New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Narrator Justine Eyre pulls the listener into Singh's world of angels, vampires, and humans in this long-running series. Illium, a powerful angel, is facing ascension, upon which he will transition into an archangel. At his side is his friend and lover, Aodhan. Part of the story takes place before Illium's transformation, when he and Aodhan are part of archangel Raphael's... 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

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

Natalie Naudus delivers an enchanting performance in this unique romantasy. Bianca has always prepared herself for her arranged marriage to stoic Prince Aric. But on their wedding night she doesn't foresee that his life is in danger. While the assassination attempt goes wrong, Aric is turned into a horse, and Bianca is now being framed for his "murder." They have no choice but... 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

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

Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem return to the Skyland series for its last installment. While entertainment agent Hendrix Grady has seen both of her best friends find their happily-ever-afters, she's content to remain single--if that's what the universe has in store. But when she meets tech mogul Maverick Bell at a colleague's party, sparks fly. Later she learns her new man is... Read More

Narrator Carly Robins delivers the romance between Hailey Donovan and Max Calloway. They meet when Hailey's cousin and Max's brother get married, and they spend the weekend together, parting because they live in separate states. A month later Hailey realizes she's pregnant. Robins expresses Hailey's shock and then her growing acceptance of the situation. Hailey returns to Max's... Read More

Gail Shalan gives a dynamic performance of this light, fun queer romance. Ramona leaves her dream of becoming a Hollywood costume designer to take care of her sister in their hometown of Clover Lake; some years later she's still stuck there, working as a waitress. In comes famous bad girl Dylan Monroe, who moves to town. When the two meet, sparks fly, and Shalan energetically... Read More

This Regency romance narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers sparkles with charm, wit, and classic mistaken-identity hijinks. Lady Meg goes undercover as a maid to learn the truth about her enigmatic fiancé, James Clay, the new Duke of Earnhurst. She's unaware that he's also hiding his true identity. What unfolds is a cleverly plotted farce featuring two interwoven love... Read More

A banquet of sensual delights awaits those who listen to this historical novel narrated by Will Watt and Victoria Aston. Watt portrays the Duke of Brandon, whose dissolute ways have earned him a reputation, an ultimatum to marry from his grandmother, and a daughter, Pandy. Watt's drawl drapes like the velvet folds of a Victorian cape, and he uses it as the Duke woos Lottie,... 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

Listeners will be rooting for soccer (football) star Gabi Piña all the way in this winning new adult romance. A college freshman in Corpus Christi, Texas, Gabi has staked out his future: playing for a pro team in Mexico or the U.S. But then, thanks to his philosophy classmate and tutor, Vale, Gabi has a bisexual awakening, and he's not sure how these two parts of himself will... 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

Narrator Beverley A. Crick transports listeners to England just after the Napoleonic Wars. Jonathan, Duke of Leighton, has returned home after having been held captive for years in France with his mentor, Morris. When Morris was on his deathbed, Jonathan promised he would look after Morris's daughter, Victoria, and see that she married. Crick gives crisp British accents to... Read More

Set sail with Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller as they delight listeners with this heartfelt enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance. When Josie, an elementary school nurse, shows up for her annual summer vacation with her brother, she finds herself stuck with her brother's best friend. Wyatt is a grumpy pro hockey player who is currently healing from an injury. When Josie learns... 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

Beth Eyre and Angus King narrate a historical novel set in 1613 during the reign of King James I of Scotland and England. King James's messenger, Andrew Logan, has been sent to Scotland on a clandestine mission, accompanied by his daughter, Phoebe, and court scrivener. At the start of the journey, English Phoebe dislikes Scottish Andrew immensely, and Eyre leans into Phoebe's... 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

Narrator Natalia Payne draws the listener into three short romances, tailoring her narration to match each story. In one story, Natalie returns home to help her parents and encounters a beekeeper named Garrett. Payne brings out her initial frustration with him before warming her tone as the two draw closer. In the second story, Payne voices characters who range from the hero's... 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

Set sail with narrator Ellie Gossage and this contemporary romance. Micah's band gained popularity in her teenage years after being featured on a hit television show. However, the group's second album never took off. A decade later, the band is reuniting for a performance on a themed cruise ship. Micah's bandmate and childhood best friend, John, misses playing music and is... 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

Elizabeth Lamont and Eric Nolan whisk listeners away to a Sicilian villa in this contemporary romance. Maya is in her early 20s and still figuring out what she wants in life. Conor is her older brother's best friend, whom Maya can't stop thinking about. Maya is a grad student; Conor is a wealthy biotech guy, so the age gap and power imbalance between them would never work. But... 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

This audiobook offers a mesmerizing blend of slow-burn romance and high-stakes fantasy. Odessa, a reluctant princess, is thrust into an arranged marriage with Prince Zavier. Together, they navigate dangerous lands filled with monsters and political intrigue. Samantha Brentmoor delivers a standout performance, skillfully portraying Odessa's transformation from hesitant princess... 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

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

Elizabeth Lamont's lively performance transports listeners to the Netherlands in this second-chance romance, which also includes a marriage of convenience. When a workplace relationship goes south, American Dani loses both her job and her boyfriend, and impulsively takes a new position in Amsterdam. There she runs into Wouter, her first love, who lived with Dani's family as an... 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

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