Type of read: Commuter Read.

What made me pick it up: Cover art, synopsis, and category. I think it was also in a suggested list.

Overall rating: Zero expectations and this book completely blew me away! Forbidden romance. Disgruntled and starved for attention wife (main character). Two on the edge, rule breakers just trying to do some good in the world. "Hello, Transcriber" is a weird mix of lusty romance and murder mystery but it works (at least for me). It should be noted, there are some super steam scenes that wouldn't be appropriate for younger audiences - including discussing of basically giving in to requests for sex from a trusted partner because otherwise, you fear the consequences - but I wouldn't say that it's anything super erotic or pornographic.

I did get a kick out of how the main character was made fun of for the way she said her B's and various other words. As a Minnesotan, I felt this in my bones and I think it made me relate to the main character more. There are parts of this book that are read exactly how they would be transcribed and provided to someone transcribing - including saying grammatical choices and writing nuances - which I thought added to the book and made sense with the storyline. I was surprised and honestly quite happy with the ending. It made sense and tied everything up but wasn't exactly what I had envisioned in my head.

I would, without a doubt, recommend "Hello, Transcriber." I realize I was reading the audio book version and that provides some flexibility in getting through a book quickly, but I think it says something that I finished this book in less than 24 hours.

Reader's Note: There are underlying storylines of suicide, abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual), and depression portrayed in "Hello, Transcriber."