By Any Other Name

Starred review from January 10, 2022
Kate (The Orphan’s Song) delivers a delightful rom-com that begs to be devoured in one sitting. Lanie Bloom comes from a family of doctors and always intended to follow in their footsteps—until she fell in love with romance novels in college. Lanie ditched pre-med to pursue a career in New York City publishing, eventually becoming the editor of one of romance’s biggest names, Noa Callaway. Though she’s never met the mysterious author in person, they’ve worked together via email for years, and Lanie’s always been a fan, even creating a list of aspirational qualities for her perfect partner based on one of Noa’s first books. When Noa admits to writer’s block, Lanie’s job rides on getting the next bestseller produced, and she’ll stop at nothing to generate inspiration—leading to their first IRL meeting and a reveal that shakes Lanie to her core. Most readers won’t be surprised to discover the reason Noa is so reclusive, but this doesn’t take away from enjoying the slow burning central relationship. Kate surrounds both Noa and Lanie with well-drawn friends and family who add welcome backstory and create a sense that these are two people with full lives outside of each other meeting in the middle. The result is both smart and adorable. Agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary.

June 1, 2022

Kate's (Fallen) latest enemies-to-lovers romance reads more like a friends-to-lovers, but the ending will leave listeners swooning. Lanie Bloom has just landed the promotion of her dreams as an editorial director at Peony Press. But that promotion comes with a sizable caveat: get a best-selling manuscript from the notoriously elusive romance author Noa Calloway, who is already four months past the manuscript's deadline. Noa is suffering from a crippling case of writer's block and, of course, only communicates via email. Lanie and Noa have been email pen pals for seven years, but finally meeting face-to-face turns their worlds upside down. Narrator Brittany Pressley gives a delightful performance in a sweet and optimistic style, which makes Lanie's voice feel like that of a dear friend. She leans on tender tones that make sorrow palpable when Noa and Lanie talk about their mothers. Overall, this is an enjoyable mix of friendship, love, redefining expectations, and lots of healthy character growth. VERDICT A quick read with a very slow-burn romance, this fun and light listen will do well for fans of contemporary romance.--Emily Pykare

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