“Seatmate” Book Review: Cara Bastone’s Charming Love Story on the Road @CaraBastone @audible_ca

“Seatmate” is a charming, humorous romance that captures a delightful journey with engaging characters and excellent narration.

From The Publisher:

I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.

My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me. Tall. Friendly smile. Bright indigo streak in his brown hair. The perfect distraction. Turns out he’s on his way to reconnect with an old flame. The one who got away. We can both make it on time – just barely – if the traffic keeps flowing.

Playing road-trip games, avoiding calls from his mother, and effortless conversation keeps us from clockwatching…until the bus breaks down. And my seatmate turns into my copilot as we wrangle a ride in a car three decades old. And hit all the traffic. And oh, Lord, the detours. And somehow I end up careening cross-town on the handlebars of a Citi Bike carrying a box of kittens. (Yeah, don’t ask.)

He’s my hero every step of the way…and I might be falling for him. But what happens when we reach our final destination? Could my seatmate really be my soul mate?

My Thoughts:

“Seatmate” by Cara Bastone is a delightful and charming addition to her Love Lines series, and it’s no wonder she has quickly become one of my must-read authors. In this heartwarming story, we follow Gwen and Sam on an unexpected journey that unfolds over a mere five hours and ten minutes but feels infinitely richer.

The premise is simple yet engaging: Gwen, a photographer, is desperately trying to get from Boston to New York City for an important job opportunity. She choses to take a discount bus with the last available seat next to the bathroom. Despite her nerves and less-than-ideal circumstances, her luck changes when Sam, a tall man with a friendly smile and a striking indigo streak in his hair, sits next to her. Sam is on his way to reconnect with an old flame, setting the stage for an intriguing blend of personal quests.

Bastone excels at creating an atmosphere where readers feel like they are eavesdropping on a conversation between strangers. This intimate style makes the developing relationship between Gwen and Sam both believable and endearing. Their chemistry is evident from their first interaction, and it only grows as they play road-trip games, dodge calls from Sam’s mother, and navigate a series of travel mishaps. From a broken-down bus to a ride in an ancient car and a frantic Citi Bike journey with a box of kittens, their adventure is filled with humour and unexpected detours.

The secondary characters add depth and color to the narrative. A fellow bus passenger who overhears their conversation and a helpful friend of Sam’s provide additional layers of interaction and support. However, it is Gwen and Sam who truly shine. Their evolving dynamic brings out the best in each other, transforming what starts as a chance meeting into a potentially life-changing connection.

The Narration:

Listening to the audiobook version of “Seatmate” was a particularly enjoyable experience, thanks to the stellar performances of Amanda Ronconi and Zachary Webber. Their narration felt so natural, it was as if they were right there in the room with me, bringing Gwen and Sam’s journey to life. The authentic interplay and comedic timing between the narrators enhanced the story’s charm and made it an absolute joy to listen to.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “Seatmate” is a testament to Cara Bastone’s talent for crafting compelling romances that are as humorous as they are heartwarming. If you’re a fan of stories that make you feel like you’re part of the adventure, this book is definitely for you. Whether you’re new to the Love Lines series or a returning fan, you’ll find Gwen and Sam’s journey both entertaining and deeply satisfying.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed In The Series:

Call Me Maybe

Sweet Talk