Member Reviews

Gigi’s story was a whimsically told, fun little escape. While it was predictable, the setting was fun and unique and even the side characters were likable and dynamic. Some of the premise is a little far-fetched to me personally (like fangirling an audiobook narrator to the point that even your friends know how to track him down), but it was all in all a fast and enjoyable read!

Was this review helpful?

includes: first person pov, contemporary romance and lgbtq representation

one thing is that first person pov books are not for me.

this book had an interesting premise but I couldn't see myself falling in love with the characters.

wasn't my cup of tea (get it lol) but it will probably be someone elses <3

Was this review helpful?

Gigi, Listening is a charming and poignant love story penned by the talented author, Chantel Guertin. The novel boasts a unique and witty premise that is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. With its heartwarming storyline and relatable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance. So, if you're looking for a delightful and entertaining read, be sure to pick up a copy of "Gigi, Listening" today!

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy from NetGalley for review.

So to say that I a pleasantly surprised is kind of an understatement. I went into this after that first chapter with Gigi acting like some kind of "pick me, I'm not like other girls" type thoroughly expecting to HATE this book. Once she pulled her head out of her ass and actually tried to enjoy the trip her friends (who all have kinds) pulled together for her the story got a lot better.

Now, is the story anything groundbreaking? No, but it does remind me of the British version of that movie Leap Year in the best way. Like I absolutely adored the story as it progressed and you learn more about all the new characters on the tour (Nelle and Violet for the win). I think it's really well done. I found my self sucked into the world wishing I was on holiday in a new country. I will say it's a very basic 1+2=3 kind of story, but there's something really enjoyable about it. I definitely recommend this to those that enjoy a traditional rom-com type story.

Was this review helpful?

Fairly entertaining and compelling read. Pacing was fairly even, although it did drag a bit. Overall, an enjoyable reading experience.

Was this review helpful?

First, thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was not aware of this author or title until coming across it on Netgalley. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read something totally new and found it enjoyable. It was a little predictable and over the top at times like a lot of chick flick movies, but fun.

Was this review helpful?

DNF this one. The first chapter was not my cup of tea and if the book was like that, I cannot read it. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a cute love story but honestly I had a hard time staying interested throughout the story. I didn't feel invested in the characters and I would have liked to see a little more banter between the two. Good premise for a story and I thought it was clever that she fell for the narrator of the audio book and thought he would be her soulmate. It just missed the mark for me.

Was this review helpful?

Would you travel halfway around the world to meet the audiobook narrator of your dreams?

Gigi Rutherford runs Love Interest, a romance bookshop in Ann Arbor, MI. She is surrounded by love stories all day. But when it comes to her own love life, Gigi hasn’t found the one. Instead of going out on yet another bad first date, she spends her nights curled up listening to her favorite audiobook narrator, Zane Wilkensen.

For her birthday, Gigi’s book club best friends gift her with a trip of a lifetime. A 10 day guided tour through the English countryside and as the tour guide, no other than Zane Wilkensen.

Will Zane turn out to be her one true love? Will Gigi finally find her love story?

This rom com is filled with all sorts of quirky characters that brought humor to the story and helped to round out the story. I enjoyed the friendships that develop amongst the passengers. It was also interesting hearing about the different towns and attractions throughout their journey.

As for the love story aspect, there were things I really liked and some things I didn’t. I really enjoyed the unexpected love interest of Taj. Their banter was great. Once Zane came into the picture, I lost interest for a moment. Her infatutation with seemed immature and slightly annoying. Especially after she had had such a connection with Taj.

Overall, I would recommend for those looking for a fun, love story (very little spice) that also has some self discovery and new, unexpected friendships.

3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

I want to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Chanel Guertin for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book. The whole idea of an American taking a guided tour of England just appealed to me. And I loved the details I learned about punting. But some where the book just stalled for me and I am not sure why. I would eventually like to return to it and finish it.

Was this review helpful?

Books are Gigi's lifeline, she lives focused on the past, in the family she lost, and in maybe finding the man who narrates the story that brought her parents together. She has a need to control everything even those which are not controllable. She goes on a trip to meet Zane, and through a series of events, lots of drama, and life lessons, Gigi learns that her world must expand, what made sense one day will not on the other, and she has to let go and learn to live today. A humorous story of love, loss, life, relationships, and living.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this book.

Was this review helpful?

A romance for the romance lovers!

Hopeless romantic, romance bookstore owner Gigi is in love. Okay, maybe not “in love in love”, but she’s certainly enamored by the audiobook narrator of one of her favorite books. So much so that she’s found herself web stalking him down to knowing his location and occupation. However, she has a routine that she doesn’t falter from. She’s dependable, reliable and least likely to take chances where she isn’t able to predict the outcome. However, when her book club gifts her a once in a lifetime vacation that includes meeting the man behind the voice of her dreams, she heads across the pond.

As an avid romance reader, Gigi’s fixation wasn’t too far fetched. It’s easy to get caught up in the world of fiction and forget that every interaction isn’t a “meet cute” and the world itself isn’t a romance book. I did enjoy the message as well as Gigi’s misadventures on her trip. I thought Gigi’s neurotic personality made for excellent character development. The setting was my favorite part and I thought the descriptions of the English countryside were extremely charming. All in all, this was a fast read, clean rom-com!

Was this review helpful?

Gigi runs a bookstore and has the hots for audio narrator Zach. Her friends put together a bus tour of England with Zach as the guide.
Gigi finds more than she bargained for on the tour and maybe is open to listening to a different voice.
I liked the bus tour and all the places the visited. The other passengers made the narrative very colorful and interesting.
I was hoping and hoping something good would happen for Gigi when she really listened. And it did.

Was this review helpful?

This was a heartwarming story of a woman trying to find herself while finding unexpected love. Things take a different turn than expected for Gigi but new connections are formed as she goes on a journey where she learns more about herself and how to live in a more present way. I would recommend this gook if you need something light. I would rate this book a three out of five. NetGalley provided this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a slow-burn of sneaky emotions. A story I didn't realize I was sold on until I was reading through tears. They truly snuck up on me, as did my love for this book.

Gigi is a bookstore owner so obsessed with love, she only sells romance. She reads romance, she listens to romance, she breathes everything romance. But, she hasn't found romance for herself; likely because no one can live up to the man of her dreams, Zane Wilkenson, the sexy voice who narrates her favorite book in the whole world! So, when her friends gift her a ten day site seeing trip through English country side, guided by none other than her dream man, Gigi jumps at the chance to start her own love story! Only, her meet-cute doesn't quite go the way she planned and now she is stuck on a tour bus with a zany group of characters, each experiencing a journey of their own.

Gigi is a slightly neurotic heroine whose obsession with narrator, Zane, is a bit strong in the beginning of this story. However, through the absence of the assumed hero, Zane, throughout most of the story, Gigi's relationship and connections with the other passengers on the trip are enhanced, deepened; and, support her journey in unexpected and beautiful ways. The secondary characters of this story are each on their own journey, a fact that is reveal little by little, as is their healing. By the end of this book, you're not only invested in Gigi's story but, each of her new friends too. Don't worry romance lovers, Taj, the grumpy bus driver is here to steal your heart, and Gigi's, if he has anything to say about it!

Gigi, Listening is a quirky, slow-burn love story hidden amongst a journey of self-discovery, grief, and unexpected friendship. If you read it and think, "this premise and character are a bit kooky" like I did, keep reading! I promise the story will surprise you in unforeseen ways, tug at your heart strings, and be a memorable read for years to come.

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

Was this review helpful?

Gigi, Listening follows a lovable MC that goes on an adventure to find her hopefully happily ever after.
This story is full of character and atmosphere, and the writing is just 10/10.
Gigi loves books and often finds herself dreaming, as we all do.
Her trip to the other side of the pond is filled with adventure, fun characters, and maybe some love.
This book releases today and it’s a must read! It’s like taking a fun European trip with awesome new people ! 🤍

Was this review helpful?

Although this book was what I would consider "cute," I had a very hard time getting into it, and found myself picking up other book instead. I wouldn't say the book is bad by any means, it just may not be for me.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun light read. Gigi has fallen in love with an audiobook narrator. Her friends give her a trip to England where the narrator is a tour guide. Gigi has this idea that when they meet it will be love. But when Zane the narrator isn't the tour guide she's crushed. Of course things don't go to plan and she has to roll with it. Don't analyze this book too much. Just enjoy the journey of meeting new friends and maybe a love interest. I enjoyed the book.

Was this review helpful?

I don’t know what the right word is to categorize this book, but one key takeaway was that it’s essential to understand yourself. Gigi is a complicated woman and honestly, was really annoying but in the end, I grew to love her. She was a passionate woman and one of my favorite things about her was that she ran a romance bookshop. I also loved the side characters because they were hilarious.

The novel starts with Gigi going to England to meet the love of her life. She listened to a book and she fell in love with the narrator. Was that weird? Yes, 100% but for some reason, I was rooting for her. When she gets to England, nothing goes her way but I loved that she got to discover herself. She was living instead of pining and she met amazing people.

I loved Taj. His subtle dry humor was the best part of this book. The other side characters really made the story more tolerable. I think everyone that Gigi surrounded herself with grew and learned. There were some serious tear-jerking moments. Towards the end, I was so excited for these characters and most of all I was happy Gigi found love.

This short review is an injustice to the story but I hope you guys get a chance to check it out. Be on brand and listen to it just for fun!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick, fun read, but with a high cringe factor built in. I wanted to love Gigi, bookstore owner and expert on romcoms, but herself hopeless at love - but she didn't make it easy. Could it be that she has totally unrealistic expectations? That she's more than a little OCD? Well, except in regards to her makeup - she goes to bed with makeup on so often, and then gets up and puts on *more makeup* to hide the mess?! And what is this falling in love with a voice nonsense, particularly when that voice belongs to a man who's a complete prat IRL? The ending was tied up in a neat bow, and of course Gigi ended up with the not-at-all-a-prat who was around the entire time. The side characters were well-written, and the story as a whole worked because of their interplay, but it could have been so much more.

Was this review helpful?