I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan Published by HarperCollins on August 2, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Friendship, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Women
Pages: 432
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.
For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger.
On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her.
As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more.
If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers.
I really enjoyed this book! It ticks all the boxes for me; funny and smart while also being sincere and heartfelt. Two characters who are pining for each other in two different ways and they turn out to be the same person?? Fantastic voice and also fantastic voice acting? A straight romance that I actually enjoy? Great chemistry? Mistaken identity? Honestly I took a week off reading but I kept coming back to this book because it is just that compelling, and not that serious, but serious enough where there were stakes. Four and a half stars, rounded up for NetGalley/Goodreads. (The half star reduction is due to the fact that this is a straight romance.)
Leave a Reply