Against the Clock

I went into *Against the Clock* expecting another tired football-romance cliché, but Kelley subverted my expectations hard. The banter between the leads is *chef’s kiss*—sharp, snappy, and laced with enough tension to make you forget this is a rom-com and not a thriller. The heroine, a romance writer herself, is the kind of protagonist who’s equal parts lovable and exasperating, and her internal monologue (delivered brilliantly by Lee Samuels) makes her feel like a friend you’d vent to over drinks. Greyson Ash’s narration is the real MVP here; his voice oozes that panty-melting quarterback confidence while still selling the vulnerability beneath. The only hiccup? The side characters occasionally blur together, and a few secondary conflicts wrap up a little too neatly. Pacing-wise, the audiobook never drags, even at 9+ hours—a feat for a rom-com. The production stays crisp, with just enough audio flourishes (think playful sound effects during banter scenes) to keep things lively. My biggest critique? The ‘enemies-to-lovers’ arc leans heavily on the hero’s persistence, which might rankle some listeners who prefer more mutual pining. That said, the payoff—including a steamy confrontation that’ll have you fanning yourself—is worth the ride. If you’re craving a romance that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud and swoon-worthy, this audiobook delivers.