Review: Bossman by Vi Keeland

Bossman by Vi Keeland

Series: No

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 16, 2016

Format: Audio

Narrators: Maxine Mitchell, Joe Arden

Source: OverDrive

Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn’t exactly make a good impression. I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date. He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice. So I told him to mind his own damn business—his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business—and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn’t help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked. When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out. But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us—telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood. My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I’d never see him again. I mean, what were the chances I’d run into him again in a city with eight million people?

Then again… What were the chances a month later he’d wind up being my new sexy boss?

WHAT I LIKED:
I downloaded the audio version of Bossman from my library because I was after something light and fun to listen to on my commute. I ended up getting a lot more than I bargained for. Because Bossman was fun and steamy and entertaining, but there was also depth to the characters and a heartbreaking element that really hit me in the feels.

Reese and Chase’s first encounter was hilarious and it really set the stage for their relationship. Much flirting and made-up stories about their fictional shared history ensued, all while Chase turned on the charm in an effort to seduce Reese. Meanwhile, Reese was determined to avoid making the same mistake twice (an office romance, especially with the boss). I absolutely adored the banter between these two characters. They were both witty and quick and Reese was more likely to roll her eyes than swoon at Chase’s advances. Chase was completely likable – easygoing, charming, incredibly thoughtful, and had a way of speaking his mind that practically had my speakers melting. Reese was intelligent and strong and I liked how she was practical and considered her actions instead of just jumping headfirst regardless of the consequences.

Both Chase and Reese had issues in their past that had a big impact on who they were and how they lived their lives. But it was Chase’s story that really got to me and had me so emotionally invested. His history was doled out in bits and pieces and even though at times I almost knew what was coming, I kept hoping that I was wrong. The evolution of his character was done so well, was so believable, and my heart just ached for him.

While there was some drama and angst happening, it never once felt over the top. And the ending was so completely satisfying, and so fitting considering how these two people started their relationship, that I wanted to stand up and cheer. I loved the humor, the banter, the slow-build of the relationship, the characters… Bossman was just an all-around hit.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
This is so minor, but there were occasions when Maxine Mitchell’s narration felt a little overdone and it was sometime a distraction. I also ran into this with her narration of Stuck-Up Suit. It didn’t change how I felt about the character or story, but it was definitely something I noticed.

4.25/5 STARS