[Note from Frolic: We are so excited to welcome the founder of the romance audio group Aural Fixation, Lydia Rella, to the site today! She’s talking guaranteed good time romance audiobooks! If you’re dying to get your hands on any of these great picks, you can get three audiobooks for the price of one on libro.fm with code FROLIC!]
If you start a romance novel and find that the writing isn’t quite what you’re looking for, what do you do? Chances are, you start another book. That isn’t always the case when it comes to romance audio. Many times, readers try an audiobook and if it doesn’t grab them immediately, they return it and never try another one. They go back to reading traditionally and usually state, “audio isn’t for me” or “I tried one book and it was horrible and I’ll never try again”.
Now why is that? You don’t stop reading books if you find one that you don’t really care for. In my experience, the solution is to find the “right” entry audio for someone to listen to. Not all romance audio is created equally. Starting with a book with great casting, a fantastic story, and highly skilled voice actors makes ALL the difference. So, what are those audiobooks? Here are a few recommendations from Aural Fixation for a newbie listener or for a reader who maybe tried out audio with the wrong one for them. For me, these are all “guaranteed good time” audios.
Play by Kylie Scott Narrated by Andi Arndt
Play has a something for everyone. It’s #2 in the Stage Dive series but the entire series is worth every moment. Performed by Audible Hall of Fame narrator Andi Arndt, it hits all the notes. Ann and Mal are hilarious, but Mal… Mal is an unforgettable character that will have you laughing out loud throughout the entire audio and Andi Arndt brings his craziness to life. He makes appearances in all the Stage Dive series and beyond into Kylie Scott’s Dive Bar series with good reason. It’s funny, full of heart, sexy as hell with a full story that Andi Arndt brings performs to perfection. A definite must-listen and virtually required listening in Aural Fixation.
Reasonable Doubt by Whitney G Narrated by Sebastian York and Erin Mallon
Two lawyers, age difference, and heavy alpha male vibes make this audio a huge fan favorite. Sebastian York is one of the all-time favorite male narrators in romance audio. His sexy deep timber when cast appropriately makes many a listener shudder in delight. Erin Mallon’s acting skills are on point. She evokes emotion in every performance and her male voice is so realistic and sexy, you’ll want to listen to her well after finishing Reasonable Doubt. The sex is steaming hot and the voices are hotter.
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young Narrated by Paula Costello
This 2013 release remains one of my re-listening favorites and I’d love to hear more from narrator Paula Costello. All the characters in this emotional tale are skillfully performed by Ms. Costello. Her Irish accent is rich and full of character and pulls you in to the story of Jocelyn and Braden, as well as their extended family. It’s steamy, funny, and emotional. The family dynamic draws you in and makes you want to live in this world and the love story is one you won’t soon forget. Grab a box of tissue and enjoy the story.
King by T.M. Frazier narrated by Rob Shapiro and Molly Glenmore
If you like your romance on the rougher side, King is the perfect introduction to romance audio for you. The story of Doe and King is not for the faint of heart, but it grabs you from the very first words. A girl with no memory of who she is and no protection from a dangerous existence meets King, the epitome of the dark bad boy. This story has plenty of twists and curves, and the love story is just as intense. The narrators make you feel every moment of their passionate adventure in a way that you’ll find yourself driving past your destination just to hear more. Rob Shapiro’s deep sexy voice is one I need more of in audio. Molly Glenmore’s unusual sexy rasp brings a unique quality to her narration that fills T.M. Frazier’s characters with emotion and sensuality. Make sure you have the second part of their story, Tyrant, as well because the cliffhanger in King is a stunner and completely amazing.
Getting Schooled by Emma Chase Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt
This second chance romance is a hilarious, hot and a great easy listen. Set in a small town, it’s low angst but delivers incredible performances by both Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber. If you’ve never listened to romance audio before, Zachary Webber is a name you should take note of. He brings the characters to life in every situation and delivers on the steam and hilarity particularly well.
Hopefully you’ll either try out romance audio or give it a second chance with one of these titles. There’s something for everyone in this list and the narrators are exceptional. Audio gives you a unique experience in the hands of the right narrators. Give it a go! Maybe you’ll end up with an Aural Fixation next!
Lydia Rella is the founder of the romance audio group, Aural Fixation. Her earbuds stay in virtually 24/7 listening to all types of sexy audiobooks. An advocate for the romance genre, she adores romance narrators and the way they bring books to life.
Join the Aural Fixation Facebook group, or follow them on Twitter!
4 thoughts on “Guaranteed Good-Time Romance Audiobooks”
Great article! I used to be the same way about audiobooks until I listened to Tangled by Emma Chase… Sebastian York is the gateway drug!!!
Don’t leave out historical romance! IMO, a perfect audio experience is Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase and narrated by the incredibly talented Kate Reading. It’s a great intro for guys, too, since there is so much action and humor in it. I’ve converted more than one guy to audio romance by suggesting this book.
I have just discovered audiobooks and I am obsessed with Zachary Webber! His voice is so good! Great article and I’m off to join Aural Fixation
Audio books are often a lifeline for me and I am also an avid reader. You have highlighted some truly excellent examples here with very talented voice actors. I would also say that the voice actors often make all the difference so the casting is all important. Live every one you have highlighted.