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The Boss #7
The Boyfriend
Though life hasn’t turned out at all the way Sophie Scaife planned, things couldn’t be better. With her devoted husband and deliciously sadistic Dom, Neil Elwood, and their fiercely protective and passionate boyfriend, El-Mudad ibn Farid ibn Abdel Ati, Sophie is living a romantic, naughty fairytale she could never have imagined in her most wicked dreams. But when El-Mudad wants to take things to the next level, the threesome find that keeping their serious commitment hidden won’t be possible forever. Blending two already unconventional families into one proves challenging, especially under the critical eye of disapproving loved ones—and not-so-loved ones. Now, Sophie must juggle her roles as guardian to Neil’s granddaughter and sudden stepmother to two teenaged girls, her tenuous connection to her newly-discovered biological half-sisters, and the impending marriage of her mother to their former chauffeur, all while coming to terms with a dreaded milestone birthday. And thirty might be her most tumultuous year yet…
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2018
85 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Barnette
63 books1,274 followersAbigail Barnette is the pseudonym of Jenny Trout (alias Jennifer Armintrout, an author, blogger, and funny person. Jenny made the USA Today bestseller list with her debut novel, Blood Ties Book One: The Turning. Her American Vampire was named one of the top ten horror novels of 2011 by Booklist Magazine Online. As Abigail Barnette, Jenny writes award-winning erotic romance, including the internationally bestselling The Boss series.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 28, 2019
I never thought I’d drop this series but there it goes.
January 29, 2019
Disappointing
The first few in this series of books were excellent. They have slowly gone down hill and this one is hugely disappointing. The grammar errors through poor editing are frustrating. The story is ridiculous on the whole, potentially important themes regarding threats from Laurence are not developed. Who the hell goes on a 10 day cruise after those threats have been made and indulges in a shag fest!! Sophie has become the worst kind of female protagonist. Full of self loathing, self doubt and suddenly ridiculously able to spend vast amounts of money. I think you’ve lost your way with these stories and should have stopped a few books back.
The first few in this series of books were excellent. They have slowly gone down hill and this one is hugely disappointing. The grammar errors through poor editing are frustrating. The story is ridiculous on the whole, potentially important themes regarding threats from Laurence are not developed. Who the hell goes on a 10 day cruise after those threats have been made and indulges in a shag fest!! Sophie has become the worst kind of female protagonist. Full of self loathing, self doubt and suddenly ridiculously able to spend vast amounts of money. I think you’ve lost your way with these stories and should have stopped a few books back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
To Abigail
please,please promise me one thing,quit with this serie.
you as a writer,don`t love Sophie and Neil`s story annymore.
it is getting more and more awful.
I get that you need a paycheck,but at least try to produce something
that is a bit more,like the first books.
please,please promise me one thing,quit with this serie.
you as a writer,don`t love Sophie and Neil`s story annymore.
it is getting more and more awful.
I get that you need a paycheck,but at least try to produce something
that is a bit more,like the first books.
December 19, 2018
I wanted to like this book more than I did - I've enjoyed most of the books in this series. This one felt different. I'm not sure if I had a harder time connecting with Sophie in this story, where she is feeling VERY upset about turning 30, even though both of her lovers don't care AT ALL. I liked the discussion of emotions and feelings relating to the idea of a triad relationship. And Olivia was wonderful in this book! I guess part of my dislike is because so much felt unfinished at the end of this story - no idea what happens with Lawrence, or even Sophie's newly-found aspirations to philanthropy. The sex wasn't even that inspiring, just felt kind of blah, and the emotional scenes between Sophie and her mom were too rushed, in my opinion. I saw another reviewer comment that she didn't know if the author really even liked these characters much anymore, and I resonate with that - the author's passion for these characters seems to have seeped out, as she searches for another life-altering situation to thrust her characters into. I'm not ready to give up on the series entirely (if there even is a sequel), but definitely not the best work in the series.
April 15, 2019
Would be a 4 or 5 if Sophie wasn’t so whiny, idle, pompous and condescending
I have loved this series - probably in my top 3, but if this book had been the first, I wouldn’t have kept reading the series. What happened to Sophie? She was the strong, independent young woman who has now become whiny and guilty about having billions, yet she has no problem spending the money and being all self-indulgent. She’s worried about Olivia’s pre-school but does she make inquiries? No. She leaves it to Neil - and so the theme of the book goes. She’s become every stereotype she fights against-and she’s not like-able. Sophie has become Neil but he doesn’t make excuses for what he has or does and she does, making her incredibly unlikeable. El Mudad could do better. And just a side note - I’m not a fan of someone expressing their political views in a romance novel because frankly i pick romance to get away from the news; and, as a midwesterner, i find the references to the midwestern attitudes a little insulting-we are not all how the author describes-she could have just left it as Sophie’s family behavior and attitude and not perpetuate a stereotype about a whole population.
I have loved this series - probably in my top 3, but if this book had been the first, I wouldn’t have kept reading the series. What happened to Sophie? She was the strong, independent young woman who has now become whiny and guilty about having billions, yet she has no problem spending the money and being all self-indulgent. She’s worried about Olivia’s pre-school but does she make inquiries? No. She leaves it to Neil - and so the theme of the book goes. She’s become every stereotype she fights against-and she’s not like-able. Sophie has become Neil but he doesn’t make excuses for what he has or does and she does, making her incredibly unlikeable. El Mudad could do better. And just a side note - I’m not a fan of someone expressing their political views in a romance novel because frankly i pick romance to get away from the news; and, as a midwesterner, i find the references to the midwestern attitudes a little insulting-we are not all how the author describes-she could have just left it as Sophie’s family behavior and attitude and not perpetuate a stereotype about a whole population.
November 16, 2018
Comfort reading if you know the characters, not a stand alone. I liked this one much more than the last couple because it addressed several things that had been bugging me - Sophie’s relationship to money and the possibilities of philanthropy; El Mudad’s presence in their lives instead of being relegated to the periphery; and my deep desire to wear a glamorous tuxedo to a fancy event someday.
The plot moppet is still unbearable but maybe that’s because I don’t care for little kids much? And as always I don’t see the appeal of living in a huge house with little company, far from everywhere. Their lives seem pretty dull there. They sleep, eat, work out, watch tv, say hey to the plot moppet, have sex and that’s about it. I’d go out of my mind in a heartbeat. But then I’m not them.
Lastly, BEAUTIFUL cover.
The plot moppet is still unbearable but maybe that’s because I don’t care for little kids much? And as always I don’t see the appeal of living in a huge house with little company, far from everywhere. Their lives seem pretty dull there. They sleep, eat, work out, watch tv, say hey to the plot moppet, have sex and that’s about it. I’d go out of my mind in a heartbeat. But then I’m not them.
Lastly, BEAUTIFUL cover.
November 27, 2018
This may be my least favorite of the Sophie Scaife series. It read like this was a book that the author banged out in a couple of nights because she was on a deadline. The last book (The Sister) read like filler. This was not much more substantial. I'm also a little tired of everything just magically working out in Sophie's favor. I know, I know. It's not great classic literature. It's a story about a woman who somehow snagged not one, but two very hot, overly sexual billionaires. But I feel like there could be MORE to her story.
I'm not sure when the author lost her passion for this series, but the story is starting to feel incredibly forced. I do love the series' characters. But I'm starting to wonder if their author feels the same.
I'm not sure when the author lost her passion for this series, but the story is starting to feel incredibly forced. I do love the series' characters. But I'm starting to wonder if their author feels the same.
May 19, 2019
My least favorite of the series.
January 27, 2019
very disappointed in this book. It all became so FAKE and never addressed so many issues. I wasted my money and these books are expensive in relation to other e-books. No feminist heroine would ever subject herself to the degrading misogynistic sadism that is within these pages. The males are such hypocrites and the heroine so weak it defies belief, she never once calls them out on their BS. Don't bother wasting your money.
December 5, 2019
GRRRRRRR 1 1/2 "I still love El Mudad and the sexy cover" stars
I really really wanted to like this book! Alas...I managed to finish it, and like a little of it..but wow...when did Abigail Barnette stop caring about her characters and storytelling?
Here comes my grumbling!
This "story" read more like everyday life and the things that happen, rather than having an actual plot. The main point of the story seems to be the characters negatively judging each other and themselves, along with openly criticizing each other and giving each other glowing praise. The whole thing seemed to be thrown together just to have something to write about, but didn't really go anywhere.
The only 2 characters I came away still liking, were El Mudad and Olivia. Sophie, whom I had loved in the early books has become a self-centered, self-pitying caricature of the strong, determined and interesting woman she originally was. She is so whiny about aging that I wanted to smack her, especially when she's considering how she doesn't want to give Olivia a negative body image. She has regressed as she's aged, and become much more immature than she was in the first books. Neil is overindulgent, over-critical, easy to anger, quick to judge, temperamental, and condescending.
Things came up that could have made the story interesting, and loomed over the characters like dark storm clouds but never ended up anywhere. Laurence made threats about taking Olivia away after judging Sophie, Neil and El Mudad as deviants. and was antagonistic and unpleasant at every meeting. Neil says his ex won't do anything, that he trusts her, and that's that. No further mention. Interesting plot point dropped.
I hope Abigail Barnette lets this series rest at this point. Nothing more needs to be said. You can't milk a dead cow. I really can't see what new plot twists could develop in this series and I've pretty much lost interest in what had, for the first few books, been one of my favorite series ever.
Essentially, this book fails.
I really really wanted to like this book! Alas...I managed to finish it, and like a little of it..but wow...when did Abigail Barnette stop caring about her characters and storytelling?
Here comes my grumbling!
This "story" read more like everyday life and the things that happen, rather than having an actual plot. The main point of the story seems to be the characters negatively judging each other and themselves, along with openly criticizing each other and giving each other glowing praise. The whole thing seemed to be thrown together just to have something to write about, but didn't really go anywhere.
The only 2 characters I came away still liking, were El Mudad and Olivia. Sophie, whom I had loved in the early books has become a self-centered, self-pitying caricature of the strong, determined and interesting woman she originally was. She is so whiny about aging that I wanted to smack her, especially when she's considering how she doesn't want to give Olivia a negative body image. She has regressed as she's aged, and become much more immature than she was in the first books. Neil is overindulgent, over-critical, easy to anger, quick to judge, temperamental, and condescending.
Things came up that could have made the story interesting, and loomed over the characters like dark storm clouds but never ended up anywhere. Laurence made threats about taking Olivia away after judging Sophie, Neil and El Mudad as deviants. and was antagonistic and unpleasant at every meeting. Neil says his ex won't do anything, that he trusts her, and that's that. No further mention. Interesting plot point dropped.
I hope Abigail Barnette lets this series rest at this point. Nothing more needs to be said. You can't milk a dead cow. I really can't see what new plot twists could develop in this series and I've pretty much lost interest in what had, for the first few books, been one of my favorite series ever.
Essentially, this book fails.
December 11, 2018
Enjoyed the story enough but I needed El-Mudad to get fucked by Neil.
May 30, 2019
Pathetic. Horrible. Disastrous.
January 3, 2019
"Not that any amount of pizza or Poldark would fix this situation."
Of course my first read of 2019 was smut.
Real talk though, I love this series. It sounds silly, but it is so much more than just spicy sex. The characters are realistic, loving, flawed and face real problems in both their romantic and platonic relationships. Barnette somehow manages to weave grief, aging, the reality of poverty in America, coming out, addiction, and broken families in with some seriously hot smut and billionaire jetsetting.
All three of the main characters (Sophie, Neil, and El-Mudad) are bisexual and are in a healthy polyamorous relationship. I loved watching their connections grow in this book. Polyamory can be super complicated, but they navigated it beautifully.
And yeah, the smutty chapters are fantastic. Yay consensual kink! But they weren't what kept me reading. What kept me reading was the intricate storyline and beautifully imperfect fairytale the characters built together.
Now, with all that said, part of me did miss the old days of just Sophie and Neil. I love El-Mudad and am all for healthy polyam representation, but there was something so special about Sophie and Neil's original partnership. There were times El-Mudad felt like a third wheel. Maybe just because he hasn't been through the same trials they've faced together.
Anyway, I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series, but if it is I'm satisfied. If you're looking for some dark smut laced with love, consent, mutual respect, and real people with real flaws and insecurities, read this series.
Trigger Warnings: Kink, Sex, Grief, Rape Mentions, Chronic Illnesses, Alcoholism, Biphobia
Of course my first read of 2019 was smut.
Real talk though, I love this series. It sounds silly, but it is so much more than just spicy sex. The characters are realistic, loving, flawed and face real problems in both their romantic and platonic relationships. Barnette somehow manages to weave grief, aging, the reality of poverty in America, coming out, addiction, and broken families in with some seriously hot smut and billionaire jetsetting.
All three of the main characters (Sophie, Neil, and El-Mudad) are bisexual and are in a healthy polyamorous relationship. I loved watching their connections grow in this book. Polyamory can be super complicated, but they navigated it beautifully.
And yeah, the smutty chapters are fantastic. Yay consensual kink! But they weren't what kept me reading. What kept me reading was the intricate storyline and beautifully imperfect fairytale the characters built together.
Now, with all that said, part of me did miss the old days of just Sophie and Neil. I love El-Mudad and am all for healthy polyam representation, but there was something so special about Sophie and Neil's original partnership. There were times El-Mudad felt like a third wheel. Maybe just because he hasn't been through the same trials they've faced together.
Anyway, I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series, but if it is I'm satisfied. If you're looking for some dark smut laced with love, consent, mutual respect, and real people with real flaws and insecurities, read this series.
Trigger Warnings: Kink, Sex, Grief, Rape Mentions, Chronic Illnesses, Alcoholism, Biphobia
August 6, 2020
5 stars, shocking if you are reading some of the top reviews. I'll go ahead and say that part of it might be because I got my hands on a well edited copy, better than the previous two. Although there have been some slips-a few errors and some misplaced commas-there was nothing to make me roll my eyes every few pages.
mild spoilers ahead
There are definitely some things that could be addressed in another sequel, but at the same time nothing was left to wonder about. In a way.
It's clear where Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad's relationship stands. They made a decision, kinda made it official, all the important people in their lives know about it and accepts it to some degree. I am delighted that their relationship is finally out there, that they are happy and that El-Mudad is able to share this with Sophie and Neil. I already liked El-Mudad a lot ever since they first met in Paris, and I have to say it was also great to see him in a new light, get to know him more, out of the bedroom so to say.
Laurence is an a-hole, I didn't like him and I am a little curious about the reasons why his relationship with Valerie would break. He was so awful, passive aggressive and outright threatening at some point. There's really nothing to like about him. The threats weren't dealt with in this novel, that's why I think there is a chance of a sequel, but Neil said he and Valerie discussed Laurence, Valerie is accepting and can be trusted and Neil is pretty much ready for whatever might come their way. That's honestly enough for me right now.
'The Boyfriend' was more of an everyday life type of situation. It mostly focused on Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad's relationship and I wouldn't have expected anything else. Reading all the other books and looking at the title, this was not surprising at all.
Bottom line is I enjoyed 'The Boyfriend', it was nice and for now I am glad I can go back to my preferred genre, but if there is going to be a sequel to this I would most likely want to read it.
mild spoilers ahead
There are definitely some things that could be addressed in another sequel, but at the same time nothing was left to wonder about. In a way.
It's clear where Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad's relationship stands. They made a decision, kinda made it official, all the important people in their lives know about it and accepts it to some degree. I am delighted that their relationship is finally out there, that they are happy and that El-Mudad is able to share this with Sophie and Neil. I already liked El-Mudad a lot ever since they first met in Paris, and I have to say it was also great to see him in a new light, get to know him more, out of the bedroom so to say.
Laurence is an a-hole, I didn't like him and I am a little curious about the reasons why his relationship with Valerie would break. He was so awful, passive aggressive and outright threatening at some point. There's really nothing to like about him. The threats weren't dealt with in this novel, that's why I think there is a chance of a sequel, but Neil said he and Valerie discussed Laurence, Valerie is accepting and can be trusted and Neil is pretty much ready for whatever might come their way. That's honestly enough for me right now.
'The Boyfriend' was more of an everyday life type of situation. It mostly focused on Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad's relationship and I wouldn't have expected anything else. Reading all the other books and looking at the title, this was not surprising at all.
Bottom line is I enjoyed 'The Boyfriend', it was nice and for now I am glad I can go back to my preferred genre, but if there is going to be a sequel to this I would most likely want to read it.
December 13, 2018
OK, this wasn't what I've come to expect. But still a good read.
Although I was immersed in every chapter, it felt shot and dare I say...not as special or just an means to an end. But what happened with the threat Lawrence made to take Olive away? Sophie's aunt kept her phone at the wedding. Did she see the video recording of Sophie and El-Mudad on it? Did Sophie grow her back bone and stand up for herself when she needed to? Did the three of them live together the rest of their lives? Did Sophie ever change her mind and have kids by Neil and El-Mudad? Did she find what she was going to do with the rest of her life? Questions, that I hope will become another book answered.
Although I was immersed in every chapter, it felt shot and dare I say...not as special or just an means to an end. But what happened with the threat Lawrence made to take Olive away? Sophie's aunt kept her phone at the wedding. Did she see the video recording of Sophie and El-Mudad on it? Did Sophie grow her back bone and stand up for herself when she needed to? Did the three of them live together the rest of their lives? Did Sophie ever change her mind and have kids by Neil and El-Mudad? Did she find what she was going to do with the rest of her life? Questions, that I hope will become another book answered.
July 9, 2020
There's nothing important going on, there's nothing happening here. Trying to make up something like Valerie's husband be the bad guy to just have something after so much shit has happened is just not enough.
If this is the end then, I guess it was an okay ending. At least it was like happy or something, I'm not sure.
If this is the end then, I guess it was an okay ending. At least it was like happy or something, I'm not sure.
November 18, 2018
I don't know if I'm going to keep reading this series (if it continues). I just don't enjoy them like I did the first few. I did appreciate the Poldark references (especially before she named the show).
November 17, 2020
The first two books were excellent and Sophie was an interesting and admirable protaganist who became more whiny and petty and foolish the older she got. And she's only 30! Watch out for 40's and 50's, as she will only become more insufferable at this rate. Everything seems forced, like her attitude toward Valerie. Please get over it. At this point Sophie should know that Valerie is just being Valerie and is in no way a threat to her relationship with Neil. Move on. She's even bothered by Elizabeth. Seriously?! Elizabeth. Who she met once, years ago and hasn't seen or heard from since. I'm rolling my eyes. Girl get over it. Sophie is causing pain and anguish on herself over literally nothing. Her life seems so boring now, honestly. Now that she's no longer at the magazine or writing memoirs she just lounges or sulks in her mansions all day, plays dress up, fantasizes about getting thoroughly fucked by her men, proceeds to get thoroughly fucked by her men, gets involved with the most boring family drama, says hi to Olivia then drops her off with the nanny, Valerie, or another family member. Rinse repeat.
One thing I respect is the more serious explorations of polyamory because that's important, but this trio in a committed romantic capacity feels forced. I enjoy El Mudad as a character and his general presence in the series, but only as a good friend and someone to have fun in the bedroom with from time to time. And is it just me or is El Mudad more interested in Sophie than Neil? Whenever the three are together Neil and Sophie are more enamored with El Mudad than each other, while El Mudad is completely smitten with Sophie. Even when he's not around Sophie whines to Neil about them being apart, as though Neil is no longer enough for her. This has made Sophie and Neil's relationship, and the entire history behind their love, a lot less special.
Also, this started a few books prior, but I'm annoyed that Sophie's mom and former driver are a thing. That's way too close for comfort for me. It would have been perfectly fine if her mom was a recurring figure in the books, instead of a constant presence who's due to marry someone who worked for Sophie and Neil and knows all the sexual ongoings between them. It's great that after failed relationships and decades of being a single parent, Sophie's mom finds love, but seriously. With the chauffer? Anyway, I'll pretend this book and the previous didn't happen.
One thing I respect is the more serious explorations of polyamory because that's important, but this trio in a committed romantic capacity feels forced. I enjoy El Mudad as a character and his general presence in the series, but only as a good friend and someone to have fun in the bedroom with from time to time. And is it just me or is El Mudad more interested in Sophie than Neil? Whenever the three are together Neil and Sophie are more enamored with El Mudad than each other, while El Mudad is completely smitten with Sophie. Even when he's not around Sophie whines to Neil about them being apart, as though Neil is no longer enough for her. This has made Sophie and Neil's relationship, and the entire history behind their love, a lot less special.
Also, this started a few books prior, but I'm annoyed that Sophie's mom and former driver are a thing. That's way too close for comfort for me. It would have been perfectly fine if her mom was a recurring figure in the books, instead of a constant presence who's due to marry someone who worked for Sophie and Neil and knows all the sexual ongoings between them. It's great that after failed relationships and decades of being a single parent, Sophie's mom finds love, but seriously. With the chauffer? Anyway, I'll pretend this book and the previous didn't happen.
January 13, 2024
I started this story on a different platform, and I am so glad that I looked her up on Kindle and found this the Boss Series by Abigail Barnette. I like this what you would call throuple. I would hope that you would read this series in order, and I don't mind telling you that each book was well worth the money I purchased them for. Neil and Sophie and now El-Mudad are all living together now. All three of them are bi-sexual but found love together. It is awesome that Sophie is able to find two people who love her and they all love each other and none of them it would seem that has an ego about the other. We find that the issue of this type of relationship is presented well by the author. She makes you think, is what they are doing against the law, No. It is against society norms maybe, depending on who you ask and definitely according to the church moral laws it is against what some of society believes. We can tolerate the Mormon church where men have more than one wife, makes me say hmm... I just have a different way of looking at love and relationships and I have enjoyed these three. Now we have Sophie being diabetic, still having to share Olivia, Neil's and Valerie's granddaughter who she was made custodial guardian over along with Neil and her friends Holli and Deja and last but not least her mother and her boyfriend Tony who finally married at the end of this book. I loved all the drama and romance and kinky sex but I most of all just enjoyed the story line. I can't wait to see how this final book is going to come to an end or will it leave me wanting for more. Can't wait to read Book #8 Sophie. I bet it will be great.
June 27, 2019
What a way to bounce back!
This time around, the story focused almost entirely on the difficulties of maintaining a stable polyamorous relationship while also hiding it from a society, and especially the family members, who won't necessarily understand or approve of it.
I felt this book. Seriously. These emotions are strong and believable.
And I want to say this is realistic, too, though I've got to stick the caveat on there that Sophie is in love with two billionaires and money solves a few of the problems they might have otherwise. Not all of them, and not the big ones, but it's a little easier to vacation as a thruple when you own your own yacht.
If the story started here, rather than having six books behind it to show how Sophie got to this relatively charmed place in life, I wouldn't say it's believable at all, but that's the strength of following one character through so much of her life.
More minor bits of plot involve Sophie struggling to find direction in life (again) while adjusting her attitude towards the wealth she now has at her fingertips. I like where this is headed, but it's not explored in depth yet--I imagine it's going to be part of the next book.
And El-Mudad continues to be way more to my personal taste than Neil ever was, so yay for more of him.
This time around, the story focused almost entirely on the difficulties of maintaining a stable polyamorous relationship while also hiding it from a society, and especially the family members, who won't necessarily understand or approve of it.
I felt this book. Seriously. These emotions are strong and believable.
And I want to say this is realistic, too, though I've got to stick the caveat on there that Sophie is in love with two billionaires and money solves a few of the problems they might have otherwise. Not all of them, and not the big ones, but it's a little easier to vacation as a thruple when you own your own yacht.
If the story started here, rather than having six books behind it to show how Sophie got to this relatively charmed place in life, I wouldn't say it's believable at all, but that's the strength of following one character through so much of her life.
More minor bits of plot involve Sophie struggling to find direction in life (again) while adjusting her attitude towards the wealth she now has at her fingertips. I like where this is headed, but it's not explored in depth yet--I imagine it's going to be part of the next book.
And El-Mudad continues to be way more to my personal taste than Neil ever was, so yay for more of him.
November 21, 2018
Another great read in this series
I have been a huge fan of this series and author since it started. I have to say, please read them in order so you know the characters and events. Be advised that you will get the full book hangover feeling from each book and want more (not cliffhanger books). I can't wait for the next book. This author and series is a 1 click buy for me.
Overview. Sophie has a couple of struggles in this book. She is still adjusting to her new life choice (not working), dealing with her new step sisters, Sophie's health, Olivia, some past drama issues, but the biggest is their boyfriend. Neil, Sophie and El-Madad have decided to now be one. They have to find a way to balance there threesome life and how to approach it with their family and friends. Even though they have been together for 6 years old hey want to make it permanent. As Sophie's mom Rebecca is getting married for the first time. So a lot of changes in their life happen.
I have been a huge fan of this series and author since it started. I have to say, please read them in order so you know the characters and events. Be advised that you will get the full book hangover feeling from each book and want more (not cliffhanger books). I can't wait for the next book. This author and series is a 1 click buy for me.
Overview. Sophie has a couple of struggles in this book. She is still adjusting to her new life choice (not working), dealing with her new step sisters, Sophie's health, Olivia, some past drama issues, but the biggest is their boyfriend. Neil, Sophie and El-Madad have decided to now be one. They have to find a way to balance there threesome life and how to approach it with their family and friends. Even though they have been together for 6 years old hey want to make it permanent. As Sophie's mom Rebecca is getting married for the first time. So a lot of changes in their life happen.
March 13, 2021
I've been obsessing over the series for a few weeks now and gotta say... I love the drama! The first books wouldn't allow me to do much with my free time and I needed to know what'd happen next. And next. And next. And next.
These books made me cry (a lot), made me laugh and made me love the couple (the trio as well, but I do agree with many comments I've read saying that Sophie and Niel felt perfect together and wouldn't need El-Mudad. I also don't think they're in the same stage of "being in love" and to me, the connection between the 2 of them is a lot deeper and stronger)
One thing I have to say about the story is: many developments took me by surprise, and Abigail Barnette wasn't scared of getting her hands dirty. Sometimes I'd assume how things would proceed and she'd throw me for a loop. "Boyfriend" was definitely my less favorite and I didn't feel the urge to read nonstop. BUT I still wanna finish this journey and see what happens next (the drama will come haha).
These books made me cry (a lot), made me laugh and made me love the couple (the trio as well, but I do agree with many comments I've read saying that Sophie and Niel felt perfect together and wouldn't need El-Mudad. I also don't think they're in the same stage of "being in love" and to me, the connection between the 2 of them is a lot deeper and stronger)
One thing I have to say about the story is: many developments took me by surprise, and Abigail Barnette wasn't scared of getting her hands dirty. Sometimes I'd assume how things would proceed and she'd throw me for a loop. "Boyfriend" was definitely my less favorite and I didn't feel the urge to read nonstop. BUT I still wanna finish this journey and see what happens next (the drama will come haha).
June 10, 2019
Another wonderful installment in The Boss series. Interpersonal relationships take center stage as Sophie, Neil, and El-Mudad (aka Amir) navigate becoming a committed thruple and Sophie navigates relationships with family and long-time friends. Sophie also becomes more accepting of her billionaire status and makes plans on how to spend her time after selling her stake in Mode magazine to Deja. A special delight for those of us who adore El-Mudad as he becomes a permanent fixture and we’re introduced to his daughters. Hopefully his personality gets filled out in future installments as being nothing more than an international playboy, and occasional racer, seems at odds with the man, partner , and father we’ve come to know. The sex scenes are as hot as ever. A considerable improvement over the last entry and return to form in content if not line editing.
December 6, 2018
This is exactly what I needed. There are so many aspects in this story that I like but right now, I especially appreciate the LGBQT representation and the social commentary on poverty and welfare. Yes, I liked the sex scenes, they were really, really good, but I particularly liked the "small" things: polyamoric couple, bisexuality, the struggle with being your true self, discussions on poverty...
I loved El-Mudad and his daughters.
I hope we get to see a bit more Holly and Deja next time.
And of course, I hope Laurence gets what he deserves. My feelings towards Valerie are the same as Sophie but really, Laurence isn't good enough for her.
(Yes, I still pretend as if Emma and Michael are on vacation. No, I'll never accept THAT plot point as canon. Can't. Won't.)
I loved El-Mudad and his daughters.
I hope we get to see a bit more Holly and Deja next time.
And of course, I hope Laurence gets what he deserves. My feelings towards Valerie are the same as Sophie but really, Laurence isn't good enough for her.
(Yes, I still pretend as if Emma and Michael are on vacation. No, I'll never accept THAT plot point as canon. Can't. Won't.)
February 16, 2021
El-Mudad always just feels like a third wheel or just a plot device. He has so life outside Sophie and Neil. I'm not against polyamory. It's not a relationship dynamic I understand.
But I don't like it for this couple I've grown to love I just feel like El-Mudad doesn't fit and feels forced. Like Neil and Sophie are having a moment and then El-Mudad shows up and it's just awkward. I really rather he was a close friend they hooked up for fun with instead of this. That would have felt better. On to the last book. I hope it's better than this one...
And one other note. Sometimes their sex scenes make me supremely uncomfortable and just do not seem like something Sophie as a so called feminist would be down for. The intimacy is gone. It's just sex now.
But I don't like it for this couple I've grown to love I just feel like El-Mudad doesn't fit and feels forced. Like Neil and Sophie are having a moment and then El-Mudad shows up and it's just awkward. I really rather he was a close friend they hooked up for fun with instead of this. That would have felt better. On to the last book. I hope it's better than this one...
And one other note. Sometimes their sex scenes make me supremely uncomfortable and just do not seem like something Sophie as a so called feminist would be down for. The intimacy is gone. It's just sex now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2018
Three to four star range. Sophie, Neil, and El-Mudad begin building their "thruple" life together officially, with a long-distance celebration of Sophie's 30th birtday--I did think she stayed too hung up, too long on this--through Christmas festivities in England, to the specially-commissioned yacht that Sophie presents to her men. They are careful about Olivia, Amal, and Rashida. Main drama surrounds discovery by Sophie's Mom of their uncoventional partnership. If this concludes the series, it wraps up well. Or, Ms. Barnette could check in when Olivia is about 12...and Sophie is about to hit the big 4-0.
November 25, 2018
Enjoyable and unputdownable as always! It wasn’t earth-shattering, though. Somehow I find El-Mudad to be a third-wheel - I just don’t feel his love connection with N and S and I feel that he just doesn’t fit in. I keep having this nagging feeling and he’s going to end up hurt in the (loosing) end, unfortunately.
But Neil, though. Even after starting this series years ago, Neil just STILL does it for me, esp when he’s in “take charge” mode. I absolutely adore him! Sophie and Neil should just leave it as a duo and move on. Sorry, E....
But Neil, though. Even after starting this series years ago, Neil just STILL does it for me, esp when he’s in “take charge” mode. I absolutely adore him! Sophie and Neil should just leave it as a duo and move on. Sorry, E....
March 16, 2019
Slightly disappointed
I loved this series and I thought this book would be as wonderful as the rest. It was very anticlimactic. I thought it would bring the love between Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad to the forefront and watch the growth between them all after fighting to be together. So many things remained unanswered. Olivia and how things grow. Valerie and Laurence as well as how does El-Mudad’s daughters become a part of their lives. Abigail Barnette wrote this like she was tired of the series. Her writing is good, but the substance is lacking.
I loved this series and I thought this book would be as wonderful as the rest. It was very anticlimactic. I thought it would bring the love between Sophie, Neil and El-Mudad to the forefront and watch the growth between them all after fighting to be together. So many things remained unanswered. Olivia and how things grow. Valerie and Laurence as well as how does El-Mudad’s daughters become a part of their lives. Abigail Barnette wrote this like she was tired of the series. Her writing is good, but the substance is lacking.
November 28, 2018
Absolutely enchanting
I loved this book so much. Neil and Sophie’s love story made me laugh some and also cry. The way they love each other is inspiring. I was disappointed when I got to the end of the book only because I didn’t want it to end. I hope this is not the end of there story, I would love to read more from Neil and Sophie, and Olivia.
I loved this book so much. Neil and Sophie’s love story made me laugh some and also cry. The way they love each other is inspiring. I was disappointed when I got to the end of the book only because I didn’t want it to end. I hope this is not the end of there story, I would love to read more from Neil and Sophie, and Olivia.
December 3, 2018
Love this series
I read all seven books in about a week. Loved this series and this character. What I did not like is no resolution with Laurence and no word on the next book. I looked and there was a big gap in publishing between 6 and 7. I want to know what happens and love to see more Olivia
I read all seven books in about a week. Loved this series and this character. What I did not like is no resolution with Laurence and no word on the next book. I looked and there was a big gap in publishing between 6 and 7. I want to know what happens and love to see more Olivia
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