I love Julie Whelan and will listening to anything that she narrates. I also LOVED My Ofxord Year - it is a book I think about often and hold as the pinnacle of my reading taste. I was so honored and thrilled to receive an ARC of Thank You For Listening, a book I have been impatiently waiting for for years!

I loved it! We meet Sewanee Chester, an audiobook narrator (wonder where Julia got this idea?) who has overcome some very difficult moments to get to where she is now - an award winning and respected narrator who does NOT narrate romance. She dreams of her former life as an actor, but has made peace with the path her life has taken. As a favor to a friend she ends up in Vegas for a book convention and unexpectedly meets a handsome stranger who she shares a whirlwind night with. Once home she is met with an offer she can't refuse - to narrate a world famous romance author's last book with the infamous Brock McNight. What comes next is...almost like a romance novel.

I love the way that Julia builds characters and environments - everyone feels so 3 dimensional and human. I loved the path that this story took, and in some ways it was predictable, but that was also the point. It was cheeky, thoughtful, fun, and heartwarming.

Another slam dunk! Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager - Thank You For Listening is out now! Don't miss it!

Whelan's expertise in the audio industry makes the clerical details of this book refreshing, but it can't quite save the story from succumbing to a static storyline and flat characters. Parts of Swan's profile seemed overblown—her background as an actress, her injury, her (inexplicable) distancing from happy endings.

Still, a propulsive read that goes down as easily as the sound of a smooth narrator through oversized headphones.

This was such a fun read. Sewanee and Brock have a terrific connection and learn a lot about themselves and the narrating process as they work together.

I loved seeing the inner workings of the book narration process with two such fun characters as they banter back and forth over text. The epistolary portions of the book were some of my favorite parts. And, I loved the “love triangle” situation ala You’ve Got Mail.

Loved the meta aspect of this rom com book that pokes fun of itself and the genre while simultaneously telling us a great romantic story!

Thank You for Listening published today and, while I LOVED the ARC that Avon was so nice to provide via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion, I can not wait to revisit it via audiobook! I read about as many audiobooks per month as I read Kindle books (with the occasional physical copy in there). And if you also listen to audiobooks, you know that the narrator is a huge part of the story (haha). I especially love listening when Julia Whelan is the narrator. Her ability to do different voices and accents is unmatched. Recent books I've loved because of her narration include The Measure, Malibu Rising (a reread via audiobook), Flying Solo, I'll Be You, and The Latecomer. In Thank You For Listening, she takes us behind the scenes to see more of the audiobook recording process, with a romance tied in, too. I could not put it down, and I recommend the book - but I bet the audiobook is even better!

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan is nothing short of perfection. It has humor, wit, heat, sensitivity, adventure, heart, and is wildly entertaining.

I would recommend this on audiobook because the author herself narrates it and she is THE BEST (seriously, my favorite narrator).

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book which was my most anticipated book of the year and did not disappoint! Julia Whelan is outstanding and this is as good as her previous book, My Oxford Year, if not better. Brava!

I've read several books about writing books, authors struggling with their own stories and how their real life struggles end up giving them great literay works. Now we turn the tide and have a narrator bringing those stories to life. Sewanee was a girl who had it all, she was living her dream as an actress and about to make it big. Then trouble strikes and she finds herself with an injury that she feels jeopardizes her true desires of being a famous actress. Years later she has a job and career reading books. She has the voices down and she is able to use her acting/directing skills to truly bring the story to life. She's even won a few audiobook awards. Now when life is tough and money is the answer she takes part in a job to read a romance story, something she hasn't done since the beginning of her narrating career. One of her favorite indie authors has passed away and she feels like she ows her a lot for helping with her career in the beginning. She reads the book with Brock McNight who is a mysterious narrator that no one knows. As time goes on Sewanee and Brock become friends and feelings develop. What will happen when she discovers that she has actually met Brock before. The twists of secret identities, family, and love all come into question.

I honestly wish I had done the audiobook for this book. I know Julia had to have done a phenomenal job with the way she described doing accents and voices for so many different characters, I feel that part was harder to read just because you don't get the real voices/sounds while reading a physical book. I know this part would have translated better in audio form. The romance was sweet and even though you probably assumed who Brock was, I still felt the surprise Sewanee did when she found out and even more when a few more surprises came to life. Sewanee is a character with deep issues and problems that are still relatable and I loved how she grew and helped our mysterious Brock become more of himself as well.

4.5 Stars...and what a fun book this was to read! Sewanee Chester is a former actress, turned book narrator, who has a one-night stand in Las Vegas. What follows is story of self-discovery with lots of wit and, of course, romance.

I loved Julia Whelan's My Oxford Year and Thank You for Listening is nearly as good. I highly recommend this book and want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an advance copy.

First, Julia Whelan is an absolute audiobook icon of our time.

Second, I’m still unsure how I felt after reading this story.

I think I enjoyed the story but it’s one of those stories that’s a one-time read because I genuinely don’t remember anything about it. That probably had to do with the timeline and the jumping around that happened. This isn’t necessarily a cute rom-com. There are mentions of grief and loss and how that affects who you become after said trauma.

Maybe it was just a bit too wordy for me because even while listening to the audiobook, I would space out and not even bother going back to listen to what I missed.

This one was probably just not for me. Thanks for reading my ramblings that make absolutely zero sense!

Julia Whelan is a new author for me to read. However she has hit a homerun with Thank You for Listening. The airplane incident was so hilarious, plus it was a true example of my fear of listening to romance novels. So needless to say I don’t and won’t start now since the four almost five year old would be a grandchild. Nonetheless it was laugh out loud, my-husband-asking-what-is-so-funny scene. From there I knew I would love Sewanee Chester her scrappiness her proper use of English as well as her journey of self-discovery.

A smart story for the intelligent who understand life can some hard throw punches but you come up fighting. Never giving up and never losing that ability to reach for a new hope or dream. Too good of a story to give any spoilers. Just read it for yourself. It will be the book of the summer. Even if you don’t care for romance books read Thank You for Listening. You will be glad that you did.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Updated Review**

Narrator Sewanee Chester has sworn to never go back to working on romance audiobooks. Just when she needs a way to pay for her grandmother’s care, an offer comes from an author from her past.

I inhaled this book! Julia Whelan has been one of my favorite narrators for a while and her writing is just as exceptional. I originally read an ARC of Thank You For Listening back in February (2022) and I promptly pre-ordered the audiobook. The day before the release, I was sent an early copy of the audiobook and immediately started listening to it even though my own copy was going to show up the next day.

Thank You For Listening has just the right of romantic tension that compels you to keep reading (or listening). The plot is quite unique for a romance novel and does not rely on all the typical tropes. Sewanee’s loyalty to her family and friends makes her so relatable. The author weaves those relationships throughout the plot with just as much importance as Sewanee’s romantic relationships.

As great as the written book is, get the audiobook! Julia Whelan narrates her own books and gives life to them in a way no other narrator could.

I think Thank You For Listening would make a great option for book clubs.

I voluntarily read and listened to advanced copies of this book and audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, William Morrow & Harper Audio!

Unlike many reviewers I've seen, I'd never heard the voice of Julian Whelan nor read her other title, but I'd heard great things. This book did not disappoint. I absolutely adored it. I got swept away in the story and could not put it down.

Julia Whelan is one of my absolute favorite audiobook narrators, so when I came across this book I knew I had to read it. A book about an audiobook narrator, written by someone in the business? I don’t think anyone ~could~ write it better and more realistically. Swan and Nick are just perfect for each other. The banter was fantastic and just the awareness of every single romance trope that fit seamlessly into the story really sold it for me. Every chapter title was a romance trope and it worked so well. I only took so long reading this book because I just didn’t want it to end!

If you enjoy the tropeyness of romance novels and love the banter between characters this is one you should definitely pick up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Julia Whelan for sending this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I, once again, waited far too long to read this one!

This story is about Sewanee, an Audiobook narrator. We follow her as she meets Nick at a book convention in Las Vegas, has a one night stand, and then we don't know what happens. Sewanee has a grandmother who is at an assisted living community and slowly declining. She's then offered a job, in Romance. She hates Romance and quit it years ago. But.. this offer was too good to pass up. She is to work on the famous June French's last story, with the famous male narrator Brock McNight. Through various exchanges with Brock, the decline of her grandmothers health, her journey to get back into acting after a life altering incident, and dealing with her father, we follow Sewanee in how she navigates these changes in her life.

I could've easily finished this book in one sitting (I was already up late trying to finish it in one sitting.) Julia Whelan is the queen of audiobooks, so obviously she can write a book about an audiobook narrator that is also amazing. I partially read and partially listened to this book and both were 10/10. It is heartbreaking, funny, and cute. As someone who has had a grandma who had memory problems, it hit home in a few areas. I loved all of the characters, how the story flowed, the relationships, and how Julia included text messages/email exchanges. It makes me immediately want to either listen to another book narrated by Julia or read My Oxford Year!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Julia Whelan is my favorite audio narrator and I jumped at the chance to read her book.

It has some hilarious moments, and an interesting cast of characters who had great banter with each other. It falls in the slow burn category-which is a favorite of mine. I didn’t except it to pack an emotional punch, but it did, so be prepared for that.

I also loved that we got a behind the scenes look at the audio book industry. It so fun when you can read about something that you enjoy- it feels like a bonus added to the book.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank-you Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon and NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC.

I'll start by staying that I'm currently listening to this on audio so it's my second read of this.
This just demands to be listened to and the fact that it's THE Julia Whelan writing and narrating is just a plus!
I loved the characters here Sewanee was a such a joy and you can't help but love her and I loved whenever Brock was on the page.
Overall this is a wonderful book that you'll want to read and listen to!

REVIEW

Thank You For Listening ~ Julia Whelan

READ IF:
* You love reading audiobooks.
* Romance is your genre - the smuttier the better!
* You need to outgrow your own BS!

REVIEW: Sewanee Chester used to love the spotlight as an actress, but a tragic accident has changed all that and now she prefers being behind the scenes as a audiobook narrator. She had made her mark in the industry and it is during a book conference in Vegas that she also makes a mark on a handsome mystery man.

When she arrives home, she is presented with the chance of a lifetime - narrate a series of romance novels authored by one of her mentors - but there’s a hitch. She has a partner this time - Brock McNight who is famous in his own right as the industry’s hottest male voice. Their connection forces Sewanee to be vulnerable, open her heart, and take a good look in the mirror but can the romance she feels in real life really be like romance between the pages? She’s about to find out!

REVIEW: I loved Whelan’s first novel, My Oxford Year so I jumped at the chance to read this and it did not disappoint! This had it all - romance, humor, friendship, struggle, and a peek into the literary world. As someone who doesn’t listen to audiobooks, this peaked my interest for sure and had me considering the power of voice in storytelling. It is no surprise that Whelen herself is an audiobook narrator - she writes dialogue to PERFECTION! Part of me wished I listened to this one just to hear her in action.

Can you kinda predict how this one is going to end? Sure. Does the dialogue get a bit sappy? Yes. But trust me when I say - it doesn’t matter! The charm and warmth that this book provides wraps you up and has you believing that no matter what, anything is possible. In today’s world, I could say we all need a little bit more of that hope in our lives. This is a win - perfect to round out those summer days!

Julia Whelan can do absolutely no wrong. This was such a delight. I kept looking for reasons to listen to more on audio and cannot recommend that format enough.

I loved so many things -
✨ perfect combination of romance, family drama, coming of age
✨ laugh out loud funny
✨ romance references you’ll love if you’re a fan of the genre
✨ narrated by the queen herself
✨ author’s note you don’t want to skip over
✨ the ending

Thank You for Listening is out TODAY!!! So snag your copy asap!

4.5 ⭐️

Romance -

This was a fantastic read and I gobbled it up very quickly. It wasn't a typical romance novel and while there are scenes that are pretty sexy, they were not overdone.
Sewanee narrates audiobooks, she used to be an actress, but a terrible accident left her disfigured and she felt it ruined her chances to be on screen. Her best friend and former Julliard roommate is just starting to receive the bigger movie roles. She and Sewanee are pretty inseparable. One night in Vegas, however, Abaku has to leave and fly to LA for a few hours to audition. Sewanee is just about to call it a night when she meets an interesting man, Nick. For some reason, she gave him a fake name. They have a wonderful time and when his flight gets cancelled they spend one amazing night together. Never to be repeated.
When Sewanee returns home, she learns that her beloved grandmother needs to be moved into memory care, which will cost a significant amount of money. Money she doesn't have until an offer to narrate a romance series lands in her lap. The money is crazy good and will allow her grandmother to stay in the best facility.
The audiobook is a romance. She hasn't narrated these books since the beginning of her career and when she did she used an alias. This audiobook series will be a duet with a male voice actor. THE male voice actor - Brock McKnight. They begin a correspondence, but Brock thinks her name is Sarah. He cops to using an alias, but doesn't tell her what his real name is and she doesn't have a chance to tell him her real name until by chance they run into each other. Brock is Nick - no surprise there.
The relationship goes through the required ups and downs. We have to deal with Sewanee's insecurities after her accident, all the aliases and misdirections, etc. It seems like it could be trite or follow all the tropes of the genre, but the story really sings.
I really enjoyed this novel and will look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.

when i went back to look for notes and bookmarks on this book to write a review, i found zero. and then i remembered that's because i absolutely BLAZED through it--no pauses, did not pass go, did not collect $200, just reveling in its delightful froth.

the short summary is that Sewanee Chester, a former actress turned audiobook narrator (this part is autobiographical, though Whelan takes pains to point out that the rest isn't), has a run-in with a man at a conference akin to book expo, then later is wooed into a romance narration collaboration with a well-known but intensely private male audiobook narrator. it may feel from that set-up like you know exactly what's coming, but as with her debut, My Oxford Year, Whelan writes outside the box. here, rich friendships, a beloved aging grandmother full of moxie, and an entertainingly populated work setting feed the plot. interstitials quoting a (fictional) romance author interrogate classic romance beats to great effect, and the final product is more than the sum of its parts: a smart and thoughtful exploration of finding one's way, in or out of a relationship.

an unexpected welcome to the first half of my year of reading has been a spate of books that take the conventional tropes of their genre and turn them on their head. TYFL falls into that category, along with Book Lovers, One Night on the Island, Linda Holmes' latest, and Mhairi McFarlane's forthcoming Mad About You. it is also--and this is one of the greatest compliments i can give a book or a person--laugh out loud funny. avid audiobook listeners will enjoy a whole bunch of insider-y info and niche jokes.

huge thanks to @harperaudio and @librofm for the chance to listen to this ALC early, and to @avonbooks and @harpervoyager for the dARC! THANK YOU FOR LISTENING cemented Julia Whelan as an auto-buy author for me, and i cannot wait to read and relish this one all over again.

4.5*

Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sewanee is a former actress/current audiobook narrator who is adamantly against narrating romance books until she gets an offer she can't refuse from the manager of a recently departed author. She is very close to her grandmother Barbara aka "BlahBlah" (due to her chatty personality) who is now in an assisted living facility after her sister passed away. She is unfortunately losing her memory and will require more expensive care. Sewanee starts the duet project with "Brock McNight" who is a famous romance narrator under a pseudonym.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Sewanee had an accident that left her disfigured and lacking confidence, and her best friend is a successful actress who is pushing her to get back into acting. I also loved the grandma BlahBlah and her stories about old Hollywood. I learned about audiobooks and the recording process. The "reveal" was not surprising to me, but I liked how a lot of the communication between Sewanee and Brock was through texting and reading the texts. I also liked how Sewanee was a grammar nerd and all the conversations between her and Brock about book tropes and mentions of "HEA" - Happily Ever After.

I would definitely recommend!