Fun read, a workplace romance. I liked how it was told from both points of view. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

I really wanted to like this book, as the synopsis was interesting but the book gave me the biggest ick.

DNF at 46%

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brooke Stanton’s *Unbossly Manners* is a sizzling romantic comedy that delivers equal parts humor, heat, and heartfelt moments. The story follows Peyton Holland, a podcast media employee disillusioned with her lackluster love life, and Jackson Rhodes, a heartbroken lawyer trying to pick up the pieces after his marriage falls apart. Their unconventional arrangement—a crash course in intimacy—sets the stage for a funny, steamy, and surprisingly emotional journey.

Peyton is a relatable protagonist with her self-deprecating humor and struggles with confidence. Watching her evolve from a self-proclaimed "bedroom bore" to someone embracing her desires is both endearing and empowering. Jackson, on the other hand, is a man torn between his lingering feelings for his ex-wife and his growing affection for Peyton. His internal conflict adds depth to what could have been a straightforward romance.

The chemistry between Peyton and Jackson is palpable, and their “lessons” are both steamy and awkwardly endearing, giving the story a fun, light-hearted vibe. However, the emotional stakes rise as their arrangement becomes more complicated, and the story delves into themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the courage to move on from the past.

While the humor and tension are well-executed, some aspects of the story feel predictable, and the pacing occasionally falters. Jackson's indecision about his ex-wife might test the patience of some readers, and Peyton’s self-doubt, while realistic, can feel repetitive at times. That said, the witty dialogue and awkward-yet-charming moments keep the narrative engaging.

*Unbossly Manners* is an enjoyable kickoff to the *Madly Bad at Love* series. It’s perfect for readers who love their romance with a side of humor, steamy tension, and a touch of emotional depth. If you’re a fan of laugh-out-loud romcoms with fumbling characters finding their way, this book will leave you smiling—and possibly fanning yourself.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
I was a little disappointed with this one, but it was worth reading once!

I had high expectations for this book but, unfortunately, none of those were met, and it honestly makes me so sad.

I think the story had potential but the big ick for me was Jackson's ex-wife being SO involved and invested in Peyton and Jackson's arrangement. Not only that, the idea for said arrangement came from his ex herself. I'm sorry, what now? 🥴


Then after that this book just wasn't bringing me any interest nor joy, the characters were annoying me, and I just couldn't connect to this story at all.
Jackson is still very much hung up on his ex-wife; then he follows her advice to get involved with Peyton; then his ex-wife wants him back? I don't know this whole story was messy and even though I felt invested in the beginning, I very quickly lost interest and couldn't enjoy this book.

Maybe I'll pick it up again in the future and will be able to move past this, who knows, for now I'm just incapable of doing so right now. However, in no way do I discourage anyone of picking this book up! Even though it wasn't my cup of tea now, doesn't mean it won't be up to your liking! 😊

Thank you NetGalley and Brooke Stanton for an eARC of this book.

I CANT DEAL WITH CHEATING CHARACTERS. Luckily neither the FMC or MMC cheated but the MMC was so hung up on his ex wife who cheated and I hated that. I also didn't think the banter that I love most in work place romances was executed at all.

This was cute, very cute I must say. Plus, the slow burn and explosive chemistry between Jackson and Peyton keeps you on the edge of your seat, rooting for them every step of the way.

Brooke Stanton’ talent for creating a tender yet a sexy love story with real depth is on display as ever, and I remain enraptured by every one of her heart-stealing words.

Workplace romance that was enjoyable and easy to read. Well written, characters were likeable and the banter had me hooked. The premise was questionable to me at first, but it was well executed by the author.
Great read that I would recommend without a second thought!

Not my favorite and not what I was expecting. I don’t know what I was wanting but it wasn’t this. But there’s definitely potential with the authors writing style

This book was super cute from the start. The deal to help Peyton learn sex in a no-strings attached kind of way wasn't my favorite, but overall I enjoyed the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC. It was very nice to read a book where the spicy time didn't revolve around how the FMC was "so responsive" or has 3 orgasms a night. Which those books can be a good time, but I appreciated reading about a woman who doesn't enjoy sex and getting to read about her journey of self-discovery in the bedroom. I can't wait to read more from this author! This was a fun, easy, quick and spicy read!

Fun, amazing gorgeous




Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Workplace romances are always fun to read and Ms Stanton did a great job with this one. Peyton recently had a bad experience when being intimate with someone, and she needs help shaking herself out of her funk. Jackson is still hung up over his ex, but when he meets his ex, Kat, at work and she suggests that he give Peyton a few lessons in intimacy, he agrees. And thus their unusual romance begins.
An different and outrageous story to be sure, but definitely a fun and entertaining one and I very much enjoyed it!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was not for me, there was no chemistry between the two leads, and also lots and lots of issues around power and employment that were both addressed and not really. And it also tried to throw in a workplace mystery and that seemed like a lot

If I were to sum up this book in one word, it would be 'strange' but I was hooked from the very first line! I also enjoyed the blend of subtle romance with the tiniest bit of mystery revolving around the workplace. I like Peyton & Jackson 🫶🏻 Kat was annoying tho 😬

This was odd, but not definitely not in a bad way!

A very quick read, you pretty much get what the blurb advertises and not too much else. Our FMC is having bad sex with terrible guys, a very strange workplace relationship emerges, and she catches feeling for the guy who’s teaching her to have better sex.

It’s a little awkward at times, the story telling is a little heavy handed and there’s little by way of secondary plots. Honestly though I thought the writing was pretty decent and, if you’re a particular fan of office romcoms and spice, would recommend. It’s got a pretty unique take on all the tropes and I found it a refreshing read for being a light and fluffy book.

The premise of this book is entertaining but the actual book is terrible. His ex wife was so bad and was clearly manipulating them the whole time. The fact that she still kissed him when he was clearly still in love with her was so weird. I also just don't believe that they loved each other. They didn't talk enough for it to be believable.

I’m the first one to say I love an office romance. Hello, Hating Game! This book captured me within the first two chapters. The opening chapter made me want to continue to see what would happen next to Peyton. After reading about 20% of the book, I just couldn’t do it anymore. I understand when one character is still in love with his ex but I thought their relationship was weird since the beginning. I was hoping for feelings to develop faster between our two leads.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All of the above opinions are my own.

I was so excited for this read, but it was such a disappointment. I would have liked it better as either a fake dating or if it could have been pulled off, a marriage of convenience which would have changed the whole story but still.

I liked Jackson better than Peyton and felt that she could have had so much more depth and life to her as a character. I wanted more banter that had meaning, and just more of an overall connection to the character.

This book starts off super cute and fun right in chapter one. Peyton is a girl who just doesn’t like sex and is told she is a bore. Enter Jackson, with a little push from his soon to be ex wife Kat. She basically pimps him out because he’s a patient respectful lover and he will help Peyton learn sex in a no strings attached relationship while helping him to get over her.

The chemistry was good between Jackson and Peyton and she develops feelings along with enjoying sex for the first time.
But Jackson is still hung up big time on Kat for a solid 80% of the book. She toys with him though and kisses him and leads him on and confuses him even more.

Then I turn the page and he loves Peyton. It was a sudden flip that had me confused. So much of the book Jackson was hung up on Kat and then without warning he just is in love with Peyton. It was like insta love happy ever after. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice outcome but I felt irritated I didn’t get that buildup I craved. That left me disappointed. This is the ultimate reason for lowering my rating. The characters needed more time to build and we needed to see and feel Jackson get over his heartbreak.

I will definitely read this author again. I did enjoy her writing and feel she will grow as a writer. I enjoy this trope and Also, that cover— adorable.

Thank you to netgalley, coco & bee publishing and Brooke Stanton for the digital ARC. Reviews left on netgalley and goodreads. 3.5 stars