Kissing My Christmas Bos

by Audrey Carnes

A sweet Christmas rom com, instalove, age gap, workplace retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

They call him the Beast. The demanding, workaholic attorney who reduces associates to tears with his temperamental ways. On my first day at a new gig, I never expected to find my boss is a giant bear of a man who growls at me. But having left my small town and a controlling ex for the big city, I need this job. Now I’m forced to spend time in the Beast’s lair—office, I mean—as we work together to prepare a case.

As the clock ticks down to the court hearing, can the Beast turn into a prince? It might take every bit of Christmas magic to make it happen!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Novella, Retellings, Workplace Romance, Billionaire Romance

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2023

About the author

Hi! I'm an Ohio girl (go Bucks!) transplanted to the Pacific Northwest. I love small town America, food-based festivals, and happily-ever-afters. I write each book to give you a big helping of both love and laughter.

I most frequently can be found on Facebook, where I share funny tidbits from my life and free/sale sweet romance. I also have a newsletter that I send two or three times a month - you can join at subscribepage.io/applecreetsweet

Thanks for reading my stories and I look forward to hearing from you!

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh it was cute! Totally Beauty and beast vibes but like in a Hallmark movie. It was a short story but didn't luck emotions, though I would liked it a little bit depth.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissing My Christmas Boss by Audrey Carnes is a cozy, festive workplace romance novella about a young woman who leaves her small town and a controlling ex behind to start fresh in the big city, only to discover that her new boss is an intimidating, workaholic attorney nicknamed “the Beast” because of his gruff, demanding ways, and as Christmas approaches their professional tension begins to shift toward something sweeter, warmer, and surprisingly tender. The book plays with age-gap and workplace romance elements and is loosely a modern holiday retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with the countdown to a big case and Christmas magic building the emotional stakes as the heroine wonders if even the sternest hearts can soften in winter.

Reading Kissing My Christmas Boss felt like diving into a holiday rom-com with plenty of charm, awkward moments, and that slow, warm thaw between two people who first saw only their differences, not their potential together. The heroine’s mix of determination and vulnerability made her someone I rooted for right away, especially as she balances professional ambition with personal growth, and the boss’s shift from icy to genuinely thoughtful added sweetness that felt heartfelt rather than rushed despite the novella’s short length.

The Christmas backdrop made every scene feel wrapped in festive anticipation and cozy hope, and the Beauty and the Beast vibes gave the romance a whimsical fairy-tale quality without ever feeling too overblown. This is a story that left me smiling at its light moments, crying a little at its tender beats, and genuinely believing in the possibility of love when two hearts decide to take a chance on something beyond their comfort zones.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Kissing My Christmas Boss this rating because it is a genuinely sweet, feel-good holiday romance that made me laugh, root for its characters, and leave the story feeling cheery.

Its cozy tone and heartwarming connection are perfect for readers who love Christmas magic, workplace banter that turns to warmth, and a gentle retelling of a classic fairy tale.

[Denise Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made me feel so lighthearted and happy by the end. A cute retelling of the Beauty & the Beast.

Izzie comes to the big city to escape the small town life and her ex. She’s taken her paralegal certificate and is ready to prove herself.

Jackson is a typical one man type show. But he wants to win this case for his clients - like any lawyer. But he truly cares about his clients, not necessarily just the paycheck. It’s very admirable.

It’s a sweet and heartwarming story that will leave you with a smile on your face, this Christmas!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas rom-com, instalove, age-gap, workplace retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

A great quick read about Izzie and Jackson with good banter and characters that were quite likable.

Izzy is on the run from an ex-boyfriend, without a job or a place to live. When she gets a chance to interview for a paralegal job, she takes it. Jackson, the grumpy and abrasive lawyer who hires Izzie to help with an important hearing on a trail.

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

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This is a short and cute romantic story. Izzy is on the run. She has to get away from her small hometown and most importantly, get away from her very recent ex-boyfriend. She left with no job and no place to live. That is how desperate she is. Her first stop was a job interview as a paralegal for Wolf Legal Practice. Imagine her surprise that despite her lack of job experience, she still got the job.

Unfortunately she would have to deal with her new boss and he was not in the mood to train anyone. His day has went from bad to worse and now this little slip of a girl wants a job. Jackson Wolf needs help. He has a case that he is on the verge of losing if he can't come up with the smoking gun. He needs help and Izzy seems to be the only help available. Jackson hires Izzy on a trial basis until the hearing in the next 48 hours. She will have to be available around the clock going through documents to find what they need to win this case.

Of course, there is more to Jackson than most people see. Izzy for some reason is not scared of Jackson and understands him. She brings out thoughts and feelings in him that he has not felt in a long time. This short Christmas read is heartwarming. Readers will fall in love with Izzy and Jackson and root for them to win their case.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo sweet. Izzy hails from Apple Creek , but after leaving her boyfriend of eight years , realising she wants more from her life, she is in Columbus in the city , crashing with an acquaintance. Izzy goes for an interview. Her first stop is the coffee loft in the lobby on the ground floor of the office building , where she literally bumps into a giant in a pinstriped suit, ‘the Beast’ ( that’s what people say he was known as, Izzy can empathise with him as far as people name calling) spilling her drink all over herself as well him, Jackson is the owner of Wolf Legal Practice , he has an important lawsuit in just a few days to argue for his clients against the client of the old ‘firm’ he used to work for. He’s just been told by his usually reliable secretary that he now has to babysit a paralegal she’s taken on , and that she herself is leaving forthwith having served her notice , although he failed to recognise it, great this day can’t get any worse , it started with that ‘Elf’ covering him in coffee! Then Izzy and Jackson meet…here comes the heat and a whole lot more . “Can I kiss you Izzy?” Swoon! Did ‘ Beauty ‘ just tame the ‘Beast’ . This story is Christmas with Belles on ( deliberate typo ) . It’s heartwarmingly feel-good. Brilliant easy writing style that gently nudges the story along with on point narratives and sublime setting . Immersive, engaging storytelling that makes you want more. Superbly designed characters that are relatable.

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

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and quick read novella with some light Christmas touches. This story is pretty close to instalove, but I think this line of dialogue encompasses both the romance and the legal fight in the story: “‘Sometimes it takes getting to the place where nothing seems possible, for us to believe in the impossible.’” This story is a take on Beauty and the Beast, but it isn’t too on the nose. If you are looking, you can see the framework of the fairytale, but it’s not too in-your-face. Izzy, fresh from a break-up, left her small town to work as a paralegal in the city. Jackson (aka “The Beast”) is the gruff and isolated lawyer who begrudgingly took her on during crunch time in an important legal case fighting against a large company. In spite of an age-gap and his position as her boss, they quickly developed strong feelings for each other. Boss-employee romance can be tricky to keep on the right side of consent and what not. The quick turnaround on this one made me a little nervous in the beginning, but I think it worked out and stayed on the right side with their interactions. It’s a nice, feel-good read without too much angst. This is a sweet and clean story with some mild innuendo and no harsh language.

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

[Alexiani G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a quick, fast-paced, romance christmas book to make me happy for two hours during my free day, and I got that!! This is a silly story with instalove BUT what is there NOT to like about it? It felt like a Christman movie but way better! loved it!

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Of all of Audrey's books, this is one of my favorites. The book's blurb is straightforward. Kissing My Christmas Boss is told through Izzy and Jackson's pov and is a sweet Christmas Beauty and the Beast retelling.

After getting the courage to leave Apple Creek, the small town she lived in, and start working as a paralegal, Izzy isn't going to let anyone stand in her way - including Jackson, the owner of the practice. He's brusque and doesn't hide the fact that he doesn't want Izzy working for him yet he can't deny that he likes her steadfast desire to prove him wrong. He's always been a workaholic and has a personal reason for being so dedicated to his cases but, as he spends more time with Izzy, he realizes the importance of allowing himself to love her while she realizes that underneath his grumpy exterior he has a caring heart.

Because of their first encounters, Izzy doesn't have the best perception of Jackson and he's focused on his current case so their romance is a slow burn. However, they were attracted to each other. The fact that they were working together and there is an age gap between them made both of them remind themselves that they were off limits, though they didn't try too hard to fight their growing feelings for each other. I loved their banter and how they felt comfortable to share their true thoughts with each other. The romance is a clean one consisting of only kissing and no foul language used. The Christmas themes are subtle but perfect and I absolutely loved the nods to Beauty and the Beast. I'm sure that readers will enjoy this delightful story. I know I can seem myself re-reading it every holiday season.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was literally a romance com movie in book form. There is an awkward meet-cute, a forced proximity, then a quick falling in love. There is not a lot of depth into storyline, but I think there was enough conversation to know why the main characters behaved the way that they did. Jackson is described as a very large, scruffy man, almost like a beast, and his mannerisms also portray that. Izzy is described as petite and a little awkward, but Jackson finds her beautiful, smart, and funny. She also challenges his grumpiness. SO It is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I love the little nods to the story. How they have a big case and Jackson wants to work nonstop for 2 days, how Izzy left her hometown because she didn't want to be the little wife and mother for someone who she didn't really love. Her dad is sick, and at one point, her ex comes to get her saying she has to come back because her dad had a setback. And a few others don't want to spoil the whole book.
It's a short, sweet, little Christmas tale.

[Faty Gracia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibes: 🏢🧩🗃☕️⏳💊💰🛋🤎🎄💋🦋⚖️🎉❤️
2024: 4.5⭐️

Este es el primer libro que leo en su totalidad en inglés y estoy impresionada. Logré leerlo por completo sin ningún problema pues entendí todo el contexto y conversaciones.

Es la historia de Lizzy una chica de 24 años que huye de su pueblo a buscar algo nuevo. Un trabajo en una compañía de abogados. Es contratada y tiene que pasar tiempo con su jefe quien es un idiota pero buen muchacho de 37 años el muchachon. Son todo un caso. Jajaja

Me gusto mucho como se desenvolvió la historia, no se vio una interacción forzada aunque se me hizo dramático lo de las escaleras jaja.

Ese epílogo wow. Me dijeron tanto y me quedé con ganas de más de esta historia. Es una historia sobre linda sin nada de spicy que ni fue necesario pues con solo las miradas que se echaban ya decían todo.

Omg. Demasiadas emociones. Me iré a llorar porque termine este libro tan cortito en 9 días, bye. 😭

☕️🤎Fecha: 11/12/2024. Hora: 3:30 pm 🎄💋

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Case for Love

Sweet Hallmark-esque love story with a grumpy, but valiant lawyer known as the beast. When caring and idealistic Izzy flees Apple Creek, Indiana for the big city of Columbus, Ohio to fulfill her goal as a paralegal and begin her journey in law, she didn’t expect for her case to discover love.

While well written for a simple story, the time line and immediate declarations of love were unrealistic even for a romance set up. A fully explored and fleshed out interaction evolving over months would have made the journey and conclusion much more satisfying. Still, if you want to suspend reality and logic for feel good emotions, this simplistic set up might fit your needs.

Book is chaste for pre-teen or early teen readers without sexual scenes nor vulgarity.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet retelling of the Beauty and The Beast.
Running from her old life and ex fiancé, Izzy applies for a job with a "beast" of an employer who is an attorney. Izzy isn't exactly hired, but her qualifications are needed immediately due to an upcoming court case. Just like the fairy tale, Izzy sees a Jackson that nobody else sees.
I really enjoyed this book and how Izzy could see Jackson's heart and motives right thru his persona.
I was provided with a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction / Romance / Christmas / Age Gap / Workplace Romance / Retelling / Insta love / Clean
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Beauty and the Beast retelling (or inspired by) -

That was good. Very fast-paced. I liked how the author dug right into the plot as well as the attraction between the FMC and MMC.. Minor things were unbelievable, but far less than I would normally complain about with an insta-love story lol.

Christmas is mentioned but I wouldn't say this is a holiday read, it could be read any time of the year and enjoyed.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thankfully this was incredibly short, because it was alarmingly predictable.
Small town girl Izzie runs away to the big city to chase her dreams of being a paralegal and then lawyer and manages to land a job right away. Unfortunately, that job is for "The Beast" Mr. Wolf, who tries to scare her off, even though he's totally attracted to this super young girl in his employ. Unfortunately, he's also desperate to solve this case he's working on because he's really a cuddly teddybear and Izzie helps find the key.
Meh.

[Shaylieandthebooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Rom-Com

When you start to read all the holiday novels you already know what you’re getting into. The typical cliche Insta-love story lines. This novel was no different. The beginning was funny and had some laughing out loud moments. The Christmas themed descriptions were also cute and fit the holiday theme and spirit.

Overall a quick, predictable, holiday romance.

- instalove
- grumpy/sunshine
- workplace romance
- dual POV

[Samantha Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insta love to the extreme. Chick breaks up with her 8 year boyfriend that’s she’s been with since she was 15 and is literally in love with a new guy 4 days later. There needed to be a few months space in there to make it believable. There’s some other really weird plot holes — she is in law school in the “one year later” epilogue but she’s never completed a bachelor’s degree.

I didn’t hate it, but I had a tough time getting into the story

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kissing My Christmas Boss” by Audrey Carnes
Super Fun !!
I loved this story. From beginning to end the banter twixt Izzy and the Beast was a joy to read. A quick easy read with just enough doubt as to whether there will be a HEA. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the author with access via Bookfunnel or BookSprout!

[Michelle King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read til the end

It was a slow read for me. It had some funny parts in it, although it was very hard to keep my attention. I'm going to try some more of her works to see if it holds my attention any better. I realize that everything is not for everyone and this might just be the case.

[Tina Heitner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute romcom. Very short. Less than 200 pages long. So everything was very fast paced. Very little Christmas feel in the book. I enjoyed the plot. I even liked the ending. But what threw me off was the I love you at the end after just 3 days of meeting each other. Received this book from a stuff your kindle event.

[Sunny.Honey_Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I really loved this story! It was so sweet and cute, filled with witty banter too

I really enjoyed the Beauty and The Beast aspect, especially the “Get Out” scene 😏

It is insta love and unrealistic but personally that’s why I loved it, without being cringe or too cheesy

I do wish I knew what happened with the case though…

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissing My Christmas Boss is a delightful short story from Audrey.
I found this to be written well with wonderful characters, that seem to have a touch of Beauty and the Beast.:)
An excellent read that kept me hooked until the end. I highly recommend it to all.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good holiday read. Izzy is trying to get away from her ex boyfriend. She gets a job working as a paralegal. Her boss Jackson is called The Beast. They soon fall in love and get their happy ending.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, the story was fine. I enjoyed the aspect of Izzy not letting others opinions of Jackson persuade her own. She truly got to know him before making any judgement. However, they had known each other for TWO days before saying “I love you.” Maybe I’m cynical, but they weren’t even friends first or anything. Strangers to “I love you” in two days was so unrealistic.

[Stacy Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute,fun, funny with a touch of the Christmas feels. Would have loved to hear more about Izzy's loss like we did with Jackson. And the end of the case they'd been working on through the book, which you can take a guess at how it went.

[M Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Izzy and Jackson. They were engaging and likable. Guess I am oblivious but I had no idea either of them were billionaires, which I found refreshing. Really enjoyed how Gabe helped crack the case. Looking forward to the next book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! But no smexy times. A real shame if you ask me.

[readingismy_happy_place · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet, loved the banter between Izzy and Jackson. Izzy was adorable. Loved the Christmas theme Lovely book to read snuggled up on a cold winter night.

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Loved to modern office scenario and the characters.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, Fun and Cute Rom Com

This book was so cute. I absolutely loved the banter between the two and I was laughing out loud. I would definitely recommend this book!!!