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is audible worth it? ๐ง
for romance readers with zero free time
I used to think audiobooks were cheating. Then I listened to a romance while folding laundry and finished it in two days. I’m converted. ๐โโ๏ธ
As a mom with a 100-book goal, audio is how I read in the car, at the gym and during the dishes. Here’s whether Audible is worth it for romance readers, and what I’d listen to first.
the tl;dr ๐
- worth it if you commute, work out, work from home, or just want something playing while you do mindless tasks
- start with the free trial and see how much you actually listen
- always play the narrator sample first
- yes, audiobooks count as reading ๐
What Is Audible?
Audible is Amazon’s audiobook service. There are two main plans:
- Audible Standard: pick one title a month from the full catalog to listen to while you’re a member, plus a smaller included collection.
- Audible Premium Plus: one credit a month for a book you keep forever, plus the Plus Catalog to stream as much as you want.
I don’t list prices because Audible changes them and runs promos constantly. Check the signup page for the current trial.
Who Audible Is Worth It For
- Busy people. Commute, gym, laundry, school pickup line. Hands busy, ears free.
- Dual POV lovers. Two narrators for two sides hits different.
- Rereaders. Relistening to a favorite is a low-risk way to test audio.
- Big romantasy fans. Long books mean more hours per monthly pick.
Audible Pros and Cons
pros
- Adds reading time you didn’t have before.
- A great narrator makes banter so much better.
- Great for big new releases you’d wait on at the library.
- Pairs with the ebook if you read two formats at once.
cons
- A bad narrator can ruin a great book.
- Spicy chapters in public are a gamble. Check your volume.
- Easy to zone out on complicated plots.
- Unused monthly picks don’t always roll over, depending on your plan.
My Favorite Romance Audiobooks ๐ง
Fast-paced, spicy or chaotic, and no slow burns. Listen to the sample before you spend your pick.
Butcher & BlackbirdBrynne Weaver ยท Ruinous Love #1Two serial killers, one competition, and dual narrators (Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers). Funny, filthy, and made for audio.
collector’s edition hardcover โจ also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐ง
The Cruel PrinceHolly Black ยท Folk of the Air #1Jude vs Cardan is the enemies-to-lovers blueprint. If you loved These Vile Hearts, this is the original fae court chaos.
collector’s edition hardcover โจ also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐ง
A Court of Thorns and RosesSarah J. Maas ยท ACOTAR #1The gateway romantasy. Long listen, which makes it a great use of a monthly pick.
collector’s edition hardcover โจ also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐ง
PowerlessLauren Roberts ยท Powerless #1A powerless girl faking it in the Purging Trials next to the prince trained to hunt people like her. Great car listen.
also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐ง
IcebreakerHannah Grace ยท Maple Hills #1A figure skater and a hockey captain forced to share a rink. The easiest spicy listen while you fold laundry.
deluxe edition hardcover โจ also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐ง
Twisted LoveAna Huang ยท Twisted #1 (Duet Edition)Alex Volkov, cold as ice, for exactly one person he isn’t. The touch-her-and-die starter pack.
collector’s edition hardcover โจ also on Audible ๐ง
listen here ๐งAudible vs Kindle Unlimited vs Libby
Which one should you pick?
Libby: free with a library card, audiobooks too, but wait lists.
Kindle Unlimited: mostly ebooks, great for indie romance. Is KU worth it? โ
Audible: the move if audio is your main format. More here: Libby vs Kindle Unlimited โ
My Verdict
If you have a commute, a gym habit or a never-ending laundry pile, Audible is worth trying. Start with the free trial, spend your first pick on a long romance in a trope you already love, and see how much you listen.
Start your Audible free trial
Check the current trial length and price on Audible’s page before you sign up. You can cancel anytime.
Try Audible free ๐Audible FAQ
Do audiobooks count as reading?
Yes. You followed the story, you felt the feelings, you yelled at the main character. That counts toward your reading goal.
What’s the difference between Audible Standard and Premium Plus?
Standard gives you one title a month from the full catalog to listen to while you’re a member. Premium Plus gives you a monthly credit for a book you keep forever, plus the Plus Catalog. Check Audible’s plan page for current details.
Is there a free Audible trial?
Audible usually offers a free trial for new members. The length and terms change, so check the signup page for the current offer.
Can I cancel Audible anytime?
Yes, from your Audible or Amazon account settings. Check what happens to your titles on your plan before you cancel.
Are spicy romance audiobooks awkward to listen to?
Only if your volume is up and your earbuds aren’t in. Ask me how I know.
Is Audible or Kindle Unlimited better for romance?
Audible is better if audio is your main format and you want big new releases. Kindle Unlimited is better for indie ebooks.
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