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Sincerely, Up Yours

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For some reason, my new boss has it out to get me.
Innocent little me?
I'm just a petite, talented, darling little thorn in his side. Okay, my words, not his.
But he can't fire me unless I quit—long story.
The joke's on him, because I couldn't even quit chewing gum, let alone my dream job.

So I thought I had it handled.
I could survive the new boss, along with his icy dreamboat eyes and buns of steel (how he got a stick so far up a rear that tight remains a mystery).
I could even endure sharing an office with heartless Mr. Heartthrob.

Easy. Ish.

But then I drunkenly made the challenge that changed everything.
I told him I could make an interview with an arrogant jerk like him sell.
His answer? Prove it.
If I fail, he gets what he wants and I quit. If I succeed, he backs off for good.

Even if I'm seeing there's more to him with each interview, the plan is still simple.
Nail the story, keep hating the boss, and finally get him off my back.
At least it seemed simple until we were eating cheap takeout pizza and watching rom-coms together in his bed.

What was that plan again? Write the story, nail the boss, then he gets me on my back?

Full-length enemies-to-lovers office romance with laugh-out-loud slow-burn goodness. The bosshole to end all bossholes can't afford to fall for his smart-mouthed, strong-willed employee, but fate has other plans.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2022

2869 people are currently reading
2047 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Bloom

69 books2,603 followers
USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.

Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.

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5 stars
2,392 (35%)
4 stars
2,319 (34%)
3 stars
1,481 (22%)
2 stars
386 (5%)
1 star
122 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
Profile Image for CassDamm.
675 reviews95 followers
December 31, 2022
2.5✨

It was really wishy washy. That’s the best way to describe it.
Like, half the dialogue was super cringe and wtf who says that, then randomly there would be some super witty good lines.
Then, the characters relationship was enjoyable to read as enemies but as soon as that ended it and they were sneaking around it was no longer enjoyable.

For all the good parts there were equal if not more bad parts.
Profile Image for G.
516 reviews203 followers
January 5, 2023
Cute read

Has all my favourite tropes
- Grumpy Sunshine
- Office Romance
- Grovelling
I mean what more can you ask for?
Profile Image for Tabatha Reed.
1,687 reviews196 followers
November 14, 2022
If you love enemies to lovers meets romantic comedy you will sincerely adore this read.

I loved Darcy (h) so much. She was feisty and quirky. I loved how off kilter she kept Dominic (H) the whole time. They had awesome chemistry together. I loved how hard he tried to resist her.

He’s her new boss so in addition to enemies to lovers and romantic comedy you’ve got the whole workplace forbidden aspect. I laughed so hard at some of h’s friend and coworker Elizabeth’s antics.

As with most romcoms H really fumbles things up near the end. I’m not typically a big fan of grand gesture grovels but this one felt fitting. I’m glad H took time and put sincere thought into his apology and plan to prove himself to H.

Medium burn, their is some hanky panky at 50% but it doesn’t really kick off until 57%.

Condoms used
No virgins
Push away from H, then from h
No OW drama
Very mild OM drama
No cheating
No scenes with others
4 month separation
HEA
Epilogue

Safety - this is safe. The h sees H with an OW after work once and gets a bit jealous. He wasn’t actually there with OW though. There aren’t any OW.

H gets super jealous of any and all male attention. She had a tinder date with a weird guy. She’s only interested in H though. She also has a bi BFF he’s a bit jealous about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,713 reviews204 followers
November 20, 2022
“Gentleman’s Relish”

This had me laughing aloud on several occasions. The antics, the hazing and camaraderie between friends and (sometimes wildly inappropriate) colleagues, and the truths spoken, even when harsh, make this a wonderful read.

“Oh my God,” Elizabeth whispered. “It feels like we’re being oppressed by the sexiest dictator in history. Should I try to think of a good nickname for him? Big Daddy? Mr. Cockwood?”

It wasn't as much tongue in cheek as other books that I've read by Penelope Bloom, but I still enjoyed Darcy and Dominic's path to an HEA. I love when they (nearly) get caught in compromising positions and how each can be a little slow on the uptake once in a while.

Penelope Bloom Sincerely Up Yours

I was entertained and look forward to Penelope's next book!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
367 reviews
November 21, 2022
DNF @ 8%
Couldn't get past her attitude and his rudeness. Also, the fact she wasn't fired in the first hour of him being her new boss makes no sense.
Profile Image for Jezabel Nightingale.
Author 8 books43 followers
November 13, 2022
Another thoroughly enjoyable read by Penelope Bloom. Laugh out loud funny in parts and poignantly sad in others. Darcy was a delight as a character!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
1,991 reviews151 followers
January 20, 2023
Wow, that was cringy. The snark and dialogue wasn’t funny in context with the workplace setting. Unprofessional and not inline with the characterization the author was attempting to build. I only could make it about 30 pages.
Profile Image for Andi.
480 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2023
3 STARS

Uh, I don't know. It was okay but there were many scenes in this book that had me questioning if what I read is right. The timeline of this book was confusing. The sudden change of scenes was a thrown-off. It was frustrating. I was also having a hard time liking Elizabeth. All she talks about was sex, it was tiring. I was like Farhad in their circle. I was so tired of her sex jokes.

But other than that, it was mostly okay. I was looking for an easy read for some time now and I did enjoy my time reading this. It was fun and a little predictable. Though I wish there could have been a little substance to it.
Profile Image for Book_Eater_Reviews✍.
471 reviews40 followers
January 17, 2023
I tried my best to finish this one, but I tapped out at 75%. There was just something missing. I liked the idea of it, but the execution just didn't work for me.

For instance, why was what Dominic and his father did to Darcy when she was at college not a huge f*cking deal when she first met him?! I don't understand how something like that could just be brushed over.

I also found Elizabeth really freaking annoying.
3 reviews
December 6, 2022
One of the few books I've ever not finished

Wow, that was cringy. I only made it about 30 pages, so maybe it improves, but in the first 30 pages the word "ovaries" was used at least 20 times, and everyone and everything was compared to food. Also the leading man was an absolute jerk. In three lines I already hated him. Being rude to serving staff isn't sexy.
Profile Image for emsbooklife.
336 reviews147 followers
January 2, 2023
“grumpily ever after”

this was full of surprises, i went into this book completely blind, never heard of it or seen anyone talk about it and it was so fun!!
i really enjoyed the fun banter, friendships, spicy scenes, and emotional scenes! also LOVED the writing, i am now a fan of Penelope Bloom and will be reading more ☺️
Profile Image for Amanda Mant.
308 reviews58 followers
November 27, 2022
I read this a couple days ago and I have to be honest…it’s not very memorable. BUT that’s really not a bad thing for me in this instance. Allow me to explain…

I’ve been a bit slumped lately and wanted something light and fluffy. I got it. I’ve never been a big Penelope Bloom fan, but this story was exactly what the doctor ordered this time around. It wasn’t perfect. I’ve never really gelled with her writing style. But it was exactly what I hoped it would be.

The characters are fun. They’re one dimensional enough that the focus is more on how they fit with each other than all of the outside influences of life. But also well rounded enough that we feels they are whole humans. It was actually balanced quite well by the author. Plus the supporting characters were fun.

I give it four stars because it really isn’t memorable beyond I had a good feeling in my heart while I read it. But that’s not a bad review from me by any means. Do I recommend it? If you’re looking for something light and fluffy that will probably make you laugh and will overall just plain bring you joy then this book is a great choice.
Profile Image for Marty Sandvik.
564 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2025
Darcy McClain, little 'c' then a big one is having what she thinks will be a great day until she discovers the jerk she told off in the coffee shop is her new boss. Then she discovers he is also one of the student's she wrote an expose about in college that ended up getting her expelled. Dominic her new boss finds her attractive and immediately wants her gone but the two of them come up with a deal if she can interview him and it's good she can keep her job. She tries to draw him out during the interviews and they end up at a gallery together, an ice cream shop, a family dinner, and a co-worker's rooftop. On the rooftop they admit they are attracted to one another and start to hook up but are stopped when Dominic's best friend catches them. Dominic tries to avoid her but it's no use and after a run together they end up back at his place.
They start seeing each other in private but Dominic's jerk father shows up and complicates things between the two of them. They break up and Dominic and Darcy are both miserable until almost four months later Dominic makes a grand gesture.
I loved the hilarity of this book. I could not stop laughing and it was sweet and sexy. Darcy was a total bad ass and definitely a great match for Dominic's alpha maleness and grumpiness. The two had amazing chemistry from beginning to end and I want to read more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janelle.
45 reviews12 followers
February 11, 2023
Oof. How does this book have over 4 stars?! Is it because it’s free?! This was terrible. DNF.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,244 reviews9 followers
November 16, 2022
Funny, Romantic, Steamy!
This is a classic Penelope Bloom story. A story of unique, well-written characters that have you pulling for them and that are surrounded and supported by colorful characters that just add to the delight of the storyline. In this case we have Darcy and Dominic and the setting is inside the offices of Squawker magazine. A magazine that Dominic’s father just bought and Dom is the new CEO. Darcy is a gifted journalist with a history that is connected to Dom. There is attraction from the very beginning and only gets more powerful as time goes on. But of course no love story can run smoothly and this couple is no exception. How they overcome and have their HEA just adds to the splendor of this book
I’m highly recommending this story for your reading pleasure. PEACE.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nerdy Norie.
559 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2022
I’ve never left this for a review but that Elizabeth stole the show with Marcus a close second! She was so dang funny to me! Like LOL for real laughing! Please write a story about her and Tristan. Her and anybody really. She was great!

Ok, the book! Really enjoyed the vulnerable grumpy boss. Dominic pulls on your heartstrings and somehow comes off as lovable. And Darcy was fun and honest and determined. Their relationship worked for me. Bloom also does a good job of moving the story along and not making us feel like the latter of the “enemies to lovers” relationship will never happen. A fun, quick read (with spice) that’s will definitely lighten your mood!
Profile Image for Addicted 2 📖.
635 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2022
winner for me

I have to confess, I went in with a negative attitude with this book, and I forgot to check whether or not I’ve ever read a book by this author, but I will say I super enjoyed it.

For me, the pros:
*It was funny
*The MC was not a man whore
*The FMC was not annoying or weak
*It was a the right amount of🔥 for the length of this book
* Had the right amount of angst so to speak for this length as well

Now that I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole named “Penelope Bloom” I’m all in lol!
Profile Image for kat.
155 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
the story was okay but it was a little too fast paced for me and some of the dialogue/thoughts that were supposed to be funny were just cringey to me. i also didn’t like the convo the mmc had with his friends about possibly pursuing the fmc, the tiktok/pop culture references, the amount of times it was mentioned that every woman swooned over the the mmc bc he was THAT handsome (like we get it every single woman he passes HAS to stop and stare at him bc he’s sexy), the whole flowers scene (the secondhand embarrassment i got was so bad), or the way the fmc talked about her bisexual friend. ALSO why would the fmc talk about her secret intimate relationship with her boss while she’s in the break room at work where anyone could hear (including her boss’ father who she KNOWS is out to get him)???? she also shared information the mmc told her in confidence while she was at work??? like idk it was weird to me. there are more small things i didn’t like but this is what i remember off the top of my head.

OH and i’m confused on how long the fmc had been friends with elizabeth? in one of the early chapters elizabeth mentioned something that happened to them when they were kids but later on charleston (a friend she grew up with) said he needed to “meet [the fmc’s] new friends” in reference to elizabeth…wouldn’t they have already met if they’ve both been friends with her since they were kids?
Profile Image for miks.
98 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2023
DNF @ 5%

I think I knew I would hate this book from the first paragraph. Perhaps I am simply not the author’s targeted demographic but I am quite certain no sane woman’s internal monologue is remotely similar to Darcy. I am so tired of “quirky” women.

I would have liked to continue but I stopped reading after I read “I hadn’t taken him for the inked up type, and my stupid vagina practically began penning me an enthusiastic letter about how we’d maybe misjudged him and shouldn’t write him off as a complete irredeemable asshole just yet.
Cool it, Vag, I thought.”

I absolutely COULD NOT put myself through reading an entire book with Darcy’s internal monologue. It is not funny, it is horribly cringy and unrealistic.
Profile Image for Kathy.
893 reviews34 followers
March 20, 2023
Ummm....

The grumpy-sunshine trope is one of my favorites. This book definitely fits that description to a tee. What I liked most about the heroine, Darcy, is that she had a mind of her own and spoke it quite freely. Dominic was a grump of all grumps, but there was something endearing under all that grumpiness.

There was definitely a lot of time spent on the forbidden attraction and the love-hate part of their relationship. But I felt like there wasn't enough of them developing the love part of their relationship to make it believable.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,047 reviews42 followers
November 14, 2022
Once I began this one, it was impossible to stop, as are most reads from this author.

I absolutely love Ms. Bloom's ability to write characters I want to hang out with, in real life! Darcy would be such a great friend to have, and I loved the banter she has with the other characters. Her desire to find her voice is easy to connect with, and I enjoyed her spirit.

Dominic is definitely the grumpy sexy boss we want to hate, but end up wanting to date. And, of course, his friends are smokin' hot too! His desire to make something of his own is absolutely relatable, but - as we know - sometimes it doesn't work out as easy as we'd like it to.

The chemistry between Darcy and Dominic is steamy and I loved that they found a perfect- for- them HEA.

I enjoyed this read, and recommend this one, and any [or all] of this author's other works! I look forward to her next creative release.

I was fortunate to receive my free ARC from Booksprout, and I happily/voluntarily leave my review.
Profile Image for Valerie Irwin.
317 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2022
Darcy is an aspiring writer looking for a chance to make a difference in the literary world of magazine publishing. She was driven and had goals to succeed.

Dominic is a wealthy young man who had had to make his way through the family businesses, always feeling like a disappointment to his over bearing father who had made his life a challenge since childhood. He waa head strong and determined to succeed.

When Darcy and Dominic meet, sparks flew, but not in a good way! He demanded control over the small magazine his family had just aquired. She was looking forward to becoming a lead writer until this new owner caused the editor who held her future to quit, putting her future into his beautiful, sexy hands. How was this ever going to work?

This book was a splendid source of entertainment, except for some of the unnecessary language, and I was delighted with the pace and plot of the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary.
111 reviews
February 18, 2023
3.5 stars

Enemies to lovers
Office romance
Sunshine grump
Rom com
Banter

This was a cute rom com to cleanse my dark book palate. Dominic (H) is Darcy’s (h) new boss and he immediately works on a plan to fire her bc he is instantly attracted. He doesn’t want the distraction is a workaholic. However, she is determined to keep her job, so she puts in 100% effort into her work ethic. He fights that attraction and she works hard to break down his walls.
Pros: she really did crack me up most of the time. The grovel from H bc he was kind of a jerk.
Cons: she had that sassy quirky personality that sometimes grates on my nerves. She also pursued him way more than he did her. I wished she had a little more game (but she made good choices near the end)

Safety: no ow drama. She goes on 1 bad date and uses her bi best guy friend to make H a little jealous.
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
827 reviews41 followers
March 21, 2023
2.5⭐
📰🗞️Wakanda obnoxious person tells their friend to sleep with a man when they confess that man indirectly ruined her career.
📰🗞️Should we be supposed to find Elizabeth funny? Cause I don't.
📰🗞️Ok wtf is this book?
📰🗞️Lemme get this straight, when Dominic thought Darcy is desperate to make up he just wanted to be friends and rebuild a decent relationship nothing else. But the second he saw that Darcy is not giving a fuck he wanted her back. Hmm..... Oh he was even annoyed when he saw her partying instead of moping in her room.
📰🗞️“You wait. Give him a chance to convince you he learned his lesson. It’s not your job to teach it to him. Make him prove he understands how he fucked up and he won’t do it again.”
“But what if I just want him back, even if he doesn’t prove it?”
“Then you come talk to me and I’ll slap some sense into you. You respect yourself, which means you will not accept anything less than complete and utter proof that he deserves you back. And yes, you heard that right. He needs to prove that he deserves you.” AND LADIES AND GENTLEMANS 🥁🥁🥁 This is friendship! You tell her Charleston!!
📰🗞️The epilogue was cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lauren.
44 reviews
July 9, 2023
The speed at which this book progressed was like whiplash. One minute they hate each other and then BAM, they’re dating (literally for a SINGLE day), then BAM they get into a fight (over what? I have no fucking clue) and they hate each other again, and then BAM it’s 4mo later, then BAM they’re back together. Then, THEN, they say I love you for the LITERAL FIRST TIME and in the next breath he proposes. Then 2 pages later they're pregnant. LIKE PARDON ME CAN YOU SLOW DOWN!!!! I can’t keep up, I’m not even given a second to digest before it just keeps switching on me. And it's going so fucking fast that I don't even have an opportunity to care even one iota about these characters. It could have been good, but it wasn't... it wasn't...
Profile Image for Cynthia Mejia.
328 reviews61 followers
November 19, 2022
So Sweet

This story was so sweet. I loved watching Darcy and Dominic fall in love. There was just the right blend of sassy, sweet, swoony, and steamy.

Darcy was all snark and sunshine. I loved her personality and how flirty and self-assured she could be. Dominic was stubborn and sexy. I loved how he fought his feelings for Darcy and even more how he gave into them.

All of the side characters were great. The story had the signature humor I’ve come to expect from Penelope Bloom. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,214 reviews
November 19, 2022
A parents expectation of their child should be that they live life to their full potential and do what makes them happy. For Darcey and Dominic, a father's expectation is skewed. Dominic's father wants him to feel small, not as important or powerful, but Dominic wants to prove him wrong. Darcy father expects her to fulfill what he had failed at, but he doesn't understand she is happy where she's at. Instant attraction, lots of sarcasm and snide comments, this couple may not get to their HEA before egos destroy the fragile connection they started.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,143 reviews25 followers
November 16, 2022
Good romantic comedy
I loved the two main characters, Dominic and Darcy: they hate each other so much for all the wrong reasons, while teasing each other, but mostly refusing to let even a shred of the possibility of bonding.
The situations, the dialogues are often tense, funny, and unpredictable.
It's a great romantic comedy.
I don't know if Elizabeth will have her story, but I loved the unfiltered side of Darcy's friend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews

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