let’s talk audiobooks — what i’ve been listening to recently

I finally did it — I took the plunge into audiobooks.

Don’t get me wrong, I was never a cynic. So many of my friends have loved audiobooks for a while now — particularly since Spotify started getting involved — but as a loyal paperback person, I have always assumed that audiobooks just wouldn’t be my thing.

However, after going through a phase last week where no music was doing the trick (I think I’ve pressed skip on every song in every playlist at some point over the last seven days), I loaned an audiobook through my local library and the rest is history.

So, in honour of broadening my literary horizons, here is a round-up of the books I’ve been listening to lately.

The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

The Perfect Rom-Com follows Bryony — a ghostwriter to a bestselling romance author, Amelia Benedict — and Jack — her literary agent turned best friend. When Amelia is starting to stumble on questions from her fans about her books, Bryony is asked to go on tour with her to give her a helping hand and, of course, Jack tags along too. As it turns out, the only thing you need to realise you have feelings for your best friend is to live with them on a cramped tour bus for a couple of weeks.

This book was so fun, with a premise that is fresh and original. It’s a closed-door romance that is as emotionally deep as it is funny, and it also shines a light on the underappreciated roles of ESL teachers. Overall, an enjoyable listen and a wonderful gateway into the mysterious world of audiobooks.

In the name of transparency, Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction sent me this advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review, which you can read in full here.

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner

Brynn and Sebastian actually do hate each other, like, for real.

This book follows Brynn, a morning show host, who is sent back to her hometown to do damage control after she is accidentally recorded being uncharacteristically mean about the place and its people. It’s here that she meets Sebastian, a man who moved to the town after Brynn left, who is tasked with showing her around.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is not here to play in this book. It actually gets to the point when the protagonists, particularly Brynn, are incredibly unlikeable. However, as their walls slowly break down and facades fade, you’re left with two people who are sincerely very good for each other. While admittedly a little frustrating at times, Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is a rewarding, lovely, heartwarming listen.

In the name of transparency, Bethany Turner and Thomas Nelson Fiction sent me this free audio copy in exchange for an honest review — this book and its sequel are both out now!

You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon

When she is accepted into an MFA creative writing program, Leigh is excited to move to North Carolina and start a new chapter. However, the last person she expected to see in her classes was Will — her high school crush turned nemesis who has been plaguing her thoughts for over a decade. So, when he submits a poem to workshop that is seemingly about her, Leigh and Will are forced to admit that there may be something between them… they just need to read between the lines.

Wow. Wow. Wow. This one was such an easy five stars. It’s probably important to note that I am a creative writing student, so that gave this story a very real edge for me. The characters were likeable, the plot was unpredictable, and the writing style was easy to get lost in. I particularly loved the flashbacks to the past woven throughout, the pop culture references sprinkled throughout the dialogue and the way poetry was used as a plot device. Genuinely one of my favourite books for a while.

In the name of transparency, Katie Naymon and Harper Collins Audio sent me this advance audio copy in exchange for my honest review. You can read my full review here.

The A to Z of Us by Hannah Doyle

After meeting in an art gallery and realising their names bookend the alphabet, Alice and Zach decide to go on a date for every letter of the alphabet. But what Zach, a somewhat hopeless romantic, doesn’t know is that Alice never sees anyone past the 3rd date. However, with an undeniable chemistry, can they make it past c?

I loved this one. Firstly, it is set in Sheffield, and I am SO here for northern English representation in contemporary romance. Secondly, the audio narration of this story was PERFECT. It is a dual POV, and the two narrators make the plot so real and human. The story discusses some difficult themes, so I would recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in, but The A to Z of Us is so heartwarming, and I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Hannah Doyle before now. Loved. It. (read my full review here)

Also! I just wanted to highlight that I found this book through my local library, so definitely think about doing the same! 2025 is for supporting local libraries.

This article was written by Jess, who you can follow on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/thatromancebook for more bookish content