Dane Andrews provided needed protection to Jules Montgomery five years ago. He was sitting at the bar he owned when she whispered in his ear to pretend to be Gary, her boyfriend. She explained that a man was stalking her, and she was scared. She was a beautiful redhead that he affectionately called Red, and the night became special to both of them. When Jules returned to her hometown with her almost five-year-old daughter Becca to reconcile with her aunt Val, she learned the truth about Dane and his occupation. He was called Boss by his colleagues and friends for a credible reason. Due to a serious injury, Dane had life-threatening complications and depended upon his service dog Lucky. In the contemporary romance novel, Boss (Game Changer Book 1), written by Deborah Armstrong, an intriguing plot develops. Jules needed to work through her strong objections to Dane’s secretive work.

Boss has several interesting facets, such as Dane’s and his companion/driver’s history; Jules’ career as a pediatrician; her relationship with her aunt; her ongoing grief regarding the deaths of her parents; details surrounding day-to-day life with a service dog. The character development of both Dane and Jules is complex and realistic. The writing flows smoothly, contributing to an easy read, engaging the reader from the first page to the last. As the title indicates, this book appears to be the first of a series, and readers will be fascinated to see what happens next. Author Deborah Armstrong has written a charming romance in Boss (Game Changer Book 1).

Deborah Armstrong explores new avenues with her military romance novel Boss (Game Changer Book 1). Dane Andrews has retired from the Special Elite force when he started a business of his own. Not your conventional business, but one that rescues women and children from human trafficking and slavery in foreign countries. Once in a while, he and his team are called on by our own country for a special assignment. Doctor Jules Montgomery enters Dane's life one night while trying to avoid a stalking co-worker. One evening together changed both of their lives. By chance they meet up again five years later, only now they have to face the reality that she is a mother and his occupation as a sniper doesn't agree with her morals. The spark between them is even stronger; can they find a common ground to build upon?

Boss (Game Changer Book 1) by Deborah Armstrong has a unique twist as she includes a character that needs a service dog. She incorporates the multiple uses and needs a service dog would fulfill without making the character appear weak. The pace steadily moves between Dane and Jules as they reveal the feelings they have now for each other and their remembrance of the perfect date they had as a mystery couple. I love how they each have baggage in their lives that need to be resolved and the growth they make to overcome differences. The Christmas theme adds a magical touch, while the skills of a Special Elite soldier make all the difference in this sweet romance. This is the kind of book that takes you into the lives of others while reminding you about the imperfections in all our lives.

Dane Andrews was just having a quiet drink at his bar with his off-sider Bates when a beautiful woman suddenly approached him seeking help from a suitor she wanted to avoid. “Help a girl out, your name’s Gary, and you’re my boyfriend,” she whispered in his ear. So begins Boss (Game Changer Book 1) by Deborah Armstrong. This one night of fantasy for Dane Andrews with the girl he knew as “Red” would leave an indelible mark on both his life and psyche, as well as that of “Red”, the vivacious redhead doctor whose real name was Jules Montgomery. Just two ships that passed in the night, circumstances would throw these two together again in the future. Dane (or Boss, as everyone refers to him) had been an Elite forces sniper involved in top-secret rescue missions of hostages, women, and children all over the world until an accident. These days he controlled and directed the actions from his ranch-house near High River in Canada. Jules, meantime, was coming home to head the pediatrics department at High River Hospital. Could the amazing fantasy of their earlier night of passion ever be recreated?

Boss by Deborah Armstrong is a typical romance novel that follows a predictable path; however, as a balm from the hurly-burly of explosive, action novels it was a real treat for me to read. Extremely well-written, with a plausible, albeit predictable plot, it was a soothing story to get into while curled up on the sofa. The characters were well-developed and although there was an element of stereotypical typecasting, especially in the feisty redhead, this was easily forgivable. I particularly enjoyed the ancillary characters of Val (the housekeeper) and Bates (the comrade/bodyguard). I’m intrigued and pleased to see the author’s next offering is focused on the character of Bates and I look forward to reading that. Of course, the stars of the stories were none of the characters mentioned above. Without giving too much away, suffice it to say, the old maxim about “working with children and animals” springs to mind. Within its genre of cozy (almost perfectly clean) romance, Boss does stand out above its competition. If you like a good, clean romance, with a strong female lead and a sensitive male lead, this is absolutely the book for you. I enjoyed it and can highly recommend it.

Dane Andrews's house had beautiful views of the distant Rockies, the foothills of Alberta, pastures of grazing cattle, and newly renovated buildings. Dane's favorite view was that of the Rockies because it brought back memories of his night with a woman called Red. He never stopped thinking about her and he thought of finding her but he talked himself out of it. Dr. Jules Montgomery was the new Head of Pediatrics at High River General. She was used to the city of Calgary and since High River General was part of the Calgary Network, returning to this place with her daughter Becca was the perfect choice for her. She had haunted Dane's dreams for the past five years. Would they be able to rekindle that romantic attraction despite him representing everything that she hated?

Boss: Game Changer Book 1 by Deborah Armstrong is an interesting love story with drama, intrigue, suspense, passion, and love woven together deftly. This is not the usual love story; it has twists and turns that make it engaging for readers. The detailed narration will pull readers into the plot and will also make them appreciate the portrayal of the main characters, Jules and Dane, each one a strong and independent individual. The cuteness angle is provided by Becca, and the rest of the characters complement the story nicely and they are all very real, normal, and relatable. Deborah Armstrong does not lose her grip on the story as she explores their (Dane and Jules) past, their relationship, his occupation, her job, Becca, Dane's dog Lucky, and this makes the book entertaining. The Book Club Questions at the end are good to reflect on and contemplate the story. I enjoyed the part where they met, initially keeping their identities a secret. I am sure, like me, everyone must be eagerly waiting for Book 2.