New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Soneela Nankani narrates this delightful contemporary romance with her whole heart, drawing listeners in with her enthusiasm. She embodies Reena Manji, capturing her anxieties about her meddling Indian Muslim family, her boring finance job, and a series of lackluster boyfriends. When she bumps into her new neighbor, Nadim Remtulla, she's initially intrigued by his British... Read More

Ione Butler narrates the final audiobook in the Brown Sisters series with delightful enthusiasm, perfectly capturing youngest sister Eve's lively personality. Eve has a hard time sticking to a career; she has a habit of balking at the first signs of failure. When her parents confront her, she zooms off and stumbles upon a picturesque B&B in urgent need of a chef. Listeners hear... Read More

Narrator Mary Jane Wells's mesmerizing performance is nothing short of amazing in this modern-day audiobook inspired by Jane Austen's PERSUASION. Susan Napier's family has fallen on hard times, and she is determined to save their flagship restaurant and their legacy. But when an old flame, chef Chris Baker, reemerges from her past, there's more than just attraction and tension... Read More

Narrator Sandra Michelle brings the listener back to the world of psychics and long-ago government experiments. When North Chastain's father is attacked by a psychic weapon and falls into a coma, North seeks Sierra Raines's expertise in psychic artifacts to help find the people responsible. Michelle has a youthful voice, but she still makes Sierra sound capable, adding notes of... Read More

In the second title of the LGBTQ+ romance series Garnet Run, narrated by Greg Boudreaux, city boy Rye leaves Seattle for the home he inherited in a small town in Wyoming. Charlie has spent his whole life in that town, caring for his younger brother and putting others before his own dreams, which soon include the newcomer who walks into his hardware store. Boudreaux gives... Read More

An affirming contemporary romance is illuminated by James Cavenaugh's balanced portrayals of two strangers who gain unsought comfort and strength from each other. Embittered children's book illustrator Jack Matheson and independent businessman Simon Burke meet through a pet-sharing smartphone app after an injury sidelines the artist. Jack's hard, clipped speech initially... Read More

Narrator Ron Butler captures the slow-building the courtship between wealthy Morgan Steele and Atlanta real estate agent Lena Spears. Morgan is sure Lena is perfect for him and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to secure a future with her. Butler employs a rolling, rich tone with hints of humor and flirtation for Morgan. Lena's voice is slightly higher and subtly... Read More

Shiloh Gray and Nathaniel Black's engaging dual narration adds zest to this fun, sensual, "age-gap romance," set in Melbourne, Australia. Physical therapist Samira Broderick and stuntman Rory Radcliffe meet by chance after a stressful day. Gray and Black generate playful yet electric chemistry in alternating chapters as the lovers resolve to keep their sexual relationship... Read More

Narrator Susan Bennett brings considerable acting talent, interesting and innovative voices, and spot-on accents to this time-travel love story. In 1844, in Ireland, Liam O'Connor, handsome rogue and thief, fell in love with a squire's shy and beautiful daughter, Cora McLeod, altering the future. With the help of Heaven's Angels, Liam is given a chance to correct this error.... Read More

Narrators Erin Mallon and Joe Arden join forces to depict the romance between Willow James and Dr. Braden Prescott. Willow, an athletic trainer, and Braden had a past relationship, but he broke it off to work for Doctors Without Borders. Now that he's returned and works for the same football team that Willow does, both narrators voice her hesitation to become involved with him... Read More

This audiobook is for listeners who are on the lookout for a short, enjoyable romance novel. Narrators Erin Mallon and Joe Arden portray Bri, a sports publicist, and Hudson, a doctor who dreams of building a high-end medical clinic. Sparks fly between them, and Mallon and Arden let listeners experience the passion as they deepen their voices and quicken the pace. Hudson's... Read More

Narrator Renee Raudman delivers this audiobook's 30-minute prologue, and Emily Rankin picks up the story thereafter. Prime magic users Nevada and Connor are planning their wedding; Nevada's sister, Catalina, will manage security for the event. Raudman's signature scratchy timbre and her unforgettable tone for Connor are audio nirvana. In contrast, Rankin provides a quieter,... Read More

Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt share the narration of this highly charged romance. Griffin and Luca were teenage pen pals. Now they are all grown up and dealing with their neuroses. Morgan's suave British tones become more and more unsettling as Griffin becomes obsessed with Luca. The voices Morgan gives to female characters sound rather masculine. Arndt shifts her aural persona... Read More

Narrator Rosalyn Landor tells the first Bridgerton story with heaps of heart. One of an alphabetically named group of eight siblings, Daphne Bridgerton has always imagined she will marry and start her own family. Then she meets her brother Anthony's friend, Simon, the Duke of Hastings, whose childhood trauma has him vowing never to marry and never to father children. Landor... Read More

Therese Plummer's narration will have listeners running the gamut from laughter to tears as they fall in love with Dakota Jones. Dakota is visiting his family in Sullivan's Crossing after leaving the army. While he is adjusting to civilian life, he falls for Sidney, a bartender. Plummer takes the listener on an emotional roller-coaster ride as the story also recounts what is... Read More

Narrators Teddy Hamilton and CJ Bloom tell the story of best friends Taylor Sunshine, an artist who is helping out at her family's wedding company, and photographer Pierce Powers. Both Hamilton's and Bloom's narrations allow listeners to experience Taylor and Pierce's transition from friends to lovers, and the anxiety this generates in Taylor. When she is given an opportunity... Read More

Narrators Emma Wilder and Brian Pallino deliver a second-chance romance, conveying all the pain of love lost following a tragedy. When Ben returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father, he gets a chance to star in a theater production. And when a stray dog on his porch brings him back into his former flame's life, he falls in love all over again. But Lucy is... Read More

Narrator Justine Eyre deftly moves between Irish, English, and Scottish accents in this penny dreadful-inspired novel of love and thievery. Ana Newport's secret life as the "Phantom Fox" allows her to reclaim items unjustly taken from her family. Hollis Darby, a member of a secret organization and writer of pseudonymous penny dreadfuls, has fallen for Ana, and both are working... Read More

Listeners will enjoy the beginning of this new series. Priest Rahandras is the leader of his people, who have the ability to perform magic and shape-shift into their spirit animal. After Kateri Falsen's parents are murdered, her grandmother brings her and her brother to Priest for protection. Narrator Nicole Poole does a good job with the masculine tones of Priest's voice,... Read More

Tim Campbell's narration adds depth to this historical romance. Adair Thorne clashes with Cleopatra Killoran, the hellion, from the moment they meet. Campbell gives Thorne a growly, deep- throated timbre, so it's easy to understand how his voice sends shivers down the sassy Cleopatra's spine every time she hears it. Campbell also imitates Cleopatra's "husky contralto"... Read More

Narrator Ashley Klanac has a large cast of characters to portray in this audiobook. Seth Harper lost his wife to a suicide bomber. Brianna Mannion leaves her job as a concierge in Las Vegas to open a bed and breakfast in her hometown and hires Seth to renovate. Brianna has always been in love with Seth, even though he married her best friend. Klanac does not provide much... Read More

Karen Chilton narrates a royal love story. Sanyu, crown prince of Njaza, must wed, but he vows he will not fall in love with Shanti, the bride chosen for him. Shanti approaches marriage with equal pragmatism, as her goal since childhood has been to become a queen. Chilton is compassionate in her portrayal of Sanyu, who has suffered years of emotional abuse but is still... Read More

Narrator Aimee Lilly enhances the drama of this audiobook and adds distinction to its characters. On the brink of the American Revolution, pampered Lady Elisabeth Lawson is set to marry until she finds herself abandoned by her Royalist father, her spineless fiancé, and her friends--except for Noble Rynallt, an intriguing and honorable Patriot. Lilly does a credible Southern... Read More

Make no mistake--despite its setting being war-torn Afghanistan, this frenetic audiobook is first and foremost a love story. It features a scarred ex-Marine and the audacious "Cat Burglar of Kabul." Winters's latest volume in this enduring series centers on Lee Hart, whose last mission for a team of mercenaries finds him protecting, and falling for, sexy, bighearted thief Tess... Read More

In the latest audiobook in The Friend Zone contemporary romance series, Adrian, a lawyer, and Vanessa, a travel vlogger, form a friendship over Vanessa's newborn niece. Despite complications in Vanessa's life, their attraction grows, and love blooms between them. Christine Lakin and Zachary Webber's extensive experience as both solo and dual narrators is apparent in... Read More

Narrator Lauren Ezzo's remarkable ability to create unique character voices is on full display in this poignant rivals-to-lovers romance populated with an ensemble of quirky supporting characters. Dr. Will Sterling plans to renovate and rent out the dated condominium he has begrudgingly inherited--but his progress is swiftly disrupted by Nora, the association president, who... Read More

Narrator Imani Jade Powers has the listener wanting to hop a plane and fly to England for a pint and a visit to the Much Ado About Books shop. Chicago native Evie Starling needs a break and takes a vacation in England to run a bookshop for a few weeks. She quickly becomes immersed in the town where the shop is located. While there, she meets farmer Roane Robson when she saves... Read More

The tension starts immediately and doesn't let up as narrator John Lane portrays trucker Sterling Parson, who is working with bar owner Cade McKenzie to stop a human trafficker. Sterling has a dark past that makes it difficult for her to trust others. Nonetheless, listeners will appreciate Lane's portrayal of her as strong and determined in the face of danger. Lane's deep voice... Read More

As this stunning romance proves that true love is timeless, narrators Jakobi Diem's and Eboni Flowers's seductive tones will have listeners cheering. Flowers's performance of these characters is powerful and evocative. She portrays political consultant Kimba, who has never forgotten her childhood best friend and first kiss, Ezra. Decades later they are reunited, but scandal and... Read More

Together, Soneela Nankani and Vikas Adam narrate an entertaining and tame #OwnVoices romance novel. Neither Aditi nor Krishna wants a relationship, let alone an arranged marriage. But when their grandparents ask them to consider getting to know each other, they reluctantly agree to three dates. Despite the first one being a disaster, they meet again, forming a friendship. Will... Read More

Narrator Liz Pearce grabs listeners from the get-go with this intriguing romance. Just before WWI, Willa Forsythe, master thief and violin prodigy, is caught up in intrigue and danger, along with her "family" of London con artists. Willa is hired to steal a code before the Germans do. In doing so, she must deal with handsome and successful Lukas De Wilde, son of a famous... Read More

The listener is wrapped in the warm blanket of John Lane's narration. XSecurity expert Beckett Tate has met his match in his colleague, Gia Sinclair. When someone tries to tarnish her professional reputation, Beckett decides to help--and claim her as his. Lane's deep voice perfectly suits the sexy tale. As the passion erupts between Beckett and Gia, Lane has the listener... Read More

KJ Charles returns with another delightful Will Darling adventure, featuring Cornell Collins's engaging narration. After a visit to a nightclub with his best friend, Maisie, Will finds himself once again embroiled in intrigue. Collins's characterizations of Will and his aristocratic lover, Kim Secretan, draw out their personalities and complicated relationship as they... Read More

In this contemporary romance narrated by Rebecca Gibel, radio show producer Everly accidentally broadcasts to her co-workers--and their station's listeners--that her birthday began with catching her cheating boyfriend. She agrees to a dating game pitched by the station's manager, Chris, although it means fighting both her severe anxiety and their growing attraction. Gibel has a... Read More

Kim Staunton narrates a romance between a bold frontierswoman and a genial newspaper reporter. Spring Lee is content with her solitary life and sees no need for a man to clutter it up. But when Garrett McCray rides into town during a blizzard, she rescues him and slowly begins to rethink her stance. Staunton captures Spring's fierce and hard-won independence, as well as her... Read More

Narrators Chance Smolders and Wesleigh Siobhan's electric chemistry makes this enticing romance a must-listen audio experience. After the loss of her father, Carmen, a former college basketball star, moves home to care for her teenage brother. Siobhan's soft, easygoing voice has a natural conversational quality. Her performance moves between playful and stern as Carmen adjusts... Read More

Narrator Susan Bennett immerses listeners in this story, which begins when Lila Kai's vehicle hits what she thinks is a wolf but is really werewolf Oz Adway. She becomes further entangled in shifter problems when she finds a 10-year-old bear-shifter named Sally. Bennett picks up the pace as tension builds between Oz and Lila. Listeners feel Oz's frantic thoughts when he's in... Read More