Dual narration makes clear the initial friction and then the growing attraction between two African-American teens. Joniece Abbott-Pratt portrays Danielle Ford, a blocked writer and booklover who dreams of college in New York. Abbott-Pratt helps listeners experience Dani’s sassiness, perseverance, and continued feelings of trauma from a past sexual assault. In alternating chapters, JaQwan Kelly captures the genuine and generous nature of Prince Jones, who is far more than what he appears to be—the local celebrity DJ who dispenses love advice. Kelly allows listeners to hear Prince’s conflicted heart as he struggles with caring for his mother and younger brother and fulfilling his own desire for Dani and his future. Because of their excellent portrayals, listeners grasp the truths, needs, and caring that lie below the playful flirting of both characters. S.W. 2023 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
(Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: May 31, 2022
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797139463
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by.
Sylvie Castellano goes on an unexpected adventure with a vintage gold watch and Penn, the ghost who comes along with it. Barbara Castano’s narration expresses 18-year-old Sylvie’s loneliness. She’s recovering from a concussion, and while her family members' lives continue without her, Sylvie wishes for a more fulfilled life; she wants to have fun as well as take on new responsibilities. Alongside Penn, Sylvie embarks on a series of summer activities, which Castano describes beautifully. But Castano's optimistic tones turn grave as the story unfolds.
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by. (Speculative romance. 14-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619481
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.
Narrators Jesse Vilinsky and Zac Chastain give heartwarming performances in this teen small-town baseball romance. Eliza Crowley has always loved two things in life: baseball and light design for the theater. Wanting to be seen more as the town's rich girl, Eliza plans to spend her summer focusing on a community theater production—until Reed Fulton, a pitcher for a rival baseball team, returns to town. Vilinsky’s energetic tone and nuanced pacing embody Eliza’s strength and love for her family and for theater. Reed is also dedicated to his family, and to baseball, and Chastain’s rich, warm timbre reflects his devotion.
Together, Vilinsky and Chastain’s performances create a forbidden and magnetic chemistry.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 20 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280810
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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