Narrator Kennedy Elsey shines in this hilarious contemporary fairy tale spiced with a droll romance. Nona was a famous, young musician until a witch cursed her and her family. The curse has turned Nona into an old woman and her family into talking animals. So they will remain until Nona finds true love. They all are living a secluded life in the mountains when, one day, a charming stranger named Charlie breaks his leg while hiking in the woods, and--finally--romance ensues. Elsey is well cast as narrator. Her lively tone adds extra layers of emotional depth to the bizarre characters and sweet romantic moments. Listeners will be entranced.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.
Mark Sanderlin narrates this cozy gay romance about two bros on a quest. Juniper loves his life with his strictly platonic best friend, Mo; their cat; and his skincare routine. But when both men land in jail, volunteering to find a dragon is a promising alternative to imprisonment. Sanderlin’s narration perfectly suits the tongue-in-cheek humor. His delivery emphasizes Juniper’s melodramatic personality, while Mo has a deeper voice and a more leisurely pace, befitting a thoughtful character. When Juniper and Mo banter, Sanderlin seamlessly switches between the two. And as both bros warm toward each other, the romantic tension is amplified. Sanderlin’s voice for dragon child Bear is especially adorable.
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338122
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: July 6, 2026
A charming fantasy that finds the magic in low-stakes romance and in the slow work of becoming who you’re meant to be.
Listeners will find themselves immediately at ease as Lottie Bourne narrates this whimsical, cozy romantasy with earthy warmth and quiet charm. She voices a wide cast of characters, from an anxious princess to a roguish pirate, with deft distinction. Bourne’s delivery gives even the sillier moments a satisfying weight. The story follows Princess Tanadelle, cursed to staff a small village bookshop until she uncovers her heart’s desire. While Tandy tackles the piles of books, she also fights off waves of princes determined to kiss the curse away and banters with the sneaky, charming pirate who wants to pillage her stock.
A charming fantasy that finds the magic in low-stakes romance and in the slow work of becoming who you’re meant to be.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282326
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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