best romance audiobooks
Romance audiobooks bring love stories to life with emotional depth, captivating narrators, and immersive performances. Whether you enjoy steamy contemporary romance, swoon-worthy historicals, or paranormal passion, a great narrator can make the chemistry between characters feel even more intense.
Top 10 Best Romance Audiobooks
1. Beach Read by Emily Henry (Narrated by Julia Whelan)
Two rival authors, January (a romance writer) and Gus (a literary fiction snob), swap genres for the summer while living in neighboring beach houses. Their witty banter turns into unexpected attraction, forcing them to confront past heartbreaks.
Julia Whelan’s nuanced narration captures January’s vulnerability and Gus’s dry humor perfectly. The emotional depth makes this more than just a rom-com. It’s a story about healing.
Why Listen?
Goodreads Choice Award Winner (2020)
Julia Whelan is the gold standard for romance narration
The perfect mix of humour and heartbreak
2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Narrated by Katie Schorr)
Lucy and Joshua are executive assistants forced to share an office, and they despise each other. But when a promotion pits them against one another, their rivalry turns into undeniable chemistry.
Katie Schorr’s flirty, sharp delivery enhances the tension, making every snarky exchange sizzle. The slow-burn romance is deliciously frustrating in the best way.
Why It Stands Out:
Bestseller adapted into a major film
Schorr nails Lucy’s quirky humour
One of the best workplace romances ever
3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo)
When the First Son of the U.S. (Alex) and a British prince (Henry) are forced into a fake friendship for PR, their rivalry turns into a secret, passionate romance.
Ramon de Ocampo’s charming, expressive voice brings Alex’s fiery personality and Henry’s quiet longing to life. The political backdrop adds stakes, but the love story is pure magic.
Key Highlights:
NYT Bestseller & Goodreads Choice Winner
Perfect for fans of queer romance
De Ocampo’s accents are flawless
4. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (Narrated by Callie Dalton)
PhD student Olive fakes a relationship with a grumpy professor (Adam) to convince her friend she’s over her ex. But their staged kisses start feeling very real.
Callie Dalton’s warm, engaging narration makes Olive’s awkwardness and Adam’s brooding intensity irresistible. The STEM setting adds a fresh twist to fake dating.
Notable Achievements:
BookTok sensation with over 1M copies sold
Dalton’s performance enhances the slow burn
Adam is now a book-boyfriend legend
5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Narrated by Davina Porter)
WWII nurse Claire Randall time-travels to 1743 Scotland, where she meets warrior Jamie Fraser. Their epic love defies time, war, and political turmoil.
Davina Porter’s iconic narration (with perfect Scottish brogue) makes this historical romance unforgettable. The sweeping adventure and deep emotional connection set it apart.
Why Listen?
One of the best-selling romance series ever
Porter has won multiple Audie Awards
Basis for the hit Starz TV series
6. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (Narrated by Charlotte North)
Hollywood “It Girl” Piper Bellinger gets cut off by her billionaire stepfather and is sent to a small fishing town to learn responsibility. There, she clashes with gruff sea captain Brendan, who thinks she’s just another spoiled socialite until their chemistry becomes undeniable.
Charlotte North’s narration perfectly balances Piper’s bubbly personality with Brendan’s growly intensity. The small-town setting and steamy tension make this a standout contemporary romance.
Why Listen?
Modern take on the Schitt’s Creek premise
North’s Brendan voice is deliciously rough
The perfect mix of humour and spice
7. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (Narrated by Julia Whelan)
Poppy and Alex have been best friends for years, taking annual summer trips together – until two years ago when they ruined everything. Now Poppy convinces Alex to take one more vacation to fix their friendship but buried feelings surface.
Julia Whelan (again proving why she’s the queen of romance narration) masterfully captures the nostalgic flashbacks and present-day tension. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Key Highlights:
Goodreads Choice Award Winner (2021)
Whelan makes the 12-year friendship feel real
Perfect summer listen
8. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (Narrated by Carly Robins)
Stella Lane, an econometrician with autism, hires escort Michael Phan to teach her about relationships. What begins as a business arrangement turns into something much deeper as they break down each other’s emotional barriers.
Carly Robins’ sensitive narration handles Stella’s neurodivergent perspective with care while making Michael’s Vietnamese family dynamic feel authentic. The reverse Pretty Woman premise is executed brilliantly.
Notable Achievements:
OwnVoices neurodiverse romance
Robins’ performance earned an Audie nomination
Started Helen Hoang’s bestselling series
9. Book Lovers by Emily Henry (Narrated by Julia Whelan)
Literary agent Nora Stephens keeps running into editor Charlie Lastra in a small town despite being rivals in New York publishing. Their witty banter hides a growing attraction that challenges Nora’s cynical view of romance.
Julia Whelan’s third appearance on this list proves her dominance in the genre. Her delivery of Henry’s meta-commentary about romance tropes is particularly sharp.
Why It Stands Out:
Clever deconstruction of romance clichés
Whelan’s Charlie voice is swoon-worthy
Perfect for publishing industry insiders
10. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang (Narrated by Emily Woo Zeller)
Vietnamese immigrant Esme agrees to an arranged marriage opportunity with Khai, a Silicon Valley engineer who believes he’s incapable of love due to his autism. Their cultural differences and emotional barriers make for a touching, slow-building romance.
Emily Woo Zeller’s narration beautifully captures Esme’s Vietnamese accent and Khai’s logical thought processes. The cross-cultural elements add rich depth to this unconventional love story.
