Waking Olivia

About This Audiobook

Elizabeth O’Roark drops readers into the dirt-poor backroads of rural Pennsylvania, where Will Langstrom’s life is a minefield of bad decisions and heavier burdens. Between bailing out his alcoholic father’s failing farm and dragging his college track team to glory with half the resources they need, Will’s got no time for Olivia Finnegan—until she swings first and asks questions never. She’s mouthy, unpredictable, and hides scars that run deeper than the ones on Will’s knuckles. Their chemistry crackles like static between gloves in a boxing ring, but beneath the snark and stolen glances, both know Olivia’s past could derail them both. O’Roark’s prose is raw, unvarnished, and crackles with the kind of tension that makes you hold your breath between sentences.

The real star here is the audiobook’s narration duo. Rock Engle’s gravelly baritone snarls Will’s exhaustion and quiet protectiveness into something visceral, while Stephanie Wyles’ sharp, sardonic delivery gives Olivia’s defiance the kind of bite that makes you wince and cheer. Their back-and-forth feels like eavesdropping on a couple who’s too stubborn to admit they’re perfect for each other—and that’s before you get to the heart-pounding track meets that’ll have your pulse racing. This isn’t just a sports romance; it’s a story about two people running toward something they’re terrified to catch.