Review of Know Your Newlywed by Hillary Nussbaum and Heather Taylor: A Delightfully Immersive Audiobook @hbnuss @heatherAtaylor @SimonAudio

Know Your Newlywed combines a sweet love story, gameshow excitement, and a stellar audiobook production to create something truly special.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Cleo, a dedicated anthrozoology researcher with dreams of earning a PhD, secretly loves Know Your Newlywed, an old gameshow where couples answer questions about each other. Though not focused on relationships, she’s intrigued by Javi’s dating profile, which says he’s looking for a partner to win the show with.

After sparks fly between them, they discover a reboot of the show and decide, on a whim, to pretend to be newlyweds and apply. Surprisingly, they’re cast, and their undeniable chemistry makes them fan favourites. But as the competition intensifies and their connection deepens, they must navigate the pressure, their ambitions, and the truth about their relationship. Will their love survive beyond the gameshow facade?

My Thoughts:

Know Your Newlywed is a heartwarming romantic comedy that captures the excitement of new connections and the high-stakes charm of a beloved gameshow. Cleo, a researcher with dreams of a PhD in anthrozoology, and Javi, a charismatic stranger from a dating app, bond over their shared obsession with Know Your Newlywed, a decades-old gameshow akin to The Newlywed Game.

When they impulsively apply to the reboot of their favourite show, pretending to be newlyweds despite never having met, they embark on a whirlwind adventure. Their journey unfolds with humour, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry, as they navigate the demands of the show and their growing feelings for each other.

The Narration:

Listening to this audiobook was a truly enchanting experience. The main characters, Cleo and Javi, are both sweet, kind-hearted, and wonderfully layered, brought to life by Mary Mouser and Tyler Perry’s captivating performances. Their natural enthusiasm and charm enhanced the story’s playful yet emotional tone.

What sets this audiobook apart is the ensemble cast for supporting characters and the immersive sound design, complete with true-to-life effects that make the gameshow scenes feel vivid and dynamic. Javi’s grandmother was a standout for me, offering heartfelt wisdom during tender moments in the kitchen. The story’s multicultural authenticity further enriched the narrative, making it feel both relatable and refreshing.

Final Thoughts:

For fans of romance and audiobooks, Know Your Newlywed is not to be missed. I sincerely hope more audiobooks will be produced with this level of care and creativity, as it elevates an already delightful story to a truly memorable experience.

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