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.

An adorable rom-com! Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan tells the story of Sewanee, an audiobook narrator, who spends a whirlwind night with a stranger after a convention in Vegas. This story left me smiling and laughing as I turned the pages. While the story is a light romantic comedy, the additional storylines about friendship and family add depth and emotion. I loved this one! Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wow! What a book! I think the plot and idea is pretty original for a romance book. They basically call out all the tropes that the story and characters are living. The characters are all fun and have very dynamic, well rounded personalities that add to the overall story. I highly recommend this read. If you love romance, if you love Love, if you wish your life was like a romance novel this is the read for you. One warning i would give is there is speak of the death of a family member.

So good! In true Julia Whelan form, she keeps you hooked with her words from page 1 and each character has so much depth. It's like a therapy session and Netflix binge all in one!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced readers copy!

Thank You for Listening is a lovely story about family, friendship, love, and second chances. The cast of characters are lovable and real. With pseudonyms and secret identities in the mix, some twists are predictable, while others are surprising. The banter is great!

3 stars

E-arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've heard a lot of good stuff about the author's previous work (My Oxford Year).

This was funny, the banter was good, the plot is unique and atypical for a romance novel (a true novelty), the details of audiobook narrators' lives was fascinating and most of all— the whole premise of two people flirting, bonding and falling for each other via texts, without meeting in person, is always A+ (love me some anonymity! 👀)

It made me laugh out loud in some parts and gasp in others, but the pacing was really slow in the beginning and I had a tough time concentrating in many parts. I'd recommend this as a one time read.

This is a great Romcom for a new author to me. Apparently I have listened to this author read audio books before. It was interesting to see the logistics behind what goes into an audiobook. I loved the twists and turns in the book.

This book was so wonderful! Julia took her real-life connection to being a audiobook narrator and put it directly into the book. Loved the representation of her main character's eye patch - can't remember reading a MC like this in romance in recent history

Julia Whelan has always been one of my fave audiobook narrators. I felt that I would enjoy this book after reading the synopsis. Anytime an author can pull from their personal experience to set the stage, it gives the story a boost of authenticity & Thanks for Listening did not disappoint! I loved the uniqueness of her characters & didn't feel like any of the backstories were forced/contrived.

The relationship between Sewanee & her grandma Blah was beautiful & heartbreaking at the same time. I loved it when Blah was featured (and the Friday HH chapter was one of my faves!).

I loved the friendship dynamic between Adaku and Swan, especially the tension/build-up surrounding Swan's missed opportunity as an actress due to her accident. The over-compensation (driven partly by guilt) by Adaku to get Swan a role in her film to no avail.

The chemistry between Swan (Alice ha)/Nick was palpable from their first meeting in Vegas. The fun Brock/Sarah twist with the dual narration added another layer of excitement (I love a good email/texting exchange). It felt natural & the progression of their relationship made me feel invested the whole way through.

Thank you to both the publisher & NetGalley for sharing a sharp and witty ARC in exchange for a review.

This was a fantastic book & I can't wait to read more from Julia Whelan in the future!

This book was adorable and everything I love rolled into one. When I first heard of this book a few months ago, I have been anxiously awaiting! Oxford Year became a favorite a few years ago and was looking forward to reading another by same author. Additionally, Julia Whelan was the narrator of the first audiobook I ever tried and have loved her since- and remember watching her on Once and Again as a kid :)
The two main characters in this were absolutely perfect. Their chemistry in how they meet in the various ways pours off the page. Loved their witty banter and made me smile. Highly recommend! I can't wait to listen to this on audiobook once available and hope to hear Brock's voice. Great book

Julia Whelan is *the* audiobook narrator. I know many friends who will listen to a book based on her narration alone. I loved her first novel, My Oxford Year, and was really excited for Thank You for Listening.

It is a good book, but I felt let down. I didn't like jokes about suicide and I really didn't feel as though the story of the accident was believable.

Cute story, but it just fell flat for me.

Thank You For Listening
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 8/2/22
Author: Julia Whelan
Publisher: Avon Books
Pages: 432
Goodreads Rating: 4.23

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: 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. She stopped narrated 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.

My Thoughts: This is a romance novel but it also so much more, such as building friendships, enriching family relationships, and acceptance of self. The characters have depth, they are witty, the banter between them is amazing, and they work very well for this story. The author’s writing is brilliant, charming, complex, emotional, and just fantastic. Julia Whelan is an amazing audiobook narrator, we all know this, but to see her very special talent come alive on paper is truly a blessing. I had a range of emotions while reading this book from happiness to sadness, at times laughter, this was just a fantastic top read. I highly recommend getting this book. The queen of audiobooks with her second novel. I will be checking out the first one that I missed. This author is a new favorite read and audiobook narrator for me.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Avon and Harper Voyager and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Witty, cute, rom com with batter that’s on point.