Contemporary Women Audiobooks | Fiction

"From Megan Collins, a twisty and "terrific" (The New York Times) novel about a heart transplant patient who becomes romantically obsessed with her donor's husband. She has his wife's heart; the one she wants is his. Rosie Lachlan wants nothing more than to find The One. A year after she was dumped in her wedding dress, she's working at her parents' bridal salon, anxious for a happy ending that can't come soon enough. The recipient of a life-saving heart transplant, Rosie knows her health is precious and precarious. She suspects her heart donor is Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne, who she begins messaging via an anonymous service called DonorConnect, ostensibly to learn more about Daphne. But Rosie has a secret: She's convinced that now that she has his wife's heart, she and Morgan are meant to be together. As she and Morgan correspond, the pretense of avoiding personal details soon disappears, but as she digs deeper into Morgan's previous marriage, she discovers disturbing rumors about the man she's falling for. Could Morgan have had something to do with his late wife's death? And can Rosie's heart sustain another break—or is she next?"

Megan Collins (Author), Chris Andrew Ciulla, Gail Shalan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Death in the Downline

"It’s multilevel murder in this darkly funny mystery novel about the glamorous world of MLM “huns”—and the dangerous secrets at the top of the pyramid. Drew thought she was destined to rise above her small New Jersey hometown and make it as a serious journalist in New York City. But now she’s back in Clearfield, pushing thirty, newly single, and living with her father. After a chance encounter at the grocery store, she reconnects with her ex-best friend, Steph, who married young and never left their hometown. But Steph looks good. Sh is tanned, clear-skinned, and glowing. She drives an expensive car and wears only name-brands. What’s her secret? A multilevel marketing scheme called LuminUS that has taken the ladies of Clearfield by storm. With nothing left to lose, Drew gets sucked into this glamorous world of downlines, sales parties, and girls’ trips. But when a LuminUS distributor dies under mysterious circumstances, can Drew uncover the dark secret at the heart of the organization—and save her best friend—before it’s too late? Laugh-out-loud funny and a pitch-perfect skewering of pyramid schemes, Death in the Downline is a book that will have listeners nodding in recognition and cheering for Drew until the cathartic conclusion."

Maria Abrams (Author), Megan Tusing, Mia Hutchinson-Shaw (Narrator)

Audiobook

Too Soon: A Novel

""Fiercely funny, sexy, and culturally resonant." —People, Best Books of the Month • "Shamieh balances her characters' painful family history and their boisterously funny voices." —The New Yorker A "wonderfully brash and sparkling" (Oprah Daily) novel that explores exile, love, and freedom across three generations of women—"a Palestinian American Sex and the City" (The Atlantic). Arabella gets an unexpected chance at love when she's thrust into a conflict and history she's tried to avoid all her life. Zoya is playing matchmaker for her last unmarried granddaughter and stirring up buried memories. Naya is keeping a secret from her children that will change all their lives. Thirty-five-year-old Arabella, a New York theatre director whose dating and career prospects are drying up, is offered an opportunity to direct a risqué cross-dressing interpretation of a Shakespeare classic—that might garner international attention—in the West Bank. Her mother, Naya, and grandmother, Zoya, hatch a plot to match her with Aziz, a Palestinian American doctor volunteering in Gaza. Arabella agrees to meet Aziz, since her growing feelings for Yoav, a celebrated Israeli American theatre designer, seem destined for disaster... With biting hilarity, Too Soon introduces us to a trio of bold and unforgettable voices. This dramatic saga follows one family's epic journey fleeing war-torn Jaffa in 1948, chasing the American Dream in Detroit and San Francisco in the sixties and seventies, hustling in the New York theatre scene post-9/11, and daring to stage a show in Palestine in 2012. Upon learning one of them is living on borrowed time, the three women fight to live, make art, and love on their own terms. A funny, sexy, and heart-wrenching literary debut, Too Soon illuminates our shared history and asks, how can we set ourselves free?"

Betty Shamieh (Author), Betty Shamieh, Jacqueline Antaramian, Lameece Issaq (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey

"A propulsive page-turning thriller following the hit reality TV show Garden State Goddesses where secrets are uncovered, intense rivalries surface, and a startling murder propels a producer on a riveting quest for the truth. On this season of Garden State Goddesses: Getting canceled means getting killed. When Hope Bennett marries Carmela's brother, Leo, she becomes not only a Fontana, but a Garden State Goddess—and not everyone is happy. Secrets will be revealed, decades-long rivalries will surface, and a sudden murder will lead to a reality reckoning no one is prepared for—least of all the show's producer, Eden, who must race to catch a killer and save the most dramatic season of all time. "Juicy, gossipy, and deliciously vicious, one thing is certain: this New Jersey neighborhood has enough secrets to guarantee renewal. Readers will be clamoring for season two of this funny, dark guilty pleasure." —KATY HAYS, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters "Like the best, most addictive reality TV, The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is about people behaving badly—lying, cheating, back-stabbing, and worse. I started reading for all the juicy drama, but it was the murder mystery that had me racing through pages at the end." —ANA REYES, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines "Secrets, gallows humor, campy reality TV stars, and an Instagram gossip account called Shady Di—Astrid Dahl's The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is the kind of book I wanted to live inside. LOLing and gasping my way through, I nearly wished I'd written it myself!" —ANNA DORN, author of Perfume & Pain"

Astrid Dahl (Author), Allyson Ryan, Devon Sorvari, Emily Lawrence, Mia Barron, Sean Patrick Hopkins (Narrator)

Audiobook

Shooting the Moon & To Win Her Heart

"Shooting the Moon Take a ride with New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak in this touching story of family, forgiveness…and bad reputations. Ten years ago, Harley Nelson got on his motorcycle and drove out of Portland, Oregon, leaving behind a bad reputation, a baby, and the woman responsible for both-Audra Worthington. Now Audra's dead, and their son, Brandon, is being raised by her perfect sister Lauren. But Harley is a changed man. He's a self-made success down in California, and he's finally ready to take responsible for the son he left behind. Lauren is a good girl from a good family. She's a rule follower, and she knows that Harley Nelson is anything but. It feels like trouble has walked right back into town when he shows up at her door saying he wants to get to know his son. Regardless of how good he still looks in that leather jacket, he's still ten years too late, in her opinion. It's clear that they both only want the best for Brandon-the only question is whether they can set aside their differences long enough for him to be in Brandon's life without it getting complicated.The more time they spend together, the more Lauren realizes that the man with the bad reputation isn't so bad afterall. When hidden truths of the past come to light, Lauren has to decide whether it's better to follow the rules, or follow her heart. To Win Her Heart Escape with a fun, uplifting romance about a fake relationship and a renewed love from New York Times best-selling author Brenda Novak. Previously published as What a Girl Wants. Tired of being in the center of her parents' divorce, nuclear physicist April Ashton schemes a getaway to Mexico, hoping the vacation will lead to a romantic reunion and the possibility of her parents giving their love a second chance. But April's parents have a plan of their own in mind, and it involves April and heartthrob race-car driver "Gunner" Stevens… Desperate to get her mom out of her hair, April and Gunner pretend to have a relationship, even though they have nothing in common. But a fake relationship can easily become very real if April-like her parents, decides to give love a chance."

Brenda Novak (Author), Alana Marie Cheuvront, Pippa Vos (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Billionaire's Defiant Acquisition & Billionaire's Wife on Paper & Billionaire without a Past

"The Billionaire's Defiant Acquisition A very seductive kind of deal Conall Devlin is a ruthless man ready to achieve ultimate success. So, to acquire the missing piece to his property portfolio, he's willing to accept an unusual term of the contract…taming his client's wayward daughter! Party girl Amber Carter appears to live a life of luxurious frivolity, but deep down she feels lost and alone in her material world. Until one morning her new landlord turns up, every inch of him pinstriped-clad perfection, offering her an ultimatum: either Amber is thrown out onto the streets or she accepts her first ever job-being at his beck and call day and night… Conveniently wedded, passionately bedded! Billionaire's Wife on Paper "I need a temporary wife." Logan McLaughlin can't lose his Scottish family estate. But to rescue it, his grandfather's will demands he wed! Logan avoids real relationships, having failed so significantly at love before. So when housemaid Layla suggests he take a convenient wife, he's intrigued… Untouched Layla never imagined Logan would choose her! With her scars, she feels far from the perfect bride. Yet to protect the only home she's ever known, she'll wear Logan's ring… But can she ignore the burning connection threatening to destroy their paper-only arrangement? Billionaire Without a Past When one night isn't enough… Nikolai Eristov lives by one rule: never look back. The inscrutable tycoon has buried his past so deep that, to the outside world, the only thing driving him is his personal chauffeur. Until Nikolai meets elegant ballet dancer Rachel Cary at a wedding… Behind her practiced smile and innate sensuality, he glimpses a woman running from shadows as dark as his own. One electric night together leads Nikolai to promise Rachel two weeks of exquisite pleasure. Except for the first time, this indomitable billionaire lied. Because two weeks isn't nearly enough!"

Carol Marinelli, Melanie Milburne, Sharon Kendrick (Author), Anais Inara Chase, Ione Butler, Zara Hampton-Brown (Narrator)

Audiobook

To Win Her Heart

"Escape with a fun, uplifting romance about a fake relationship and a renewed love from New York Times best-selling author Brenda Novak. Previously published as What a Girl Wants. Tired of being in the center of her parents' divorce, nuclear physicist April Ashton schemes a getaway to Mexico, hoping the vacation will lead to a romantic reunion and the possibility of her parents giving their love a second chance. But April's parents have a plan of their own in mind, and it involves April and heartthrob race-car driver "Gunner" Stevens… Desperate to get her mom out of her hair, April and Gunner pretend to have a relationship, even though they have nothing in common. But a fake relationship can easily become very real if April-like her parents, decides to give love a chance. "

Brenda Novak (Author), Pippa Vos (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Matter of Persuasion

"'Achingly romantic with lashings of Gilded Age glamour.' Jessica Bull 'A Matter of Persuasion completely captured my heart! The way it immerses you in the lavish details of the era made me feel like I was living in that time. I couldn’t help but stay up late, lost in the world the author created.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Loved this beautiful Gilded age novel! The outfits the settings and gorgeous historical content had me reading late into the night!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lose yourself in this retelling of Persuasion, the ultimate tale of love, loss and sacrifice, re-imagined in the opulent but guarded Gilded Age society. New York, 1882. Amy Eaton is a bestselling authoress, much to the embarrassment of her family. Proudly ‘old money’, they see her professionalism as an impropriety. Despite their undisguised disdain for her, Amy is bound by a promise she made to her dying mother to look after her two sisters and father. Eight years have passed since Amy gave up the love of her life, after her mother’s best friend persuaded her not to marry him. But now Wareham is back: a rich, self-made man in search of a wife. Doing her best to forget the life she might have had with Wareham, Amy must learn how to navigate her small social circle without letting her true feelings show. As new and unexpected situations arise, will Amy defy expectations and choose her own path? Praise for Theresa Howes: ‘Truly gripping… I loved it.’ Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestselling author of Promise Me ‘I absolutely loved this… Vivid and heartbreaking.’ Lana Kortchik, USA Today bestselling author of Sisters of War ‘War, passion and tragedy unite in this atmospheric and moving tale.’S D Sykes, author of the Oswald de Lacy Medieval Murders series ‘A wonderfully immersive, emotional read.’ Annabelle Thorpe, author of The Enemy of Love ‘I stayed up late into the night to finish… A thrilling, exciting story… You might want to have some tissues handy.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book will stay with me for a long time. A credit to Theresa Howes for exquisite writing and an evocative storyline.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It was absolutely compulsive – my heart was in my throat for the brilliant heroine all the way through.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Theresa Howes (Author), Kate Handford (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Socialites

"‘[I] absolutely loved this fictional take on some of the most legendary women of Hollywoods Golden Age! Perfect for books clubs.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley Reviewer For fans of Fiona Davis, Kathleen Tessaro and Taylor Jenkins Reid in the most enlightening and exciting bookclub read of the year! ‘An atmospheric narrative of young women pushing boundaries and defying expectations… truly unforgettable’ Caroline Cauchi, bestselling author of Mrs Van Gogh One ordinary school. Three extraordinary women … In the 1920s, three young girls enter a strict, cheerless convent school in a quiet London suburb. Six years later they leave, to change the world … Maureen was the movie star, whose role as Tarzan’s Jane helped rewrite the rules of cinema censorship. Sonia was the aspiring writer who became George Orwell’s wife and the guardian of his literary legacy. And Vivien was the actress as iconic as the roles she played, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O’Hara. Together their careers encompassed glamour and tragedy, triumph and scandal. From Bloomsbury to Hollywood, and from the cafés of Paris to the theatres of New York, this novel is a breath-taking epic spanning four decades in three unforgettable lives. See what real readers are saying about Caroline Lamond’s writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Well written and told from the point of view of the characters, this is an engaging story and gives the reader a glimpse of the heady world of theatre, film and society in the time of the star studded movie era' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well written and researched… a joy to read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A highly engaging tale’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was hooked from the first page…’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Really reminded me of City of Girls, the lifestyle, the glamour but also the tenderness… Wonderful!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A highly engaging tale’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely fantastic, unputdownable…' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A moving and at times heartbreaking story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Sad, happy and frustrating at times this novel pulls on all emotions’ ‘An enticing parallel portrait, of women endeavouring to be heard in a glittering but masculine era’ Mandy Robotham, international bestselling author ‘An extraordinary story’ Georgia Kaufmann, author of The Dressmaker of Paris ‘An engaging portrait of an indomitable woman at the heart of Golden Age Hollywood’ Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Manhattan Girls"

Caroline Lamond (Author), Elaine Claxton (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Mother’s Secret

"Don't miss the next thrilling read from Karen Clarke, author of My Best Friend's Secret! 'Full of twists and turns' That's Life Fans of Claire Douglas and Shari Lapena will love Karen Clarke! Kate and her husband are expecting their first child. Even though it was a surprise, Kate is thrilled and so is her mother, Helen. Kate just needs Helen’s anxieties to ease and for Dan to be on board. Dan is struggling – he loves Kate, but he is not ready to be a father. With relations between them feeling hostile, the attractive lead singer in Dan’s band offers him a tantalizing escape. Two weeks before the due date, Kate heads off for an overnight stay at a guesthouse she is designing. When suddenly neither Helen nor Dan can reach her, Helen discloses a dark secret from their past. One that leaves them wondering, has something terrible happened to Kate and the baby? Readers LOVE The Mother's Secret: ‘This psychological thriller will have you gripped from start to finish.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved the whole mind-blowing twists and turns full of ginormous secrets. Absolutely brilliant read.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic read. Read in two sittings, just couldn't put it down.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘One of the best books I've read in a long time. So gripping, highly recommend.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Karen Clarke (Author), Kristin Atherton (Narrator)

Audiobook

What the Living Do

"Sex and death consume much of thirty-seven-year-old Brett Catlin’s life. Cole, ten years her junior, takes care of the former while her job disposing of roadkill addresses the latter. A cancer diagnosis causes her to question her worth, suspecting the illness is payback for the deaths of her father and sister. Thus begins a challenging journey of alternative healing that she doubts she deserves. Just as Brett surrenders to the prescribed cure, a startling discovery sends her on a more profound exploration of cause and effect. Encounters with animals, both living and dead, help her answer the question: who is worth saving?"

Susan E. Wadds (Author), Mare Trevathan (Narrator)

Audiobook

A New Chapter at the Little Penguin Bookshop

"Brought to you by Penguin. New stories are being written at The Little Penguin Bookshop… Carrie Anderson’s business selling books at her local train station is thriving and, with her beloved Mike returned from war, everything feels as though it is falling into place. That is, until Mike is sent to Washington as a liaison between Britain and America. When her twin brother, Johnnie, a fighter pilot, is injured, and her bookstall falls on hard times, Carrie misses the sage advice and comfort of Mike more than ever. Bolstered by her supportive station community, can Carrie battle through this challenging new chapter and reach the happy ending she deserves? Praise for Joanna Toye: 'Romance, nostalgia, family, and books! The Little Penguin Bookshop has it all' Elaine Everest 'Endearing characters [...] wartime loves, laughter and heartbreak' Annie Murray 'A charming heroine, a dashing hero and books! I loved it!' Lesley Eames 'An uplifting wartime saga with family at its heart' Tracy Baines 'Meticulously researched and beautifully written' Helen Yendall © Joanna Toye 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Joanna Toye (Author), Katy Sobey (Narrator)

Audiobook

Contemporary Women Audiobooks in Fiction