This was my first book by Shaylin Gandhi and I really enjoyed it. Full of twists, an excellent case of mistaken identity and told through flashbacks to the past, we get to see how Nina meets Michael and their whirlwind romance until he dies suddenly leaving her a widow. In the present Nina is dealing with her grief until out of the blue she gets a call from her brother-in-law. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Colleen Hoover or Laura Dave. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Audiobook Review: When We Had Forever by Shaylin Gandhi, Narrated by Carly Robins
Let me start by saying this audiobook took a turn I did not see coming! Shaylin Gandhi’s debut is an emotional roller coaster, filled with heartbreak, secrets, and second chances, all told through Mina Drake’s raw and honest first-person POV. It was the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after it ends, and while I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, there’s one aspect I would tweak: I wish I had the physical book to flip back to earlier twists as they were revealed.

The Narration

Carly Robins brought this story to life in a way that made the characters feel authentic and distinct. Her performance was spot on, especially in how she shifted her inflection during dialogue. Those subtle changes made it easy to tell who was speaking without overdoing it, and it added depth to the storytelling. Mina’s grief, confusion, and eventual awakening were palpable, thanks to Robins’ skillful delivery. The pacing was steady and perfectly matched the tone of the book, keeping me engaged throughout.
However, while I loved the narration, this is one of those audiobooks where the twists and emotional moments almost beg for a physical copy to revisit key details. That said, Robins’ performance was strong enough to make me feel like I was right there with Mina, experiencing everything in real time.

The Story

The dedication alone set the tone for this novel: To every woman who’s ever been deceived, the good ones are out there. I promise. Gandhi’s writing is heartfelt and gripping, tackling themes of grief, betrayal, and rediscovery with an intensity that pulled me in. Mina’s journey from mourning her husband Michael to uncovering shocking truths about their marriage—and finding an unexpected connection with Michael’s estranged brother, Grayson—was layered and full of surprises.

The story seamlessly balanced the slow burn of forbidden romance with the unraveling of secrets, making for a deeply emotional read. The relationship between Mina and Grayson was complex, fraught with tension, but also incredibly tender. And while some moments leaned into the dramatic, it felt earned given the stakes and the characters’ backstories.

The Flow

The audiobook’s flow was smooth and easy to follow, with clear transitions between chapters and sections. Robins’ narration helped clarify shifts in tone and emotion, which kept me grounded even as the story took unexpected twists. I never felt lost, but I could see where having visual markers in a print book might enhance the experience for readers who love dissecting details.

Recommendation

If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover or Mia Sheridan, When We Had Forever is a must-read. The story is perfect for lovers of slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and complex emotional journeys. While the audiobook is fantastic—largely due to Carly Robins’ engaging performance—I would recommend pairing it with the physical or eBook version if you’re someone who likes to go back and piece together clues as the plot unfolds. Either way, this is a debut you don’t want to miss.

What a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching title. It's a peek behind the curtains where no one wants to look. A beautifully written story and I deeply enjoyed it.