Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan – Audio
Book Blurb:
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan: For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger. 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. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them 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 Review: 4 stars
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan was high on my list as the author happens to be an amazing audiobook narrator. Because the main character in this book was an audiobook narrator as well, I thought this would be a memoir or an autobiography. I was flat out wrong about that, and she clears that up in her lengthy author’s note.
Instead, this was a fun rom-com with one of my favorite rom-com tropes, boy and girl meet – have romantic, steamy night and both leave without knowing the other’s real names. Of course, there’s always a different twist into how they meet.
There were many types of relationships in this book: granddaughter and grandmother, father and daughter, friendship, work relationships and of course, romantic ones.
Beyond the plot, this book gave me an inside look into the world of narrators, many of whom are also actors by trade. I also learned a lot about the business of romance novels, which operates differently than the rest.
I found myself cheering for Shawnee as I really wanted her to come out on top. This was a quick listen and I enjoyed all arcs the characters went through.
Quotes I liked:
You’re gonna have to stop thinking you’re nothing more than the damaged version of yourself.”
Shop on Amazon Here!
