I decided to put together a list of some of my favourite Christmas Romance Audiobooks that I have enjoyed recently. Even better, these are available FREE to download in the Audible Plus Catalogue if you are a member of Audible and if you’re not already you can sign up to a Audible free trial HERE!
I know a lot of people will be having a much quieter Christmas than they originally planned with the new covid variant, travel restrictions being put in place again and so many people testing positive and having to isolate. So getting lost in some festive audiobooks could be a great distraction! I have listened to a lot of Christmas books lately and although there were quite a few I wasn’t keen on I’ve cherry picked the ones that really hit the mark for me. They have plenty of festive fun whilst also having really great characters, storylines, humour and a bit of spice!
Side note: I have a real issue with not liking British narrators for contemporary romance books (considering I’m British myself!) I don’t know if that’s just me but I just haven’t found any I like or feel sound ‘right’ reading them - if anyone has any recommendations for me that would be great! All the ones I enjoy are American narrators which seems a shame.
Also a little update: I have now passed 100 new audiobooks that I’ve listened to this year! I feel so proud. My goal was 50 but I’ve absolutely smashed that. I think due to a combination of lockdowns, having access to lots of free options in the Audible Plus catalogue and finding some new authors that I’ve become absolutely obsessed with!
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Sebastian York
Length: 2hrs 54 mins
Dual POV, Co-workers, Fake Dating, Enemies to Lovers
“Riley Kennedy’s emails keep getting crossed with her male colleague, Kennedy Riley. The infuriating man forwards them along with his annoying commentary and unsolicited advice. They come face to face at the office holiday party. As luck would have it, Kennedy turns out to be outrageously handsome…though still a jerk. Yet somehow he’s able to charm her out on the dance floor—and convince her to participate in his crazy scheme: he’ll go home with Riley for a Christmas party and pretend to be her boyfriend, if Riley agrees to be his date to a wedding. It sounds easy enough. Little by little, however, the act they’re putting on starts to feel like so much more than a Christmas pact—and Riley’s about to learn there’s more to Kennedy than she ever imagined.”
A novella that is laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming from start to finish, from a pair of authors who were new to me but I now need to read everything they’ve ever written together! I absolutely loved both of these characters and could happily have listened to this as a full length book. These two writers have also written another Christmas book that’s on my list called Scrooged (a series of 3 shorts) but it’s not on the Plus catalogue so you’ll need to use a credit or buy it. But if you enjoy this book you’ll love that one too.
Also here is an example of two of my favourite romance narrators!
Narrators: Eva Kaminsky & Jason Clarke
Length: 2hrs 56 mins
Dual POV, Friends to Lovers
“Last year, Rachel Bacharach met the man of her dreams at a Hanukkah party — and then her outgoing best friend Tamara swooped in and “called” Oz Caplan for herself. It’s a typical outcome for the dependable, bookish Rachel, who is never able to extinguish the spark she immediately felt for Oz. But being secretly in love with her best friend’s boyfriend all year hasn’t been easy.
As this year’s party approaches, Oz and Tamara break up. It’s a worst-case scenario when Oz asks Rachel to help him write Tamara love letters to win her back in time for their Hanukkah anniversary. Rachel’s been writing love letters to Oz in her journals for a year; she knows all the words he would need. But will Rachel be able to hide her true feelings from Oz any longer? And might this year’s party finally be Rachel’s chance to trust her heart and put everything on the line for love?”
I really liked how this story was set around Hanukkah. From the synopsis I imagined this storyline could be a little frustrating but it was actually really sweet and so so funny! The guy in it was fairly clueless about his feelings and what he actually wanted a lot of the way through but I found that rather realistic!
Narrator: Maxine Mitchell
Length: 4hrs 7 mins
Dual POV, Fake Dating
“He needs a break. She needs a date. What do a washed-up LA cop and a celebrity hair stylist have in common? Christmas magic.
Fallon McQueen needs a date to a wedding. The pickings at the speed dating events she's attended are slim indeed, and it doesn't help that she has someone specific in mind.... Then she meets...Santa Claus.
Jack Cooper is tired of the big city. He needs a break from the streets of LA. But when he stops a deadbeat from breaking and entering, he's simply trying to do a good deed. Now he has a hot but crazy blonde asking him to be her date to a destination wedding. If Jack is going to help, they're going to do it his way, and faster than you can say "road trip" Fallon McQueen is on the trip of lifetime....“
I loved this one! I really liked the characters, the road trip storyline and it was a good length as well. Although this can be read as a stand-alone (this is how I read it) it is part of a series called Starlight Hill. Some of them are actually available in the Plus catalogue as well so if you enjoy this you can listen to some of the rest! Heatherly Bell is a new author to me and after this one I’m looking forward to reading some more of her books.
Narrators: Brooke Bloomingdale & Edward Thomas
Length: 10hrs 7 mins
Dual POV, Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers
“Nick Winters and Noel Carter have known each other their whole lives. After years of shared family holidays, working together on the Winters’ Christmas tree farm, and being each other's safe haven, they wouldn't dream of crossing the line from friends to something more.... But when Nick comes home for the holidays after serving overseas and finds that his long-term girlfriend has decided to get her stocking stuffed elsewhere, Noel is there to pick him up and show him that instead of a Blue Christmas he can still have a Wonderful Christmastime without his cheating ex.
A night on the town and an impulsive kiss later has Noel thinking that perhaps this year they’ll be rockin’ around the Christmas tree as a couple, but only if the ghost - er rather - girlfriend of Nick's Christmas past doesn’t decide to haunt their holiday.... “
This is the first book in a lovely series set in the town of Mistletoe! One of my favourite tropes is friends to lovers and this story epitomises it. Nick & Noel have been best friends since they were babies and closer than close ever since. With inside jokes and a shared love for Christmas. I love how Nick’s family basically adopted Noel when her parents died and how close the Winters family are it makes the story extra heartwarming. Although I found Nick’s ex constantly popping up highly annoying, I loved all the other characters enough to balance that out plus there is a very satisfying part at the end which makes it all worth while!
Narrators: CJ Bloom & Lee Samuels
Length: 10hrs 44mins
Dual POV, Single Parent, Second Chance Romance
“Merry Winters has the holiday blues. She's spent the last year learning to love herself, and now she's ready to find the right guy. But the pickings are slim in Mistletoe, Idaho, and it’s just her luck that the man who catches her eye is the stoic new foreman at her family’s Christmas tree farm. Too bad he wants to keep a 39-and-a-half-foot pole between them.
Single dad Clark Griffin isn't looking for romance, but he wouldn't mind a friend to snuggle with on a cold winter's night. When he signs up for online dating, he doesn't expect to connect with the sassy, crafty Knottygirl25 and get wrapped up in every message she writes.
But when Merry turns out to be his blind internet date, his surprise causes him to miss his chance under the mistletoe. Can a little Christmas magic give these two a second chance at a first impression?”
The second book in the Codi Hall’s festive series centred around the Winters family. This one features Merry, the middle sibling. I really liked her character, all sunshine, loves Christmas (of course) knitting & creating voodoo peens (again, of course!). I love a romance book that includes a single parent with a cute kid who is really pro their romance and that’s what we get with Clark’s 7 year old Jace. This has a bit of a You’ve Got Mail inspired storyline too! Which I very much enjoyed.
Now I’m excitedly waiting for Holly’s book to come next Christmas!
Narrators: Christine Williams
Length: 10hrs 18mins
Dual POV, Hurt/Comfort,
“Riley Madigan escapes to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek after her relationship with an A-list actor ends badly. At least for a time, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will bring her the peace and quiet she is looking for. The last thing on her mind is love.
Mark Rivers was a firefighter until he got trapped in a wildfire and, after a year of recovering, is trying to piece his life back together but struggles both emotionally and psychologically. He's been a recluse until he forces himself to attend his niece's school play and sees Riley, the school's art teacher. Immediately, Mark feels a connection to her and feels driven to get to know her, but first he'll need.”
This was the most emotional read out of all my picks but beautiful! Small town vibes which I really like, both character have been damaged by their past in different ways and the story is about the healing together. The first half is set in the lead up to thanksgiving but the town is very christmassy so it does feel festive throughout!
Bonus Options (not available in the plus catalogue but 100% worth using a credit for!)
Narrators: Patti Murin
Length: 7hrs 40mins
Single POV, Friends to Lovers
“ It's the most wonderful time of the year . . . but not for Maelyn Jones. She's living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions. But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favourite place in the world - the snowy cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born. Mentally melting down as she drives away for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy. The next thing she knows, everything goes black . . . When Mae gasps awake, she's back on an airplane, beginning the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop - and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.”
I bought this one with an audible credit as it’s a Christmas book by one of my favourite pairs of authors, Christina Lauren. This Groundhog Day inspired festive rom-com was right up my street! It’s also very different it all my other Christmas reads. I loved Mae’s big dysfunctional family/friend group gathering at the cabin every Christmas, how we got to know each of them and all their traditions like the festive scavenger hunt were so fun I wanted to join in!
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Sebastian York
Length: 2hrs 17 mins
Single/Dual POV
After reading The Christmas Pact by the same authors I bought this audiobook without a second thought! A trio of short stories.
"Sexy Scrooge"
The last thing I needed was to share an Uber with Scrooge - a cocky lawyer on a snowy Christmas Eve. It was bad enough I was on my way to court for the gift of eviction. Although maybe today wouldn’t turn out so bad after all. The Sexy Scrooge and I started to connect as we trudged our way through a storm. Our ride was about to end. But would I ever see him again?
“The Merry Mistake"
Note to self: Ask Santa for glasses this year. When I accidentally mistook a gorgeous man resting outside my building for a homeless person in need of lunch, we got into it. I’d only been trying to do a good deed around the holidays, but he called me righteous. I called him something far worse. If only I didn’t have to see him again. But fate had other plans.
"Kissmas in New York"
It was just supposed to be a simple kiss with a stranger. I'd done it to prove a point - that I hadn't lost my sense of adventure. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. Maybe I'd get something in my stocking after all this holiday season....
I can’t decide if Sexy Scrooge or The Merry Mistake was my favourite - it’s a close call. They were so funny and considering how short each of the stories were, I got surprisingly invested in each one!
Narrator: Erin Mallon
Length: Volume 1 - 6hrs 44mins. Volume 2 - 8hrs 14 mins
Single POV
Each volume has 3 short stories in each based in the same town of Reindeer Falls. So you have characters crossing paths with each other between stories which I like. Volume 1 features 3 sisters: Holly, Ginger & Noel. Volume 2 features the Shepard brothers: Ryan, Jake & Carter. All these books are written from the female POV only. These are like very spicy versions of Hallmark movies and I really loved Jana Astons writing - another new author for me that I want to read more from!
The Boss Who Stole Christmas (Book 1)
Dear Santa,
Please bring me a new boss for Christmas. Mine is the worst. The worst, hidden in a six-foot-tall package of male perfection. It’d be easier if he looked like an old Scrooge, wouldn’t it? Nick Saint-Croix doesn’t look like an old scrooge. He’s hot as - um, never mind. Just bring me a new boss. Please. Sincerely, Holly Winter
If You Give a Jerk a Gingerbread (Book 2)
Dear Santa,
I do not want Keller James for Christmas. I will not fall for him, no matter how charming or irresistible or famous he is. I will not be swayed by his skills in the kitchen or by his British accent. I’m going to win the Great Gingerbread Bake-Off and no one is going to stand in my way. Not even Keller. All kisses are off. I mean all bets. All bets are off. And all his clothes. Grr, never mind. I’ll figure this out myself.
XOXO, Ginger Winter
The One Night Stand Before Christmas (Book 3)
Dear Santa,
Please stop by my house and pick up your suit. If you thought I was going to run it to the dry cleaners for you after you left it on my bedroom floor, you’ve got another thought coming.
Best, Noel Winter
Elves With Benefits (Book 4)
My name is Ryan Sheppard and I don’t care about Christmas. I’m only returning to my over-the-top Christmas-themed hometown to sell the house I inherited from my late uncle so I can get back to the city and the promotion I’m chasing at work. Unfortunately, there’s a flaw in my plan. Because according to the town Christmas cop, there’s a moratorium on selling houses during December. She says it’s bad for the aesthetic. She’s also slapping an alarming number of tickets on my front door. For being in violation of holiday décor. And I swear on Rudolph himself, one is for ‘unsportsmanlike Christmassing.’ To top it all off, this Christmas cop looks like a red-headed elf. A sexy red-headed elf…
One Night With a Nutcracker (Book 5)
My name is Jake Sheppard and I’m ambivalent about Christmas and the Christmas-themed town I grew up in. But when I find out my late uncle left me an old barn and acres of land, the decision to return home to build my dream golf course is an easy one. Imagine my surprise when I arrive and find out I have a squatter. An incredibly sexy squatter, with wavy blonde hair, green eyes, a free spirit… and a herd of goats. Sutton hates my guts. Apparently evicting a non-paying non-tenant and her goats weeks before Christmas is grounds for war. Except Sutton's version of war includes flinging her clothing at me and, as it turns out, I might be in way over my head with this girl…
The Bachelor on the Shelf (Book 6)
My name is Carter Sheppard and I actually like Christmas and my Christmas-themed hometown of Reindeer Falls. In fact, when I learn I have to return home in order to collect an inheritance—my uncle’s dog—it puts life into perspective for me. Sure, playing professional baseball is great. But it won’t last forever and every player needs a long-term game plan. And I just found mine. Wrapped up in the feisty, bespectacled package of the town librarian. Unfortunately, she thinks I’m a player in all aspects of the word, but I’ve got a plan to win her over. Starting with a fake engagement…
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