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The Lockhart Brothers #2
The Boss I Can't Stand
The Hating Game meets Anyone But You—but she’s a costume designer, he’s Hollywood’s hottest problem, and one dropped cufflink launches them into a fake engagement with real feelings and zero escape plan.
Yay, I’m engaged… to the biggest jerk in Hollywood.
If Finn Lockhart ever wrote an AITA post, the answer would be a unanimous yes.
Why am I engaged to someone I can’t stand? Funny story. I work for Finn—costume designer on his latest movie. One day on set, I dropped a box of cufflinks.
Finn kneeled down to help. The paparazzi snapped a photo. Voilà—engagement.
The fake news goes viral. Suddenly, Hollywood’s most notorious (and hottest) bachelor is off the market. And his PR team? Obsessed.
Finn’s stressed about the film, and I’m not one to ruin a good production. So, I play along. I move into his absurdly luxurious penthouse where his cat gives me side-eye from a marble windowsill.
Clearly, brooding disdain runs in the family.
But I know how this story goes. Men like Finn don’t fall in love. Especially not with women like me.
Then his lips crash onto mine.
And suddenly, pretending is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.
Yay, I’m engaged… to the biggest jerk in Hollywood.
If Finn Lockhart ever wrote an AITA post, the answer would be a unanimous yes.
Why am I engaged to someone I can’t stand? Funny story. I work for Finn—costume designer on his latest movie. One day on set, I dropped a box of cufflinks.
Finn kneeled down to help. The paparazzi snapped a photo. Voilà—engagement.
The fake news goes viral. Suddenly, Hollywood’s most notorious (and hottest) bachelor is off the market. And his PR team? Obsessed.
Finn’s stressed about the film, and I’m not one to ruin a good production. So, I play along. I move into his absurdly luxurious penthouse where his cat gives me side-eye from a marble windowsill.
Clearly, brooding disdain runs in the family.
But I know how this story goes. Men like Finn don’t fall in love. Especially not with women like me.
Then his lips crash onto mine.
And suddenly, pretending is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.
388 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2025
249 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Leslie North
668 books1,525 followersNew to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
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Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
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Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
September 14, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Relay publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
What happens when find yourself stuck in a fake engagement with a man you can’t stand? Sierra is about to find out. Sierra is a costume designer and she finds herself working on a production with the boss from hell, producer Finn Lockwood. After their disastrous first meeting Sierra did not expect to be offered the job, however she lands the job on her own merits and quickly gets stuck in. When a dropped box of cufflinks means their photo ends up in a gossip rag, Sierra and Finn enter into a fake engagement to capitalise on the positive publicity for the movie they are working on. Sierra finds herself self moving into Finn’s penthouse, his cat is giving her the side eye so clearly being broody runs in the family and maybe she thinks she sees glimpses of the real Finn. The lines blur between what is fake and what is real when Finn’s lips land on hers, Sierra’s feelings are anything but fake.
Ooh where to start, the chemistry between these two positively sizzled and that disastrous first meeting had me in stitches, Finn needed to build himself a bridge and get over himself. Sierra was lovely, very sweet, very genuine and her relationships with her mum and Ro, made me like her even more as they really support each other. Finn’s a very complicated and messy man, a lot to unpick with that one as her goes up life expecting disaster and as a result doesn’t get close to anyone, so when he meets Sierra she throws his perfectly orchestrated life into turmoil. The relationship between Finn and his family gives a lot of context into why he is the way he is, his niece though is adorable. I loved watching the relationship develop between these two and I was hoping Finn would see sense before he loses Sierra, that speech he made as he was handed the coveted award he wanted, melted my heart. I loved this book and I would not hesitate to recommend it, an easy 5 stars for me.
What happens when find yourself stuck in a fake engagement with a man you can’t stand? Sierra is about to find out. Sierra is a costume designer and she finds herself working on a production with the boss from hell, producer Finn Lockwood. After their disastrous first meeting Sierra did not expect to be offered the job, however she lands the job on her own merits and quickly gets stuck in. When a dropped box of cufflinks means their photo ends up in a gossip rag, Sierra and Finn enter into a fake engagement to capitalise on the positive publicity for the movie they are working on. Sierra finds herself self moving into Finn’s penthouse, his cat is giving her the side eye so clearly being broody runs in the family and maybe she thinks she sees glimpses of the real Finn. The lines blur between what is fake and what is real when Finn’s lips land on hers, Sierra’s feelings are anything but fake.
Ooh where to start, the chemistry between these two positively sizzled and that disastrous first meeting had me in stitches, Finn needed to build himself a bridge and get over himself. Sierra was lovely, very sweet, very genuine and her relationships with her mum and Ro, made me like her even more as they really support each other. Finn’s a very complicated and messy man, a lot to unpick with that one as her goes up life expecting disaster and as a result doesn’t get close to anyone, so when he meets Sierra she throws his perfectly orchestrated life into turmoil. The relationship between Finn and his family gives a lot of context into why he is the way he is, his niece though is adorable. I loved watching the relationship develop between these two and I was hoping Finn would see sense before he loses Sierra, that speech he made as he was handed the coveted award he wanted, melted my heart. I loved this book and I would not hesitate to recommend it, an easy 5 stars for me.
October 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The boss I can't stand is the second book in the Lockhart Brohters series by Leslie North, this time we are following Finn and Sierra, after they find themselves stuck in a fake engagement.
First of all, this is marketed as perfect for fans of The hating game and YES, that's 100% true. Whoever decided to market it that way, good job. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Now, let's move to the actual story. Finn and Sierra can't stand each other, but boy do they have chemistry. The tension between them is palpable since their first meeting, the banter is immaculate and sparks are sparkling. I loved their relationship and how they slowly transitioned from "can't stand each other" to "okay, it's not that bad" to "wow, I love you".
I also really enjoyed the setting. Getting to read about the behind the scenes of movie making ans costume design was great, it definitely helped me get into the story more.
Lastly, Lord Meowington the 3rd was a lovely character. I wish I could actually get pictures of him in his little sweaters.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The boss I can't stand is the second book in the Lockhart Brohters series by Leslie North, this time we are following Finn and Sierra, after they find themselves stuck in a fake engagement.
First of all, this is marketed as perfect for fans of The hating game and YES, that's 100% true. Whoever decided to market it that way, good job. I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Now, let's move to the actual story. Finn and Sierra can't stand each other, but boy do they have chemistry. The tension between them is palpable since their first meeting, the banter is immaculate and sparks are sparkling. I loved their relationship and how they slowly transitioned from "can't stand each other" to "okay, it's not that bad" to "wow, I love you".
I also really enjoyed the setting. Getting to read about the behind the scenes of movie making ans costume design was great, it definitely helped me get into the story more.
Lastly, Lord Meowington the 3rd was a lovely character. I wish I could actually get pictures of him in his little sweaters.
August 12, 2025
Omg, I thought Liam’s book was awesome. Finn’s is even better! lol. Sierra is manning the counter at In Stitches which is soon to close and is on the phone with her mother, Maggie, who is talking about her wedding dress and the changes she wants for it, again, for the upteenth time. She does this throughout the book causing poor Sierra to redo sections of the dress, over and over again. Egads. I think I’d have said, oops, i did it this way. I fixed it fifteen times for you. I’ll only fix it once more mom. lol. So, just before closing, a very well dressed man shows up and peruses everything well past closing, so of course, Sierra mouths off. She finds out that it is Finn, whom she has an interview with the next day for one of his movies. I love Liam, and their other brother Connor. Connor’s daughter, Grace is absolutely adorable and at 8, is beginning to be a force to be reckoned with. lol.
Learning more about Finn and the gang’s mother and how they grew up, broke my heart. Rose or Ro, is Sierra’s bestie. She is also a director and they both end up working on the same movie- a period piece set in the 1920s. I found a lot of the book to be absolutely fascinating. Brenna, X, and the rest of the movie team are hilarious and wonderful and work well together. Finn is a perfectionist and his past is most of the reason why. I laughed, cried, ranted, chewed on my nails, had my AC on for the romance and steam. I also wanted to smack a few people a few times. Sierra’s assistants on the set are Paisley, Carter and Trin, who made me grin and laugh, and the mannequin Merle. Who knew they could be funny too. lol.
Sierra and Finn give off a lot of sparks and a paparazzi get a pic of them and take it the wrong way and so they go with the flow and make believe that S & F are engaged, and Sierra moves in with Finn and meets Lord Meowington the 3rd. OMG. I laughed myself silly. I was miffed at Finn a lot because he is kinda mean a lot throughout the book. He also holds a grudge like no one’s business. But, he is hurting and so he hurts others. I just wanted to hug him. Then punch him a few times. lol. The book is awesome and I can’t wait to read Connor’s book. There were a few things that I didn’t see coming in the book that made me gasp and giggle like mad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Learning more about Finn and the gang’s mother and how they grew up, broke my heart. Rose or Ro, is Sierra’s bestie. She is also a director and they both end up working on the same movie- a period piece set in the 1920s. I found a lot of the book to be absolutely fascinating. Brenna, X, and the rest of the movie team are hilarious and wonderful and work well together. Finn is a perfectionist and his past is most of the reason why. I laughed, cried, ranted, chewed on my nails, had my AC on for the romance and steam. I also wanted to smack a few people a few times. Sierra’s assistants on the set are Paisley, Carter and Trin, who made me grin and laugh, and the mannequin Merle. Who knew they could be funny too. lol.
Sierra and Finn give off a lot of sparks and a paparazzi get a pic of them and take it the wrong way and so they go with the flow and make believe that S & F are engaged, and Sierra moves in with Finn and meets Lord Meowington the 3rd. OMG. I laughed myself silly. I was miffed at Finn a lot because he is kinda mean a lot throughout the book. He also holds a grudge like no one’s business. But, he is hurting and so he hurts others. I just wanted to hug him. Then punch him a few times. lol. The book is awesome and I can’t wait to read Connor’s book. There were a few things that I didn’t see coming in the book that made me gasp and giggle like mad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2025
The Hating Game meets Anyone But You—but she’s a costume designer, he’s Hollywood’s hottest problem, and one dropped cufflink launches them into a fake engagement with real feelings and zero escape plan.
Yay, I’m engaged… to the biggest jerk in Hollywood.
If Finn Lockhart ever wrote an AITA post, the answer would be a unanimous yes.
Why am I engaged to someone I can’t stand? Funny story. I work for Finn, the costume designer on his latest movie. One day on set, I dropped a box of cufflinks.
Finn kneeled down to help. The paparazzi snapped a photo. Voilà—engagement.
The fake news goes viral. Suddenly, Hollywood’s most notorious (and hottest) bachelor is off the market. And his PR team? Obsessed.
Finn’s stressed about the film, and I’m not one to ruin a good production. So, I play along. I move into his absurdly luxurious penthouse, where his cat gives me side-eye from a marble windowsill.
Clearly, brooding disdain runs in the family.
But I know how this story goes. Men like Finn don’t fall in love. Especially not with women like me.
Then his lips crash onto mine.
And suddenly, pretending is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.
This contemporary grumpy sunshine billionaire boss enemies-to-lovers rom-com romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Hollywood, and characters that are an alpha, grumpy billionaire boss, a costume designer, who are humorous, captivating, opposites attract, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling and humorous with the boss I can't stand, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, humor that will leave readers laughing out loud, drama, heartfelt emotions, paparazzi, a fake engagement, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the boss I can't stand and a mature, explicit grumpy/sunshine billionaire romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly humorous, dramatic, lustful, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yay, I’m engaged… to the biggest jerk in Hollywood.
If Finn Lockhart ever wrote an AITA post, the answer would be a unanimous yes.
Why am I engaged to someone I can’t stand? Funny story. I work for Finn, the costume designer on his latest movie. One day on set, I dropped a box of cufflinks.
Finn kneeled down to help. The paparazzi snapped a photo. Voilà—engagement.
The fake news goes viral. Suddenly, Hollywood’s most notorious (and hottest) bachelor is off the market. And his PR team? Obsessed.
Finn’s stressed about the film, and I’m not one to ruin a good production. So, I play along. I move into his absurdly luxurious penthouse, where his cat gives me side-eye from a marble windowsill.
Clearly, brooding disdain runs in the family.
But I know how this story goes. Men like Finn don’t fall in love. Especially not with women like me.
Then his lips crash onto mine.
And suddenly, pretending is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.
This contemporary grumpy sunshine billionaire boss enemies-to-lovers rom-com romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Hollywood, and characters that are an alpha, grumpy billionaire boss, a costume designer, who are humorous, captivating, opposites attract, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling and humorous with the boss I can't stand, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, humor that will leave readers laughing out loud, drama, heartfelt emotions, paparazzi, a fake engagement, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the boss I can't stand and a mature, explicit grumpy/sunshine billionaire romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly humorous, dramatic, lustful, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
After reading and enjoying ‘The CEO I Hate’, the first book in the Lockhart Brothers series, I knew I wanted to read more books in this series. So when I received ‘The Boss I Can’t Stand’, the second standalone book in the series, I was super excited.
In ‘The Boss I Can’t Stand’ we read the story of Finn Lockhart and Siera. Finn is the owner of a Hollywood production company and for his new movie, he hires Siera as the costume designer. From the moment these two meet, they go head to head. They didn’t agree on anything! Which made for some very funny moments. Their banters where just hilarious and I laughed so much!
Next to a sizzling romance, I loved reading about the behind the scenes moments of making a movie. Siera’s life as a costume designer was so fun to read about, especially since I know nothing about that world. She had a great team behind her, and I loved reading about their hardworking group.
But Finn and Siera’s chemistry was definitely the best part. Siera broke through all Finn’s walls. Walls he put up for years and not even his family was able to get through. (Swoon!!) Add a very fun animal side character named: Lord Meowington the 3rd, and this book was definitely a hit for me.
(4.5 stars)
In ‘The Boss I Can’t Stand’ we read the story of Finn Lockhart and Siera. Finn is the owner of a Hollywood production company and for his new movie, he hires Siera as the costume designer. From the moment these two meet, they go head to head. They didn’t agree on anything! Which made for some very funny moments. Their banters where just hilarious and I laughed so much!
Next to a sizzling romance, I loved reading about the behind the scenes moments of making a movie. Siera’s life as a costume designer was so fun to read about, especially since I know nothing about that world. She had a great team behind her, and I loved reading about their hardworking group.
But Finn and Siera’s chemistry was definitely the best part. Siera broke through all Finn’s walls. Walls he put up for years and not even his family was able to get through. (Swoon!!) Add a very fun animal side character named: Lord Meowington the 3rd, and this book was definitely a hit for me.
(4.5 stars)
August 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deliciously Grumpy-Sunshine, Fake Fiancé Perfection!
This book had me hooked from the very first sarcastic exchange! Sierra and Finn are the ultimate grumpy-sunshine pairing—her wit and fire balancing perfectly against his brooding, Hollywood bad-boy energy. The fake engagement trope is done SO well here—funny, swoony, and full of sparks that practically leap off the page.
I loved the behind-the-scenes movie set vibes and Sierra’s costume designer world—it gave the romance such a fresh backdrop. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and every stolen kiss felt like it could be the one that changed everything. And Finn’s grumpy, reluctant vulnerability? Swoon. By the end, I was fully invested in this couple and didn’t want their story to end.
If you love The Hating Game style banter, a fake relationship with very real emotions, and a hero who falls hard against his own better judgment, this is a must-read. Leslie North nailed it again with the perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me hooked from the very first sarcastic exchange! Sierra and Finn are the ultimate grumpy-sunshine pairing—her wit and fire balancing perfectly against his brooding, Hollywood bad-boy energy. The fake engagement trope is done SO well here—funny, swoony, and full of sparks that practically leap off the page.
I loved the behind-the-scenes movie set vibes and Sierra’s costume designer world—it gave the romance such a fresh backdrop. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and every stolen kiss felt like it could be the one that changed everything. And Finn’s grumpy, reluctant vulnerability? Swoon. By the end, I was fully invested in this couple and didn’t want their story to end.
If you love The Hating Game style banter, a fake relationship with very real emotions, and a hero who falls hard against his own better judgment, this is a must-read. Leslie North nailed it again with the perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
I say this about every Leslie North book, but this was my favorite. I loved the unique take where you get really invested in their relationship through the fake dating, but then you wonder... is the breakup coming?
The emotions were raw and powerful for both characters. I especially loved the MMC and his growth throughout the book.
But this book had me at the first chapter. What a brilliant setup. I was giggling and feeling all sorts of upset along with our FMC. The tension is perfect. The give and take tension all the way to the end was fabulous and I loved the chemistry between the characters.
The plot was a lot of fun and worked so well for the story. It made everything flow so perfectly. I couldn't put it down.
I recommend to anyone wanting a romance to make you feel all sorts of gooey feelings. Give some great laughs. And leave you swooning.
There's some good spice and cute moments along with hard earned moments.
Overall, a brilliant novel by Leslie North, and I enjoyed it!
The emotions were raw and powerful for both characters. I especially loved the MMC and his growth throughout the book.
But this book had me at the first chapter. What a brilliant setup. I was giggling and feeling all sorts of upset along with our FMC. The tension is perfect. The give and take tension all the way to the end was fabulous and I loved the chemistry between the characters.
The plot was a lot of fun and worked so well for the story. It made everything flow so perfectly. I couldn't put it down.
I recommend to anyone wanting a romance to make you feel all sorts of gooey feelings. Give some great laughs. And leave you swooning.
There's some good spice and cute moments along with hard earned moments.
Overall, a brilliant novel by Leslie North, and I enjoyed it!
August 12, 2025
These two clash right from the start before Sierra realizes that Finn runs the production company where she's interviewing for the biggest job in her career. By some miracle she actually gets hired and if she thinks working for the uptight control freak is bad, it gets even worse when a misunderstanding has them fake engaged and she's moving into his penthouse! Being forced to flirt not fight is harder than it looks... until it's not. But will Finn's insistence on perfection to her chaos create a rift in their agreement?
I loved their bickering and banter which seemed more real than the flirty fronts they were forced to play in public. Finn learned he didn't have to play the perfect, polished bigshot with her. She could see behind the fake persona he put on with everyone else and preferred his true self. And the epic Oscar-worthy grovel.... I really like this series and can't wait for single dad Connor's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved their bickering and banter which seemed more real than the flirty fronts they were forced to play in public. Finn learned he didn't have to play the perfect, polished bigshot with her. She could see behind the fake persona he put on with everyone else and preferred his true self. And the epic Oscar-worthy grovel.... I really like this series and can't wait for single dad Connor's story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2025
I had a lot of fun reading this fake engagement/dislike to love romance com.
Also I think we need to give an asshole tax to a lot more people.
I really enjoyed the setting this book takes place. Costume designer and movie producer get off on the wrong foot on the set of the next blockbuster. After a paparazzi mishap the 2 have to be fake fiancees while also coming to terms with the lust they have for each other. The sub-plot of our mmc's mummy issues were enjoyable too and I want to read the others books in the series.
Also I think we need to give an asshole tax to a lot more people.
I really enjoyed the setting this book takes place. Costume designer and movie producer get off on the wrong foot on the set of the next blockbuster. After a paparazzi mishap the 2 have to be fake fiancees while also coming to terms with the lust they have for each other. The sub-plot of our mmc's mummy issues were enjoyable too and I want to read the others books in the series.
September 18, 2025
3.5 stars, to be exact!
In these heavy times, this was the kind of light, easy read I needed. It follows a Hollywood exec and a costume designer, with a mix of grumpy/sunshine energy and fake-dating trope. The story is breezy and enjoyable, nothing that will stick with me for long, but definitely a fun, quick escape.
November 9, 2025
love conquers all
Finn wants everything perfect. He learnt in his childhood that things aren’t always perfect. I enjoyed Sierra’s spunk. Love that she gave him a AH tax. This was a fun read that I would recommend.
Finn wants everything perfect. He learnt in his childhood that things aren’t always perfect. I enjoyed Sierra’s spunk. Love that she gave him a AH tax. This was a fun read that I would recommend.
January 5, 2026
It's really impossible for me to give anything by Leslie North anything less than 5 stars. The chemistry between these two positively sizzled, and that disastrous first meeting had me in stitches.
August 18, 2025
Honestly it was a cute fun read, I didn’t think too deeply about it.
September 4, 2025
First time reading one of Leslie's books and honestly it was amazing.
From the first time Sierra and Finn met I was already hooked.
I Loved the parts where we could get to know more about the world of movies sets.
The romance between the two of them was amazing even though it wasn't aways perfect.
At the beginning it was really fun to see them always bickering with each other and see how their relationship got better.
Sierra was everything that Finn needed, because at heart he was just hurting which explains him being grumpy all the time.
He definitely had development troughout the book.
I feel like all the side characters were really important for the story, especially for us to see the friendship between all of them together.
Honestly the only thing that made me sad was their fight even after all. But the good news is that all worked out at the end.
lf you like the fake engagement, forced proximity and dual pov tropes, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this book!
From the first time Sierra and Finn met I was already hooked.
I Loved the parts where we could get to know more about the world of movies sets.
The romance between the two of them was amazing even though it wasn't aways perfect.
At the beginning it was really fun to see them always bickering with each other and see how their relationship got better.
Sierra was everything that Finn needed, because at heart he was just hurting which explains him being grumpy all the time.
He definitely had development troughout the book.
I feel like all the side characters were really important for the story, especially for us to see the friendship between all of them together.
Honestly the only thing that made me sad was their fight even after all. But the good news is that all worked out at the end.
lf you like the fake engagement, forced proximity and dual pov tropes, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this book!
September 8, 2025
Dropped cufflinks leads to something that sparkles
The Boss I Can't Stand is the second book in The Lockhart Brothers series. This is another funny, sweet, snarky, sizzling and passionate book in the world of the Lockhart brothers. Sierra is a seamstress who owns In Stitches and works as a costume designer for Hollywood productions. Finn is a Hollywood bad boy with a reputation that is as long as your arm. They never would have normally crossed paths except she is working on a movie he is producing. When she drops a box of cufflinks he bends down to help pick them up. The problem comes about when a picture of him down on a knee is taken completely the wrong way. In order to save the bad publicity they agree to a fake engagement that soon feels a lot more real than either intended.
I loved this story and the fun rom-com story-line that definitely gets hot and sexy.
The Boss I Can't Stand is the second book in The Lockhart Brothers series. This is another funny, sweet, snarky, sizzling and passionate book in the world of the Lockhart brothers. Sierra is a seamstress who owns In Stitches and works as a costume designer for Hollywood productions. Finn is a Hollywood bad boy with a reputation that is as long as your arm. They never would have normally crossed paths except she is working on a movie he is producing. When she drops a box of cufflinks he bends down to help pick them up. The problem comes about when a picture of him down on a knee is taken completely the wrong way. In order to save the bad publicity they agree to a fake engagement that soon feels a lot more real than either intended.
I loved this story and the fun rom-com story-line that definitely gets hot and sexy.
October 8, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
- 3 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve realised there’s beauty in that,” he said. “I don’t care if the pieces aren’t perfect anymore. They might be messy in ways, but the best things in life usually are.”
First thoughts - I think I’m gonna be so obsessed with these two, the amount of tension between them in their first interaction alone was crazy!!
Characters;
Sierra - I loved Sierra so much, she knew exactly who she was, what she wanted and she went for it. She’s unapologetically herself and stands on business. I absolutely adored her fiery personality when it came to going toe to toe with Finn, she wasn’t gonna let him walk all over her and that was so inspiring to read about. She is the grafter of all grafters, you can tell she really loves her job because those deadlines that she had to meet were wild. She pulled it out the bag and delivered like she knew she would and I loved how determined she was to prove to everyone how good at her job she is. She’s tough, she takes everything thrown at her on the chin and just gets on with it, doesn’t complain or anything like that. She makes sure everyone around her feels seen and heard, puts everyone else’s feelings above her own. I adored watching her confidence in her ability and her personality grow throughout the book and I think she found what she was looking for in the end.
Finn - Oh Mr man, you had me questioning everything in the beginning. I honestly did not know if I was gonna like him, he was rude, entitled and pretty childish. However, it wouldn’t be a good enemies to lovers if we didn’t have a dislikable character at the start. He clearly shows he cares through small gestures, acts of service is clearly his love language too and that was very obvious in this book. All the little things that Sierra likes/does he makes sure she has or does something for her that’ll make her feel better. He’s hyper focused on this movie, the extent of it is almost clinical, everything has to be perfect, on time and done properly or it’s not good enough for him. He is pretty short-tempered when he’s frustrated, this being connected to his childhood and the issues he’s had growing up in that environment. He’s shut everyone out and turned his emotions off. Finn has this entire fake personality that he presents to everyone that doesn’t truly know him as he is and he believes that this version of him, is more likeable than the real him. I was very back and forth with how I felt about Finn as he kept reverting back to his stubborn and rude self that we seen in the beginning. He saved it in the end, he grovelled and made things right with Sierra which I can appreciate.
Relationship - I lowkey loved their dynamic in the beginning, the whole hate-flirting and gentle bullying? I was eating that up. We got to see the softer sides of both of these characters, Sierra is obviously more open with her gentler side but it was still nice to see her in a setting that wasn’t her being focused on work. Finn keeps everything locked up tight with his shiny fake smile and personality on show, we see throughout the book that this isn’t actually who he is through and through. He’s got that naturally charming side, the softer side that just wants Sierra to be happy, making sure she’s eating and looking after herself. I enjoyed seeing them go from hating each other to being comfortable lying in the same bed together. The fake relationship started to clearly blur the lines between them, they were both confused as to where this relationship was going to go afterwards but with minimal discussion on that front it was bound to fall apart. These two were living together but we didn’t really get to see them as a couple, yes it was technically a fake relationship but during that time real feelings were developed and they were all but acting like they were married minus the actual label. I’m glad they got their happy ending, it wasn’t looking too hot there for a second but they are good together.
Critics - This book had me in the beginning and I really wanted to love the whole thing through and through, the few things that brought this rating right down were so frustrating I would have been lying if I had given it a higher rating in my opinion. We see these characters in the beginning as two people that can’t stand each other, they then form this sort of stilted friendship after being thrown into a PR relationships. It was nice to see that development throughout the book but then all of a sudden they go from that to sleeping with each other which felt like it happened in a blink of an eye, then that’s all they were doing but also with a little bit of relationship dynamics thrown in — without actually discussing it. Then we have the third-act breakup, which is on me for not realising was a trope otherwise I may not have read it in the first place as I am not a fan. Finn goes from being this guy that’s actually got more depth than he’s letting on, softening around the edges to completely 180’ing back into a petty, childish, spoiled millionaire and throwing his toys of the cot when he doesn’t get his way or something goes wrong. He completely disrespects Sierra, is horrible to her and throws barbed jabs at her when she makes one mistake. Bare in mind she’s been bending over backwards for this man the entire book, always being there to support him, creating amazing costumes within his ridiculous time-frames and helping him whenever he needs, even getting in that PR relationship with him for his movie, all the while agreeing to air her dirty laundry again, for him she gets no benefits from this. All Sierra wanted was to make beautiful costumes and have Finn care about her and he just completely ruined that. This man did not do enough grovelling in my opinion, in the beginning anyway. It took him two months and multiple people for him to realise how much of a colossal mistake he had made in his treatment of Sierra, yes he did do the whole grand gesture by telling the world world he loved her but it just grated on me that it took so long. Sierra wasn’t perfect either but I do believe the blame lies with Finn, I loved that they got their happy ending but personally I think it fell a little flat with how he treated her when they broke up. It just didn’t hit the same due to how mean he was, yes he did have that character development clearly and he did change.
Overall - I enjoyed certain aspects of this book, from the hate-flirting, the soft moments we see in Finn, Sierra getting to shine and Ro and her silliness, it was a fun read. The third-act breakup and the way Finn kicked Sierra when she was down and the whole skipping over their relationship development— personally put a damper on my enjoyment of the book as a whole. I liked the declaration of love from Finn to the whole word about Sierra, I just believe I maybe would’ve enjoyed it more if those things hadn’t happened or maybe had happened but in a different way. Personally I loved the beginning and the end of the book, however, the story just didn’t deliver the way I wanted it to.
- 3 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve realised there’s beauty in that,” he said. “I don’t care if the pieces aren’t perfect anymore. They might be messy in ways, but the best things in life usually are.”
First thoughts - I think I’m gonna be so obsessed with these two, the amount of tension between them in their first interaction alone was crazy!!
Characters;
Sierra - I loved Sierra so much, she knew exactly who she was, what she wanted and she went for it. She’s unapologetically herself and stands on business. I absolutely adored her fiery personality when it came to going toe to toe with Finn, she wasn’t gonna let him walk all over her and that was so inspiring to read about. She is the grafter of all grafters, you can tell she really loves her job because those deadlines that she had to meet were wild. She pulled it out the bag and delivered like she knew she would and I loved how determined she was to prove to everyone how good at her job she is. She’s tough, she takes everything thrown at her on the chin and just gets on with it, doesn’t complain or anything like that. She makes sure everyone around her feels seen and heard, puts everyone else’s feelings above her own. I adored watching her confidence in her ability and her personality grow throughout the book and I think she found what she was looking for in the end.
Finn - Oh Mr man, you had me questioning everything in the beginning. I honestly did not know if I was gonna like him, he was rude, entitled and pretty childish. However, it wouldn’t be a good enemies to lovers if we didn’t have a dislikable character at the start. He clearly shows he cares through small gestures, acts of service is clearly his love language too and that was very obvious in this book. All the little things that Sierra likes/does he makes sure she has or does something for her that’ll make her feel better. He’s hyper focused on this movie, the extent of it is almost clinical, everything has to be perfect, on time and done properly or it’s not good enough for him. He is pretty short-tempered when he’s frustrated, this being connected to his childhood and the issues he’s had growing up in that environment. He’s shut everyone out and turned his emotions off. Finn has this entire fake personality that he presents to everyone that doesn’t truly know him as he is and he believes that this version of him, is more likeable than the real him. I was very back and forth with how I felt about Finn as he kept reverting back to his stubborn and rude self that we seen in the beginning. He saved it in the end, he grovelled and made things right with Sierra which I can appreciate.
Relationship - I lowkey loved their dynamic in the beginning, the whole hate-flirting and gentle bullying? I was eating that up. We got to see the softer sides of both of these characters, Sierra is obviously more open with her gentler side but it was still nice to see her in a setting that wasn’t her being focused on work. Finn keeps everything locked up tight with his shiny fake smile and personality on show, we see throughout the book that this isn’t actually who he is through and through. He’s got that naturally charming side, the softer side that just wants Sierra to be happy, making sure she’s eating and looking after herself. I enjoyed seeing them go from hating each other to being comfortable lying in the same bed together. The fake relationship started to clearly blur the lines between them, they were both confused as to where this relationship was going to go afterwards but with minimal discussion on that front it was bound to fall apart. These two were living together but we didn’t really get to see them as a couple, yes it was technically a fake relationship but during that time real feelings were developed and they were all but acting like they were married minus the actual label. I’m glad they got their happy ending, it wasn’t looking too hot there for a second but they are good together.
Critics - This book had me in the beginning and I really wanted to love the whole thing through and through, the few things that brought this rating right down were so frustrating I would have been lying if I had given it a higher rating in my opinion. We see these characters in the beginning as two people that can’t stand each other, they then form this sort of stilted friendship after being thrown into a PR relationships. It was nice to see that development throughout the book but then all of a sudden they go from that to sleeping with each other which felt like it happened in a blink of an eye, then that’s all they were doing but also with a little bit of relationship dynamics thrown in — without actually discussing it. Then we have the third-act breakup, which is on me for not realising was a trope otherwise I may not have read it in the first place as I am not a fan. Finn goes from being this guy that’s actually got more depth than he’s letting on, softening around the edges to completely 180’ing back into a petty, childish, spoiled millionaire and throwing his toys of the cot when he doesn’t get his way or something goes wrong. He completely disrespects Sierra, is horrible to her and throws barbed jabs at her when she makes one mistake. Bare in mind she’s been bending over backwards for this man the entire book, always being there to support him, creating amazing costumes within his ridiculous time-frames and helping him whenever he needs, even getting in that PR relationship with him for his movie, all the while agreeing to air her dirty laundry again, for him she gets no benefits from this. All Sierra wanted was to make beautiful costumes and have Finn care about her and he just completely ruined that. This man did not do enough grovelling in my opinion, in the beginning anyway. It took him two months and multiple people for him to realise how much of a colossal mistake he had made in his treatment of Sierra, yes he did do the whole grand gesture by telling the world world he loved her but it just grated on me that it took so long. Sierra wasn’t perfect either but I do believe the blame lies with Finn, I loved that they got their happy ending but personally I think it fell a little flat with how he treated her when they broke up. It just didn’t hit the same due to how mean he was, yes he did have that character development clearly and he did change.
Overall - I enjoyed certain aspects of this book, from the hate-flirting, the soft moments we see in Finn, Sierra getting to shine and Ro and her silliness, it was a fun read. The third-act breakup and the way Finn kicked Sierra when she was down and the whole skipping over their relationship development— personally put a damper on my enjoyment of the book as a whole. I liked the declaration of love from Finn to the whole word about Sierra, I just believe I maybe would’ve enjoyed it more if those things hadn’t happened or maybe had happened but in a different way. Personally I loved the beginning and the end of the book, however, the story just didn’t deliver the way I wanted it to.
August 19, 2025
3.75⭐️
The Boss I Can’t Stand is the 2nd book in The Lockhart Brothers series by Leslie North. I read this as an ARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Fake Dating, Hate/Love, and a hairless cat called Lord Meowington. What more could you want from a book?
Sierra is certain she’s blown her next interview for a costume designer on a 1920s film before it’s even started, because she may or may not have charged the (infuriatingly handsome) producer, Finn Lockhart, the Asshole Tax when he came into her fabric shop.
Sierra ends up getting the job, despite many objections from Finn, and they continue to clash whilst on set. Finn is horrified by her energy drink obsession, and Sierra is trying to convince her friend that the sex dreams she’s having about Finn mean nothing.
After a paparazzi picture taken out of context circulates in the gossip columns, they end up in a fake engagement to get people talking about the film. Before she knows it, Sierra is living in Finn’s fancy apartment, and it’s getting harder and harder for both of them to ignore their growing feelings.
The Boss I Can’t Stand is the first book I’ve read by Leslie North, so I had no idea what to expect. I usually find that the writing in these kinds of books is a little hard to get through, with an overload of cringey scenes and unrealistic moments that take you out of the story. This book does not fall into that trap at all. It has the right amount of romance book cringe that makes you giggle and root for the main couple.
Finn is a perfectionist, and I loved how this was the main arc of his development, and I found it added depth to his character.
Finn 100% needed therapy for most of this book, but I loved seeing him unfold, and his feelings about chasing what you think will make you happy, only to find out it doesn’t, resonated with me.
I found that Sierra’s character had less of a development arc throughout the book, but I still enjoyed reading her POV (except for when she thought she knew better about Finn’s relationship with his mom despite having only known the woman for like 5 seconds).
There is a happy ending (thank god), and whilst there is a 3rd act breakup up I think it made the ending even more satisfying, and I think it was necessary for the character growth of both MCs.
The book is dual POV, and I did find that sometimes I forgot whose chapter it was because the voice sounded very similar, but I find that this happens in most romance books with a dual POV.
Overall, I loved this book way more than I expected to, and I think it deserves way more recognition. It had some really good character development, some funny moments, and managed to include some important messaging whilst remaining a lighthearted read.
The Boss I Can’t Stand is the 2nd book in The Lockhart Brothers series by Leslie North. I read this as an ARC through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Fake Dating, Hate/Love, and a hairless cat called Lord Meowington. What more could you want from a book?
Sierra is certain she’s blown her next interview for a costume designer on a 1920s film before it’s even started, because she may or may not have charged the (infuriatingly handsome) producer, Finn Lockhart, the Asshole Tax when he came into her fabric shop.
Sierra ends up getting the job, despite many objections from Finn, and they continue to clash whilst on set. Finn is horrified by her energy drink obsession, and Sierra is trying to convince her friend that the sex dreams she’s having about Finn mean nothing.
After a paparazzi picture taken out of context circulates in the gossip columns, they end up in a fake engagement to get people talking about the film. Before she knows it, Sierra is living in Finn’s fancy apartment, and it’s getting harder and harder for both of them to ignore their growing feelings.
The Boss I Can’t Stand is the first book I’ve read by Leslie North, so I had no idea what to expect. I usually find that the writing in these kinds of books is a little hard to get through, with an overload of cringey scenes and unrealistic moments that take you out of the story. This book does not fall into that trap at all. It has the right amount of romance book cringe that makes you giggle and root for the main couple.
Finn is a perfectionist, and I loved how this was the main arc of his development, and I found it added depth to his character.
Finn 100% needed therapy for most of this book, but I loved seeing him unfold, and his feelings about chasing what you think will make you happy, only to find out it doesn’t, resonated with me.
I found that Sierra’s character had less of a development arc throughout the book, but I still enjoyed reading her POV (except for when she thought she knew better about Finn’s relationship with his mom despite having only known the woman for like 5 seconds).
There is a happy ending (thank god), and whilst there is a 3rd act breakup up I think it made the ending even more satisfying, and I think it was necessary for the character growth of both MCs.
The book is dual POV, and I did find that sometimes I forgot whose chapter it was because the voice sounded very similar, but I find that this happens in most romance books with a dual POV.
Overall, I loved this book way more than I expected to, and I think it deserves way more recognition. It had some really good character development, some funny moments, and managed to include some important messaging whilst remaining a lighthearted read.
September 1, 2025
I just set down my glass and the final page of Leslie North’s The Boss I Can’t Stand—and let me tell you, this one goes down smooth with a bit of a fiery kick. If you like your romances full of banter, fake engagements, and just the right amount of steam, this book is a solid pour.
From the jump, Finn and Sierra’s verbal sparring steals the show. Their snappy, back-and-forth banter feels like a sport you can’t stop watching—equal parts sharp, funny, and flirty. The fake engagement setup, born out of a dropped cufflink and some hungry paparazzi, might sound familiar, but North infuses it with enough energy to keep the trope feeling fresh.
Beneath the playful bickering, though, are two characters with depth. Finn, the grumpy Hollywood star, and Sierra, the quick-witted costume designer, slowly peel back their layers to reveal vulnerability and connection beyond surface attraction. And let’s not forget the scene-stealer: Finn’s cat, Lord Meowington the 3rd. His judgy side-eye and broody feline presence add the perfect dose of humor.
When it comes to spice, North serves it up just right—enough heat to keep the pages sizzling, but balanced so it doesn’t overshadow the romance itself. The result is a story that feels light, fun, and consistently true to its characters.
Final Pour: The Boss I Can’t Stand is a witty, banter-driven romance with sparks, sass, and a fake relationship that feels all too real. Perfect for readers who like their love stories equal parts sweet, snarky, and steamy.
Rating: ★★★¾☆ (3.75/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½ (3.5/5)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the jump, Finn and Sierra’s verbal sparring steals the show. Their snappy, back-and-forth banter feels like a sport you can’t stop watching—equal parts sharp, funny, and flirty. The fake engagement setup, born out of a dropped cufflink and some hungry paparazzi, might sound familiar, but North infuses it with enough energy to keep the trope feeling fresh.
Beneath the playful bickering, though, are two characters with depth. Finn, the grumpy Hollywood star, and Sierra, the quick-witted costume designer, slowly peel back their layers to reveal vulnerability and connection beyond surface attraction. And let’s not forget the scene-stealer: Finn’s cat, Lord Meowington the 3rd. His judgy side-eye and broody feline presence add the perfect dose of humor.
When it comes to spice, North serves it up just right—enough heat to keep the pages sizzling, but balanced so it doesn’t overshadow the romance itself. The result is a story that feels light, fun, and consistently true to its characters.
Final Pour: The Boss I Can’t Stand is a witty, banter-driven romance with sparks, sass, and a fake relationship that feels all too real. Perfect for readers who like their love stories equal parts sweet, snarky, and steamy.
Rating: ★★★¾☆ (3.75/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️½ (3.5/5)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2025
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★★
𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This was my most anticipated August read, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I went into this hoping for a fun, thrilling ride, and what I got was pure magic. My heart is still soaring with how much I adored Sierra and Finn.
Sierra and Finn’s back and forth is absolutely hilarious. The way Sierra gets under Finn’s skin is a delight to witness. Seriously, I found myself giggling endlessly at their witty jabs and clumsy attempts to navigate their situation. I genuinely loved how they clashed together.
Their personalities just spark off each other in the most entertaining way. Finn might be Hollywood's "hottest problem", but Sierra’s sharp wit and grounded nature make her the perfect match to knock him off his high horse. Their interactions felt so real and incredibly funny, making me wish I could watch their chaos unfold right in front of me.
And can we talk about their fake engagement? It is everything! The whole setup, from a dropped cufflink to a viral photo, is just brilliant. I’m actually sweating thinking of the tension they had building between them. The forced proximity, the need to pretend to be a couple for the cameras, and the very obvious chemistry simmering beneath the surface, it’s all so wonderfully done.
Every shared glance, every accidental touch, every moment they had to act like they were in love just cranked up the heat and the excitement. You could feel the unspoken thoughts and desires bubbling, making every scene electric with possibility. It takes the fake dating trope and elevates it to another level of satisfying goodness.
Beyond the laughter and the incredible banter, there’s such a sweet, growing feeling between Sierra and Finn. You watch as their fake roles start to blur with something much deeper and more real. You really root for them to find their way to each other, even when they’re tripping over their own feelings and fighting the obvious pull between them.
The emotional journey feels so genuine, making their connection all the more special.
Honestly, this book is hilarious. It’s the kind of romance that leaves you feeling incredibly happy and fulfilled.
Leslie North has truly created a story that is lighthearted, incredibly funny, but also deeply romantic. I just couldn't put it down once I picked it up.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Billionaire romance, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, roommate to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, forced proximity
𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
This was my most anticipated August read, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I went into this hoping for a fun, thrilling ride, and what I got was pure magic. My heart is still soaring with how much I adored Sierra and Finn.
Sierra and Finn’s back and forth is absolutely hilarious. The way Sierra gets under Finn’s skin is a delight to witness. Seriously, I found myself giggling endlessly at their witty jabs and clumsy attempts to navigate their situation. I genuinely loved how they clashed together.
Their personalities just spark off each other in the most entertaining way. Finn might be Hollywood's "hottest problem", but Sierra’s sharp wit and grounded nature make her the perfect match to knock him off his high horse. Their interactions felt so real and incredibly funny, making me wish I could watch their chaos unfold right in front of me.
And can we talk about their fake engagement? It is everything! The whole setup, from a dropped cufflink to a viral photo, is just brilliant. I’m actually sweating thinking of the tension they had building between them. The forced proximity, the need to pretend to be a couple for the cameras, and the very obvious chemistry simmering beneath the surface, it’s all so wonderfully done.
Every shared glance, every accidental touch, every moment they had to act like they were in love just cranked up the heat and the excitement. You could feel the unspoken thoughts and desires bubbling, making every scene electric with possibility. It takes the fake dating trope and elevates it to another level of satisfying goodness.
Beyond the laughter and the incredible banter, there’s such a sweet, growing feeling between Sierra and Finn. You watch as their fake roles start to blur with something much deeper and more real. You really root for them to find their way to each other, even when they’re tripping over their own feelings and fighting the obvious pull between them.
The emotional journey feels so genuine, making their connection all the more special.
Honestly, this book is hilarious. It’s the kind of romance that leaves you feeling incredibly happy and fulfilled.
Leslie North has truly created a story that is lighthearted, incredibly funny, but also deeply romantic. I just couldn't put it down once I picked it up.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Billionaire romance, enemies to lovers, fake engagement, roommate to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, forced proximity
August 25, 2025
🍧 Plot 🍧
Sierra Banks and Finn Lockhart get wrapped up in a scandal after one of their encounters. They are soon arranged into a fake relationship until the end of their project. Although their beginning may have been rocky, they quickly realize that they can’t fight their attraction any longer.
🍧 First Meeting 🍧
They started on a bad foot; he came into her store a few minutes before closing time, and she was semi-annoyed by that but didn’t show it until after closing time. They had quite a bit of a back-and-forth argument until he finally revealed that he is the producer of the movie she was about to be interviewed for.
🍧 Main Characters: 🍧
Sierra Banks
She’s a hardworking costume designer who genuinely enjoys her job. She makes sure that she is very knowledgeable when it comes to designing costumes and what little details they need.
Finn Lockhart
He’s the arrogant producer that she works for. He thinks that he needs to be that way so that people will take him seriously with his work. The definition of a grump, but he has a softer side to him, which I enjoy.
🍧 What to Expect 🍧
- Strained Parental Relationship (MMC)
- Dual POV
- Fake Dating (Or Engagement)
- Forced Proximity
- Witty Characters
- Sunshine x Grumpy (somewhat >.<)
- Third Act Breakup
🍧 Overall Thoughts 🍧
I enjoyed this book for the most part; of course, some parts were hard to get through, but this was a fun read. Finn was unlikable a lot of times. I have mixed feelings for him because while he was truly good to her, there were moments that made me roll my eyes. His nickname for her is Cinderella, which would usually throw me off quite a bit because of how uncommon it is, but the explanation and thought behind it is cute, which I love. There’s also a third-act breakup, if you can even call it that, since they weren’t really dating. To be honest, after his little comment about the ring, I would’ve been just fine with her ending with someone else, but of course, that didn’t happen. I am a bit upset at the fact that the comment was never brought up again, just because it would've set me off, but whatever. The side characters were likable, I truly enjoyed the scenes with Finn’s brothers and Sierra’s best friend. On a side note, I need a book on Ro; she was the true MVP of this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this as an arc!
Sierra Banks and Finn Lockhart get wrapped up in a scandal after one of their encounters. They are soon arranged into a fake relationship until the end of their project. Although their beginning may have been rocky, they quickly realize that they can’t fight their attraction any longer.
🍧 First Meeting 🍧
They started on a bad foot; he came into her store a few minutes before closing time, and she was semi-annoyed by that but didn’t show it until after closing time. They had quite a bit of a back-and-forth argument until he finally revealed that he is the producer of the movie she was about to be interviewed for.
🍧 Main Characters: 🍧
Sierra Banks
She’s a hardworking costume designer who genuinely enjoys her job. She makes sure that she is very knowledgeable when it comes to designing costumes and what little details they need.
Finn Lockhart
He’s the arrogant producer that she works for. He thinks that he needs to be that way so that people will take him seriously with his work. The definition of a grump, but he has a softer side to him, which I enjoy.
🍧 What to Expect 🍧
- Strained Parental Relationship (MMC)
- Dual POV
- Fake Dating (Or Engagement)
- Forced Proximity
- Witty Characters
- Sunshine x Grumpy (somewhat >.<)
- Third Act Breakup
🍧 Overall Thoughts 🍧
I enjoyed this book for the most part; of course, some parts were hard to get through, but this was a fun read. Finn was unlikable a lot of times. I have mixed feelings for him because while he was truly good to her, there were moments that made me roll my eyes. His nickname for her is Cinderella, which would usually throw me off quite a bit because of how uncommon it is, but the explanation and thought behind it is cute, which I love. There’s also a third-act breakup, if you can even call it that, since they weren’t really dating. To be honest, after his little comment about the ring, I would’ve been just fine with her ending with someone else, but of course, that didn’t happen. I am a bit upset at the fact that the comment was never brought up again, just because it would've set me off, but whatever. The side characters were likable, I truly enjoyed the scenes with Finn’s brothers and Sierra’s best friend. On a side note, I need a book on Ro; she was the true MVP of this book.
Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this as an arc!
September 4, 2025
This book has left me with mixed feelings. The part about what’s involved in making s movie; the screening, the costume designs, shooting it and everything that find with that - that was handled very well. I liked the discussion in the conference room between the CEO, screenwriter, PR manager and the director about who to hire as costume designer; weighing the pros and cons. It was very realistic and I like it when things are realistic. The author took her time painting a complete picture, it was very well done!
Regarding the romance I’m not a fan, and much of it was in my opinion trying too hard to sell the story. I found if often over the top and unrealistic, like Sierra’s rudeness to Finn and her refusing to accept a job offer from him but why then did she go to the job interview in the first place?
Also, I expected more grownup behavior from the characters. Finn handling his staff more as the powerful CEO and producer he is instead of letting his emotions getting the better of him and snapping at his subordinates all the time. He can’t seem to keep his mood in check, and I’d expect more from a CEO that had a lot of responsibility and power over the people working for him. Therefore Sierra having sex dreams about him after he’s been nothing but snappy and pretty unfriendly didn’t feel realistic to me. Sierra being so bad at lying that the movie crew had them rehearse a date? I’d think nobody was to know it was a fake engagement?! The famous director’s actions also were highly unprofessional and thus unrealistic when there’s so much at stake, and he was a renowned director!
And the amount of swearing put me off. It’s like they couldn’t speak or think without cursing a lot.
I really liked the blurb and the setup but I felt the author tried a little bit too hard to sell the plot, and it just didn’t work for me. Maybe other readers will like it but it just didn’t appeal to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
..
Regarding the romance I’m not a fan, and much of it was in my opinion trying too hard to sell the story. I found if often over the top and unrealistic, like Sierra’s rudeness to Finn and her refusing to accept a job offer from him but why then did she go to the job interview in the first place?
Also, I expected more grownup behavior from the characters. Finn handling his staff more as the powerful CEO and producer he is instead of letting his emotions getting the better of him and snapping at his subordinates all the time. He can’t seem to keep his mood in check, and I’d expect more from a CEO that had a lot of responsibility and power over the people working for him. Therefore Sierra having sex dreams about him after he’s been nothing but snappy and pretty unfriendly didn’t feel realistic to me. Sierra being so bad at lying that the movie crew had them rehearse a date? I’d think nobody was to know it was a fake engagement?! The famous director’s actions also were highly unprofessional and thus unrealistic when there’s so much at stake, and he was a renowned director!
And the amount of swearing put me off. It’s like they couldn’t speak or think without cursing a lot.
I really liked the blurb and the setup but I felt the author tried a little bit too hard to sell the plot, and it just didn’t work for me. Maybe other readers will like it but it just didn’t appeal to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
..
September 15, 2025
4.25⭐
1.5🌶️
This book was definitely another winner from Leslie who never fails to bring the banter, heat and spice with her books.
The Boss I Can't Stand in set in the film production business, which features our grumpy Finn Lockhart - CEO of Hart of Gold Productions and Sierra Banks, our feisty costume designer. Together, they were a right hoot from their initial meet cute. Their chemistry was just palpable 🥵🥵
I loved Sierra's character - strong, resilient and sassy, and who is passionate with her job. She isn't afraid to stand up to Finn either when he underestimates her ability to do well with his new period film in production. Not one to back down from a challenge, she accepts the job to prove him wrong.
Finn is one heck of a character with many layers to him. He wears a façade to the outside world, but to the exception of his family, he's just Finn. The boy who grew up having to look after himself whilst having an 'absent' mother. He's witnessed first hand and experienced what love can do to destroy someone and vows to never fall for that trap again.
Sierra comes into his life like a whirlwind and makes him feel vulnerable when she starts seeing glimpses of the real Finn - his acts of service when she didn't think grumpy Finn had it in him.
I loved how Sierra made Finn into a better person overall, and she could be that someone he could trust, for him to let his guard down around her. Falling in love was the last thing he expected and I loved seeing that mellow side to him.
However, despite their break up, I would have honestly loved to have seen Finn grovel to Sierra. His behaviour towards her prior to their break up was pretty ugly, and the fact it took him two WHOLE months and numerous people telling him how dumb he was for letting Sierra go.... 🙈 This man!!! #frustrated
Nonetheless, this is a book I'd recommend. Although it's part of an interconnected series, this book is also a standalone so you don't have to necessarily read the other books to enjoy this one 🫶🏻
1.5🌶️
This book was definitely another winner from Leslie who never fails to bring the banter, heat and spice with her books.
The Boss I Can't Stand in set in the film production business, which features our grumpy Finn Lockhart - CEO of Hart of Gold Productions and Sierra Banks, our feisty costume designer. Together, they were a right hoot from their initial meet cute. Their chemistry was just palpable 🥵🥵
I loved Sierra's character - strong, resilient and sassy, and who is passionate with her job. She isn't afraid to stand up to Finn either when he underestimates her ability to do well with his new period film in production. Not one to back down from a challenge, she accepts the job to prove him wrong.
Finn is one heck of a character with many layers to him. He wears a façade to the outside world, but to the exception of his family, he's just Finn. The boy who grew up having to look after himself whilst having an 'absent' mother. He's witnessed first hand and experienced what love can do to destroy someone and vows to never fall for that trap again.
Sierra comes into his life like a whirlwind and makes him feel vulnerable when she starts seeing glimpses of the real Finn - his acts of service when she didn't think grumpy Finn had it in him.
I loved how Sierra made Finn into a better person overall, and she could be that someone he could trust, for him to let his guard down around her. Falling in love was the last thing he expected and I loved seeing that mellow side to him.
However, despite their break up, I would have honestly loved to have seen Finn grovel to Sierra. His behaviour towards her prior to their break up was pretty ugly, and the fact it took him two WHOLE months and numerous people telling him how dumb he was for letting Sierra go.... 🙈 This man!!! #frustrated
Nonetheless, this is a book I'd recommend. Although it's part of an interconnected series, this book is also a standalone so you don't have to necessarily read the other books to enjoy this one 🫶🏻
December 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this new installment in the series. The plot is very well written, paints a great picture of the happenings behind the scenes of the film industry and is full of emotions, palpable tension and spice. The tropes are
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Boss-employee
- Close/Forced proximity
- Fake Engagement
- Roommates to lovers
- Grumpy-sunshine
The characters are both very likeable, but you have to get to know Finn better to understand why he is the way he is. The two couldn't be more different, which leads to delicious tension, sizzling chemistry and heated verbal exchanges. Finn is a grumpy control freak, and Sierra is professional, sassy and popular. It was great how she ultimately brought him to his knees and how he opened up.
When an arrogant last-minute customer upsets her in her shop, costume designer Sierra Banks gets snippy and wants to throw him out. To her horror, she realises that the creep turns out to be the producer of the film she wants to work on and she has a job interview with him the next day. With the help of the director, she still gets the job she wants.
Producer Finn Lockhart leaves nothing to chance. Since his troubled childhood, he has had to be in control of everything, and in order to change the image of his production company, his new historical film must be a success. He reluctantly agrees to let sassy Sierra be the costume designer. The two constantly clash, but even though he can't stand her, she is brilliant. When a compromising photo of the two appears and rumours begin to swirl, they have to pretend to be engaged so that the success of the film and their future prospects are not jeopardised. Soon, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur...
If you like opposites attract romance novels with delicious enemies to lovers tension, lots of verbal sparring, funny moments and spice, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Boss-employee
- Close/Forced proximity
- Fake Engagement
- Roommates to lovers
- Grumpy-sunshine
The characters are both very likeable, but you have to get to know Finn better to understand why he is the way he is. The two couldn't be more different, which leads to delicious tension, sizzling chemistry and heated verbal exchanges. Finn is a grumpy control freak, and Sierra is professional, sassy and popular. It was great how she ultimately brought him to his knees and how he opened up.
When an arrogant last-minute customer upsets her in her shop, costume designer Sierra Banks gets snippy and wants to throw him out. To her horror, she realises that the creep turns out to be the producer of the film she wants to work on and she has a job interview with him the next day. With the help of the director, she still gets the job she wants.
Producer Finn Lockhart leaves nothing to chance. Since his troubled childhood, he has had to be in control of everything, and in order to change the image of his production company, his new historical film must be a success. He reluctantly agrees to let sassy Sierra be the costume designer. The two constantly clash, but even though he can't stand her, she is brilliant. When a compromising photo of the two appears and rumours begin to swirl, they have to pretend to be engaged so that the success of the film and their future prospects are not jeopardised. Soon, the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur...
If you like opposites attract romance novels with delicious enemies to lovers tension, lots of verbal sparring, funny moments and spice, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
August 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so much fun! The Boss I Can’t Stand takes all the best rom-com tropes—fake engagement, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine—and spins them into a fast-paced, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt story.
The premise is classic Hollywood chaos: she’s a hardworking costume designer, just trying to do her job on set, when one accidental paparazzi photo with Finn Lockhart—the industry’s hottest (and most insufferable) actor—turns into the PR story of the year. Suddenly, the entire world believes they’re engaged. The studio eats it up, his team insists it’s great for his image, and she’s reluctantly swept into a fake relationship that feels a little too real. Cue luxury penthouse living, media attention, and Finn’s judgmental cat glaring from the sidelines.
What I loved most here is the banter and chemistry between the leads. Finn is broody, arrogant, and infuriating, but with a vulnerable side he doesn’t show easily. The heroine is sharp, witty, and refuses to let him get away with his diva behavior—which makes for delicious back-and-forths that had me laughing out loud. Beneath the snark, though, there’s undeniable attraction. Every time they went from verbal sparring to stolen kisses, I found myself grinning at the page.
I also appreciated that the book balanced the comedy with real emotion. Both characters are more than their first impressions—she’s struggling to be taken seriously in a demanding industry, and Finn has layers that make him more than just Hollywood’s bad boy. Their “pretend” relationship slowly chips away at those walls, and watching them realize that they might just be perfect for each other was so satisfying.
If you loved The Hating Game or Anyone But You, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s light, funny, full of tropey goodness, and has just the right mix of glitz, banter, and heartfelt romance. A perfect weekend binge read!
This book was so much fun! The Boss I Can’t Stand takes all the best rom-com tropes—fake engagement, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine—and spins them into a fast-paced, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt story.
The premise is classic Hollywood chaos: she’s a hardworking costume designer, just trying to do her job on set, when one accidental paparazzi photo with Finn Lockhart—the industry’s hottest (and most insufferable) actor—turns into the PR story of the year. Suddenly, the entire world believes they’re engaged. The studio eats it up, his team insists it’s great for his image, and she’s reluctantly swept into a fake relationship that feels a little too real. Cue luxury penthouse living, media attention, and Finn’s judgmental cat glaring from the sidelines.
What I loved most here is the banter and chemistry between the leads. Finn is broody, arrogant, and infuriating, but with a vulnerable side he doesn’t show easily. The heroine is sharp, witty, and refuses to let him get away with his diva behavior—which makes for delicious back-and-forths that had me laughing out loud. Beneath the snark, though, there’s undeniable attraction. Every time they went from verbal sparring to stolen kisses, I found myself grinning at the page.
I also appreciated that the book balanced the comedy with real emotion. Both characters are more than their first impressions—she’s struggling to be taken seriously in a demanding industry, and Finn has layers that make him more than just Hollywood’s bad boy. Their “pretend” relationship slowly chips away at those walls, and watching them realize that they might just be perfect for each other was so satisfying.
If you loved The Hating Game or Anyone But You, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s light, funny, full of tropey goodness, and has just the right mix of glitz, banter, and heartfelt romance. A perfect weekend binge read!
September 10, 2025
3.5⭐
There were many things I enjoyed about this book. The premise hooked me right away: A PR engagement between the CEO of a production company and the costume designer hired for his next big cinematic project? Count me in! My favorite aspect was probably the setting, I loved following the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, especially from the perspective of people other than the actors, which is the only side I had read from before. It also allowed for the book to have a good plot alongside the romance, which is something I'm always looking for in my books since it usually keeps the story interesting and gives the main characters' lives more context and substance. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast, from Finn's family to the rest of the film crew.
That said, there were other things that didn't work quite as well for me, like how the main characters acted in the workplace, mainly in the beginning. (It's a pet peeve of mine when it comes to romance books though, I don't think it would be a big problem for most readers). Also, the final conflict wasn't my favorite, not because it didn't make sense, but because of how it specifically played out in this case. Overall, the middle was much stronger then the beginning and end for me and I wanted to be more enamored with the main couple by the end. While I found some scenes between them really cute, others didn't quite hit the mark for me.
If you like banter, fake dating, and a sassy female main character that knows how to put the male lead in his place with a side of spice, I think this one is worth picking up and trying out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
There were many things I enjoyed about this book. The premise hooked me right away: A PR engagement between the CEO of a production company and the costume designer hired for his next big cinematic project? Count me in! My favorite aspect was probably the setting, I loved following the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, especially from the perspective of people other than the actors, which is the only side I had read from before. It also allowed for the book to have a good plot alongside the romance, which is something I'm always looking for in my books since it usually keeps the story interesting and gives the main characters' lives more context and substance. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast, from Finn's family to the rest of the film crew.
That said, there were other things that didn't work quite as well for me, like how the main characters acted in the workplace, mainly in the beginning. (It's a pet peeve of mine when it comes to romance books though, I don't think it would be a big problem for most readers). Also, the final conflict wasn't my favorite, not because it didn't make sense, but because of how it specifically played out in this case. Overall, the middle was much stronger then the beginning and end for me and I wanted to be more enamored with the main couple by the end. While I found some scenes between them really cute, others didn't quite hit the mark for me.
If you like banter, fake dating, and a sassy female main character that knows how to put the male lead in his place with a side of spice, I think this one is worth picking up and trying out.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 19, 2025
From the moment Sierra meets Finn, she’s convinced he’s the last person she’d ever want to work with—arrogant, dismissive, and a little too sure of himself. That impression only gets worse when she walks into her big interview the next day and discovers… he’s her new boss. Finn is the director of a sweeping period film, while Sierra is brought on as the costume designer, and from day one they clash over pretty much everything.
Their banter is sharp and their disagreements constant, but things take a wild turn when a staged photo leads to rumors of an engagement. Suddenly, they’re stuck in a fake relationship—Finn needing to clean up his bad-boy reputation and Sierra not minding the chance to get under her ex’s skin. As they’re forced into close quarters, both on set and off, the tension between them shifts into something deeper.
I liked how the story explored Finn’s need to control everything, shaped by a chaotic childhood, and Sierra’s ability to see the imperfect, unpolished side of him that he usually hides from the world. Their relationship felt both fiery and tender, with a real push-and-pull that kept the pages moving. Of course, the looming question of what happens once filming wraps adds a bittersweet edge.
I didn’t realize going in that this was the second book in a series (with a third still to come), but it worked fine as a standalone. That said, I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series. Still, this was a fun, entertaining read with just the right amount of drama and heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Their banter is sharp and their disagreements constant, but things take a wild turn when a staged photo leads to rumors of an engagement. Suddenly, they’re stuck in a fake relationship—Finn needing to clean up his bad-boy reputation and Sierra not minding the chance to get under her ex’s skin. As they’re forced into close quarters, both on set and off, the tension between them shifts into something deeper.
I liked how the story explored Finn’s need to control everything, shaped by a chaotic childhood, and Sierra’s ability to see the imperfect, unpolished side of him that he usually hides from the world. Their relationship felt both fiery and tender, with a real push-and-pull that kept the pages moving. Of course, the looming question of what happens once filming wraps adds a bittersweet edge.
I didn’t realize going in that this was the second book in a series (with a third still to come), but it worked fine as a standalone. That said, I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series. Still, this was a fun, entertaining read with just the right amount of drama and heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2025
What happens when your grumpy new boss also happens to be the jerk who kept you late the night before your big interview? Cue chaos, passion, and a whole lot of fake romance. 💼🔥
📖 The Boss I Can’t Stand by Leslie North
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
🌶🌶🌶
💰 Billionaire Romance
Sierra, a costume designer dreaming of her breakout project, never expected her path to cross with Finn—the CEO of a Hollywood production studio—under the worst circumstances possible. After he barges into her shop five minutes before closing, he shows up the very next day…as her interviewer. Despite their rocky start, Sierra lands the job, but working with her grumpy, arrogant boss proves to be a challenge. Things spiral when one misplaced cufflink sparks rumors, and suddenly the two of them are caught up in a fake engagement.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Finn’s temper or Sierra’s tendency to go along with things, but as their layers peeled back, I found myself hooked. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Finn’s caretaker side shone through in surprising ways—he supported Sierra in ways she didn’t even know she needed. Their passion, both for their work and each other, really stood out, and by the time Finn confessed his feelings, I was squealing with joy.
A fun, fiery workplace romance with plenty of tension and a satisfying slow-burn payoff. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
Thank you NetGalley, Relay Publishing, and Leslie North for this ARC.
Tropes:
👔 CEO x Costume Designer
🏢 Boss x Employee
🌤 Grumpy x Sunshine
💍 Fake Relationship
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🚪 Forced Proximity
🎬 Workplace Romance
📖 The Boss I Can’t Stand by Leslie North
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
🌶🌶🌶
💰 Billionaire Romance
Sierra, a costume designer dreaming of her breakout project, never expected her path to cross with Finn—the CEO of a Hollywood production studio—under the worst circumstances possible. After he barges into her shop five minutes before closing, he shows up the very next day…as her interviewer. Despite their rocky start, Sierra lands the job, but working with her grumpy, arrogant boss proves to be a challenge. Things spiral when one misplaced cufflink sparks rumors, and suddenly the two of them are caught up in a fake engagement.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Finn’s temper or Sierra’s tendency to go along with things, but as their layers peeled back, I found myself hooked. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Finn’s caretaker side shone through in surprising ways—he supported Sierra in ways she didn’t even know she needed. Their passion, both for their work and each other, really stood out, and by the time Finn confessed his feelings, I was squealing with joy.
A fun, fiery workplace romance with plenty of tension and a satisfying slow-burn payoff. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!
Thank you NetGalley, Relay Publishing, and Leslie North for this ARC.
Tropes:
👔 CEO x Costume Designer
🏢 Boss x Employee
🌤 Grumpy x Sunshine
💍 Fake Relationship
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🚪 Forced Proximity
🎬 Workplace Romance
September 2, 2025
A huge thank you to the author, Leslie North, and her PA, Ilaria, for reaching out to me (again!) and sending me an ARC of this book!
3.5 stars! I definitely enjoyed this one more than book one. It was such a quick and easy read—I finished it in just a couple of hours.
This book is very setting-driven. The plot relies heavily on the movie-making and costume design backdrop, so I think you need to be interested in that world to really enjoy it. Luckily, I am, so I had a lot of fun with it!
I really liked Sierra as a character, especially how she stood up to Finn. But Finn… I have mixed feelings. He did some very sweet things, but other times he acted like a complete ass. Honestly, he should go to therapy. The ending felt a bit rushed too; he definitely should’ve had to grovel more. Come on, Sierra! Stand on business, girl! After some of the things he said, I don’t think she should have taken him back so quickly. Also, I felt the characters didn’t show much development overall.
That said, their banter was so good! I laughed out loud multiple times. I love a good fake dating trope, and the moments when they started spending real time together outside of their arrangement were some of my favorites.
The side characters added a lot of charm too, I loved Ro! And of course, special shoutout to Lord Meowington III 🤭
Overall, a fun, fast-paced romance with great banter, you’ll definitely love this if you’re into billionaire, enemies to lovers, or fake dating romcoms! Also, make sure to read book one in the series first! It can be read as a standalone, but it’s more fun that way!
3.5 stars! I definitely enjoyed this one more than book one. It was such a quick and easy read—I finished it in just a couple of hours.
This book is very setting-driven. The plot relies heavily on the movie-making and costume design backdrop, so I think you need to be interested in that world to really enjoy it. Luckily, I am, so I had a lot of fun with it!
I really liked Sierra as a character, especially how she stood up to Finn. But Finn… I have mixed feelings. He did some very sweet things, but other times he acted like a complete ass. Honestly, he should go to therapy. The ending felt a bit rushed too; he definitely should’ve had to grovel more. Come on, Sierra! Stand on business, girl! After some of the things he said, I don’t think she should have taken him back so quickly. Also, I felt the characters didn’t show much development overall.
That said, their banter was so good! I laughed out loud multiple times. I love a good fake dating trope, and the moments when they started spending real time together outside of their arrangement were some of my favorites.
The side characters added a lot of charm too, I loved Ro! And of course, special shoutout to Lord Meowington III 🤭
Overall, a fun, fast-paced romance with great banter, you’ll definitely love this if you’re into billionaire, enemies to lovers, or fake dating romcoms! Also, make sure to read book one in the series first! It can be read as a standalone, but it’s more fun that way!
July 19, 2025
Bickering Was their Form of Foreplay -
The first time Finn and Sierra met was on her turf and didn’t end well, but their next interaction was on his turf and even though he didn’t want to hire her, he had no other choice, as he was outvoted because of her skillset. However, the tension between Finn and Sierra only grew the more time they spent together, but they found themselves forced into an unexpected fake relationship. Whilst the fake relationship between Finn and Sierra was meant to be on a platonic basis, the time they spent in close proximity at home and in the office led to them crossing the boundaries.
Unfortunately, the pressures of the mistakes on the film set and during the viewing by the critics, led to a confrontation between Finn and Sierra, that cause them to breakup. However, neither Finn nor Sierra was happy in their lives after they went their separate ways, so he gathered the courage to put his heart on the line and confess his feelings publicly, which made her finally admit her true feelings for him too, so they could have a chance at a future together.
I can say without a shadow of doubt, that Leslie North definitely exceeded my expectations with book two of ‘The Lockhart Brothers Series’. I was glued to the pages right from the first page and kept eagerly turning the pages, until I finished reading the book. I am really looking forward to reading book three and will be very happy to recommend books one and two.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first time Finn and Sierra met was on her turf and didn’t end well, but their next interaction was on his turf and even though he didn’t want to hire her, he had no other choice, as he was outvoted because of her skillset. However, the tension between Finn and Sierra only grew the more time they spent together, but they found themselves forced into an unexpected fake relationship. Whilst the fake relationship between Finn and Sierra was meant to be on a platonic basis, the time they spent in close proximity at home and in the office led to them crossing the boundaries.
Unfortunately, the pressures of the mistakes on the film set and during the viewing by the critics, led to a confrontation between Finn and Sierra, that cause them to breakup. However, neither Finn nor Sierra was happy in their lives after they went their separate ways, so he gathered the courage to put his heart on the line and confess his feelings publicly, which made her finally admit her true feelings for him too, so they could have a chance at a future together.
I can say without a shadow of doubt, that Leslie North definitely exceeded my expectations with book two of ‘The Lockhart Brothers Series’. I was glued to the pages right from the first page and kept eagerly turning the pages, until I finished reading the book. I am really looking forward to reading book three and will be very happy to recommend books one and two.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
An opposite off-take of the Taming of the Shrew!
I’m loving the Lockhart Brothers series and Finn does not disappoint as the male version of a shrew who needed taming. To say that sparks fly when Finn walks in to Sierra’s store five minutes before closing when Sierra had all intents and purpose of closing early after another wedding dress design change with her mother. Finn’s ability to ping off Sierra’s desire to get him out of the store as he meanders the aisles, until he asks about materials for a 1920’s clothing for a man and woman to which Sierra practically verbally assaults him with her choices. Yet when Sierra adds the tax to his purchase for his unwieldiness habit, she cements herself in his persona non grata for his production company interview for a costume designer the next day. Yet Sierra has a fan at the interview with a former coworker who demands she is hired to which Finn counters with his own demand. When the two find themselves in an awkward situation in an old studio that gets taken out of context, it sets the stage for the rest of the story with a fake engagement to counter a rival movie being released at the same time with Sierra’s ex-boyfriend involved. Things go from hellish to steamy in the blink of an eye. But with Finn always planning two steps ahead to beat the odds as he has since his childhood, what will he do when things tumble out of his control? You have to read to find out!
I’m loving the Lockhart Brothers series and Finn does not disappoint as the male version of a shrew who needed taming. To say that sparks fly when Finn walks in to Sierra’s store five minutes before closing when Sierra had all intents and purpose of closing early after another wedding dress design change with her mother. Finn’s ability to ping off Sierra’s desire to get him out of the store as he meanders the aisles, until he asks about materials for a 1920’s clothing for a man and woman to which Sierra practically verbally assaults him with her choices. Yet when Sierra adds the tax to his purchase for his unwieldiness habit, she cements herself in his persona non grata for his production company interview for a costume designer the next day. Yet Sierra has a fan at the interview with a former coworker who demands she is hired to which Finn counters with his own demand. When the two find themselves in an awkward situation in an old studio that gets taken out of context, it sets the stage for the rest of the story with a fake engagement to counter a rival movie being released at the same time with Sierra’s ex-boyfriend involved. Things go from hellish to steamy in the blink of an eye. But with Finn always planning two steps ahead to beat the odds as he has since his childhood, what will he do when things tumble out of his control? You have to read to find out!
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