Our December Picks

What romance audiobooks releasing in December do we believe are especially promising? We feel these titles are all good bets based on author, narrator, personal knowledge, or print reviews of the story content. Or maybe it’s just a gut feeling we have.

You’ll notice two new reviewers commenting today. We introduced you to Diana yesterday and you’ll be hearing more about Jessica soon.

 

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Narrated by Nicholas Boulton

Ahh – one of my Kinsale print favorites! It’s different…possibly a bit more like a traditional romance? Yet not…it has a magical element and a hero with two extreme sides. I’m so excited that it’s releasing some time in December with the uber fantastic Nick Boulton performing – Lea

At last, an end to the Kinsale/Boulton drought (occasioned by Nick’s recent stint with the Royal Shakespeare Company). Is it really shameful of me to say that I’d happily listen to this if it proved to be little more than a rendition of the phone book? Of course, it won’t be – it’s Laura Kinsale, so it’s bound to be a great story and a fantastic listen! – Caz

Lea you say this Kinsale is more romantic –  I’m all for Nick with an added level of romance! – Brenda

I have this book in print because, of course, but it’s been a long time since I read it.  Apart from that, I know I liked it but I don’t remember much about the story which makes for a wonderful audio experience. I already know I like the story and I think Nicholas Boulton is the best narrator around at present. There is something so comforting about being able to safely anticipate an excellent audiobook experience – Kaetrin

I am totally on board for bringing Kinsale’s entire body of work to Audible with the incredible Nick Boulton narrating. – Melinda

 

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simison

Narrated by Dan O’Grady

After laughing my way through The Rosie Project when I listened last year, I can’t wait to hear how Don and Rosie are doing now that they are married and expecting – Brenda

I can’t wait to revisit Don and Rosie from The Rosie Project, which was such an unexpected pleasure. I totally recommend doing the Whispersync method – sometimes reading it gives you a better understanding of the humor, but the narrator is excellent too – Melinda

My adoration of The Rosie Project was completely unexpected which made my listen all the more memorable for me. I was thrilled to see that there is more Don and Rosie to come. I’ll be listening to The Rosie Effect as soon as it is available for download – Lea

 

Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank

I’m a total Troubleshooter series fangrrrl who is trying to figure out if I can just take a vacay and listen to them all in a row this December. So far, Brockmann’s work is standing the test of time – the stories are still exciting, relevant, not dated, lo these many moons (and rereads) later, in a time where contemporary stories over five years old can seem like historicals. Ok they aren’t THAT old, but the first one was published in 2000 – you do the math! – Melinda

Sam and Alyssa are my favourite Troubleshooters couple so I’m looking forward to revisiting the book where they finally get their HEA on audio – Kaetrin

Sam and Alyssa’s book! Their on again/off again romance in the first five books of the Troubleshooter series made us all eagerly anticipate Gone Too Far in print and with the new narration by the Lawlor/Ewbank team, the anticipation is running high again – Lea

 

Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase

Narrated by Kate Reading

We were surprised earlier this week when Captives of the Night was published at Audible (we had no idea it was coming) and then the same day, it disappeared. Audible now has it up again – this time as a pre-order with a 12/23 publication date.

This is an author/narrator team that is an immediate autobuy for me. Kate Reading has done stupendous work on other titles by Loretta Chase, and I’m confident this will be yet another fantastic listen – Caz

I loved Kate Reading’s narration of Lord of Scoundrels so I’m very happy to see she’s narrating this book too. I don’t believe I’ve read it (it’s on the TBR of Doom) but have heard good things about it. My squee cup runneth over this month – Kaetrin

Pairing Kate Reading’s skill as a narrator with Loretta Chase‘s skill as a storyteller: priceless! – Melinda

 

Carnal Gift by Pamela Clare

Narrated by Kaleo Griffith

I have no doubt that this power duo will bring us yet another great listen. I’ve enjoyed several audiobooks from these two and never been disappointed – Jessica

Pamela Clare rates as one of my favorite historical romance authors and Kaleo Griffith consistently excels in narrating her books – Lea 

 

 

 

Mai Tai’d Up by Alice Clayton

Narrated by Heather Smith

I really enjoyed the humor and writing in the first of this series, Wallbanger, and I’m looking forward to another in this contemporary chick-lit-romance series. Maybe the audio producers will solve Ms Smith’s exuberant breathing issues, though? – Melinda

 

 

 

 

Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

Narrated by Douglas Berger

This serial New Adult mafia romance had me hooked with Book 1, Elite. I can’t wait to hear more secrets unfold and see how the romance continues to evolve in Elect – BJ

 

 

 

 

 

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Narrated by Carmen Rose

Say yay for another Dare title! Dare writes the type of historical romance I love to read- charming, witty, and filled with heroines who are out of the ordinary. I’ve only listened to one of Rose’s narrations, and while I wasn’t impressed, I saw her potential. Fingers crossed she does Dare justice – Diana

 

 

 

Inevitable by Angela Graham

Narrated by Xe Sands

The print reviews are more than promising, but even if Inevitable isn’t as good as they say, the ever talented Xe Sands will keep me listening with rapt attention – Jessica

 

 

 

 

 

Someone to Believe In by Kathryn Shay

Narrated by Jeffrey Kafer

Featuring political adversaries – a US Senator known for his firm stance on crime and a woman with the nickname Street Angel for her efforts to get kids out of gangs and off the street, Someone to Believe In rises above the typical romance. I graded the print version high in 2005 and expect Jeffrey Kafer to deliver it with the style it deserves – Lea

 

 

 

Kaleidoscope by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Emma Taylor

The leads in the sixth entry of the Colorado Mountain series Jacob Decker – Emmanule Holmes – have an unusual backstory and I’m looking forward to hearing it narrated by “the hasn’t missed one yet” Emma Taylor – Brenda

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Earl at Midnight by Gina Conkle

Narrated by Marian Hussey

Meet the Earl at Midnight is a book that’s been on my radar for a while, although I haven’t yet got around to reading it. I’m looking forward to the audio version because it’s narrated by Marian Hussey, someone I’ve enjoyed listening to recently and whose work I’m keen to follow – Caz

 

 

 

 

Ripped by Katy Evans

Narrated by Sebastian York and Elizabeth Louise

Although I haven’t had a chance to listen to this series yet, I’ve heard great things. Moreover, both Sebastian York and Elizabeth Louise are amongst my top favorite narrators for contemporary romance audiobooks – BJ

 

 

 

 

 

Potent Pleasures by Eloisa James

Narrated by Susan Duerden
Even though it was over ten years ago, I still remember the excitement upon reading this story. I remember how different the heroine was compared to other historical romances of the time, and just being captivated by Charlotte and her confidence. I’m looking forward to seeing what Duerden’s performance does for the story – Diana

 

 

 

 

Apolonia by Jamie McGuire

Narrated  by Xe Sands

The blurb for this one says “This New Adult Sci-Fi Romance is the perfect combination of her best-selling books Providence/ Beautiful Disaster.” Add in Xe Sands as the narrator and it I see a winner – Brenda

 

 

 

 

 

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean

Narrated by Justine Eyre

This, the fourth book in Ms MacLean’s Rules of Scoundrels series, is quite possibly the best of the lot. I’m a bit puzzled at Harper’s decision to change narrators for the final book in the series – Rosalyn Landor (narrator of the other three) has set the bar high, so I’m hoping that Justine Eyre will rise to the challenge and do the book justice – Caz

 

 

 

 

Twisted by Elisabeth Naughton

Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley

Twisted is the seventh entry in Naughton’s Eternal Guardians series and the story of Nick -the mysterious, tortured leader of the half-breeds. I’m even more excited to see Elizabeth Wiley once again narrating. She handled the previous stories very well and I have no doubt she will do justice to this one too – Diana

 

 

 

 

 Targeted by Katie Reus

Narrated by Sophie Eastlake

I just finished my first Katie Reus audiobook and it was a success, if a little short. This full length romantic suspense promises to push all my good RS buttons and with Sophie Eastlake as narrator, I know I’m in good hands – Kaetrin

 

 

 

 

Wicked by Jennifer Armentrout

Narrated by Amy Landon

I can’t wait to listen to the debut paranormal New Adult romance novel in Jennifer Armentrout’s new trilogy, the Wicked Saga! As the icing on the cake, Amy Landon is narrating, and I really enjoyed her performance in Chained by Night – BJ

 

 

 

 

Happy December listening!

 

Lea Hensley