My Not So Wicked Boss

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at the ‘single mom falls for her boss’ premise—until Stephanie Rose’s narration pulled me in within five minutes. She gives Aspen this perfect mix of sarcasm and warmth, like she’s *this* close to snapping but still finds the absurdity in her life funny. The boss, meanwhile, isn’t your typical alpha-hole; he’s prickly because he’s *bad* at feelings, and Rose makes his awkwardness hilarious rather than frustrating. (His voice when he’s flustered? *Chef’s kiss*.) The story’s pacing is where it shines—and occasionally stumbles. The first half is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, with workplace clashes that crackle (a shared hotel room scene had me cackling). But the third act rushes the emotional payoff a bit; after so much buildup, I wanted more groveling, more *mess*. And while the childcare subplot adds depth, a few scenes with Aspen’s daughter feel slightly too cute, like they’re checking a ‘wholesome mom’ box. Still, the chemistry between the leads is electric, and the audio production is flawless—no jarring volume shifts or awkward pauses. If you love rom-coms with bite, a heroine who’s allowed to be flawed, and a narrator who *gets* the humor, this is your next listen. Just maybe don’t start it on a work trip—you’ll be side-eyeing your own boss by Chapter 3.