Contemporary Women Audiobooks | Fiction

"Full of cats, coffee, and charm, this laugh-out-loud, fake-dating romance between a brilliant baker and a charismatic commitment-phobe is the perfect treat for fans of Lyssa Kay Adams and Jasmine Guillory. Charity Simmons may have great taste in friends, felines, and fruit tarts, but if there's one thing the baker and co-owner of Meow and Furever Cat Café knows, it's that she has horrible taste in men. Case in point: Will Schwartz. He may be the best friend of her best friend's boyfriend, but after their one night together, Charity is positive Will's nothing but a womanizing charmer-despite his nice-guy persona and adorable, crooked smile. So why then did she pick him to pretend date to get her parents off her back about being single? Will Schwartz may give relationships a hard pass, but he's not about to say no to fake dating Charity. She's brilliant, hilarious, and best of all, she'll put an end to his mother's interrogations about his love life. And maybe, after all this time giving him the cold shoulder, Charity will finally warm up to him. But it's not long before Will and Charity realize they got much more than they bargained for-and they're freaking out. What if what they have isn't make-believe, but the real, forever kind of love? "

Codi Gary (Author), Heni Zoutomou (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Gardins of Edin: A Novel

"When the bonds in their family begin to fray, four Black women fight to preserve their legacy, heal their wounds, and move forward together in this heartwarming contemporary debut novel with loose parallels to beloved women from the Bible. "The surprises and heart in this fast-paced family drama kept me turning pages late into the night."-KJ Dell'Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters GEORGIA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE The four women of the Gardin family live side-by-side in Edin, Georgia, but residing in tight proximity doesn't mean everything is picture-perfect. Ruth runs the family's multimillion-dollar peanut business, a legacy of the Gardins' formerly enslaved ancestors. But tensions have intensified since the death of her husband, Beau, and she feels like an outsider in the very place she wishes to belong. Sisters Mary and Martha fuel the family tension. Martha's unfounded mistrust of Ruth causes her to constantly seek ways to undermine Ruth's decisions with the business, while Mary, trying to focus on her new restaurant that serves healthy comfort food, is dragged into the family fray by Martha. For years, Naomi, the matriarch who raised the sisters after their parents' death and supported Ruth in her grief, has played peacemaker. But as she decides to take a step back, hidden truths, life-and-death circumstances, and escalating clashes finally force the Gardin women to grapple with what it means to be a family. A heartwarming Southern story of family and all its many complexities, The Gardins of Edin delivers a thoughtful portrayal of four women trying to hold on to their secrets. Women who just might-if they can only let go-find the peace they seek by holding on to one another."

Rosey Lee (Author), Bahni Turpin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The London Bookshop Affair: A Novel of the Cold War

"From the bestselling author of Daughter of the Reich, an historical drama set in London about a bookshop involved in an espionage network. ''An utterly atmospheric and completely compelling read!” —Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of The Lost English Girl Two courageous women. One astonishing secret. A world on the brink of war. London, 1962: The world is teetering on the brink of nuclear war but life must go on. Celia Duchesne longs for a career, but with no means or qualifications, passes her time working at a dusty bookshop. The day a handsome American enters the shop, she thinks she might have found her way out of the monotony. Just as the excitement of a budding relationship engulfs her, a devastating secret draws her into the murky world of espionage. France, 1942: Nineteen-year-old Anya Moreau was dropped behind enemy lines to aid the resistance, sending messages back home to London via wireless transmitter. When she was cruelly betrayed, evidence of her legacy and the truth of her actions were buried by wartime injustices. As Celia learns more about Anya—and her unexpected connection to the undercover agent—she becomes increasingly aware of furious efforts, both past and present, to protect state secrets. With her newly formed romance taking a surprising turn and the world on the verge of nuclear annihilation, Celia must risk everything she holds dear, in the name of justice. Propulsive and illuminating, The London Bookshop Affair is a gripping story of secrets and love, inspired by true events and figures of the Cold War."

Louise Fein (Author), Marisa Calin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Principles of (E)motion

"A smart, poignant novel perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry "An incredible STEMinist read."-The Honey Pop Mathematical genius Dr. Meg Brightwood has just completed her life's work-a proof of a problem so impenetrable it's nicknamed the Impossible Theorem. Reclusive and burdened by anxiety, Meg has long since been dismissed by academia. Now everyone wants to get their hands on what she alone possesses-especially her own mathematician father. Having grown up a prodigy in a field plagued by sexism and plagiarism, Meg opts for a public presentation so there will be no doubt of her authorship. But a panic attack obliterates her plans. In defeat, she goes home and locks away the only manuscript of her proof. Then chance sends her the unlikeliest of allies: Isaac Wells-carpenter, high school dropout, in trouble with the law. And the one love of Meg's life. Fifteen years ago, they did little more than hold hands. Now, they find a tenuous space where they can love and be loved for who they are as adults. But when Meg goes to retrieve her proof, she finds it missing. Her fight for the achievement of the century will test the limits of her brilliance and the endurance of two vulnerable hearts. "Beguiling."-Publishers Weekly "Poignant and compelling… A delightfully mathematical take on the opposites-attract paradigm."-Kirkus "Lessons in Chemistry meets advanced mathematics in Sara Read's heartwarming, STEMinist novel." -The Nerd Daily, "Swoonworthy 2024 Romance Book Releases You Need""

Sara Read (Author), Marni Penning (Narrator)

Audiobook

One of the Good Guys

"The audiobook is narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick, Olivia Vinall and Helen Keeley and also features Olivia Dowd, Paul Panting, Joe Gaminara and Heather Long. 'Araminta is one of the most daring and intriguing writers working today. This is a resonant, razor-laced and dangerously glittering novel' Gillian Flynn 'An absolutely thrilling tale, full of breathless cliffside terror and fresh feminist theory masked in tight, propulsive mystery. I devoured this book' Lisa Taddeo ********* If most men say they're one of the good guys, then why are so many women afraid to walk alone at night? Cole is the perfect husband: a romantic, supportive of his wife, Mel's career, keen to be a hands-on dad, not a big drinker. A good guy. So when Mel leaves him, he's floored. She was lucky to be with a man like him. Craving solitude, he accepts a job on the coast and quickly settles into his new life where he meets reclusive artist Lennie. Lennie has made the same move for similar reasons. She is living in a crumbling cottage on the edge of a nearby cliff. It's an undeniably scary location, but sometimes you have to face your fears to get past them. As their relationship develops, two young women go missing while on a walk protesting gendered violence, right by where Cole and Lennie live. Finding themselves at the heart of a police investigation and media frenzy, it soon becomes clear that they don't know each other very well at all. This is what happens when women have had enough . . . ********* 'A dark, dazzling shock to the system. One of the Good Guys is clever, composed, exciting and frightening' Chris Whitaker 'Scorching, smart and soaked in feminist rage, this is a suspense that stays with you long after the last page' Ellery Lloyd 'It got me by the throat and wouldn't let go. It's creepy, thought-provoking, compelling and so very relevant' Julie Cohen 'A mind-bending tour de force. Araminta Hall has always been one of my favorite writers, but what she has done here is groundbreaking. This thriller is shocking, twisted, dark, and absolutely on-point' Samantha Downing 'A bold and on-point feminist thriller about gendered violence with Gone Girl twistiness and narrator unreliability' Victoria Selman 'A dark, original and thought-provoking read. This book will hook you from the first page and keep you thinking long after the last' Alice Feeney"

Araminta Hall (Author), Elliot Fitzpatrick, Helen Keeley, Olivia Vinall (Narrator)

Audiobook

It's Probably You

"This summer, one woman is going after what she wants and nothing will stand in her way - not even the handsome man next door... An uplifting, heartfelt romantic comedy for fans of Nora Ephron, Emily Henry and Beth O'Leary. Gillian has been happily single for several years and, after trying a few dating apps, prefers to stay that way. Navigating her way through dates with fat-shamers and lacklustre men has left her with no desire to do anything other than spend time in her garden. Who needs rude comments and awkward first dates when soft roses and vibrant tulips are so much better? Then Noah moves in next door. Moody, grumpy and way too opinionated, her new neighbour threatens to turn her peaceful sanctuary into a war zone. But with a gardening contest fast approaching, Gillian needs to keep her eye on the prize - and cultivate her happy place on her own terms."

Jayne Denker (Author), Katelyn Levering, Nick Mondelli (Narrator)

Audiobook

That Boston Man

"In this sexy romance, the legendary New York Times bestselling author introduces a feminist beauty who challenges a Boston bachelor's ideals—and heart. After her uncensored comments about a certain Boston playboy make headlines, reporter Lexie Templeton knows there will be hell to pay. Rome Lockwood—even more irresistible in the flesh—shows up at her office to accuse her of starting a smear campaign. Appalled by her powerful attraction to the magnetic businessman, no one is more surprised than Lexie when she throws down the gauntlet. She challenges Rome to prove he isn't the macho, double standard-dealing male she believes he is by going on a date with her. To Lexie's shock and dismay, Rome gladly accepts the challenge. He's determined to prove he isn't the man she thinks he is. Much to the contrary—he's the perfect man for her."

Janet Dailey (Author), Shaina Summerville (Narrator)

Audiobook

My Brilliant Sister

"While Stella Miles Franklin took on the world, her beloved sister Linda led a short, domestic life as a wife, mother and sister. In a remarkable, genre-bending debut novel Amy Brown thrillingly reimagines those two lives - and her own - to explore and explode the contradictions embedded in brilliant careers and a woman's place in the world. Sliding Doors meets Wifedom. Stella Miles Franklin's autobiographical novel My Brilliant Career launched one of the most famous names in Australian letters. Funny, bold, often biting about its characters, the novel and its young author had a lot in common. Miles went on to live a large, fiercely independent and bohemian life of travel, art and freedom. Not so her beloved sister Linda. Quiet, contained, conventional, Linda was an inversion of Stella. A family peacemaker who married the man Stella would not, bore a son and died of pneumonia at 25. In this reflective, witty and revealing novel, Amy Brown rescues Linda, setting her in counterpoint with Stella, and with the lives of two contemporary women: Ida, a writer whose writing life is on hold as she teaches and raises her young daughter; and Stella, a singer-songwriter who has sacrificed everything for a career, now forcibly put on hold. Binding the two is the novella that Linda might have written to her sister Stella - a brilliant alternative vision of My Brilliant Career. Innovative and involving, My Brilliant Sister is an utterly convincing (and hilarious) portrait of Miles Franklin and a moving, nuanced exploration of the balance women still have to strike between careers and family lives. It gives a fresh take on one of Australia's most celebrated writers and an insight into life now."

Amy Brown (Author), Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Garden of Lost Secrets

"'This moving story is not to be missed.' Candis A forgotten past. A garden full of secrets. A mystery to be uncovered. 1943. With her best friend having recently joined the Land Army and her mother lost in grief after the death of her father early in the war, Gloria is lonely. When she finds an unlikely kindred spirit in Jerome, an American soldier stationed in her Cotswolds village, Gloria begins to fall in love. But conflict between the soldiers and the villagers lead to an impossible choice with devastating consequences. Present day. After their dreams of starting a family are crushed, Philippa and her husband Marco need a fresh start. Focusing on repairing the crumbling walls and leaking roof of the Cotswolds house they impulsively bought seems easier work than repairing their relationship. When Philippa finds a hidden memorial hidden deep in the garden, the discovery only pushes them further apart. But as Philippa determines to uncover the truth behind the memorial, could the secrets it reveals be the key to finally putting their heartbreak to rest? Don’t miss this sweeping dual-timeline historical novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture and The Book of Last Letters, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook. Readers LOVE The Garden of Lost Secrets! 'I love a dual timeline story, and this is a really captivating one… Loved it.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A thought provoking dual timeline novel… an excellent read.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book was an absolute joy. I didn’t want to finish it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book has heartache and joy and it was an absolute pleasure to read.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What a wonderful book full of wonderful characters.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Kerry Barrett (Author), Catrin Walker-Booth, Mary Woodvine (Narrator)

Audiobook

Someone Else's Bucket List

"In this sisterly PS, I Love You, an introverted young woman is saddled with fulfilling her late sister's final wish: completing her bucket list while millions of people follow along online. Jodie Boyd is a shy and anxious twenty-something, completely unsure of what to do with her life. Meanwhile, her older sister, Bree, is an adventurous, globe-trotting Instagram influencer with more than a million followers. Bree is the most alive person Jodie knows - until her unfathomable, untimely death from leukaemia. The Boyds are devastated, not to mention overwhelmed with medical debt. But Bree had a plan, and to Jodie's surprise a new post appears on her sister's Instagram feed. The first of many posts Bree recorded in secret, it contains a jaw-dropping challenge for Jodie: complete Bree's bucket list. From 'fly over Antarctica' to 'fall in love', if Jodie pulls it off - and keeps all of Bree's followers - a corporate sponsor will pay off the crushing medical debt. It's crazy. It's terrifying. It's impossible to refuse. So, despite her trepidation, Jodie plunges in, never imagining that in death, her sister will teach her how to live."

Amy Matthews (Author), Charlotte North (Narrator)

Audiobook

Knowing Me Knowing You

"Don’t miss this uplifting second-chance romance from the author of RNA award-shortlisted Playing for Love! ❤️ 'If you want to believe in love again… then Knowing Me Knowing You is the perfect solution. It's sure to tug at your heartstrings!' Chat Five years ago, Alex met the man of her dreams on New Year’s Eve – but he never called. Years later, and after a string of failed relationships, she’s given up on men and accepted that ‘New Year’s Eve Guy’ will always be the one who got away. Until the day he turns up in her office – a management consultant tasked with ‘streamlining’ the company. New Year’s Eve Guy – Gihan – might shut down Alex's team! Gihan is as just as gorgeous as Alex remembers, and she swears there’s still a connection between them. As she gets to know the real Gihan, will sparks continue to fly – or will Alex have to accept that the man she knew as New Year’s Eve Guy was never real to start with? Tropes: ❤️❤️Second chance love "

Jeevani Charika (Author), Shalini Peiris (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dear Stranger

"Ambitious and career-driven, I have zero time for dating until Blind Love—an app designed for those seeking genuine romantic connections without the hassle of awkward first dates—hooks me in. The only catch? Ninety days of anonymous messaging are required before identities are revealed. I connect with Stranger88 immediately, and before long, our flirty banter becomes a welcome escape from my demanding schedule. Soon I’m desperate to know his true identity, so I go digging—only to discover that Stranger88 is no stranger at all. In a cruel twist of fate, it turns out the mystery man consuming my every thought is fellow attorney Brooks Abbott—a sharp-tongued devil in a three-piece suit, my biggest office rival, and the one obstacle standing between me and the promotion of my dreams: a job Brooks has every intention of landing. Behind the screens, there’s no denying our electric chemistry, but at work, our rivalry grows stronger than ever. But when passion meets profession, will we redefine the Law of Attraction, or will our hearts face a ruthless cross-examination with no chance of appeal? This contemporary workplace romance is a standalone novel in the Paper Cuts series."

Winter Renshaw (Author), Fiona Aarington, Nick Mondelli (Narrator)

Audiobook

Contemporary Women Audiobooks in Fiction