Delayed Call

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I started Delayed Call. A jock-heroine rivalry romance? Between a hockey player and an event planner? Too niche, too forced. But Toni Aleo pulled me in with sheer charisma, and Jillian Macie’s narration is what kept me hooked for 15+ hours. Macie’s voice work is a masterclass in contrast—her crisp, no-nonsense delivery as Brie lands every sarcastic quip, while her gruff, slightly exasperated take on Vaughn sells his I’m-the-best-in-the-world attitude without veering into parody. The chemistry between the leads feels authentic; their bickering isn’t just a trope, it’s a genuine clash of egos that slowly, painfully melts into something tender. That said, Brie’s stubbornness occasionally veers into martyrdom territory, and Vaughn’s penchant for grand gestures borders on self-sabotage. But Aleo handles it deftly, wrapping their flaws in enough charm and humor to make the payoff satisfying. The production is flawless, with just enough ambient sound during hockey scenes to immerse you without feeling gimmicky. If you love rom-coms with bite and heart, this is the audiobook for you—just don’t be surprised if you’re yelling at the characters by the end.