Any listener familiar with holiday rom-coms will know that when 16-year-old Shira Barbanel and her nemesis, Tyler Nelson, are snowed in together on the first night of Hanukkah, they're destined for romance. A deal the two strike for Tyler to give Shira flirting lessons to help her attract her great-uncle's assistant provides further opportunities for them to spend time together. Emily Lawrence capably presents Shira's internal debates about her feelings, while also revealing that the less emotional Tyler has his own anxieties. The pair's evolving relationship plays out amid their families' Hanukkah and Christmas traditions in scenes that allow listeners to share in the warmth and hilarity of holiday gatherings large and small.
(Romance. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593630648
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A young adult holiday story is told through the perspectives of Dominique, portrayed by Eric Lockley, and Andy, portrayed by Khaya Fraites. On New Year's Day, Andy wakes up in a bathtub and then discovers her car is missing. The only person who can help her find it is Iris, whose family is responsible for the closing of Andy's family's store. While Andy and Iris search for the car, Andy's cousin, Dominique, prepares for a modeling gig that could change his whole life. This novel explores themes of gentrification, queer identity, and friendship. Fraites' expressive narration matches Andy's bright personality, and Lockley captures Dominique's youthful spirit. The audiobook features podcast segments with unique sound effects and pleasant music between segments.
(Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250415141
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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