The Improbable Meet-Cute
Six Short Rom-Coms to Warm Your Heart
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About this listen
What makes love stick? Is it the irresistible spark when you lock eyes across a piazza in Rome? Is it feeling the earth move under your feet? (Wait—that was an actual earthquake.) In these six serendipitous short stories, bestselling authors turn improbable first encounters into hopelessly romantic happy ever afters.
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
They’re falling in love, yet they’ve never met. Maybe fate can intervene in a heartwarming “what-if” short story about new beginnings by the New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly.
Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
For a hopeful and hopeless romantic, it’s love at first sight—with a little twist—in a hilarious short story about finding Mr. Right by the USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game.
Drop, Cover, and Hold on by Jasmine Guillory
It takes nothing less than a fateful natural disaster to throw two opposites together in a ground-shakingly charming short story by the New York Times bestselling author of Drunk on Love.
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
Every person she kisses finds their true love, and it’s never her—until now, in this funny and magically romantic short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
Valentine’s Day becomes a Roman holiday for a princess in disguise in a dizzyingly romantic short story about making wishes come true by the USA Today bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.
©2024 The Exception to the Rule © 2024 by Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. Worst Wingman Ever © 2024 by Abby Jimenez. Rosie and the Dreamboat © 2024 by Sally Thorne. Drop, Cover, and Hold On © 2024 by Jasmine Guillory. With Any Luck © 2024 by Ashley Poston. Royal Valentine © 2024 by Sariah Wilson. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.You may also enjoy...
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The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances
- Love Strikes Twice
- Written by: Christina Lauren, Hannah Bonam-Young, Julie Soto, and others
- Narrated by: Dominique Salvacion, Andrew Gibson, Victoria Connolly, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4
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Performance4
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Story4
Fate works in mysterious ways—and this Valentine’s Day, it’s feeling particularly mischievous. From accidental Zoom crashes to graveyard resurrections, six beloved romance authors bring you a collection of increasingly steamy second chances.
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Some stories better than others
- By Meg on 2026-02-22
Written by: Christina Lauren, and others
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Rootbound
- Written by: Tarah DeWitt
- Narrated by: Nelson Hobbs, Stephanie Bentley
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall0
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Performance0
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Story0
Despite her divorce, the absence of a pet, not having any genuine connections with other humans (apart from her sister Ava), and the fact that the remainder of her family is estranged from her life, Tait Logan is happy . . . Happy-adjacent, at least. She's rebuilt herself through her photography; her dream career, the one thing she does still have. So, when that career contracts her to do an assignment on her estranged family's home, Logan Range—a now famous ranch functioning as the setting for a popular show—she's left with no choice but to agree.
Written by: Tarah DeWitt
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Worst Wingman Ever
- The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection
- Written by: Abby Jimenez
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall24
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Performance20
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Story20
Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?
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Serendipity Romance
- By A L. on 2026-02-21
Written by: Abby Jimenez
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Under the Mistletoe
- Spice Up the Holidays with Five Short Stories (Under the Mistletoe Collection)
- Written by: Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, and others
- Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue, Summer Morton, Connor Crais, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall10
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Performance8
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Story8
Curl up by the fire with some of today’s hottest authors as they serve up enough holiday sweetness and sizzling spice to melt the frostiest heart. As the temperature drops, friends and neighbors might need to turn up the heat, and even old enemies just might get a second chance. Get ready to tingle all the way ...
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Terrible
- By Leah on 2024-12-24
Written by: Ali Hazelwood, and others
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If the Shoe Fits
- A Meant to Be Novel
- Written by: Julie Murphy
- Narrated by: Jen Ponton
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall24
-
Performance22
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Story22
With a shiny new design degree but no job in sight, Cindy moves back in with her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, the executive producer of the world’s biggest dating reality show. When a contestant on Before Midnight bows out at the last minute, Cindy is thrust into the spotlight. Showcasing her killer shoe collection on network TV seems like a great way to jump-start her career. And, while she’s at it, why not go on a few lavish dates with an eligible suitor?
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Cheesy but pretty good
- By Sarah M on 2022-07-16
Written by: Julie Murphy
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The Fall Risk
- A Short Story
- Written by: Abby Jimenez
- Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Connor Crais
- Length: 1 hr and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall49
-
Performance44
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Story44
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much.
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Twists & Turns
- By A L. on 2026-03-07
Written by: Abby Jimenez
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The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances
- Love Strikes Twice
- Written by: Christina Lauren, Hannah Bonam-Young, Julie Soto, and others
- Narrated by: Dominique Salvacion, Andrew Gibson, Victoria Connolly, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4
-
Performance4
-
Story4
Fate works in mysterious ways—and this Valentine’s Day, it’s feeling particularly mischievous. From accidental Zoom crashes to graveyard resurrections, six beloved romance authors bring you a collection of increasingly steamy second chances.
-
-
Some stories better than others
- By Meg on 2026-02-22
Written by: Christina Lauren, and others
-
Rootbound
- Written by: Tarah DeWitt
- Narrated by: Nelson Hobbs, Stephanie Bentley
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall0
-
Performance0
-
Story0
Despite her divorce, the absence of a pet, not having any genuine connections with other humans (apart from her sister Ava), and the fact that the remainder of her family is estranged from her life, Tait Logan is happy . . . Happy-adjacent, at least. She's rebuilt herself through her photography; her dream career, the one thing she does still have. So, when that career contracts her to do an assignment on her estranged family's home, Logan Range—a now famous ranch functioning as the setting for a popular show—she's left with no choice but to agree.
Written by: Tarah DeWitt
-
Worst Wingman Ever
- The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection
- Written by: Abby Jimenez
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall24
-
Performance20
-
Story20
Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?
-
-
Serendipity Romance
- By A L. on 2026-02-21
Written by: Abby Jimenez
-
Under the Mistletoe
- Spice Up the Holidays with Five Short Stories (Under the Mistletoe Collection)
- Written by: Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, and others
- Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue, Summer Morton, Connor Crais, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall10
-
Performance8
-
Story8
Curl up by the fire with some of today’s hottest authors as they serve up enough holiday sweetness and sizzling spice to melt the frostiest heart. As the temperature drops, friends and neighbors might need to turn up the heat, and even old enemies just might get a second chance. Get ready to tingle all the way ...
-
-
Terrible
- By Leah on 2024-12-24
Written by: Ali Hazelwood, and others
-
If the Shoe Fits
- A Meant to Be Novel
- Written by: Julie Murphy
- Narrated by: Jen Ponton
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall24
-
Performance22
-
Story22
With a shiny new design degree but no job in sight, Cindy moves back in with her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, the executive producer of the world’s biggest dating reality show. When a contestant on Before Midnight bows out at the last minute, Cindy is thrust into the spotlight. Showcasing her killer shoe collection on network TV seems like a great way to jump-start her career. And, while she’s at it, why not go on a few lavish dates with an eligible suitor?
-
-
Cheesy but pretty good
- By Sarah M on 2022-07-16
Written by: Julie Murphy
-
The Fall Risk
- A Short Story
- Written by: Abby Jimenez
- Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Connor Crais
- Length: 1 hr and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall49
-
Performance44
-
Story44
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much.
-
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Twists & Turns
- By A L. on 2026-03-07
Written by: Abby Jimenez
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Scared Sexy
- Fall for Something Wicked
- Written by: Ali Hazelwood, Christina Lauren, J.T. Geissinger, and others
- Narrated by: Nina Yndis, Maxim Reston, Marli Watson, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall9
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Performance6
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Story6
From amnesiac vampire slayers to fallen angels, space vampires to cursed tattoo artists, sleep paralysis demons to ancient wish-granting entities—six stories prove that even monsters deserve a happily ever after. Treat yourself to a collection that's equal parts spooky and steamy.
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Three good, and two duds
- By Beverly Samuel on 2025-12-08
Written by: Ali Hazelwood, and others
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The Exception to the Rule
- The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection
- Written by: Christina Lauren
- Narrated by: Marli Watson, Andrew Gibson
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall15
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Performance15
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Story15
One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?
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4 star meet-cute romance novella
- By Theshelvesofduchessarya on 2025-06-18
Written by: Christina Lauren
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Home Sweet Holidays
- Home Is Where the Heart Is
- Written by: Laura Pavlov, Ali Rosen, Mia Sosa, and others
- Narrated by: Abigail Reno, Sean Masters, Barrie Kreinik, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall0
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Performance0
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Story0
Home is where the heart is this holiday season! Cozy up and unwrap the gift of romance with beloved bestselling authors. In these unforgettable short stories, second chances sparkle brighter than Christmas lights, and finding that special someone under the mistletoe feels like coming home at last.
Written by: Laura Pavlov, and others
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American Royalty
- A Novel
- Written by: Tracey Livesay
- Narrated by: Antony Ferguson, Wesleigh Siobhan
- Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall6
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Performance6
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Story6
In this dangerously sexy rom-com that evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, a prince who wants to live out of the spotlight falls for a daring American rapper who turns his life, and the palace, upside down. Sexy, driven rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson...
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One of my faves!!!
- By Anonymous on 2022-10-05
Written by: Tracey Livesay
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Double Pucked
- Written by: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor, JF Harding, Robert Hatchet
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall34
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Performance32
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Story32
When I discover my boyfriend is cheating on me, I move out right away taking what I love most–my dog. As I fly out the door, I make sure to swipe the thing my ex loves best–the VIP tickets he won to a hockey game, complete with the chance to spend an evening with the city’s two biggest NHL stars. I can’t wait to snap selfies with my ex’s idols and rub it in his face.
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Could not stop listening!
- By John on 2023-07-09
Written by: Lauren Blakely
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Merry Little Kissmas
- Written by: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin, Connor Crais, Carlotta Brentan, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5
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Performance5
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Story5
As a professional matchmaker, my biggest job this holiday season should be simple: find a date for the sexy single dad hockey player—aka my brother’s best friend—for his team’s fancy Christmas Eve gala. Sure Rowan’s hot as a crackling fire and spicier than a gingerbread man, but he hasn’t just sworn off romance. The Christmas hater has made a bet that I can’t find him a holidate.
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Sweet Christmas story
- By Anonymous on 2025-12-28
Written by: Lauren Blakely
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Kilt Trip
- Written by: Alexandra Kiley
- Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson, Angus King
- Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall3
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Performance3
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Story3
"Deeply romantic and breathtaking...readers will be swooning and flocking to Scotland long after they’ve turned the last page." —Livy Hart, author of Planes, Trains, and All the Feels Ready or Scot... Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet...
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Absolute must listen !
- By Julie Lemky on 2024-08-09
Written by: Alexandra Kiley
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True North: The First Three Volumes
- Written by: Sarina Bowen
- Narrated by: Tad Branson, Saskia Maarleveld, JF Harding, and others
- Length: 28 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4
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Performance2
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Story2
"Welcome to Vermont! The first three full-length novels in Sarina Bowen's bestselling True North series are yours to enjoy. The set includes: Bittersweet, Steadfast and Keepsake. You'll meet a grumpy orchardist who makes award winning hard cider, an ex-con ready for redemption and a tempting still-waters-run-deep sort of guy who was raised in a cult. And remember: farmers like to get dirty. Come for the hot lumbersexuals. Stay for the food, family and friends!
Written by: Sarina Bowen
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Wait with Me
- Written by: Amy Daws
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Erin Mallon
- Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall94
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Performance91
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Story91
When romance novelist Kate Smith suddenly gets writer's block as she's beginning the final installment of her international bestselling erotic Bed 'n Breakfast series, she'll do pretty much anything to get her groove back. Like sneak into a Tire Depot waiting room because her words flow there just like complimentary coffee-smooth, sweet, and scorchingly hot.
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You can write what you don’t know
- By Nikki C on 2021-12-28
Written by: Amy Daws
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Bridesmaid for Hire
- Written by: Meghan Quinn
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Jason Clarke
- Length: 13 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall65
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Performance51
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Story51
After years of working her tail off at her event-planning business, Maggie Mitchell is ready for a vacation. With nothing on her mind but R & R, she’s enjoying the warm weather of Bora Bora when in saunters Brody McFadden, her brother’s best friend and also her sworn enemy. Thanks to years of tension between the two—kicked off by a make-out session at her brother’s wedding that ended horribly—Maggie has sworn to stay away from the man. That is, until she finds out he’s in Bora Bora for his boss’s daughter’s wedding, hoping to use the trip to win a real future at the company.
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Great
- By Asim on 2024-10-08
Written by: Meghan Quinn
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Rosie and the Dreamboat
- The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection
- Written by: Sally Thorne
- Narrated by: Bailey Carr
- Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall2
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Performance1
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Story1
Rosie Whittaker and her sister are up for some Galentine’s pampering at a day spa. Getting locked inside a flotation tank is so Rosie. Enter a firefighter hero determined to pry this luckless pearl out of her high-tech shell. All Rosie has to go on is a dreamy voice and a flirty sense of humor. Remain calm, Rosie. This could be what you’ve been waiting for. Is this the man she’s waited for her whole life?
Written by: Sally Thorne
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The Layover
- Written by: Lacie Waldon
- Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall43
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Performance35
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Story36
The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this breezy debut romantic comedy about life--and love--30,000 feet above the ground. After ten years as a flight attendant, Ava Greene is poised to hang up her wings and finally put down roots. She's got one trip left before she bids her old life...
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Amazing
- By KayA on 2022-09-14
Written by: Lacie Waldon
What the critics say
“These six funny, tender, and romantic stories, full of promising beginnings and well-developed characters, are performed by eight talented narrators. Christina Lauren's meet-cute is a strong start to the collection.… Marli Watson and Andrew Gibson perform the emails in a nuanced way, realistically portraying excitement, drunkenness, and worry. Fans of Abby Jimenez will enjoy Zachary Webber's return narrating her work. Bailey Carr's performance of Sally Thorne's story is a standout and includes muffled voices heard from inside a sensory-deprivation tank and the calming voice of a wellness center employee.”—AudioFile Magazine
The Exception to the Rule
- very good story, very good performers, I enjoyed it
Worst Wingman Ever
- excellent story, excellent performers, deserves a stand-alone book
Rosie and the Dreamboat
-good, the performer was fine, though it may be a bit corny
Drop, Cover, and Hold
- not a meet-cute, the character already know each other
-no good, I cut it off; performer was not very good and it has a negative tone/energy
With Any Luck
-not a meet-cute, the chatacters have already been together...
-not very good, I cut it off; I can't stand stupid characters that put themselves in ridiculous situations that the book is then completely based on solving
Royal Valentine
-wasnt for me, I cut it off; the accent of the main character was not very good, and I wasn't a fan of tbr premise
Mixed bag
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Warm feels
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This collection is an absolute delight!
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Lots packed into a short story.
Great collection of novellas
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Romantic Shortstories
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