Title: Thank You For Listening
by Julia WhelanPublishing Info: August 12, 2022 by Avon, HarperCollins
Source: Audiobook borrowed from library
Genres: Adult, Romance
Date Completed: January 6, 2023
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // Goodreads
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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.
If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers.
BOOK REVIEW
I’ve been listening to Julia Whelan as an audiobook narrator for a long time but have been putting off reading her books. When my sister read this and loved it, I knew I would enjoy it too!
I did enjoy THANK YOU FOR LISTENING and there was a ton of amazing banter here! Julia Whelan really put together a wonderfully crafted story full of growth, an easy romance to follow, and just the right amount of emotion that wasn’t overly sad/sentimental. It really kind of reminded me of BEACH READ by Emily Henry in that sense. I enjoyed the book from start to finish and was really happy to follow Suwanee on this journey. Her connection with her grandmother was touching and a great driving factor for her to pick up this romance book narration (something that Julia Whelan used from her own personal experiences).
I really enjoyed it but I just didn’t quite love it. The characters had great banter and chemistry but I almost liked the texting sequences more then in-person dialogue. I didn’t quite get the feels from the romance side of the book — maybe because we spent too long not seeing the male lead and I didn’t get to connect with him as much? I REALLY appreciated that there wasn’t a stupid communication error that led to a fight and break up like so many romance books do. I was super happy to do away with the third act break up so that was also a major plus! But I just didn’t quite feel that romance click into place in the second half of the book.
This was a well-developed romance book and — to take from the book’s descriptions — more of a blend of “women’s fiction” and “romance” since there’s more than just a fluffy romcom happening here. It does have a ton of cuteness but it’s not just pure cute, so there’s a deeper connection going on. I appreciated that, but I think I just wanted a touch more on the romance side to really drive all the feelings home. Nevertheless, I’d still definitely recommend this one and I’m really happy I read it! I think fans of BEACH READ would really love it, and it was fantastic being a big audiobook listener to see this profession featured in a novel.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, READ…
