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The Boss
I have my dream job,
With a nightmare boss.
At first, Nicole Barret seemed to be the perfect boss.
I was dead wrong.
It gets worse when I find out my husband knows her all too well. She's his ex-fiancé .
She won’t let me quit without destroying my career and my marriage.
It wasn’t a coincidence that she hired me.
It won’t be a coincidence if I disappear.
The Boss is a page-turning psychological thriller filled with twists, suspense and mind-blowing tension, from James Caine, the author of The In-Laws and The Family Cabin.
With a nightmare boss.
At first, Nicole Barret seemed to be the perfect boss.
I was dead wrong.
It gets worse when I find out my husband knows her all too well. She's his ex-fiancé .
She won’t let me quit without destroying my career and my marriage.
It wasn’t a coincidence that she hired me.
It won’t be a coincidence if I disappear.
The Boss is a page-turning psychological thriller filled with twists, suspense and mind-blowing tension, from James Caine, the author of The In-Laws and The Family Cabin.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2023
791 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
June 20, 2025
Another fast-paced read, that kept my interest. Again I must say that there wasn’t a need for creating such an unlikely plot, with characters that felt very unreal due to their extreme actions. If the author just adds some believability, I will devour all coming books.
November 3, 2023
James Caine once again creates a thriller that checks all the boxes. Intensity, shock, and a constant sense of foreboding fill the pages of this fast-paced thriller. There are countless twists that propel the story towards its surprising and satisfying conclusion. There is never a dull moment in this tale of revenge, betrayal, and deception. I enjoyed every twisted minute! Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 16, 2023
Can you let your husband have a night with your boss to save your career?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my 3rd read book by James Cane. And I think that his style is improving with every newly published book.
The Boss is a turn-pages psychological thriller about two women: Alice and Nicole. They have a lot of things in common: they both are ambitious career-driven women, and they are both smart and hard-working for the same Beauty Supply company. They both fell in love with the same man, but if Nicole was only engaged to him, Alice married him.
Nicole is the president of the company and when she hires Alice, the latter hopes that her life turns to the dreamed future. But things are not as they seem and soon she finds the truth about Niciole's nature.
The book keeps the reader in constant tension and even when we are sure that this is the end of the story, an unexpected twist reveals how wrong we have been.
The book got four stars from me only because I don't believe that police could be so incompetent in identifying a body and its cause of death.
I highly recommend this book to all thriller fans.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my 3rd read book by James Cane. And I think that his style is improving with every newly published book.
The Boss is a turn-pages psychological thriller about two women: Alice and Nicole. They have a lot of things in common: they both are ambitious career-driven women, and they are both smart and hard-working for the same Beauty Supply company. They both fell in love with the same man, but if Nicole was only engaged to him, Alice married him.
Nicole is the president of the company and when she hires Alice, the latter hopes that her life turns to the dreamed future. But things are not as they seem and soon she finds the truth about Niciole's nature.
The book keeps the reader in constant tension and even when we are sure that this is the end of the story, an unexpected twist reveals how wrong we have been.
The book got four stars from me only because I don't believe that police could be so incompetent in identifying a body and its cause of death.
I highly recommend this book to all thriller fans.
October 13, 2023
Alice Walker believes she has finally gotten the position of her dreams as the new Executive Sales Director of Lovely Beauty Supplies (LBS). Her boss, LBS owner Nicole Barret, and Nicole’s executive assistant, Leigh Olson, seem lovely and welcoming; Alice likes the team she is assigned to supervise. Insecure, but an extremely hard worker and go-getter, Alice is the antithesis of her husband, Evan, for whom “stable and career are not words that are relevant.” Evan does not tolerate any guff from his superiors, will only put in the least amount of work expected, and happily speaks his mind before abruptly quitting. When Nicole’s thin veneer of friendliness begins to crack, she starts to show Alice who she truly is. It seems Evan has been hiding things from Alice as well— he and Nicole were once engaged to be married. It was no mere coincidence that Alice was hired, and she is unable to quit lest Nicole destroy her career and her marriage. Alice is stuck between a rock and a hard place as her dream job turns in to her worst nightmare.
“The Boss” is a wild ride from the very beginning to the final word. What an exciting, spellbinding psychological thriller author James Caine has written. The book is so readable, having everything one would expect a great thriller to contain: twists, abrupt u-turns, evil actions, shocking discoveries, and an ending that satisfies the tension which builds throughout. The story alternates between the characters points of view, each becoming the narrator of his/her own chapter. I found the change in tone for characters’ chapters to be appropriate to each and very enjoyable to read. I have read James Caine’s work before, and can say without hesitation that if any reader is as much of a fan of psychological thrillers as I am, they’ll be thrilled to experience his books. They are impossible to put down!
I’d like to thank James Caine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
“The Boss” is a wild ride from the very beginning to the final word. What an exciting, spellbinding psychological thriller author James Caine has written. The book is so readable, having everything one would expect a great thriller to contain: twists, abrupt u-turns, evil actions, shocking discoveries, and an ending that satisfies the tension which builds throughout. The story alternates between the characters points of view, each becoming the narrator of his/her own chapter. I found the change in tone for characters’ chapters to be appropriate to each and very enjoyable to read. I have read James Caine’s work before, and can say without hesitation that if any reader is as much of a fan of psychological thrillers as I am, they’ll be thrilled to experience his books. They are impossible to put down!
I’d like to thank James Caine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
October 11, 2023
I was very excited to receive this advanced copy of THE BOSS because I've enjoyed James Caine's books very much in the past. The premise of this one was so intriguing, especially for people who've been unfortunate enough to have had a bad boss. And for those of us who are lucky enough to have had great bosses, we can only sympathize with our protagonist, Alice, who's boss, Nicole, is nothing short of a nightmare.
As the story unfolds, Alice's dream job not-so-gradually becomes nothing short of misery, threats, and life-threatening scenarios. Events happen quickly in this novel--it is definitely a fast read. You learn that someone has been murdered in the first few pages, and as the mystery unfolds, long buried secrets are revealed and lives will be forever changed. A great thriller for those who love quick reads filled with tension, twists, and satisfying endings.
I want to extend my thanks to James Caine and BookFunnel for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
As the story unfolds, Alice's dream job not-so-gradually becomes nothing short of misery, threats, and life-threatening scenarios. Events happen quickly in this novel--it is definitely a fast read. You learn that someone has been murdered in the first few pages, and as the mystery unfolds, long buried secrets are revealed and lives will be forever changed. A great thriller for those who love quick reads filled with tension, twists, and satisfying endings.
I want to extend my thanks to James Caine and BookFunnel for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review.
January 18, 2024
2.5⭐️
Summery
Nicole Barrett is 31 and the Boss. She climbed Torontos' corporate ladder all the way to the top. She came from nothing and became something. A lioness in a man's world.
Now everything has gone wrong. Everything she worked for is slipping through her fingers. Drastic measures are taken.
Alice Walker is a new hire at Lovely Beauty Supplies. She is excited about her new executive career path. She doesn't know the job offer comes with unbearable strings. She doesn't know it will be her last job ever.
My Thoughts
This is my definition of a "fluff" thriller. No real depth but a fun read. It's one of those books you read between favorite authors to give yourself a break or to get you out of a slump. I would absolutely recommend this author to fans of Blake Peirce. I will absolutely read more by this author because they are decent reads, but I probably wouldn't recommend it to a close friend.
The characters have just enough flaws and realism to keep me engaged but not enough to truly feel for them. I did highly relate to Alice's anxiety over everything. Her need to turn a mole hill into a mountain. I have the same tendency. In book form, when you know what is happening, it comes off as rather shallow and annoying. Nicole is just egotistical, vindictive, and over the top. She is just a horrible person for the sake of having a horribly unlikable character. There was nothing to her except nastiness. Evan, Alice's husband, well he's just a weak willed, spineless, little pathetic man.
******SPOILER******
STOP reading this review now if you plan to read the book!
The ending!!!! It's so unbelievable it ruined the whole book for me. It brought a 3⭐️ read, down to a 2⭐️ read.
Nicole kills Leigh in a fit of rage, stuffs her body into a suitcase, and then 24 hours later throws her over a balcony of a high rise to fake her own death!?! That's not just improbable but impossible.
First off, even though it was the top floor, and the body would have been mangled beyond recognition, DNA testing would have proved it was NOT Nicole. Even if someone was arrested for her murder it wouldn't have taken weeks, let alone months, and a guilty plea to exonerate.
Second, she was in the suitcase for 24 hours. Time of death would have proved the body couldn't possibly be Nicole. She didn't liquefy. There would have been enough left for the coroner to have a reasonable time of death. The police got to the scene within minutes, and they definitely would have been able to tell, most likely on sight, that the body had been dead for at least a few hours.
Lastly, a high-profile criminal murder case of that magnitude would never have been given to a green attorney with no experience. That would be grounds for a mistrial.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Summery
Nicole Barrett is 31 and the Boss. She climbed Torontos' corporate ladder all the way to the top. She came from nothing and became something. A lioness in a man's world.
Now everything has gone wrong. Everything she worked for is slipping through her fingers. Drastic measures are taken.
Alice Walker is a new hire at Lovely Beauty Supplies. She is excited about her new executive career path. She doesn't know the job offer comes with unbearable strings. She doesn't know it will be her last job ever.
My Thoughts
This is my definition of a "fluff" thriller. No real depth but a fun read. It's one of those books you read between favorite authors to give yourself a break or to get you out of a slump. I would absolutely recommend this author to fans of Blake Peirce. I will absolutely read more by this author because they are decent reads, but I probably wouldn't recommend it to a close friend.
The characters have just enough flaws and realism to keep me engaged but not enough to truly feel for them. I did highly relate to Alice's anxiety over everything. Her need to turn a mole hill into a mountain. I have the same tendency. In book form, when you know what is happening, it comes off as rather shallow and annoying. Nicole is just egotistical, vindictive, and over the top. She is just a horrible person for the sake of having a horribly unlikable character. There was nothing to her except nastiness. Evan, Alice's husband, well he's just a weak willed, spineless, little pathetic man.
******SPOILER******
STOP reading this review now if you plan to read the book!
The ending!!!! It's so unbelievable it ruined the whole book for me. It brought a 3⭐️ read, down to a 2⭐️ read.
Nicole kills Leigh in a fit of rage, stuffs her body into a suitcase, and then 24 hours later throws her over a balcony of a high rise to fake her own death!?! That's not just improbable but impossible.
First off, even though it was the top floor, and the body would have been mangled beyond recognition, DNA testing would have proved it was NOT Nicole. Even if someone was arrested for her murder it wouldn't have taken weeks, let alone months, and a guilty plea to exonerate.
Second, she was in the suitcase for 24 hours. Time of death would have proved the body couldn't possibly be Nicole. She didn't liquefy. There would have been enough left for the coroner to have a reasonable time of death. The police got to the scene within minutes, and they definitely would have been able to tell, most likely on sight, that the body had been dead for at least a few hours.
Lastly, a high-profile criminal murder case of that magnitude would never have been given to a green attorney with no experience. That would be grounds for a mistrial.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
I genuinely hoped to enjoy this book, but as I read, I was left with numerous unanswered questions, and it just didn’t connect with me. Plus, I felt surrounded by stupid male characters throughout the story. Don’t get me started on the epilogue.
December 11, 2024
Dream Job + Nightmare Boss = Twisty Psychological Thriller.
Entertaining, extremely eye-rolling, and pacey.
My favorite part of the book?
The addition of "manure" at the end of the book.
Manure?
You'll have to read this book to find out more.
I listened to the audiobook read by Haley Taylor and Hillary Huber.
Multi-cast audiobook narrations are always a treat and both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Yes, it was the manure that elevated my star rating!)
September 10, 2024
This was my first read from this author … and I am hooked! I’m glad I ordered 8 of his books because that’s what I’ll be doing over the next week - reading all of his books.
His books are shorter - around 250-300 pages but the action and twists will leave your head spinning. I considered his books to be like those of Daniel Hurst, only better. Sorry not sorry Daniel.
If you like insane characters and plot twists that’ll leave your jaw on the floor I highly recommend his books.
Alice couldn’t be happier with where her life is going. Her husband, Evan, and her have just relocated to a new city for Alice’s new job. They’re renovating their new house and things are looking up.
But things quickly take a turn for the worse when Alice realizes that her boss, Nicole, was once engaged to her husband. And what’s even worse it seems Alice was offered this job as part of some horrific scheme. Because Nicole is coming for Alice’s husband.
Insanity is all I have to say about this book. Pure insanity. And I loved every minute of it.
His books are shorter - around 250-300 pages but the action and twists will leave your head spinning. I considered his books to be like those of Daniel Hurst, only better. Sorry not sorry Daniel.
If you like insane characters and plot twists that’ll leave your jaw on the floor I highly recommend his books.
Alice couldn’t be happier with where her life is going. Her husband, Evan, and her have just relocated to a new city for Alice’s new job. They’re renovating their new house and things are looking up.
But things quickly take a turn for the worse when Alice realizes that her boss, Nicole, was once engaged to her husband. And what’s even worse it seems Alice was offered this job as part of some horrific scheme. Because Nicole is coming for Alice’s husband.
Insanity is all I have to say about this book. Pure insanity. And I loved every minute of it.
October 17, 2023
3.5
What would you do if you found out your new boss was your husband's ex-finace? That's the situation Alice finds herself in when she takes a job at Lovely Beauty Supplies working for Nicole. This was an enjoyable book with one main character I cared about and one I loathed. I am definitely going to read more from this author.
What would you do if you found out your new boss was your husband's ex-finace? That's the situation Alice finds herself in when she takes a job at Lovely Beauty Supplies working for Nicole. This was an enjoyable book with one main character I cared about and one I loathed. I am definitely going to read more from this author.
October 10, 2023
Chilling, intriguing, surprising, and well-written.
I cannot count how many times that I got goosebumps reading this book. I was so invested in the characters and what was going to happen next. I read this book in a day, with how interesting it was... I could not put it down! I still can't believe the ending. I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head with all of the unexpected twists and turns. A very good book and one that I highly recommend!
I cannot count how many times that I got goosebumps reading this book. I was so invested in the characters and what was going to happen next. I read this book in a day, with how interesting it was... I could not put it down! I still can't believe the ending. I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head with all of the unexpected twists and turns. A very good book and one that I highly recommend!
December 3, 2023
Evan and Alice, a married couple in their late 20's, move across Canada for Alice's new job. She's the breadwinner out of the two of them. Evan wants to start a family now and finds himself counting Alice's eggs, but he lacks the ambition to realistically care for a family and Alice is career-driven at this point in her life. She can't afford to have that slow her down right now.
Along with the other adjustments, the house they bought is a fixer upper. Evan thought it was an amazing opportunity but now that they're seeing it up close, it's going to be quite the undertaking. He has no job so it should give him something to do. Luckily, this is Evan's old stomping ground and his brother Tommy is around to pitch in.
Meanwhile, our other narrator is her new boss Nicole. Nicole has ulterior motives for offering Alice this great job. Alice just doesn't know it yet. Nicole is a celebrated executive but her life is going down in flames and she's decided to take some other people down with her.
We find out soon after Alice starts her job that Nicole is Evan's former flame, and it appears she's still carrying a torch. She'll burn whomever she needs to get one last night with him.
This was wild as always. Caine is wonderful at twists and these just kept coming and it had a satisfying conclusion.
Along with the other adjustments, the house they bought is a fixer upper. Evan thought it was an amazing opportunity but now that they're seeing it up close, it's going to be quite the undertaking. He has no job so it should give him something to do. Luckily, this is Evan's old stomping ground and his brother Tommy is around to pitch in.
Meanwhile, our other narrator is her new boss Nicole. Nicole has ulterior motives for offering Alice this great job. Alice just doesn't know it yet. Nicole is a celebrated executive but her life is going down in flames and she's decided to take some other people down with her.
We find out soon after Alice starts her job that Nicole is Evan's former flame, and it appears she's still carrying a torch. She'll burn whomever she needs to get one last night with him.
This was wild as always. Caine is wonderful at twists and these just kept coming and it had a satisfying conclusion.
October 17, 2025
Excellent page turner. Stayed up way too late reading this book. Twists and turns. Thumbs up.
October 11, 2023
"Everything will change now. I look back at the dead body staining the tile floor behind me. This was not my fault."
Ooh this one was good. I have read a couple others by this author and while I enjoyed them, I found this one was definitely better than those. It's a great read filled with twists that keep you guessing until the end.
Ooh this one was good. I have read a couple others by this author and while I enjoyed them, I found this one was definitely better than those. It's a great read filled with twists that keep you guessing until the end.
March 11, 2025
'Living between hope and fear' means that sometimes I'm in the mood for something light. I picked up a box set of four titles by James Caine for next to nothing. It's good this came so cheap because The Boss is a rather cheap title. Cheap as in: absolutely flat characters, a ridiculous plot and no 'thrills' whatsoever.
To top this up, a person is declared dead but it is a totally different person. Another person disappears in a most ridiculous way.
It's a pity because I liked The In-laws enough to give it three stars - although it had its flaws, it was a very original plot at least.
Well, it took my mind of my fears for a while, that much I can say.
To top this up, a person is declared dead but it is a totally different person. Another person disappears in a most ridiculous way.
It's a pity because I liked The In-laws enough to give it three stars - although it had its flaws, it was a very original plot at least.
Well, it took my mind of my fears for a while, that much I can say.
June 13, 2025
Alice Walker is excited to work as the new Executive Sales Director at the prestigious Lovely Beauty Supplies in Toronto. She is happy in her marriage and Evan, her husband is her anchor in everything. Her new boss initially seems nice however Nicole Barret has definitely something planned for her and it's not praises and promotions.
Nicole Barret is Evan's ex- fiance. And she is out for revenge. Her power exhibit threats and rage, she knows exactly what will make this couple tick. And now she has proposal, a cold, manipulative and calculative move that would break them apart. Alice is getting played for her desperation but is it the entire truth? Or is there more to this nightmare?
This twisty psychological thriller is my first read from James Caine and surely it won't be the last. The Boss has an incredibly magnetic fast-paced narration that would keep you turning the pages till the end. The characters are well fleshed and the plot execution is masterfully crafted. Nicole's vindictive nature roots back to the past but there's more to that. Alice is a career oriented woman and i admired her for that, she knew exactly what she wanted and focus on establishing herself because of a difficult childhood that she didn't want to become her present. Evan is.... Well he's got a lot of explaining to do. And there's Leigh Olsen, Nicole's assistant who quickly became her friend at LBS.
There is a streak of unpredictabilities and jaw- dropping plot twist that will shock you so be prepared. I definitely enjoyed James Caine's writing style and I will pick up more books from the author.
Nicole Barret is Evan's ex- fiance. And she is out for revenge. Her power exhibit threats and rage, she knows exactly what will make this couple tick. And now she has proposal, a cold, manipulative and calculative move that would break them apart. Alice is getting played for her desperation but is it the entire truth? Or is there more to this nightmare?
This twisty psychological thriller is my first read from James Caine and surely it won't be the last. The Boss has an incredibly magnetic fast-paced narration that would keep you turning the pages till the end. The characters are well fleshed and the plot execution is masterfully crafted. Nicole's vindictive nature roots back to the past but there's more to that. Alice is a career oriented woman and i admired her for that, she knew exactly what she wanted and focus on establishing herself because of a difficult childhood that she didn't want to become her present. Evan is.... Well he's got a lot of explaining to do. And there's Leigh Olsen, Nicole's assistant who quickly became her friend at LBS.
There is a streak of unpredictabilities and jaw- dropping plot twist that will shock you so be prepared. I definitely enjoyed James Caine's writing style and I will pick up more books from the author.
August 9, 2024
I enjoy Caine’s easy style and fast paced books. This book is another of those despicable boss books! The protagonist has finally found a dream job at a large company. She can see herself getting the experience she needs to become president of a large company someday. Her new boss seems to be really nice, but soon she is making the protagonist’s life a living hell. And she is the only one targeted! Why is that!? All comes together in a tragic climax. But is it over? Read to find out!
March 15, 2025
Another good suspenseful book
If I had the time, I could have finished this book in one day..it's fun and suspenseful
Can't wait to read another James Caine book
If I had the time, I could have finished this book in one day..it's fun and suspenseful
Can't wait to read another James Caine book
November 30, 2023
The story wasn’t bad and not entirely predictable, however I had problems with credibility. How come it took over 6 months to contact Alice about Leigh’s disappearance? Why the police never found out it wasn’t Nicole’s body that hit the ground, but Leigh’s? I believe she didn’t smash into a million tiny pieces, I’m sure someone has noticed it wasn’t her? Same goes with Nicole escaping her company in a hat and a scarf, pretending to be Leigh, at the same time wheeling a huge suitcase with body inside it. Just seems plausible, ludicrous and naive. The ending could have been better, but compared to the rest of the story it was more credible. 3 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
WOW! The third of this book was a wild ride. I much preferred this last bit overall, but it may be too OTT for most people. I do recommend it, but go into it with the mentality of a lifetime movie!
The explosiveness here was off the roof; it was everything I expected in a popcorn thriller; I binged it on a day.
3.5 rounded down because I felt like the second third of the book was almost non-susbtantial and all the body of the plot was reserved for the final key point of the book; however, I still think this was a good book and would love to read more from Caine.
The explosiveness here was off the roof; it was everything I expected in a popcorn thriller; I binged it on a day.
3.5 rounded down because I felt like the second third of the book was almost non-susbtantial and all the body of the plot was reserved for the final key point of the book; however, I still think this was a good book and would love to read more from Caine.
October 25, 2023
What a roller coaster of emotions! Imagine finding out that your new boss is your husband's ex and as the story unfolds this boss will make the character's life a living hell. I loved this gripping psychological thriller full of buried secrets and twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until de end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2025
What a stupid book. I swear NOTHING happened? I felt 0 sense of suspense and nothing was that shocking. It was basically just 200 pages of an annoying girl thinking the same thoughts over and over again.
It was also sooo annoying how much she went on and on about how lazy her husband was?? I swear every other sentence was shaming him for not having a job etc. - it really made it seem like she secretly hated him.
I think I need to stop reading books by this author, I don’t really like them. The writing feels shallow, as if rushed and never quite hits the mark. All the main characters are young women and he doesn’t quite get the tone in an authentic way. And I keep finding errors, like mixing up your and you’re, it’s painful to read.
It was also sooo annoying how much she went on and on about how lazy her husband was?? I swear every other sentence was shaming him for not having a job etc. - it really made it seem like she secretly hated him.
I think I need to stop reading books by this author, I don’t really like them. The writing feels shallow, as if rushed and never quite hits the mark. All the main characters are young women and he doesn’t quite get the tone in an authentic way. And I keep finding errors, like mixing up your and you’re, it’s painful to read.
June 20, 2025
Spoiler alert:
This is what bothered me about this book. Why wouldn't they check the DNA of the body that fell from the balcony? It doesn't make sense for me.
This is what bothered me about this book. Why wouldn't they check the DNA of the body that fell from the balcony? It doesn't make sense for me.
October 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
So, "The Boss" by James Caine was my first foray into the world of Book Sirens and my introduction to this author's work. I approached this read with an open mind, unsure about the quality and editing I'd come across. Overall, I found it to be a fairly satisfying experience, but there were a few quirks that held me back from giving it a higher rating.
As is common with many indie books, I encountered some editing issues that detracted from the overall experience. Typos and inconsistencies, such as "grad school" mistakenly written instead of "grade school," and the occasional misspelling of character names, like "even" instead of "Evan," stood out.
The character development left something to be desired, and this was something I noticed as well. Some characters, particularly Nicole and Alice, felt as though they were driven more by the plot's needs than by their own well-defined motivations. This lack of depth in character portrayal could use some improvement.
One intriguing point I picked up on was the book's portrayal of women, and I agree that some readers, especially women, might take issue with how certain female characters are depicted. The actions and decisions of Nicole and Alice might not align with contemporary expectations for strong women, and this might be attributed to the book's male authorship. However, it didn't significantly affect my personal enjoyment of the story.
On a more positive note, I found the plot to be quite promising. The tension built steadily, keeping me engaged and eager to see how it would unfold. The narrative contained some unexpected twists, which added depth to the story. It was unfortunate, though, that one of the major plot twists, involving Nicole's past as Alice's husband's ex-fiancée, was revealed in the blurb, which could be viewed as a marketing oversight. Additionally, some plot points, like the police's puzzling inability to identify a body, required further explanation for clarity.
I also felt that there was untapped potential in exploring Alice's past, which could have added richness to her character and the overall narrative. The book hinted at her past, but I thought it could have been integrated more fully into the story.
Lastly, the choice of the acronym LPSLBS for the company felt somewhat inadvisable, as it could easily evoke associations with something else, which might have a negative impact on the book's marketing appeal.
In summary, "The Boss" provided me with a fairly enjoyable reading experience, complete with a tense storyline and unexpected twists. However, the presence of editing issues, character development concerns, and certain plot choices suggests room for improvement. It's a quick and engaging read, but there's potential for enhancement in various aspects. I want to extend my gratitude to the author, James Caine, and Book Sirens for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I would rate it at 3.5 stars.
So, "The Boss" by James Caine was my first foray into the world of Book Sirens and my introduction to this author's work. I approached this read with an open mind, unsure about the quality and editing I'd come across. Overall, I found it to be a fairly satisfying experience, but there were a few quirks that held me back from giving it a higher rating.
As is common with many indie books, I encountered some editing issues that detracted from the overall experience. Typos and inconsistencies, such as "grad school" mistakenly written instead of "grade school," and the occasional misspelling of character names, like "even" instead of "Evan," stood out.
The character development left something to be desired, and this was something I noticed as well. Some characters, particularly Nicole and Alice, felt as though they were driven more by the plot's needs than by their own well-defined motivations. This lack of depth in character portrayal could use some improvement.
One intriguing point I picked up on was the book's portrayal of women, and I agree that some readers, especially women, might take issue with how certain female characters are depicted. The actions and decisions of Nicole and Alice might not align with contemporary expectations for strong women, and this might be attributed to the book's male authorship. However, it didn't significantly affect my personal enjoyment of the story.
On a more positive note, I found the plot to be quite promising. The tension built steadily, keeping me engaged and eager to see how it would unfold. The narrative contained some unexpected twists, which added depth to the story. It was unfortunate, though, that one of the major plot twists, involving Nicole's past as Alice's husband's ex-fiancée, was revealed in the blurb, which could be viewed as a marketing oversight. Additionally, some plot points, like the police's puzzling inability to identify a body, required further explanation for clarity.
I also felt that there was untapped potential in exploring Alice's past, which could have added richness to her character and the overall narrative. The book hinted at her past, but I thought it could have been integrated more fully into the story.
Lastly, the choice of the acronym LPSLBS for the company felt somewhat inadvisable, as it could easily evoke associations with something else, which might have a negative impact on the book's marketing appeal.
In summary, "The Boss" provided me with a fairly enjoyable reading experience, complete with a tense storyline and unexpected twists. However, the presence of editing issues, character development concerns, and certain plot choices suggests room for improvement. It's a quick and engaging read, but there's potential for enhancement in various aspects. I want to extend my gratitude to the author, James Caine, and Book Sirens for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I would rate it at 3.5 stars.
October 12, 2023
I was utterly engrossed in this book. The characters were so well-developed and relatable, and the way the story unfolded kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. I was so invested in their journey and couldn’t help but feel a rollercoaster of emotions as I followed along.
The book’s pacing was perfect, with each chapter revealing new twists and turns that kept me hooked and unable to put it down. I found myself reading well into the night, unable to resist the story’s allure. It was like being transported to another world, where time ceased to exist, and I was fully immersed in the characters’ lives.
And oh, the ending! It left me speechless and in awe. The way everything came together was satisfying and surprising, tying up loose ends and leaving me with closure. But at the same time, it left me yearning for more, wondering what could happen next in the lives of these characters that had become so dear to me.
Even after finishing the book, I think about it and relive the emotions it evoked. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they created such a captivating and unforgettable story. I can confidently say that this is one of the best books I have read by Caine, and I eagerly await his next masterpiece.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
The book’s pacing was perfect, with each chapter revealing new twists and turns that kept me hooked and unable to put it down. I found myself reading well into the night, unable to resist the story’s allure. It was like being transported to another world, where time ceased to exist, and I was fully immersed in the characters’ lives.
And oh, the ending! It left me speechless and in awe. The way everything came together was satisfying and surprising, tying up loose ends and leaving me with closure. But at the same time, it left me yearning for more, wondering what could happen next in the lives of these characters that had become so dear to me.
Even after finishing the book, I think about it and relive the emotions it evoked. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they created such a captivating and unforgettable story. I can confidently say that this is one of the best books I have read by Caine, and I eagerly await his next masterpiece.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
October 15, 2023
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Boss by James Caine is one heckuva ride! Nightmarish boss, Nicole, hires unsuspecting Alice at her beauty supply company. Alice thought for sure that she made it big until she realized that Nicole had a more nefarious reason for scouting her out. By the time that Alice catches on, her husband has landed them both in hot water from hiding his colorful past that includes, you've guessed it, Nicole.
Now, the dialogue itself was pretty basic and the actions of the characters were mundane for the most part. The punch it lacked in the beginning finally came in at the end.
If you're reading this, I hope you have a Beautiful Day.
The Boss by James Caine is one heckuva ride! Nightmarish boss, Nicole, hires unsuspecting Alice at her beauty supply company. Alice thought for sure that she made it big until she realized that Nicole had a more nefarious reason for scouting her out. By the time that Alice catches on, her husband has landed them both in hot water from hiding his colorful past that includes, you've guessed it, Nicole.
Now, the dialogue itself was pretty basic and the actions of the characters were mundane for the most part. The punch it lacked in the beginning finally came in at the end.
If you're reading this, I hope you have a Beautiful Day.
October 13, 2023
This is my second book by this author, and I’m hoping for many more. He captures my attention immediately and keeps it throughout.
Alice has accepted an executive position at a beauty supply firm. She’s the breadwinner the family, because her husband’s work history is spotty to say the least. Alice is thrilled to have her new job, but her boss Nicole is the boss from you-know-where.
It’s a good idea for an engaging plot! No spoilers here, but up until the end the author keeps us guessing. So suspend all presumptions and just go with it!
I was gifted an ARC by the author. My review is given voluntarily.
Alice has accepted an executive position at a beauty supply firm. She’s the breadwinner the family, because her husband’s work history is spotty to say the least. Alice is thrilled to have her new job, but her boss Nicole is the boss from you-know-where.
It’s a good idea for an engaging plot! No spoilers here, but up until the end the author keeps us guessing. So suspend all presumptions and just go with it!
I was gifted an ARC by the author. My review is given voluntarily.
October 11, 2023
With many many thanks to James Caine for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Well Mr Caine you have done it again! Another glorious read from this talented author. Full of twists and turns, this is a highly addictive read. Great characters especially Nicole who was so unlikeable, it was testament to the authors writing skills in bringing this believable character to life. Great pace and the chapters going from Alice to Nicole gave the story depth. Another cracking 5⭐️ read
Well Mr Caine you have done it again! Another glorious read from this talented author. Full of twists and turns, this is a highly addictive read. Great characters especially Nicole who was so unlikeable, it was testament to the authors writing skills in bringing this believable character to life. Great pace and the chapters going from Alice to Nicole gave the story depth. Another cracking 5⭐️ read
October 9, 2023
Alice finds her dream job at Lovely Beauty Supplies working for Nicole Barrett…. Until she becomes the worst boss possible. It turns out Nicole is Alice’s husbands ex!
It seems Nicole is out destroy Alice and her husband, Evan.
I enjoyed this story, was an easy read and I found myself wanting to find out more. A good psychological thriller which kept me in suspense. I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from James Caine.
It seems Nicole is out destroy Alice and her husband, Evan.
I enjoyed this story, was an easy read and I found myself wanting to find out more. A good psychological thriller which kept me in suspense. I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from James Caine.
March 28, 2025
I actually rated this book at a 3.75, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride we were taken on. The only issue I had was the contradictions within the narrative she told. The conflicts she made excuses for (which we all do) but the writing was on the wall and you knew Nicole wasn’t to be trusted! The way she talked herself into playing Nicole’s game was crazy, take your losses and dip. I have to say I really thought the story was over after the trial but surprise lol
Thanks for the entertaining story 😊
Thanks for the entertaining story 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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