My Wounded Boss

by Tory Baker

Rafe's story is coming soon, you saw him in When He Falls, now it's his chance to find love.

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2026

About the author

Tory Baker is a mom of two teenagers and a dog mom to one wild and active Weimaraner, Remi. She lives in a small coastal town on the east coast of sunny Florida. Oftentimes you’ll find her outside soaking up the rays with at least three drinks surrounding her, a wandering imagination, and a notebook in hand where she’s jotting down a plot for her next story. She’s a lover of writing happily ever afters with Alpha heroes and sassy heroines.

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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy boss | Slow burn | Emotional romance | Forced proximity vibes 🔥

My Wounded Boss pulls you into a high-stakes, emotionally layered romance between a powerful, guarded CEO and the woman who slowly chips away at his walls.

He’s controlled, successful, and completely off-limits… until she becomes the one person who sees the cracks he hides so well. What starts as tension-filled proximity turns into something deeper, heavier, and impossible to ignore.

💔 This is a story about two people carrying emotional scars in different ways—learning that healing isn’t always neat, and love doesn’t ask permission before it arrives.

The slow burn is real here. The tension builds steadily, making every moment of connection feel earned. And when things finally start to break through? Absolutely worth the wait.

💫 What stood out:

* The emotional depth between the characters
* The layered, wounded hero who slowly opens up
* The chemistry that simmers before it ignites
* A romance that feels raw, imperfect, and consuming

💭 Final thoughts:
This book delivers exactly what it promises—an intense, slow-burn boss romance with heart, heat, and healing woven through every page.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Spice: Medium to hot slow burn

If you love boss/employee tension, emotionally damaged heroes, and romances that build before they break you… this one belongs on your list.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Grumpy Boss and Feisty Assistant!**

"My Wounded Boss" by Tory Baker is part of the multi-author series, Alphas in Charge. I enjoyed Rafe and Seraphina's love story immensely. It took Rafe some time to overcome his obstacles and pursue what he truly wanted: Seraphina. He had closed himself off due to feelings of deep survival guilt, believing he didn’t deserve to find love since some of his men had not made it home.

However, everything changed the day his bold and feisty new assistant, Seraphina, started working for him. I absolutely adore her character! They both felt an instant connection, but Seraphina didn’t push him at first. Instead, she went the extra mile to take care of Rafe in the workplace. When Rafe finally broke free from his own thoughts and embraced his true feelings for Seraphina, things really heated up between them.

Baker does an amazing job developing Rafe and Seraphina's relationship. Although their love story is a short novella, it is packed with raw emotional heartache, loss, grief, healing, and the realization that everyone deserves to find love.

I am definitely looking forward to reading more from these incredible authors in this series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!

💼❤️ My Wounded Boss was a sweet, steamy, and emotional workplace romance that hooked me from the start!

🪖🔥 Rafe was the perfect wounded veteran hero—gruff, protective, and determined to keep everyone at arm’s length. Watching him slowly let Seraphina into his carefully controlled world was both heartwarming and swoon-worthy.

🌞✨ Seraphina was the perfect sunshine to Rafe’s grump. Her energy, optimism, and determination made her impossible not to love, and she never backed down when Rafe tried to push her away.

💕 I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the workplace tension, and the way their relationship developed through stolen moments and heartfelt conversations. Rafe’s protective streak was adorable, and his softer side melted my heart.

🥰 If you enjoy:
💼 Boss/employee romance
🪖 Wounded veteran heroes
🌞 Grumpy/sunshine couples
🔥 Instant attraction
❤️ Possessive alpha heroes
🎉 Guaranteed HEA

then this is definitely one to pick up!

⭐ A quick, steamy, feel-good romance with plenty of heart and a hero worth falling for. 💕📚🤠.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is part of the multi author Alphas in Charge series but it’s also interconnected with the author’s Whispering Oaks: Steel and Seduction series in which Sable (from When He Falls) is our MMC, Rafe’s, younger sister.

Yes, Rafe was a big ol’ grump but I still couldn’t help but fall for him. I didn’t realize it but I guess I must be a sucker for a wounded man ‘cause he sure did it for me and that filthy mouth—once he let loose, oh man… yeah, he definitely did it for me! I even liked Seraphina (love that name!), in fact, come to think of it, I think I’ve always liked all of the author’s FMCs (not something I can always say about other author’s FMCs).

These two together were super hot and made such a great couple that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them so I rushed to grab the free bonus available at the end of the book and it was just as good! I have no idea what’s coming next from Ms. Baker but I definitely can’t wait to read it, WHATEVER it is! Grab this one today then start anywhere in her backlist, they’re all awesome reads! 4.5 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but addictive slightly different so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Seraphina is spicy, she takes care of herself, gives as good as she gets, an amazing assistant to her grumpy boss, he struggles daily so she does her part plus some to ensure his day goes as easy as possible, and she does it all without crossing the line to make him uncomfortable. Rafe sexy as all get out who is fighting his ghost from the past, struggles PTSD daily, grumpy alpha every day attempting to do everything for himself ensuring he is unapproachable and yet he couldn’t get his assistant out of his head. The magnetic pull between them can’t be ignored and the more professional they try to remain the stronger the pull throw in his sister who will throw in a monkey wrench to push these two together but what will happen when these two finally realize they can’t live without the other, will he realize she could care less about his PTSD that she cares about him, will he own up to his feelings for her, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way?

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wounded Boss is a standalone but connected to Tory's Whispering Oaks Steel and Seduction series.

Rafe is our MMC whose known from the moment he laid eyes in his assistant she was going to cause him problems (of the best kind). Keeping people at a distance was no longer an option when Seraphina walks into his life, she makes him want to feel again after building walls so high to keep people out.

What to expect
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Workplace Romance
✔️ Steamy Scenes
✔️ Wounded Veteran Hero
✔️ Instalove
✔️ Boss x Assistant
✔️ Possessive Alpha MMC
✔️ Sunshine FMC
✔️ She Falls First, He Falls Harder
✔️ Interconnected Standalone (Linked to Whispering Oaks Steel and Seduction)
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Short Read
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ HEAs

Amazing read packed with heat, insane chemistry and heas. I loved the epilogue giving us a glimpse into the next MMC Dom which I'm excited for.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wounded Boss is a sizzling slow burn with crazy hot attraction between Rafe and Seraphina! Brilliant, bold, warm, and outgoing, Seraphina is the complete package—she takes care of herself and excels at assisting Rafe in the workplace. She can see that he is struggling and does what she can to support him without crossing the line. Rafe is broody, growly, grumpy, and all alpha—and struggling big time with PTSD. Unwilling to burden others, he holds himself apart and keeps walls so high no one even tries to approach him. The scene with Rafe and his sister is so perfectly balanced and indicative of his mental state, and it’s clear he has it bad for Seraphina from the get go. Watching them orbit each other is tension-building hotness that explodes when he finally lets her in. Author Tory Baker has delivered another powerful and completely enthralling novella.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Wounded Boss is another must read from Tory!! The connection and chemistry between Rafe and Seraphina was written so well. Sera is Rafe's assistant and the only person who sets him on edge, who makes the billionaire lose control.

Rafe knew the second he laid eyes on his new assistant he wanted her. However his PTSD forces him to be a grump and keep people at arms length. Sera is the one person that jumps over that wall without even trying. Not only is she great at her job, she seems to be able to read Rafe better than anyone else and she certainly is not intimidated by him. Seraphina is sunshine and seductress wrapped up in a beautiful and intelligent package. She pushed Rafe's buttons so well.

If you are looking for grumpy x sunshine, strong heroine, wounded former SEAL, billionaire, workplace romance that will have you questioning every conference table you ever sit at again... My Wounded Boss is the perfect read for you.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seraphina starts a new job as Rafe's assistant, and its instant sparks - I think you can take a guess where it goes next. I enjoyed Sera's take-no-shit attitude and that she didn't let Rafe's grumpy nature get her down, and that though she handled him with care, it was from love not fear. Rafe himself was the broody ex-military man drowning in guilt and having to learn to let people in and be happy again.

There were a few bits that were confusing - the biggest two references to characters/friends from other series that wouldn't make sense if you hadn't read them, and that I had literally no idea what Rafe's business is or that there were other employees aside from showing up for board meetings for the most part. That being said, I don't read insta-love novellas like this expecting a fleshed out plot, so I didn't detract from my enjoyment the way it would in a full novel.

Thank you to insta-love influencers and the author for my eARC.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe and Seraphina’s story is a super hot sexy boss/assistant, age-gap romance. Both feel an intense attraction from the moment they meet, but keep it under tight control. Rafe is former military and his PTSD demands he keep his guards up and his life very structured. Most find him to be rigid and very intimidating, but not Seraphina. She stands up to him and tests his tight control with her chatter and her curves. His temper doesn’t phase her and she makes sure to be one step ahead of him.

She is a sexy distraction and is driving Rafe insane. Seraphina can see the heat and desire in his eyes, but she can also sense his need for total control of his emotions. She keeps testing his limits, hoping he will snap and finally make a move on her. When he finally does, their passion is scorching hot. He isn’t looking for temporary and she is more than willing to give him forever.

This delightfully sexy novella has my full recommendation.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
This was about an hour length novella with lots of chemistry, tension and steamy scenes from start to finish. Rafe suffers from PTSD from his time as a Navy SEAL, but now he's Seraphina's grumpy boss. He holds her at arms length because he doesn't believe he can be what she needs, but the tension is making him even grumpier. Seraphina knows exactly what she's doing and is pushing him to his limits, until he snaps, and he becomes the man she needs. I liked how she didn't automatically fix him and that he understood that work needed to happen to get himself to a better place. I just wish it was longer! We got all that tension, the breaking point and then I wanted more! No cheating or OM/OW drama, 14 year age gap, boss/assistant, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, no condoms, HEA and a steamy epilogue. Looking forward to Dom's book and seeing what solution he comes up with!

[Lisa Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun, and spicy read! Rafe is a billionaire and former SEAL dealing with PTSD, and he’s a total grump who keeps everyone at a distance. Then Seraphina comes along as his new assistant and refuses to be intimidated by his moods or attitude.

I loved how she stood up to him and never backed down. Their chemistry was instant, and the sexual tension between them was through the roof. The steamy scenes definitely delivered, but I also enjoyed watching Rafe slowly let his walls down and open up to someone.

If you’re looking for a grumpy hero, a strong heroine, lots of chemistry, and plenty of spice, this is definitely worth picking up!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She walks in and completely flips the script of his life

Seraphina brings Rafe crashing to earth in a way he never knew possible, he came back with PTSD and impenetrable walls, but Sera doesn't just break his walls down...she obliterates them. When she looks at Rafe she doesn't even see his walls, neither does she see the broken warrior holding himself together by his fingertips. She does see the grumpy boss and takes great pleasure in testing his limits, but she also sees past that to the man behind the growls. Rafe knows she should be forbidden, but honestly the chemistry between them is explosive, sizzling and very, very steamy. She adores his filthy mouth and he takes great pleasure in finding new ways to use his desk!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a multi author series this may be but it’s undeniably the great style of writing by Tory that’s full of chemistry, passion and heat we’ve come to expect from her. Rafe the damaged, grumpy billionaire has the hots for Seraphina the sunshine to his darkness assistant but due to his state of mind he denies himself the joy that she could have in his life. Sera also harbours feelings for him, also denies herself due to him being her boss but soon their feelings are to much to hide and they act on their feelings. This was so steamy, with great MCs that work together through the tough times and also the best times. Love how this was interconnected with other books by Tory ( Sable from When he falls, whispering oaks series being Rafes sister)

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe’s military past has left both emotional and physical scars which doesn’t allow him to let anyone close. The only problem is that all his attempts to distance himself from Seraphina don’t seem to matter as he can’t stop thinking about the woman who always seems to find a way to brighten his day.

Seraphina isn’t deterred by her grouchy boss and rather than backing away she challenges him at every turn. When he finally gives into the feelings between them she isn’t about to let anything come between them not even the turmoil from his past.

Heat and heart combine as Seraphina is exactly who Rafe needs in his life as she helps him heal from the past and shows him that he is worthy of a happy future with her.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seraphina is not afraid of her boss. She is just the one who looks him straight in the eyes. She answers him back when he is a pain in the neck. She is not intimidated by his growls.
Rafe is a broken man. His nights are full of nightmares, and he is wounded deep in his soul. However, there is someone who can be his redemption, his cure, the person who heals him and his wounded soul.
This is a story about two people who want each other but are afraid to start something that could damage their image and their business relationship. But love always wins people over.
I like how she supported him when he was having nightmares that hurt him so deeply.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie’s Book Barn Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that even when he has an attitude or is grumpy, she doesn't back down and gives as much as he does. I liked their back and forth and clashing. I thought it was very entertaining and a really fun element to this book.

The tension and chemistry these two have were also another really fun part of this book, as well. I thought they were two characters that really matched well together and were a huge hit for me.

This was a fun and short but sweet read that I totally had a fun time reading, and I'd say it's one that if you like workplace romances, boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine, and instalove romances and books, this is one that I'd feel would be a good read for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Monteleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I loved every minute of this book. Rafe and Seraphina are an awesome couple and I think they are perfect for each other. Rafe is definitely the grumpy boss, he’s dealing with a lot including terrible nightmares from his time in the service. It’s heartbreaking and he’s been battling them on his own.

Seraphina is his assistant, and keeps him in his toes. They both are very attracted to each other and there’s endless flirting. But there control snaps and when they come together it’s explosive.

There love story is quick, so sexy and very sweet. She’s exactly what he needs. Her love helps heal him.
It’s beautiful ❤️

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book. Seraphina is a young lady who is not intimidated by her demanding and grouchy boss Rafe. He defines grouchy and demanding but she sees something in him and he defiantly sees something in her. They work together and she is very good at what she does. She was also hugely turned on by him and he by her. To say they take it to another level is true and it’s something they both excel at in work and in bed out of bed on any surface they can find. You get the drift of the story and truly I hope we can see/read more of them in another book. quick and good just the way we like it!

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Wounded Boss is a slow burn romance featuring Rafe Montero, a wounded veteran and possessive alpha hero & Seraphina Westwood, his new work assistant. The plot has sizzling chemistry, a fiery heroine, a broody hero, and a guaranteed happily ever after. This book was so addictive, I couldn't put it down.
Tropes;
Grumpy/Sunshine

Workplace Romance

Wounded Veteran Hero

She Falls First, He Falls Harder

Opposites Attract
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Looking forward to Dom’s book!

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series called Alphas in Charge. Tropes: ex military, PTSD, boss x assistant, and age gap. Seraphina is sassy and not afraid of her grumpy older boss. Rafe has walls up due to his PTSD but Seraphina is breaking them down little by little. I love the push and pull tension between Rafe and Seraphina. A fast read with good characters that has you rooting for Rafe to make a move and internally cheering when it happens.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'My Wounded Boss is an instalove romance featuring a possessive alpha hero, sizzling chemistry, a fiery heroine, a broody hero, and a guaranteed happily ever after.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The obsession is real, the tension is hot, and I absolutely could not get enough of Rafe and Seraphina in this workplace romance read! It’s the absolute perfect blend of him wanting her and her wanting him, neither one of them knowing the other wants them and forbidden, until all the sleepless nights filled with wicked fantasies, her subtle flirting, and his grumpier and grumpier attitude collide and then…fireworks. In. The. Office. It’s a quick read that hits all the good spots in all the right places and throws in a little humor and sass to go along with it and it’s fabulous.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seraphina went to work for the boss of a large company. Rafe was a workaholic. The business was his life. Seraphina had instant chemistry with Rafe. Maybe that’s why he hired her. She flirted with him. She was a little sassy, a little spunky, a whole lot of sexy. She was driving him crazy! Was he gone to let her in to his world? He was older but she didn’t care about that- she enjoyed his company. It’s a hot little romance. Enjoy the story!
/.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe has demons from his military career that give him nightmares but it’s his assistant Seraphina that’s taken over his brain. She’s sunshine and sass that treats him like a person and he doesn’t want to bring his demons into her sunny world. He’s perfect for her and she knows it so she makes it hard to resist their connection. Love that she sees him good and bad yet still chooses him. Sweet and steamy with a naughty HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Seraphina Westwood & Rafe Montero. Seaphina is sunshine and rainbows where Rafe is more like a potential hurricane incoming. Rafe can't understand why with all his brooding Seraphina hasn't quit. Seraphina knows there is more to Rafe that his bad attitude but she wonders if she ever get the chance to see it. Can these 2 find a HEA or will the past make a future impossible?

Another amazing hit by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe puts all his considerable control into keeping his hands away from his assistant until he breaks. Seraphina is the only person who doesn't shrink from his grumpy, gruff personality. The attraction between them builds until it ignites.

A sweet, spicy office romance between a war scared veteran and a capable, strong willed woman. Another entertaining, steamy tale from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Wounded Boss was another great read by Tory Baker! It’s a fun, fast paced, and spicy readthat has your heart hearting for Rafe the MMC. Rafe is a billionaire and former SEAL who’s suffering with PTSD and Seraphina is working as Rafe’s new assistant. The pair fall hard and fast in this lovely instalove romance. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to Dom’s book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Tory & Instaloveinfluencers for the ARC!

[Maria Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty, naughty childs...
They feel one another with all their senses.
Eye-f*cking each other,
sniffing the room for the known smell,
touching and......more,
listening for the voice or the laughter that brings happiness or arousal
and don't forget the taste!!!!!
They don't.
They enjoy each other thoroughly!!!!!

What is good for the soul
can bring immensely happiness and joy.
Like Tory Baker's stories!

Review of advanced copy received from author.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast read and insta love story between boss and secretary that is absolutely smoking hot.Rafe is the grumpy ceo and ex military with ptsd ,but when sparks fly between him and Sera will they be able to be together? I throughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down and still left wanting more from these characters. Absolutely loved them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.