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A Novel Love Story Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Ashley Poston (Author), Dorothy Dillingham Blue (Narrator), Penguin Audio (Publisher)
Editors' pick Best Romance
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THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Most Anticipated by Parade · Buzzfeed · Harper’s Bazaar · Elle · She Reads · The Seattle Times · BookRiot and more!

A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what.

But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel…

Because it is.

This place can’t be real, and yet… she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story.

Elsy is sure that’s why she must be here: to help bring the town to its storybook ending.

Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can’t place—a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth and impeccable taste in novels. And he does not want her finishing this book.

Which is a problem because Elsy is beginning to think the town’s happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Listening Length
    10 hours and 56 minutes
  2. Author
    Ashley Poston
  3. Narrator
    Dorothy Dillingham Blue
  4. Audible release date
    June 25, 2024
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Penguin Audio
  7. ASIN
    B0CKKHNQJW
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

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Product details

Listening Length 10 hours and 56 minutes
Author Ashley Poston
Narrator Dorothy Dillingham Blue
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date June 25, 2024
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0CKKHNQJW
Best Sellers Rank #1,741 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#41 in Paranormal Romance (Audible Books & Originals)
#56 in Romantic Comedy (Audible Books & Originals)
#416 in Paranormal Romance (Books)

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
1,327 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing quality fantastic and beautifully developed. They also describe the characters as real and relatable. Customers describe the book as amazing, magical, and a warm, cozy read. They mention the humor as whimsical and the reading experience as warm. Customers also mention the book makes them believe in love and adds delicious tension to the story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Personal growthReadabilityWriting qualityHumorCharactersReading experienceFantasy elements
12 customers mention "Personal growth"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's personal growth delicious, fun, and comforting. They also appreciate the premise, healing power of stories, and charming small-town. Readers say the book makes them believe in love and keeps them guessing and puzzling.

"...I read The Seven Year Slip and had a few qualms but overall loved the plot, characters, and the pace. With this book— I LOVED It...." Read more

"...Anderson and Eileen's story was different, great twist! The relationship between Elsy and Pru was perfect, real best friends in it together...." Read more

"...book was the cutest idea, so out of the ordinary and I loved the small town romance feels...." Read more

"...The twists played with expectations and both satisfied me and kept me guessing and puzzling...." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book absolutely amazing, love the concept, and find the characters believable. They also say the books are unique and worth every minute spent.

"...will draw you in, the imagery is fantastic, and it’s such a gratifying read...." Read more

"...I’ve enjoyed that each of Ashley Poston’s books are unique and while they all bring fantastic writing and beautifully developed characters, they are..." Read more

"...The usual tropes of this kind of story were explored in creative and loving ways...." Read more

"...It was such a novel idea and for this author to always give us unique plots, her creativity did not waiver in this book either!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book fantastic and beautifully developed. They also say the mentions of grief are done very gently and tastefully.

"...of Ashley Poston’s books are unique and while they all bring fantastic writing and beautifully developed characters, they are all very different..." Read more

"...The writing was great and I loved what the entire story revolved around (more on that later), but I found myself a bit bored until we finally get to..." Read more

"...and/or frustrated by the monotone, really oddly paced, really quite terrible narration...." Read more

"...Ashley Poston never disappoints with her beautiful writing, magical storytelling, and relatable characters...." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor cozy, whimsical, romantic, and immersive.

"...Well for one, I’d end up in Hogwarts. This book was the cutest idea, so out of the ordinary and I loved the small town romance feels...." Read more

"I absolutely adore this book! A beautiful tribute to romance novels and their readers, but also with deeper level of grief and how we can get stuck..." Read more

"...Don’t expect just a romance between two people. Yes, it’s there, and it’s lovely, with a happy ending, don’t worry...." Read more

"This book is one big hug. It is full of whimsy & coziness. It’s a cup of hot tea on a stormy night...." Read more

6 customers mention "Characters"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book heartwarming and real.

"...The Seven Year Slip and had a few qualms but overall loved the plot, characters, and the pace. With this book— I LOVED It...." Read more

"...are unique and while they all bring fantastic writing and beautifully developed characters, they are all very different concepts...." Read more

"...with her beautiful writing, magical storytelling, and relatable characters...." Read more

"...I adored the characters; there was not one person that I didn’t absolutely love...." Read more

5 customers mention "Reading experience"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book warm, cozy, and perfect for a summer read. They also say the book is like a familiar comforting rom com, and the citizens in the small town are warm, welcoming, and helpful.

"This was such a warm cozy read! I loved the whole premise of the not really there town and not quite finished stories!..." Read more

"...Luckily the citizens in the small town are warm, welcoming and helpful. They seem familiar, too...." Read more

"This book is one big hug. It is full of whimsy & coziness. It’s a cup of hot tea on a stormy night...." Read more

"...It’s like a familiar comforting rom com in a book. I pre-ordered cause I’m such a fan of her previous work and I’m so glad I did...." Read more

4 customers mention "Fantasy elements"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the fantasy elements in the book fantastic and draw them in. They also say the book is gratifying and has magical realism.

"...The characters will draw you in, the imagery is fantastic, and it’s such a gratifying read...." Read more

"...So I say if you enjoy and have the patience for those, love magical realism, enemies to lovers, and have enjoyed this author's previous books..." Read more

"...The setting was so vivid, I could picture the town square, the B&B, the bar, the bookstore, the rain falling...everything...." Read more

"...Poston’s brand of magical realism is perfection — her characters ask the same questions we do and feel as baffled by their surroundings as we do...." Read more

Not my favorite by the author, but still good!
4 out of 5 stars
Not my favorite by the author, but still good!
I am shocked and relieved this ended up being a 4 star read for me! The beginning was a bit rocky for me, which is extremely disappointing to say, because I LOVE this author and her previous books. However, the last 20% was absolutely amazing and what bumped it up! That last 20% reminded me of her other two books and why I love this author and her writing so much.I'm not really sure why the first half or so of the book wasn't working for me as much except that this romance was a slow burn and I'm not a huge fan of those. The writing was great and I loved what the entire story revolved around (more on that later), but I found myself a bit bored until we finally get to the good parts and my favorite parts of the romance, which was so good! We may have had to wait but once we got there it gave me all the butterflies, chills, and giddy feelings! 🥰I hate this book wasn't amazing for me from the jump though and it's definitely my least favorite by this author (first and favorite being The Seven Year Slip and second being Dead Romantics), because this book is an ode to all of us, who are book lovers. And I loved the entire premise. What reader doesn't dream of entering their favorite book, living in the fictional town it takes place in, and meeting all the characters they love? It was such a novel idea and for this author to always give us unique plots, her creativity did not waiver in this book either! As I mentioned previously, I sincerely think if this book wasn't such a slow burn, I would have loved it just as much as her other two. So I say if you enjoy and have the patience for those, love magical realism, enemies to lovers, and have enjoyed this author's previous books (and if you don't know, please run and read Seven Year Slip ASAP!), check this one out! All I know is I can't wait to see what this author gives us next!
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Top reviews from the United States

Emily F.
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Star Magical Realism
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Eileen (Elsy) Merriweather, a part-time English professor, loves getting lost in happily-ever-afters but only the fictional kind. Her favorite escape is the Super Smutty Book Club with her best friend Prudence and other book lovers, all brought together by the late author Rachel Flowers, whose unfinished series they adore. Determined to take their annual trip to a cabin in update New York, despite everyone else bailing, Elsy heads out only to find herself in Eloraton, New York—the exact setting of Rachel’s series. As she meets the town's residents, she realizes she already knows them, except for Anders, the grumpy bookstore owner.

Elsy’s adventures in Eloraton are pure magic. Meeting characters she’s only read about feels surreal, and the quaint, charming town quickly becomes a second home. Anders, with his grumpy demeanor and mysterious past, adds a delicious tension to the story. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and slow-burn chemistry that will make your heart flutter.

This book totally slayed, and I have zero complaints. Ashley Poston never disappoints with her beautiful writing, magical storytelling, and relatable characters. If you’ve ever wished you could visit your favorite fictional small town or date your book boyfriend (Cassian I am looking at you), this book is for YOU! It felt like a big, warm hug.

The story is more than just a romance between Elsy and Anders; it’s about Elsy’s journey of self-discovery and healing. She learns to embrace the unexpected and finds strength in her vulnerabilities. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Don’t expect just a romance between two people. Yes, it’s there, and it’s lovely, with a happy ending, don’t worry. The sense of community, the healing power of stories, and the charming small-town vibes make this a must-read.

Reads this if you like:
- magical realism
- slow burn
- book boyfriends
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
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critbeme
4.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Exactly not what I was expecting!
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was such a warm cozy read! I loved the whole premise of the not really there town and not quite finished stories! Anderson and Eileen's story was different, great twist! The relationship between Elsy and Pru was perfect, real best friends in it together. Loved the book club dynamic. This book has so many different elements, the break up, the best friend, the characters in the not quite real town, the growth and self realization! I loved getting to know the characters in Rachel's books! Imagine meeting the characters from your most beloved series! Your imagination vs how they really are "in real life" 😊 Really such a great premise, I enjoyed immensely! What a good read!!
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KM
3.0 out of 5 stars Could’ve been better
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
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I loved the idea of this story. I just finished the Seven Year Slip, and I ADORED it. So I was excited to read this. But, honestly, it was just so slow. I didn’t feel connected to the main characters and really wasn’t rooting for them to end up together. I almost DNF but I wanted to find out why this fictional town existed. And I’m not really sure if I got my answer or not. It wasn’t terrible, but it’s nowhere near the level of her previous novels.
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Keila
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is sure to please, its wonderful and I didn't want to put it down
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
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Elsy loves to get lost in romance books because they all have happily-ever-after’s and the men don’t leave you at the altar. She looks forward to her annual book retreat, she needs the getaway and the cheap wine and grand romantic gestures.

When her car unexpectedly breaks down on the highway, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels a little familiar, and like it’s straight out of novel…because it is.

Eloraton isn’t real, it’s the town of her all-time favorite romance series, where the taffy is always honey sweet, and the local bars burgers are always a little burnt. It’s perfect, and it’s perfectly frozen in time, trapped in the late author’s unfinished story.

Elsy feels like she knows everyone in town, everyone except the grumpy bookstore owner. As Elsy tries to get the town their storybook ending, she starts to wonder if the towns happily-ever-after might be intertwined with her own.

I always get a little nervous when my highly anticipated books come out, because I’m worried I’ve built them up too much in my head and they won’t live up to my internal hype. But I am excited to say that did not happen here, this book lived up to my hype and exceeded my expectations. I have loved every book I’ve read by Ashley Poston. Her writing is just so heartwarming, and her characters are just so real.

Reading the synopsis, I wasn’t sure I fully understood exactly what was going to happen and I admit that I was a bit perplexed. But once I started reading, I had a lot of fun with it, and it was amazing. The concept of being transported to your favorite novel was new to me and I don’t think that I’ve read a story where this has happened very often. There have been many times that I wish I could transport myself into the pages of a book, immerse myself in the characters’ world, and that is exactly what happened here.

It was a nice change of pace for me to get to read something out of the ordinary and have it be done so well. Magical realism is one of my favorite subgenres, so I am always elated to read it and enjoy doing so. I wouldn’t say that the magical realism is super heavy in this book, it’s more of a sprinkling, so even if it isn’t your favorite, you would still be able to enjoy this book.

The characters were all wonderfully done. Elsy was the main character and there were plenty of supporting characters. They all brought a nice addition to the story, and they were all important, even those that played a minor role. I just love that all the characters feel like real people and like they could just walk right off the page into the world.

I’ve enjoyed that each of Ashley Poston’s books are unique and while they all bring fantastic writing and beautifully developed characters, they are all very different concepts. But one thing they all have in common is they are all magical. I will continue to seek out and look forward to each new release from Ashley Poston.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Bianca Pecson
3.0 out of 5 stars Cute!
Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
I expected so much from this book considering Ashley Poston's one of my favorite authors. Still was a good read, but it's just a 3.5 for me.
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Szpera florian
5.0 out of 5 stars Small Town romance, grumpy sunshine, ennemies to lovers perfectly done !
Reviewed in France on July 5, 2024
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Imagine if you could live in one of your favorite book universe for a few days... This is what happens to Eileen : she is transported in Eloraton where her favorite romance serie takes place !

The small town romance vibe, the ennemies to lovers and grumpy sushine = I immediately knew I was going to love it ! But it was so much more than that.

As Eileen met the characters of her favorite book and tried to help them finish their stories, she found a way to heal and grow up from her heartbreak. Anders was stuck in an universe where he felt safe and where the remnants of his past life stayed with him, haunting him but at the same time, making him feel safe. What a beautiful way to tell a story about being stuck in the past, being in a stagnancy state in your life by living in a book where nothing changes !
As usual, Ashley Poston’s writing is so poetic. The way she describes Eloraton made me feel like the city was a character in the story. I had the same feeling about New-York, while reading “The Seven Year Slip”. I’m going to be honest, there were some lenghts in the middle and sometimes I got lost between all the characters of the book but the end... OMG the end. It was perfect. I couldn’t stop crying because it was sad and beautiful at the same time. Healing brings a lot of grief and Ashley Poston does that perfectly !

Once again, a perfect book by this author who made me fall in love with magical realism !
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BarbarinaS
5.0 out of 5 stars A favourite for years to come
Reviewed in Australia on June 28, 2024
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I love a lot of books but this is going down as a favourite for a long, long time. The book is magical and manages to incorporate many genres so cleverly that the reader ceases to think about it.
There is a fantasy element, a supernatural feel and it is a rom com. However, at the very heart of it, the novel is a love story but not one necessarily just between two people but one where you find and come to understand the self. This is something both leads do and it was beautifully done by the author.
Loved the humour, the cleverness of the plot, the wonderful use of language and the human reality of both leads, the latter the hook that drags you in and keeps you there. You just fall into believing what the author has created because those same characters drag you into suspending disbelief and entering a very real if ‘quaint, slightly odd town’.
Loved it enough to finish in one sitting and to regret it because then I had to close the last page. It may be or may be not the best book I have ever read but what does that mean anyway? The individual reader decides this for themselves. It is however, one that will remain with me and continue to resonate for a long, long time. Highly recommend.
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Jules Melka
3.0 out of 5 stars Imprimé par Amazon fr
Reviewed in France on July 3, 2024
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J’ai reçu le livre dans un bon état. En revanche, les couleurs sur la couverture ont l’air beaucoup plus fade que celle sur l’annonce. Je pense que c’est un lien avec l’impression qui apparemment a été effectué par Amazon.fr
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Conflicted feelings
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2024
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This is the third book by Ashley Poston that I've read, and the first one I won't reread.

As usual, the idea for the book is amazing - all AP's idea are. The actual book, however, lacks the charm its predecessors definitely had.

Firstly, the main protagonist lacks character and is kinda... bland. Her voice is not as distinct as the other heroines' by AP - no wit or cheekiness. Shame, really.

Secondly, the same cannl be said of the MMC. We barely get to known him at all. In general, there isn't much talking between the main characters, and when they do talk, it seems not very substantial. And so, the chemistry between them is not apparent, but bordering on forced, to be honest.

I think a few things are to blame for that. The author spent a lot of time discussing fictional book characters, which definitely stole away form the main protagonists. The storyline is also set within extremely short time frame, leaving the story no chance but to become a very much unlikely insta love.

I've been waiting for this book for months and somehow I feel let down as, with all the gaps I've described above, I've missed the author's distinctive voice that is present in her earlier books.
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