Love At First Listen: Romance Audiobooks to Fall in Love With

Julia Whelan has recorded over 500 audiobooks, so I’d say that makes her the perfect narrator for this novel about a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator (which is also true of Whelan herself). Plus, she’s the author of this novel (her second). Yes, it’s all very meta, but it works and will give you all the feels. I’m hoping to see this one come to life on the big or small screen too — though if not, I’d be fine with more novels written and narrated by Whelan.

One of the original members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, readers are first introduced to vampire Darius in the first book (Dark Lover) of Ward’s bestselling series. Narrated by Jim Frangione (who BDB fans will instantly recognize as the voice behind all the books in this series, as well as several other audiobooks), this audio original is what many fans have wanted since he made his original appearance.

If you’re in need of something to fill your time until Bridgerton returns for another season, I suggest this series starter by Tessa Dare. The gruff duke, sassy seamstress and other characters are brought to life thanks to the delightful narration from Mary Jane Wells, who won an Audie Award for this title. Wells often narrates historical romance but recently won an Audie for Heronie, an immersive audio drama based on a true story. 

As a city dweller, I occasionally want to escape for life in a small town, and this cute rom-com by Kosoko Jackson made that happen. Xavier Reynolds finds himself back in his charming hometown of Harper’s Cove newly single and in need of money, so he takes a job at the new restaurant in town run by the hot, single dad he has an interesting run in with. Keep an eye on author Jackson and narrator Joshua David Scarlett — I’m expecting more good things from both.

When I think of Amish fiction (specifically romance), Amy Clipston often comes to mind first — though maybe it’s because many of her books involve a baked good of some sort. This award-winning author has written multiple series about the Amish, and these sweet, inspirational stories don’t disappoint. Many of them (including all the books in this series) are narrated by Lauren Berst. If you’re not sure Amish romance is for you, you’re in luck! Clipston has written a few standalone contemporary romance novels, including Something Old, Something New.

It’d be impossible to talk about romance and not mention Colleen Hoover. And while much of the talk lately is about her It Ends With Us series, I want to go all the way back to the book that started it all for Colleen Hoover. Slammed is packed with everything we love about her signature storytelling style. 

Speaking of Colleen Hoover, she’s a fan of Kennedy Ryan’s latest, saying “Real, raw, magnificent — Before I Let Go is the beautiful angst I love to read.” Hoover isn’t the only one praising this emotional second-chance romance.  Some of my favorite romance authors — Talia Hibbert, Christina Lauren, Ali Hazelwood, Helen Hoang — fell for this unforgettable story that is tough to put down (or hit pause on). 

I’m not the only one who fell for this sexy, secret relationship rom-com — its two narrators earned an Earphones Award (yes, it’s a thing!) for their work. College student Cassie Klein ventures far away from campus for a drink when a woman at the bar catches her eye. So, she buys her a drink, and it leads to a one-night stand. No big deal, right? Well … it was fine until she learns the woman happens to be her best friend’s mom.  

#BookTok favorite Scarlett St. Clair introduced us all to Adrian and Isolde in King of Battle and Blood. You’ve been hungry for more of their story ever since. Get ready because anger, myths, monsters and insatiable romance awaits.

Both Jasmine Guillory and LaLa Anthony are fans of Martin’s work, and so am I. Bar owner Brynn’s drinking establishment has become the Denver hangout for the wives and girlfriends of sports players on a reality show.  But she’d never date a pro athlete, right? Even if it is Maxwell Lewis, one of the most popular football players … with those beautiful brown eyes. Martin recently released Better Than Fiction which we also love, has nothing to do with sports, and is a perfect rom-com about a bookseller!

My colleagues have previously praised the BBC Radio Dramatization of Pride and Prejudice (in our roundup of Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Driving) so why would I now recommend another? Because this one is also great! It’s truly like watching a movie without the screen. The audio has plenty of music and background chatter to accompany the scenes so that it paints a picture in your mind. These are a great way to finally read classics you haven’t gotten around to. You can find more classics (including some romance) in audiobook that we recommend here.

Bestselling author Toni Anderson is known for her romantic suspense full of twists and turns. While these are standalones, there is some character crossover, so I’d recommend starting here at the beginning. An assassin risks everything when he falls in love with an FBI agent who is hunting her sister’s killer. Anderson has also expanded into some spinoff series — and keeps her award-winning narrator Eric G. Dove on board — which I’m happy about.

Another #BookTok sensation! Bestselling author Elena Armas sums it up nicely, and I agree: “Sweltering chemistry, sizzling banter and swoonworthy romance. Icebreaker melted me head to toe.”  I know I’m not alone as I’m now patiently waiting for more books in what I know will be more swoonyworthy and spicy moments.