Darling ha). I have to admit I liked this book better than the first one in the series and will read the last one.

I have to say that what drew me in to JS Cooper's books in the first place was the over the top banter between the couples and the wild inappropriate verbiage. My life is never like that but I loved that the men (and women) just said whatever wild thing they wanted. It was completely sexual and oh so fun. You get this in this book and that might not be some people's cup of tea but that is exactly why I love her books.

What I didn't like was the sisters banter and how immature they come off and that for me is off-putting. The Women in her stories usually are crazy but in a good way and in charge of their sexuality and just come across very different from the Campbell sisters. I can't figure out why but they aren't my favourite of her heroines but I will finish the series.

Smexy as always!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polly Campbell, the middle sister, decided that being a lawyer is the most responsible thing she can do. However, the decision is not driven by a passion for the law, but a way to help protect her parents and their new found wealth. The only way to make sure that this is the right path for her, she decides to try to intern for a summer at law firm. She gets more than she expected.

Max is a partner at the law firm that Polly is interning at. He notices that she doesn't have a passion for law and can be kind of flighty. He does admire her tenacity, even though there are lies building up between them. Can he keep everything professional or will something else happen?

The Campbell sisters are crazy, but will support each other no matter what. It was fun to see how Polly and Max interacted. They do have the same desire to succeed and protect their families. J.S. Cooper has drafted a strong story with entertaining characters. I am anxious to see how the third sister will fare.

I received an ARC for a fair and honest review.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't like to write reviews especially if they bad ones. But here we are...
When i picked it up i did not remembered i read the first one...but i read it... It wasn't good.
First of all i start with the good:
- The concept is ok
- The editing good.
- The writing style better then a high school student's first attempt.

Then the bad:
- All of the women character in this series are endlessly stupid, dumb, selfish and so on...
- I had to skip EVERY conversation between the sisters, because it was soooo annoying. For the writer: if you think this is the normal way women talk between themselves above maybe 16 years old then you should found better friends.
- The main character thinking process about becoming an attorney is just horrendously absurd.
- The book not contains one meaningful conversation, like at all. But regardless of that they ar bumm in love in the last what 10 pages and there is the happy ending.

[PAMELA D ALEXANDER · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Campbell Sisters are hilarious

Darling Campbell Sisters Ha... If darling means crazy, hilarious, ridiculous teasing, Unrelenting teasing Close loving siblings are Darling. Then Yes! I came apon this series by accident. And am so happy I did ! The Sisters are a mess. This one scene in this book had me crying laughing. I haven't found a book that's had me that way Ever! When you ask your sister to come help to bail you out of a situation and you know they are dramatic but never expected the performance to be that darn crazy. But totally effective! The Sisterhood is so good and brutal honest I Absolutely love it! And can relate.
If you have a good sense of humor! And can appreciate honest embarrassing back and forth conversations! You will love this. Harriet had her story. Now Polly. I can't wait to see how Chelsea story will turn out and am looking forward to see.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Darling Campbell Sister’s series and it is Polly and Max’s story. Omg I absolutely love this book and I don’t think that i have laughed this hard in a long time because even though Polly was snarky, funny and had a attitude to match Max can give as good back and is a dirty talker, funny and the banter back and forth was so entertaining that it had you in complete stitches and you will not be able to put this book down. Polly and Max have attraction and chemistry that is so strong and intense that sparks fly and sizzles off the pages of this book and the storyline will pull you in right from the start and have you turning the pages and it will also keep your attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully hilarious and sexy!! The second book in the Campbell Sister series is amusing, entertaining and funny. Polly like her sisters will have you laughing so hard and then add Max to the mix and the laughter fest quadruples.

Max and Polly are very interesting, inviting and passionate characters with a very endearing, exciting and fascinating storyline.
Polly, she’s kooky, tenacious and adorable, whereas Max is dirty talking, charming and witty.
Together they are tantalizing and beautiful.
The sensual banter between Max and Polly is simply scorching and funny. The sexy times are so steamy.

I really enjoyed this insta-love rom-com.

When the Campbell sisters get together you know your in for a great time. These sisters have no filter, will crack you up and get themselves into the most interesting situations. Now I can’t wait to read Chelsea’s story!!

This book is fun and delightful Jaimie! Congratulations I love Max and Polly!

[De Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Campbell Sisters

Jaimie has written another terrific book in this series of the Campbell sisters. This was a great read about Max Whitlock and Polly Campbell, the middle Campbell sister. Polly is just as hilarious as her sister Harriet was in book one and with her first lie to Max everything snowballs fast forward. Max has him own little scheme going on and together there two were quite crazy.
There were some zany side characters that added to the antics.
There was some serious chemistry between Max and Polly that made for some smexy times. Just loved how it all worked out with a HEA.
Looking forward to the youngest sister, Chelsea’s story.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, entertaining read from Ms Cooper. The Campbell sisters are just hilarious I can’t get enough of them. This is the middle daughter Polly’s story. She announces to the family that she wants to become a lawyer. After getting an opportunity as a summer intern at a law practice it is not long before Polly finds herself coming to the attention of one of the very handsome, sexy partners Max. The book is filled with drama, chemistry, steam, hilarious sister antics, romance and a HEA. I couldn’t put this down, read it all in one afternoon and I am so looking forward to reading the youngest sister Chelsea’s story.
I received a free copy via Bookfunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny & Quirky! <3

The second Campbell sister, Polly decides she wants to be an attorney. I mean Elle Woods went to Harvard Law, so why can’t she? Lol
Polly decided to apply at random attorney’s offices without any success. She had an interesting interaction with an individual while stuck in the elevator that made her exaggerate her qualifications, but who cares, she won’t ever see that jerk again.
Her sister’s boyfriend has connections and finds her an internship at his friends’ law office. A big surprise is that one of the partners is the stranger from the elevator.
Max makes it a point to make things difficult for Polly, but the attraction is explosive. 😉
Really funny & quirky situations pop up due to Polly’s fibs.

[Karlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet fun read

I had read Harriets/Finns story and was excited when Polly got her story.

Polly seems to always get herself in situations. The funniest was at the office work party, I couldn't stop laughing when Chelsea ran into the office and caused a scene 🤣.

Max is loveable and could see through all Pollys lies about having a boyfriend. He plays along until she has to tell the truth as embarrassing as she finds it.

This is a quick, witty read that I find with J. S. Coopers book. They are sweet story's with very little spice.

Im looking forward to reading Chelsea's story next.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, fun read from Ms Cooper.
These Campbell sisters are awesome, I can’t get enough of them.
How can one little fib turn into such a mess? I guess you just have to know Polly. But then again Max isn’t completely innocent in the “games” being played.
Filled with drama, a pinch of angst, chemistry, steam, snarky quips, hilarious fun, crazy sister dynamics, romance and a perfect HEA.
I can’t wait to see what antics the last sister, Chelsea, gets up to.
Definitely take the time out to read this series, you’ll find yourself having a heck of a good time.

I received a free copy and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

J.S. Cooper has written many wonderful books that I've loved. I always get and read any of her new releases. That being said, I must admit that, thus far, this current series is not, in my opinion, among her best work. This one and the first book are okay but not great. There are some funny parts and some steamy scenes. But in general I find these sisters somewhat ditzy and the heroes initially offensive because their original verbal encounters with the heroines are just blatantly sexual and VERY inappropriate. These books are not terrible. I will read the last book in the series and will continue to be a huge J.S. Cooper fan.

[Barbara Loubey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Campbell sisters saga continues. I love the support these sisters provide each other which is demonstrated amply in this author's books...there is a lot of build-up and background of this aspect....so much sometimes that for me the actual relationship and HEA between the main characters seem to develop too rapidly toward the end of the book. Things are not always as they seem-Harriett learned this and now it's Polly's turn. I prefer POV stories-thus the 4 stars (actually 3.5). I am looking forward to reading Chelsea's story-she seems like the more spontaneous self-assured sister, though she is the baby.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly wants to pursue a career in law however her attempts to find a job aren’t going well. When a family connection gets her foot in the door at a law firm, she is excited for the opportunity until she finds out her boss is the sexy stranger that she wasn’t completely honest with.

Max is confident, charming and nobody’s fool. He sees past Polly’s façade and isn’t above escalating the situation, but he also has her best interests at heart which makes this story so entertaining.

Fun family dynamics, humorous interactions and an attraction that is impossible to deny despite all the hijinks going on.

[Janis Gharras · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just no fighting chemistry. These two were drowning in chemistry. Made for a quick hook and an unputdownable read.

What you should know. As is normally the case in her RomComs the heroine is young, immature and silly. The hero is sexy, accomplished and has nothing to prove. I loved how this apparent mismatch of personalities kept crossing paths. He calls it as he sees it. She denies all. So much fun!

Check it out!

I received an ARC for an honest review. I'm so happy I did. What a fun read.

[Stacy Sivak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! Polly is a typical middle child who feels invisible to her family until she makes a life decision. Everything changes for her…but is it for the better? Not so much. Her new internship isn’t all she thought it would be. Enter the rude guy she met and told off earlier…did I mention he’s one of the hottest guys she’s ever seen and he knows it. I did not want to stop reading. It kept my interest and I was invested in the characters and the plot. I love at good love hate story and this was all that. I closed the back cover satisfied and happy.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this sequel but found it just okay. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one not so much. The ongoing banter between the sisters devoted into immaturity. The relationship between Polly and Max wasn't believable as they, to me, just weren't suited for each other. She is immature and stretched the truth regularly while he is a well respected attorney with an established practice. The ending also felt rushed to me. I'm not sure I'll read the final book in the series if it's written like this one.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great read from Ms Cooper. You'll love Max and Polly's story and all the antics of the hilarious Campbell sisters. Polly is the middle girl and just as crazy as the others. As with most J S Cooper books, there's a lot of hilarious banter between the characters. This was a great read that I read in one sitting. Polly and Max's chemistry was explosive. A great addition to the series, and can't wait for Chelsea's story next. I read an arc via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Campbell Sisters series and it's absolutely fantastic! Polly and Max are hysterical and will have your side splitting from laughing so hard. It's a fast paced, insta love story that's engaging and consuming. These characters are perfect together. The chemistry is hot, the back and forth between them is so funny and they balance each other perfectly. Another great addition to this series.

[Cynthia Dutro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely couldn’t wait for the second installment of the Campbell sisters. Polly is definitely an endearing hot mess. She is along with her sisters are definitely characters and make you laugh out loud with their crazy antics. Max is a smoldering hot attorney who pushes and challenges Polly and sees through all her BS. It’s an entertaining read. Grab your self a drink and sit on the beach and read this book. You won’t be disappointed.