Narrators Keylor Leigh and Malik Rashad work together beautifully to deliver this heartwarming slow-burn romance. Black 20-something Lily, a publishing assistant portrayed by Leigh in bright, sympathetic tones, emails her favorite fantasy author, NR Strickland ("Strick"). Their email correspondence and blossoming friendship/romance are wonderfully voiced by both narrators. Rashad splendidly expresses the undertone of family trauma that underlies the friendly persona of Strick, whose real name is Nick. After failing to show up for their first video chat, Nick ghosts Lily, and all seems lost. But his accidental move into Lily's apartment building sets events in motion, and listeners will cheer for them to have their happily ever after. Both narrators also create vibrant characterizations of Lily's and Nick's mostly charming family, friends, and co-workers.
Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2023
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593675618
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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