Maddie Parker is driven and hardworking--she doesn't rely on luck or chance. When she buys a Lotto ticket on her 18th birthday, and wins, her life is instantly turned upside down. Laurence Bouvard is tasked with narrating Maddie's new reality as she struggles to figure out what she wants, whom she can trust, and what comes next. The difficulty Bouvard faces is that Maddie isn't always a likable protagonist. She's a bit of a pushover and can come across as whiny and insecure. In addition, as the only narrator, Bouvard is stronger at the adult characters and weaker at Maddie's friends and classmates, particularly as Seth, Maddie's love interest. The story will appeal to Kasie West's fans.
(Fiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship.
Michelle H. Lee has narrated several of Hur’s books, and here she proves her talents once again. Her narration easily moves between the dual perspectives of novel-loving commoner Haewon and writer Lord Yu Seojun in 1792 Korea, during the Joseon Dynasty, a time when fiction has been banned. Lee clearly identifies the many secondary characters while she portrays the oil-and-water meeting of the protagonists. Seojun dismisses Haewon because of her lower class, while Haewon detests his arrogance. Listeners may realize sooner than the protagonists do that they have already revealed their true hearts while exchanging secret letters. Haewon is “Magpie,” a committed fan of “Black Lotus,” Seojun’s alter ego.
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship. (Historical romance. 14-adult)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217345687
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 6, 2026
Mirai’s bright, youthful voice perfectly suits this coming-of-age story.
Narrator Mirai’s performance shows impressive nuance and range. After graduation, Finley feels secure with boyfriend Colin but resents spending a week apart while visiting her mother’s estranged family. Her distant, awkward relationship with Cat, her mom, emerges in halting arguments and uneasy pauses. At Aunt Liz’s diner, Finley meets new friends as her bond with Colin falters. She also meets cute and thoughtful Ben, a charmingly awkward guitarist. Learning why Cat left town—and why she’s back—pushes Finley toward resilience, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of both found and biological family. Mirai shifts from soft, dreamy confidence in Finley’s happiest moments to raucous sobs when bad news lands, vividly tracing the teen’s emotional arc.
Mirai’s bright, youthful voice perfectly suits this coming-of-age story. (Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668174463
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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