Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Boss
- Author: Abigail Barnette
- Narrator: Cj Bloom
- Length: 12:25:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 26/05/2015
- Publisher: Tantor Media
- Genre: Romance, Romantica
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about the open road that makes a story come alive, isn’t there? I was winding my way through the sun-scorched hills of Andalusia, the scent of orange blossoms heavy in the air, when I first pressed play on “Boss” by Abigail Barnette, narrated by Cj Bloom. The audiobook unfolded like a sultry summer night – warm, inviting, and laced with a tension that kept me hooked through every twist of the Spanish countryside. It reminded me of a time when I’d stumbled into a flamenco bar in Seville, the dancer’s heels pounding out a rhythm that felt both commanding and vulnerable. That same push and pull echoes through “Boss”, a romance that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about desire.
The story follows Sophie Scaife, a young woman who once traded a college ticket for a flight to Tokyo – a move I can relate to, having ditched a stable gig for a one-way ticket to Patagonia years ago. Sophie’s life takes a sharp turn after a steamy one-night stand with a stranger who, surprise, turns out to be her new boss, Neil Elwood – a billionaire publishing magnate with a penchant for dominance. What starts as a no-strings fling ignites into something deeper, forcing Sophie to weigh her career ambitions against the pull of her heart. It’s a classic setup, sure, but Barnette infuses it with a raw, unapologetic edge that elevates it beyond your typical romance fare.
You can almost feel the heat radiating off the pages – or rather, through your headphones – as Sophie and Neil navigate their scorching chemistry. Barnette’s writing is vivid, painting scenes that linger like the taste of a good Rioja. The bedroom dynamics, with Sophie exploring her submissive side, are handled with a deft touch – never gratuitous, always tethered to character. It’s a dance of power and trust, and it reminded me of those nights in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales by the firelight. Her voice carried the weight of experience, pausing just long enough to let the silence speak. “Boss” has that same intimacy, that same knack for drawing you in close.
Cj Bloom’s narration is the heartbeat of this audiobook experience. Her voice is a chameleon – soft and tentative when Sophie’s unsure, bold and sultry when the stakes rise. She doesn’t just read the story; she inhabits it, giving Neil a gravelly depth that makes your skin tingle and Sophie a relatable warmth that keeps her grounded. The pacing is spot-on, letting the tension build like a slow burn before erupting into moments of pure, electric release. I’d wager Bloom could make a grocery list sound seductive, but here, she’s got rich material to work with. The audio quality is crisp, immersive – perfect for losing yourself whether you’re driving through a desert or sipping coffee on a rainy morning.
The themes hit close to home for me. Sophie’s struggle to balance ambition and vulnerability mirrors a chapter of my own life – back when I was hustling as a travel writer, chasing deadlines while yearning for connection. There’s a universality to her journey, a reminder that power isn’t just about control but about knowing when to let go. Barnette digs into this with a storyteller’s eye, peeling back layers to reveal the messy, beautiful humanity underneath. The romantica genre shines here, blending steamy escapism with emotional stakes that resonate long after the final chapter.
That said, “Boss” isn’t flawless. The plot leans heavily on coincidence – Neil just “happening” to be Sophie’s boss feels like a convenient shortcut. And while the chemistry is undeniable, some of the supporting characters, like Sophie’s magazine colleagues, fade into the background, underdeveloped next to the central duo’s intensity. For a listener craving a broader cast or a tighter narrative weave, it might leave you wanting. Still, these are minor quibbles in an audiobook that knows exactly what it wants to be: a sensual, character-driven escape.
How does it stack up? Think of it as a spicier “Fifty Shades” with better writing and a narrator who elevates every line. Or maybe a cousin to Sylvia Day’s “Crossfire” series, though “Boss” trades corporate gloss for a more personal, grounded vibe. It’s not breaking new ground, but it doesn’t have to – it’s too busy pulling you into its world.
This audiobook is for anyone who’s ever craved a love story with bite – fans of romance and romantica will devour it, especially if you’re into power dynamics with heart. It’s perfect for a long drive, a quiet night in, or any moment you want to feel the pulse of a good tale. And the best part? You can snag this listening experience for free if you know where to look – check Audiobooks.com for a sample and dive in.
Reflecting on it now, “Boss” feels like a journey I didn’t expect to take. It’s got the thrill of a spontaneous detour – like that time I veered off course in Chile’s Atacama Desert, chasing a sunset, and ended up with Gabriel García Márquez’s voice in my ears. Barnette and Bloom deliver a story that’s equal parts heat and soul, a reminder that the best narratives don’t just entertain – they leave you a little changed.
Until the next story calls us down the road,
Marcus Rivera
