I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This was everything I look for in a romance book and so much more. I loved that was about a audio book narrator. The characters are so relatable. I can’t say enough about this book.

Julie Whelan, thank you for this. The overarching message of the book hits so beautifully, beyond is being an incredible story about love. I absolutely freaking adored this book and never, ever wanted it to end. All hail Brock McKnight.

Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins, for the advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

A feel good quick read. I laughed out loud at some scenes. I’ll definitely be listening to this as an audiobook as I hope the author narrates this book herself. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

4.5 Stars!

I think it goes without saying that anyone who immerses themselves in the literary world, especially audiobooks, knows and loves Julia Whelan. She is a staple, an icon. I've been waiting and waiting for Julia to come out with another novel since The Oxford Year. And boy, the wait was worth it!

Obviously, this book is one of those HEA/feel good novels (like you know how it's going to end as your reading the story), but I absolutely loved where she took this story! It's not just a love story, but it takes a deep dive into self-esteem, being in your own way, accepting your new normal when life doesn't turn out how you planned. Julia deals with heavy topics in such a satisfying way.

I enjoyed this novel more than her first one. I was laughing out loud during the first scene when Swan was on the airplane. And the romance scenes were just enough without being smutty. And as a former actress, I enjoyed (and also rolled my eyes in solidarity) when she included scenes about auditioning and booking roles and all the crap that comes with the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

All in all, this is such an adorable and enjoyable read. Obviously, you'll get an idea how it ends but I loved where the journey took me there as a reader. If you are a Julia Whelan fan, an HEA fan, or just feel-good story fan, you will want to pick this one up!!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for allowing me to read an e-ARC before publication!

I love Julia Whelan as an audiobook narrator, and I was very excited to read her novel about an audiobook narrator. I loved the insight into the world of audio narration. The story itself was a pleasant combination of romance and personal growth with some cheeky nods at the standard rom com tropes. I would recommend this novel to a friend looking for an easy and enjoyable read.

Former actress Sewanee Chester became an audiobook narrator after an
accident ended her career. She initially used a pseudonym when she began her career as a romance book narrator, but has retired that name and moved on to other genres. When a well known romance author passes away, she left one last project behind - an audiobook to be narrated only by Sewanee and Brock McNight, the hottest, most secretive voice of romance novels. Both Sewanee and Brock (Nick) have issues they must work through before they can find their HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

This book was absolute perfection! Written by my favorite audiobook narrator!

While reading I was so very curious if any of the story was inspired by real life... It has humor, romance, friendship, family, HEA!

I will definitely listen when that version is available.

So we'll done!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 3
Characters: 3
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 3

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

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.