Courtship. In this age of dating apps, texting, and Twitter, the ways we maneuver the initial phase of a relationship are unique to our modern (and confusing) culture. Do you find yourself multitasking even when you’re around your loved ones? Can you get through a dinner date without taking out your smartphone at some point? (Be honest!) Do you Google all of your potential partners? Have you ever rethought a relationship with someone because of what you saw on their Facebook or Instagram account? All of this is to say that technology is often miraculous and wonderful—it keeps us connected to each other in many ways. On the other hand, technology may distract us from meaningful moments that move us from courtship to a relationship. Let’s bring romance back! These audiobooks stand out for delicious, delightful courtships that are even more romantic and more memorable when dedicated narrators share it with us up close and out loud.

THE KISS QUOTIENT
by Helen Hoang
read by Carly Robins
Dreamscape

What’s Stella to do when her family flat-out tells her they want grandchildren and encourages her to use Tinder to get them some? Hire a sexy consultant. This sizzling #ownvoices novel features a character with Asperger’s.

LAUREN’S BARBARIAN
by Ruby Dixon
read by Sean Crisden, Felicity Munroe
Tantor Media

Lauren is an Earthling stuck on K’Thar’s alien world. They don’t even speak the same language. How does this work as an audiobook? The answer—amazingly well. The narrators present accents and communication challenges smoothly and make the growing romance believable.

BRIGHTON HONEYMOON
by Sheri Cobb South
read by Noah Michael Levine
Sheri Cobb South

A Regency romp that might bring to mind the works of Georgette Heyer. Narrator Noah Michael Levine plays up the farcical elements of this mistaken-identity courtship. Our reviewer says to be prepared to laugh out loud!