A home run romance for me! The character development was flawless and the ending was perfect. I will be recommending this novel to friends for years to come.

Sewanee has not had an easy time of it. As the novel opens she is on a plane where a few embarrassing things happen. One of these is that a four year old repeatedly quizzes Sewanee about her eye patch. The author skewers a certain school of parenting in the scenes that follow. This is indicative of the tone of this novel.

Sewanee is on her way to Las Vegas where she will attend a book convention and also meet up with her closest friend Adaku, an actress. Sewanee has stopped acting and is now an audio book narrator. The book that she listens to in the beginning of the story is also satirized.

What happens as the story advances will include changes for Sewanee. This arc begins with a one night stand. Readers will hope that she gets her happy ending.

Author Whelan has narrated audio books herself which adds authenticity to the narrative. That said, I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. It took me awhile to feel immersed in the story. I feel in the minority as Taylor Jenkins Reed, Emily Henry and Jodi Picoult, all authors I very much like, have endorsed this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

“Thank You For Listening” was a cute romance that featured audiobook narrators and an atypical back story. I didn’t know much about how the world of audiobooks works so it was a good behind-the-scenes take. It always felt like a feel-good story even though you could predict how the love story with the main characters would come together. It was a unique, romantic piece of fiction which also addressed the manifestation of one’s own insecurities. 3.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

Actor-turned-audiobook-narrator Sewanee Chester does not narrate romance novels, and she doesn't do HEA (Happily Ever After). Her acting career ended abruptly after a tragic accident that left her scarred, both physically and mentally, and ever since, she doesn't believe in love, romance, or happy endings of any kind. But then one of the industry's most cherished romance authors passes away, leaving behind a request for Sewanee to co-narrate her final novel, to be published posthumously. The money is hard to resist, especially since Sewanee is paying for her beloved grandmother's care. Her co-narrator for the project is Brock McNight, the romance audiobook world's hottest, most enigmatic voice. Under the cover of anonymity, Brock and Sewanee begin to forge a real connection...but can it sustain the pressures of real life?

I received an ebook of Thank You for Listening but decided that I'd listen to it as an audiobook instead. Julia Whelan is one of my favorite narrators and has had a prolific career, narrating novels by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Gillian Flynn, Kristin Hannah, and many other popular writers. She truly is a master of her craft, with a wide range of voices in her arsenal and a knack for tone and timing that make the books she narrates feel like you're experiencing them, rather than just reading them. I felt like I had to listen to such a gifted narrator read her own novel, and I'm so glad I did.

Thank You for Listening is one of those books that just feels like a long, restorative hug from the universe. It's uplifting and life-affirming, peopled with characters who feel like friends. It explores Sewanee's complex relationships with her loved ones and her recovery and growth, mixed in with lots of fun banter, vivid descriptions, poignant moments, and some sizzling sexy times. The characters have spark and depth, and while this book tackles tough topics, it balances the hard stuff with humor and heart. I also loved getting a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of audiobook narration (green apples improve voice output -- who knew?) and loved Julia's afterword in which she discusses the parts of this book that drew from her own life.

Thank You for Listening is charming and entertaining and endearing. I'd recommend this one to all readers as I think there's a little something here for everyone, but specifically for readers of romance and women's fiction.

I loved this one! An audiobook queen writing about an audiobook queen, and it’s so good. Sewanee Chester, aka Swan, does NOT do romance but is then specially requested to narrate the a romance book... And who tf is Brock McNight?! Good question because he seems too good to be true, IYKYK 🤣 I loved Swan and Brock’s text and email exchanges. Their banter was the best and I was literally laughing out loud at them. Swan and Aduka’s friendship is absolute fucking goals. The supportiveness, the realness, I just loved them both. I absolutely loved reading this and I’ve heard that the audio is just as amazing. I have a feeling this will be a reread for me at some point to hear it narrated by Julia herself! 😍

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an avid audiobook listener, I especially liked the behind-the-scenes look at the process. Part romance, part women's fiction - Sewanee's journey to accepting herself after her tragedy was one I recommend.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyage for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Such a good story! Great characters and real interest in life and how we go through and overcome the hard things we go through.

Do I love Julia Whelan? Yes. She’s a fabulous narrator.
Am I going to love everything she does? No.

And unfortunately this was a “meh” for me.

Unfortunately for me this story just fell incredibly flat for me. I was bored with a lot of this story.

I didn’t buy into the love story. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t feel the passion that I wanted from them. It seemed way more forced than it should be.

I also felt like the author tried to include SO much that in the end it didn’t work well. I would prefer to see her focus on a trope or two, a story line or two, etc. There was so much going on I didn’t feel truly invested in any of the plot lines. The grandma storyline was actually my favorite. (Although her name being Blah Blah was mildly annoying, but whatever I can get over that. I know people have nicknames for family, but this nickname felt really disrespectful.)

Will I recommend this particular story? No
Will I continue to read and listen to Julia Whelan? Absolutely!

This one has a LOT of positive and 5 star reviews though so if it sounds good I say give it a shot! It may be a win for you!

This book was an absolute delight! Julia Whelan takes us inside the life of an audiobook narrator, a world in which she is quite familiar. I loved the quick witted banter between the characters. I especially loved the heartwarming relationship between Sawanni and her grandmother. Rom coms can be very hit or miss for me and this was a huge hit. I highly recommend!!

I didn't love her first book, so I was wary of this one, but dang if if I didn't blow through it in a few days - it was absolutely great fun.

The queen of narrating audiobooks, Julia Whelan, delivers this sweet and sexy romance about two audiobook narrators falling for each other virtually and in real life. I loved this book! It was so much fun to read and guess who the voice was behind Brock McNight, the most secretive and sexy voice in the audiobook industry. When Sewanee is asked to narrate a book with him, she reluctantly agrees so that she can use the money to pay for her grandmother’s care. The two exchange emails and texts, and as their interest for each other grows they agree to meet in person - and they are in for a big surprise when they do meet.

Thank you to Avon, the author, and NetGalley for the gifted ebook of THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! All opinions in this review are my own.

When her acting career is cut short, Sewanee begins to work as audiobook narrator. Starting off in romance under a pseudonym, she quickly builds a flourishing career. Now Sewanee is an award-winning narrator for other genres under her own name. Sewanee is asked to return to romance one more time and despite hating the genre, she knows she has to do it. Not only will the money help her grandmother, but she is paired with the mysterious Brock as the male narrator. No one knows who he is, but she knows that together, they will be successful!

What I liked about this book:
🎧 the juxtaposition between Sewanee hating the romance genre but also starring in her romance novel
🎧 the quotes from the fictional interview at the beginning of each chapter defending romance as a genre
🎧 how Brock's secret identity is eventually uncovered
🎧 the skillful blending of heavier topics mixed with humorous moments
🎧 the author is a highly successful audiobook narrator in her own right!!

Also, I have heard that the audiobook is fantastic for this book and I can't wait to listen to it as my reread!

Thank You For Listening is available now! I cannot recommend it enough! Go read it!

Such a fun (and funny!), hopeful book! I loved the inside peek into audiobook narration life, Sewanee’s relationship with her grandmother, and the explorations of grief, friendship, and love after loss. And, of course I couldn’t help but melt over the banter, tension, and fun surprises between the main characters. Thank you, NetGalley!

Sewanee Chester dreamed of being an actor, but a serious accident ended her dreams. Now, she works as a successful audiobook narrator. While helping her boss at a romance novel convention, she has a whirlwind romance with a handsome stranger. Upon returning home, she discovers that a beloved romance novelist wants her to perform her final novel with the hottest male romance narrator, Brock McNight. As Sewanee and Brock work together, they forge a real connection. But they both keep many secrets that cause trauma and may interfere with a chance for happiness.
I loved everything about this book. The story, the characters, the dialogue, and humor were all well executed and entertaining. As an audiobook narrator herself, Ms. Whelan added authentic and interesting details to Swan’s audio work that enhanced the story. My favorite romance of the year. I bought it and am recommending to all my library patrons. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

Emily Henry recommended this book and I trust her with my life, so of course I had to request it and put in a library request for it as well. I loved this book. Any story that has to do with books/writing/publishing I gravitate towards and when I saw this was two audio book narrators? I ran. This book did not disappoint.

Thank you #Netgalley for providing me an early read of #Thank YouForListening

I loved this book written and narrated by Julia Whelan! I loved that this book was written by an audiobook narrator about an audiobook narrator. I feel like that led to an accurate story. Sewanee and Brock have an amazing romance together. I can’t say anything bad about this book.

Up-and-coming actress Sewanee Chester life comes crashing down after an accident. She pivots and becomes an audiobook narrator who gets her start with romance novels. But she doesn't believe in love or happily ever afters and has left romance books behind. After an offer too good to ignore, she returns to the romance world with an episodic podcast by the author who gave her her first job. She's paired with the biggest male narrator in the romance audiobook world and creates not only a budding friendship but a hit in the romance world. Is it all too good to be true?

I love Julia Whelan as an audiobook narrator so when I found out she wrote a book about an audiobook narrator, I had to read it!

I was so impressed by her fascinating and real characters. Her language style was so pleasing to read and I devoured it in two days.

I have recommended it to all my book clubs!!!

Thank you so much to Netgalley for my ARC.

4.5 stars. Just an absolute delight. I was grinning reading this one, especially during the banter, and there were sections that legitimately made me emotional. What a gem. P.S. this was great on audio! (Shocker)

7 Sexy and Sweet "Bed First, Feelings Later" Romances

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

I don’t always go for the “we had a one-night stand, and then the koooookiest thing happened—we work together!” premise. (What can I say, I considered it one-and-done with Grey’s Anatomy.) But Julia Whelan carries off that twist beautifully by placing her love interests in an industry in which they can obscure their faces and thus their true identities: Sewanee Chester is an audiobook narrator (so good, in fact, that she keeps up a Texan accent the whole night!) who has a romance-novel-in-the-flesh perfect night in Las Vegas with charming stranger Nick.

But when incredible circumstances contrive to cross their paths again through Romancelandia, Sewanee is stunned to discover in how many different ways Nick is already part of her professional life. Whelan sells the idea that you can sleep with one man, swap emails and voice notes with another, and fall for another man entirely—and makes it all seem stranger than fiction.