Seatmate

Last week I was on the hunt for a light listen. Something that was short, easy to follow, with characters I liked and maybe some humour. Seatmate, an Audible Original by Cara Bastone, fit the bill. Unbeknownst to me, this is the third book in a series but I'm glad I just jumped in. 

I really enjoyed this audio drama. It felt like I was listening to a modern take on an old-timey radio drama ... and I guess it was. This light RomCom-esque story was specifically written as an audiobook for Audible (and a free one for Audible members!) and is told completely through dialogue. Bastone crafted this sweet story in this unique way that gives listeners a feel for each character without the need for long backstories or a general narrator to set the scene. I also loved the background noises which helped put me in the setting and added to that radio drama vibe.

Sam and Gwen meet on a bus as they travel between Boston and New York City. Listeners get to witness their initial bond as the unlucky travelers who are stuck sitting next to the bus bathroom. Emotions shine through as these two strangers get to know each other along the way. Their conversations felt natural - you can hear their smiles, feel their awkwardness and chemistry ... and don't get me started with the great banter. Add in a funny older lady on the bus and a myriad of audio narrators (even for the smallest of parts) and this was a fun and quick listen.

Light, predictable and well-written, this was an enjoyable listen. Bastone clearly has superpowers to make even a Greyhound bus ride have a bit of magic. I look forward to listening to the other books in this new-to-me series.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Cara Bastone

Genre: RomCom

Type and Source: eAudiobook drama from Audible

Series: #3 in the Love Lines series

Publisher: Audible Originals

First Published: March 24, 2022

Run Time: 5 hours, 10 min

Narrators: Amanda Ranconi, Zachary Webber, 

Josh Hurley, Carol Monda, Corey Allen, 

Allyson Johnson, Eric Yves Garcia

Book Description from GoodReads: Ride along on this endearing road-trip rom-com from Audie Award nominee Cara Bastone - scripted exclusively for audio!

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?