Simon Says

Simon in Charge #1

by Libby Campbell

When feisty Sadie Donohue meets Simon Jacobson at a New Year’s Eve party, she thinks it’s a chance encounter, but not all is as it seems. Simon is a busy executive who prefers to be the master of his own destiny.

Over dinner the next night, his authoritative personality starts to emerge. Always one to question authority, Sadie rebuffs his gentle suggestions for more polite behavior with a lively, sharp wit. Simon is amused but unmoved.

If Sadie wants to continue seeing him she must accept his rules; rules that will be reinforced by spankings when she fails to comply. As a strong, independent woman, Sadie struggles with his demands. A tragedy from Simon’s past makes him more determined than ever to make her obey. Their worlds collide.

This is book 1 in the Simon in Charge Series.

Book 2, Winning Sadie, will be released July 26, 2016.

Simon Says is an erotic romance that includes spankings, sexual scenes, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Novella, Romance, Erotica

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2016

About the author

Sign up here for Libby Campbell’s newsletter for news of free books: http://libbycampbell.com/subscribe-to...

Strong men and feisty women populate the books of Libby Campbell, USA Today bestselling author. Her fast-paced stories are full of challenges and setbacks. Each couple finds their joyful HEA only after major differences have been resolved with classic dom/sub discipline.

Some of these books span one hundred years or more, through the magic of time travel. Others take you on a fantasy ride to a faraway galaxy or into the life of a stern billionaire. Many of the romances are contemporary. Her Without Mercy series steps back in time to the roaring 20’s, 1920’s that is.

Libby loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at: libbycampbell@shaw.ca.

Stalk her everywhere: https://linktr.ee/LibbyC26

Reviews

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

03/16/2023 Update: For some inexplicable reason, this author has released her paean to domestic violence domestic discipline a fourth time! Am I missing something? Were fans crying out for this? It's been a while since I read the original, but the only changes I saw were the post-COVID timeline, the video game/horses, and the addition of a safeword -- which, after writing umpteen books in this genre, the author still doesn't understand. What's remained the same? Neither character is particularly likable; Simon waves more red flags than a May Day parade (sets the rules with no input from her and then keeps changing them; gets upset when she "embarrasses" him (quelle horreur!); and insists on total honesty from her without giving it in return). Only by the magic of fiction does this woman -- any woman -- fall in love with him.

Hmm, four times! Now, what is that definition of insanity?

Here's my other review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

********************************************************************************

I wish I could say that Libby Campbell learns the difference between a dominant and a domestic abuser in her subsequent books, but she doesn't...

ETA: I don't usually comment on other peoples' reviews in the interests of free speech and all, but when a fellow author leaves glowing reviews time after time without self-identifying that she's hosted these authors on her blog and in turn is hosted on theirs, I figure that that kind of hopelessly partisan, unethical reviewing deserves to be called out. In addition, what you praise is exactly what you DON'T want in a dom: someone "prone to anger" and who can't control their "emotions." And, indeed, this "anger and emotion" you praise lead him to go too far and he hurts her. But, hey, don't let a little thing like ignoring that significant plot point about domestic violence get in the way of your near perfect 5.0 rating average -- nearly all for fellow authors in this genre.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book with much spanking

This book has a rather goodly amount of spanking. The spanking is not over the top though. The characters are are very likable I think and I am pretty sure that you will like them too. The h is stubborn and that is why she gets spanked, at the same time part of her likes the spankings and she likes the feeling she gets from them even though they are painful. I really loved the ending and I think you will love it too. Wonderful HEA it is.

[Margo · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I look at the number of stars based on previous reviews I have to wonder if we have read the same book. The writing wasn't bad in that the grammar seemed correct and their were few errors but she failed to establish any heat between her characters. There were no love scenes. The only intimacy was when he was spanking her with various implements. He seemed very controlling and if I was to advise this woman I would say don't jump into a relationship with such a controlling person - her clothes, her food, her finances, her punctuality, her falsehoods, everything - he wanted to control everything. She gives up a good job to be his personal servant. I read a lot of books in this genre. Well written books most often have strong female characters. She is willing to give up all control to this man. He will make all the decisions. She becomes his personal servant - for what?

[SmallRain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon..well this is supposed to be a somewhat softer version of Simon, the character. However he is still pretty much of a despotic tyrant. He lays down the rules and Sadie obeys..or not. If not she is physically punished though she does have a safeword. Sadie refuses to use this safeword as she does not wish to appear weak and she is also anti-authoritarian. The major difference from a previously published version is the beginning and the explicit sex scenes. I preferred the non explicit sex scenes of the first because biological intimate scenes do nothing for me. I prefer the emotional interaction. This time I found both characters irritating. He is almost a robot, never spontaneous until the end of this story and she comes across as both a rebel and a bit of a nit. She knows how he will react and still flaunts his wishes. To stay together they need to be a sadist and a masochist, each is fulfilled by the other but I can’t say that I like this dynamic. I liked this series the first time round but now I am not sure I still do.

This was a complimentary copy received from Booksprout in return for an honest review.

[Joanie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Says is an amusing story about a very dominant man and his very business-like courtship of a woman he cares about. Sadie loves the way Simon makes her feel, but she's not at all sure she wants to abide by his rules. Although she agrees to submit to him, she continues to defy him regularly, earning herself many punishments from her strict boyfriend. I found Simon to be a bit too impersonal for my taste when he was in his Dom mode. I liked that he made Sadie feel loved and cherished, but I felt bad for her when he seemingly turned off his tender side. On the other hand, Sadie had no problem disobeying his well-intended instructions and lying about it, which, although comical at times, seemed rather self-centered to me. I wondered if she was lured into a relationship with him by the overly generous job offer as his personal assistant. In spite of the tragedy that influenced Simon, both characters were on the shallow side. The plot was simple, as the book was really just about their romance, which made it a light read. If you like a very strict, uncompromising dominant and a disobedient girlfriend who earns frequent spankings, then you'll enjoy this book.

[Amber Fueston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just my opinion, take with a grain of salt

I kept reading thinking that maybe it would get better, but there was just nothing in this story working for me. Everything moves very fast and there is no real getting to know either character. We are told a few things, but nothing of substance that allows the reader to really get to know the characters. Simon is a very unlikable character. He comes across as cold and unfeeling, even narcissistic. She can't tease him even a little in fun because he doesn't like to be embarrassed, but he's telling people she needs spanked!?!? It doesn't seem like he wants a partner to love, cherish, and discipline, He wants someone to selfishly control in every aspect of their life. The scene in the hotel in Japan was the last straw for me. The deal breaker. As for Sadie, well, she is just a doormat and is portrayed as being weak and stupid. There doesn't seem to be any depth to her at all.

[Bibliophilic Word Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading, "Seeing Ronnie" by Ms Campbell, I went in search of her other work. "Simon Says" was so good. Her leading lady, Sadie, was such a breath of fresh air in a genre filled with bubble heads and simpering sycophants. She made Simon work for it! And he did!

Simon had me practically drooling, and Libby Campbell had me turning the pages fast. I highly recommend this book. It's a delightful read - fun, sexy, and fresh.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sadie's date threatened to spank her for not accepting a bite of his Brussels sprouts she thought he was kidding.

They had just met the previous night at a New Year's Eve party and everyone at the party had agreed to meet the next morning for the Polar Bear Swim. He was handsome, athletic with good manners, and even at her height of 5'9" he towered over her.

When they get back to her apartment after dinner he wants to talk and lay down some ground rules. This is when she finds out that their meeting the night before wasn't an accident. He was the President of Fenshaw International, one of the biggest investment firms in the country, and her best friend's boss.

He had made sure that she was invited to the party with the express reason of meeting her. He then tells her that he wants her to be his girlfriend and agree to his guidance. Any subordination on her part will end with a spanking.

Are there hidden cameras? She just met him. He cannot be serious! But he is more than serious!

I loved this book! It is very intense from the beginning of the story. The book is very well written and I love the characters. I couldn't stop laughing!

Simon is very intense and expects Sadie to accept his guidance in all things. Her finances, her drinking habits, even how many times per week she exercises.

Sadie bites off more than she can chew with accepting Simon's terms and fights him every chance she can. She is used to taking care of herself. No matter that her credit cards are at their limit and she has a spending problem. And then she has to top it off by telling white lies. This girl is so stubborn and the more spankings she gets the more determined she is to defy Simon.

This book is full of chemistry but if you are expecting erotic sex scenes you will not find it here. The spankings and the rest of their life is an open book, but everything else fades behind the bedroom doors. But, regardless of that I so loved the story and look forward to the rest of Simon and Sadie's story.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Simon Says, the first book I the Bad Girls, Grumpy Bosses series by Libby Campbell, readers meet Sadie Donohue and Simon. She is a ITT geek, teacher and problem fixer. She is feisty, smart-mouthed, and a curvy beauty. He is a handsome, athletic, rich alpha male, and the owner and CEO of Fenshaw International, an investment owner. He witnesses her outrageous behavior at a function they both attended and is instantly attracted to her. He goes about setting events in motion to bring her into his life. Unbeknownst to Sadie at the time, Simon claims her as his. He intends to help her modify her behavior. What follows is their tumultuous romantic journey. Will they find happiness? You must read this book to discover their journey.

Ms. Campbell is skilled in creating multi-dimensional characters in Sadie and Simon. Using dialog, POV, and descriptive language she allows readers to discover their backstories, the insecurities that make them vulnerable, and their deep hidden desires. Although Simon has potential, I found his antics a bit too much for my liking. Similarly, Sadie’s sabotaging efforts did not appeal to me. I was intrigued with the plot line his excessive dominance disturbed me, however, I am not sure if I will continue to read this series. I will have to see.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Ms. Campbell. This book has been completely overhauled from the original Simon in Charge series and it has been well done.

This is a steamy post-epidemic love story. Simon is a wealthy man who finds a way to get what he wants. He wants Sadie. Sadie is a young woman who is still experiencing some effects of being isolated during the epidemic. Simon decides to take over and instill some self discipline in Sadie. Of course that means Sadie will have many trips over Simon's knees.

This a good story, even though I do think Simon is a bit over-the-top. Sadie does have safe words, but she is too stubborn to use them. I did enjoy the relationship between them.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon and Sadie!

Two strong and independent people! He is very powerful and set in his ways.She is use to doing her thing whenever,wherever and pay for the consequences later but with Simon he trys to make her tow the line and she does try but her strong,independent ways get her in futher touble.I have never read a series with so much dominants, Simon comes across to me has if you do it my way or not but when I read futher in the story I realized that he is trying keep Sadie safe not just fly of and not think of the consequences. I can't wait to futher the next chapter!

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Simon Says I Do" is the perfect title, and the perfect description for Simon Jacobson; A widower, he is finally ready to have a wife by his side, and Sadie is the one he wants. Sadie, however, has her own life, and is true to herself. But she's unprepared for the dynamo and strong alpha character that is Simon. I loved their story, and their journey that ended up being full of surprises. Don't miss the next book, too, "Winning Sadie" continues their story with surprises Loved this book!

[Vanessa Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be well written and absorbing. The author has brought her characters, Simon and Sadie, to life. They feel like real people, blessed with human faults and dilemmas which I could relate to. Simon is not a perfect man, he is prone to anger and emotions like most. Sadie is constantly making errors of jugement but if she wants to keep Simon she must obey his rules. I do not want to give the plot away; suffice to say this is an interesting and thoughtful read about a couple living a DD relationship in todays world (Canada) and learning as they go, just like the rest of us! Well worth the read!

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disgusting and abusive

This guy never explained one single thing about BDSM and safe words. Everything he did in this story was abusive and without informed consent - avoid like the plague!

[Diana Lazar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simon Says

This book by Libby Campbell was a fun romantic read. It involves a very dominant man and a strong willed sarcastic woman who eventually learned to submit to her man. It was a fun sexy read that I strongly recommend.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way to describe the feelings of the two main characters is electrical. However Sadie always seems to want the last word. She pushes Simon’s buttons. She’s sarcastic, demanding and tries to take control. Simon has very strong opinions on her actions mostly because he cares deeply for her and wants her to fit into his lifestyle. It will definitely take more that just words to make her compliant!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie is a very sarcastic and fun character who really knows how to push Simon's buttons. This is a super steamy disciplinary. Simon and Sadie work well with each other. This is an entertaining read.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

Short and sweet…

Okay, not everything is sweet when Simon Jacobsen believes in old-fashioned discipline in his romantic relationships. When he sets his sights on Sadie Donohue he hopes she is open to his need for authority and rules…

I was immediately drawn to this story set in a part of Canada I know well. It was fun to read about familiar places and see them through the eyes of a couple who are getting to know, and love, each other.

Clearly, Simon is the disciplinarian and he makes no apologies for the fact that any relationship between him and Sadie will have him squarely in the driver seat. He appreciates and encourages her independence but at the same time has very clear guidelines where she can flex her autonomy. After deciding she was what he wanted on paper, he was determined to find out if she had what it takes to keep up with him in real life… Sadie was intrigued by Simon and found him attractive from the beginning. While she wasn’t as thrilled with his need to oversee every aspect of her life, she knew a lot of what he wanted would only be a benefit. Of course, she wouldn’t admit that to him right away, that would be letting him know too much, too soon.

This is not the first book I’ve read in this genre so I know what to expect, usually, when an alpha male is looking to his woman for submission. Where there is strong emotion and love behind a stern hand, acts of discipline mean more than an act of corporal punishment. While I knew Sadie and Simon were growing closer the true feelings they had seemed somehow were hidden beneath the acts of discipline.

Well-written, with a good plot, I’m looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE NEEDS TO TAKE YOU IN HAND
Sometimes you read a story and have mixed emotions, and that was how this one was with me. Simon Jacobson is so busy in his work that he doesn’t have a personal life. He set his sights on Sadie Donohue and is charming but dominant. He has issues with her sarcasm, eating habits, and pretty much anything personal, and plans on changing what he considers her bad habits and behavior. He makes up the rules as they go along, but she has already broken that rule and will be spanked. At one point, he takes it too far, punishing her in a fit of anger and it goes beyond safe, sane and consensual. Their relationship escalates rapidly, and maybe they deserve each other. This is a quick read that focuses on their roller coaster relationship that is sadomasochistic; sex is more implied that described.

[The Reluctant Retiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I wouldn't exactly have called this a "comedy", it is an amusing read. Simon approached seducing Sadie with an amusing all "business-like" manner. The way that Simon could switch from being totally focused on Sadie to being totally focused on work did concern me a bit. Sadie definitely needed to wise up a bit. But other than that, it was an enjoyable read for me!

I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story a lot. It was a great relationship, with good characters. The only thing I didn't like was that the male character was mildly abusive (non-consensual spanking) one time, and I believe anything like that must ALWAYS be agreed upon with set limits. The author is great, however. She writes very well, and the story really hooked me.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intense romance novel gets right to the heart of the‘spanking’ matter and stays in full action mode throughout. A spicy buy.

[Rjr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Simon is a very wealthy business man and widower. He knows what he wants and needs in a relationship and when he meets Sadie he thinks he might just have found the right woman. Everyone is a product of their life experiences and Sadie may wear hers on her sleeve more than most. She tends to deflect her feelings with a sizable dash of sarcasm and an embellishment of the truth here and there, when she doesn't think something is a big deal. Her main coping mechanism is shopping and that is becoming a problem. She's also, funny, kind and very smart. When Simon enters her life and shows her his world she is excited, happy and a bit overwhelmed. She appreciates his help in getting control over certain behaviors but when she doesn't take seriously the rules she and Simon agree upon, she discovers he can be quite stern. This story is as fast paced as Simon's work schedule. We see both Simon and Sadie's worlds through the eyes of each other as they let themselves trust and open up to someone new. The side characters are fully fleshed out and really add to the story as they encourage their friends to grab a chance at happiness. This is book one in a 3 part series but has a "happy for now ending" that was very satisfying. I really felt the emotional pull on this couple as they deal with their pasts and strive to make a future together. I found their story romantic, steamy and laugh out loud funny along with some sadness - just like life. I cannot wait for book 2 to continue this couple's story and I highly recommend you read this one now!

[ltfrombc · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This was a difficult book to finish reading. Don't get me wrong - I did enjoy it. It is an instalove (at least for Simon) and it deals with a power exchange that includes a big part of the book with Sadie being over Simon's knee. I was fine until an interaction between these two was a lot more intense that other interactions. Often books such as this focus on a dynamic based on the belief of Safe, Sane and Consensual. Reacting out of anger, at least to me, does not follow that and it bothered me. While the story went on to explain, the whys of it all, it was still a bit disturbing. It was near the end of the book so, it did not totally tarnish the rest of the story for me, but it did change my views of Simon a bit to the negative. Other than that, it was an enjoyable story. Just remember it is a piece of fiction and not reality.

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

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie Donohue realllllly needs someone to help her with an attitude adjustment. She has several harmful habits, like shopping way above her means, and her snarky attitude and remarks. It mostly stems from previous wrongs but it isn’t helping her new make friends. Simon Jacobson is the billionaire CEO of Fenshaw International an investment firm quartered in Vancouver, Canada. Simon is a very stern opinioned man who knows what he wants then goes after it and he wants Sadie. Oh, he’s investigated her in and out so he knows what he’s getting and he knows just how to curb her bad habits. Spanking and I don’t mean a little tapping on the butt before sex! Sadie is stuck in self-destruct mode but Simon will not give up. This is book one and it ends happily you could end here and not be disappointed but I’m game to see what happens in the next book. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Booksprout and this is my opinion. Linda

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Libby Campbell; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Bad Girls, Grumpy Bosses Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Sadie & Simon.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't like cliffhangers then this is not the book for you. Simon is a dominant wealthy widower who sees Sadie before the covid lockdown and is determined she will be his. This book is the meeting, setting rules and getting her used to travelling as his assistant. There is a lot of spanking going on to enforce his rules but Sadie seems to like it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/8/2021)! 🎁

[K G Wakeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it..

A super steamy read that tells the tale of Simon and his new love. Also a tale of a controlled business man, Simon and his need for obedience. There are always consequences to misbehaviour but all done in love. A must read.