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Mailbox, Inc #1

Bastard-in-Chief

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The grumpy one meets the sunshine one, but which is which?

Hailed as a genius since before he could buy a beer, Theodore Sutton runs his tech company with a healthy dose of intimidation. Notorious for growling more than he speaks and never sharing an elevator, only his dog Max knows Theo’s bark is worse than his bite.

Sophie Alexander has too much on her plate—a useless ex-husband, a sassy teenage daughter, and more bills than paycheck. But she’s an expert at being the smiling face everyone expects to see when they walk in the door at Mailbox, Inc.

When a chance encounter and a case of mixed-up pets reveals the secrets they’ve been keeping, will they be able to maintain the careful facades they’ve been living behind? Or will their explosive chemistry expose them to the world?

If you love a grumpy boss, workplace romance in the vein of Nicole Snow, Maya Hughes, or Lauren Landish, you’ll love Bastard-in-Chief! Featuring a loveable rescue dog and one-eyed cat both named Max, Bastard-In-Chief is a standalone steamy romance, with all the feels and happily ever after guaranteed!

264 pages, ebook

First published January 21, 2022

85 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Fancy Roberts

7 books30 followers

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5 stars
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99 (39%)
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49 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Katie | Bewitchedbookmama .
70 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2022
Whenever I get the chance to read a new to me author, I always get a little excited. Add in the fact that it's an indie author? Even better. Bastard-in-Chief is hot. Like, make sure your devices are plugged in and charged hot. You can decide if I’m talking about something other than your kindle.

We meet Sophie and Theo. A woman who has been torn down her entire life who is scrapping by and a man who could buy a house without blinking an eye. Oh, and let’s not forget he’s her boss. She’s been a receptionist at his company for so long, that she knows she doesn’t even register on his scale of interest, but that doesn’t keep her from eyeing him from afar and wondering what that scruff of his would feel like rubbed against her skin. She is convinced he doesn’t even know she exists. The joke’s on her. He’s been so enthralled with her since the day she said ‘Good Morning’ for the first time. He’s dying to have those legs up on his shoulders. But due to their current personal status, nothing has gone past that ‘Good Morning’. That is until a situation of chance has Sophie dreading a night out as the special guest of her boss. Now all they can both think about is how incredible she felt on top of him.

I really adored this book. It felt like a grown-up and sexy version of the best Hallmark movie. With that said, it is not like Hallmark in the BEST ways. Like, charge your devices. This is a very steamy novel. If you love your contemporary romance with HEAT, this is it. I’m not telling you to read this book. But a year from now, you are going to be reading about this author selling the tops of her charts and you will be regretting that you didn’t pick up this book then.
Profile Image for Angela's Book Addiction.
803 reviews
February 18, 2022
*** 4.5 Stars ***

Bastard-in-Chief, Fancy Roberts’s debut novel, is a contemporary billionaire workplace romance with grumpy/sunshine vibes. Told in first person dual POV, the story follows the relationship between newly divorced receptionist, writer, and single parent, Sophie Alexander, and her grumpy, genius, billionaire boss, Theodore Sutton.

Sophie doesn’t have a high opinion of her boss. Every morning Mr. Sutton walks into the building yelling into his cellphone at some poor person who failed to meet his impossible expectations. Every day Sophie greets him good morning, and every day he walks past her to the elevator without responding or so much as glancing in her direction. It’s a shame he’s such a jerk, because Mr. Sutton is a gorgeous sight to behold. So when Sophie’s pen name is invited to accompany him to a work-related gala fundraiser, she dreads the event.

But what if she’s been wrong about him? What if Theo’s not so prickly after all? What if he has secretly noticed Sophie every day since her first day on the job? And what if Theo’s intimidating persona is just something he wears to the office? What will happen if Sophie has a few too many drinks at the gala? And what if their chemistry is too strong to ignore?

I loved Sophie and Theo’s story! It had a great blend of humor and emotion, and the chemistry between Theo and Sophie was off the charts. I loved the relationship that developed between Theo and Sophie’s teenage daughter, Emma. And I loved the Maxes too! Bastard-in-Chief was fun, witty, and steamy. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Profile Image for Dawn McKenzie.
Author 1 book1 follower
February 10, 2022
I really love this author's writing!
And I loved this book. It spoke to me so much of things I went through, I just devoured it.

The almost unrecognisable emotional and financial abuse, the gaslighting that keeps happening even after the divorce has happened, how the kids suffer from such abusive parents, but how the love and communication offered counterbalance it and help them grow into good kids, no matter waht.

But you know what I loved best? How Fancy Roberts managed to show safe, consensual sex in a way that is sooo damn hot it makes you melt!

This is a must read!
234 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2022
Sophie Alexander, receptionist at Mailbox, is a newly divorced mom with a teenager. Her ex-husband put her through the ringer and she’s trying her best to make a better life for herself and her daughter, Emma. Theodore Sutton, CEO of Mailbox, is grumpy and surly. He has taken on the grumpy persona due to mistakes he made when first starting his business at twenty. Sophie writes articles for Mailbox under the pseudonym Elinor Price. Theo needs Elinor to accompany him to a gala because she wrote a medical article and he needs her expertise when he talks to medical personnel there. Sophie thinks Theo doesn’t know who she is and Lauren convinces her to go disguised as Elinor. Lauren is Sophie’s best friend from college. Theo’s older sister, Casey, her husband, Garrett, and their two children see Teddy, Theo’s mushy side. I enjoyed the storyline with Sophie and Theo getting together. The mixed up pets was cute. Sophie is a strong woman who needs to learn to accept help and Theo is a loving man who needs the right woman. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel Tobin.
16 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2022
Teddy Theo Theodore - Yes please!

Stubborn. Sassy. Sexy. Sophie and Teddy encompass all three. I loved reading about Sophie's coming into her own after years of settling for less than she deserves. A man with a name to match every demeanor, T has to learn that money doesn't solve every problem either. Their chemistry - and the man's shower - are of the charts amazing and I'm so glad Fancy Roberts shared this story with the world. May every Sophie find the Theo she deserves.
Profile Image for Jezabel Nightingale.
Author 8 books44 followers
May 30, 2022
I’m glad this book was recommended to me. Love finding new authors to cheer on! This was a sweet read. I would have loved more of Theo’s backstory, not just that women only wanted him for his bank account. The irony that Sophie didn’t was almost a little too heavy handed, but still a satisfying read.
Profile Image for CR.
4,182 reviews40 followers
March 3, 2022
I was given an early digital copy by the author for my honest review and here it is!
This was a very cute billionaire romance. I couldn't put it down.
There were a few instances where I felt like the timeline got choppy, but I just finished a huge read and my brain might have just been chopping things up.
What I loved about this book:
It was a quick read.
The characters were so much fun!
The steam was pretty good, but I can always go for more!
The dynamic between main and side characters was well done.
The utilization of pets and food in the story had mynheart singing!

My only real complaints are:

1)I thought it was weird how the Mc was hyper focused on not being a creep around the fmc's teenage daughter. The thought once or twice would have been enough.

2)The hot and cold between the two characters got to the point I felt like I was getting whiplash at times. It wasn't poorly executed, I just didn't enjoy so much back and forth and would have liked to see some stronger gut feelings. But maybe that's just how the characters are meant to be. I don't judge this harshly at all.

3)Closing the door too quickly! I would have liked to see more detail, but I'm a weirdo like that.

The only real tw I can think of off the bat was off the page cheating (not the hero). ~AW
68 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2023
Sophie is pathetic!

Hate characters like this. Always take the anger out if the wrong people. Not all people are the same. When you are hurt by someone your direct anger should be on that person not someone wants to help. Pathetic! She doesn’t deserved Theo! Excuses to justify bad behaviors r still excuses! Ughhhh
3,446 reviews42 followers
February 12, 2022
I rated this four and a half. This story started out stupid but turned out great. Sophie works as a receptionist and writes articles for the company publication using a pen name. Their boss Theodore Sutton has a carefully maintained reputation for being a scowling grumpypants. He finds one of Sophie's articles interesting and asks the author to accompany him to a related event, and Sophie agrees to go, using her pen name as her alter ego. Now for the stupid part: Sophie really believes that Theodore won't recognize her if she puts on a fancy dress and does her hair differently. This might make sense if it was just some distant boss and a lowly worker who's hardly ever seen him let alone interacted with him. But we later find out that Theo has been greeted by Sophie nearly every day for three years, she's looked him in the eye and greeted him daily -- he'd have to be exceptionally bad with faces in order not to recognize her. .I guess she thought recognizing a minimum wage worker's face would be beneath his dignity. But Theo thought it was stupid too so that was the saving grace.

Once I got past that this turned out to be quite a lovely story. Sophie is the mother of a teenaged girl, trying to cope with her recent divorce. Her ex is a waste of space and she's better off without him but that doesn't mean it's easy to adjust. Theo takes her needs in the bedroom into account much better than her ex did, and he wants to give her the world and take care of her in other ways too. But Sophie doesn't want to be the object of gossip as the lady who slept with the boss, and she needs to prove something to herself regarding her ability to improve her life on her own, without referring to a man in her life. The writing style flows well and it packs some lovely feels. I liked the characters, and I would read something else from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,182 reviews14 followers
February 21, 2022
Sophie really doesn't care for her boss Theo he's a grumpy man impossible to please. Every morning as she's working at the receptionists desk she greets him by saying good morning and everyday he ignores her. He just walks straight to the elevator since it seems he's too busy yelling at whoever's on his cellphone to give Sophie the time of day it's too bad he's a jerk since he's so pretty to look at. Sophie isn't just the receptionist she also writes articles for the companies publications under a pen name so when Theo invites her pen name to a gala fundraiser for work she's dreading it. She is newly divorced and a single mother to her teenage daughter Emma. I loved the dual P.O.V'S in this story as well as the emotions and humor blended perfectly. You really need to read this charming steamy story to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,286 reviews13 followers
February 24, 2022
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I absolutely enjoyed this story about Sophie, Theodore/Teddy and Emma. Sophie and Emma have just moved on in their life, her divorce is final, Emma is healthy and work is work. Teddy is her boss at Mailbox, Inc and is the younger brother of a famous child actress. Teddy always seems grumbly but Sophie always smiles and says hi. When he needs a date to a fundraiser, he asks for Elinor Price to attend, which happens to be Sophie's penname. He's admired from a distance but now is his chance. They have amazing chemistry but her fears about the past keep her at arms length. Her ex really messed with her confidence. Teddy wants to make her happy. Great characters and a wonderful beginning to a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,162 reviews11 followers
February 15, 2022
Advanced reader copy received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way !

Absolutely loved Bastard In Chief and here is why :

Loved the black and white cover with just the blue of Theo’s eyes - book blurb would most likely make me want to one click !
Office setting romance
Sophie has met her match in grumpy billionaire Theo Sutton. The divorced Mom of a teenager is so not ready to stay in her lane!
Off the charts sizzling chemistry
Great romance and happily every after
Standalone
Some funny situations with laugh out loud dialogue !

Such a great read - couldn’t put it down ! My kind of romance !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie Wilks.
181 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2022
Heat Level: 3.75
Predictability: 4.5
Overall score: 3.5
I just want to punch Theodore, aka Grumpy Boss, in that beautiful face for being so hot and cold. Bipolar. And people say women can be wishy washy😒  I absolutely adore Sophie! She is a 35 year old single mom of a teenage daughter. Sophie sells herself short in every way possible. The storyline is decent, but very predictable. The writing itself is fantastic. It kept my attention. It would be a perfect "light" book. If you just got finished reading a "heavy" book or something with a ton of drama and you need a little break? This would be good for you.
5,665 reviews63 followers
March 8, 2022
Sophie has been watching CEO Theo walk by every morning and never acknowledge her or her greeting. Now her article under a pen name has gotten notice and invited to an event. She attends and the relationship starts with a bang. The characters are terrific, with great backstories, interesting pets and a need for something more in their lives. The storyline has drama, surprises, secrets, entertaining situations, great banter and much more. Loved the chemistry once it started up and the support that comes between them. The ending is great and I can not wait to read more by this author. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,143 reviews25 followers
February 17, 2022
Very good romantic story
4.5
It's a very beautiful simple romance between Sophie who has just divorced and Theo her boss who scares everyone around him.
Between her ex, the impression that it's an impossible relationship, the money to raise her daughter, Sophie struggles and searches for herself to find herself.
The story is very well written, tender, hot and fascinating story about her internal struggle, with opposite Theo confused by this woman he did not expect and who surprises him at every turn.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
521 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2022
Theodore was Sophie's boss so a relationship was out of the question. That was, aside from the fact that he may well be winning the reward from the boss from hell, everyone was scared of him and always toeing the line. But Sophie brought out another side of him, a more vulnerable one. She is also a strong independent woman and need to live her life as she please, will he be able to let her? I enjoyed the story, well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystal.
845 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2022
so funny

Theodore Sutton learned to be grumpy early on in his career. Sophie Alexander is sunshiny to all that enters Mailbox, Inc. including the grumpy CEO Theodore. While everyone fears him, only two people aren’t afraid— Sophie and his PA. This book has so much fun side characters— a BFF, Lauren; two pets named Max; a famous sister, and a sassy teenager. This book had me laughing and there is explosive chemistry between Theo/Teddy and Sophie. This book is such a fun and easy read. Stayed up late (or is it early) to finish reading the book. Who needs sleep? Lol
Profile Image for Brooklyn Sorenson.
Author 2 books142 followers
March 21, 2022
An absolute must read!

4.5 stars to the Bastard-in-Chief! This book had me glued to the pages from the very first sentence. The characters were so relatable—though, I really wanted to smack a few of them a time or two—and the plot was the perfect mix of hilarious and heartfelt. I fell in love with the growly “Bastard” immediately and couldn’t help but root for him from the start. He was beautifully written and now I want my own!! I also understood Sophie’s plight and wanted her to get her HEA, even if she had to be nudged toward it a time or two. These two were so perfect for each other. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for Fancy Roberts’s next book!!!
18 reviews
July 31, 2023
Quick and enjoyable read

I definitely didn’t expect to get through this whole book on a Sunday afternoon/evening in between naps and bedtimes, but it was a quick read and very enjoyable. Not often do you feel sympathy so quickly for the grumpy billionaire, but the author managed that beautifully here. Loved how Teddy/Theo wasn’t thrown off by Sophie having a teenager, because that’s life. The beginning lunch scene was hilarious and I could picture my own Lauren doing something similar. Try this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Happyscribe.
939 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2022
I'm super impressed that this is a debut novel! I was utterly seduced by Bastard-in-Chief and felt it was very like an old Spencer Tracy/ Katharine Hepburn vibe (a good thing - a very good thing!) He's grumpy, she's sunshine, opposites attract but first, they wrangle and spar and take us along for the ride with them (thanks to the dual POV). Can't wait to read more from Fancy Roberts!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,738 reviews10 followers
July 6, 2022
I really liked the humour throughout the book, usually caused by one or both Max's, it gave a good contrast to the realities Sophie was facing with Jake the abusive ex. I loved that she wanted to make the changes herself and not have to rely on another man again but ultimately get herself to a place where she could accept support as an equal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,552 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2023
3.5 stars
There is grumpy and then there is asshole abuse and Theo walks that line when Sophie leaves. Dude should leave that shit at home and not take it out on his employees. At the same time Theo knows he is being an asshole. Sophie is being stubborn but at the same time I understand wanting to accomplish things on your own without help but there comes a time when you have to accept help.


Downloaded as part of the 2023 Stuff your Kindle event
2 reviews
February 24, 2022
Speechless

I laughed, I cried, I cheered and I raged right along with this story. As a mom and a woman who has been there... Thank you Miss Fancy. I'm a devoted fan and now can't wait for the next story!!!
250 reviews
February 28, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed reading this book. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I would recommend it!
Profile Image for Deb.
7,539 reviews36 followers
March 8, 2022
4 1/2 stars
Riveting characters, a very entertaining storyline and palpable attraction made for a very enjoyable read. I loved every minute of this book. . I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura.
472 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2022
2.5

I was expecting this book to get better or more interesting but it was bland. I wasn't feeling it. I had a list of things that went wrong but this story is so forgettable than two days after reading, I actually forgot most of the plot. That should tell you all.
Profile Image for Kiera.
106 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2022
Sweet and sexy

I absolutely adored this book. Sophie and Teddy were so lovely, and I loved how the grumpy-alpha-billionare was really a squishy-egalitarian-billionaire.

Off to download book 2!
65 reviews
October 24, 2022
loved this

I really loved this book. The characters the story. I read it in an afternoon. Couldn’t put it down. This was is the first book I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to read another.
8 reviews
February 25, 2022
Loved!

This was everything. I was hooked from the first page. I can't wait for more. I laughed an swooned. Great fun read.
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