Dating-ish by Penny Reid

Dating-ish

Witty banter meets small-town charm in this rom-com gem

Written byPenny Reid
Narrated byJoy Nash
Length11h57m
Release dateMay 18, 2017
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.7 (1,680 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorPenny Reid
NarratorJoy Nash
Runtime11h57m
PublishedMay 18, 2017
Rating★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 (1,680 ratings)
CategoriesRomance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Comedy & Humor, Literature & Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Penny Reid’s *Dating-ish* is a razor-sharp romantic comedy that thrives on its ability to balance slapstick humor with genuine emotional beats. Set against the backdrop of a quirky small town, the story follows two stubborn, oddly matched leads—one a commitment-phobic artist, the other a logic-obsessed engineer—who find themselves trapped in a hilariously ill-advised agreement to "date-ish" without the actual dating. Reid’s dialogue crackles with the kind of snarky, rapid-fire wit that makes every argument feel like a championship tennis match. The plot zips along with relentless energy, packed with awkward first dates, competitive family dinners, and enough miscommunication to fuel a sitcom. But beneath the laughs, there’s a sweet, grounded romance that sneaks up on you, making their slow-burn connection feel earned, not forced.

The audiobook’s magic largely hinges on Joy Nash’s narration, which is nothing short of a performance art piece. Nash doesn’t just read the lines—she *lives* them. Her delivery shifts seamlessly between deadpan sarcasm, exasperated sighs, and genuine warmth, making each character feel distinct and lived-in. The pacing is brisk, mirroring the book’s comedic timing, but Nash never rushes the emotional beats, ensuring the romance doesn’t get lost in the humor. It’s the kind of narration that turns a great book into an unforgettable listening experience, especially for fans of audiobooks that demand active engagement.

Tags: romantic comedy audiobooksmall-town romanceopposites attract romancePenny Reid audiobookJoy Nash narrationsmart rom-com

Why Listen to Dating-ish?

  • Expert narration by Joy Nash brings every character and scene to life across 11h57m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.7 stars by 1,680 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ve listened to my fair share of romantic comedies, but *Dating-ish* stands out for how it weaponizes its characters’ incompatibility into comedy gold without sacrificing their humanity. Joy Nash’s narration is the secret sauce here—her ability to sell both the absurdity and the heart of the story is nothing short of masterful. She nails the rapid-fire banter between the leads, Riley and Nathan, making their bickering feel like a verbal tennis match where the ball never stops moving. But what really impresses me is how Nash handles the quieter moments. When Riley’s vulnerability slips through her carefully constructed walls, Nash’s voice softens just enough to make it land, which is no small feat given the book’s otherwise breakneck pace. That said, the story does stumble a bit in the middle act. The "dating-ish" setup, while clever, occasionally stretches believability, and Nathan’s relentless logic-puzzle approach to romance starts to feel like overkill after a while. The pacing drags slightly during a subplot involving a third wheel friend, and the resolution, while satisfying, ties up a little too neatly for my taste. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful package. The production is crisp, with no distracting audio artifacts, and the runtime flies by thanks to Nash’s engaging performance. If you’re a fan of rom-coms with sharp dialogue, flawed but lovable characters, and a narrator who elevates the material, this is a must-listen.

Download: Dating-ish

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Dating-ish by Penny Reid is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Joy Nash with a runtime of 11h57m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.