New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Holiday hijinks and misunderstandings are cheerily narrated by CJ Bloom and Lee Samuels in this enemies-to-lovers romance. After kissing Anthony Russo under the mistletoe to make her longtime crush jealous, romance author Delilah Gill realizes she might have made a mistake. Anthony kisses just like the heroes she's always written about, but he has no interest in being a part of... Read More

Narrators Ewan Chung and Viet Thanh Nguyen deliver sweet performances in this contemporary romance. Evie is fired by her secret boyfriend and feels hopelessly stuck until she receives a letter from her beloved late aunt. She is sent on a matchmaking tour of Vietnam, where meets the skeptical Adam. This romance has a strong foundation built on Evie's enthusiastic search for... Read More

Sarah Naughton and Marwan Salama narrate a contemporary romance featuring two romance authors and several genre tropes: second chance, forced proximity, and one bed. Just days before Christmas, Jess and Nick find themselves stuck at the hotel venue for their publisher's annual holiday event. The snowy weather isn't enough to cool the feelings between them--especially when those... Read More

Narrator Melanie Mendez brings warmth to the holiday romance that develops between Daphne, a baker, and Tristan, an architect. Daphne sets up a temporary shop in the lobby of Tristan's office building. At first, with his preference for simple elegance, he resents the clutter of Daphne's kiosk--which looks like a gingerbread house. Mendez believably portrays Tristan's... Read More

Ferne Marks and Owen Hall make a perfect pair depicting the electric chemistry between a kitchen witch and the charming man who catches her eye. Ever since Scott Mason stumbled into Serendipity Cafe in London, he's had the barista on his mind. Dina Whitlock was just as taken by Scott and is startled to discover they're both attendants in their best friends' country wedding.... Read More

Narrator Jim Frangione returns the listener to the vampire world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Vampire Apex is working at an estate in northern New York, where he encounters Callum, a wolven with whom he has a shared past. Apex had fallen for Callum, but Callum had been tortured and wasn't able to deal with the emotions he felt afterward. It's been 30 years since they've... Read More

Set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this romance novel is narrated by Alexander Cendese and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. Aspen is struggling to write a book that will match the success of her first novel, and Brick Babel is trying to save his grandfather's tour business. Aspen hires Brick to date her and then break her heart to give her inspiration for her new novel.... Read More

Fran Burgoyne and Cameron Stone pair up to narrate this second-chance romance. Erin impulsively donates her late best friend's books to a community library. Desperately hoping to recover one that holds special meaning, she discovers it has been annotated by a stranger and returned with a suggestion for another title to read. Burgoyne balances Erin's raw grief and feelings of... Read More

Narrator Dani Cochrane dives right into the story of Cassie O'Malley, who is running away from a terrible situation when she encounters Ted Wellman. In order to avoid the police, Cassie asks Ted for help, and the two end up married. Cochrane exudes all of Cassie's desperation as she pleads with Ted. He takes Cassie home to his family, and they all rally around the couple as... Read More

Felicity Munroe and Hiro Diaz narrate this romantasy. Noble Aspeth Honori is determined to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to recover the magical treasures her father has squandered. A marriage of convenience to a minotaur gets Aspeth into the guild and the minotaur a rutting partner for an upcoming mating ritual. Munroe and Diaz cover the dual points of view of the chapters... Read More

Narrator Liz Pearce is exactly the storytelling tour guide listeners will want for a holiday manor house romance set in 1902 England. She sounds bright and whimsical as Lady Mariah Lyons, whose beloved Plumford Manor will eventually pass to her stepfather's heir, Cyril Lightbourne. Pearce's voice for Cyril is boyish and earnest. When Cyril joins Mariah's family for the holiday... Read More

Narrator Amy Hall delights listeners in this Christmas rom-com about a newly brokenhearted woman who is challenged by her sister to complete various Advent calendar activities to renew her Christmas spirit. Callie wants to hide from Christmas after being dumped by her childhood sweetheart--that is, until she meets a handsome, helpful baker who makes a deal to help her with the... Read More

Narrators Ebony Ford and Tony Roberts depict Noel Anderson and Kanton Joseph's meet-cute when their apartment share goes wrong. Ford's depiction of Atlanta-based Noel Anderson features a hint of a Southern accent, along with smooth, fluid phrasing. Ford accurately represents Noel's unwillingness to share space with Kanton, although listeners may find her deal with Kanton... Read More

Stephanie Németh-Parker narrates a Christmas-themed romance that can be best described as a Cape Cod charmer. Between marketing jobs, Riley Sanders heads home to help her injured mother run her inn. Németh-Parker's steady pace and warm voice capture the story's three gentle romantic threads, involving Riley, her mother, and an inn guest. Riley's childhood crush, Aiden, and... Read More

Sasha Higgins's sparkling narration transports listeners to Regency-era England in this enchanting historical romance. After the death of her parents, 18-year-old Lady Madalene Ramsbury's uncle promises her to an unscrupulous lord. Maddy, who wants to marry for love, flees her engagement party, hopping into the passing carriage of Everett, the Marquess of Northampton. As the... Read More

Nneka Okoye narrates a delightfully queer and fiendishly magical Regency romance. After his sister, Mary, makes an ill-advised wish, John Cesar and the dashing Captain Orestes James do their best to save her from the result. Okoye dazzles in her role as Robin Goodfellow, the capricious fey narrator of the story. Her performance captures the arch tone and wry humor that are... Read More

Narrators Amy Hall and Tim Paige captivate listeners with this contemporary romance about a marriage of convenience. Years ago, LaRynn and Deacon had a fleeting summer romance. Now, their late grandmothers have left them shared ownership of a dilapidated building. Deacon has construction experience but no money; LaRynn has a trust but must be married to access it. Thrust back... Read More

Cornell Collins excels at performing both the thrill of the chase and the moments of quiet intimacy in this queer historical romance. The unassuming Duke of Severn decided to do something bold--sadly, his one-night stand with a strange man led to robbery. He decides to search for his stolen ring incognito but finds navigating his quest as Mr. Cassian daunting. He then decides... Read More

A proper miss and a rakish pariah come to life via narrator Beatrix Ayliff's lush and emotional voice. After many seasons, Miss Loretta Linfield is finally being courted by the very eligible Duke of Colchester, but it is his bold sister, Charlotte, whom she cannot stop thinking about. Charlotte has dallied with many eligible ladies but is shocked to find her brother's intended... Read More

Narrators Connor Crais and CJ Bloom complement each other as a fake betrothed couple who are determined to end a generations-long feud between their families who own warring fruitcake and gingerbread businesses. Dane (Crais) and Amanda (Bloom) are tired of the fighting and the pressure to inherit the family businesses. As some family members try to get along, letters begin... Read More

Narrators Hathaway Lee and E.J. Bingham delight listeners in this heartfelt contemporary romance. Lucie Stone is a single mom, a mechanic, and a hopeless romantic. Aiden Valentine has fallen out of love with love. Ironically, he hosts Baltimore's late-night romance-radio hotline. When Lucie's daughter calls the hotline seeking advice for her mom, Lucie's conversation with Aiden... Read More

With its full cast and unflinching depiction of intimate scenes, this audiobook is gripping from the beginning. To start, there's a content warning that should be taken seriously as the story takes listeners through action-packed sex and small-town politics. Abby Craden brings the main character to life as she moves in and out of intimacy with the titular five brothers,... Read More

Narrators Austenne Grey and Arielle DeLisle deliver a sweet and hilarious performance in this sapphic holiday rom-com. When lawyer Tara Sloane Chadwich is invited to her ex-girlfriend's destination wedding, she's willing to attend--but not without a plus-one. Holly Delaney, an adventurous waitress whom Tara has been secretly crushing on for months, is happy to oblige. Their... Read More

Narrator Eva Kaminsky provides great character differentiation in this second-chance romance, and her energetic delivery enhances the comedic aspect of the story. Post-divorce and looking for a place to stay, rental property agent Tilly plans to spend the holidays at what she thinks is a vacant Victorian mansion. She's dismayed when the new owner, George, shows up unexpectedly... Read More

Narrator Brittany Pressley delights listeners in this heartwarming holiday romance about two best friends who ultimately find love when they least expect it. Holly and Ivy are as close as they come. When Holly's fiancé bolts on the night before their wedding, leaving her with a nonrefundable honeymoon, she suggests that she and Ivy switch places. Ivy can enjoy Holly's Hawaiian... Read More

Beverley A. Crick returns to narrate another Bateman Regency romance, the second in the Her Majesty's Rebels series. Eleanor Law, one-third of the King & Co. private investigation firm, finds herself working closely with dashing thief Harry after he brazenly steps into the role of the business's fictitious owner. The duo's attraction is undeniable, but can it survive... Read More

Jacqui Bardelang's narration plays up the various elements in this rom-com, which turns into a murder cover-up. Journalist Khin Haymar is sent to secure an exclusive interview with Tyler Tun, a reclusive movie star who is filming in Myanmar. Bardelang's delivery captures Khin's determination and increasing inner conflict as she balances her journalistic ambition and her growing... Read More

Gail Shalan's narration provides a lighthearted tone to Beth Kander's clever and insightful story, which will allow listeners to empathize with her protagonist and enjoy this take on the difficulties of grief. Eve is overwhelmed with her life, dealing with worries about potential layoffs at work; her upcoming 40th birthday, which will coincide with her younger sister's wedding;... Read More

Angel Pean narrates the chapters of San Francisco-based tech writer Bee Tyler, and Karen Malina White portrays Ohio farmer Clover Mills. Together, the narrators present a Christmastime romance that revolves around a house swap. In a story reminiscent of the movie THE HOLIDAY, two Black women are burned out and need a break. Clover finds queer friends and romance with Bee's... Read More

Narrator Allison Grischow sinks into the misery of best-friend drama with gusto. Murphy and Kat plan to reunite on Thanksgiving Eve in their hometown of Geneva, Illinois. But when Kat shows up with her boyfriend in tow, Murphy's plans crumble. In a casual tone, Grischow makes Murphy realistic and endearing. Murphy's growing depression has her agreeing to be her high school... Read More

Emily Lawrence and Andrew Eiden delight listeners in this heartfelt, hilarious romantic comedy. When Emily Edwards decides to fulfill her late father's bucket list by visiting a remote island, she hires a tour guide to help with her lack of outdoor experience. Ryder Fleet isn't a wilderness expert, but he needs some money to preserve his brother's memory and his adventure... Read More

Narrators Isabelle Turner and Lee Samuels combine their talents to depict the romance between Lauren Connelly and Chase Gossard. Lauren needs a date to bring to her sister's wedding. Chase has been roped into being in a bachelor auction, and Lauren bids on him for the weekend wedding. Both Turner and Samuels deliver smooth narrations with each handling male and female voices... Read More

Connor Crais and Samantha Cook combine their talents to narrate the romance that sparks between Samantha Dare and Dex Sterling. Samantha is running away from her wedding after finding out her fiancé has been cheating on her. While running, Samantha is nearly hit by Dex Sterling's car. The two know each other, and Dex whisks her away. Dex has always had feelings for Samantha,... Read More

Narrators Sean Masters and Isabelle Turner combine forces to depict the romance between Brandy Bloom and Max Corbin. At an office Christmas party, Brandy kisses Max under the mistletoe, mistaking him for his twin brother. Sparks immediately fly between the two. Both Masters and Turner crank up the heat in their narrations. Masters gives Max a deep voice matching his passion for... Read More

Kelli Tager and Will Watt deliver dialogue that reflects how people actually talk. After New Yorker Sylvie Devereaux is cut off financially by her parents, temporarily marrying a wealthy Scottish brute for a huge payout seems like her only option. So what if the contract his sister drafts stipulates that at the end of 12 months she must sign over Killian Barclay's family manor... Read More

Narrator Caroline Fantozzi's exultant performance will swell the Scroogiest listener's heart as she recounts the challenges surrounding an underdog CHRISTMAS CAROL production. Fantozzi illuminates the pure soul of school counselor Harriet Smith, who fights her Christmas mopes with diligent care of five at-risk teens. Harriet sounds both determined and desperate as she faces... Read More

Todd McLaren depicts the rocky romance between Tony Garza and Odalie Everett. Odalie and Tony have been at odds since they met. Tony has always been attracted to her but doesn't want to come between her and her singing career, especially now that she's been offered an opportunity to sing at the Metropolitan Opera. Tony's family is from New Jersey, and McLaren provides the... Read More

Narrators David Lee Huynh and Andrew Grace create a romantic melody in this story from Chinese folklore. Prince Xian must locate a spirit pearl to cure his mother's illness, caused by being bitten by a white snake. On the way, he meets Zhen, a stable boy who can transform between being a white snake and a human. As the young men journey together and become closer, Zhen is torn... Read More

Escape with narrator Andi Arndt to a luxurious ski resort in Vermont in this contemporary romance with a slight touch of mystery. Alix Morgan is elated when she's offered the opportunity to ghostwrite a memoir for an infamous former boy band member. Given the penthouse in a fancy resort in order to work away from her cramped apartment, she doesn't expect to fall for handsome... Read More

Narrators Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor portray Teddy and Gus, Teddy's best friend's older brother. They can't stand each other; however, when Gus needs a caregiver for his daughter, Teddy steps into the role. Forced proximity provides a look into each other's real self, making them re-evaluate the sometimes thin line between love and hate. With their extensive audiobook... Read More

After a steamy one-night stand, athletic trainer Khadijah Upton and professional basketball player Shae Harris reunite unexpectedly as new colleagues on the Atlanta-based WNBA team, the Atlantic Cannons. Narrators Lauryn Nichols and Marcella Cox are a dynamic duo, alternating wonderful performances of spontaneous, open Shae and careful, regimented Khadijah. Their fun, flirty... Read More

Childhood sweethearts get a second chance in this bittersweet holiday romance. Serious, closed-off violinist Charlotte is devoted to her successful classical quartet, and narrator Kristen DiMercurio gives her an unemotional, lower-register voice. Singer-songwriter Brighton is reeling from being kicked out of her own band. Five years earlier, Brighton left Charlotte at the... Read More

Amelie Griffin shines in this spicy holiday romance novella. Everleigh Dangerfield's a bit of a hot mess. She's spending one last Christmas in her late grandmother's home and is decking it out with holiday cheer to honor her grandmother's memory. But her gingerbread cookies and kitchen go up in flames, she nearly falls off the roof, and every time, the disarmingly handsome... Read More

Narrator Brittany Pressley jumps into action, ramping up the tension as this story opens where the previous audiobook left off. Sonya has inherited a mansion filled with ghosts and a curse placed by a witch centuries ago. The witch, Dobbs, has cursed seven Poole brides to die on their wedding days. Pressley embodies evil as she voices Dobbs, who still inhabits the mansion.... Read More

In a silvery tone, narrator Mela Lee recounts the story of a bittersweet holiday house swap. Struggling Malibu artist Chelsea and Chicagoan Ramona agree to swap houses during Christmas week. Chelsea needs to make some money, and Ramona wants to avoid her family over the holiday. When Ramona's West Coast experience begins with an incident of racism, Lee conveys how its menacing... Read More

This audiobook is a charming rom-com with a paranormal twist, and the narrators, Daniel Henning and Helen Laser, bring the story to life with flair. Henning's portrayal of Reginald captures every bit of the vampire's quirky, old-fashioned charm. Laser gives Amelia's practical nature and wittiness a grounded quality that contrasts perfectly with Reggie's flamboyance. The... Read More

Narrator Ashford McNab takes listeners to 1760 England and the romance between Julian Greycourt, nephew to the Duke of Windemere, and Lady Elspeth de Moray. Elspeth's family has a challenging history with Julian's. Now they encounter each other in Julian's uncle's library, where Elspeth is looking for a diary. Elspeth is Scottish, and McNab provides her with a lovely lilting... Read More

This captivating audiobook is an enemies-to-lovers story about Rosie, a spirited romance writer, and Aiden, a reserved literary fiction author. When their NYU writing workshop instructor forces them to collaborate on a novel, their partnership becomes an exploration of their differences, mutual attraction, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Frankie Corzo's... Read More

Black romance novelist Saira Wright seeks holiday inspiration and finds love in Santa Claus, Indiana. Portrayed by Charlie L. Wood, Saira, exudes self-confidence and competence as she enjoys Christmas traditions along with the owner of her vacation rental, widower Dorian Black. Tony Roberts's quiet and emotionally controlled narration demonstrates the tightly held grief that... Read More

Two generations before Jane Austen's Mrs. Bennet struggles to marry off her daughters, listeners meet Mrs. Morrell, who also has daughters in need of husbands. Thea, the eldest, is the problem. She's more interested in natural history than in balls or eligible suitors. The accomplished, award-winning narrator Charlie Albers portrays this budding scientist, as well as 35 other... Read More

Narrator Kyla Garcia delivers a slam dunk in this fun contemporary romance. Annie takes a new job with her college's basketball team, which she left in the dust during her senior year and no one knows why. While she's uneasy about taking the position, her co-worker, charming former classmate and teammate Ben, makes her anxiety even worse. The focus of Garcia's performance is... Read More

The narrations of Victoria Villarreal and Anthony Rey Perez will melt the heart of any listener. Claire is shocked with the news that her boyfriend is in a coma right before he planned to propose. When he wakes up, Matias has amnesia, and Claire must do what she can to have him fall in love with her again. Villarreal's gentle yet determined delivery pairs well with Perez's... Read More

Ruby Corazon brings festive cheer to this sweet and spicy holiday novella. Evie Cruz is on a tight deadline illustrating superhero comics, so much so that she's barely unpacked into her new apartment. At the start, Corazon's voice reflects her stress, but she brightens up as Evie discovers anonymous Christmas ornament gifts left at her door--and gets delightedly flustered at... Read More

Narrator Brittany Pressley brings the perfect Southern touch to her narration of this romance novel. Lila Matthews moves back to Ditto, Texas, after inheriting her Aunt Gracie's home and strawberry fields. There she discovers that her family has secrets she needs to get to the bottom of. As the late Gracie whispers advice in Lila's ears, Pressley gives her voice just the right... Read More

Though this is a long audiobook, stellar narration by Giordan Diaz and Stacy Gonzalez keeps listeners engaged. The story is told from alternating perspectives. Margot Ortega, voiced by Gonzalez, has it all--a well-known family, money, a good career, and a perfect fiancé. When she suffers a panic attack on her wedding day and calls it off, she spends the night in a bar, dancing... Read More

Narrators Teddy Hamilton, Gilli Messer, and Eunice Wong perform this witty enemies-to-lovers romance. Sasha Rubenstein's ex-husband prefers the Hollywood glam life, so he left Sasha and their two children in New York. After Sasha accidentally bumps into single dad Ethan Jones, he becomes her nemesis. However, a new job opportunity on a tropical island brings them together.... Read More

Narrator Will Damron brings humor and wit to a time-traveling story featuring a hockey player who lands in 1812 England and the Regency- era miss who finds him. When Lizzy Wooddash gets over her shock at finding a huge man floundering in an icy pond who claims he's from the future, she finds herself with the perfect opportunity: Marry the hulking Tucker Taylor to protect her... Read More

Soneela Nankani will keep listeners glued to their earbuds with her narration of this intriguing mystery. When first-year journalism student Aleeza Kassam moves out of her former best friend's dorm, the only room available on campus is where Jay Hoque used to live before he went missing five months earlier. Odder still, Aleeza and Jay are able to message each other. As Aleeza... Read More

Victoria Villarreal narrates an unconventional love story. Amanda Dean is about to get married, but as everything goes wrong on her wedding day, she reminisces about her past relationships and wonders if she has chosen the right person. As Amanda reflects on her life and loves, and her story bounces between her past and present, Villarreal subtly varies her narration to... Read More

Narrator Jesse Vilinsky captivates listeners with this dark romantasy- adventure. Ever since her mother died, Vaasa Kozar has had dark magic building inside her. She's unaware of its power and how to control it. In one last political scheme, her heartless brother marries Vaasa off to Reid of Mireh, a powerful foreign ruler. Vaasa attempts to escape the marriage but soon... Read More

Kate Handford and Hunter Johns narrate this opposite-attract contemporary romance. Ellie's life as a ghostwriter of celebrity cookbooks is currently just the way she wants it. She has no desire to take chances with romance after having become a widow three years earlier. Kieran, a chef and recent winner of a reality cooking competition, has been tasked with producing his debut... Read More

Narrator Tyler Darby's rough-hewn narration matches Sala's heartwarming story of soulmates who connect during the Christmas holiday. Darby is a solid match for Trey Austin, who has a car accident on a deserted road. Darby's voicing differs for Marley Corbett, the innkeeper who follows her angel's advice to find and save Trey. Marley's voice is both confident and kind. Trey gets... Read More

Narrators Ell Potter and Steve West are a dynamic duo escorting listeners through a bombastic adventure. Despite being gay, Sir Horley has pledged to marry a lovely woman, but his best friend, Arabella, won't have it. As Arabella whisks Horley away on his wedding night, their unbreakable bond is tested against silly challenges and the cold, hard truths that come with being... Read More

Vikas Adam and Sharmila Devar provide an intoxicating alternating narration of this first entry in a new romance series set in the worlds of biotechnology and finance. Devar's vibrant intonation and confident tone capture independent, thoughtful Sloan, an attorney who is bypassed as heir to her family's international business empire in favor of her older brother, Henry. With... Read More

Soneela Nankani and Imran Sheikh narrate this take on fake dating and modern love. Even though she lacks a Bengali background, Naomi is hired to rebrand Gia's bazaar, a run-down Indian marketplace. At the same time, Gia engages a matchmaker to find a wife for her reluctant son, Dev. Soon, Naomi and Dev team up--Naomi pretends to be Dev's girlfriend, and Dev teaches Naomi about... Read More

This cozy, romantic audiobook shines with personality and heartfelt emotion. Four champions saved the realm of Mythria from evil 10 years ago, but only three survived. January LaVoy voices Beatrice's grief and regret as she dwells on the past. Her ex, Sir Clare, is voiced by Alexander Cendese with optimism that hides the feelings he still holds for Beatrice. Elowen, voiced by... Read More

In this contemporary romance narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster, professional rivals from two video-game companies must find common ground during a team-building retreat. Viola has no idea why Jesse dislikes her so much, but his past treatment of her has made the feeling mutual. When they must spend several wintry days together at a mountain lodge, she soon realizes that she has... Read More

Carly Robins and Teddy Hamilton mesmerize listeners with their performance of this emotional contemporary romance. When Allie Rousseau, an elite ballerina, suffers an injury, she returns to her summer home to heal and recover. Hudson Ellis, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, always had a deep connection with Allie--until the night he left for Basic. Years later, Hudson's niece... Read More

Mary Jane Wells delivers another excellent performance of a contemporary romance. The third of the Graves Glen series once again features reclusive Welsh witch Bowen Penhallow, who does business with an American magical artifact collector named Tamsyn. Neither she nor Bowen expect to see the other at a Yuletide wedding--or to be whisked into the past. Romance blossoms, and they... Read More

Meg Travers narrates a wintry holiday romance about how an unexpected inheritance leads to two total opposites finding love. When Lexie learns of her father's death, she's conflicted because they hadn't spoken in the last 10 years. She becomes even more confused when she finds out he left her half of his holiday travel company; the other half is going to a handsome, arrogant... Read More

Helen Laser narrates this opposites-attract romance, which follows a perfectionist math professor, Catherine, and her doorman, Luca, on a search for Catherine's lost identity. Before starting her new teaching job, Catherine finds out that her personal information has mysteriously disappeared from all government and academic records. Desperate for help, she reluctantly teams up... Read More

Narrators Samantha Brentmoor and Patrick Zeller delight listeners in this sweet and steamy holiday romance. Lena returns home after losing her job to spend a peaceful Christmas with her family. However, she didn't plan for Gavin, her older brother's best friend, to be visiting, too. Gavin pushes Lena's buttons, yet she's drawn to his charm and good looks. Brentmoor's sensual... Read More