Technically Speaking by Michael Elliot 
Published by Flavor Unit, Audible Originals on September 26, 2024
In this captivating and heartwarming romance from award-winning screenwriter Michael Elliot (Just Wright, Brown Sugar) and executive producer Queen Latifah, Oakland-bred LaVeesha “Vee” Gilliam (Coco Jones) is a determined single mother of an autistic son and a gifted aspiring coder. When Vee loses her job as a food-services worker at the onsite restaurant at Grapengine, a large Silicon Valley tech company, she’s unable to pay for her son’s much-needed specialized education. By a twist of fate, mistaken identity, and her tech skills, Vee meets Troy Wilson (Keith Powers), the company’s wealthy founder and CEO and a wunderkind in the tech industry, who believes that Vee is a college-educated techie who works at his company. Fate meets Vee’s raw talent, ideas, and work ethic, and both her career and romance blooms–but what will happen when Vee’s true identity is revealed?
Technically Speaking by screenwriter Michael Elliot and executive producer Queen Latifah is a heartfelt and engaging romance beautifully performed as an Audible original by Coco Jones and Keith Powers. Jones and Powers bring LaVeesha “Vee” Gilliam, a single mother and aspiring coder, and Troy Wilson, the successful but grounded tech CEO, to life with captivating chemistry that shines through each scene. Queen Latifah’s cameo is a delightful touch, adding charm to the story without overshadowing the main characters.
The narrative dives deep into the struggles of parenting a child with autism, authentically portraying both the joys and challenges Vee faces in balancing her son’s needs with her aspirations. Vee’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, and her love for her son gives her character an inspiring depth. As she unexpectedly finds herself in the tech world, her raw talent and grit make her relatable and inspiring, revealing the power of self-belief and second chances.
Listening to Technically Speaking without reading the synopsis first made each twist and turn in Vee and Troy’s story a pleasant surprise, keeping me engaged from beginning to end. This story quickly became one of my favorite listens of 2024, and I’m already hoping for a continuation! It’s not just a romance; it’s a beautiful narrative about courage, authenticity, and finding love while staying true to oneself.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
