Never Bargain with the Boss

Never Say Never #5

by Lauren Landish

Grumpy single dad? Me.
Sassy nanny with a past? Her.
And a too-smart-for-her-own-good pre-teen? That’d be my beloved daughter.

Being a single dad isn’t easy. Neither is running a billion-dollar company. Parenting is definitely harder, but I’ve been doing just fine—at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. And then another nanny quits.

I’m not asking for much, just someone to help manage our carefully planned schedule, put up with my surliness, and not run away from the challenges my twelve-year-old daughter presents. Sounds easy enough, right? Apparently not.

Until Riley Stefano shows up.

She’s nothing like my other nannies. Pink hair, wrists full of oversized bracelets, and a personality as loud as her wardrobe. Not exactly the picture of order and professionalism I prefer. She’s chaotic and carefree, while I’m cursing the sun for daring to rise each day. But Grace loves her - and as much as I hate to admit it, Riley’s good at what she does. She fits into our little family better than I would’ve thought possible.

It should be perfect. There’s just one problem. Riley.

She has a way of breaking down walls I’ve spent years building, bringing up a past I’d rather leave buried, and making me feel things I have no right to. But with her right down the hall, it’s impossible to stay away. And the more time we spend together, the harder it gets to remember why I swore I’d never risk my heart again.

Never Bargain With The Boss is a full-length romance with an HEA. It can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance, Found Family, Billionaires, Workplace Romance

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2024

About the author

Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.

When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!

Visit Lauren's Website at: http://www.laurenlandish.com/
Join the Mailing list at: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenlandish

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have said Never Fall for your boss until I read this book 📙

Riley Stefano, let’s just say she lost her family and had grown up in the foster system…

Like any kid who has grown up in the foster system they learn to be self-sufficient, most learn that at a young age, that is one of the golden rules to Surviving in most situations in the system

Riley had a private investigator (Cole Harrington) help out a while back and he told her, if she ever needed anything to just call him…Well, she did just as he said and called him after her foster father once again somehow tracked her down



Cameron Harrington is used to being the most powerful man in the room. He would sweep into boardrooms and people would quake, wanting to either impress him or remain invisible to him depending on his mood…….. but not her, she doesn’t fear him …. .. OH no no no see she Micromanages him

Grace Marie Harrington, Little 12-year-old , knew how to Pretty much wrap all the males in the family around her little finger …….. That little 12-year-old girl also knew how to flip through nannies like there was no tomorrow…



I was so invested in Cameron and Grace Since we met these two in previous books……. I truly enjoyed watching them grow together…… I must say I truly love this family, And I enjoy all the side stories that are going on………. This is definitely another highly recommended must reads from Lauren Landish

[Clary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah bc why did she forgive him so fast ???? A few pretty words after he said all that shit to her ?? And he’s constantly needing someone else to tell him what an idiot he is, otherwise he doesn’t go for his girl. Fuck that. I hate that he was forgiven so damn fast. Maybe I’m just resentful.
1 ⭐️ for the dynamics between Riley and Grace
1 ⭐️ for it didn’t suck but I wanted to throw my kindle across the room.

[Izzie (semi-hiatus) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

”There’s a before-this moment and an after-this moment. Before, there was no Riley. Well, she existed, but there was a boundary between us. After, she’s mine and I’m hers. And we both know it.”

3.5⭐️ The slow burn romance and heartwarming family dynamics charmed me.

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK DESERVES A MILLION STARS!!

I always enjoy Lauren Landish books but this one is my FAVORITE book of ALL TIME! I was completely consumed by these characters. Two opposites that have gone through some very heavy times. Two people who have hearts of gold. Two people who need one another as long as the walls come down. Cameron and Riley’s story is heartwarming. You are fully engaged with the story, characters and side characters. I love this family. I loved every single thing about this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I couldn’t wait for their happily ever after.

Highly recommended.

A*R*C team read.

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forgiving assholes too easily is my biggest pet peeve..

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the engaging and amazing romance story. When Cameron needs a nanny to take care of his twelve year old daughter, Riley with her pink hair is not someone he would choose, but she comes highly recommended by his brother, Cole, and his wife. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story by the fabulous and fantastic author, Lauren Landish.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book in this series and by this author, and this is by FAR the best book I've read from her. The reason for taking one star away is that she still needs to work on segueing sex scenes into the book, they're at times just randomly thrown in or happen suddenly, or (like the last sex scene) just not needed and it ruined the tone of that part of the book.
This book deals with some heavy topics--death of a loved one (yes, the dad is a widow--but he's not obsessed with her, but her death (9 years prior to when the book takes place) obviously REALLY effected him and his daughter. He doesn't consistently think about her--but she was seemingly a wonderful mother and wife, and all of this is done with care and respect...I usually don't like the widow trope--but this was done VERY well, imo), foster care, the feeling that one is undeserving of love, a child wanting a mother...these were all done with feeling and respect. I was surprised from my previous experience with this author that she was able to write about these sensitive subjects with so much respect and without brushing over them lightly and also without using them simply as a plot device.
There is a 3rd act break up--and it's one where I could see both sides of the story. I understood why it happened--even if I didn't agree with it. No one was being bad, it was actually very realistic to me, and how it was solved was very realistic.
This still had the humor from the previous novels, so while there were SOME angst--in my opinion, there wasn't a lot of it. I love how Riley, Cameron, AND Grace (the daughter) grew and became better people throughout the book. It was sweet.

2025 Bingo--read 3 books in a row from the same author.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a good nanny romance and this one was perfection! Cameron and Riley are grumpy-sunshine vibes with a side of healing and love!

Cameron lost his wife almost a decade ago and has been living his life for his daughter, Grace. In reality though, he hasn't been living at all. He's closed off and comes across as grumpy and stern. Grace is hilarious and just helped make this story even better! Cameron and Grace's relationship was so beautiful. You can tell how much they love each other. Riley is so fun and colorful and so unapologetically herself! I loved all the moments she had with Grace whether giving advice or giving support. Riley was a much needed breath of fresh air for the father/daughter team!

Watching Cameron navigate his growing feelings was everything. Riley makes him feel again and he makes her feel like she deserves happiness. I love how these two come to be and how Grace becomes both of their priority. Opposites attract is one of my absolute favorite tropes and Lauren wrote it perfectly! I have loved this family series!

ARC review.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the beginning, but was disappointed with the MMC by the middle. It wasn’t anything specific, I just had higher hopes for him. The MFC was awesome.

[juls ㅤᵕ̈ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

the writing was just … not it 😭 the amount of “gen z” slang took 10 years off of my life span. i’m not exaggerating. some examples:
- “I listen to every word. I swear I do, but the ins and outs of teenage conversations can go over my head sometimes, especially when Grace starts slipping in slang I don’t understand. What in the world is a skibidi? I don’t know, but she acts like it’s a perfectly normal word”
- “Okay, so denial isn’t just a river in Egypt, but focusing on the good has served me well and I intend to keep doing it”
- “You really have no rizz at all, do you”

KEEP SOCIAL MEDIA VOCAB OUT OF BOOKS …

oh and:
- the fmc resells thrifted clothes (😒)
- grace (the daughter) listens to stray kids … then we read this beautiful internal monologue: “Given the scrolling information of the car’s screen, I deduce that’s the bands name, and she hasn’t taken a liking to actual lost children. Once upon a time, that’s what I would’ve been considered. A lost child, maybe even a lost cause.” a part of me died inside.
- “I’m not some Blowjob Queen who gives Gluck-Gluck 9000s on the regular” HELL NAH 😭😭😭😭 I had to put the book down for a sec to recompose myself.
- the angst was so stupid … and got resolved so quickly i genuinely don’t see it lasting very long between riley and cameron

fair to say the writing was atrocious. gave it 2 ⭐️ instead of 1 bcs riley and grace’s relationship was cute … and i’m happy riley got her happy ending. but overall a bit boring and there are waaaayyy better single dad/nanny books out there.

[ludiary ⁺｡⋆˚⁺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25
A simple vista, no estaba del todo copada con la idea de una relación entre la niñera y el padre por lo que podria a llegar a repercutar en la hija. Sin embargo decidí darle una oportunidad y no me arrepiento ni un poco.
El trope principal es sunshine x grupo, medio side trope es i hace everyone but You. La escritora logra crear una hermosa relación entre ambos, creando un excelente ambiente de tensión y lo ejecuta a la perfección.
A pesar de sus 400 páginas aproximadamente, se llega a profundizar a todos los personajes. Se logra expresar los cambios en la pre adolescencia y como van cambiando nuestras amistades a medida que crecemos.
Hace mucho que no lloraba con un libro

[Chronic Chihuahua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once Again, HIS Affluent Anecdotal PTSD Is Prioritised Over HER Long Term CPTSD, Nothing In This Story Is For Riley, She Is Emotionally Abused, Financially Played With By Everyone

Neolibs and Neocons be like: "Uhm excuse me, we are able to forgive him for making her traumatic experience, about him, and weaponising his daughter, and the h's financial security, to do so. But ignore the privilege we are communicating to you right now, her trauma only matters when its used to affirm how we feel like we would respond to rejection."

Hahahahahahahaha

If you don't like that I'm Irish, and we didn't have Dominator Cultures until the British Sumptuary Laws imposed patriarchy here, when we didnt even have "womens clothing" then this review is not for you. It will tear apart dominator cultures in favour of cooperative cultures and making a character with pink hair, won't stop me noticing the dominator culture she is an apologist for, and never grows from that.

Thus, I don't care about your grammar, I've never given a fuck about structure, I'm here for the plot and it needs to sell, big time. If you think a marginalised persons lifelong trauma is a simple "my bad mate, promise I won't do that again" fix then, well, I'm going to eat you up for ever including it in your story, appropriator.

Trigger Warning for The Neolibs and Neocons, I don't care what you reply. The Neoliberal president just let Israel Genocide Gaza, for clout so I do not care, Neoliberal Fascists deserve the Neoconservative Nazis they curate.

I won't be reading your ableist perceptions of appropriating long term trauma.

Bosses are never you friend.

Your Reminder That Trauma Causes Internalised Impulses, Not Externalised Impulses, So You Handed Him And Excuse To Ensure Riley Always Knows, Until She Breeds A Sacrificial Lamb And Whipping Boy For Cameron And Grace To Abuse, She's Always First On The Emotional/Social/Financial/Domestic Chopping Block.

So this story failed to convince me that Riley was any sort of an abuse victim.

"Haha we destroyed all this stuff, hahahahah"

Uhm ok, so like, shes just a spoiled girl thespian enjoying breaking stuff and making cleaners clean mirrors and stuff.

Gawd why are Neoliberals and Neoconservatives so fucking out of touch and just insensitive?

How sweet that this abuse victim doesn't mind being kicked to the curb, doesn't mind being weaponised in some rich persons toxic fantasy.

You really are rich assholes.

I really want Luigi Mangione to show up and pap your asses.

Abuse has a physical impact on someones body.

When they are adults, there is NO undoing that he weaponised his emotions and the weaponised her financial security against her.

But again, shes not an abuse victim.

Shes a placeholder for affluent women to victimise themselves and live through real hardships for a second, then show the teal abuse victims how its done.

There was like a whole half of this book absent.

But as always, Riley doesn't have to grow, she doesn't have to exprct better than this Social Murderer, abusing her with her sense of wellbeing.

Once hes made that choice, and spent days centering himself the toxic basterd, there's no undoing that memory for her.

She will always be waiting for him to put her safety behind somebody elses, sorry, "somebody elses" because the daughter wasn't even in danger.

And it takes a really toxic fantasy from his trophy, to get him to afford her personhood. And shes already let him.

Already accepted coercing her financially and emotionally, as acceptable.

Well I guess shes learnt her lesson or something?

Such a quick response for someone apparently with trauma.

I don't care about michelle by the end of this book.

TRAUMA CAUSES INTERNALISED IMPULSES, NOT EXTERNALISED IMPULSES, BUT THE ABUSERS HAVE YOUR NUMBER.

Now, Riley will roll over like a good doggie and submit to his anecdote of trauma, versus her long term repeated trauma.

"I want a mommy."

Rich girl problems eh?

Snore.

Means Tested Sympathies these days.

Billionaires are causing everything so no cannot relate to social murderers, who starve, disable and kill poor kids by existing.

Literally the Class War diluting the Culture War, cannot come soon enough.

And I'm glad this review pisses you off.

I'm glad it reminds you that its all manipulating those who were made vulnerable by a system he creates.

Gross.

But as I said, she's not real, she exists to affirm the positions of the Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked, how "gracious" and wet behind the ear they'd be, in the same shitty, coercive circumstances.

Green Pilled Patriarchial Parable of Toxicity.

I can't wait for the next Nanny to fuck Riley over.

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being twelve and having a workaholic for a father is a lot for Grace. Going through nannies is something she's mastered and something her father Cameron has come to expect, that is until Riley enters the picture. Riley, a foster child most of her life, met Cameron's brother Cole when he informed her about her biological father. Cole's suggestion that she become Grace's nanny throws Cameron for a loop. Everyone seems to love her and she's a perfect fit. Cameron has been closed off to love, choosing to devote all his time and effort to his daughter. Growing up in the foster care system, Riley has had to rely on herself. She knows nothing is meant to last forever. But being with Grace and Cameron feels right, even if it's only for right now.

An amazing story from start to finish! I knew Cameron's book was going to be emotional, but it was so much more! The Riley/Cameron dynamic had me anticipating their business relationship as well as their evolving friendship and beyond. This book gave me all the feels and some tears. Brilliant storytelling and a phenomenal must read!!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! This is the story of the oldest Harrington brother Cameron and Riley, the fun loving pink haired nanny that’s ultimate goal is to make people happy. When Cam hires Riley based off his brother’s recommendation, he is unaware of the past that follows and finds her everywhere she goes.

Cameron and his daughter Grace are completely taken back with her fun loving nature and infectious need to bring joy to everyone she meets. Their world is immediately thrown off kilter. Can Riley break down Cameron’s walls that he built around he and his daughter’s precious hearts? Can he keep her from running away as soon as she feels the feels?You will need to read to find out but let me tell you, I promise you will love this one!

[Letitia Bennion · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

We finally get Cameron's story. Grace is a little more grown up now, but just as wonderful as before. In comes Riley to work her magic on this single father trying to survive the start of having a teenage daughter. I absolutely loved Riley, her story melted my heart and made her personality all the better because of it. We finally got to hear Cameron's story and what happened in the past, it broke my heart. We also get to see the past characters or siblings and their spouses. Overall, I giggled, I teared up, I got angry(on behalf of the characters), I cheered. You should definitely give this book a shot!




I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[Bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad Cameron Harrington's world revolves entirely around his daughter, Grace. She is his everything. But when a lively new nanny named Riley steps into their lives, everything Cameron thought he knew is about to be turned upside down. Riley is the breath of fresh air they never realized they needed.
Cam has always been the serious, no-nonsense type—focused solely on raising Grace and avoiding distractions. He hasn’t dated in years, living his life with a kind of robotic routine. But Riley brings a spark of joy that shows him how to have fun again, how to smile, and rediscover happiness. Though they are polar opposites, the more they spend time together, the clearer it becomes just how right they might be for each other.
This heartwarming single dad/nanny romance had me captivated from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, and I loved every moment of their journey.

[Gwen Smith-leak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley has had a hard life..She good with kids because she always taken care of kids. Cole has known her for some time . He asked her over so she could be a nanny for his brother Cameron..Grace is his 12 year old daughter. Riley becomes the nanny, she becomes close to the daughter and Cameron. You will love all the things she does to make his loose up. He’s been brokenhearted since his wife died and has not let anybody else in.. Until Riley comes into there life..Riley is use to be leaving her, she fells at home with them. There is danger in this story. Misunderstood happen and you will love how everything changes the tune

[Ashauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Lofty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*
Cameron is doing a great job fetching up his daughter Grace after loosing his wife Michelle.
Riley knows what it's like to loose her mum, she was in foster care for years until becoming a nanny.
When Riley asks Cole for a favour he recommends Riley to Cameron as his last nanny quit. But as Riley and Cameron become closer her past puts things at risk.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I begged for a digital ARC of this book. I love Lauren Landish and her spicy novels and this one was no different! This is book 5 in the series and could technically be read as a stand alone, but the lead male character, and his family are part of the first four books. Cameron is a single dad with a spirited daughter who has a habit of running off nannies. Riley is a nanny looking for a job. Cameron’s brother Cole knows Riley and has her nannying for him for a few days before offering her to his brother. But Riley has pink hair, ripped jeans, comfy boots, and way too much jewelry so Cameron thinks he’s crazy. But Riley gets him to agree to a 3 month trial. She’s a good nanny and she knows she can prove it. Both with pasts with a lot of baggage, they start helping each other, and Grace, Cameron’s daughter, get back to their true selves. Along the way feelings start to develop, but there’s an age difference and the whole boss/employee situation. There’s also Grace to consider. Can it all work out? You’ll have to read to find out. I can’t wait for book 6 for Kayla, the only sister’s story. Start at book one and enjoy the whole series!

[Lisa Hoak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Cameron and Riley's book. I had a feeling when Riley popped up in Cole's story that we might see her again. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series to be able to follow this book. However, series are always best from the beginning as you tend to get glimpses of characters here and there.

Cole and Janey's book is still my favorite in this series but watching Cameron realize he was a man who deserved love again and not just a father was pretty great.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooolyyyyy slooooowww burn! 🔥 🔥 🔥 Totally worth it, those scenes were filthy in the best way. I have loved every single book in this series and written by Lauren Landish in general. Fantastic storytelling and romance. Tons of gems sprinkled throughout.

“A girl’s girl is the best kind of friend. One who will celebrate your successes, offer support during a down time, right your crown when it goes a little crooked, and have your back even when you’re not in the room. They build you up, lift you up, and want you to be your best.”

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nanny I never expected !

When I hired her to be my daughter's nanny I never expected to fall in love with these pink haired, loud, thrift store person, funny and most of caring !! My daughter loves everything about her and so do I , this story is really well written and I really enjoyed it ! If you like well written books and heart warming stories then you definitely will love Cameron and Riley's story
I recommend it with a 5 Stars review

[Sarah Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so great admittedly so is this whole series? I have loved getting to know each of the Harrington Brothers and Cameron has always been the untouchable grumpy older brother. His daughter Grace though has been a shining beacon throughout the series of just bubbly love. That is till Riley her new nanny entered the picture. Riley meets Cameron head on in a damage plus damage equals healing trope that I didn’t know I needed. Add in a little opposites, attract, single dad plus nanny trope and that’s what you have with this book. It’s fantastic!

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley is almost Mary Poppins minus the stiff uniform, hair and umbrella but somehow she has magic because Grace has gone through so many nannies. Grace’s father Cameron is set in his ways thinking something will happen to Grace but he seems charmed by Riley but Riley’s background is coming to cause trouble and the magic will be shattered.
I loved this book and all the characters!

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful addition to this series. Cameron and Riley's story was an entertaining read from start to finish. Cameron was a single dad. His daughter's name is Grace. Riley is hired to become Grace's nanny. What happens when you put all three of these people together you get yourself a story that will grab you and will not let you go. I loved every minute of it. This is a MUST read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Bargain with the Boss by Lauren Landish is book 5 in the Never Say Never Series. This is the story of Cameron and Riley. This was a wonderful opposite attraction romance. We have the Grumpy Cameron who a single father and Riley who brings the crazy..funny joy to their lives. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from Ms. Landish soon!

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. Quite the slow burn but picked up quick once they got together. Really enjoyed the realistic/reality check on the foster system. The slow burn set up a beautiful relationship with both Cameron and Grace. Only wish was seeing them as a couple together longer!

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this within 24 hours. Its so cute, it has a good plot and I love the characters.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked how it started, but I got bored like in 70%

The plot was meh .. but overall okay book