Narrators Raymond J. Lee and Joy Osmanski dazzle with their performances of two teens who sell competing K-beauty products at their high school. Osmanski portrays Valerie Kwon with a sharp tone, channeling her intelligence and laser focus to succeed. Her narration shines in her ability to capture Valerie's humanity and faults. Lee, on the other hand, gives Wes Jung a laid-back tone that reflects his less competitive, endearing nature. Lee's narration is especially compelling when he expresses Wes's desire for acceptance by his family. The alternating first-person narration moves the story along briskly. Scenes featuring both Valerie and Wes together are splendid as the tension mounts and sparks fly. Both narrators render convincing teenage emotions and cultural authenticity, adding richness and depth to this listening experience.
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: May 18, 2021
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781797132365
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills.
Two women are caught up in a thrilling magical duel in this YA audiobook. Tamsin, voiced by Jo Yuan, is pressured by her famous magician father to follow in his career. Yuan narrates with assertive bluster, emphasizing Tamsin’s desire to escape from beneath her father’s thumb no matter what it takes. Sam, voiced by Mirai, wants revenge on Tamsin’s father, even if it means sending her infamous champion into the dueling ring to destroy his only daughter. Mirai narrates with meticulous care, perfectly conveying Sam’s scheming nature. But Tamsin doesn’t know Sam’s true goals, and as the two connect, they can’t help finding comfort in each other.
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279890
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Listeners will experience laughter, hope, and worry alongside Emma as she forges her path.
While attending a Tanabata festival with her stern but loving grandfather, Seattle teen Emma, a gifted violinist, wishes for proof that long-lasting love is real. Soon, Emma starts receiving notes claiming to be from her future true love, voiced by Gary Tiedeman. Could the messages be from boy-next-door Theo, musician Ezra, or wealthy Colin? Sarah Skaer’s voice for Emma is high-pitched and rushed when Emma is feeling nervous or excited and soft in romantic moments. Although she’s passionate about music, Emma’s reluctance to apply to music school due to financial constraints puts her at odds with her mother.
Listeners will experience laughter, hope, and worry alongside Emma as she forges her path. (Romance. 12-18)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668156599
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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