Bargaining with the Boss is a FUN read. Kinsley is adorable & Damon is HOT.

Loved the writer's humor & snark.

I will be reading more by Jennifer Shirk!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

for some reason I just couldn't get into the characters or the story. Gave up almost halfway through, I guess it just wasn't for me...

Fast paced romance. Predictable plot line. Not much drama. Strong character. Perfect sweet candy romance.

Kinsley was supposed to be moving on as her friend Arden reminded her. Paul had broken their engagement well over eight months ago. Paul had told Kinsley she was too sensible for him. Paul and Kinsley had been together for five years. Then her brother Wade had sold her birthright out from under her - the family beachfront hotel called The Harbor Light. The hotel had been in the family for three generations. Wade hadn’t given Kinsley a chance to turn things around. Kinsley was a bridesmaid at Lori’s wedding and thought maybe it was time to loosen things up as she ordered herself a drink. Then a hot man- Damon- asked Kinsley if she was ok and if he could buy her a drink. Then Damon and Kinsley started doing shots of tequila. She admitted Her ex had dumper her eight months ago and Damon said he didn’t have time for a girlfriend. Tonight Kinsley decided she was going to be party girl Kinsley but just for tonight. Damon was the executive Vice President of an international conglomerate based in New York. Primarily dealing with real estate development. Investing sales and marketing and some property management. Kinsley had been their hotel manager since she came home she only hopes the new owner keeps her on. Kinsley had moved back home as Paul had been her boss where she had been an event planner at the Royal Rouge Casino in Conn. Kinsley had experienced so much loss in a short time: her dad. her fiance, and now the family hotel that had so many good memories. Everyday Kinsley felt like she was losing a piece of herself as well. Then Kinsley woke up next to Damon with very little memory of the night before. That afternoon Kinsley finds out Damon is her boss. Damon was used to being the bad guy; the bad student, the bad son. Ultimately the bad brother. Damon and Wade had been college roommates for awhile. Wade had turned to Damon for help and requested he not tell Kinsley why Wade had to sell the hotel. Damon changed his plans on going right back tio N Y. Kinsley had made an impression on Damon personally and professionally. Damon’s brother Carson was dead and when Wade came to Damon for help he couldn’t deny him maybe because Wade reminded him of Carson. Damon had problems saying no to Kinsley and he had never had that problem before.
I absolutely loved this book. And read it in one setting. It was enjoyable, sweet, touching romance. I loved the plot and pace. I loved Damon and Kinsley together. I loved how Kinsley showed Damon how to open up, how to love and trust her and himself as well. I also loved how Damon’s father opened up to him and helped him to win Kinsley back. I loved the relationships Kinsley had with her friends and the townspeople. It was an all around good read and I found nothing to criticize and that was great. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

Fun feels story that pulls at your heartstrings while you laugh out loud. I enjoyed the light sweetness of Ms. Shirk's writing style.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this story.

4 stars

Bargaining with the Boss by Jennifer Shirk is a sweet, heartwarming and entertaining contemporary romance and I really enjoyed it.
The writing is well done, the characters likable and very relatable and I loved watching them fall in love.

Overall, Bargaining with the Boss is a lovely Sunday afternoon read.

Kinsley has always been seen as the 'sensible' one, so waking up next to Mr. Gorgeous the morning after attending a wedding is the most irresponsible thing she's ever done, especially once she discovers he's also her new boss. Even worse, the hotel that once belonged to her family is now owned by him, and unless she can find a way to turn things around, she could lose it forever. Will bargaining with the boss be a good thing, or will Damon St. James break her heart?

What a very entertaining, fast-paced read Ms. Shirk has delivered in this first book of her new Accidentally Yours series, which I read from start to finish in one sitting because of the main characters that had interesting back stories and made me sympathize with their decision in not wanting another relationship; the dialogue had me smiling because of the challenge the heroine provides the hero, as she does everything she can to convince him to allow her to save the hotel with the ideas she has; and the storyline had me loving the obstacles these two have to overcome to be together, especially since it seems the hero holds the heroine's future in her hands and falling in love with him could end in disaster if she's not careful.

The way this story started introduces the heroine and part of her back story really well, and it's true that she can't let what her fiancé did keep her from finding happiness again. Really, why should she let her ex-fiancé's words continue to hold her back? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story that completely drew me in, as the hero is charming and definitely brings out a little flirtatious side in the heroine, which had me laughing at the heroine's dialogue in this moment.

Both the main characters were relatable, likeable and kept me entertained from start to finish with their back stories, their growing relationship and their strong chemistry, which just keeps getting stronger and stronger as the heroine challenges the hero to give her a chance before he makes any big decisions that could impact her life. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave with everything she's through, especially when it comes to the things her fiancé said to her. Yet, in saying that, I liked that she didn't allow his words to continue to hold her back and that she would do anything to prove her fiancé wrong, which is proven in the moment when she finally faces her past. While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life too and I could understand why he has such guilt because of what happened to his brother. Yet, in saying that, I liked that he finally faced his past too, so he and his father could have a better relationship. I also liked how determined the hero was to give the heroine what she wanted, especially after things go awry between them and he has to fight for their relationship.

Overall, Ms. Shirk has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the ending had me loving what the hero does to win back the heroine after their relationship goes awry. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up brilliantly, as Damon has such a great surprise for the heroine. I would recommend Bargaining with the Boss by Jennifer Shirk, if you enjoy books by authors LE Rico, Jody Holford, Annie Seaton and Sonya Weiss.

Waking up in a strangers bed would be quite the shock. Finding out he is your new boss...yeah, not fun. Well, it's definitely fun for readers! Kinsley and Damon had great chemistry right from the start. Kind of an unconventional way to start a working relationship, but it did add some fun tension. I actually really enjoyed how their relationship unfolded. Kinsley and Damon were both likable characters. I loved the setting and thought the plot was fun. Overall, this was a fun escape. I look forward to more in this series!

A delightful story with well developed characters. Kinsley is fighting to keep her families hotel open even though it has already been sold! Enter the hot guy she met at a wedding and he is now her boss! There are some expected fireworks between them. It was an entertaining read!

Bargaining with the Boss is a contemporary romance story by Jennifer Shirk.

After dealing with the end of her engagement and employment, Kinsley decided to never date her boss, again. She returned home to work as the hotel manager for their family business, except her brother sold the hotel. While at a friend's wedding, Kinsley decides to abandon her boring side and focus on fun and a handsome stranger.

When she wakes up in his bed the next day, Kinsley quickly escapes and tries to return to her predictable life. Until the new hotel owner arrives at work, and Kinsley realizes that Damon is the handsome stranger and her new boss. Damon is struggling with his own past issues, which affect his choices regarding the hotel. While Kinsley and Damon adjust to working together, they also deal with their serious attraction.

Bargaining with the Boss is geared towards those who enjoy reading modern romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I know I'm probably in the minority, but this is exactly one reason why I don't drink--I don't want to wake up, not knowing if I did something dumb or not, haha. Kinsley throws caution to the wind at a friend's wedding, trying to get over her ex fiance, and finds herself in that situation--what a nightmare, but sooo hilarious.

I don't think people should change to fit the ideal mold of someone else and that's what caused Kinsley's breakup. And it leaves her with a lack of self confidence. I loved watching her work to regain her identity and become who she truly is--a kind and genuine person. Of course, Damon is a part of that journey and he has his own demons to overcome and stand up to.

There is some snappy chemistry going on in this small, charming, old-fashioned town and it really makes me want to visit a place like this, where magic seems to drift through the air.

For my squeaky clean reading friends, you can obviously tell from the description that it isn't squeaky, but it is still clean and so much fun. I was laughing at times, blushing at others, and swooning throughout.

Content: mild-moderate romance (kissing, innuendo, talk of sex--nothing graphic at all); a handful of scattered mild-moderate language

*I received a copy through Netgalley, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*

Kinsley has had a rough couple of years. With the passing of her father, her fiance calling off their wedding because she's too "sensible", and now her family's hotel being sold out from under her, she's in need of a little impulsive behavior.

So when the hottie from her friend's wedding reception starts chatting with her she decides to throw caution to the wind and allow him to buy her a drink or two. With a little liquid courage, she finds herself relaxing and letting loose. So what if she ends up kissing a perfect stranger... she's "impulsive" Kinsley tonight! And did I mention that he's a total hottie?!

But when she wakes up the next morning in a hotel room, with said hottie from the night before, "sensible" Kinsley makes an appearance and makes a mad dash to get the heck out of dodge! Little did she know that "impulsive" Kinsley from the night before had opened a big ol' can of worms!

From the moment Damon first saw Kinsley at the wedding reception, he was instantly drawn to her. There was a sadness in her eyes that he's all too familiar with. What's the harm in having a little fun? But they're both in for the shock of their lives. Kinsley meet Damon... your new boss. Damon meet Kinsley... your new General Manager for the hotel you just bought.

Business. It's not personal, It's business. But with Kinsley begging Damon for a chance to turn the hotel around and his dad and the board pushing Damon to sell, he's torn. He doesn't want to disappoint either one of them, but he knows eventually he will. Time. Damon just needs to buy a little time for Kinsley to work her magic and prove to his dad that he's not the failure he seems to think he is.

But when outside forces start rearing their ugly heads, trying to ruin the plans Damon has set in motion, he will have to choose. Business or his own happiness and love. Can he just walk away from Kinsley and move on with his life? Or will he stay and fight for happiness and love? He's never seen himself as a happily ever after kind of guy. But from the moment he laid eyes on Kinsley, he's never wanted something so bad in his life... even if he didn't see it at first.

*dreamy sigh*

What a great start to a fun new series! I have a feeling I know who the other books are going to be about and I can't wait! If you are looking for a book that can make you laugh out loud, let out little dreamy sighs and have you cheering for love to win then this book is definitely for you!

Have I mentioned before how much I love Ms. Shirk's books?! If not, then allow me to tell you now... I love her books! She's another one that can suck me in from the very beginning and I end up devouring her books in one sitting! And if you haven't guessed... I love it when that happens!

Content: Mild swearing and mild innuendo.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*

This is a sweet and clean book – there is no cursing and no sex, so if those things bother you, you do not have to worry with this one.

This book had me laughing from start to finish, which is something that I absolutely love in a book. Damon and Kinsley had a funny and sweet relationship from the very start, and I loved the way that it blossomed as the book went on. This wasn't a case of ridiculously over-the-top insta-love and there were absolutely no “he's the boss, she's in a vulnerable position” power plays, Damon and Kinsley developed a relationship that felt real and made me want to keep reading.

Also, the tension between Arden and Wade was ridiculously awesome and I cannot wait for their book because they are obviously meant to be, even if they don't want to admit it.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written romantic comedy about two people who just flat out belong together.

For Kinsley her biggest mistake could turn out to be her greatest gift. Jennifer Shirk can lift a heart and impart wisdom as easily as she can spin a good yarn. Bargaining with the Boss is romantic comedy at it's sweetest. A naughty mistake lands responsible Kinsley in an awkward position. How can the night she can't completely remember, keep coming back to haunt her everyday life? Damon is the man who has a far more intimate knowledge of his employee than he ever thought possible, but can hardly resist wanting more. The surprises in life are what keeps the world interesting and Ms. Shirk takes that advice to heart with a hilariously heartwarming spin on falling in love.

-‘She slowly turned, preparing herself for who she was about to see standing there in the lobby. Damon St. James. Of course. The Happiness Sucker himself, apparently reappearing in her life to finish off the job...’-

I really enjoyed reading Kinsley’s story. As always, Jennifer Shirk writes a story that is fast-paced and has engaging characters. It was a fun read. Lots of steamy kisses and a great plot. I recommend it. A great read!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

“Cute,” he said with a grin.
Her cheeks automatically ignited. Calm down, Kinsley. He didn’t call you a sex kitten. He called you cute. Even Dopey the Dwarf is considered cute.

There are times when you need a book that’s heavy on the erotic—that is dirty, kinky and explicit. Just like there are times when you need something lighter, sweeter and laden with good feels.

For those times, I suggest something like Bargaining with the Boss by Jennifer Shirk. It’s those things—light, sweet and good—wrapped in a fun little package.

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t taxing, but neither was it overly fluffy—there were hints at problems deeper, which offered the right amount of tension to propel me through the rather swoony end. Plus, Damon and Kinsley make an immensely likable couple. They meet cute, they spar and they fall in love—and though there is no heaving or any kind of bodice ripping, it’s easy enough to see that they have chemistry aplenty.

And that is why it’s an excellent choice for when you want something sweet, heartfelt, and blissful—because I think we all do, sometimes.

Maybe there was hope for him yet. Hope for them. It definitely felt like she was making progress.
But it also felt like she was falling in love.

~ 4.5 Casablanca STARS ~

This is a delightful, sweet, romantic comedy that is heart warming and leaves you smiling! Bridesmaid Kinsley decides to have some fun at the wedding reception but is unsure just what happened when she wakes up in the bed of the handsome man she’d been flirting with - so she make a run for it! Certain she’s left that all behind her, she’s shocked to discover that he is the new owner of what had been her family’s hotel, the hotel she is the manager for! She’d already been devastated to discover her brother had sold the hotel but now she’s determined to help it remain in business . . . . if only she can convince her boss to give her the chance to do so!

Her boss is Damon. He’s also working in his family business and is striving to prove his worth to his father - much to the chagrin of some other ambitious and manipulative board members. The last thing he needs is to be distracted from his goal to demolish the hotel, but Kinsley talks him into giving her a chance . . . . Can he convince her to give him a chance with her heart?

The story has a lovely, easy-going pace. There are plenty of twists and turns to thwart the potential romance to keep the reader page turning. The coastal community has some brilliant secondary characters and I really enjoyed how Kinsley had they working together for their mutual good. A lovely story with an endearing conclusion to keep you smiling! I hadn't realised this was the start of a new series until I came to write my review but I'm very happy to discover that - I can't wait to read the sequels and hope they'll share some of the same characters.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

. I’ve been a fan of Jennifer since Kissing Kendall. Her books are always funny and cute. Kinsley is hysterical as a bridesmaid in the opening scene. The opening scene is one of my favorites as Kinsley meets Damon.
Damon ends up being part of the company that has just bought her family‘s hotel. Kinsley is the manager and his been trying to turn it around. Kinsley is dealing with her own issues of having lost both her parents and her boyfriend breaking up with her. She’s trying to figure out how to be happy and what she wants in her life. We can all relate. Damon has his own issues that he’s been dealing with since he lost his brother and he’s been trying to prove himself to his father. There are adorable scenes between Damon and Kinsley. Jennifer always adds those touches that make you smile. For example the cat, the classic movie scenes, and scenes with her friends. Although you’re aware that some things happen, they are behind closed doors. I would consider this Clean just not squeaky clean. The ending may not be a shocker but is very heartwarming and will leave a smile on your face. Maybe because I work in the corporate world I did feel that Kinsley overreacted slightly when she found out about the hotel plans.
I’m also waiting for Wade and Arden to get their own book. I’m convinced they’re destined for each other.

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Shirk but it won’t be the last I really enjoyed Bargaining with the Boss. I fell in love with the charming seaside town of Cape Harmony and what can I say about Damon if you like a hero who is charming and funny despite his past then this is the book for you. This author has a way with words, she made me feel like I was visiting friends and that I was part of the community of Cape Harmony, her characters have depth, the story is believable and it has the perfect mix of romance and humour. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

If you were to ask me to rate Bargaining with the Boss immediately after reading it, I would have given the book 3 stars. For me, that would have been an unfair rating. My low rating would have stemmed from the fact that I didn’t like the childishness of the heroine, Kinsley Roberts. However, part of that child-like behavior makes her pushy and determined. It’s that determination that drove the storyline.

After getting dumped by her fiance for being too “sensible”, Kinsley has returned to her hometown of Cape Harmony to manage her family’s hotel. The hotel means a lot to her and holds fun and cherished memories. Unfortunately, the hotel is in financial crisis and her brother is forced to sell it.

As a favor to a former college roommate and friend, Damon St. James agrees to have the St. James Corporation purchase the financially strapped hotel. The hotel is in desperate need of some TLC and a makeover; all of which requires cash that the hotel doesn’t have and Damon’s board may not approve. Even before meeting Damon, Kinsley is upset and believes the new owners plan on tearing down the hotel, thus making Damon public enemy number one. Over the course of a month, Damon and Kinsley work together and ultimately strike a deal that allows her the opportunity to make the hotel profitable. With the two already having an attraction to each other, their time together allows their personal relationship to grow. Things are looking good until Damon’s business rival steps into the picture. When all seems lost, Damon finds a surprising ally and finally opens up about his past.

I wanted to read Bargaining with the Boss because I loved the sound of the plot. With my initial misgivings aside, Jennifer Shirk has written a nice story with fun and playful characters. I didn’t expect to find myself laughing at some of the characters’ antics. I also didn’t expect to have my heart ache for the hero. I loved the ending, which had my heart doing little flips. If who I think is going to be the focus of the next book in the It Happened One Night series, I’m definitely looking forward to reading it.