Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Yours Truly
- Author: Abby Jimenez
- Narrator: Kyla Garcia, Zachary Webber
- Length: 11:23:12
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 11/04/2023
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Romance, Rom-Com, Contemporary, Romance, Rom-Com, Contemporary
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let’s dive into the ‘Yours Truly’ audiobook by Abby Jimenez, a contemporary romance and rom-com gem that’s as refreshing as a cold drink after a long hike through the desert. The story unfolds like a winding trail through the complexities of human connection, with Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox at its heart. Briana’s life is a mess – divorce looming, a brother in desperate need of a kidney, and a new colleague who’s an instant pain. But then Jacob flips the script with a letter that’s raw and real, peeling back layers of misunderstanding to reveal a man who’s funny, flawed, and quietly captivating. What starts as a clash of first impressions turns into shared lunches, quirky debates about tiny horses, and a life-changing act of generosity that had me rooting for them from the sidelines.
This audiobook experience hit me on a personal level, stirring memories of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The surreal landscape outside my window mirrored the magical realism of García Márquez’s words, and the narrator’s voice felt like a companion weaving stories across the barren expanse. Similarly, ‘Yours Truly’ brought that same intimacy to my listening experience. There’s something about hearing a story while you’re on the move – whether it’s a desert road or a city street – that makes the characters feel like they’re riding shotgun, sharing their lives with you. I found myself chuckling at Briana’s sharp wit and Jacob’s awkward charm as if they were old friends recounting their misadventures over a meal.
The themes in ‘Yours Truly’ resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever stumbled through a terrible first impression only to discover unexpected connection. Jimenez crafts a narrative that’s both hilarious and heartfelt, exploring the joy of second chances and the messy beauty of finding your match. It reminds me of a time when I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother spin tales each evening. Her voice carried the weight of lived experience, using silence and timing to draw us in. That’s the kind of storytelling magic I felt here – the way Jimenez balances humor with vulnerability, making you laugh one minute and ache the next. The romance isn’t just about sparks; it’s about peeling back the layers of someone’s soul, much like the onion analogy Mark Manson uses in ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ to describe self-discovery. Briana and Jacob choose their struggles, take responsibility for their missteps, and embrace the failures of their past to build something real.
Now, let’s talk about the audio performance, because the narrators – Kyla Garcia and Zachary Webber – elevate this contemporary rom-com to another level. Garcia’s portrayal of Briana is a masterclass in sass and depth; you can almost hear the eye-rolls in her tone when Jacob first annoys her, yet she layers in a softness that reveals Briana’s guarded heart. Webber, meanwhile, brings Jacob to life with a quiet intensity and humor that sneaks up on you. His delivery of those early awkward moments is pitch-perfect, and when he voices Jacob’s more tender lines, you can feel the sincerity radiating through your headphones. Together, their dual narration creates a dynamic listening experience, like overhearing a real conversation unfold. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions – just pure, immersive storytelling that wraps you up like a warm blanket. It’s the kind of performance that would’ve made that Oaxaca grandmother nod in approval for capturing the intimate, personal quality of a shared story.
That said, ‘Yours Truly’ isn’t without its bumps in the road. While the humor and romance are spot-on for a rom-com, there are moments where the pacing feels a tad rushed, especially toward the climax of Jacob’s big gesture. I wanted more time to sit with the emotional weight of that decision before the story moved on. And though the chemistry between Briana and Jacob is undeniable, some of the secondary characters felt a bit underdeveloped, like roadside stops you pass without fully exploring. Still, these are minor detours in an otherwise captivating journey. The strengths far outweigh the limitations – Jimenez’s writing sprinkles warmth and laughter into every chapter, and the audiobook format amplifies that charm tenfold.
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a side of humor, this audiobook will feel like coming home. It shares a similar vibe to other rom-coms like ‘The Love Hypothesis’ by Ali Hazelwood, with its blend of witty banter and emotional stakes, though ‘Yours Truly’ leans more into real-world struggles than academic escapism. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever misjudged someone only to find a hidden gem beneath the surface. I’d recommend this to listeners who crave a romance that’s equal parts funny and poignant, perfect for a long drive or a quiet evening with a glass of wine.
Reflecting on this audiobook experience, I’m struck by how much it mirrors the human connections I seek in my travels. Whether it’s a stranger’s story in a bustling market or a quiet moment of understanding with a friend, ‘Yours Truly’ captures that universal longing to be seen and understood. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best journeys aren’t on a map – they’re in the unexpected detours of the heart. For fans of romance and rom-coms, or anyone just looking for a heartfelt listen, this audiobook is a treasure worth uncovering, maybe even with a free audiobook download if you’re lucky enough to snag one.
Until our paths cross again, keep chasing stories that move you, whether they’re on the page, in your earbuds, or out there in the wild world. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of wanderlust and warmth.
