Seat Mate by Cara Bastone

My review

4/5 stars

I've not spent much time exploring the Audible Original content that my subscription gives me access to, but this looked like a nice-enough listen when it was suggested to me, so I gave it a shot.

I was pleasantly surprised.

The premise was simple, but very well executed. Two strangers meet on a mishap-heavy coach trip from one city to another and become better acquainted. I loved that they employed a string of narrators to give each individual character their own voice and personality - it made the experience feel more like listening to a play than a book; this was enhanced by all the background sound effects that were added to the narration. The conversation style also helped to build a real sense of the natural chemistry between the two protagonists and kept the story feeling light and fun throughout.

The narrators themselves were all very talented, and infused the story with the right level of emotion and humour. I particularly enjoyed listening to the lady who voiced one of the other passengers on the bus, sitting directly behind the two main characters, and helping to keep the story moving along at the right pace.

The romance was somewhat predictable, but still sweet and fun to see play out as the story progressed. Given the short time frame, I was surprised that it didn't feel more rushed and unnatural - the author did a very good job of providing enough depth to the characters that the speed of their relationship growth felt plausible.

It was a quick listen and a lovely way to spend a few distracted hours in my day.

Book blurb

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?

More

You can listen to the book here now. It was an Audible Original.

For more on the author, you can head to her website, follow her on Instagram or check out her Goodreads page.