Gigi loves books, especially the kind that have any kind of romance in them. She runs a bookshop that only sells romance books.

She also has a huge crush on a guy she never met.
When she listened to an audiobook of a story that helped their parents get together, she fell in love with the guy reading it, just based on his voice.

Her friends buy her a ticket to England, on a tour bus, run by the guy she is crushing on. She believes that every great love has a great story of how they came together and she believes this is the start of hers. But when she arrives, she is very disappointed, the guy is not there due to some family emergency and is left to go on a tour bus with a bunch of strangers. It's hard to escape disappointment, but after a little while she makes friends with people on the bus. Especially with the driver. They have a special connection, but she is set on how her story should go.

Then the guy arrives finally, and slowly the romance she built in her mind crumbles. He is nothing like she imagined. But, just maybe she can see past the fantasy and notice what and who is really there for her.

It's such an awesome story, I had so much fun reading the book. So many different characters on the bus, each with their own quirk really made the story pop. And then there is Gigi, who goes through huge character development, learning to live, not just reading about living.

I adore the book! Highly recommend it!!!

got it on Netgalley, all thoughts are my own

2.5 stars- Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC! I genuinely think this is one of the most heterosexual things I've ever read, but that made it funny, so I mildly enjoyed it.
This isn't exactly up my alley, and so I didn't love it, but I do think it's a very cute book. It has a lot of cute tropes, I just didn't enjoy the characters that much. However, I think the beginning was very weird. I just can't fathom having a parasocial relationship with a person who's read one audiobook. I know the whole thing with her parents or whatever, but I just still don't get it. I need to listen to more audiobooks I guess. It makes sense that she ends up with Taj, and Zane turns out to be horrible, but I think it was still just not something I personally would have ever thought to write.
One thing I actually did like a lot was the relationships between the people on the bus, and I think that it was a very cute group of characters.
Overall, not my thing, but if you like very straight romcoms, this is for you!

This absolutely was as described "a touching and witty novel with emotional depth". I went in without much expectation, but came out feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and absolutely in love with Gigi and her love of love <3. It's the first book I've read by Chantel Guertin, and I'll certainly be back for more!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole aesthetic of this story and everything about Gigi and her life (her bookstore, her obsession with romance and meet-cutes, her travelling adventures) is everything I've always dreamed about! It's just all so magical.

I loved the main characters and how their contrasting personalities eventually grow to appreciate and respect each other, as well as the delightfully slow burning romance! Taj is once again a brooding somewhat grouchy love interest (which really seems to be the trend lately!) but his instant fascination with Gigi is undeniable. I also absolutely ate up the entire 'travel' aspect of this story and lost myself in the beautiful UK adventure (especially as it's one place in the world I have yet to personally visit!)

There was very little to fault in this magical story, and to be honest the only thing I didn't love about it was 'Zane' - and I feel as if the story wouldn't have even missed much without him. Also just a minor note in some editing there was a part in which a Jane Austen book was mentioned, and a little later it was another book title in reference to the same thing.

All in all a super cute and engaging Rom-Com which made me feel all the right feels and left me with reeling in that fairytale feeling. I can't wait to read more :)

Final rating 4.5 / 5 stars

This book is absolutely delightful from start to finish. This book was originally released to NetGalley as a first chapter excerpt, which I hadn't realized. I started the book on vacation last year and was immediately sucked in, only to find out I couldn't read the book because it was only a sample! NOOOO!!!!
I have continued to think of this book ever since and was so happy to see that the full ARC was uploaded. Luckily, the full story didn't let me down.
Gigi owns a romance bookshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her parents died tragically in an accident, leaving a huge hole in Gigi's life. Her parents had a magical meet cute and Gigi dreams of one day having the same experience herself.
She becomes obsessed with an audiobook narrator with a sexy voice. She researches him and learns that he's an English tour guide. On her 30th birthday, Gigi's best friends pool their resources and book her a trip on one of his coach tours. Is her magical meet cute finally going to happen?
The characters on the tour are fun and interesting. The stops on their trip are a lovely literary tour through some highlights of England. The romance is fun and fresh.
This was a pleasant read that just made me happy. Exactly what I needed after a bit of a reading slump.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc!

This book shows life is all about living and not just dreaming about it.
I absolutely loved this book. From the gushy and sweet love to the friendships formed along the way. Every single character was rich and felt three dimensional. All their lives intertwined in such a unique way. I was deeply moved by their interpersonal relationships.
The love story was well developed and executed in an amazing way. I’m very glad I got to read this book.
Definitely keep an eye out for its release!

This was a very fun read! At its face, this book is a cute "meet cute" with a somewhat ridiculous premise. However, the book had more depth and discussion around complex issues than I anticipated, which was a pleasant surprise. I truly believed and was invested in each character's journey and was begging for more by the end.

Originally, and at face value, I felt that I would struggle to connect with Gigi. However, she quickly became a complex character with incredible depth and growth, and I came to love her dearly.

My one critique of this book is that it would benefit from another round of editing. I will not include this comment in my social media discussion of this book, but I found these mistakes to be distracting. For example, there is a comment about how bright the new moon is in the sky when a new moon means there is no moon. However, I am excited to read this book again upon publication!

A sweet and quirky read. Gigi trying to live after losing both of her parents has one thing to cling to, the voice of a gentleman on podcast that she's fell in love with. She takes a trip in hopes of finding happiness and escaping the heart ache but ends up finding true love. A cute read that you won't be able to put down.

An impulsive trip to England will lead Gigi to face what she ever wanted - meeting Zane - an audiobook narrator she's been in love for a while.
But sometimes there is a lot of unexpected circumstances that can change the whole plan.
And now Gigi will find what she always been waiting for.
.
Sweet, fresh, flirthy.
For hopless and hopeful romantics.
A journey to finding yourself and why not maybe the love of your life .
.
Special thanks to publisher, author and Netgally for sending me this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.

Gigi runs a quaint romance themed bookshop in Ann Arbor, having taken it over years before after her parents sudden deaths. She's happy enough, but she's also fallen in love with an audiobook narrator - which she knows is a bit odd. Zane, the narrator, runs a family tour company in England. Imagine Gigi's surprise, when her book club girlfriends gift her a trip on his tour for her birthday. What is there to do but go and hopefully meet the man of her dreams? But then, he isn't there; and Taj is. And Gigi cannot help but be attracted to him, even while she waits anxiously for Zane to arrive. Who is it going to be?

Initially, a very ridiculous premise: who falls in love with an audiobook narrator and goes half a world away to meet him? But it did get better and I truly enjoyed the supporting characters who went on the tour with Gigi. Overall, a fun meet cute.

Gigi is in a serious rut. Her parents have died, she's running their bookstore and the only sign of romance for her is the audiobook narrator's voice she's fallen in love with. When her friends gift her a trip to England to meet this narrator she has dreams of their meet-cute and subsequent happy ending. I loved this sweet and quirky story for its characters and predictability.

Gigi Listening is a fabulous travelogue through England with wonderful character connections and romance too Sign me up for a coach tour through England with quirky personalities and a handsome bus driver.. The excellent depth of character development, fantastic and detailed descriptions of all the stops all along the trip, twists and turns in the plot line just keep the reader wanting more. Love love love this book.

A romance bookstore owner has fallen in love with the audiobook actor from her favorite book. She’s sure he’s The One. When friends gift her a tour in England with him as the guide she’s sure this will be her happily ever after. Only he’s days late so she begins to bond with the others on the tour, including the grumpy bus driver. Oh, when will her audiobook guide catch up to the tour?

First, I can relate to her. I have a crush on my favorite audiobook actor. After listening to him for 10-15 hours each through numerous books I feel like I know him, like he speaks (haha) to me, like we have a relationship. Pretty creepy, huh? But not in a stalker-ish way. The fantasy of him is the point, just like with any romance hero.

This is a story of expectations, life discoveries, going where the world takes and listening to what the world is telling you rather than making the world fit your expectations. The characters are all quirky and appealing and bring GiGi and themselves insight. It is ostensibly about GiGi listening to an audiobook that equals her HEA. But it is really about her listening to herself and to each of the characters to reorient her. It is beautiful to be brought along on this journey.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC in exchange fro my honest review.

I received a free copy of,Gigi, Listening, by Chantel Guertin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Gigi decides to take a trip of a lifetime, 10 days in Britain, she wants to meet Zane, the man behind the voice. This was a nice book about living life, not just reading about it.

I've had a good stroke of luck reading this author and her books, so when I saw this one on NetGalley, I jumped at a chance to read it. I didn't even read the description because I knew it would be a romcom of sorts. I was okay with that.
This book lived up to everything I could hope for and more!
At first, I was annoyed by Gigi. She seemed desperate and obsessive. Not a likable character at all. The Taj happened. This woman became interesting. The story became interesting. Oh boy how I wanted Taj and Gigi to get together and make babies.
Still at the end of the book I am hoping for the same thing....
Great story.
All of you romance lovers, or fans of Chantel Guertin's are gonna love this one! With a capitol L.

An impulsive trip across the pond becomes a life-changing journey for our heroine, Georgia "Gigi" Rutherford. In this delightfully witty story, Guertin explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Two for the Road is a reminder that life’s most cherished and memorable moments can be found in the most unexpected of places—even when it seems like everything has gone wrong—and how sometimes, the journey to yourself is where you’ll find everything you’ve been searching for.

There is incredible emotional depth to the both the story and the characters. Geurtin has an impeccable ear for dialogue made apparent by both the cheeky banter and touching conversations. Simply charming—like a pot of tea and a scone—and laugh out loud funny, Two for the Road is perfect for romance readers and armchair travellers.

**please note due to low rating I will not be leaving a public review for this book as I have not paid for it.**

When Gigi pulled her book out in the bar that was so relatable because I myself have done that, but unfortunately that's where it stopped for me. This book didn't give me the RomCom feels I was looking for and I found Gigi to be unlikeable and patronising for most of the book.

Agh, this book makes me miss London! I love a travel romance and this one was exceptional! I cannot wait to read more from Chantel. I love a romance reader heroine and found Gigi so charming.

📖Review: Gigi, Listening by Chantel Guertin

Gigi, Listening is a delectable travel romance that will drive away the winter blues one sun-soaked British destination at a time!

Gigi loves love stories. So much so that she owns a romance-only bookstore. For her thirtieth birthday, Gigi’s friends get her a tour of Britain where the tour guide is Zane, her favourite audiobook narrator of the book that brought her parents together. However, Zane isn’t there at first, but Taj is, and heartwarming hilarity ensues.

You’ll love it if you like:
📚Books about book lovers
❤️Romance (with adorable banter)
🏘️Community building
⭐️Quirky characters
📖Books like Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, or Last Chance Library.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful novel. It had all of the fabulously heartwarming characteristics of romance as well as community building. The quirky cast of characters is going to be one I turn to again and again. There’s also so many amazing references to literature that any book lover will be able to relate to Gigi’s voracious reading and the connections to her favourite novels in England.

Gigi, Listening comes out on March 28, and will be the perfect remedy for any lingering winter blues.

Thank you to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

🏷
#gigilistening #kensingtonbooks #netgalley

A cute non-spicy rom-com for all the neurotic gals out there!

A SHORT PREVIEW:
Take the girl out of her An Arbor romance book shop, but you can't quite take the romance book shop out of her. We follow the story of GiGi, who is gifted a fun trip across Britain by her friends for her 30th birthday...with a twist. The scheduled tour is guided by none other than the audiobook narrator whom she's been obsessed with for years. Once she meets the lauded Zane... will it be the perfect meet-cute like she's read about in her romance novels for years?

THINGS I LIKED:
- As far as romances go, the entire time I kept wondering when the main character was going to understand that perceived attractions that you try to force aren't the same as real attractions that happen naturally. Thankfully she realized that in the end, or I would have had to throw my phone.
- The setting descriptions were one of my favorite parts of this book. If you've ever wanted to travel to England, this is a cute little read if you're inclined to listen to audiobooks on the plane!
- The author did a good job making the character feel more mature in the way she looks at dating since she's thirty - she's clearly well aware of the pitfalls of hookup culture and internet dating.
- I saw the story shaping up around 30% of the book, and I'm not mad about it. There are no annoying third-act breakups, and I really appreciate when authors don't add excessive drama for the sake of the drama.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Overall, for a quick-read romance, this was really cute, but there were definitely parts that dragged in the middle.
- I have a hard time relating to spastic/neurotic characters. Especially when their neuroses are the centerfold of the story? Not to mention that the main part of the plot was a lil' stalkery... until I realized that it's very similar to the beginning of The Lucky One? The Nicholas Sparks book made into a movie with Zac Efron?
- (This needed its own point because it was traumatizing to read about lol) THE MAIN CHARACTER CONSTANTLY GOES TO BED WITH HER MAKEUP ON... and then puts makeup on top of it to cover that mess up the next morning?! I CANNOT. I am not that woman. My face is always washed and moisturized, and I sunscreen the next morning before makeup!! The number of times I visibly cringed whilst listening to those parts was not okay. 😩

NOTES:
- Setting: All over Britain (it's a road trip)
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Single POV
- Contemporary romance / non-smutty

Can you really fall in love with someone from the sound of their voice? I am not so sure, but Gigi was determined to meet the man behind the dreamy and seductive voice of a book that is very special to her. Romance books are Gigi’s life and she was cautiously hoping for her own happily ever after. Would she find it across the pond on her bus tour of the oldest churches in England? Gigi’s bus mates were a cast of characters guaranteed to entertain her, listen, and offer advice as they joined her on her journey to happiness. But what happens when she finds herself with two men who are vying for her attention? Would the man of her dreams turn out to be not so dreamy after all? What part would her new friends play in her decision and what would they ultimately teach her about life and love? I wanted to join Gigi on her romantic adventure so I could take in the scenery, visit quaint bookstores and watch her fall in love. I may never get a chance to travel but Ms. Guertin’s sweet story invited me into Gigi’s life and I definitely enjoyed my time at her side.