The Boss I Can’t Stand by Leslie North is a fun, flirty, and addictive romance that had me smiling the whole way through. I loved the witty banter, the fake engagement twist, and the irresistible chemistry between the characters. The mix of humor, drama, and heart made it a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it five stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy. If you want an easy, fast paced romance read this is a great one to pick up. This is book 2, but you can read each book as a stand alone. I enjoyed Finn as a grumpy MMC. About 3/4 of the way through I felt it slow a little, and then seemed a little rushed at the end. Over all I enjoyed this book. 3.25⭐️

This was a strong sequel in the Lockhart Brothers series, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed how it improved on the previous entry. It uses the previous entry perfectly to build on this world in this book, and add to the romance in this. The characters were everything that I was looking for and was invested in what was going on and was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed the way Leslie North writes a strong storyline and thought the character development worked in this story.

This was a fun, quick read with adorable characters with lots of banter.
The Boss I Can't Stand by Leslie North is book two in The Lockhart Brothers series.
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The tension between the leads was both infuriating and addictive. The banter was sharp and the drama and angst were perfect.
I loved getting to know these characters, and their humor and spark made the story so much fun.

🍧 Plot 🍧
Sierra Banks and Finn Lockhart get wrapped up in a scandal after one of their encounters. They are soon arranged into a fake relationship until the end of their project. Although their beginning may have been rocky, they quickly realize that they can’t fight their attraction any longer.

🍧 First Meeting 🍧
They started on a bad foot, he came into her store a few minutes before closing time, and she was semi-annoyed by that but didn’t show it until after closing time. They had quite a bit of a back-and-forth argument until he finally revealed that he is the producer of the movie she was about to be interviewed for..

🍧 Main Characters: 🍧
Sierra Banks
She’s a hardworking costume designer who genuinely enjoys her job. She makes sure that she is very knowledgeable when it comes to designing costumes and what little details they need.
Finn Lockhart
He’s the arrogant producer that she works for. He thinks that he needs to be that way so that people will take him seriously with his work. The definition of a grump, but he has a softer side to him, which I enjoy.

🍧 What to Expect 🍧
• Strained Parental Relationship (MMC)
• Dual POV
• Fake Dating (Or Engagement)
• Forced Proximity
• Witty Characters
• Sunshine x Grumpy (somewhat >.<)
• Third Act Breakup

🍧 Overall Thoughts 🍧
I enjoyed this book for the most part, of course some parts were hard to get through but this was a fun read. Finn was unlikable a lot of times. I have mixed feelings for him because while he was truly good to her, there were moments that made me roll my eyes. His nickname for her is Cinderella, which would usually throw me off quite a bit because of how uncommon it is, but the explanation and thought behind it is cute, which I love. There’s also a third-act breakup, if you can even call it that, since they weren’t really dating. To be honest, after his little comment about the ring, I would’ve been just fine with her ending with someone else, but of course, that didn’t happen. I am a bit upset at the fact that the comment was never brought up again just because it would've set me off but whatever. The side characters were likeable, I truly enjoyed the scenes with Finn’s brothers and Sierra’s best friend. On a side note, I need a book on Ro; she was the true MVP of this book.

The Boss I Can’t Stand was exactly what I wanted in a quick, bingeable romance. Think grumpy/sunshine (my favorite trope) with a whole lot of workplace tension and banter that had me smirking the whole time. The dynamic between the characters was equal parts frustrating and flirty - which made the chemistry between them pop even more once things finally heated up.
It’s not a super deep or heavy story (which is completely fine), but it delivered all the drama, swoon, and spice I was hoping for. Perfect for when you need a light, steamy escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
If enemies-to-lovers with a side of office antics is your jam, you’ll fly through this book (like I did).

I had so much fun with this book and at the same time it made me feel so many emotions. Finn was grumpy and stubborn but also so magnetic, and Sierra had this fire and humor that made every scene alive. Their banter was sharp, the tension was strong, and sometimes I wanted to hug them and sometimes shake them, but that only proved how real they felt. The movie set details and side characters gave everything extra charm. By the end I was smiling, and swooning. Thank you so much to the author, Relay Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

All the stars! ♾️

Leslie North has a way of writing complex relationships that are so relatable.

Finn and Sienna have a rocky introduction, it’s hilarious and exactly represents their relationship as it evolves.

The third act breakup was ESSENTIAL to the longevity of their relationship, Finn has such incredibly high expectations that Sienna would never have met in the long run, he needed to understand people aren’t perfect all of the time and even with their best intentions, sometimes things go wrong and it’s uncontrollable!

I absolutely loved this story, I cannot wait for book 3!

From the very first chapter, this romance had me hooked. The writing was not only engaging but beautifully paced, pulling me right into the emotional world of the characters. Every scene flowed effortlessly into the next, and I found myself unable to put the book down because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next.
The chemistry between the main characters was electric—tender at times, fiery at others—and it felt so authentic that I couldn’t help but become invested in their journey. What impressed me most was how every moment, whether it was a heated argument or a quiet, vulnerable confession, carried so much weight. Nothing felt like filler; every page kept my attention.
The author balanced romance, tension, and emotion perfectly. Just when I thought I knew how things would unfold, a twist or heartfelt moment would surprise me and keep the story feeling fresh. The supporting characters added depth and warmth, making the whole world of the book feel alive.
Overall, this romance was an absolute joy to read—captivating, emotional, and impossible to walk away from. It reminded me why I love the genre so much. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that keeps you completely engaged from beginning to end.

The Boss I can't Stand, is a mix of humor and romance. My favorite kind of Rom-Com. There are a lot of ups and downs with their relationship plus a couple of other side romances. Not to mention all of the trouble on set that could have torn them apart but only brought them closer together.

I have not read book 1 so I went in completely blind, not knowing any of the characters. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It was such a fun and easy read. I am definitely going to go and read book 2, and the free book mentioned.

This was my first book revolving around a movie set, and I really liked it. All the characters mentioned were different and a part of a really cute set family.

I liked how the MMC became a pathetic mess after breaking things off with the FMC. The texts, the cat, even the big speech I liked. But, the candles? That was my issue. He couldn’t have done that himself? I really didn’t like how he had his PA set that up. Really took away from the big gesture. I’m also kinda sick of epilogues / books ending with either a proposal, marriage, or kids - but I won’t mark this one done for including one of these.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

I’m excited to read book 3!

This was such a fun story to read. It was so unique and it was so well written that while I was reading I could imagine all the scenes in my head, like a rom com.

I loved the first meeting between Finn and Sierra and their whole argument. I also thought the accidental proposal with Finn kneeling was so funny and unique. Overall this was just a great read. There were lots of funny parts that made me laugh, too. I did find Finn a bit frustrating towards the end, but the reason for that was in the story and I felt like it was wrapped up well.

A hilarious, slow-burn fake engagement romance that delivers on banter, chemistry, and Hollywood drama. I loved the costume-designer-meets-problematic-heartthrob setup, the cufflink incident that snowballs into chaos, and the forced proximity that turns enemies into something much hotter. A little uneven in pacing, but overall a witty, charming romcom that left me grinning.

4 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ARC

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

These Lockhart grumps sure are winning me over. They are grumpy, but the way they soften for their women is swoon worthy. I do have some fault with Finn though. He's incredibly hard on his mom for the past. I get it to an extent, but gah my heart hurt for her at times. I was okay with the 3rd act breakup in this one. Honestly he needed that slap in the face to get his act together. I just know the next book is going to be everything I need.

Loved reading the amazing and awesome story. Before Sierra, a costume designer, knows it, she's in a fake engagement with her grumpy boss, Finn. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, captivating characters, and another must read riveting romance story by Leslie North.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

come on and join the fizzle and fun in this read. what more could you want from the tropes included in this book. and it was done so well by Leslie. she gave us heart, she gave us flirty, she gave us CHEMISTRY and she bought an all rounder of a book that you can melt into and might just melt you a little too.
this is book 2 in a series but i think you would be more than ok to have not read the other. fake engagements books are having their time in the sun right now. and this book proves why this is still happening. this one has extra sparkle as its set in the world of glitz and Hollywood. it also made the mixed worlds of our two main characters something deeper to delve into.
Sierra is such a cool lass. i was standing by her and for her all the way. she has that sarcastic humour that is right up my street and she made me laugh throughout. id love to be able to stand my ground like she does. i also loved seeing her in her job. the costume side of things were really bought to life and i could imagine all the processes which was nice because that side of things has always captured my interest.
she of course has horrible first time meet with our MMC and of course that set the initial town between the pair.
Finn is a producer on the Hollywood scene. hes built those age old walls to protect himself. all he wants is to do thing right and get them done.
but when meeting the one we all know what that can do to those walls. and how he showed up for Sierra was enough to make even the fiery Sierra melt inside.
sometimes i wanted to shake him. sometimes hug him. most of all i wanted him to allow himself to heal, then feel then love.
their banter was top notch. and i love how Leslie set the scenes perfectly for us it was almost like i had a picture of them in my mind.
one moment and a dropped pair of cuff links send the paps into over drive over this pair. and not wanting to put any more pressure onto a clearly pressured Finn, Sierra decides to go along with it and move in with him. there she becomes part of his world and also meets his cat (you wait for the name of said cat haha)
watching these two grow and move towards each other was just gorgeous. Leslie does it just right. it includes all the things we needs from a book like this and more. i adored the side characters too. an ensemble cast like this adds so much richness to them.
i loved this book and was in love with the story and characters. the way Leslie writes is so clever, so sparky and so real. the way she managed to mix the heartfelt moments with the lighter moments. then the banter with the friendships and supportiveness of each other. it was all just chefs kiss.

This is book two in The Lockhart Brothers Series, and even though I did not read the first book, I had no trouble following along. Fake engagements are one of my favorite tropes, and this story delivered. I loved the Hollywood setting, but especially the producer and costume designer dynamic. It made the story feel fresh and fun.

Sierra is fiery, sarcastic, and not afraid to speak her mind. Her first meeting with Finn was a disaster, but it set the tone for all the sparks that followed. I loved that she never backed down from what she believed she deserved, even when things got complicated.

Finn is a Hollywood producer with walls a mile high. His past has shaped him into a perfectionist, but underneath the broody exterior, he showed such a soft side. The little things he did for Sierra completely melted me. His groveling when he had to make things right was some of my favorite in the book.

What I enjoyed most were the banter and behind-the-scenes movie set vibes. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the fake engagement storyline was entertaining from start to finish. I also loved the fun side characters, and can't wait to read more in this series.

Overall, The Boss I Can’t Stand was funny, swoony, and packed with sparks. Sierra and Finn had me rooting for them the whole way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC.

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read an ARC copy of The Boss I Can't STand by Leslie North...

This was the first book I have read by Author Leslie North. I didn't read book 1 of the series, but it didn't have any effect on the story whatsoever.

A little tease about this book....The Hating Games meets Anyone But You--but she's a costume designer, he's Hollywood's hottest problem, and one dropped cufflink launches them into a fake engagement with real feeling and zero escape....

Finn and Sierra meet and do not hit it off at all...They are both attracted to each other, but also bring out the worst in each other. I loved the opening chapter with their meet and banter. It got even better as the chapters continue with their banter once they start working together.

The side characters were also delightful and brought more depth to the movie production process, which made it feel like you were there with Finn and Sierra during all the stress and setbacks. I enjoyed how she brought to life the costume designing and the making of each piece, and the process a costume design brings to a movie set.

I was not sure if Leslie was going to add in a conflict because they have so much banter even after the fake engagement, but I about dropped my mouth when the big fight happened. I was in my feels with the writing and anguish of everything, but... will Finn get his head out of his (you know where)? YOU WILL HAVE TO READ IT....

I loved this book from the first page to the end.

This was such a cute story. The characters were well written and the tension between the main characters was so good. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this book did it well. I loved when Finn gave his speech declaring his love as his grand gesture to win Sierra back. The side characters were great as well, they were written into the story without a ton of backstory but they were relatable and helped move the story along. I could not put this book down and will have to read more by this author. The mental health representation and the relatable family trauma helped make the characters more relatable.