Here is our list of romance audiobooks releasing in January 2015 that we at AudioGals believe are especially promising. Sometimes we feel they are good bets because of the author, narrator, personal knowledge, or print reviews of the story content. Sometimes we go by gut feeling.
Anything on this list already on your TBL?
Burned
by Karen Marie Moning
Narrated by Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross
I’ve been waiting for this release for what feels like forever! Without a doubt the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning is one of my all time favorites, and with Phil Gigante narrating, alongside Natalie Ross, this will no doubt be a top-notch performance! – BJ
I listened to Iced and thought it was okay, but I’m not a big YA fan, so knowing that Burned is mainly about Mac and Barrons is a big plus for me. (Now I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that they end the book still a happy couple.) Phil Gigante’s Jericho Barrons is something special – Kaetrin
It feels like forever since Iced was released. I can’t wait to catch up with the characters in this series. The narrators have brought many of Ms. Moning’s characters to life in previous books. I’m sure we can look forward to similar excellence here. – Shannon
The Will by Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Hollis McCarthy
Kristen Ashley is one of my favorite Contemporary Romance writers, and the e-book version of this first book in the Magdalene Series has received stellar ratings on Goodreads (4.35 out of 11,800+ ratings)! Although a different narrator from her Dream Man and Colorado Mountain Series has been selected for this audiobook, KA’s writing is so spectacular, I can’t wait to listen to this one! – BJ
I loved this book in print so I’m looking forward to giving it a go on audio. The hero of this one is slightly less alpha-jerk than other Ashley heroes and, while it did take me a while to warm to Josie, I ended up loving her to pieces. This is a new-to-me narrator – I listened to a brief sample of Hollis McCarthy narrating another book and my hopes are now officially high. – Kaetrin
Darius by Grace Burrowes
Narrated by Roger Hampton
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Grace Burrowes, so when she recently announced on her website that Darius (the first book in her Lonely Lords series) was coming to audio I jumped for joy! (And jumped again when I found out Roger Hampton was narrating!) I loved the book, which tells the story of an impoverished second son and the lengths he will go to in order to protect those he loves. – Caz
This is a favorite of mine in print. Of all of the books in the Lonely Lords series (I haven’t read them all, but I’ve read several), Darius’ story is the most compelling and the story line is quite unique. I would love to see how it translates into audio. – Jessica
Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare
Narrated by Kaleo Griffith
I don’t think I need to explain why Ride the Fire is my top pick for January. I love Pamela Clare and Kaleo Griffith together, and Carnal Gift (Book 2 in Blakewell/Kenleigh Family series) was excellent, as usual. Ride the Fire should be just as good.- Jessica
Kaleo really “gets” Pamela Clare’s story-telling, and I’m expecting his deep, delicious voice to make this adventure a pleasure! – Melinda
Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson.
Narrated by Kate Turnbull
Ms. Anderson writes believable characters who deal with real-life situations. I’m eager to see how this first book in her latest series will turn out. – Shannon
Hot Target by Suzanne Brockmann
Narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank
Can’t get enough of this catnip! – Melinda
Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Another non-secret is that I’d listen to Rosalyn Landor read the phone book, so to have her narrating books by one of my favourite authors is like a thick layer of icing on a delicious cake! – Caz
Dangerous Alliance by Kyra Davis.
Narrated by Gabra Zackman
I loved Deceptive Innocence, the sequel to Dangerous Alliance. I’ve been on pins and needles for the next installment in the series. Narrator Gabra Zackman did a wonderful job with the first book, and I’m sure her performance here will not disappoint. – Shannon
Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
There’s only one audiobook coming out this month that’s worth mentioning and that’s Bound by Flames! It’s been over a year and a half since the last Night Prince novel and we are long overdue for some Vlad and Leila time. Even better, Tavia Gilbert returns as narrator, so I know this is going to be an excellent listen. – Diana
There isn’t a lot to add in order to convince an avid listener when you see Tavia and Jeaniene paired together. Win / win all the way around with the wrap of of Vlad’s trilogy! – Brenda
Potent Pleasures and Midnight Pleasures by Eloisa James
Both narrated by Susan Duerden
This is a great pairing of author/narrator for traditional Regency romance. – Melinda
If the Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries
Narrated by Corrie James
This is the final book in the author’s series, The Duke’s Men and, in the way of many final-in-series-books, is the one I’ve been waiting for. It tells the story of Dominic Manton and the woman he loved and gave up following the events which left him almost ruined after his father’s death. Corrie James is a terrific narrator, and I’m sure will do as superb a job in this audio as she has in all the others. – Caz
The Devil Takes a Bride by Julia London
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Another top-notch narrator and author team. This should be perfect for those who love historical romance. – Melinda
Falling for Jillian by Kristen Proby
Narrated by Deacon Lee and Elizabeth Louis
Contrary to my usual approach, I’m basing this pick solely on what I know of the narrators. I’m a fan of the dual narration team of Deacon Lee and Elizabeth Louis for new adult romance titles. See my AudioGals reviews for Five Ways to Fall and Ugly Love. Additionally, although I haven’t yet had the chance to read any of Kristen Proby’s works, I’ve heard great things about her new adult titles. – BJ
The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick
Narrated Bianca Amato
This December 2014 release caught me by complete surprise. Having previously listened to Ms Quick’s The Paid Companion when it simultaneously released with the hardback edition in May 2004. Back then Brilliance had narrator Michael Page doing the honors (I thought he did a great job!). Now Recorded Books is putting their stamp on the title with Bianca Amato narrating. Being familiar with Ms Amato’s stellar skills I have no doubt she will do a standout job. – Brenda
Viper Game ( Ghostwalker #11) Christine Feehan
Narrated by Tom Stechschulte
A Tom Stechschulte narration falling into the romance realm is not to be missed! Ms Feehan has a number of ongoing series and Ghostwalker is my favorite due in big part to the amazing Mr Stechschulte. – Brenda
We want to hear from you! What romance audiobook releases are you looking forward to this year?
Like you, I was surprised to see another version of The Paid Companion, Brenda. I like the Michael Page one, too, so I’ll be waiting a while before listening to a new one.
Is it common to re-release an audio if the first production was okay? I can admit I’ve never heard of this happening before.
I’m a big Quick fan and was thinking of purchasing this but now I’m not so sure. I’ve not heard of either Page or Amato.
It’s certainly unusual, although not unheard of. I should imagine it’s partly down to legalities and partly down to finances – an audiobook producer would have to be sure they’d recoup they’re investment if they put out different versions of the same book. (Of course, there are lots of different versions of classic literature, but I’m guessing they’re out of copyright and cheaper to produce.)
Audiobook rights only last 7 – 10 years, so its possible for a completely different audio publisher to pick up the rights when they expire. Not sure what the reasoning is behind switching narrators – maybe they figure a fresh take will bring a new audience and/or get people to re-listen more readily? I’d be interested to hear what you all think.
Interestingly, classic books – like classical music and other music genres – have more than one recording available. Look at Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Audible (not all 36 are actually the same book, but most are). Years ago, in another life, I was involved in the classical music recording industry, and those fans lived to find new interpretations of classics, and debated endlessly about which one was better. Will that be us in a few decades, deciding whether Karen’s original recording of Julie James is the most authentic or the newer ones recorded by someone born yesterday brings a new perspective?
(Note: in a few decades, if I can remember that Karen recorded anything, it will be a miracle – so I’m hoping all the rest of you will be around to carry the torch!!)
I remember making the same comparison recently (I, too, used to work in the Classical Music industry). I imagine the same thing is at the root of it all, though – money. I certainly do own more than one recording of some of my favourite pieces, and am not averse to doing so with some of my favourite audiobooks. But I imagine I’m in a minority. I probably have a rough idea of how much it costs to make an audiobook using a top-notch narrator – and would guess it’s cheaper than using the LSO to make another recording of Beethoven’s Ninth – but I’m also guessing that the nature (as in purchasing habits and demographics etc.) of the markets (not just the size – I’d be interested to find out how the size of the classical music market compares to the size of the audiobook one) means that where as the latter might sell enough to make it viable, the former might not.
I didn’t realise that audio rights are generally purchased for a decade or less – that’s an interesting point.
I’m sure we can all point at several audiobooks and say “that needs re-recording”. What a shame RB have chosen one that didn’t!
You make me laugh, Melinda! I’m hoping in a few decades Julie James writes some retirement community romances so I’ll have some work to do ;)
So when their copyright expires, they have to stop selling the recording? I guess that explains why some of the books in my audible library are no longer for sale. That kind of makes me wish for CD copies. I’d love to get ahold of those old Rosenblat Amanda Quick recordings.
Many Amanda Quick books have been re-recorded. I remember Barbara Rosenblatt did a great job narrating the earlier ones which re-corded by Anne Flosnik. Also IIRC Jayne Ann Krentz in all her pen names have been all over the map as far as audio producers.
I am hoping they re-record all those Anne Flosniks.
Hot Target is a great audiobook! I love Jules and Cosmo…two of my favorite Brockmann heroes. Terrific narrating by Lawlor and Ewbank.
Tired and not paying attention “which were recorded by “
I saw on the Tantor website that Ride the Fire is not slated to be released now until February 19th–can’t wait though now it looks as if I’ll have to wait a little longer
Also forgot to mention Rebecca Zanetti’s third book called Blind Faith is due out on 1/27/15–the first two–Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge were both very good–was started and hooked on the series because Karen White is the narrator
Thanks, Kelley! I’m actually recording the 4th in that series right now (in fact I need to get myself in the booth). Although I admit that Nate is my favorite of the brothers, Rebecca’s done a great job of tying up all the loose ends and wrapping up things with this final one. I will be sad when it’s done as I’ve gotten attached to these uber alpha males – though curious and excited to start on her DARK PROTECTORS series which I will be recording ALL spring!
So excited to hear you are finishing out the series and that you are also doing the Dark Protector series–have been hoping that these would show up on Audible!!
I’m all about Burned by KMM. To a lesser degree I’m looking forward to the Frost book but I’ve always liked Cat and Bones better than Vlad and Leila.
The new in death book sounds good but that’s not out until Feb.
Thanks for the feedback – I’m chronologically challenged, so yeah, a couple of Feb releases snuck in without my knowing it!! However – just blink, and it will be December 2015.
But hey – 3 more days to BURNED!
@Caz – yes you did make that comparison (classical music and classical literature recordings) earlier! You were dead on. I think as the industry matures, this will be a part of it – more re-recordings, more fans buying. I just read a statistic that audiobook sales are growing at the rate of about 40% annually over past couple/three-plus years.
@Karen – YOU JUST COINED A NEW GENRE! RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ROMANCE (RCR) (TM)! Please, you have an “in” with Julie James and she will totally rock this new venture! You must ask her to do this! In a few decades, I mean. (forget those crazy “New Adults” – they think they won’t grow old. Just. Wait.) However, I beg you, authors of RCR – do not dress the characters in “track suits” or do the other things you are currently doing to Older People in current romance. We – I mean THEY are not appreciative of this marginalization.
Thanks so much for including RIDE THE FIRE among your winter picks. It means so much to me to have this book available in audio. The book is very special to me, and I know Kaleo will do a spectacular job of bringing Nicholas and Bethie’s adventure to life.