New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Pickleball is front and center in Spencer's latest audiobook, narrated by the excellent Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. Bex has been managing her family's struggling pickleball club since her mother's death. Niko, a pompous former tennis star, comes to town and immediately clashes with Bex. When a rival racquet club hosts a pickleball tournament, Bex and Niko put aside their differences... Read More

Narrator Angela Dawe returns listeners to a world of humans, psychics, and changelings. Justice Psy Eleri is hunting a serial killer in falcon changeling Adam Garrett's territory. Eleri and Adam have a past that Eleri wants to atone for before she has a complete psychic break. After having been reconditioned, most of her emotions have been eliminated, and Dawe gives her an... Read More

An emotive narration by Stella Bloom lands listeners in a madcap adventure. As Harlow and her group of stylish crime fighters investigate an unscrupulous online dater, her romance with investigator Javier Montoya heats up. Bloom makes this Avenging Angels installment a must-listen by fully expressing Harlow's rapid-fire dialogue. Whether Harlow is pondering an impromptu... Read More

Narrator Marisa Calin transports listeners to London 1898. Disgraced spinster Lady Kay Matheson has plans to marry an American millionaire, Wilson Roycroft, when she encounters her former fiancé, Devlin Sharpe, the man who broke her heart. Devlin now has marriage plans of his own. Calin effectively contrasts Devlin's British accent and Wilson's American speech. Kay's finances... Read More

Lucy Boynton gives an emotionally wrenching performance of this enemies-to-lovers story. She uses differentiated voices for Andie, a New York City senior publicist from England, and her newest author, the suave Jack Carlson. Thrown together, they keep secret their earlier relationship at Edinburgh University. Andie still feels deeply wronged by Jack. As the pair stumble into a... Read More

Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis delight listeners with their narration of this rivals-to-lovers contemporary romance. Josie manages a literary fiction bookstore, and Ryan manages a romance novel bookstore. Neither has ever interacted with the other until the owner of both their shops decides to merge their stores into one. Now they're competing even harder--yet they're also... Read More

Author Cara Bastone's latest Audible Original is reminiscent of a radio play, complete with a full cast of narrators, sound effects, and singing. When former BFFs Mona and Duncan travel to their hometown for a New Year's Eve party, they manage to drive through a snowstorm--and a wormhole. Why their families now seem to believe they're a married couple who are divorcing is as... Read More

Logan Rozos expertly narrates a heartfelt queer romance. Eli, an editorial assistant who wants to be a writer, has sworn off romance. Finally, his friends set him up on a date with handsome but awkward Peter--which turns out to be a bust. Now Eli's boss wants him to continue seeing Peter and to write a series of articles about it to provide dating tips for readers. Eli's first... Read More

Narrator Kitty Bang breathes life into the romance between contractor Harper Ross and designer Reid Dorsey. The two have teamed up to renovate a brownstone in New York City as part of a reality TV show. At first, they butt heads, and Bang demonstrates liveliness in their dialogue as they trade barbs. Harper's mother harasses her about the family business, and Bang gives her a... Read More

Daniel Henning's talent for voicing larger-than-life characters brings a group of drag queen witches to life. It's 1989, and Joe plans to spend a summer bartending on Fire Island, a known gay hotspot. Joe is heartbroken over the loss of his boyfriend and is quickly taken in by a couple of older gay men who are secretly disco witches tasked with protecting the island and other... Read More

Escape with narrator Samara MacLaren on a mystical journey filled with magic and dragons in this Celtic-inspired fantasy-romance. Aemyra, a powerfully blessed blacksmith, has been forced to live in hiding while awaiting the current king's death--upon which she can bond with his dragon and take her rightful place on the throne. However, her biggest enemy, Prince Fiorean, an... Read More

This audiobook, narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown and Joshua Riley, brings its story vividly to life. A sweeping romantasy full of magic, rebellion, and heartache, it follows Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, who are taken from their mining towns as children to train as artisans in Belavere City. When they uncover a devastating truth, their bond shatters, thrusting them onto... Read More

With his seasoned delivery, Richard Poe brings a theatrical maturity to this story of a man who is looking for a huge second chance. Charlie and Vivian once met, fell in love, and married--but it didn't last. They were just too young and struggled with his alcoholism and their mutual immaturity. Forty years later, Charlie reappears, hoping to make amends and rekindle the flame... Read More

Narrator Michelle H. Lee performs an emotional retelling of Jane Austen's PERSUASION. K-drama actress Anne Lee is caught up in her feelings for fire captain Frederick Nam, even though she left him 10 years ago to pursue acting in Korea. Frederick and Anne, as well as their friends and family in the Los Angeles area, all have distinct voices in conversation. Lee perfectly... Read More

Gail Shalan and Rock Engle introduce a flawed, hilarious couple: Hannah, a librarian, and Jack, a hitman. After an airplane encounter, Jack pursues Hannah to her Colorado town for a steamy committed relationship. Engle portrays Jack in a breezy, slightly nasal voice. Engle's jocular persona works because Jack doesn't take himself or his work too seriously. Shalan voices... Read More

In the first installment of The Siren Mage romantasy series, narrator Ell Potter transports listeners to a land of myth and magic. After her siren powers emerge, Imogen begs Theodore, a king who is visiting for her engagement celebration, to rescue her from certain death. Forging a blood bond for their safety, the two wrestle with their feelings for each other and the... Read More

Amelia Hugh's narration adds emotional depth to this dark fantasy audiobook. Harmony is a poor young woman whose life spirals into chaos when her best friend is discovered at the scene of a murdered king. Hunted by a sorcerer who raises the dead and drawn into the intrigue surrounding the king's enigmatic brother, Harmony must navigate a brewing revolution, long hidden secrets,... Read More

Shakira Shute delivers a performance perfectly matching the emotional tone of this romance novel. Amelia, a driven professional who is healing from a breakup, encounters Jude, a charismatic and possessive billionaire, during a visit to a luxury spa. What appears to be a spontaneous connection quickly reveals itself to be a carefully orchestrated encounter. As their relationship... Read More

This audiobook is a clever, slow-burning romantic fantasy featuring Osric, a confident assassin, and Aurienne, a quick-witted healer from a rival Order. When they're forced to collaborate to halt a deadly pox outbreak and treat Osric's mysterious illness, their initial mutual dislike gradually transforms into undeniable chemistry. Heather Long and Thomas Judd vividly bring this... Read More

Narrator Barbara Rosenblat returns listeners to planet Harmony, whose inhabitants are descendants of colonists from Earth. Its population has developed various psychic talents. At a reception for collectors, para-archaeologist Leona Griffin encounters museum curator Oliver Rancourt. Working together, they investigate a long dead cult leader. Rosenblat captures Leona's... Read More

Narrators Andi Arndt and Sean Masters join forces to depict the romance that sparks between waitress Stevie Palmer and millionaire realtor Caleb Kane. Caleb asks Stevie to pretend to be his girlfriend to help him in a custody battle with his ex-wife. Masters narrates from Caleb's point of view while Arndt handles Stevie's. Both give youthful exuberance to Caleb's 10-year-old... Read More

Nia Serge and Jason Clarke perform this beautiful contemporary romance featuring a billionaire. Vuk has always avoided social events as much as possible and seldom chooses to talk due to a past traumatic experience. Ayana is his one exception and his forever obsession. However, she's off-limits since she's engaged to his best friend. But now, he may be willing to risk it all.... Read More

Samantha Hydeson delivers an immersive performance of this fantasy-romance. In the land of Traum, shrouded diviners like Sybil are revered for their ability to divine visions from the Omens. When her fellow diviners begin to go missing, Sybil embarks on a quest to find them, accompanied by Sir Rodrick and a grumbling gargoyle. Rodrick's heretical beliefs may save Sybil as she... Read More

With genuine emotion, Jennifer Riker narrates this story about the demise of a romance. Sydney meets Victor, a wealthy older gentleman who is used to getting his way. He wants Sydney, and from the beginning is overbearing yet charming enough to make it happen. When they decide to marry, a controversial prenuptial agreement involving an Italian villa causes a bitter rift. So... Read More

Narrator Adelaide Fernport performs this opposites-attract contemporary romance. When Sadie Fox agrees to return to her small town to care for her father's pumpkin patch, she makes a deal with the universe: She'll grow a huge pumpkin and win the Indiana State Fair's blue ribbon, and all will be well with her father again. However, some wild hogs ruin her entire patch. Then, she... Read More

Narrator Andi Arndt transports listeners to Lake Tahoe as Lexi Clark returns home after years away. Lexi joins her stepsister, Ashley, and former classmate, Heath, who've been tasked with delivering envelopes to people who were wronged by Lexi's late mother, from whom she was estranged. A free spirit, Ashley is the more joyful of the sisters, while Lexi is more cautious. Arndt... Read More

Kyla Garcia takes listeners to rural Oklahoma with this slow-burn contemporary romance written by and featuring Native Americans. After an ill-advised magazine cover causes backlash and claims of cultural appropriation, pop superstar Avery Fox goes to her mother's hometown, where she hopes to learn about her heritage. Ranch worker Lucas Iron Eyes agrees to help her. As the two... Read More

Imogen Church and John Hartley perform this warm romantasy. Sloane MacGregor, whose family is hexed, once swore she'd never return home to the town of Briarhaven, Scotland. But on her twenty-fifth birthday, she'll come into her powers, and her grandmother has one request: Break the hex. Mayor Knox Douglas, who's been working hard to keep the town's magical folks safe, doesn't... Read More

Saylor Curda and Teddy Hamilton deliver a lighthearted rom-com. Curda captures Abi Mariano, a high-energy maid who has an independent spirit despite her financial difficulties and nearly overwhelming anxiety. Hamilton voices Declan Powell, a wealthy, workaholic bachelor, with just the right mix of reserve and sincerity. Aby is caught squatting by Declan's parents, who mistake... Read More

Former child actor Mara Wilson (MRS. DOUBTFIRE) narrates this sapphic romance in which young actor Katrina Kelly hopes that coming out will jump-start her career and help her land adult roles. Dating the hot, butch manager of a bookstore starts off as a mere publicity stunt, but when she falls in love and realizes she hates the project she's auditioning for, she begins to... Read More

In Arya's latest romantic thriller, narrator Samantha Leatherwood takes on the role of Brooke Montgomery, a young woman struggling on her own who is about to marry attractive surgeon Noah Wimberly. Brooke embraces the idea of marriage but becomes uneasy when she hears that Noah's previous wife, who eerily resembled her, died under mysterious circumstances. Leatherwood portrays... Read More

Samantha Summers and Connor Crais deliver a uniquely narrated romance novel. Danica, voiced by Summers, is a divorce lawyer who has been assigned a high-stakes case that could elevate her to partner. Ezra, portrayed by Crais, is the opposing counsel, who is from a powerful family firm. The two have sparred in and out of the courtroom multiple times and are struggling to keep... Read More

Edoardo Ballerini's moving narration takes listeners to a 1980s Russian patriotic children's camp to meet sweet-natured 16-year-old counselor Yury and novice 19-year-old theater director Volodya. Well-rendered discussions of the countryside, food, regimented life--especially, the morning bugle--transport listeners to the cool lake and hot cabins. As the two diligently work... Read More

Narrator Faith Alabi delivers a seamless portrayal of Temi, a London-based aspiring writer who is determined to publish her first novel after getting her heart broken by her former boyfriend, Wale. As her hopes of publishing dim, Temi takes on a new opportunity: ghostwriting a memoir for a celebrity client. Little does she know that the "celebrity" is none other than Wale.... Read More

In this audiobook, Kierse is forced to work with her brooding former ally, Graves, on a dangerous heist to recover a powerful artifact. As they navigate a monster- and magic-filled New York City, secrets from Kierse's past emerge, alliances are tested, and the line between enemy and lover blurs. Stephanie Németh-Parker delivers a skillful performance, vividly bringing each... Read More

This audiobook follows Princess Briony, who is captured, stripped of her magic, and sold to the mysterious Toven Hearst after her kingdom falls. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance takes place in a dark world of secrets, political tension, and a unique magic system. Narrator Ella Lynch delivers an outstanding performance; her voice work is engaging and emotionally rich. She... Read More

Paige Reisenfeld introduces listeners to Phoebe Blair, a historian who is hired by Armitage Gallier to research the relationship between his ancestor, Thomas Gallier, and the plus-sized vaudeville star Evelyn Cross. As Phoebe grows closer to Armitage, she notices the parallels between the story she is investigating and her own feelings for her employer. Reisenfeld's narration... Read More

Anna Acton narrates this workplace contemporary romance. When former soap actress Kate Elliot agrees to pose as a romance author on a book tour for a publicity-shy client, she has no idea she'll find her own real-life love story. Charlie Francisco is hoping to become more than Kate's talent agent. Acton's light, expressive tone captures Kate's doubts, vulnerabilities, and... Read More

Christy Woods narrates a slow-burn love story, the first in a new series set in Iceland. When a promotion sends London retail manager Rachel abroad, she hopes it will rekindle her stale relationship with her long-term boyfriend. Growing close with her new friends, in particular adventurous tour guide Jonas, causes her to recognize the romance and feeling of connection missing... Read More

Patti Murin lends her voice to this whimsical romance. After a concert, songwriter Joni Lark begins to hear a voice in her head. The telepathic voice's owner, Sasha, is a busy musician who wants to work with Joni on a new song. Home to visit her family in coastal North Carolina, Joni isn't ready to work on music, but Sasha seems to bring out her creativity again--and then he... Read More

Yael Rizowy's narration is delightful and empowering. Sunny Greene, a 35-year-old public relations professional and founder of a plus-size swimwear brand, navigates life after her divorce. Struggling with her body image and dating, Sunny embarks on a journey of self-acceptance, learning to love herself despite the pressures she experiences. Rizowy's narration brings Sunny's... Read More

In this British romance novel narrated by Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds, Lexi and Zeke have both had rough days when they agree to one no-strings-attached night of passion on Zeke's houseboat. The next morning, they wake up adrift in the North Sea after a mishap with the boat's ropes. Hinds captures Lexi's gruff determination, while Swindells is vulnerable and... Read More

As an elf who is a talented jewelry artisan and a half-giant find healing and romance, Sarah McEwan and Evan Elliot provide a dual narration. Fae Elikki values her independence as a traveling craftsperson. McEwan's voicing indicates her inward focus and impatience with lecherous fools like the one who placed a bounty on her head. Elliot's voice for Barra, the giant, is... Read More

Julia Whelan brings her sultry range to the tempestuous Storm siblings as they gather to grieve their father, a tech genius. Five years before Franklin Storm's unexpected death, Alice was exiled for defying both her father and Storm Industries. Called home, she's stunned to learn that she and her siblings are now part of an inheritance game that requires Alice's presence on the... Read More

Narrator Patti Murin performs a heartfelt romance about cherishing the past, being in the present, and looking forward to a promising future. Lauren Parker has assumed various roles throughout her life. Currently, she is reorienting herself after losing her husband and finding herself raising their teenage daughter alone. While visiting her brother, a movie star, on set, she... Read More

The third installment of the Hart and Mercy series, narrated by Kacie Rogers, begins with Rosie and her partner, Duckers, inspecting a faulty portal to the mythical Tanria. After they touch a strange smudge in the machine, it further malfunctions. Soon the elusive genius Adam Lee arrives to assess his invention's problems, ultimately leading to Rosie, Adam, Duckers, and his ex... Read More

Mindy Kennedy and Ryan West perform this emotional small-town romance. Clay has always loved Josie. But when they got married, they never knew the world would be so against them. They faced obstacle after obstacle until Josie's pain was too much to bear. Can time heal wounds as they come clean about past secrets and try a second chance at love? Kennedy's passionate performance... Read More

This audiobook, narrated by Gisela Chípe and André Santana, features best friends Javi and Mari, who find themselves in a complicated situation. Years ago, they made a pact to approve each other's partner, but now Mari is engaged to a man Javi hasn't vetted. What's more, he secretly loves her. As Javi scrambles to stop the wedding, the tension between the pair builds in this... Read More

Narrator Mayuri Bhandari introduces Pakistani American Ziya Khan, who is feeling resigned after receiving another rejection of her latest book submission. Out of her desperation comes a wish granted: Aashiq, the physical manifestation of her literary talent, whose purpose is to help her make life changes. Bhandari portrays Ziya in a well-modulated voice with hints of... Read More

Narrators Amanda Ronconi and Teddy Hamilton combine their talents to tell the story of Linney Seaworth, a witch, and Gray Brockhurst, who owns a ghost tour business. On the island Starfall Point in the Great Lakes, Linney and her two sisters are tasked with protecting the island's residents from ghosts. Ronconi narrates the chapters from Linney's point of view, while Hamilton... Read More

Trust narrator Joy Nash to make the zombie apocalypse a barrel of laughs. Edie Brandstrup is constantly on the lookout for zombies. Sure enough, some escape from a nearby prison. Rushing to save her neighbors, Edie first heads for Gaston "Max" Boucher, a brainless surfer dude who turns out to be a French vampire with hidden depths. Edie's mockery of Max in the form of incessant... Read More