Fool Me Once

Cathi Colas’ performance is the kind that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private conversation—intimate yet punchy, with a cadence that matches the book’s razor-sharp tone. She nails the balance between authoritative and empathetic, shifting seamlessly between Madden’s clinical breakdowns of betrayal trauma and the soaring relief of self-advocacy. My only critique? A few sections feel slightly rushed, like the ‘next steps’ after discovery could’ve used more breathing room. Still, the pacing keeps the listen urgent, which mirrors the emotional chaos of the subject matter. Madden’s voice shines brightest when she dismantles the myth that women are ‘overreacting’—her dissection of emotional abuse is so spot-on, I found myself pausing to take notes. Production-wise, the audio is crisp, with zero distractions, letting Madden’s voice and the listener’s own ragged breaths do the heavy lifting. The book’s standout moment? A brutal but brilliant takedown of ‘love bombing’ disguised as remorse. If you’ve ever been gaslit into questioning your reality, this audiobook will make you feel seen—and armed.