Obsessed! The Best Summer Love Stories to Listen to Right Now
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It’s officially summer here in Tampa, which means I’m living in the A/C, trying to survive the heat, hitting up Pilates and barre, and soaking up every cozy moment I can. And this year? Audiobooks have become my go-to way to unwind, calm my anxious brain, and keep me company on long, hot days when my eyes are too tired to read.
Today, I’m sharing five fantastic romance audiobooks that are perfect for the summer. These stories are filled with fresh starts, messy love, warm-weather escapes, and just the right amount of heart. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, taking a sweaty evening walk, or hiding from the sun with your iced coffee, these are the audiobooks I think you’ll love.
(And a little bonus: if you’re looking to build your audiobook library, try Audible for their latest deals, or check out Libro.fm — use code WHATTOREADNEXT for two credits in your first month and support indie bookstores while you’re at it!)
Collide by Bal Khabra
Premise:
If you’re in the mood for a sports romance, this one’s a treat. The heroine is an aspiring sports psychologist who’s forced to take on a big project with the last sport she wants anything to do with — hockey. Enter the team’s golden retriever-captain, who’s taking responsibility for his teammates’ wild pranks. It’s awkward, tense, and brimming with hidden secrets.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a reverse Grumpy Sunshine (she’s the grump, he’s the sunshine) with forbidden vibes and loads of banter. The audiobook kept me company through an entire night of insomnia — it’s funny, heartfelt, and just long enough to sink into.
Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay
Premise:
Ever wanted to run off to Ireland and start over? This story delivers exactly that. Feeling stuck and weighed down by a toxic mom, the heroine accepts an offer to move to a small Irish town for a year to help her favorite author finish a series. But the author’s grumpy son — who owns the local bookstore — isn’t exactly thrilled she’s there.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a Hallmark-worthy rom-com but with deeper themes of grief and family. Cozy, charming, and full of village vibes, it’s perfect for a summer afternoon daydreaming about a new life across the ocean. (Trigger warnings for cancer and the death of a loved one.)
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Premise:
In her mid-30s, still grieving her mom and newly divorced, the heroine of Summer Romance is a bit of a mess — overalls, sweats, trying to keep it together for her three kids. Then a chance meeting at the dog park with her best friend’s brother, back in town after a decade away, pushes her to rethink everything.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a tender, beachy read about finding purpose and love later in life, wrapped up in breezy summer days. Relatable, hopeful, and perfect to bring to the pool or the porch.
One Star Romance by Laura Hankin
Premise:
Based on Laura Hankin’s real life — she once had to walk down the aisle with a groomsman who left her a one-star review — this audiobook follows a pair whose lives collide over a decade, linked by their best friends’ marriage. There’s tension, sparks, misunderstandings, and a hilarious (but sometimes painful) look at how we navigate friendships and growing up.
Why You’ll Love It:
Narrated by the author, this one dives into the messiness of your 20s and 30s, balancing friendships and self-worth with laugh-out-loud moments. Warning: has triggers for cancer and pandemic years, and will likely make you cry.
Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
Premise:
If you want something a little offbeat for summer, this millennial courtroom satire is it. The heroine loses her boring job and becomes fascinated by a local serial killer trial, eventually diving deep into courtroom drama, internet forums, and her own messy identity crisis.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book perfectly captures that “your job is your identity” dread so many of us had in our 20s. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and feels like a long group chat rant you didn’t know you needed. Plus, it’s got courtroom chaos — who doesn’t love that?
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Happy Summer Listening!
I hope these audiobooks keep you company wherever your summer takes you — whether that’s the beach, your backyard, or just chilling inside avoiding the sun. If you pick up any of these, let me know! And, of course, tune in to the podcast for more cozy, honest, bookish chats.
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