Toronto romance writer Lily Chu uses an “audio edit” method by having her computer read her completed books aloud while she goes about her daily tasks to better understand the listener experience. Chu, known for releasing her novels as audiobooks before print, tailors her storytelling to engage multitasking audiences, a significant portion of the reading population. According to a recent report by BookNet Canada, 81% of respondents enjoy audiobooks while performing various activities like working, commuting, or doing household chores.
Chu penned her first novel, “The Stand-In,” during the 2020 pandemic, which was later published as an “audio-first” production by Audible before its print release. Fast forward six years, and Chu now has a deal with Audible, launching her sixth book, “Just Kiss Already,” following the audio-first trend in the romance genre. The surge in romance audiobooks reflects a broader industry shift towards prioritizing audio-first strategies due to increased demand for multi-taskable and immersive content, especially driven by the pandemic-induced isolation period.
Diana Dapito, Audible’s head of global consumer content, revealed that romance stands out as one of the fastest-growing genres on their platform in Canada, with a notable 16% increase in audiobook preference among readers from 2020 to 2025. Romance ranks as the fourth most popular audiobook genre, trailing behind mysteries and thrillers, and science fiction and fantasy, as noted by BookNet Canada’s report.
Amanda Cupido, an executive podcast adviser, highlights the pandemic as a pivotal moment for audio storytelling, emphasizing its intimate nature that fosters connections between listeners and the content. Romance, labeled as the “genre of hope” by Chu, guarantees a happy ending, attracting readers seeking a satisfying emotional journey with a positive resolution. Canadian romance audiobook narrator Angelina Rocca accentuates the importance of skilled narration in providing listeners with a cinematic experience through sound effects and vocal choices that amplify women’s perspectives and pleasure.
Despite historical stigma surrounding romance novels, Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books emphasizes the genre’s current acceptance and popularity, especially in the audio format, enabling listeners to explore intimate and pleasurable content privately. Lizz Kidd, from Hopeless Romantic Books in Toronto, praises audio subscription apps for offering a diverse range of romance and erotica audiobooks, allowing listeners to explore sensuality and support artists. The rising trend of romance audiobooks signifies a cultural shift towards embracing diverse storytelling platforms and narratives.