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Just His Secretary: Southern Roots Sweet RomCom, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elana Johnson (Author), Teri Clark-Linden (Narrator), AEJ Creative Works (Publisher)
4.2 out of 5 stars 4,328 ratings

She's just his secretary…until he needs someone on his arm to convince his mother that he can take over the family business.

Callie:
Dawson Houser makes sure everyone who comes into the office knows I'm "just his secretary." Heck, I've even said it to suppliers and CEOs when they smile knowingly at the two of us during business meetings. He scowls and grumps around the office afterward, as if the two of us dating is the most ridiculous thing on the planet.

Dawson can handle them.

I can handle them—and him too, once they leave. And he's no picnic, let me tell you.

Who can't we handle? His mother.

When Lila Houser comes to town with her faux furs and fashion sunglasses, she only has one question for her spoiled rotten son: When are you going to get married, Dawson, darling?

I expect him to laugh and tell her he's never getting married. I mean, I've heard those exact words come out of his mouth. Instead, he pulls me to his side and says, "Maybe sooner than you think, Mother."

Oh, that Lila Houser can make a woman feel two inches tall with a simple up-down look. I think I'm a pretty good catch...no matter what my last three boyfriends say.

When Lila says, "I thought Callie was just your secretary," I suddenly want to prove her dead wrong..."

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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 22 minutes
  2. Author
    Elana Johnson
  3. Narrator
    Teri Clark-Linden
  4. Audible release date
    December 20, 2023
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    AEJ Creative Works
  7. ASIN
    B0CQPMVM7C
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 22 minutes
Author Elana Johnson
Narrator Teri Clark-Linden
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 20, 2023
Publisher AEJ Creative Works
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0CQPMVM7C
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4,328 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this clean romantic comedy for its charming story and well-written characters, particularly appreciating the witty banter between them. The book features a sweet Southern charm, with one customer noting it's refreshing to read a romance without sex scenes. While some customers find it well-paced, others describe it as a slow-moving story.

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Story qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentHumorCuteSweetnessCleannessPacing
128 customers mention "Story quality"120 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the charming and fun storyline of the book, finding it totally relatable, with one customer noting it's refreshing to read a romance without sex scenes.

"...But I really did love a lot about this book. First, there is the engaging storyline. I was so hooked I read this book clear through the night...." Read more

"...While this is a closed door romance, there were definitely some spicy kissing scenes & innuendo. I was wondering how far the author would go...." Read more

"...As for the story itself, it was fine. I was looking for a sweet, clean romance and this fit the bill. Not deep, challenging or unique...." Read more

"This book was a great read lack of spice. Had HEA with deep kissing scenes. If you are looking for spice this one is not for you...." Read more

77 customers mention "Readability"72 positive5 negative

Customers find the book well-written and enjoyable, with one customer describing it as a sweet quick read.

"...by Donna Jeffries fits all my current reading parameters: a new-to-me author and a seriously sweet Contemporary Romance that had me chuckling often...." Read more

"...Some of us need others to bring out the best in us. Yes it was a clean read other than some wandering hands, but it didn't go into too much detail..." Read more

"...As for the story itself, it was fine. I was looking for a sweet, clean romance and this fit the bill. Not deep, challenging or unique...." Read more

"...While I really enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down, there were a couple of things that stopped me from giving it the full 5 stars I..." Read more

65 customers mention "Character development"54 positive11 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly appreciating their strong personalities and witty banter. One customer notes how the main characters balance each other perfectly.

"...The side characters are intriguing. I liked Dawson’s friend Lance and Callie’s friend Tara. I also enjoyed the antics of Callie’s cat, Claude Monet...." Read more

"I really wanted to like this book, and I liked the character development, but I couldn’t get over the ending...." Read more

"...the MFC in a way that she knows she is beautiful and loves everything about herself. First book I've read of Elena's. Will be looking into others." Read more

"...Romantic without being overly sexual. I like that the main character is a little plus sized. There were some unexpected twists...." Read more

51 customers mention "Humor"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining, with several mentioning they laughed out loud while reading it.

"...-to-me author and a seriously sweet Contemporary Romance that had me chuckling often...." Read more

"...So of course, he turns to Callie for help. This was a cute, funny, dual POV, Southern romcom...." Read more

"Fun book to read, good clean fun. Her boss asks his secretary to act like they are dating when his mother comes to town...." Read more

"...Lame. other than that, it had its funny,racy moments." Read more

42 customers mention "Cute"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's characters endearing and sassy, with a sweet Southern charm.

"...Callie’s intelligent, spunky, & endearing. I enjoyed reading her POV. Their romance is a little volatile which makes it all the more fun...." Read more

"Sweet romantic story. No spice. She is just a lovely woman who has been an employee who helps with everything in his life...." Read more

"...Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic; secular-ish attitudes on intimacy, a lil lusty with running jokes about power panties &..." Read more

"...He also has something to prove. She is smart, sassy, capable, and a peacemaker. They work really well together...." Read more

25 customers mention "Sweetness"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one mentioning it's a relaxing read that makes them smile.

"...As for the story itself, it was fine. I was looking for a sweet, clean romance and this fit the bill. Not deep, challenging or unique...." Read more

"This book was a great read lack of spice. Had HEA with deep kissing scenes. If you are looking for spice this one is not for you...." Read more

"...Callie was my favorite- she is nice, organized, down to earth, and kind, and yet not afraid to call out her grumpy/angry boss and stand up to him..." Read more

"...I have never loved so much from book in a long time. Makesme smile just thinking about it. There is no spice but you won't miss it" Read more

9 customers mention "Cleanness"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is clean.

"...He’s also figured out how to apologize in a big way. It’s basically clean, with swoony kisses and some suggestive talk...." Read more

"This is a good story. And what’s even better, it’s a clean book. Lots of heavy kissing, but s*x isn’t referenced. No bad language, so that’s nice." Read more

"...I liked that the books was clean but also realistic in romance. Of course a girl wonders about the abs!" Read more

"While there’s a few grammatical errors, it’s a clean rom-com I would recommend to anyone looking for a little relaxation time." Read more

20 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive14 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it well-paced and quick, while others describe it as very slow moving.

"...Pacing is a bit jumpy, even within the same chapter...." Read more

"...entertaining, & I definitely recommend it; but it did feel a little laggy in the middle, & I couldn't quite settle on why...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this story about a smart, organized and extremely patient and tolerant woman who tamed a grumpy curmudgeon of a boss...." Read more

"...There were too many mistakes. One perfect example is the first line on page 24... Why is this entire line in caps? There is no reason for it...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Nicole S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent and Hilarious Read! I Love this Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This year, it has been my goal to read as many new-to-me authors as I can get my hands on. In my search for new authors, I have discovered that I have a real love for Contemporary Rom-Coms. Just His Secretary by Donna Jeffries fits all my current reading parameters: a new-to-me author and a seriously sweet Contemporary Romance that had me chuckling often. I love when I find a good, new author to follow, and I plan to get all of Jeffries’s novels now. What did I like so much about Just His Secretary? Well, do you have an hour?! No, I’m just kidding. But I really did love a lot about this book. First, there is the engaging storyline. I was so hooked I read this book clear through the night. I just did not want to put it down. Then, there’s the characters, Dawson and Callie. I really loved them as individuals, but together they make a really great team. I feel their relationship is quite realistic, and their chemistry is on fire! I appreciate how Dawson transforms into a new man after he lets Callie in a bit. At first, Dawson is all rough edges, but after he allows Callie to see that he has a vulnerable side, he changes and grows into a really spectacular man. I like the message that we can help our significant others’ become better people…perhaps the people they are meant to be! I also loved that this story made me chuckle. I really need more laughter in my day.

    Just His Secretary is a true gem. I’m really glad I found this sweet story, and I am super glad I found a new author to follow. If you are in the mood for a well-written, highly engaging Contemporary Rom-Com, then I highly recommend you read Just His Secretary by Donna Jeffries ASAP.

    I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on April 6, 2021, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Melissas Bookshelf
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, boss/employee, fake relationship romcom!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Just His Secretary by Elana Johnson had a little bit of everything, a grumpy boss, a forbidden boss/employee relationship, a plus sized FMC, a very particular cat, and a fake relationship all rolled into one. Callie’s a talented secretary who keeps everything running like a well oiled machine. While not initially attracted to her handsome, grumpy boss, she feels the sparks fly whenever he’s in the room. But, she hasn’t had a raise in 18 months, and she won’t let him take her for granted.

    Dawson Houser hasn’t been lucky in love, but, his oh-so-efficient, attractive secretary makes him want to try again. And, he’s finding it hard not to act on his feelings. When he finds out his mother is coming to town, he needs to find a girlfriend fast to solidify his inheritance. So of course, he turns to Callie for help.

    This was a cute, funny, dual POV, Southern romcom. Dawson’s the epitome of a grump and I loved that Callie wouldn’t let him buffalo her. I enjoyed seeing a softer side to him as the story progressed. Callie’s intelligent, spunky, & endearing. I enjoyed reading her POV. Their romance is a little volatile which makes it all the more fun.

    The side characters are intriguing. I liked Dawson’s friend Lance and Callie’s friend Tara. I also enjoyed the antics of Callie’s cat, Claude Monet. Dawson’s mother is the definition of interfering and without a doubt makes things interesting.

    While this is a closed door romance, there were definitely some spicy kissing scenes & innuendo. I was wondering how far the author would go. Luckily, she kept things PG.

    If you enjoy cute, closed door romcoms with sweet Southern charm, you might enjoy this!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle eldniK (my two SENSE)
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed it.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was lucky to get a free copy of this book from an email offer. I thought it was great. Yes Dawson could be a real jerk, but it seemed that Calli knew how to deal with him. I laughed throughout the book. I personally thought the characters had realistic personalities. Some of us are people pleasers and know how to deal with pretty much everyone. Some of us need others to bring out the best in us. Yes it was a clean read other than some wandering hands, but it didn't go into too much detail about it. There was a conflict and resolution and a happy ending.

    This book had to have been updated since it's original release. I was wondering why it had a pretty solid 4 star review. Upon reading the lower reviews most were posted around 2021. Several mentioned bad grammar, needing proofread and editing, poor word flow and flat characters. This is the reason I said it must have been revised since. I'm am a picky reader myself and have had the unfortunate experience of reading a couple of new releases where the above issues existed. In those it felt more of a chore to read than an enjoyment. So I'm grateful for not having read an earlier version as I definitely thought it worthy of the 5 starts. With that said I definitely recommend it.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Steffire Serenade
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 11, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved this sweet office romance story. Dawson and Callie have worked well together for five years. He’s been moody and broody and a grouch. She is lovely, confident and not intimidated by him. Also her obsission with skittles, making sure her life is serial killer-proof, her cat Claude Monet are all quite endearing. Trouble arises when Dawson’s mother is in town ready to set him up with a woman she approves of, in a panic he announces that he and Callie are dating. Surprisingly the transition from a work relationship to a fake dating relationship quickly evolves into a real relationship and things are going quite well. Until Dawson‘s best friends engagement dissolves when his fiancé leaves him the day after he proposes. This triggers, a PTSD episode for Dawson due to his own fiancé leaving him at the altar 10 years ago- he spirals, he says terrible things, and determined not to be the one left behind this time he breaks up with and fires Callie. Only to come back to his senses the next day to try to figure out how to get Callie back.
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  • W Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun romcom
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a fun romcom with great characters and a fun story.
    And I can't forget to mention the cat.
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  • Prajakta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a beautiful story
    Reviewed in India on August 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Dawson and Callie work it out so well. Their work together, perfectly timed. And then learning to be together without overdoing. Absolute real-life. Lovely!
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  • Jackie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real feel-good story.
    Reviewed in Australia on October 9, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved this book, it is perfect for a quiet afternoon’s read. This is the first book I have read by Donna Jeffries but it won’t be the last. I love her quirky light hearted style which is a welcome change from the heavier books I generally read.

    We all need some light reading from time to time and I recommend this one.
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  • Louise Fowler
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good read
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