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

12 comments

  1. a lot of people seem to definitely enjoy this book :D glad you had a good time with it as well despite some of the narration

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    1. Thanks Lily! This one definitely delivered even more than I was expecting.

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  2. I have had good luck with Keeland in the past. This is definitely one for me. I don't know what it is about the heroes, but I usually find myself more into their backstories. I totally get what you are saying about the narrator, though. I have had a few experiences where the narration got in the way, but I am glad it was only a minor distraction, since I will most likely listen to this as well.

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    1. I've only read one other by Keeland - Stuck-Up Suit. I enjoyed it but the story took an unexpected twist near the end that I thought was unnecessary. It added more drama where none was needed and that kind of lessened my enjoyment just a little. Not so with this one. If anything I was surprised at what an emotional punch it packed! I mean, I was expecting just light and fun with some sexytimes. But this actually had me emotionally invested and got me teary at one point. Not at all what I was anticipating! I hope you'll enjoy this one as well when you get around to it, sam!

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  3. The cover alone makes me interested! LOL. Glad you enjoyed this one. I can understand how the narration can be distracting. That's happened to me before too. Great review! ~Aleen

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    1. Oh yeah, that cover is... very eye-catching. LOL The narration issues were so minor and I really did enjoy this one a lot.

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  4. I had to come see what you thought of Bossman since it was a listen I really enjoyed. I agree with you on their banter. It was a lot of fun. And I enjoyed watching them both evolve. I, too, kept hoping I was wrong about Chase's past. And as I remember I shed a few tears. I think I also understand your issues with Mitchell's narration although I like her overall...of course, my experience with audio is still in what I'd consider its infancy. :) Great review, Tanya!

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    1. Thanks Brandee! I just love when I expect one thing from a book and it delivers so much more. I mean, I was ready for just some laughs and some steamy scenes. I never expected so much emotion! I felt similarly (though not to the same extent) about Royally Screwed by Emma Chase. Yes it was fun, but it also made me cry at one point. (Granted, that's not too hard to do. LOL)

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  5. I've not heard of this one before, and probably would have ignored it completely based on the cover alone heh but it sounds like good fun indeed! Wonderful review :) *adds book to TBR pile*

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    1. I have to admit, I am not a fan of the shirtless male covers. I find them kind of cheesy. But I was in the mood for something light and fun and gave it a try. A great reminder for me not to judge by the cover because this one also hit me right in the feels. :) Hope you'll enjoy it, too, if you decide to try it!

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  6. and.. of course you would noticed the overdone narration! What did they think? This bookworm's has high standards you know :) But hey! even though... You felt like giving a standing ovation :) isn't it great when a book surprises you like this? :)

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    1. I love that feeling when a book delivers way more than you were expecting! :)

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