New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Narrator Sean Crisden amplifies the electric chemistry between Milo and Tomas, who are longing for a fairy-tale romance. Milo, a passionate social worker, is fiercely loyal to his friends and family. Crisden gives him an enthusiastic voice with a light accent to convey his Cuban, Jamaican, and New York City roots. At an LGBTQ fundraiser, Milo has a steamy encounter with... Read More

Narrator Sophie Eastlake delivers an impassioned portrayal of victimized society wife Molly Sullivan--who is also a witch. Listeners will feel Molly's fury as she realizes her husband is cheating on her. Eastlake's driving pace matches the ominous threats that besiege Molly as she explores her powers, along with a wary friendship with Atlanta district attorney Josiah Mason.... Read More

Narrator Karen Cass conveys all the frustrations and triumphs of a lady inventor in historical London in this slow-burn romance. Diana Ashby wants nothing more than to be left alone to work out her ideas, and she has one chance to gain the funding needed for the next step. Devilish Aiden Iverson agrees to back her project in exchange for being introduced to eligible ladies of... Read More

Billie Fulford-Brown narrates a glowing tribute to London's West End, full of drama both onstage and off. Actor Freddy Carlton needs to choose: focus solely on prestigious dramatic roles or return to her beloved musical comedy roots. Theater critic James Ford-Griffin (Griff to his friends) needs to save his family's estate. Fulford-Brown portrays Freddy as animated and vibrant... Read More

Narrator Roshni Shukla's style lends an Austen-esque air to this contemporary retelling of the rich-boy-meets-poor-girl trope. Ayesha and Khalid are Muslims, Indian-Canadians, and neighbors. They both struggle to reconcile their traditional upbringing as the children of immigrants with the contemporary society that surrounds them. Shukla shifts between Ayesha and Khalid's... Read More

Jessica Bolte narrates a surprisingly sweet love story set during the tumultuous British abolitionist movement. Ester Croome wants her marriage to be one of grand passions--and not simply a furthering of her father's business arrangements. Arthur Bex, a rising star of the London theater scene, is in desperate need of a wife. Bolte's portrayal of Ester as she grows from a... Read More

While listening to this audiobook, it takes time to get used to Sean Crisden's narration, particularly the voice he creates for Teddy MacNally--a guy who loves Christmas. But listeners will warm up to Crisden when grumpy Nicholas Nowicki, a military police officer, enters the scene. When Teddy enthusiastically agrees to play an elf for a charity event, he finds he has his work... Read More

Narrator Justine Eyre amplifies the drama in a steamy historical romance featuring two strong-willed characters. Lady Henrietta (Hattie) Sedley is exceedingly frustrated when she sets off on a year-long journey to claim herself only to find an unconscious--albeit handsome--man tied up in her carriage. He is Saviour "Beast" Whittington, one of the "Bareknuckle Bastards" who... Read More

Narrator Melissa Moran gives a superbly well-rounded performance filled with dramatic tension and vulnerable moments in this exceptional contemporary romance. Quinn Kincaid is ready to come out as gay in Hollywood, and she has enlisted fellow actress Lacey Matthews to help her set the stage with a fake relationship. But as the two heat up on and away from the set, the... Read More

Narrator Savannah Peachwood brings a strong performance to a contemporary romance that isn't on par with her skill. Callie Gordon can't get enough of the local firemen and when she falls instantly in love with the captain, it seems like everything is turning up roses. But when everything falls apart, Callie will learn that real love doesn't always happen with a bang.... Read More

Narrators Emily Woo Zeller and David Shih's emotive and introspective narration immerses listeners in the fraught romance between estranged friends Sarah Soon and Jake Li. Zeller's deep voice takes on a soft vulnerability as the now cancer-free Sarah prepares to jump-start her career and live on her own terms. Then Jake, who is struggling with his recent divorce, walks into her... Read More

This romantic suspense, set on Solace Island in the Pacific Northwest, is brought to life by narrators Kendall Harper, Scott Brick, and Stephen Dexter. Eve Harris is house-sitting while her sister is on her honeymoon. Unbeknownst to Eve, Rhys Thomas, a friend of her brother-in-law, is also staying at the house to recoup after his latest movie. Harper handles the narrative from... Read More

Zara Hampton-Brown narrates the story of two complicated individuals who must work together to accomplish their objectives--which are seemingly at odds. A war veteran and a smuggler embark on a marriage of convenience but end up discovering something much deeper. Kit Ellingsworth would be easy to write off as a dissolute nobleman, but Hampton-Brown imbues her portrayal of him... Read More

Jim Frangione's narration matches the intense energy as an immortal warrior and a strong-minded woman fight against vampiric evil powers. Frangione's deep voice and theatrical nuances continually push the action to the next level. Whether the scene is of fighting, kidnapping, or lovemaking, Frangione consistently keeps the momentum high. While his voice is most often virile and... Read More

This story collection, narrated by Stephen Thorne begins with "Shadow of the Moon," in which Angelina and Fury, a werewolf, are enemies who are inextricably drawn to each other. In a husky, flirtatious voice, Angelina refuses to give in to Fury. His low and commanding tones, as delivered by Thorne, excite rather than scare her. "The Story of Son" pits lawyer Claire against a... Read More

Narrators Seraphine Valentine and Tad Branson perform the fourth book in this series with enough heat to set headphones on fire. Brody O'Donnel may have just made the most foolish promise of his life: He'll pretend to date gorgeous Gwen Danes so she can finally win over her best friend. But boundaries blur as the unexpected attraction between them makes them realize that what... Read More

Narrator Tim Campbell's deep, rich voice is a pleasure to listen to. Trapped in an abusive marriage, beautiful Jillian Penroth vows that she will never again bow to the dictates of society or the control of a husband. Handsome Justin, the eighth Duke of Whittington, is determined to save his brother, Case, from his seemingly inappropriate friendship with Jillian. Campbell's... Read More

Narrator Andrew Eiden will thrill listeners with his smooth transitions between the organized heroine and the Quebecois hero in this contemporary sports romance. For Amy Callahan, the hits just keep coming, but when a French-speaking hockey player comes to her rescue, things begin to look up. But if the well-meaning Emile isn't careful, his overprotective tendencies might ruin... Read More

Narrator Benjamin Fife impressively delivers this unlikely pastiche, which combines FATHER OF THE BRIDE and FRANKENSTEIN. Lab staff go too far and reanimate Frank, a "monster." After Frank proposes to Samantha Fine, the action really begins. Intense wedding planning and offbeat humor, including some political satire, propel listeners into the story. Fife's best creations are... Read More

Narrator Angelica Lee does a decent job switching from a neutral accent to a light Scottish brogue but ultimately fails to deliver a truly memorable performance of this contemporary romance with a grumpy hero. Ava Breeveport had a fling with a hot--and rude--Scotsman during a layover and thought they'd never see each other again. When he ends up in Boston in her orbit and their... Read More

Ron Butler's skilled performance elevates this story, which is high on steam, lower on substance. The premise has potential: Ashley Ryan is visiting Catalina Cove, where she encounters a man who is a dead ringer for her late husband. "Ray Sullivan," who is starting his life over after awakening from a coma with amnesia, doesn't recognize Ashley--though he is inexplicably drawn... Read More

Narrators Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton are bursting with chemistry in a witty, snarky romance that leaves an emotional punch. Mallon and Hamilton play off each other well in alternating chapters as best man Josh and maid of honor Kristen try to keep their growing attraction squarely in the friend zone. Mallon's casual, cheeky tone is ideal for Kristen, whose lack of a filter... Read More

Narrator N'Jameh Camara energetically voices single-mother Poppy Patterson and her son, Ace, as they connect with his dad, football star TK Moore. Camara is a good match for Poppy's first-person honesty as she expresses her feelings of doubt and fear about what football might do to her life. Her droll tones play up situational humor, sometimes to the point of laugh-out-loud... Read More

Evelyn Eibhlin narrates a fun Highland fling. On vacation in Europe with her best friends, Cassie Crow wants to hook up with a foreign hottie. Logan Reid wants to take his career to the next level by moving from his web series to a TV show. This story calls for accents. Logan is Scottish; his best friend, Theo, is British; and there are several Scottish secondary characters.... Read More

Narrators Sean Crisden and Adenrele Ojo are a great duo who bring out the snappy comebacks and sexy back-and-forth of this contemporary romance. Reese, a teaching grad student, has her eyes on her studies and not much else, but she keeps clashing with one of her students in a battle of wills and wits. She may be falling for the gorgeous man in and out of bed, but neither of... Read More

Narrator Amanda Ronconi returns the listener to Lake Sackett, Georgia, the home of McCready's Bait Shop and Funeral Home. Widow Lucy Brewer has returned home with her young son to open a bake shop. Duffy McCready has always loved his best friend, Lucy, and her return gives him the opportunity to pursue her. Author Molly Harper has a snarky sense of humor, and Ronconi brings it... Read More

Narrator Rupert Channing knocks this performance out of the park with the purr of his British accent infusing each moment with pure listening bliss. Ruth Kabbah keeps to herself and wants to keep it that way, but her new neighbor is throwing off her routine by cooking her meals and being too nice. Evan Miller wants to know his gorgeous and prickly neighbor better, but rumors in... Read More

Narrators Eunice Wong and Zachary Webber give listeners a fun lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers story in this contemporary romance. Neurologist Helen Frobisher didn't mean to declare war on Portland's hockey team, but taking a stand against the damage caused by head injuries in the game makes her Enemy #1 in hockey player Adam Magnus's book. But as the two keep getting thrown... Read More

Saskia Maarleveld and Raphael Corkhill narrate the first in a new historical romance series. Wanted by both Scottish rebels and the British government for the information she may possibly know, Isabella Drummond hides deep within the Highlands of her homeland. When her path crosses with that of ship captain Cinaed Mackintosh, she finds the unexpected--an ally and love.... Read More

Narrator Dave Gillies returns to this sweeping series, delivering the highs and lows of this Scottish historical romance reminiscent of ROMEO AND JULIET. Janet Cameron may be looking for a beau, but she certainly won't find him in her clan's greatest rival, Laird Robert Grant, who keeps claiming her clan have stolen his cattle. But when a run-in with redcoats sends her escaping... Read More

Listeners will enjoy the second book in The Sutherland Legacy series. Beautiful Eva de Clare, daughter of an English earl, is stolen from her wedding to the wicked Lord Belfinch by the taciturn and handsome Scottish Lord Magnus Sutherland, who was sent by his king to determine if Eva was alive or dead. Narrator Antony Ferguson is versatile in his performance, hitting the right... Read More

Narrator Roger Wayne's smoky voice is well matched to this vampiric paranormal romance, which ranges from posh hotels to backwoods sanctuaries. When Cain rescues Marina Moritskova from an attempted assassination, he quickly learns that he has embroiled himself in a Russian mob plot. Matters are complicated when Marina ends up being a vampire mate and Cain's regrets may be too... Read More

The dual narration by Laurie West and William Leroy helps immerse listeners in the romance between Matt Kingston and Parker Speedman. Matt is a sports agent. His sister, Willow, and her friend, Parker, arrive at Matt's house to stay with him while Parker looks for a professional soccer team to play on. As the story alternates between first-person points of view, West takes on... Read More

Narrator Derek Perkins gives a steady performance that draws out the tension and anticipation in this historical romance set in Scotland. After Lady Margaret's arranged marriage falls apart, she never wants to wed again--nevertheless, her family's machinations to gain power involve a second marriage for her. So when Highlander Finn declares he's kidnapping her for ransom, she... Read More

Narrator Jilly Bond may frustrate listeners with her shrill portrayals of female characters in this historical romance. Lady Olivia's plans go awry when she proposes to a man she admires and is turned down. Her solution? To help his illegitimate but obscenely wealthy best friend, Edward Wolcot, marry a woman of the ton. Naturally, as she strives to make society see him in a new... Read More

Narrator Jeanine Bartel brings three stories of cowboy romance to life, giving each a unique tone. The first one involves a young screenwriter from New York who is hiding from scandal in the rural West with her father. There she meets a handsome rancher. Bartel gives the heroine and her father an appropriate accent and tone that hint at being fish out of water. The second story... Read More

The talented Holly Warren and Teddy Hamilton narrate this charming story with real heart. In high school Kailyn was a fangirl of a boy named Dax. Later, in law school, she's surprised and delighted when she literally runs into him. They become friends--and then he breaks her heart. Years later, the two meet again when Dax is trying to secure guardianship of his sister. Warren... Read More

Kimberly Alexis continues as narrator for this installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series, and she is on fire! She maintains her witty, sarcastic, and sexual exuberance while bringing this roller-coaster ride to its greatest height. Blake, who is on the brink of becoming a were-leopard, must protect a number of creatures who come in contact with her. Alexis clearly... Read More

Narrator Nicole Poole returns to the sixth book in the Crossbreed series to wow listeners with such vocal versatility that it sounds like an entire cast of narrators is at the helm instead of just a single voice. Raven is home to repair her relationship with her father, but even as she learns of the staggering amount of debt he's in, she wonders whether her romance with vampire... Read More

Narrator Beverly Crick draws out the intrigue of this historical romance. Miss Mina Penny has lived in the country all her life, learning how to think and act like her spymaster uncle. When someone threatens to abduct the Duke of Thorndon's sister, Mina draws the duke into her investigation. As he trails along, they discover who's behind the threat--but their desire for each... Read More

In this multicultural romance narrated by Paula Andrea, Angel Gomez is a Puerto Rican single mother and nursing student, and Caleb "The Duke" Lewis is an African-American baseball star. What begins as a chance meeting soon leads to much more. Andrea's lively narration is full of unusual tonal choices and inconsistent accents, both of which distract the listener. Her performance... Read More

Narrator Karen Chilton returns to this series on modern royals with her signature upbeat energy. In this international love story, Nya Jerami, of Thesolo, and Johan von Braustein, the playboy prince of Liechtienbourg, strike up a fake romance that starts to feel like true love. Chilton's voice becomes more reserved as Nya and Johan stop hiding behind their families' and the... Read More

Wilderness firefighter Harrison Parks, who needs a diabetic service dog, doesn't know what's in store for him in this audiobook. He finds his way to dog trainer Sophie Vasquez, who owns Puppy Promise with her two sisters. Narrator Lauren Sweet does a good job voicing Sophie and her sisters, giving them distinct voices that match their personalities. Sweet has Sophie sounding... Read More

Narrator Kim Staunton's strong and optimistic voice complements a smoldering romance that heats up during the hardships and triumphs of the post-Emancipation period. Valinda has come to New Orleans to teach but is drawn into the city's melting pot of culture and history, which Staunton depicts with a mix of French, Creole, and Caribbean accents. When Valinda finds herself in... Read More

Ashford McNab narrates a complicated and compelling story of romance between two damaged individuals. Katharine Wright, a doctor who was once a smuggler, reluctantly falls in love with Harland Hayward, a sometimes smuggler who is also a doctor. The complexity of the situation they find themselves in is mirrored in their feelings for each other. McNab does an excellent job... Read More

Jennifer Grace's enthusiastic and well-acted narration ratchets up the laughs in this funny contemporary romance. Former child star Charlie Klein is broke, unemployed, and desperate when she runs into her childhood love, Sheriff Hank Odom. High jinks ensue. Grace skillfully infuses Charlie with lots of spunk, adding just the right poignancy to her journey from dependent screwup... Read More

Narrator Vanessa Edwin floods listeners with teenage Skylar's pain as her insensitive mother rips her away from her motorcycle club family without a backward look. Six years later, Skylar's dead-end life feels permanent until she receives a letter from Saint, a club member who is currently serving time for assault. Shocked into action, Skylar reconnects with the club and Saint.... Read More

Kate Reading, winner of multiple Earphones Awards and a prolific narrator, flawlessly narrates this story of love, loss, and redemption. Lady Lavinia Kent and commoner Finn Trewlove fall in love when they are young. Separated by Lavinia's parents, each blames the other and keeps tragic secrets. When fate brings them back together, will love conquer all? Reading's British... Read More

While listeners will fall in love with narrator Melissa Moran's smooth vocals for the hero and heroine, they may struggle with narrator Leo Barnabas's over-the-top theatricality in this paranormal romance. When Vale London and her sister stumble into an ice cave, warriors who have been frozen in time inside it escape and unwittingly draw Vale into their war. Separated from her... Read More

Listeners will find this a well-matched dual narration by Stella Bloom and Lance Greenfield. Struggling single mother Adeline Forrester wants to date family friend Tobias Gamble, but both worry about their families' reactions. Bloom has a birdlike chirp that pleasantly mirrors Addie's determination to persevere through difficult times. Her male voices are startlingly realistic,... Read More

Listeners are treated to Tanya Eby's narration of two love stories that involve two sisters. Margot, an etiquette expert, is hired to coach an aging actress who is marrying a diplomat. Margot moves into the home of the actress's son, Alec, to work with her. Sunshine, Margot's sister, is a nanny for the young son of a widower named Declan. Eby gives each sister a unique voice... Read More

The third in the Honeymoon Harbor series brings listeners back to the small West Coast town. Narrator Ashley Klanac captures two characters who discover a mutual attraction. Financier Gabriel Mannion returns home for the summer after a severe anxiety attack. While trying to get his feet back on the ground, he decides to build a boat. Local librarian Chelsea Prescott approaches... Read More

Narrator Jim Frangione has the listener feeling this story's tension from its first moments. Genetically enhanced soldiers, called ghosthunters, are on a mission to save health care workers who are dealing with terrorists and a deadly disease. Dr. Draden Freeman is hit with the highly contagious illness and must remain in the jungle until he's cured. There he encounters Shylah... Read More

January LaVoy gives a gripping performance of contrasting personalities and voices. Zane seems to have the perfect family, but what lies beneath are undercurrents of violence and lies. The illusion shatters one terrifying night, and Zane and his sister escape. Years later he returns to his hometown and connects with newcomer Darby, who's running from her own scary past. Can the... Read More

Using a wry, minimally inflected tone, narrator Cynthia Farrell ensures that listeners enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor in this romance. Amy Torres, veteran contest winner, and Dane Thomas get married, using all her prizes. But it's a disastrous wedding--everyone except Amy's sister, Olive, and Dane's brother, Ethan, gets violently sick. And Olive and Ethan don't like each... Read More

Narrator Rupert Channing returns to deliver Book 2 of the Ravenswood series, serving up a dynamic performance full of humor, reluctant emotional engagement, and sizzling attraction. Hannah Kabbah gets a second chance when her teenage crush, Nate Davis, a widower, comes back to town to care for his ailing mother. He hires Hannah to help care for his two kids. Trying to keep... Read More

Rachel Jacobs's energetic narration creates an enjoyable story that would otherwise be stunted by predictability in this rom-com about rom-coms. Raised on classic cinema, Annie is determined to find her own Tom Hanks. She begins working as an assistant to a movie director, a lively guy who could be Quentin Tarantino's vocal twin. Longing saturates Annie's voice as she dreams of... Read More

Narrator Janina Edwards elevates a charming story with her portrayals of the bickering hero and heroine. Maddie and Theo may not be able to stand each other, but their chemistry in the bedroom is undeniable, so they make an agreement: They'll sleep with each other until their best friend's wedding, after which they'll part ways. As the argumentative couple spend more time... Read More

Narrator James Langton's voice is as smooth as warm chocolate sauce--and just as yummy. This sophisticated Regency romance is filled with smart dialogue, well-done accents, and acting so good the listener won't want to pause between chapters. Fate, poachers, and a trapped rabbit bring handsome and disillusioned Duncan Wentworth into the path of the mysterious, lovely widow... Read More

The serene grandeur of 1920s Yosemite National Park serves as an inspiring backdrop to Ann Richardson's thoughtful narration. Artist Olivia Rutherford reluctantly accepts a contract from "Scenic Magazine" to paint park scenes. While at Yosemite, she encounters figures from her past she'd prefer to avoid. Richardson portrays Olivia as a young woman haunted by secrets, giving her... Read More

Angela Dawe delivers a flawless narration that will engage new listeners and series fans alike. Wolf-changeling Alexei rescues Memory from a psychotic kidnapper at a point in her life when Memory is developing her empathic abilities. Dawe's cool, elegant reading perfectly frames the wintry setting that opens the audiobook, showing how two scarred, closed-off individuals evolve... Read More