After a horrible accident slashes Sewanee’s dreams, she gives in and becomes an audiobook narrator. She is great at it, and it affords her the ability to care for her aging grandmother. When she heads to the book convention, she is surprised to meet a charming stranger for one wonderful night together. Now that she is home, she is being roped into doing audio for just one more romance, even though she hung up her romance hat years ago. She gets paired with Brock McNight, the male audio narrator heart throb, and their friendship begins to grow through working together.

Ok I have to start by saying this is FICTION! I thought for the longest time it was going to be non fiction and was bummed to not have an audio version since obviously our beloved @justjuliawhelan would narrate. Then I read the synopsis and realized it was a fictional story and not non fiction! I mean, the cover saying “ a novel” should have helped, but hey, I read the inside of books not always the outside! I absolutely loved this story! Sewanee was just the kind of character you wanted to hug, but also shake them into believing in themselves. Brock seemed too good to be true at times, but I truly enjoyed how the entire story came together. And Blah Blah has my whole entire heart. I flew through this one sitting by the pool and it was just a perfect day.

I was hooked from the synopsis of this book and it does not disappoint. You fall in love with the characters from their first introduction and the payoff is better than expected. Being a lover of books of all kinds, this audiobook love story was right up my alley and so perfectly written. While the main two characters don't even exist in the same place for the majority of the book, you get an insight into the life of Sewanee from the start and it makes you cling to this beautifully written heroine. I loved every second of this book and can't wait to read more from this author!

ps - not a spoiler, but each section starts with quotes, read them!

My favorite audiobook narrator wrote a romance book about audio narrating? I am in!

This book was everything. It checked off every single thing I want in a rom com book and then some. I was completely invested in all of the character relationships and dynamics.

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars, I just loved it.

Ugh, so good. I think I’m going to have a book hangover from this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved the characters, loved the friendships, loved the nerdy audiobook plot. A fun, romantic read. If I have any criticism, it's that the pacing felt a little off. I liked the build-up, but the romance at the end felt a little rushed.

I really enjoyed this book. I had a little trouble diving into the book at first, but Brock really pulled me in. The banter is top notch, and I loved the book taking (good natured) shots at the romance genre. I adore when the MCs have effortless chemistry, even through the inevitable conflict. It makes it so much easier to be immersed in the story.

This one didn’t catch my attention despite a story that felt, at times, unnecessarily convoluted. It had a slow start and took forever to get into it, and while I enjoyed the banter between the 2 main characters I found myself not very invested emotionally in their story. The main character’s negative Nancy attitude was challenging for me even though it’s not unwarranted. And I don’t feel the male lead really had… a personality? Beyond charming with an accent? I don’t know, it just really wasn’t for me. I didn’t care about these characters and I’ll probably forget about them in mere hours.

This may be a case of it’s me not the book. My brain has had a difficult time with reading this last week (normal ebbs and flows, world woes, life changes). There’s still something to be said for me actually finishing this one (does skimming count lol) given how many DNFs and “just gonna put this down for a little while” books I’ve gone through lately.

Best book I have read in FOREVER. I loved Sewanee and Nick. I saw it coming and was delighted to have been right. BlahBlah, Mitzi and Birdie were just icing on the cake. It was a great behind-the-scenes peek for an audiobook lover and I really appreciated the way her disability was handled. Excellent book!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING (Pub 08.02) is. . . ,
my favorite audiobook narrator's delightfully meta sophomore novel. 
Brimming full of wit and banter. 
Full of smart writing.
An emotional punch on so many levels. 
A love letter to nearly every romance genre trope.
Responsible for bringing #1 audiobook fear to the page and leaving me literally laughing out loud.
Peppered with chapter titles that are just so-so good. 
Open-door with the best of both worlds- both a instant attraction and a slow-burn.
Supported by an amazing secondary cast.
A book that spans genres.
Is it romance or women's fiction? I don't know. Heck- even the characters in the book take a playful jab at what falls into each genre 

It doesn't matter because I LOVED it. I can't wait to re-read it on audio when it releases. 

COCKTAIL PAIRING: Nick and Sawanee enjoy a Last Word cocktail in the book which sent me to learn more about its history (originated in 195) and of course find a recipe. Let me tell you- it might be a new favorite.  A bit sweet and a bit sour with a hint of herbal flavors.

Sewanee is an audiobook narrator who despises the HEA. Once up and coming in the romance genre, she has abandoned that persona in favor for other categories where she finds herself well known and highly favored. Yet she finds herself unfulfilled. Scarred and left with an eye patch after an accident, Sewanee uses audiobook narration as a replacement for the budding acting career she lost but it’s not enough for her friends and family. How can she find balance and happiness with the trying times she is experiencing with her family and work life?

Wow, loved this so much. Let’s start with the banter. Sewanee is not only a badass but also her dry humor had me cracking up. I loved her relationship with Adaku. And Blahblah, sweet Blahblah. I love any endearing grandma character but wow she was everything. Happy hour at a nursing home = peak comedy.

When Swan starts dual narrating an audiobook with sexy-voiced narrator Brock McKnight, their banter is hilarious. The “Pete’s sake” inside jokes they continually made had me grinning. Also I related to how Swan kept her heart guarded. Can’t be too careful with that thing.

The ring move…hot. My only complaint - I wanted more spice. I felt teased.

Sewanee Chester was an up-and-coming actress, but a disfiguring accident ended her beloved career. Now she's a topnotch book narrator working for a man who runs a studio in Los Angeles. When the estate of a famous author whom Sewanee ("Swan") idolized hires her to co-narrate a last book (a romance novel), cynical Swan is forced to face reality: she is her own biggest obstacle.

I can't believe I reduced this amazing, fabulous story to one short paragraph. Here are some of the things I loved about it: the author's profound gift for description! (I could do a very long row of !s). The intriguing subplots (the "two" love interests, the grandmother, the father, the best friend, the loving mother and her endearing partner, the deceased author herself). Hot sex and romance! Sublime food and flirting. Venice! The way Julia Whelan takes us behind the scenes in the world of Hollywood and celebrity. Not to mention the world of audio narration, omg, Swan is so freaking talented in this, as in everything she does, such a strong, capable woman. (Who cannot get out of her own way.) Lastly, the witty repartee. I laughed out loud and made my husband listen as I read passages. And also, I cried. Good stuff here, readers.

This is a self aware romance that has all the hallmarks of the genre about two romance audiobook narrators. The characters felt authentic and like they actually evolved over the course of the novel. As unlikely as the coincidence in the novel seems, the author succeeds in making it feel natural and not forced. I especially enjoyed the banter and behind the scenes look at how audiobooks are made. I would have liked to see more of Adaku - but maybe that is an opportunity for a sequel? Some other characters, for example Sewanee’s coworkers, were forgettable.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you’ve ever wondered about the behind the scenes for an audiobook narrator then this book is for you! A story of self discovery and the relationships we build along the way. I hope you’ll laugh and cry as I did at all the fabulous turning points the protagonist, Sewanee, went through as well as Nick. This is my Julia Whelan read and it will not be my last.

Julia Whelan is a celebrity in the audiobook-narration world and this book did not disappoint! I loved the insight into that profession. I also of course loved the romance that takes place. The story with her grandfather was very sad but gave another side to the main character. I appreciated the vulnerability. A fun read, but it has depth.

With so many romance books on the market these days they tend to blur together, same basic premise, same endings. Thank you for Listening stands out for me because of the characters that are richly described, and the world of audiobooks, which fascinated me. It is this I think that puts it a head above others. Enjoyable romance.

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love Julia Whelan and had such high hopes for this but ultimately it didn't work for me like I hoped it would and I struggled to get into it.

That doesn't mean it won't work for you and I'm sure it will be great on audio!

This book! This narrator! (OK, OK, I haven’t listened YET, but I’ve gotten teaser snippets from Julia on Instagram and it’s hot). If it’s any indication how I feel about this novel, it’s that I plan to listen to the whole thing when the audio is released! Julia is a “must listen” narrator for me in ANY genre—I don’t care! Her voice takes you wherever it is you need to go! But after reading, devouring and loving her debut novel, My Oxford Year, I was determined that she would also become a “must buy” author for me as well — only I got lucky with being gifted an e-advanced copy from the publisher and #NetGalley.

I finished last month and rated it 5 stars on Goodreads with a “pre-review”. My rating is based on uniqueness and self discovery.

Swan (short for Sewanee) was an actor, a brilliant one struck down by a terrible accident. She then used her talents off-screen to become one of the greatest voices in audiobook narration — primarily for romance novels. But she gave that up when she just couldn’t handle the “happily ever after” they promised. The opening sequence of events in this book had me laughing out loud in my kitchen over breakfast. The story then takes us to a book convention in Vegas where we meet her best friend and famous actress who just happens to be from Wisconsin! We are introduced to Swan’s alter ego when a random snowstorm holds her and others captive in the hotel — enter Nick. I’ll just stop there. Because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! ;)

Meanwhile, after getting back to CA Swan introduces us to the world of audiobook narration and the lifestyle of those in the industry. (A side of things I’ve never even pictured when reading or listening to books… so thanks for that, Julia!)
An email comes through from one of her most respected authors who has passed. She wants Swan to resurrect her romance voice for her last, published works, in the form of a podcast series, and she must do this project with Brock McKnight.

The banter and tension in this book is palpable, the vulnerability is raw. The side story (which in my opinion, really stole the show,) revolving around her grandmother, her father and dementia (almost a character in and of itself) was gut-wrenching and so sweet at the same time. This story took so many different directions, but it worked. And it delivered.
Thank you for the opportunity to give an honest review.

I loved this book! If you have listened to any audiobooks recently then you have heard this author narrate most of the popular books around. She is amazing and I’d probably listen to her read a grocery list but I was curious about her as an author. And apparently she is amazing at that too!

The story draws you in right away and keeps you hooked until the last page. It is a rom com type vibe so there are some great laughs, swoons and heartfelt moments. There is a some heat that unfortunately never gets too hot but still enough to be fully engaged in the main characters will they/won’t they. I loved the dialogue and banter between the mc’s, especially the texts and emails. I don’t know why that is always a favorite part of mine. Also, the relationships each Mac had with their friends seemed very real and believable. Like that’s how you would talk to a friend you’ve had forever.

So all in all, great job. I can only imagine how great it would sound as an audiobook.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank You for Listening is well written with well developed characters and a beautiful depth of story. Much more than a fluffy story (which I ADORE! nothing but love for the fluff), the writer taps into the quirks and nuances of relationships and the layers that make up people - fiction or not. It was also interesting to see behind the curtain into the world of audiobooks and their artistry. Also, let’s not forget the heat and chemistry.

I absolutely want a sequel. And to enjoy this book as an audiobook.

I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions are mine alone.

This book was a great way to spend a few hours, and it was a cut above what I’m used to reading—I had to use google more than once to understand some of the references! While it was easy to see the twists coming, I really enjoyed the journey to their reveals and how those were done. I can’t say I’ve always been curious about the work behind the scenes of a book narrator’s job, but I was truly fascinated! I’ve been a fan of Julia Whelan’s performances as an actress and narrator, and now I can say I’ve loved her work as an author as well!

I am not an audiobook girl. I wish I was, but I have such a hard time paying attention to them! Despite this, I know that Julia Whelan is an audiobook queen, and I was excited to read her iteration of the book-about-books trend. Sewanee is a great character, and I thought that Whelan did an incredible job with the banter (I mean, a chapter full of flirty texts and emails that’s literally called Epistolary? Be still my beating heart!). It’s sharp and well-written and combines plot lines about career and family with romance. I loved how cheeky the nods to the romance and publishing world was. Something held me back from fully loving this though, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. I think certain parts dragged and some of the plot got a little bogged down by trying to do a little too much.