Julia Whelan certainly knows what she is writing about. The hugely successful audiobook star's new novel throws back the veil to reveal a fascinating corner of the publishing industry. But thats not even the best part! This romance novel *about* romance novels stars an endearing couple who meet, circle around each other and eventually attain their (romance novel required) HEA. Their dialog is funny; thier inner struggles are realistic; and their mutual respect is refreshing. The chapters are named for romance tropes, and Whelan's self-referential humor was a big hit for me.

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

This book combined two of my favorite things: romance and audiobooks. If you love both of these things, this is definitely the book for you.

The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is the author (who is a successful audiobook narrator herself) pulling back the curtain on the audiobook industry. As a voracious audiobook listener, seeing how this world works, from the narrator's research and practice, to what it's like being in the booth was fascinating. I absolutely loved this setting.

I enjoyed the pairing of Sewanee and Nick and their growth together, as well as the supporting cast (Sewanee's mom and step dad, and the best friends). But what made the relationships here extra special here was Blah, Sewanee's grandmother. As someone who lost their grandmother to Alzheimer's, Sewanee's struggles and care were incredibly relatable. It was at times lovely and heartbreaking.

While I adored the messages sent back and forth between Sewanee and Nick, I would have liked more on-page time between the two. I felt that that time was sacrificed for the (incredibly cute) emails and text messages.

Overall, a book that I would highly recommend for romance readers and audiobook listeners.

Julia Whelan gifted the book community with one of my all-time favorite books, My Oxford Year. For this reason alone, I quickly requested a review copy of her new novel. What she has done with Thank You for Listening is given the reader/listener (for audio lovers) a very different story this time around....and it's equally wonderful. Sewanee is a person that you can't help but care about. She's working hard, cares about her grandmother, is trying to find her way in a confusing dating world and may want to kill her dad some days. Basically, she's very relatable. She's also an audiobook narrator - - apparently a very gifted one.

Just when Sewanee thinks she has everything somewhat under control, life throws her a curveball....then another one...then another. Isn't that just typical? So, she has to adjust her plan and make some changes she didn't anticipate or particularly want to make. Along the way, she will make some acquaintances that may change her life forever. So, perhaps that's what was always meant to be. You will just have to read this little gem to see what happens for yourself.

Let's just say, there are some fun twists, great banter, real life heartbreak and a great deal of "what happens if" in this book. I really enjoyed it. Like I mentioned earlier, it's different from Ms. Whelan's debut novel and that makes it all the more special.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

While this presents as a rom-com (hea ahead?) about a woman who has given up acting and is making a good living as a reader for audiobooks, it's also got a serious side. Sewanee had a terrible accident which cost her an eye and changed her life. She's still BFFs with Aduku, whose movie career is heading up and she's got her grandmother Blahblah (one of the best characters you'll meet this year). She didn't expect to meet anyone during a trip to Las Vegas but she did- and it was a one night stand. Now, Blahblah's fading badly and there's no money to put her in the memory care unit at the senior facility she likes so Sewanee sucks it up and agrees to once again read a romance, this time with Brock McKnight, to make the cash she needs. Turns out there's more to the mysterious Brock than Sewanee knew. This is told, in part, in emails between them as they prep for and read the romance novel (I could do without the emails, which I don't like in novels but it's a thing). No spoilers but know that you'll learn something about audiobooks and really root for these characters (and maybe try a two ingredient dip). This has ups and downs and it's a really good read. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Oh- and the epilogue is everything!

My first Julia Whelan book and it most certainly will not be my last. This book about an actress turned audiobook narrator was a delight to read. It is a slow burn romance that also address loss, family, and friendship. This heartwarming book is an ode to romance book lovers. Would recommend!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: August 2, 2022

Well how fun was this one? Read this in an afternoon because it was just too cute to put down. Dynamic characters that had me laughing out loud at times and got super invested in our mains through all the chemistry in their texts and emails. Add in a dash of loss and rediscovering yourself, and you have yourself a romcom. Just because you might guess what will happen (or will you?) doesn’t take away from the delightful journey!

Oh this book is a good one.
"The story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel"
I was expecting romance, but also got a story full of friendship, family dynamics, and self acceptance.
This book had me smiling as I read their effortless banter and the poking fun of romance tropes - not to mention the chemistry between two Romance cynicals.
This is my first Julia Whelan book and I liked her writing, I loved that the chapters started with quotes from authors and her very own "June French". I know I'm going to end up listening to this audiobook, and soon.

Sewanee Chester is a well-known, award-winning audiobook narrator. But in "another life," Sewanee was an actress. An accident changed things and while she's content enough with her new life, she often feels something is missing. Even more, her best friend, Adaku has the life Sewanee has always wanted and is on her way to stardom. Sewanee is also concerned about her beloved grandmother, Blah, whom she's losing to dementia. Sewanee no longer narrates romance books--she doesn't believe in the happily ever after story, after all--but when she's offered the chance to do a web series with renowned romance narrator Brock McNight, she agrees. As Sewanee and Brock begin to work together, they grow close over text. Can Sewanee let down her walls and let Brock in?

Oh goodness, this was really delightful! LISTENING is such a fun and charming book. Brock and Sewanee are both damaged but lovable characters, and Sewanee is dealing with how her accident affected not only her acting career but also her trust levels. Watching her figure out her life and grapple with not only what she wants but what she feels she deserves is a truly worthwhile and enjoyable journey.

Whelan brings so much knowledge about romance and audiobooks (of course). What I loved is the amazing witty and sexy banter in the book, often in email and texts between our characters. It lovingly embraces its tropes and is such a lovely and engaging romance. It's impossible not to root for our pair. There's also some fun and interesting side characters, including Sewanee's grandmother, her mother and her mom's boyfriend (Stu-such a cutie!). There were pieces of this book that made me laugh out loud.

Overall, this is such a fun and romantic read. It was just a tiny bit too long for me, but otherwise, it was a wonderful romance.

I loved this book about an audiobook narrator. Who knows, it might even inspire me to listen to an audiobook someday! It was a fascinating glimpse into what goes into creating an audiobook, it’s not just reading out loud.

Meet Sewanee Chester, she was an up-and-coming actress when a tragic accident forced her to put aside that career. She’s made a success of a career as an audiobook narrator, even though she still yearns for an acting career. She started narrating romance but has moved on to other genres.

She’s caring for her sick grandmother when a startling offer comes through to narrate one last romance book from one of her favorite authors. I really enjoyed the strong relationship and connection that she has with her grandmother.

This offer could make the difference in providing quality care for her grandmother, so she begins work with the elusive Brock McNight. Through the project, they begin to get to know each other although they never meet in person. Could something more develop between them?

Overall, this one was an enjoyable read and I’m tempted to pick up audiobooks now!

What a fantastic read! From the laugh out loud joke just waiting in the first pages, to the build up between the main characters, to the relationship Sewanee has with her grandmother, this grabbed my attention and heart immediately and held onto it all through the story.

I absolutely loved this novel and wholeheartedly recommend it. I read an e-copy of this, but I think it goes without saying that this is one you’ll definitely want to listen to.


eARC kindly provided by Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

Thank You for Listening does not read a straight romance to me. It's really a romcom that uses ALL the romance tropes to good effect. And that's ok! But it's... not quite a romance. I wish so much that we had had more interior monologue from the hero. Or that he appeared on the page a lot sooner. But these are quibbles. This book did a great job of giving two characters some real challenges and helped them work through them- on their own, but with support from their family, friends, and each other. If there had been more each other parts, I would have liked this book a full half star more! Again, quibbling.

What did I like, to make me give it four stars and change? I loved the grandmother. I loved the best friend. I loved the idea of acting as art, and narrating as art, and that books in audio form are not less than but an alternative. Knowing that Julia Whelan knows the world of audiobooks better than most made the insider jokes and wit extra fun. And let's be real- I was imagining our hero and his voice throughout. What an amazing audiobook this would make!

I really enjoyed reading this, even in the hard parts. I love the idea that even when our life changes instantaneously, it's still up to us to accept our new selves. The people we love will follow us if we only lead the way. Thanks for that, Ms. Whelan. Also thank you for writing!

Read/Listen If You Like:
❤️ Audiobook Narrators
❤️ Love Triangles
❤️ Virtual Crushes
❤️ Banter
❤️ Spicy Vibes🔥

Book Review:
After reading My Oxford Year in 2019 and falling in love with Julia’s writing I knew I’d be keeping an eye out for anything else she wrote so when this one popped up on NetGalley and I was lucky enough to get a copy I felt so blessed. And I have to say, now that I’ve read this one, Julia has absolutely been added to my auto-read author list!

The banter between Sewanee/Sarah (her narrator name) and Brock was absolutely *chefs kiss* as they emailed and texted back and forth as they got to know each other while working on their narration project together. I loved the witty back and forth and all the one upping of sexual innuendo they used inspired from the romance novels that they have narrated.

When they finally meet in person, I loved how it was done when we got the reveal of the people behind the narrators. And all the goodness that came as a result. The banter, wit, innuendos, trope jokes, all made this one perfection, not to mention the supporting characters that were also so well inserted.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins Publishers, and Avon Books for the ARC of this book! I am so grateful to obtain a copy to read in advance of its release in exchange for my honest feedback!

Sewanee Chester had her life mapped out. She was hitting her stride when an accident occurs. Instead of life on the silver screen, she has become the premier audio book narrator. This allows her to be close to her grandmother, who has dementia. A woman who gave her the chance to break into audio books has died and has left a last request. She wants her final project to be done with Brock McKnight and her. Now Brock McKnight is the hottest narrator doing romance books. I loved the back and forth between them, never meeting. They've established a friendship. Little did they know, that "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" became real. How to reconcile both parts. Nick/Brock was all for it. Sewanee/Sarah Westholme. ran. Trust mom and her best friend to set her straight. Loved the ending!

I loved Sewanee figuring out what she wanted!

Sewanee Chester had moved on from acting to audiobook narration after her accident starting with indie romances and then moving on to other genres using her acting training. Everything changed when Sewanee had to fill in at panel at BiblioCon in Las Vegas and spent a night with Nick Sullivan from Dublin never expecting to meet him again.

Sewanee never intended to do another romance until she was asked to narrate June French’s final project with Brock McNight who was the hottest voice in romance that would pay for her grandmother’s memory care that she was starting to need. But exactly who was Brock McNight?

Thank You for Listening is light on the romance but heavy on Sewanee trying to figure what she wanted to do with her life.

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

A blogger regret I had was not reading my ARC of My Oxford Year for so long because that book was stupendous. When I got my hands on Thank You for Reading, you can bet I did not delay, and once again, Whelan has written a story that checked every box for me.

The entire story was enjoyable, from beginning to end. It was funny and witty and tugged at my heartstrings. It featured friendship, family, overcoming huge setbacks, and romance too. What a fantastic mix of elements, and what a treat that it was set in and about the audiobook industry.

Whelan really opened a window into the world of audiobooks for me, and I was completely fascination by it all. From the preparations to the recording process, it was interesting. I was very impressed by how Whelan was able to pull me into it all without losing me in the specifics.

This story had equal parts heavy and light, and the author did a beautiful job balancing the two. I went from grinning and laughing to drying my tears, and the ebb and flow of these emotions were perfectly paced and placed. I was also very happy to be part of Sewanee’s personal journey. I am trash for stories of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and Sewanee made so much progress on both these fronts. I was thrilled for her and moved by everything she accomplished during this book.

Overall: Thank You for Listening hit all the right notes for me and was an utter delight. Whelan deftly wove my favorite elements together to produce a deeply touching and meaningful story that brought me laughter, tears, and lots of joy.

(ARC from NetGalley) That was like a warm hug tbh. Without spoiling it or being repetitive (as you can also read the synopsis) this story is about Swan finding her way back to herself. After her accident, she’s given up acting for audiobook narrating and is very adamant about not touching Romance because HEA’s are bullsh*t, BUT she gets an offer she can’t refuse. I fell in love with Swans anger, messy family, insecurities and passion. I wanted to reach through the page and throttle her but then also cry with her because life isn’t fair. Also, Nick was hot.
Please pick this up.

This was such a sweet, fun story. I really liked both of our main characters and seeing them overcome their own insecurities. As an audiobook lover (and a Julia Whelan audiobook lover) it was also so much fun to hear about the behind-the-scenes of the audiobook world. It was interesting to hear the MC's take on romance as well, since I think a lot of people do turn their nose up at romance, unfortunately.

There were also some great side characters. I love all of Swanee's different relationships- from the strained relationship with her dad, to the sweet relationship with her grandmother, and the fun, loving relationship with her mom and stepdad. Her friend Adaku was a really great side character, as well.

Given all of these great side plots and side characters, I didn't necessarily feel that this book was as romance heavy as I was thinking it would be. It definitely felt like, especially in the first half, the book was mostly just about Swanee and her life- which was totally fine, just not as heavy in the romance as I thought. We definitely got more in the second half, but I would even call this more women's fiction than romance, personally.

The author is a favorite audio narrator herself? Check.
Contemporary romance? Check.
A tongue-in-cheek look at the romance genre? Check.
Learning to live after a life-altering event? Check.

I found this to be a delightful story that lets the reader peek into the behind-the-scenes of both the romance genre and the audio book industry. Early on we learn Sewanee experienced some kind of accident that altered the trajectory of her career and her life. She has become a successful narrator who has left the romance category but circumstances pull her back for one last book.

There are family issues, relationship complications, and, of-course, the rock-steady best friend. It is a fun read with a requisite HEA.

I was thrilled to read the ARC of Thank You for Listening thanks to NetGalley.

I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but I really enjoyed learning about the process in this book. Told through a modern epistolary format with third person supplemental narrative following Sewanee and emails/texts with infamous romance narrator Brock, this story follows an actress who has chosen a different career path after suffering a debilitating accident that threw her dreams into turmoil. To add to the chaos, she is butting heads with her father over her grandmother’s care due to dementia.

The banter with Brock lightened the load of issues that Sewanee was dealing with and I laughed and I cried. Sewanee also has a fabulous best friend in actress Adaku whose career is currently on fire making Sewanee both proud and jealous, and a mother who she can confide in although Marilyn is out finding her own life traveling the world with a new love. From Vegas to the sound booth to Venice, I enjoyed every moment of Sewanee’s journey to accepting who she is and figuring out what she wants to do next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the free copy provided for an honest review.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING by Julia Whelan is smart, romantic, nuanced, a marvelous and totally immersive escape. In this novel, Whelan shares Sewanee Chester's story. Wounded, but not thoroughly broken, Sewanee navigates personal and professional challenges, complete with beloved grandmother, aggravating father, best friend living the life that Sewanee might have had while Sewanne narrates audiobooks for a living. One unforgettable night in Las Vegas starts a rapidly escalating series of domino tumbles that ultimately end happily for the characters as well as this incredibly satisfied reader. Fantastic novel by a profoundly talented writer who had me laughing, gasping, and teary-eyed through believable and heart-stopping moments. I received an early copy of this novel and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.