Contemporary Women Audiobooks | Fiction

"''A rich and witty story with two complicated women at its heart, Hate Follow is a beautiful debut. Quinn-Kong's story of an influencer mom sued by her resentful daughter is of the moment, but its exploration of female power and privilege is timeless.'' — Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of Lovers and Liars This riveting, thought-provoking novel pulls back the curtain on influencer culture to reveal a story of a mother and daughter grappling with what they owe one another as they struggle to navigate life in the glaring public eye. Influencer Whitney Golden has it all: beautiful, photogenic children; a handsome new boyfriend; a gorgeous house; and designer clothes and beauty products that arrive on her doorstep every day. After spending years building her brand as a widowed mother of four (including twins!) to over a million followers, the thirty-seven-year-old is at the peak of her career. But it all comes to a screeching halt when Mia, her teenaged daughter, announces she’s tired of the social media life. She wants nothing more to do with her mother’s online brand—and demands that not just she, but her siblings and their deceased father be removed from Whitney’s Instagram, blog, and just about everywhere else on the internet. When Whitney doesn’t agree, Mia does the unthinkable: She sues her mother. What started as a family spat turns into a monumental case about child privacy, individual agency, and modern parenting that shatters Mia and Whitney’s relationship and wreaks havoc on both their lives. As the case ignites a media firestorm and unrelenting online bashing from a Greek chorus of internet snarkers, Whitney has to decide whether she’s willing to risk everything she’s built to win back her daughter."

Erin Quinn-Kong (Author), Carolyn Jania (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Merry Matchmaker

""Sparkles with warmth, wit, and a sweet helping of holiday charm! The perfect stocking stuffer for readers who crave all the holiday feels and a happy ending!" -Rachel Linden, bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie Inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, this joyful Christmas romp tells the story of a woman who can't stop trying to help everyone around her find their happily-ever-after-even when her help leads to disaster. Frankie Lane knows what's best for just about everyone but herself. Her divorced sister, Stef, who is too young to give up on love; her shy employee, Elinor; and her daughter, Natalie, who works in Frankie's shop, Holiday Happiness, and really needs to start her own business selling the delectable chocolates she makes at home; even her best friend, Viola, who is trying to renovate her old Victorian. Frankie knows she could help all of them, if they'd just let her-and if all of her help didn't end in utter disaster. Then there's Mitch Howard, the owner of the local hardware store. They've been friends ever since Frankie opened her store, nine years earlier. He got her through the nightmare when she lost her husband in a freak accident, and he's her favorite shoulder to cry on. He's been divorced for years, and it's such a waste of man! Mitch is the fittest, finest man Frankie knows. He's easygoing, wise and kindhearted. Mitch needs someone. And she's determined to help him find that someone-whether he likes it or not."

Sheila Roberts (Author), Ann Marie Gideon (Narrator)

Audiobook

The December Market

"The magic of Christmas-and a second shot at romance-is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season… Amanda Taylor isn't a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn't an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie's charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he's just as fiery as his grandfather-and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned. As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn't mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they've been wishing for."

RaeAnne Thayne (Author), Vanessa Johansson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Beast Takes a Bride: The Palace of Rogues

"In USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long’s latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, an estranged couple decide to fake their way through the London season to repair their good name… but neither are prepared for the genuine sparks that begin flying between them. A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast… He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever. But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love."

Julie Anne Long (Author), Justine Eyre (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Christmas Countdown

"From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again. She's given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans. All Callie wants for Christmas is to hibernate. She's still reeling from being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, and under no circumstances will she go home for the holidays considering her ex will be right next door with his new, perfect partner. Callie is officially in grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, won't let her give up on life, love, and Christmas quite so easily. Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge-cheerful tasks to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition. Callie reluctantly plays along, but when she comes face-to-face with a charming baker who just might be the spoonful of sugar she needs, her strict rules on love and the holidays are tested. As they strike a deal to do the activities together, could the twenty four little doors on Callie's Advent calendar not only open up one, but two closed-off hearts?"

Holly Cassidy (Author), Amy Hall, Holly Cassidy (Narrator)

Audiobook

It Will Only Hurt for a Moment: A Novel

"In this highly atmospheric thriller from the Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of The Violence, a young woman hopes to reinvent herself at an isolated artists' colony . . . only to be drawn into its dark, twisted past. "Filled to the brim with righteous fury and fright that cannot be quelled, this novel solidifies Dawson as an unstoppable force."-Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother and Ghost Eaters Sarah Carpenter is starting over. She's on the run-leaving behind her unsupportive, narcissistic ex-boyfriend and alcoholic, abusive mother-and headed for a new beginning at Tranquil Falls, a secluded artists' colony on the grounds of a closed hotel. There, with no cell signal or internet to distract her, she hopes to rediscover her love for pottery and put the broken pieces of her life back together. But when Sarah uncovers the body of a young woman while digging a hole for a pit kiln, things start to fall apart. Her fellow artists begin to act in troubling ways. The eccentric fiber artist knits an endless scarf. The musician plays the same carousel song over and over until his fingers bleed. The calligrapher grins with ink-stained teeth. Not to mention the haunting dreams Sarah has night after night. When she discovers glass shards in her clay, Sarah wonders if someone is out to get her-or if she's losing her grip on reality out here in the wilds, where the pounding of the waterfall never, ever fades. As she investigates the beautiful valley and the crumbling resort looming over them all, she unearths a chilling past that refuses to remain buried . . ."

Delilah S. Dawson (Author), Carlotta Brentan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blood Over Bright Haven

"Brought to you by Penguin. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fuelled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry. When Sciona finally achieves her ambition and becomes a Highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome – and instead of a qualified lab assistant they give her a janitor. What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland – and keep the privileged in power. At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever – if it doesn’t get them killed first. ©2024 M. L. Wang (P)2024 Penguin Audio"

M. L. Wang (Author), Moira Quirk (Narrator)

Audiobook

Libby Lost and Found

"Meet Libby Weeks, author of the mega-bestselling fantasy series the Falling Children—written as “F. T. Goldhero” to maintain her privacy. With the final manuscript months overdue to her publisher and rabid fans around the world growing impatient, Libby is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Already suffering from crippling anxiety, Libby’s symptoms quickly accelerate. After she forgets her dog at the park one day—then almost discloses her identity to the journalist who finds him—Libby has to admit it: she needs help finishing the last book. Desperate, she turns to eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the books even better than she does. Finding the ending they need will take them down paths they never expected. With the zany verve of Lessons in Chemistry and the unexpected, unlikely friendship of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Libby Lost and Found is a book for people who don’t know who they are without the books they love. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the chapters of our lives we regret. Most importantly, it’s about the endings we write for ourselves. “A book for those of us lucky enough to have ever really, truly fallen in love with one.”—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is"

Stephanie Booth (Author), Mia Barron (Narrator)

Audiobook

Fat Girls Dance

"Irreverent, witty, full of surprises, and based on a fabulous true story, this dynamic debut reveals what happens when three very different, very talented, fat women break all the rules, go viral—and discover life’s most breathtaking moves … Liv. Reese. Faith. Yes, they are plus-size, curvy, thick, whatever. Point is, they are past sick of society’s relentless body shaming defining them. Liv slays in dance classes, where she shakes off her frustrations as a struggling writer. Introverted Reese avoids “taking up too much space” by staying in the background as Liv’s sidekick. And while diva-cold professional dancer Faith aces countless auditions, she’s “too big” for starring roles. At the end of their respective ropes, all it takes is one more insult … for Liv to suddenly have an idea that will unite them all. It’s a shake-it-up, zero Fs challenge in which women like her will choreograph and perform a demanding new dance every week. For a year. Online. And just like that … after a boatload of hard work, FatGirlsDance becomes an Internet phenomenon, racking up thousands of followers, clicks—and controversy. More important, FGD creates a precious space for community. And it gives the three ladies an impossible shot: a major competition featuring the world’s best amateur dancers. Yet while Liv is determined to prove FGD can go from amazing to outstanding, Faith thinks they’re reaching too high, and Reese is caught in the middle. As the grueling practices and new goals start taking a toll, the trio soon finds their friendship stretched to the breaking point. With their biggest test ahead of them as their drama spins out of control, can these gutsy women pull it together to remake their futures—and become the women they were meant to be? “Highly recommend. Fat Girls Dance is a can’t-put-down adventure. I’m cheering, I’m laughing, welling up a bit at the truth of it all. When it was over, I was still dancing.”—Kanoa Greene, Fat Activist, Trainer, and Body Positivity Influencer"

Cathleen Meredith (Author), Andrea Emmes, Dominique Franceschi, Jasmin Walker, Jolene Kim, Victoria Villareal (Narrator)

Audiobook

Daughter of Ruins: A Novel

"As seen on GMA * 'Start this engrossing, mesmerizing, and loving book and you won't want to put it down.' --Adam Glassman, Oprah Daily * 'Spellbinding!' --Today.com Set in the direct aftermath of WWII and spanning the rest of the 20th century, Daughter of Ruins is an all-encompassing tale steeped in the rich history, culture, and myths of Greece. A deeply moving story that follows three women (a prostitute, a mail-order bride, and a young artist) as they struggle to control their destinies, fighting to become the women they were meant to be. Demitra's mother died in America in the 1930s when Demitra was three years old. Her father took her home to the Greek island of Cephalonia, where she endures a lonely childhood and dreams her dead mother watches over her like the goddesses she reads about in her mythology books. When Demitra comes of age, she refuses to marry the man chosen for her. Instead, she defiantly begins an affair with a forbidden man who ignites her passion for painting the goddesses she once imagined protected her. Elena is a beautiful Italian woman who dreamed of a life away from the brothels where she was raised. But opportunities are not meant for daughters of prostitutes, and Elena has no choice but to become one herself. When Italy occupies Cephalonia, Elena finds work entertaining the soldiers. Her life on the island is happy and carefree--until the Germans arrive in 1943. Maria lives in a poor mountain village in 1921 with a loving mother and sister. When her father grows desperate to feed his family, he sends her to America as a picture bride to marry a stranger. Only eighteen years old, Maria is terrified of the journey ahead. Daughter of Ruins is a powerful tale of three determined and strong women, and it is impossible not to be moved by their journeys. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or simply enjoy a compelling story of female empowerment, this book is a must-read. So why not pick up a copy today and join us on this unforgettable journey to 20th-century Greece?"

Yvette Manessis Corporon (Author), Alex Sarrigeorgiou (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller

"She's looking for the perfect man. He's looking for the perfect victim. Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She's seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can't shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot. Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He's charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet. Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them. Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can't shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn't get to the truth, she'll be the killer's next victim…"

Freida McFadden (Author), Robb Moreira, Victoria Connolly (Narrator)

Audiobook

An Undeniable Voice

"Now is the time to fight to be heard ... A gripping, uplifting story of love, change and hope at one of the most turbulent times in history - and the battle that changed the future for women forever, inspired by a true story. 1907, London. As the winds of change sweep across the world in the new century, Hannah Rainforth and her friends take to the streets to fight for the vote for women. Now is not the time for quiet argument - the country will only listen when it's forced to, and the women join the suffragette movement, putting their bodies, reputations and personal safety on the line to achieve lasting change for women. But dark clouds of war and sinister forces are gathering on the horizon and Hannah is desperate to protect those she loves the most. Faced with the loss of her home, her livelihood and even her family, Hannah risks everything to ensure their survival - and to achieve the vote for women, which is now a matter of national urgency. As the country is plunged into war and deadly bombs are devastating the city and the north, Hannah and women across the nation join the home war effort to galvanise the nation - their worth cannot be challenged now and their fight for recognition will transform the future forever. PRAISE FOR A WOMAN OF COURAGE 'Galvanising historical fiction that spotlights women's resilience and resistance' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD"

Tania Blanchard (Author), Emma Woods (Narrator)

Audiobook

Contemporary Women Audiobooks in Fiction