Listen, Laugh, Linger, and Love with these New Romance Audiobooks 

A Rom-Com about Rom-Coms?!? Add in notable narrator Karissa Vacker, and I became even more excited about Melissa Ferguson’s latest. If you haven’t read her before, this is the perfect time (and then go back for her previous rom-coms, including Meet Me in the Margins—another book for book lovers!). Bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne sums it up perfectly: “Melissa Ferguson delivers yet another sparkling, laugh-out-loud romance! With unforgettable characters and delightful humor, this novel is perfect for anyone who believes in second chances—both in love and in life.” 

The juggernaut that is The Empyrean Series continues in this third installment, which has recently been noted as the fastest-selling adult novel in the last 20 years. A storm is coming . . . and not everyone can survive its wrath. Prepare yourself for another razor-sharp ride on dragon back. Narrators Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton return and are joined by Jasmin Walker and Justis Bolding. I’m already looking forward to hearing in a few months the GraphicAudio editions with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music. 

Award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to her. With over 100 books to her name, time will tell if she writes all 26 letters of the alphabet for her latest series. Callie Beaulieu’s sweet voice brings the heartwarming story of the Schrock siblings to life. Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives and have decided to move to their grandparents’ farm in rural Ohio and become Amish.  

I’ve previously written about my love of music audiobooks (here and here), so I was happy to stumble upon the third book in Kristina Forest’s Greene Sisters Series. I couldn’t agree more with Myah Ariel, author of When I Think of You, who says, “At times it reads like a slow jam that will make you grin from ear to ear and kick your feet. And then it’s a ballad, pulling on your heartstrings and making you swoon.” J. Shani Michaels is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things romance—proven by the range of books she’s skillfully narrated. In addition to being a voice-over actor, Ian Hackney is an experienced audio engineer and audiobook director, so he sounds right at home in the recording booth.  

Some of my friends have been swooning over race car drivers lately, so this series starter by Sawyer Bennett felt like the perfect way to do some “research.”  When a romance author pretends to be a journalist to gain access to a popular racing team, she’s granted unlimited access to one of the teams’ best drivers. And of course, he’s the bad boy of the team . . . If you’ve listened to other audiobooks by Bennett, you’ll recognize the voices of Sean Masters and Kit Swann since they’ve teamed up previously to bring her sexy stories to life—and do so with great success here, too.  

Sarah Adams returns with the third red-hot volume in her addictive When in Rome series. Rival undercover authors and schoolteachers form an unlikely alliance in this enthralling forced proximity romance for fans of Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Audie Award winner Brittany Pressley and Nelson Hobbs are perfect as Emily Walker and her nemesis, Jack Bennett. 

While Kate Daniels has been around for a while now, the series gets a bit of a new life with these new adaptations from GraphicAudio.  For the uninitiated, these audiobooks are often adapted from the same novel (or graphic novel, and sometimes they’re original material only available as an audiobook) and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music that help to enhance the story. They’ve also produced versions of Ilona Andrews’s Innkeeper Chronicles series—as well as many other titles. This is a perfect way to revisit a fan-favorite series or discover it for the first time. 

Lydia Hope-Wallace knows the Earl of Strathrannoch well enough to marry him. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know her. Mhairi Morrison brings this hot, hilarious Regency romp to life (and lends her voice to Alexandra Vasti’s previous audiobooks as well). If you’re in need of a Bridgerton fix, look no further. Bestselling author Eloisa James says, “Bridgerton at its sexiest. This earl? This utterly delicious, heart-rending Scotsman? Worth any humiliation! Crush? Ha. I’m in love with the earl!” 

Growing up, I LOVED game shows (they’re still my preferred medicine for when I’m sick), so I couldn’t press play fast enough when I learned one was at the center of this audiobook original. In addition to being only available in audio, this quick listen boasts a full cast, including several popular audiobook narrators, and it also includes Tyler Posey (from TV’s Teen Wolf) and Mary Mouser (from TV’s Cobra Kai) AND is executive-produced by someone who knows a thing or two about romance novels—Elena Armas. 

Fans of ACOTAR, or anyone into magic, an epic quest, and plenty of spice will enjoy this scorching romantasy by Amalie Howard (who has also written historical romance, YA books, and this fun creepy story for kids). Jodi Picoult calls Howard “A must-read author.” Jennifer L. Armentrout calls The Starlight Heir “ENTHRALLING!” And Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm author Rebecca Yarros proclaims it, “My newest obsession! A breathtaking, sexy romantasy full of twists and adventure.” 

Longtime real-life partners and actors Michael Urie and Ryan Spahn lend their voices to narrate this second novel from Sidney Karger. Buckle up and join Wyatt and Biz for a “babymoon” as they prepare to become dads. Their one last hurrah includes a few unexpected detours . . . but what’s a road trip without a few bumps along the way? I am also a big fan of Karger’s debut (Best Men), and this follow-up also brought the laughs and (of course) some tears. 

Giddy-up! A single dad and his sister’s spunky best friend try to work together — without killing each other first. Forced proximity and opposites attract are just two of the tropes Lost and Lassoed gives us, and we could not be more obsessed. Avid listeners may recognize Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke as they’re no strangers to narrating (including teaming up together a few times in the past). And even though it was super quick, I loved hearing author Lyla Sage read a quick note and dedication at the beginning. If you need more convincing, bestselling author Tessa Bailey says, “The Rebel Blue Ranch Series is a must read.” 

Sometimes I feel it’s best to let fellow authors gush about a book, and this is one of those times. Jessie Mihalik, author of Hunt the Stars, says, “If you’re looking for the perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance and delightful fantasy world-building, Wooing the Witch Queen should be your next read. Filled with found family, cozy vibes, and characters who care deeply about one another, I blazed through it at record speed because I couldn’t wait to get to the happily ever after—and Burgis delivered! I adored it, and I can’t wait to see what book two holds!”  

I had a smile on my face from the moment I hit play on this full-cast audiobook. This is an audiobook adaptation of a graphic novel retelling of Jane Austen’s classic, Emma. While I LOVE this audiobook, I have to say the illustrations in the graphic novel are great—so my recommendation is to pick that up, too, to get the full experience. 

Sadly, it has been a while since I’ve added any stamps to my passport. For now, the closest I’ll get to Scotland was this enemies-to-lovers romance by Lana Ferguson. The draw for me here was Flint Park’s narration as Lachlan Greer. Upon hearing him for the first time, I immediately paused the book to see what else he’s narrated, and this appears to be the only book at this time.  Attention authors and audiobook producers: hire him to narrate your next projects! Meanwhile, I have some travel plans to make . . . and maybe by the time I make them, Park will have narrated some more books for me to listen to.