THANK YOU FOR LISTENING BY JULIA WHELAN // spoiler-free book review: took me long enough but i adored this book about audiobook narrators falling in love from the queen herself!

Look at me posting semi-regularly? I so appreciate all of your undying and heartfelt faith in my posting capabilities,,,

C’mon folks, you know the drill. It’s sarcasm for everyone in Ruby’s house.

I’ll stop talking and jump right in!

Title: Thank You For Listening
Author: Julia Whelan
Page count: 432
Date published: 2 August 2022
Genre: Adult contemporary fiction

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Synopsis:

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.

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ADD TO GOODREADS

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Big thanks to Harper Collins for the eARC via Netgalley and ALC via Libro.fm! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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STAR RATING: (4.5 out of 5 stars)

I am currently experiencing a rather peculiar conundrum. You see, I don’t think I am able to dislike a book narrated by Julia Whelan. So what do I do if it’s written by her also? I think you get my problem.

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Um so anyway, this book blew it out of the park and I am not okay.

But I had an inkling that I would love this and as we all know, my instincts are always right. So is Emily Henry. So you basically can’t go wrong with this one and indeed I will tell you why. Gosh, I can be so dramatic I know, but I promise she’s worth it. Also, as they say, drama is often mistaken for passion. Nobody says that but I’m trying hard over here folks. Enough jabbering, let’s get into it.

It goes without saying that Julia Whelan can narrate an audiobook. Some may argue very well? Hehe I know I’m such a good jokester. Anyways, back to the point, I adore her narration and literally end up loving everything she narrates, and little did I know I needed to listen to a book by her ABOUT AUDIOBOOK NARRATORS. It’s giving genius if you ask me. You really wouldn’t guess that she narrates for Emily Henry, would you? Sense the sarcasm. I keep digressing sorry. Anyway, this book is so meta and I love it, moving on.

A moment of appreciation for the writing style. Which contains my perfect blend of witty banter, emotional drive and a smidge of romance. I shall give her… A++++ *wink wink* I’m dead serious, Julia Whelan’s writing has everything that I love and I’m so excited to read her debut My Oxford Year asap

Let’s talk characters because I loved them all and I need to yell. We couldn’t have asked for a main character better than Sewanee. She is definitely not perfect, but I adored her character developed as the book went on. She learnt from each of her mistakes and it felt so mature and lowkey refreshing compared to author books I’ve read recently. I also absolutely loved the disability representation in this book and the way this character deals with this emotionally.

We haven’t even gotten started on all the side characters who were all just as marvellous. Maybe not Sewanee’s dad, but the rest of her family are actually the best. I adored her grandmother and her mom and step-dad. Adaku was the bestest best-friend and I love that for her. Brock put too many a smile on my face for a fictional man. I LOVE THEM ALL LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE!!!!!

I mentioned the wit right? Well, I actually think I did not emphasise how FREAKING HILARIOUS THIS BOOK IS I WAS DYING. It is so funny and I probably shed a few tears. I’m not even talking about the premise, because its also the dialogue and prose itself. And I love a good laugh, especially something to make milk come out of my nose. Been a while since I pulled out that analogy but no better time than the present to point out how funny it is. Just go read the freaking book okay!!!

Now is a great time to yell about the premise, because yes it is as brilliant as it sounds. Let me introduce you to this book about books, female friendships, commentary on the Hollywood industry with a one-night stand, workplace romance and anonymous texting. Sprinkle in some You’ve Got Mail vibes there and we got ourselves a winner. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and I can guarantee you will too.

You surely should be convinced by this point and if not, then idk what else to say. Just go read it so I can have someone to talk about this gem with. And weep with maybe. It’s just so good and I have no more words *insert heart eyes*

“Eventually, don’t know when, but eventually? You’re gonna have to stop thinking you’re nothing more than the damaged version of yours.”

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“I think everyone around you is waiting for you to accept yourself as you are now, so we can as well. And the bitch of it is you’re waiting for everyone to accept you as you are now so you can accept yourself and, sorry, but love, it’s your move. You’ve gotta go first.”

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“Feelings aren’t constant. They’re transient. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. You can believe in them, but you can’t know them. How can you know what something is before it becomes it?”

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“Take the risk. Fail. And let regret come along for the ride. A passenger, not the driver.”

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“You’re absolutely right. You’d regret trying and failing. But I’ll do you one better. If you don’t try, give it all you’ve got, you’ll regret the hell out of never knowing if you would have succeeded.”

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“It took me a lifetime to find my place in this world. But it was worth it—’cause it’s with you.”

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“Prologues are like flirting: there’s a time and place. But sometimes you just need to push the reader up against the wall and stick your tongue down their throat.”

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