“Opposites attract” is a trope for a reason—clashing personalities and situations where sparks fly are exciting and full of potential. Let’s dive into some new super-fun romances where opposites do, in fact, attract.
THE RIGHT SWIPE
by Alisha Rai, read by Summer Morton, Brian Pallino
Harper Audio
Narrator Summer Morton uses a droll delivery for this contemporary romance, co-narrated by Brian Pallino. Rhiannon is a dating app executive whose past comes back to haunt her as she attempts to wrap up a big merger. Of course sparks fly when Rhiannon faces an old flame who is batting for the competition. Morton throws out zingers perfectly paced for maximum humor. Her internal monologues are lively and add depth to the reading.
THE WALLFLOWER WAGER: Girl Meets Duke
by Tessa Dare, read by Mary Jane Wells
Harper Audio
Lady Penelope Campion loves pets, but neighbor Gabriel Duke wants only to rid himself of the adjoining property. They strike a bargain to benefit them both but don’t expect the passion that ensues. Mary Jane Wells’s narration feels firmly grounded in the historic setting. Penny’s thoughtful observations and period details emerge with equal proficiency, as do the voices of Penny’s animal friends.
DISCRETION
by Karina Halle, read by John Lane, Summer Morton
Brilliance Audio
Sadie is having a disastrous vacation—left by one man and rescued by another—and Morton nails her slightly clueless-tourist-in-France persona. Narrator John Lane delivers a flawless French accent for Sadie’s new love interest, Olivier. When cultures collide, romance soon follows.
TRASHED: Eastside Brewery, Book 2
by Mia Hopkins, read by Gomez Pugh
Audible, Inc
If romance sometimes gets a bad rap for being divorced from reality, narrator Gomez Pugh delivers the real deal in TRASHED. His rough, almost abrupt phrasing is sexy in an elemental way as he introduces ex-con Eddie Rosas. Eddie’s driven to find his father and a life separate from his brother’s gang. Spanish dialogue is naturally interspersed in his thoughts and conversation. As Eddie chooses his path and connects with a romantic interest, Pugh shows listeners a flawed yet appealing anti-hero.
Photo by Edward Eyer
