Human Required

I started this audiobook expecting a lighthearted romp, but Shaina Summerville’s narration of Olivia’s inner monologue is so sharp and weary that I found myself genuinely invested in her survival within minutes. Her dry delivery sells the humor without undermining the stakes—Olivia’s sarcasm isn’t just for laughs; it’s armor against the absurdity of her situation, and Summerville nails the balance. Stephen Borne’s performance as the alien enforcer Kryll is equally compelling; his voice drips with reluctant charm, making their bickering dynamic feel less like a trope and more like the only thing keeping them both sane. The chemistry between them crackles, especially during their early ‘negotiations,’ which always teeter on the edge of flirtation. That said, the pacing drags slightly in the middle act when Olivia’s backstory gets hashed out—Kyle’s worldbuilding is efficient, but the exposition feels padded in audio format. Still, the payoff is worth it, especially in the final act where the romantic tension finally combusts. Minor quibble aside, this is a rare rom-com that respects its sci-fi setting enough to make the stakes feel real, and the narration elevates it to something unputdownable.