Who&#x27;s the Boss?

3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. Who's the Boss is Isla and Sean's story. Sean is a chef and is the brother to Michael, the hero in Forty Day Fiancé . Isla is best friend's with Michael's wife, Felicia. Sean and Isla meet in the elevator on the way up to Michael and Felicia's baby shower. The elevator gets stuck and the couple bickers about it, but sparks fly and they end up kissing. A few months later, Isla is expecting a promotion to head chef at the restaurant she works at. Instead, Sean gets the job. The two are in for a bit of a roller coaster- disliking each other, but coming to see they misjudged the other person, and finding that they have great chemistry and have feelings for each other, which leads to love.

This book has a trope that isn't my favorite. This story is enemies to lovers and I don't love when a couple doesn't like each other at first meeting. But they hate doesn't last too long and the way it is written didn't hinder my enjoyment. I liked Isla and Sean together. Isla was a tough cookie and had trouble opening up, but she did eventually soften up for Sean. He had a manwhore past that was a turn off to me, but he wasn't interested in anyone else after he met Isla. He soon saw he was ready to settle down with her. Isla and Sean had good chemistry and emotion between them. I definitely felt their love. They were really cute together in the end. I thought the chef and cooking aspect was fun to read about, as well.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read! I liked Isla and Sean's story and was happy to see them together. They were definitely each other's person and deserved their HEA. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more from it and Ms. McCarthy!

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*

arc

Snow

2,323 reviews727 followers

July 12, 2022

oh well, even though, my favourite trope is "enemies-to-lovers", sometimes, it's hard to check all the proven boxes that work to achieve just the right, almost perfect amount of everything that the true "enemies-to-lovers" trope has to thrive to be...
And sometimes, it takes only one missing link for the trope not to be at its full must *wink*

Maureen

1,336 reviews50 followers

Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)

I’ve read several books by Erin McCarthy in the last year. And I loved them so much. They just have this nice ‘feel good’ feeling about them and it’s been a joy to read her books. So when I saw the sign-up for ‘Who’s The Boss’, I knew I had to sign up immediately. And when I received the ARC, I started reading as soon as possible.

In ‘Who’s The Boss’ we meet Isla and Sean. Isla and Sean meet in an elevator and one thing is immediately certain.. they really don’t like each other. But they also have this chemistry between them, that is very hard to deny. So when Isla walks into work one day.. and sees that Sean is her new boss, she is completely shocked. Not only is the guy she hates her new boss, but he also might be the one guy that she is attracted to the most.

‘Who’s The Boss’ was from the very beginning a very fun read. I loved how this book was a little different that the previous books by Erin McCarthy I read. These two main characters really didn’t like each other, and it was definitely fun to read their banter. But I loved the fact that they also had this palpable chemistry between them. And them being chefs was also really fun. I just love cooking, so that was a nice plus.

The character I liked the most was Sean. I liked how tough and fun he was. But I loved especially how kind of awkward and clumsy he was at times with Isla. He said stuff to Isla that really made me laugh out loud. Obviously this made Isla dislike him more in the beginning, but reading this book from both their point of view showed me what Sean really thought.. and he definitely said stuff he didn’t mean to say. So funny.

The ending of this book was a little unexpected and I’m not really sure I liked it all that much. Just the way Isla acted by going on that stage just felt off to me. But fortunately it didn’t bother me to much and the romance, characters and humor was good enough to make this a very fun read to me.

romance

5,884 reviews214 followers

arcs chef-restaurateur enemies-rivals-frenemies

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide

When Isla's job promotion is taken by hot chef Sean, let's just say the sparks fly, both in and out of the kitchen. Neither wants a relationship, but it seems there's something pulling them together. Though they know fraternizing is forbidden, they can't help themselves. Will the heat from their kitchen burn them? Or can they make it work?

This is such a fun, lighthearted story. The sparks between them practically set my Kindle on fire, they were witty and funny, and I just wanted to keep reading more of them. Though they may have started off as "enemies" it was obvious from the very first meet that they were destined for far more than that.

ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Christi (christireadsalot)

2,810 reviews1,456 followers

2.5 stars. This one started out a little rough and I was about to set it down but since it was so short just gave it a go. This book starts off as a very bitter, “hate you on sight” vibe from the heroine Isla. But thankfully the hate cooled off into some fun banter and then got sweet as the romance picked up.

Isla gets stuck in an elevator while headed to one of her best friends engagement party. In the elevator with her is Sean and he’s headed to the same party, his brother is engaged to her best friend. These two argue the whole way up to the party but end up sharing a passionate kiss right before entering the apartment. They go their separate ways but end up meeting at the restaurant she works at 4 months later, when he shows up as her new boss. Lots of tension and having to play nice together at work.

So this is book 4 in a series that has followed each of the girls in the friend group. I remember enjoying the other books a bit more which is why I picked this one up, but this one just wasn’t working for me. The writing was a bit too cringey at times and this couple just wasn’t my fav. But if you want a quick (200ish pages) read with low angst and not a ton of conflict, this little read could be a good enough time.

contemporary-romance

Fedora

2,747 reviews128 followers

October 13, 2020

Four and a half stars

Who's the Boss? by Erin McCarthy is stand-alone enemies-to-lovers workplace romance. Master chef Sean Kincaid and chef Isla Kowalski get along about as well as the proverbial oil and water when they first meet. And when they meet again. And discover they now work together.

Isla's tough, smart, take-no-prisoners style isn't just who she is in the kitchen--she's not survived what life's tossed her way by rolling over politely. She'll make no apology for who she is or how hard she's worked to achieve what she has professionally, even if that's meant she's not found what her friends have--a partner for those dreams, someone to come home to.

Likewise Sean didn't get to his position by taking it easy on himself or on those working for him. And he is also unapologetic about having physical needs and having put himself out there to fulfill those.

Erin McCarthy's story is hot and fun and funny, and Sean and Isla win readers and each other over one conflict and resolution at a time. It's a pleasure to see them come to realize that they have found in the other someone they can reveal their true selves to, and that a relationship isn't something to avoid at all costs. Looking forward to more from Ms McCarthy!

Erin Lewis

6,215 reviews221 followers

October 16, 2020

4 Star Review of Who’s The Boss by Erin McCarthy

Erin McCarthy is a relatively new author to me and I have no idea why that is. Who’s The Boss is an enemies to lovers story which was an entertaining read that drew me in and kept me riveted from the first to the last chapter.

Master Chef Sean Kincaid is smoking hot and arrogant to boot. The sparks fly and he loves to give everyone around him order. When they both compete in a cooking competition the heat will rise in the kitchen

This was such an intriguing story that ticked all the boxes for me. The characters were easy to relate to and I found myself totally invested in the story of two people who have forty days to decide if what they have is real and have a future together.

The chemistry between Sean and was intense and as their attraction grows, so does the heat. This was a romantic, steamy, funny book and is a little gem, which I enjoyed.

Ptiteaurel

3,839 reviews58 followers

Erin McCarthy est de retour avec une comédie romantique comme on les aime. Tous les ingrédients seront réunis pour que nos deux héros, deux chefs culinaires, nous offrent une délicieuse romance. Ils nous feront rire, ils sauront aussi nous émouvoir et on espère qu'ils parviendront à se mettre d'accord sur leur désir commun .

j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec ce roman qui a su retenir mon attention malgré une intrigue entendue et déjà lue. Les relations ennemis - amants sont toujours un délice à découvrir et on ne s'en lasse jamais. La recette va prendre et on va donc prendre un grand plaisir avec ces deux là.

Chronique complète à lire sur : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...

Kari Hansen

12.3k reviews92 followers

October 23, 2020

Isla has worked hard to get where she is both in life and in her career so when she finds out that the job she thought was hers was given to the sexy stranger she had an altercation in a broken elevator it becomes a case of dislike at first sight.

Sean is a chef who is confident in his skills both in his personal and professional life. From the first time they met the sparks of antagonism fly but with each interaction they start to realize that first impression can be deceiving and that is when the good times really begin.

Isla and Sean have a way of challenging each other both when it comes to work and play. This story finds the perfect balance between romance and humor and Isla and Sean were perfect for each other in every way.

Jackie Wright

6,530 reviews135 followers

October 17, 2020

4.5 Stars for Who’s the Boss
This is an enemies to lovers romance that captivates and entertains from the first page to the last line.
Master Chef Sean Kincaid is a arrogant jerk but that doesn’t stop him being extremely hot and intriguing, he loves to give orders and boss his staff around but that doesn’t stop Isla Kowakski being attracted to her extremely hot and brooding boss....
When Isla and Sean enter a competition things in the kitchen really heat up and that’s when the fun and games begin. Just like her boss Isla takes no prisoners when it comes to her job so who will win the battle of wits as well as the cooking .....
The chemistry is sizzling and the banter is witty and I loved watching this couple decide in forty days if they have a future together. A fun, entertaining read that will appeal to wide range of audiences.

Siobhan

5,037 reviews597 followers

October 23, 2020

Erin McCarthy hooked me with Weekend Wife, sucked me deeper into the friendship group with Five First Dates, and had me desperate for more of the characters after Forty Day Fiancé. It is no surprise that I jumped right into Who’s the Boss?

Who’s the Boss? had me gripped from the first page, happily powering through the pages to see how the details came together. The story works perfectly fine as a standalone, but it was great to see more of the characters I have come to enjoy so much in the other books. In fact, I was especially eager to see our female lead find her happiness and get inside of her head. With plenty of shenanigans throughout, this one had me powering through the pages and smiling at the way things developed.

Without a doubt, Who’s the Boss? is another winner from the author. I cannot wait to see the final member of the friendship group get her happily ever after.

Isha Coleman

8,969 reviews173 followers

October 18, 2020

Who's the Boss? by Erin McCarthy is a heatwave that burns through the senses and tickles your funny bone while invading your heart. Sean and Isla are a match made of chaos with a whole lot of heartache to spare. Looks like they tripped over egos and found more than they bargained for. McCarthy lightens the mood with delicious temptation.

first-reads

Jennifer Pierson

11.7k reviews188 followers

October 23, 2020

Sean & Isla come face to face when they were both going to the same baby shower, his brother & her bestie. They get stuck in the elevator and instantly they're ready to throw down, but when they get up to the party, they have a super hot kiss before going in. Fast forward 4 months, and Isla is trying to be promoted to head chef, but instead, they bring in Sean for that position so let the games begin. Every interaction between these two had the sparks flying, and while there's no drama from the outside, they were capable of making their own drama as they kept fighting until they were told to learn how to get along. Those sparks that are ever present when they're near each other finally ignite which brings the temperature up several degrees, and it's the best thing for them. To see how it turns out when the timer goes off, hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Cali Jewel

5,249 reviews39 followers

Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun and action packed journey filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and exciting passion. This highly entertaining adventure had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Leann McKay

1,458 reviews10 followers

Chef down!

What a fun story! Chef down! This book will keep you laughing and rooting for the winner the entire time. Erin McCarthy can write like no one else, she has such an amazing balance of snark, sex and love that I’ve yet to see replicated!

Becky

3,430 reviews142 followers

October 22, 2020

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 10/22/2020.

OMG, loved!

Who's the Boss? is an excellent example of workplace romance (with an enemies-to-lovers flavor, though it's really just-got-off-on-the-wrong-foot-darn-that-elevator antagonism, rather than true enemies) done right--all the romance, with none of the inappropriate squickiness. (My browser is telling me that's not a word, but I trust we all know what I mean, yes? ;) )

I loved Isla and Sean together. From their OMG-so-hot first kiss up against the wall all the way through one of the most awkward (but effective!) grand gestures ever, I didn't want to put this book down. It made me laugh (literally right up until the last line of the book) just as much as it made me sigh. When Isla's ovaries were feeling the effects of Sean with small children? Mine were right there with them.

Have a fan handy, and perhaps a few frosty drinks is what I'm saying. You'll be glad you did ;)

Somehow I've missed a few of the books in this friend group ( Forty Day Fiancé and Weekend Wife ), but you'd better believe I'll be going back to them ASAP!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Eileen

2,692 reviews

I totally enjoyed Isla and Sean in Who’s the Boss: An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy by Erin McCarthy. These two had a meet cute in a stalled elevator and Sean, who has claustrophobia, flirted his way through passing the time. All that did was anger Isla; especially when he placed a kiss on her and set her world afire. Fast forward a few months and Isla discovers that Sean, an outsider, has been named Master Chef at her restaurant, instead of her. Now she has to work with him, follow his orders, and keep a lid on her temper. Isla does not like taking orders from anyone, but especially not a grumpy man who knows how to push her buttons. Sean has avoided commitment and relations with women; he was fine with a one and done. But there was something special about his attraction to Isla. There is a fine line between hate and love which these two soon discover. Sean and Isla find themselves sharing an attraction, built on a magnetism and chemistry that soon has them burning up the sheets. When a Best Chef competition forces the two of them against each other, things are either going to sizzle or be a recipe for disaster.

Ms. McCarthy wrote a wonderful, funny and smexy story that should not be missed. She provided a tale full of sexual chemistry, humor, and endearing characters giving Isla and Sean a chance for love and the possibility of a future together. I highly recommend Who’s the Boss to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Laura

2,594 reviews113 followers

***ARC Provided by the Author***

For some reason, I really enjoy books where one (or both) of the characters are chefs. I have no idea why. I am not even particularly obsessed with restaurants, or cooking, at least I don't think so...but it is what it is and I enjoy books set in the restaurant world.

Sean and Isla have a memorable first encounter with both dislike and attraction but due to something she doesn't know about Sean, but that we as readers find out fairly quickly, their initial meeting leaves her believing he is a total jerk.

So, when she discovers Sean is her new boss, Isla is less than thrilled.

I love a good forbidden romance and when it's one where both of the people have something to lose (or at least think they do) it's like catnip for me. As long as it is well-written, which this definitely was. Add in some elements of enemies to lovers and some competition between them and I was definitely engaged with the characters.

I also liked how willing each was to be vulnerable with the other and also to trust the other. A lot of (wasted in my opinion) time could have been spent on them not believing in or trusting one another at work, and this was never an element of this one.

For an enemies to lovers book to really work you have to, as a reader, believe the attraction of the 2 characters. This one works well, the attraction is real, and I definitely believed.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

Zoe L.

389 reviews14 followers

Read

I mean, an enemies to lovers rom-com about two chefs is right up my alley. Well, anything with food is right up my alley, but that’s besides the point! But overall this was a fun and quirky read that I was able to devour in an evening. And even though it is a short book I still felt satisfied with the story and while I want more it also felt complete.

Let me start off by saying there was sooooo much chemistry between our two MCs! And that’s a must when reading a romance book. I mean, imagine if you hated the two *destined* to be together! It would be such a drag! But what I like most about this book is that it was funny! It’s such a bonus when I crack up laughing throughout but still get all those steamy chemistry riddled scenes. I mean, perfect combo!

I really enjoyed this one and actually liked that it was quite short. I tend to prefer my romance books, especially if they’re more of the rom-com variety, to be more of the novella length. I think it just allows for the story and romance to shine without getting too muddled when they’re a bit shorter!

You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
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Roselyn_Reads

439 reviews21 followers

Ever since reading The Weekend Wife, I became a fan of Leah and her group of friends, Savannah, Felicia, Isla and Dakota. These ladies are all so different yet so powerful and empowering.

Who's the Boss? is a hilarious enemy to lovers, workplace romance that will have you laughing out loud one moment and the next swooning over the chemistry between the two main characters. Isla Kowalksi (Felicia's best friend) and Sean Kincaid (Michael's brother) first met when they were on their way to Felicia and Michael's baby shower (Forty Day Fiance) and get stuck in an elevator. Despite the not-so-pleasant encounter and dislike between the two, they share a passionate kiss that left an impression on them both over the next few months. When Isla next sees Sean, her hate for him grows stronger when she finds that he is the new master chef at her restaurant, a position she was hoping would go to her.

I loved the chemistry between Isla and Sean. While their banter was hilarious, the flirtatious dialogue between the two was so hot. Their bedroom chemistry was off the charts. Isla was not afraid to let the cocky master chef know exactly what she wanted. She was not shy about voicing what she wanted and how she wanted it, which is one of the things Sean loved about her. I have really enjoyed all the books following this group of friends, but Isla and Sean's story is one of my favorites.

Lisa Spofford

864 reviews20 followers

I have really enjoyed this series of books as a group of girlfriends gradually fall in love. This book is about Isla and Sean, Felicia’s brothers-in-law. It is a enemies to lovers book about two people who had no interest in falling in love. I loved how passionate they were both in hate and later in love. We didn’t know much about either of them when the book started, but they both had loss in their backstories and this loss takes them from seemingly detached, cynical, one-dimensional people to a couple desperately needing to protect their hearts. Isla keeps her secrets even from her girlfriends, most of whom have already stumbled their way into accepting love in their lives. It makes our main characters much more real as human beings. I loved that their relationship didn’t solidify in less than a month like often happens in romance novels. I know that love can happen fast, but it doesn’t happen that way most of the time. I loved the way Erin McCarthy’s stories make me smile and laugh, there are no cliffhangers, are super steamy, and one can count on the Happy Ending. This book is the epitome of a feel-good love story. It reads easily and is a joy from start to finish. You can’t go wrong reading it today!

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

Sharon Moritz-rosenthal

2,271 reviews29 followers

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This story is a standalone but the prologue takes place in the midst of Forty Day Fiancee. It is the fourth book in the series and stars the brother, Sean from Forty and Felicia's bestfriend from Forty as well, Isla. In the prologue they meet in the elevator before the wedding.

This is part of the author, Erin McCarthy’s contemporary, adult, rom-com series focusing on a group of friends in New York. Previous story line couples return as secondary and supporting characters, as mentioned Sean and Felicia (Forty First Dates), Grant and Leah (Weekend Wife) and Maddox and Savannah (Five First Dates). The only book I have read was Five First Dates.

This is very much a hate turning to love while at the workplace and they are both chefs. Isla and Sean meet when an elevator stalls and he is a MAJOR jerk for the first part of the book. Aside from how he treats Isla he also is into one night stands and has a horrible nickname. Even I hated him at this point.

But then he gets the job as Isla's boss and we start to see that he is not really that guy. and he starts to open up to Isla and her him. Thats when I fell in love with this story. It is sweet, hot, romantic and absolutely a wonderful story. It was an awesome read and I highly enjoyed it.

Amy

1,487 reviews36 followers

October 15, 2020

Sparks fly right from the beginning of Erin McCarthy’s Who’s The Boss. It is an enemies to lovers, workplace romance featuring a meet cute that will alternately give you a chuckle and then have you fanning yourself. Sean and Isla first meet at his brother’s and her best friend’s engagement party. Insults fly amidst an instant attraction and then they find themselves working together four months later. Can they put their dislike and attraction aside and figure out how to work together?

Isla is a smart, independent woman who is determined to make her mark as a Chef. She wants to make it on her own and doesn’t want any help. She’s also concerned about what others think and tends to push people away when they get too close.

Sean is actually pretty similar to Isla and he wants to open his own restaurant eventually. Once he opens himself up to Isla, he’s all in and ready to include her in his future dreams.

The chemistry and banter between these two is off the charts. I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face while watching these two navigate their relationship and the workplace.

Who’s the Boss is a light and funny romantic comedy that will warm your heart. It’s a quick, enjoyable read sure to delight readers.

Reading Addict

1,085 reviews21 followers

I have been thoroughly enjoying the "Girlfriends" series by Erin McCarthy (that's how I have dubbed it!). All of these New York friends have been finding love and laughter and now it is Isla's turn no matter what this anti-love cynic believes! Isla Kowalski has been working hard in the restaurant industry and now she hopes to achieve the executive chef status at her restaurant Bones but much to her surprise one of her most recent nightmares, Sean Kincaid has been appointed that position. Sean only met Isla once four months ago but after being trapped on an elevator with her, she left a lasting impression. He may have been thinking about her frequently over the past few months but he never expected to end up working with her let alone be her new boss! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Erin McCarthy does a great job with Sean and Isla's story. There is lots of witty banter, steamy workplace scenes and fun supporting characters. It was told from dual POV and is a great way to spend your weekend reading and laughing. If you haven't read the other books it isn't a problem because Who's The Boss stands alone however they are also really good so I do recommend reading them as well.

Karen

606 reviews