My Favourite Audiobooks of 2024!

In 2024, I listened to over 60 audiobooks and found myself appreciating this format more than ever. Many of these weren’t just performances—they felt like full productions. The use of sound effects, ensemble casts, and exceptionally talented narrators made this year truly unforgettable for me as an audiobook listener.

In a few days, I’ll be sharing My Favourite Books of 2024, but first, I wanted to highlight the audiobooks that stood out the most. Below is my list, presented in no particular order. Each title links to my full review, and I’ve included a few final thoughts in italics on what made each audiobook exceptional. So let’s get started!

In this laugh-out-loud, audio-first rom-com, Vera Hoffman is racing against the clock to launch her Date-in-a-Box website before a big business expo—only to hit a major glitch. A three-hour hold with customer service unexpectedly connects her with Cal Kantola, a charmingly awkward IT specialist. As Cal works his tech magic, their troubleshooting sessions turn into marathon conversations filled with takeout orders, DMs, and voice messages, sparking an unexpected connection. But as their virtual bond deepens, Vera wonders if their chemistry will hold up when they finally meet in person. Let’s talk about the audiobook magic. Luci Christian and Neil Hellegers nail the narration, bringing Vera and Cal to life in the best possible way. And those sound effects? They add a whole new layer of fun to the story, from ringing phones to meowing cats.

With just 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York for the opportunity of a lifetime, my only option is a discount bus—complete with a seat across from the bathroom and last night’s clothes (don’t ask). Enter my Seatmate: tall, friendly, with an indigo streak in his hair and a mission of his own—to reunite with the one who got away. What starts as an easy distraction turns into a chaotic adventure when the bus breaks down, forcing us to hitch a ride in a beat-up car, navigate endless traffic, and even race cross-town on a Citi Bike with a box of kittens (seriously, don’t ask). Through it all, his easy charm makes him my unexpected hero, but as we near our destination, I can’t help but wonder: could this Seatmate be my soulmate? Listening to the audiobook version of “Seatmate” was a particularly enjoyable experience, thanks to the stellar performances of Amanda Ronconi and Zachary Webber. Their narration felt so natural, it was as if they were right there in the room with me, bringing Gwen and Sam’s journey to life. The authentic interplay and comedic timing between the narrators enhanced the story’s charm and made it an absolute joy to listen to.

Cleo, a dedicated anthrozoology researcher with dreams of earning a PhD, secretly loves Know Your Newlywed, an old gameshow where couples answer questions about each other. Though not focused on relationships, she’s intrigued by Javi’s dating profile, which says he’s looking for a partner to win the show with.

After sparks fly between them, they discover a reboot of the show and decide, on a whim, to pretend to be newlyweds and apply. Surprisingly, they’re cast, and their undeniable chemistry makes them fan favourites. But as the competition intensifies and their connection deepens, they must navigate the pressure, their ambitions, and the truth about their relationship. Will their love survive beyond the gameshow facade? What sets this audiobook apart is the ensemble cast for supporting characters and the immersive sound design, complete with true-to-life effects that make the gameshow scenes feel vivid and dynamic. Javi’s grandmother was a standout for me, offering heartfelt wisdom during tender moments in the kitchen. The story’s multicultural authenticity further enriched the narrative, making it feel both relatable and refreshing.

Holly is grappling with the impending loss of her grandmother and the aftermath of a painful breakup when a misplaced Valentine’s Day card unexpectedly brightens her world. What starts as a humorous mistake evolves into an anonymous exchange of heartfelt notes, small acts of kindness, and a blossoming connection between two strangers. But as their bond deepens, one of them faces an inevitable goodbye. Abby Jimenez’s Worst Wingman Ever is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute series, a collection of irresistibly romantic, bite-sized stories perfect for devouring in one sitting. The audiobook narration by Arni Arndt and Zachary Webber further enhances the immersive experience, bringing the characters to life with their dynamic performances. Their chemistry adds depth to the story, making it a captivating listen from start to finish.

A humorous love story unfolds as columnist Anna Appleby, a disillusioned divorcée, lets her children play matchmaker to save her career. After a painful divorce, Anna is content with singlehood, her kids, a cat, and sole control of the TV remote—until her rival threatens to take over her column. To secure her job, she pitches a bold idea: seven offline dates, all chosen by her children. From awkward encounters with waiters and mailmen to an attempt at wooing her celebrity crush, Anna’s journey is both chaotic and heartfelt. But when an unexpected romantic connection emerges, she must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kerry Gilbert, and her performance was fantastic. Gilbert’s engaging tone and comedic timing brought Anna’s story to life, making the listening experience even more enjoyable. If audiobooks are your thing, I highly recommend this version.

Daphne’s carefully planned life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé, Peter, realises he’s in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Left heartbroken and stranded in the charming town of Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne finds herself starting over as a children’s librarian, struggling to make ends meet. Seeking understanding, she proposes a roommate arrangement with Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak, a scruffy and unpredictable musician who couldn’t be more different from her buttoned-up, secretive persona. Though they mostly avoid each other, a shared moment of vulnerability leads to a friendship and a cheeky scheme to post misleading photos of their adventures together. But as their connection deepens, Daphne begins to wonder if her new chapter might unexpectedly include falling for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex.
One standout aspect of the audiobook edition is Julia Whelan’s narration, which brings the characters to life with her expressive performances. Her ability to capture both female and male voices with realism and comedic timing enhances the overall experience of the story.

Anna Green thought her marriage to Liam “West” Weston during their UCLA days was a temporary arrangement for subsidized housing, ending with signed divorce papers after graduation. But three years later, Anna is a struggling artist, and West is a Stanford professor and heir to the Weston Foods fortune. To claim his $100 million inheritance, Liam must remain happily married for five years, thanks to a clause in his grandfather’s will. With his family demanding to meet his mysterious wife, Liam turns to Anna, his rough-around-the-edges, not-so-ex-wife, to help uphold the charade. As Anna navigates his world of wealth, Liam’s concerns shift from her ability to impress his elite family to the fear that their love—unexpectedly rekindled in the process—could be lost to the very environment he’s always tried to escape. One of the highlights for me was the audiobook, narrated by Patti Murin and Jon Root. Their performances brought the characters to life, capturing the essence of Anna’s vibrant personality and Liam’s more reserved nature. While I generally prefer audiobooks where each narrator sticks to their own character’s point of view, the alternating chapters here still worked well enough to keep me engaged.

Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her…by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her like she’s a younger, braver version of herself. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there? I listened to the audiobook format of “Summer Romance,” narrated by Kristen DiMercurio. Her performance was outstanding, bringing Ali’s character to life with authenticity and emotion. DiMercurio’s narration added depth to the story, making Ali’s journey even more engaging and heartfelt. I highly recommend this format to those readers who appreciate audiobooks.

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And there you have it! My Favourite Audiobooks of 2024! Do we have any in common? Let me know in the comments.

As always, I hope you have a wonderful day.