Call Me Maybe (Love Lines, #1) – A Delightful Dive into the Digital Age of Romance
There’s something irresistibly charming about stories that weave the chaos of modern technology into heartfelt romance, and that’s exactly what Cara Bastone achieves in Call Me Maybe. As a budding audiobook enthusiast, I was intrigued by this Audible Original not just for its love story but also for its high production quality—something that continues to impress me with Audible’s offerings. Teaming up with talented narrators Luci Christian and Neil Hellegers, this audiobook felt less like a standard listen and more like being immersed in a movie that I just couldn’t pull away from.
At the heart of the story is Vera, a tenacious and somewhat frazzled entrepreneur on the cusp of presenting her innovative Date-in-a-Box business at an expo. Just when she needs her website to be functional, it decides to glitch out, leading to a hilarious call to customer service where she meets Cal, the adorably awkward tech genius trying to navigate both his new job and his own insecurities. From their initial clunky exchanges full of misunderstandings to genuine laughter, I found myself rooting for these two characters to break through the barriers of their digital relationship.
What truly sets Call Me Maybe apart is how it plays with the format of an audiobook. The clever mix of phone calls, texts, and scene POVs makes it feel uniquely designed for audio. The background sounds—like Cal’s cat meowing and the hustle of the city—created a rich, immersive world that simply wouldn’t resonate the same way in print. It made me appreciate the level of thought that went into crafting this experience, making it feel like I was an active participant in Vera and Cal’s journey.
While the story has a few minor hiccups, such as Vera’s prolonged assumption that Cal has a girlfriend—a misunderstanding that takes a bit too long to clear up—I found myself easily overlooking these for the delightful interactions and character growth that unfolded. Cal’s sweet, shy demeanor, juxtaposed with Vera’s sunny personality, creates a delightful dynamic that drove the narrative forward. The contrast between the characters was not only compelling but also emphasized emotional growth, particularly as Cal helps Vera reframe her professional setbacks. It sparked a reflection within me about resilience and self-acceptance, making their development feel all the more poignant.
Although I’m notoriously sensitive to any form of secondhand embarrassment, I found that the initial awkwardness soon shifted to enjoyable banter. It was a moment of relief that enriched my listening experience. And just to sprinkle on a bit of intrigue, there’s a plot twist that really took me by surprise—one I usually roll my eyes at, but here it’s masterfully executed.
Overall, Call Me Maybe is a delightful six-hour escapade perfect for anyone in search of a fresh, light-hearted romance. It’s especially lovely for those who enjoy exploring love through unique mediums, like audio, where every sound draws you deeper into the story. Buddy-reading this with my friend Jenica added another layer of enjoyment, as our constant exchanges about the characters and their misadventures became as enjoyable as the narrative itself.
If you’re seeking a swoon-worthy, relatable story in our digital age—complete with a charming hero and a warm-hearted heroine—make sure to dive into Call Me Maybe. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating what Cara Bastone has in store for us next, hoping the sequel highlights Vera’s brother, the charming golden retriever hero I can already imaginatively swoon over!
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