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  • Title: Confess
  • Author: Colleen Hoover
  • Narrator: Elizabeth Louise, Sebastian York
  • Length: 0.326388889
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 10-Mar
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
  • Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Women, Romance, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Women
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Dear listeners and lovers of heartfelt storytelling,

Listening to Colleen Hoover’s *Confess* as an audiobook felt like stepping into an intricately woven tapestry of love, loss, and secrets, where each thread pulls you deeper into the story. Narrated by Elizabeth Louise and Sebastian York, the audible experience brings Auburn Reed and Owen Gentry’s journey to life in ways that written text alone might not. It took me back to a time when stories weren’t just read—they were performed, much like the evenings I spent in Oaxaca listening to a grandmother narrate family histories with a voice that could paint entire worlds.

The story unfolds with Auburn Reed, a young woman carrying the weight of immense loss, and Owen Gentry, an artist whose work is as enigmatic as he is. Their meeting at Owen’s Dallas art studio is the spark that sets off a cascade of emotions, secrets, and choices that Hoover navigates with her characteristic emotional depth. What makes *Confess* particularly compelling is the way Hoover intertwines confessional art—a practice where real-life anonymous confessions inspire Owen’s paintings—into the narrative. It reminded me of the street art I encountered in São Paulo, where murals told stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience, giving voice to the unspoken. The confessions in this story, much like those murals, are raw, honest, and, at times, devastatingly beautiful.

Elizabeth Louise’s narration captures Auburn’s vulnerability and quiet strength with an authenticity that feels almost personal. Her voice has a softness, a tremble at just the right moments, echoing the hesitations and struggles of a woman trying to rebuild her life. Meanwhile, Sebastian York’s portrayal of Owen is equally mesmerizing. His deep, resonant tone carries a quiet intensity, perfectly embodying a man whose past threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. Together, their performances struck a balance that felt intimate, as though they were confiding these secrets directly to me. It reminded me of the time I drove through the Atacama Desert, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. There’s something about a well-narrated audiobook that makes you feel like you’re sharing a moment with the characters, much like I felt sharing that surreal landscape with García Márquez’s magical realism.

Thematically, *Confess* explores the boundaries of truth and deception in relationships, the weight of past choices, and the courage it takes to open up to love again. Hoover masterfully balances emotional intensity with moments of lightness, making the story feel authentic and grounding it in reality. The confessions scattered throughout the book—both in the plot and as artistic elements—serve as poignant reminders of our shared humanity. They’re messy, complicated, and undeniably real, much like the stories I’ve heard while traveling from one corner of the world to another.

Of course, no work is without its imperfections. While the dual narration enriches the audiobook experience, there were moments when the pacing of the story felt slightly uneven, particularly in the latter half. Some revelations, though impactful, felt rushed in their resolution, leaving me craving more depth. But even these minor flaws didn’t detract from the overall emotional resonance of the story.

Comparing *Confess* to other contemporary romances, I’d say it holds its own among the best. It shares the emotional weight and character-driven narrative style of Hoover’s *It Ends with Us* but offers a unique twist with its focus on artistic expression as a storytelling device. If you’re a fan of Nicholas Sparks or Jojo Moyes, you’ll likely find yourself equally captivated by Hoover’s work.

For potential listeners, I’d highly recommend *Confess* if you’re looking for a story that doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of human emotion. It’s perfect for a quiet evening with a cup of tea or a long drive where you can let the narrators’ voices carry you through the highs and lows of Auburn and Owen’s journey.

As the audiobook came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the power of confessions—not just as a narrative tool but as a means of connection. Much like the stories shared with me by strangers during my travels, the confessions in this story remind us that we’re never truly alone in our struggles.

With its blend of poignant storytelling, exceptional narration, and a deeply human core, *Confess* is an audiobook that lingers long after the final chapter. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most beautiful connections come from the most unexpected confessions.

Until our next audio adventure, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera