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Speak Now
The wunderkind chef of an acclaimed restaurant is reunited with “the one that got away” when she’s hired to cater her wedding in this charming, full-cast queer rom-com, perfect for fans of Alison Cochrun and Casey McQuiston, by TV writer and former BuzzFeed personality Ash Perez.
What would you do for a second chance at your first love?
Alex Perez is a culinary she’s on the verge of becoming the youngest ever head chef at the famed Sempervirens restaurant, a fine dining treasure tucked away in a boutique hotel in the majestic Big Sur mountains. Her demanding schedule and perfectionist tendencies leave little room to think about romance. That is, until her ex-best friend Genevieve shows up at her restaurant—and gets engaged.
Twelve years ago, Alex was just a quiet transfer student with no friends until she met Genevieve Jones, an effervescent extrovert who took Alex under her wing. They remained inseparable through the rest of high school, until a fateful road trip changed everything, and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since.
Now Genevieve’s longtime boyfriend Derek, a real estate mogul in the making, has brought her here not only to propose, but to offer sizable investment in the hotel…if they can host and cater the perfect fairytale wedding. Leaving Alex in an impossible cater the wedding for the only woman she’s ever loved, or give up her dream job as a head chef.
Speak Now is a charming and laugh-out-loud funny story of self-discovery and second chances from an exciting new voice in queer fiction, performed by a full cast led by Jena Malone (The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice) and Arienne Mandi (The L Generation Q, Chicago PD).
What would you do for a second chance at your first love?
Alex Perez is a culinary she’s on the verge of becoming the youngest ever head chef at the famed Sempervirens restaurant, a fine dining treasure tucked away in a boutique hotel in the majestic Big Sur mountains. Her demanding schedule and perfectionist tendencies leave little room to think about romance. That is, until her ex-best friend Genevieve shows up at her restaurant—and gets engaged.
Twelve years ago, Alex was just a quiet transfer student with no friends until she met Genevieve Jones, an effervescent extrovert who took Alex under her wing. They remained inseparable through the rest of high school, until a fateful road trip changed everything, and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since.
Now Genevieve’s longtime boyfriend Derek, a real estate mogul in the making, has brought her here not only to propose, but to offer sizable investment in the hotel…if they can host and cater the perfect fairytale wedding. Leaving Alex in an impossible cater the wedding for the only woman she’s ever loved, or give up her dream job as a head chef.
Speak Now is a charming and laugh-out-loud funny story of self-discovery and second chances from an exciting new voice in queer fiction, performed by a full cast led by Jena Malone (The Hunger Games, Pride & Prejudice) and Arienne Mandi (The L Generation Q, Chicago PD).
Audible Audio
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 2, 2026
It was a quick and cute book
Made me hungry and gay
Made me hungry and gay
May 22, 2026
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this audiobook, which was like an old fashioned radio play. Lots of characters done by various narrators, you can hear the action while it’s happening - doors opening and closing, kitchen sounds, driving, listening to music, people calling out from other rooms, etc.
The most fun for me in this “one that got away” story was being able to picture the two leads as they are well known actresses in the sapphic community - Arienne Mandi from The L Word Generation Q and Jena Malone from The Hunger Games. Both did a great job.
At five hours in length, it’s also nice having a book on the shorter side between longer listens. Fun and unique - a different experience than a single or dual narrator release.
I enjoyed this audiobook, which was like an old fashioned radio play. Lots of characters done by various narrators, you can hear the action while it’s happening - doors opening and closing, kitchen sounds, driving, listening to music, people calling out from other rooms, etc.
The most fun for me in this “one that got away” story was being able to picture the two leads as they are well known actresses in the sapphic community - Arienne Mandi from The L Word Generation Q and Jena Malone from The Hunger Games. Both did a great job.
At five hours in length, it’s also nice having a book on the shorter side between longer listens. Fun and unique - a different experience than a single or dual narrator release.
April 10, 2026
A sapphic rom com voiced by Johanna from catching fire ?????? It was a GIVEN I was gonna devour this (Johanna is a lesbian icon you can’t convince me otherwise) This is the type of sappy and cheesy rom com the queer community needs more of !! Just pure joy and love!!
May 13, 2026
I love a good full-cast audio!
Speak Now was such a great second chance romance. Alex and Genevieve meeting up again after all those years was so well done. I liked hearing about their lives when they first met and see where they ended up now. Then the whole time I couldn’t help but root for everyone to get a happily ever after, whatever that may look like for everyone.
Thank you Ash Perez and Simon & Schuster Audio for a gifted copy of the audiobook!
Speak Now was such a great second chance romance. Alex and Genevieve meeting up again after all those years was so well done. I liked hearing about their lives when they first met and see where they ended up now. Then the whole time I couldn’t help but root for everyone to get a happily ever after, whatever that may look like for everyone.
Thank you Ash Perez and Simon & Schuster Audio for a gifted copy of the audiobook!
April 22, 2026
I’m giving this five stars so as not to interfere with averages because I love the author’s work, but I could not get through the first chapters of the audiobook. I cannot stand these full cast recordings, especially when it’s a comedy, especially when there’s sound effects like sinks running or dishes. Please, publishers, stop doing this, do a better job of warning us that is what this is (“audio play production?” “Full cast recording?” In BIG LETTERS). Or offer an alternative straight reading (but keep it gay. Ba dum dum.). The boisterous laughter of the kitchen staff was the moment I knew I could listen no longer.
May 20, 2026
4⭐️ I could’ve listened to this for another 5 hours easily. Genevieve really PMO until the last act but as most romcoms go this had the ending that we needed and deserved. I hope she releases more of these short lil audible books cause I devoured it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very fun experience. The immersive audio of it all, made this book come to life in such a fun way. Every character felt well-rounded and fun and it was like watching a play. This story was filled with fun reconnections, heartbreaking yearning, and a happy ending.
I really enjoyed watching watching Alex and Gen come back into each other lives. I particularly liked how we got to see flashbacks of their young selves and how their friendship initially fell apart. I think the book does a good job of addressing Gen's struggles with the life her parents want for her and how in a way she wants that too, but also doesn't know how to even acknowledge what she really wants. The comp-het, happily ever after dream of it all-that she is supposed to want.
I think Alex's bravery also shines here, willing to face her fears and jump in even when she has every reason not too. I do wish we got to see more of them coming together to work through their history but overall this was just a really enjoyable time. I recommend if you are looking for something with relatable characters, that is light, and fun and a great listening experience. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars
I really enjoyed watching watching Alex and Gen come back into each other lives. I particularly liked how we got to see flashbacks of their young selves and how their friendship initially fell apart. I think the book does a good job of addressing Gen's struggles with the life her parents want for her and how in a way she wants that too, but also doesn't know how to even acknowledge what she really wants. The comp-het, happily ever after dream of it all-that she is supposed to want.
I think Alex's bravery also shines here, willing to face her fears and jump in even when she has every reason not too. I do wish we got to see more of them coming together to work through their history but overall this was just a really enjoyable time. I recommend if you are looking for something with relatable characters, that is light, and fun and a great listening experience. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars
April 28, 2026
Really a 2.5. Cute but bad. This should have been a movie. Almost every supporting character feels like a caricature. The high school flashbacks make the mains sound like pod people.
Also I feel like you lose so much gravity doing a “full cast recording”. The emotional climaxes had no pov or context. They kiss but we don’t know what it feels like or what they are thinking. And the conceit of the voice note doesn’t do enough to bridge that gap.
Some of the performances were good (the leads, thank god), but most of them were lacking depth or a sense of authenticity.
The audiobook was made to be optioned and I think that’s a waste.
Also I feel like you lose so much gravity doing a “full cast recording”. The emotional climaxes had no pov or context. They kiss but we don’t know what it feels like or what they are thinking. And the conceit of the voice note doesn’t do enough to bridge that gap.
Some of the performances were good (the leads, thank god), but most of them were lacking depth or a sense of authenticity.
The audiobook was made to be optioned and I think that’s a waste.
February 11, 2026
Thanks to libro.fm and Simon & Schuster for the ALC! This was a really cute romance novel about 2 childhood best friends who get a second chance at love as adults. The real star of the show is this full cast performance which was AMAZING production quality! The story itself was sort of flat and nothing happened that I didn’t expect, but I still had a great time listening to the performances across all the voice actors.
April 12, 2026
knowing that true love is out there and the rollercoaster of life to find it. makes me feel hope to find that love.
April 23, 2026
I listened to this on audio book with a full cast which was really fun! It's an easy listen, good story...it just wrapped up too easy for how complicated the story got. But I still loved it.
May 12, 2026
A generous 3 stars. It’s not bad, it’s just bland.
April 21, 2026
Super cute. Love that the voice actors are people Im familiar with and love that this was written to be a full cast performance.
April 14, 2026
The story has definitely been done before but regardless, I enjoyed it!
February 20, 2026
It’s an audio drama that is cheesy as hell.
Tw: cheating
Tw: cheating
April 6, 2026
2.5 Stars because I feel like it deserves 2 stars but some of the issues are my personal icks and I think the narrators were good.
Let's start with the format of this book. It is audio only, full cast, immersive (sounds effects & background noises) but the most unique feature is that it is COMPLETELY DIALOG. It's like watching a TV show without a picture. No narrator or scene description. I can see how someone would really enjoy this production, but the style is just not for me. I don't think hearing pans sizzle in a kitchen or footsteps as someone enters a room really adds anything in a contemporary romance.
No spoilers: I could not find it in myself to root for the main couple even a little bit. I enjoyed the flash back scenes and they were cute as teenagers, but as adults I saw no reason for them to be together. I hated all of their choices and was actively rooting against them. I am normally not a fan of friends to lovers because it characters seem disrespectful to their current partners and this had a lot of that.
With spoilers:
I will say, I was hooked throughout the entire story. I hated them, but I didn't want to put the book down.
Let's start with the format of this book. It is audio only, full cast, immersive (sounds effects & background noises) but the most unique feature is that it is COMPLETELY DIALOG. It's like watching a TV show without a picture. No narrator or scene description. I can see how someone would really enjoy this production, but the style is just not for me. I don't think hearing pans sizzle in a kitchen or footsteps as someone enters a room really adds anything in a contemporary romance.
No spoilers: I could not find it in myself to root for the main couple even a little bit. I enjoyed the flash back scenes and they were cute as teenagers, but as adults I saw no reason for them to be together. I hated all of their choices and was actively rooting against them. I am normally not a fan of friends to lovers because it characters seem disrespectful to their current partners and this had a lot of that.
With spoilers:
I will say, I was hooked throughout the entire story. I hated them, but I didn't want to put the book down.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was like watching a movie! If you like immersive audiobooks, you may enjoy this performance! I found it to be engaging and fun.
I don't think this is my usual trope so maybe that is where the disconnect happened for me, but I wish there had been more character development. It really felt like watching a brief adaptation of a novel and I wondered what we were missing with the characters. They felt flat and when I finished listening, I didn't feel happy for them in their happy ending nor did I feel sad for those that had a less happy ending. 🤷
I only rated it 3 stars because there was obvious effort in the audiobook narration and sound effects, but the depth of the story was lacking. I also hate a story with cheating and didn't feel like it was realistic.
Thank you to MacMillan audio for an ALC to enjoy.
Spoiler alert:
If my fiance slept with their childhood best friend the day before our wedding, I would be incredibly hurt and angry. Not like, well I want you to be happy. Even if I myself was having second thoughts, I'd be feeling way more than acceptance. 😑
If my best friend slept with my significant other, I would be really upset. The reactions were very off. Like, I'm mad but you know what, you deserve to be happy and I didn't love her anyway. What about respect and trust? Maybe I am just not that kind of friend but I was like, wait what?
There are other ways to explore your feelings that don't involve deception and leaving people feeling used. Maybe some honesty or talking about your reservations about your wedding with your best friend or fiance? Anyway, this book was not for me and I was really disappointed in the plot, character development, and the love story. 1⭐ for the actual book.
I don't think this is my usual trope so maybe that is where the disconnect happened for me, but I wish there had been more character development. It really felt like watching a brief adaptation of a novel and I wondered what we were missing with the characters. They felt flat and when I finished listening, I didn't feel happy for them in their happy ending nor did I feel sad for those that had a less happy ending. 🤷
I only rated it 3 stars because there was obvious effort in the audiobook narration and sound effects, but the depth of the story was lacking. I also hate a story with cheating and didn't feel like it was realistic.
Thank you to MacMillan audio for an ALC to enjoy.
Spoiler alert:
If my fiance slept with their childhood best friend the day before our wedding, I would be incredibly hurt and angry. Not like, well I want you to be happy. Even if I myself was having second thoughts, I'd be feeling way more than acceptance. 😑
If my best friend slept with my significant other, I would be really upset. The reactions were very off. Like, I'm mad but you know what, you deserve to be happy and I didn't love her anyway. What about respect and trust? Maybe I am just not that kind of friend but I was like, wait what?
There are other ways to explore your feelings that don't involve deception and leaving people feeling used. Maybe some honesty or talking about your reservations about your wedding with your best friend or fiance? Anyway, this book was not for me and I was really disappointed in the plot, character development, and the love story. 1⭐ for the actual book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book: Speak Now
Author: Ash Perez
Narrated by: Jena Malone, Arienne Mandi, Benjamin Norris, Inés del Castillo, Charles Linshaw. Ali Andre Ali, J.S. Arquin, Jason Culp, Kevin R. Free, Kelly Krauter, Jane Oppenheimer, Bahni Turpin, and
Genre: LGBTQIA+, Romance, and New Adult
Series: Standalone
Setting: CA
POV: Multiple Character POV
My Thoughts:
This book looks at a second chance romance between Alex, a world renowned chef, and Genevieve, an engaged women and Alex’s previous love. When Alex is forced (by her boss) to help with Genevieve’s wedding. What happens when Alex reconnects with Genevieve?
Perez does a fantastic job of bringing together a story using a full cast of narrators in a second chance romance. When you listen, you not only be fully immersed in the story but also feel as if you are listening to a full film.
I loved to listen to this audiobook because it is unlike any audiobook I’ve listened to. All of the narrators really help to immerse you in the story as well as the outside sounds such as silverware moving and or the sound of moving through a restaurant.
This story itself felt like a true second chance romance but sapphic, which I don’t usually gravitate toward but fell in love with this one. You really are able to see the rekindling of a relationship that started years prior. This story is also humorous at parts, which seeing the awkward moments between Ash & Genevieve as well as when Genevieve drinks during her bachelorette party.
A special thank you to Ash Perez, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Orginals, and Netgalley for an audioARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Author: Ash Perez
Narrated by: Jena Malone, Arienne Mandi, Benjamin Norris, Inés del Castillo, Charles Linshaw. Ali Andre Ali, J.S. Arquin, Jason Culp, Kevin R. Free, Kelly Krauter, Jane Oppenheimer, Bahni Turpin, and
Genre: LGBTQIA+, Romance, and New Adult
Series: Standalone
Setting: CA
POV: Multiple Character POV
My Thoughts:
This book looks at a second chance romance between Alex, a world renowned chef, and Genevieve, an engaged women and Alex’s previous love. When Alex is forced (by her boss) to help with Genevieve’s wedding. What happens when Alex reconnects with Genevieve?
Perez does a fantastic job of bringing together a story using a full cast of narrators in a second chance romance. When you listen, you not only be fully immersed in the story but also feel as if you are listening to a full film.
I loved to listen to this audiobook because it is unlike any audiobook I’ve listened to. All of the narrators really help to immerse you in the story as well as the outside sounds such as silverware moving and or the sound of moving through a restaurant.
This story itself felt like a true second chance romance but sapphic, which I don’t usually gravitate toward but fell in love with this one. You really are able to see the rekindling of a relationship that started years prior. This story is also humorous at parts, which seeing the awkward moments between Ash & Genevieve as well as when Genevieve drinks during her bachelorette party.
A special thank you to Ash Perez, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Orginals, and Netgalley for an audioARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy
Thank you Simon and Schuster Audio for this ALC!
This book is performed by a FULL cast… and I mean FULL! (Jena Malone, AHH!)
It was such a great listening experience. The narrators were so great at bringing each character to life, even the side characters had so much personality and deep storylines! You could tell that each narrator put so much time and effort into the little details, which had such a huge impact on the story!
It’s a long list of narrators, but I think each of them should have their name recognized for this:
Jena Malone, Arienne Mandi, Benjamin Norris, Inés del Castillo, Charles Linshaw, Ali Andre Ali, J.S. Arquin, Jason Culp, Kevin R. Free, Kelly Krauter, Jane Oppenheimer, Bahni Turpin, and Jesse Villinsky.
I really enjoyed this story. I love a second chance romance, and even though this was a short read, the dual timeline gave enough history between the main characters for me to be invested in their relationship!
I was torn between rooting for Alex and Genevieve, and, wanting them to go their separate ways. Mostly because Gen just didn’t know what she wanted, and I wanted to scream at her sometimes, but I totally get it. I think I wanted more of her exploring her sexuality before she got into a relationship with Alex. It seems like she just jumped into a relationship with Derek because she was afraid to admit to herself that she liked women.
Speaking of Derek, he didn’t deserve that! UGH! I wish he would’ve gotten mad at Gen, maybe just a little bit. She didn’t have to stay engaged to him while she figured herself out. She knew that she wasn’t in love with him, and she knew she wasn’t happy, so she should’ve just broken up with him before it got to a weird point in their relationship.
I love Alex, and I want nothing but the best for her, always! At times, I feel like she out herself on the back burner, and did a lot of things that she didn’t want to do, just to please other people. That includes holding in her feelings about Gen… Honestly, Everything with Gen, she just shut her own feelings out. I’m glad this had a happy ending, though!
🧑🏼🍳Bi rep
🏳️🌈Second chance romance
🧑🏼🍳Queer Fiction
🏳️🌈Friends to enemies? to lovers
This book is performed by a FULL cast… and I mean FULL! (Jena Malone, AHH!)
It was such a great listening experience. The narrators were so great at bringing each character to life, even the side characters had so much personality and deep storylines! You could tell that each narrator put so much time and effort into the little details, which had such a huge impact on the story!
It’s a long list of narrators, but I think each of them should have their name recognized for this:
Jena Malone, Arienne Mandi, Benjamin Norris, Inés del Castillo, Charles Linshaw, Ali Andre Ali, J.S. Arquin, Jason Culp, Kevin R. Free, Kelly Krauter, Jane Oppenheimer, Bahni Turpin, and Jesse Villinsky.
I really enjoyed this story. I love a second chance romance, and even though this was a short read, the dual timeline gave enough history between the main characters for me to be invested in their relationship!
I was torn between rooting for Alex and Genevieve, and, wanting them to go their separate ways. Mostly because Gen just didn’t know what she wanted, and I wanted to scream at her sometimes, but I totally get it. I think I wanted more of her exploring her sexuality before she got into a relationship with Alex. It seems like she just jumped into a relationship with Derek because she was afraid to admit to herself that she liked women.
Speaking of Derek, he didn’t deserve that! UGH! I wish he would’ve gotten mad at Gen, maybe just a little bit. She didn’t have to stay engaged to him while she figured herself out. She knew that she wasn’t in love with him, and she knew she wasn’t happy, so she should’ve just broken up with him before it got to a weird point in their relationship.
I love Alex, and I want nothing but the best for her, always! At times, I feel like she out herself on the back burner, and did a lot of things that she didn’t want to do, just to please other people. That includes holding in her feelings about Gen… Honestly, Everything with Gen, she just shut her own feelings out. I’m glad this had a happy ending, though!
🧑🏼🍳Bi rep
🏳️🌈Second chance romance
🧑🏼🍳Queer Fiction
🏳️🌈Friends to enemies? to lovers
April 2, 2026
When I started, I was genuinely pulled in. There was enough tension and emotional history right from the beginning to make me want to see where it was going. I was especially impressed by the audiobook. The full cast narration was really well done, and that can be hard to pull off. I have listened to full cast productions before that felt chaotic or overwhelming, but this one worked. It added a lot to the story and easily made the audio experience a highlight for me.
That said, the story itself became more frustrating the further I got into it. Genevieve was the biggest issue for me. I just could not get past her choices, and she gave me the absolute ick. Ending an engagement with someone you have been with for over ten years because you suddenly reconnect with someone from high school was hard for me to buy into emotionally. From Alex’s perspective, it made much more sense. The story does a strong job of showing that she never fully moved on from that part of her life, and I appreciated that layer. But Genevieve’s actions left me so annoyed that it really affected how I felt about the book as a whole.
Even with that frustration, I can still say this book had strong points. The premise hooked me, the narration was excellent, and there were parts of the emotional setup that really worked. I just had a hard time getting past my dislike for Genevieve, and that ended up shaping my overall reading experience more than I wanted it to.
That said, the story itself became more frustrating the further I got into it. Genevieve was the biggest issue for me. I just could not get past her choices, and she gave me the absolute ick. Ending an engagement with someone you have been with for over ten years because you suddenly reconnect with someone from high school was hard for me to buy into emotionally. From Alex’s perspective, it made much more sense. The story does a strong job of showing that she never fully moved on from that part of her life, and I appreciated that layer. But Genevieve’s actions left me so annoyed that it really affected how I felt about the book as a whole.
Even with that frustration, I can still say this book had strong points. The premise hooked me, the narration was excellent, and there were parts of the emotional setup that really worked. I just had a hard time getting past my dislike for Genevieve, and that ended up shaping my overall reading experience more than I wanted it to.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to @simon.audio and @LibroFM for the gifted audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
Speak Now beautifully captures the two FMC's journey from their meeting in high school to their reconnection as adults. In the story's present day, they explore how their perceptions of themselves and each other as teens differed and their current perspectives on their current situations. Old feelings resurface and the question is asked of each, "Do you have the courage to be honest?"
This graphic audiobook was so much fun! Fast-paced and relatable, Speak Now examines friendships, family, and more. I am excited to read and listen to more by Ash Perez. This debut work is, as far as I can tell, available only as an audiobook and is just under 5 hours long - perfect for a quick listen or palette cleanser.
This was my first foray into graphic audiobooks and I was a little unsure how I felt about the sound effects and embellishments at first. I ended up finding them really enjoyable by the end of the story. I would definitely choose this type of audiobook again. The whole cast was phenomenal and I felt like I was hanging out with a group of friends while listening.
Listen if you enjoy stories with:
Friends to lovers
Second chance romance
Self discovery
Found family
Queer rom-com
Speak Now beautifully captures the two FMC's journey from their meeting in high school to their reconnection as adults. In the story's present day, they explore how their perceptions of themselves and each other as teens differed and their current perspectives on their current situations. Old feelings resurface and the question is asked of each, "Do you have the courage to be honest?"
This graphic audiobook was so much fun! Fast-paced and relatable, Speak Now examines friendships, family, and more. I am excited to read and listen to more by Ash Perez. This debut work is, as far as I can tell, available only as an audiobook and is just under 5 hours long - perfect for a quick listen or palette cleanser.
This was my first foray into graphic audiobooks and I was a little unsure how I felt about the sound effects and embellishments at first. I ended up finding them really enjoyable by the end of the story. I would definitely choose this type of audiobook again. The whole cast was phenomenal and I felt like I was hanging out with a group of friends while listening.
Listen if you enjoy stories with:
Friends to lovers
Second chance romance
Self discovery
Found family
Queer rom-com
Review of advance copy
*I received an ALC from LibroFM. All opinions are my own.*
.
Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
.
An Audio Play! I was not expecting this to be so fun and fresh, with a great full cast performance - and sound effects to top it all off! It was exceptionally entertaining and filled with messy drama.
.
There is cheating and the heat is fade-to-black which I know will direct some folks towards and some folks away from this audio production.
.
The story is a bit too messy and stressful in the drama department for me to recommend it as a beach listen, but (and this is fitting to the plot) - I think it would make a great road trip listen with it being 5 hours long and giving you many situations to discuss.
.
While the drama was messy, the performance kept it light enough not to get too worrisome, but also everyone treated and acted like adults around each other. Complicated and messy adults but adults all the same.
.
The only big negative note I have to say is that it is rather cringe to have the author be called A. Perez and the MC also having a name of A. Perez, but I can assume this part of the artistic expression. It doesn’t make it any less cringe though. If you ignore that though, it makes for a very fun weekend listen.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
.
Actual rating: 3.5 Stars
.
An Audio Play! I was not expecting this to be so fun and fresh, with a great full cast performance - and sound effects to top it all off! It was exceptionally entertaining and filled with messy drama.
.
There is cheating and the heat is fade-to-black which I know will direct some folks towards and some folks away from this audio production.
.
The story is a bit too messy and stressful in the drama department for me to recommend it as a beach listen, but (and this is fitting to the plot) - I think it would make a great road trip listen with it being 5 hours long and giving you many situations to discuss.
.
While the drama was messy, the performance kept it light enough not to get too worrisome, but also everyone treated and acted like adults around each other. Complicated and messy adults but adults all the same.
.
The only big negative note I have to say is that it is rather cringe to have the author be called A. Perez and the MC also having a name of A. Perez, but I can assume this part of the artistic expression. It doesn’t make it any less cringe though. If you ignore that though, it makes for a very fun weekend listen.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2.5 ⭐️ On paper, this is the kind of book that would be right up my alley, but Speak Now didn’t work for me and I ended up having a lot of issues with it.
To start, I primarily listen to audiobooks and have listened to some graphic audios (fantasy) in the past. I think for a romcom, a graphic style audiobook doesn’t work for me. I like the back and forth dialogue, but there was a lack of connection between me and the characters. I was missing those subtle clues to a person like the corner of their mouth frowning, or a tightening of their jaw type thing. It ended up feeing very dry.
There was also some cheating that happens in this book and although I don’t typically like reading that, it was the reaction of those affected that really tanked the story for me.
Normally I love a novella, but there was just too much missing for me and I felt a lack of chemistry between the main characters.
🎧 I do want to address that while I wasn’t crazy about the story, the narrators did amazing! They each had personality and really made it feel like listening to a movie!
Thank you so much to Libro.Fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
To start, I primarily listen to audiobooks and have listened to some graphic audios (fantasy) in the past. I think for a romcom, a graphic style audiobook doesn’t work for me. I like the back and forth dialogue, but there was a lack of connection between me and the characters. I was missing those subtle clues to a person like the corner of their mouth frowning, or a tightening of their jaw type thing. It ended up feeing very dry.
There was also some cheating that happens in this book and although I don’t typically like reading that, it was the reaction of those affected that really tanked the story for me.
Normally I love a novella, but there was just too much missing for me and I felt a lack of chemistry between the main characters.
🎧 I do want to address that while I wasn’t crazy about the story, the narrators did amazing! They each had personality and really made it feel like listening to a movie!
Thank you so much to Libro.Fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Simon Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Alex Perez is a rising culinary star in a swanky hotel in Big Sur. The demands of the job leave little time to think about romance. But when her ex-best friend Genevieve shows up at the restaurant, and gets engaged, Alex is transported back to high school. Back then, Genevieve was the extrovert that took introvert Alex under her wings. The two were inseparable until a road trip changed everything, causing Genevieve to question her own sexuality. Despite not having interacted for over a decade, Genevieve’s new fiancé insists that Alex cater the wedding in exchange for becoming head chief. Can Alex put her feelings aside for the chance at her dream job?
I loved so many things about this book! I love that Alex is authentically queer, and I can appreciate Genevieve’s journey. It’s a second chance sapphic romance with chef/restaurant vibes, featuring some favorite voices like Ash Perez (of Buzzfeed fame), Jena Malone (of Hunger Games fame), and Benjamin Norris (of Never Have I Ever fame). The made-for-audiobook plot, masterful sound editing (for example the background sounds of a restaurant), and the ensemble cast make this an audiobook like cinema for your ears! I hope this isn’t the last we hear from Ash Perez in the audiobook space.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
🧑🍳 find yourself always saying “Yes, chef!” or “Heard!”
👚 love the line “big ole lesbian crush on you” from Mean Girls
🧑💼 appreciate a good pantsuit
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Alex Perez is a rising culinary star in a swanky hotel in Big Sur. The demands of the job leave little time to think about romance. But when her ex-best friend Genevieve shows up at the restaurant, and gets engaged, Alex is transported back to high school. Back then, Genevieve was the extrovert that took introvert Alex under her wings. The two were inseparable until a road trip changed everything, causing Genevieve to question her own sexuality. Despite not having interacted for over a decade, Genevieve’s new fiancé insists that Alex cater the wedding in exchange for becoming head chief. Can Alex put her feelings aside for the chance at her dream job?
I loved so many things about this book! I love that Alex is authentically queer, and I can appreciate Genevieve’s journey. It’s a second chance sapphic romance with chef/restaurant vibes, featuring some favorite voices like Ash Perez (of Buzzfeed fame), Jena Malone (of Hunger Games fame), and Benjamin Norris (of Never Have I Ever fame). The made-for-audiobook plot, masterful sound editing (for example the background sounds of a restaurant), and the ensemble cast make this an audiobook like cinema for your ears! I hope this isn’t the last we hear from Ash Perez in the audiobook space.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
🧑🍳 find yourself always saying “Yes, chef!” or “Heard!”
👚 love the line “big ole lesbian crush on you” from Mean Girls
🧑💼 appreciate a good pantsuit
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Speak Now is described as a “queer ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’”. It’s a short, breezy second chance romance that features Alex, a celebrated chef, and Genevieve, her ex-best friend and first love. Drama ensues when Genevieve gets engaged at Alex’s resort restaurant and her real estate mogul fiancé insists that Alex cater the wedding. While the characters are exaggerated and the plot is a bit far-fetched, the novel is a charming, engaging read.
I thought this novel was great on audio. It features a talented full cast. I was especially impressed with actress Jena Malone, who has an engaging voice and even sings in this production. Audiobook lovers looking for a quick, lighthearted read should check this one out. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for an advanced listener copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date is March 31, 2026
I thought this novel was great on audio. It features a talented full cast. I was especially impressed with actress Jena Malone, who has an engaging voice and even sings in this production. Audiobook lovers looking for a quick, lighthearted read should check this one out. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for an advanced listener copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date is March 31, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Simon Audio for the audiobook. These opinions are my own.
This is a second chance romance featuring two women who were best friends in high school. However, their first chance never really happened. Now they meet up again ten years later, having not spoken to each other in the intervening time. And Alex is asked to cater Genevieve's wedding.
There were lots of things I didn't enjoy about the progression of their relationship and the reaction of others to it. But when it comes down to it, I'm very against infidelity. So this audiobook was not a good fit for me.
I appreciate that the audiobook was produced with a full cast, each of whom performed their respective roles well. I especially enjoyed recognizing many of the narrator's voices during the bachelorette party. The special effects were quite good, but I did not appreciate the large range on volumes. In order to hear and understand the whispers, I had to adjust the volume during louder portions, as it hurt my ears and felt like yelling.
This is a second chance romance featuring two women who were best friends in high school. However, their first chance never really happened. Now they meet up again ten years later, having not spoken to each other in the intervening time. And Alex is asked to cater Genevieve's wedding.
There were lots of things I didn't enjoy about the progression of their relationship and the reaction of others to it. But when it comes down to it, I'm very against infidelity. So this audiobook was not a good fit for me.
I appreciate that the audiobook was produced with a full cast, each of whom performed their respective roles well. I especially enjoyed recognizing many of the narrator's voices during the bachelorette party. The special effects were quite good, but I did not appreciate the large range on volumes. In order to hear and understand the whispers, I had to adjust the volume during louder portions, as it hurt my ears and felt like yelling.
April 6, 2026
Eh I really didn't like this! The plot felt really cliche (in love with my straight best friend) and had so many elements that didn't make sense to me. Why does Alex see her long lost friend of ten years and fall for her all over again when she hadn't been hung up on her at all? Why does Jen string her fiancee along until the literal last second? Why does Jen get engaged and almost get married without figuring out her sexuality or saying anything to Alex about their kiss ten years prior?
I also really can't stand cheating in romance stories, and this cheating was particularly egregious. Not just emotional cheating but actually having sex without having the decency to tell your partners (for both main characters!) is unforgivable to me. Cheating in stories always gives off the impression that the characters are too selfish and self absorbed to think about anyone else's feelings.
It did have some funny one liners, but it ultimately fell flat for me.
I also really can't stand cheating in romance stories, and this cheating was particularly egregious. Not just emotional cheating but actually having sex without having the decency to tell your partners (for both main characters!) is unforgivable to me. Cheating in stories always gives off the impression that the characters are too selfish and self absorbed to think about anyone else's feelings.
It did have some funny one liners, but it ultimately fell flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
I don’t think I’ve ever written a review this quickly, but I had to for Speak Now by Ash Perez.
Within the first 20 minutes, I was already searching for a physical copy to buy, only to realize this story is meant to be experienced exactly as it is, as an audiobook. And honestly, that makes it even better.
The full-cast performance is incredible. Every character feels so vivid, so distinct, and so genuinely alive. It’s not just narration, it’s a full experience. The chemistry, the timing, the emotion, it all pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let go.
What really surprised me is how instantly likable everyone is. You don’t have to warm up to the story. It grabs you right away and makes you care. It’s fun, engaging, and just an absolute joy to listen to.
I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this. If you’re even slightly considering it, just press play. You’ll be hooked almost immediately.
Five stars without hesitation.
Within the first 20 minutes, I was already searching for a physical copy to buy, only to realize this story is meant to be experienced exactly as it is, as an audiobook. And honestly, that makes it even better.
The full-cast performance is incredible. Every character feels so vivid, so distinct, and so genuinely alive. It’s not just narration, it’s a full experience. The chemistry, the timing, the emotion, it all pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let go.
What really surprised me is how instantly likable everyone is. You don’t have to warm up to the story. It grabs you right away and makes you care. It’s fun, engaging, and just an absolute joy to listen to.
I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this. If you’re even slightly considering it, just press play. You’ll be hooked almost immediately.
Five stars without hesitation.
April 23, 2026
The audiobook experience was fantastic! 5 stars to the cast and production.
The story itself could use a lot of work. I hate that stereotype of cheating being used, that was just so unnecessary, especially when it didn’t add anything, it didn’t change their feelings, etc. and the fiancé and best friend/ girlfriend were both extremely forgiving. I get they wanted to sugarcoat everything but Jesh. The story just did not match up to them reacting that way.
Ngl, when starting the story I was a little like be real, it’s been ten years and you’re still pining away? The flashbacks were cute until they weren’t. I don’t know that there was enough showing, it felt like telling, I wish there was more.
In the end they do come across as terrible people and I just don’t believe the story needed to end that way. It could have been told differently, with the same happy result.
I enjoyed the mom for being supportive and George for being real.
The story itself could use a lot of work. I hate that stereotype of cheating being used, that was just so unnecessary, especially when it didn’t add anything, it didn’t change their feelings, etc. and the fiancé and best friend/ girlfriend were both extremely forgiving. I get they wanted to sugarcoat everything but Jesh. The story just did not match up to them reacting that way.
Ngl, when starting the story I was a little like be real, it’s been ten years and you’re still pining away? The flashbacks were cute until they weren’t. I don’t know that there was enough showing, it felt like telling, I wish there was more.
In the end they do come across as terrible people and I just don’t believe the story needed to end that way. It could have been told differently, with the same happy result.
I enjoyed the mom for being supportive and George for being real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
I LOVE a full cast production… but this one was next level. I did not expect a dramatized adaptation with sound effects and background music, and it completely elevated the experience. It felt immersive and cinematic without ever being distracting. Every narrator brought so much personality and emotional nuance to their role — they truly knocked it out of the park. And Arienne Mandi and Jena Malone were absolutely fantastic as the two main leads…I totally fell in love with these two!
I think Ash Perez knocked it out of the park with this debut. The characters felt realistic, I felt ALL the emotions, and the storytelling made for an enjoyable experience. Overall, this was a sweet listen with a phenomenal cast of narrators.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the early copy!
I think Ash Perez knocked it out of the park with this debut. The characters felt realistic, I felt ALL the emotions, and the storytelling made for an enjoyable experience. Overall, this was a sweet listen with a phenomenal cast of narrators.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the early copy!
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