Gigi, Listening

January 1, 2023

Gigi Rutherford loves love. As the owner of a romance book store in Ann Arbor, MI, she's surrounded by meet-cutes and happily-ever-afters every day. On the eve of Gigi's 30th birthday, her book club friends surprise her with tickets to London and a bus tour led by her favorite audiobook narrator, Zane. Normally cautious and responsible, Gigi embarks on the trip convinced that making a connection with him in real life will be the start of her own larger-than-life love story. The only problem is that when she arrives, she's told that Zane has been called away. Gigi is disappointed, but she begins enjoying the bus journey through England, getting to know the motley crew of travelers. Then there's Taj, the handsome and intriguing but surly driver she keeps gravitating towards. Soon Zane joins the tour, and he's as perfect as she'd dreamed. But now that she's gotten close to Taj, Gigi's not so sure what she wants--or who she wants--anymore. VERDICT Fans of books set in the UK and those featuring strong travel story lines will enjoy this charming contemporary romance from Guertin (Instamom).--Migdalia Jimenez

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2023
A romance reader's once-in-a-lifetime trip to meet her favorite audiobook narrator goes awry when he never shows up, leaving her stuck with a snarky tour guide instead. Georgia "Gigi" Rutherford owns a romance bookshop and is dogged in her pursuit of love. Sadly, she thinks she's reached the limit of her tolerance for dating apps, instead fantasizing about audiobook narrator Zane Wilkenson. She takes it as a sign that he narrates the book that, years ago, caused her own parents to fall in love. Through internet sleuthing, Gigi discovers that Zane works for his parents' tour-guide business in London. For her 30th birthday, her dearest friends buy her a ticket to England for a 10-day bus tour hosted by none other than Zane. Gigi embarks on a whirlwind vacation, nearly missing the tour bus, but her bubble is burst when Zane is a no-show. In a pinch, Angus, one of the company's oldest employees, and Taj, a surly and snappy man with a love of mystery novels, step in to kick off the trip, with a promise that Zane will catch up with them later. It's hard to enjoy Gigi as a main character considering her parasocial relationship with Zane. Her desire for a man she's never met, has only listened to via audiobooks, and has only seen through social media photos comes across as concerning. Thankfully, she snaps out of it, though some readers may not have the patience to wait that long. Once Gigi's attention turns to Taj, though, there's a delightfully meta quality to their relationship, as Gigi is a dedicated romance reader who references familiar tropes and author names while Taj has his own bookish indulgences. The detailed descriptions of the English countryside, combined with a motley crew of Gigi's fellow tour-goers, add coziness and charm. An uncomfortable start is saved by the secondary characters and setting.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 6, 2023
The owner of a romance bookstore in Ann Arbor, Mich., yearns for her own Prince Charming in this humorous and poignant contemporary from Guertin (Instamom). Gigi’s late parents had a real-life meet-cute when they bonded over their favorite novel, and recently Gigi has been obsessing over an audio version of the same book, specifically the narrator’s sexy voice. After learning that the narrator, Zane, works as a tour guide in England, Gigi’s friends pitch in to send her on a 10-day bus tour led by Zane as a 30th birthday present. Zane doesn’t show up for his shift, however, leaving a devastated Gigi stuck on a bus full of wacky misfits, though the sardonic bus driver, Taj, teases her out of her ill humor. He’s a remarkably good listener, and the pair grow close as the tour goes on. When Zane finally does meet up with the group and proves just as handsome and responsive to Gigi’s interest as she dreamed, Gigi must determine which man truly has her heart. Guertin balances sweet and spicy with plenty of sizzle between Gigi and the men, vivid scenery, and a quirky cast. The result is sure to charm book-loving Anglophiles—as well as fans of Emily Henry and Amy Reichert. Agent: Samantha Haywood, Transatlantic Agency.