Bossman by Vi Keeland

Narrated by Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden

Fans of sexy office romances with interesting, complex characters are sure to enjoy Bossman. Reminding me somewhat of one of my all-time favorites in this trope (Tangled by Emma Chase) but with an interesting unique and deep twist, Bossman was so much more than what I was expecting and kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. From laughs to tears, this book will make you experience it all. Moreover, the dual narration by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell is spot on and helps maximize the overall effect of this entertaining and satisfying listen.

Their first meeting was as unconventional as they come. Reese was trying to get out of a bad date and had ducked into the bathroom hallway of the restaurant she and her date were eating at trying to leave an SOS message to her friend, when Chase Parker stumbled upon her and called her out on her not so nice behavior. Then, quite shockingly, when Reese returned to her table, Chase crashed her dinner date and turned the evening into a surprising success with his affinity for spinning tales.

A few chance encounters later, Chase helps Reese land a new job when her last one unfortunately had come to a glass ceiling after she made the mistake of sleeping with a co-worker who shortly thereafter became her married boss. Determined not to make that mistake again, Reese takes Chase up on his offer to put her in touch with a headhunter he knows, so imagine her surprise when she finds out that her new job is at a company where Chase is the founder and CEO.

Determined to avoid deja vu, Reese decides no matter what she feels, she will not make that mistake again. Of course, Chase is equally set to see Reese in his bed. What ensues is a delightful tale of cat and mouse with a huge twist that turns everything on its head. Can there possibly be a HEA under the circumstances?

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell do a great job of co-narrating Bossman. With Ms. Mitchell narrating the chapters from Reese’s perspective which constitute the majority of the chapters, and Mr. Arden narrating the chapters from Chase’s perspective, their narration style forms a natural divider to easily discern the viewpoint being shared.

Moreover, both narrators adeptly produce distinguishable and believable voices for each one of the many characters. From Chase’s fun and joke-filled passages where he exhibits his ability to make stories up, to the more serious ones that are filled with pain and anxiety about the past, these narrators manage to set the mood for each and every one of the many different elements portrayed in this complex story. In sum, Mr. Arden’s and Ms. Mitchell’s good chemistry together and attunement to the story being told worked well to highlight and bring to life the many facets of this story.

All in all, Bossman was a hit for me. I have to admit I’m not surprised, given I have loved many of Ms. Keeland’s books in the past. However, I have to say that I was really caught off guard with just how deep this story ended up being (as I really didn’t get that sense from the blurb). Ultimately while I loved the fun, entertaining passages in the beginning as the chase ensued, it was the depth that was conveyed when the characters really got to know one another that gave this story the extra bump from good to great.

BJ

Narration: A-

Book Content: A-

Steam Factor: Glad I had my earbuds in

Violence Rating: Minimal

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Bossman was provided to AudioGals by Tantor Audio for a review.