About the Book:
From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells 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.
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.
My Review:
Julia Whelan is a revelation! I mean, she was my favorite audiobook narrator before this, but male voices, female voices, Irish, Italian, Boston, New York and Southern accents, is there nothing this woman can’t do?! This book perfectly showcases her many talents.
If you are a romance lover, read this, if you are an audiobook fanatic, read this for the behind the scenes look into an audiobook narrator’s job. Julia Whelan discusses it all, the Facebook fan groups, pseudonyms, the romance community, no stone is left unturned. And she does it all with intelligence, wit, and most of all, a healthy dose of SWOON.
Readers want to know if Sewanee’s life parallels Julia’s but the author dispenses with that in the Author’s Note. Sewanee became disillusioned with Hollywood and turned her acting talents to audiobook narration. She is hugely popular and very successful, and is very reticent to return to her romance audiobook roots when an opportunity presents itself. Sewanee has also become very disillusioned with the idea of romance in real life.
When she meets Nick, a devastatingly handsome stranger, in Vegas, she decides to throw caution to the wind for just one night, and, using a pseudonym, spends one amazing night with the Irishman.
He looked quickly at her dress then had the grace to look away. He muttered, almost to himself, “If I knew you better I s’pose I’d be ashamed.” After a moment, he dared to look at her. “But I don’t. And I’m not.”
I loved when Sewanee tried to explain to Nick the differences between the romance and women’s fiction genres. Their banter is absolutely priceless and when listened to in Julia Whelan’s low growl, completely swoony.
“I’m curious,” Nick said. “Do they talk to each other in these Romance novels of yours or just get straight down to business?” “Of course there’s talking. Talking is foreplay. The other stuff doesn’t work without the talking.” He smiled slowly. “You don’t say.”
There are wonderful and fully imagined secondary characters that each play an important role in the story. The epistolary format of one section is just perfection. And it’s funny! I am sure this book is just as enjoyable in book form but the audiobook was next level. One of my favorite books of the year!
“Cover up whatever you please for the world, but in intimacy? Hide nothing. In intimacy, everything is beautiful.”
(I received an advanced listening copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)