Ambush or Adore

Emma Newman’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook, turning what could’ve been a fluffy romantic subplot into a full-bodied performance. She nails Agatha’s dry, self-deprecating humor—like when our Wallflower monologues about the perils of being *too* good at avoiding notice—and injects even the lighter moments with a simmering tension that keeps the story from veering into farce. The pacing is brisk, but Newman never rushes the wit, allowing Carriger’s razor-sharp dialogue to breathe. My only critique? The romantic subplot, while charming, occasionally feels like it’s being shoehorned in, as if Carriger’s world is so rich it’s hard to know where to focus next. Still, the production quality is impeccable—no awkward cuts or muffled dialogue—just a seamless blend of humor, danger, and Austen-esque social satire. If you love your romances with a side of espionage and a narrator who can sell a smirk, this is your audiobook.