A common character in the romance genre is the recluse who shies away from commitment. Some of us feel the same way: we’re too busy to slow down, put our daily lives aside and fall in love with a romance title.
Luckily, listening to a romance audiobook doesn’t have to be a multi-day affair. You can kick off your shoes at the end of the day, settle into a quick love affair and still have time to get to bed at a reasonable hour.
Romance helps us connect with our full range of emotions. No matter your relationship status, listening to a romance audiobook can help you access the agony and ecstasy of falling in love. It runs you through the gamut of emotions, even occasionally breaking your heart, before the story ends.
With these titles, readers can find their Happily Ever After ending in under six hours. Find yourself a comfortable spot, light a candle or two and hit play — and discover the many ways to listen to romances on Audible.
Discover Love in a Mythical Land with Molly Harper
Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues
Clocking in at a lean three hours and three minutes, this compelling romance audiobook is the definition of short and sweet. And it’s doubly impressive when you consider that writer Molly Harper packs some fantasy world-building into the runtime.
A paranormal romance filled with shapeshifters, witches and vampires, Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues centres its love story in the mythical town of Mystic Bayou. Trying her best to keep to herself, a reclusive tree nymph named Ingrid can’t help but fall for her hunky new neighbour. Emotional, evocative and surprisingly funny, Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues serves as a quick, taut entry point to Harper’s fantastic Mystic Bayou series.
Relive the Thrill of First Love with Michael Barakiva
A popular title on our list of LGBTQ+ audiobooks, One Man Guy is a short listen with long emotional resonance. Part romance, part coming-of-age, it follows Alek, a shy, second generation Armenian who’s been ordered to attend summer school.
What Alek thought was going to be a tiresome, trying summer is transformed by his relationship with Ethan, a cool and confident guy that’s pretty much everything Alek isn’t. What starts as friendship between the two, quickly blossoms into something more.
For those looking to enjoy a modern romance audiobook in a single sitting, one that strikingly details the thrill of first love, One Man Guy is your perfect partner.
Learn What Goes into a Great Romance Story with Faith Salie
If you want a quick look at how contemporary romance titles are made, check out this captivating podcast. Through interviews with romance genre heavy hitters like Nicholas Sparks and Sophie Kinsella, host Faith Salie uncovers what makes a great romance, whether in a story or in real life.
Authorized: Love and Romance is a must-listen for romance lovers looking for a thoughtful analysis of their favourite genre. Whether you’re an aspiring romance creator yourself, or you just want to hear great, romantic minds shoot the breeze, check out this quick and thought-provoking podcast.
Travel Back to the Roaring 20s with F. Scott Fitzgerald
A classic tale of romance and longing, The Great Gatsby continues to woo listeners with its potent look at love in the Roaring Twenties. In just under five hours, you can join Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire, as he attempts to reconnect with his long-lost love, Daisy.
Sumptuously written and aching with barely-contained emotion, The Great Gatsby may not be your conventional romance listen, but it will move you all the same. Audible’s production features narration from actor (and certifiable heartthrob) Jake Gyllenhaal, whose natural acting chops lend depth to the already deep tale.
Gamble on a Passionate Relationship with Meghan March
The first book in Meghan March’s popular The Forge Trilogy, Deal with the Devil sets its stakes and introduces its tumultuous central romance in a little under six hours. Avid romance fans know that March has a knack for writing “alphas” — not-so-sweet, yet irresistible bad boys who know exactly what they want. But Jericho Forge is one of her better creations.
Forge is untamable. He’s unapologetic and confident. And he’s also a stellar poker player. When India Baptiste, an ace poker hustler in her own right, plays opposite Forge in the biggest poker game of her life, the stakes are about more than just money. Deal with the Devil is an intense whirlwind of romance and suspense, but be warned: this one ends on a cliffhanger so delicious you may need to listen to the second book right away.
Despite what a certain Phil Collins song might have you believe, you can hurry love. These titles, available through Audible.ca, prove that no matter how packed your schedule may be, there’s still time to fall in love with a good listen.
That’s our list. Do you think we missed anything?
Share your thoughts and your favourite Audible titles on our Facebook page.
