Romance listeners have more than just favorite authors, narrators, and tropes to choose from when picking their next audiobook—they can also opt for their preferred performance style. Single narrator? Dual or duet narration? An ensemble or even a full cast?
A single narrator is straightforward—they play all the parts! Voices, accents, and characterizations stay consistent because the same narrator performs all of them. Many romances are written in an alternating POV style, with chapters switching between the perspectives of the lead characters. In this case, dual narration, in which two narrators trade off performing chapters from their character’s point of view, makes a lot of sense in terms of establishing characterization and making the protagonists sound distinct from one another. The only drawback is that the way the narrators choose to portray each other’s characters may sound noticeably different, which can be jarring for listeners.
Duet narration helps to avoid this pitfall—narrators always deliver their own character’s dialogue, regardless of the chapter POV, which sounds more interactive. Ensemble narrations take full advantage of the audiobook format. Main characters and secondary ones all get unique voices, making for a rich, varied, and expansive soundscape. Whichever format you choose, here are some recent romance audiobooks that get it right:
How To Fake It in Society by KJ Charles (Macmillan Audio, April 28): Titus Pilcrow creates paints for artists. When his circumstances change dramatically, he must figure out how to move through society as a man with a great fortune. Luckily, the very charming Comte de La Motte is happy to offer his help. Will Watt performs this winning historical romance and, as our review raves, “effortlessly inhabits Titus and Nico’s perspectives as their mutual attraction blooms and secrets eventually come to light, all while switching rapid-fire between English and French accents.”
Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Swati Hegde (Random House Audio, May 12): Two lawyers who had a steamy summer fling in Goa, India, unexpectedly find themselves colleagues in the same Bangalore law firm. Vikas Adam and Reena Dutt alternate chapters in a dual narration, and our review notes that they “complement one another, each giving their roles the emotionality that they demand. Their voices convey desire, heartbreak, and laughter.”
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (Penguin Audio, May 5): AJ Bridel and Jack Copland share a duet-style narration in Fortune’s heartfelt contemporary romance set in coastal British Columbia. Childhood friends Frankie and George keep finding their way back to each other. According to our review, “Bridel’s passionate, nuanced performance showcases Frankie’s vulnerabilities, hesitations, and desires. Copland’s warm, soothing timbre makes intimate conversations between Frankie and George that much more poignant.”
Speak Now by Ash Perez (Simon & Schuster Audio, March 31): This audio original features a talented cast and full sound effects. Chef Alex Perez reconnects with her former best friend when Genevieve re-enters her life. Our review says: “As the story is told through a mix of vulnerable voice notes, flashbacks, and comical interactions, Alex must decide what matters more: her dream job or her true love. Listeners will find themselves laughing out loud while contemplating second chances.”
Jennifer Dowell is the audiobooks editor.
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