What audiobooks are you excited about this month? Here are a few titles we feel are good bets based on authors, narrators, personal knowledge, reviews of story content, and sometimes… just gut instinct.
Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase
Narrated by Kate Reading
After Ms. Reading’s superb performance with Lord of Scoundrels, I’m sure I’m going to enjoy this one on audio – Kaetrin
I adored Kate Reading’s performance of Miss Wonderful, the first book in Loretta Chase’s Carsington series, and I know Ms Reading is going to do another stupendous job with Lord Perfect. To say I am eagerly anticipating this release is an understatement of tremendous proportions – Caz
A list of monthly picks isn’t quite complete without an entry by this winning author/narrator team. Chase and Reading are a definite win – Shannon
I see this as another hit for historical romance listeners with this dynamic team – Lea
With the July releases of Lord Perfect and Mr. Impossible and Ms Reading’s talents added to Loretta Chase being a favorite author, we’re guaranteed double the Historical romance listening pleasure in July – Brenda
A great combination of author/narrator, for fans of Chase’s earlier series – Melinda
Sex, Lies, and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson
Narrated by Kathleen Early
Blackstone continues with its release of Rachel Gibson’s backlist. I’m hoping all will be eventually released in audio format as I adore Gibson’s writing – especially the older titles. Scheduled for release in July, I see this one released early on June 30th – Lea
A Rachel Gibson story I thoroughly enjoyed in print coming to audio makes another audiobook to look forward to in July – Brenda
One of my favorite Gibson’s – I just wish she had a better narrator. This whole series is great, and best read in order, so that the last one (Not Another Bad Date) makes the most sense – Melinda
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase
Narrated by Kate Reading
I have fond memories of the Carsington books and I’m really excited to listen to them on audio – Kaetrin
Is it any wonder Mr. Impossible is another of my July Picks? Loretta Chase’s words spoken by Kate Reading – perfection in my ears – Caz
Mr. Impossible is second on my list (after Lord of Scoundrels) for all time favorite Loretta Chase books. Knowing Kate Reading does no wrong in her narrations has me very excited for this listen – Brenda
No doubt the now legions of Loretta Chase/Kate Reading fans will be tuning in for another tale – Lea
Midnight Marriage by Lucinda Brant
Narrated by Alex Wyndham
My new favourite narrator. Lucinda Brant has given me my wish; I will have the pleasure of listening to his dulcet tones reading a romance. Be still my heart! – Kaetrin
After being thoroughly impressed with Alex Wyndham’s performance in Ms Brant’s Deadly Engagement, I was delighted when I heard that he would be narrating more of her books. I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed that we would be hearing more from him in the romance genre, because he’s terrifically talented and is a wonderful addition to the woefully small number of chaps who narrate historical romance – Caz
I have yet to read or listen to a Lucinda Brant book and I haven’t heard a performance by Alex Wyndham but after hearing praise from Kaetrin and Caz, I’m convinced I will thoroughly enjoy Midnight Marriage – Lea
Earls Just Want to Have Fun by Shana Galen
Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
I really enjoy Galen’s sense of humor. Her heroines are witty and quirky and her heroes are absolutely adorable. Her books are like some of my favorite romantic comedy for all they are historicals. I’ve not heard of Crick but I’m hopeful she can capture Galen’s talent for hilarity – Diana
I reviewed this in print a few months back, and really enjoyed the story (I gave it a B+ at AAR). I like to listen to books I’ve enjoyed reading, so I was pleased to see this title slated for an audio release. I’ve only heard Ms Crick once before (in Kate Noble’s The Game and the Governess – also reviewed for AAR), and enjoyed her performance overall, despite a few reservations, so I’m keen to give her another try – Caz
Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
Narrated by Elizabeth Louise and Shane East
I can’t say enough good things about this author’s writing. She isn’t afraid to allow her characters to explore the shades of gray that make us all human. I’m especially pleased to see narrator Elizabeth Louise continuing to narrate this series. She has the perfect voice for New Adult titles – Shannon
Having enjoyed all of the previous books in the Burying Water series, I have been highly anticipating the third installment, Chasing River. Additionally, although I’m not familiar with Shane East, Elizabeth Louise is one of my favorite NA narrators, ensuring that at least her performance should be first rate – BJ
Kyland by Mia Sheridan
Narrated by Stephen Dexter and Erin Mallon
Lovers of inspirational romances, and characters with a hard work ethic and the drive to succeed beyond the poor circumstances they were born into, will not want to miss Kyland by Mia Sheridan, the author of Archer’s Voice. Although I am unfamiliar with the narrators, I have heard such great things from my Goodreads friends (where this story has garnered an impressive 4.45 average out of over 7K ratings), that this is my most highly anticipated listen for July – BJ
Never Die Alone by Lisa Jackson
Narrated by Natalie Ross
I’m a long-time fan of Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans series. I’m excited to read the eighth installment, especially with Natalie Ross listed as narrator – Shannon
Wired by Julie Garwood
Brilliance Audio hasn’t disclosed the narrator
I love Julie Garwood and, although her historical romances are my favorites, her contemporary romances are still very good. With Wired, I’m expecting an action packed and romantic adventure. Unfortunately, I have no idea who will narrate this next book in the series but I’m hopeful it’s Tanya Eby, who narrated the previous book in the series – Diana
Another sure-to-be popular choice for longtime Garwood fans – Brenda
Earth Bound by Christine Feehan
Narrated by Mike Chamberlain
I’m looking forward to the fourth book in Ms Feehan’s Sea Haven series fingers crossed that the experienced (though not in romance audio) narrator can bring each character to distinct life – Brenda
Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez
Narrated by Laura Jennings
I read Fighting Silence when it first came out in eBook format earlier this year, and it is one of my top five favorites of 2015 so far! I devoured this book and cried at a number of points. Although I’m not familiar with narrator Laura Jennings, I can tell you that if you enjoy childhood friends, first love/friends to lovers stories, then this story is one not to be missed – BJ
The Sea King by C.L. Wilson
Narrator unknown
I enjoyed last year’s The Winter King and I’m looking forward to this one. I wonder if it can live up to the Tairen Soul books? – Kaetrin
Siren’s Call by Jayne Castle
Recorded Books has narrator as TBA
Jayne Castle has a good record (luck) with narrators and we’ll have to hope that record holds true as the narrator for Siren’s Call has proven impossible to find thus far – Brenda
What Doesn’t Destroy Us by M.N. Forgy
Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
I like the idea of two broken individuals, both having jaded pasts, coming together. This will be my first book written by this author and read by these narrators – Lisa
All I Ever Need is You by Bella Andre
Narrated by Eva Kaminsky
Bella Andre has been compared to Nora Roberts for her way of writing fabulous contemporary, family romances. And I have to agree; her Sullivans‘ series has been catnip for me for years! They’re warm, real, and filled with unique characters that make me feel good to my toes. Eva Kaminsky is a name I’ve seen on many audiobooks but never found the right title to try her out. Fingers crossed she works out – Diana
Under the Lights by Shannon Stacy
Narrated by Carly Robbins
Small town romance about football… I’m in! Being from a small town where football was the primary form of Friday night entertainment, I felt like this book would be one I could relate to – Lisa
Kulti by Mariana Zapata
Narrated by Callie Dalton
Kulti caught my eye because I recognized narrator Callie Dalton – I have listened to and enjoyed her narration in the past. And the premise sounds intriguing. I’m a sports fan, and I have really gotten into U.S. soccer lately. Romance novel plus sports dialogue equals win for me – Lisa
Biggest July Disappointment…
goes to Dreamscape’s decision to go way too far back in Linda Howard’s backlist to produce Against the Rules (1983) in audio. I really enjoy Lesa Lockford’s narration skills but not even she can change Ms Howard’s early Neanderthal heroes into likeable men. When Dreamscape finally gets to White Lies and Duncan’s Bride I’ll start paying attention again – Brenda
Concur… – Lea
Happy July listening!
Lea Hensley
Many thanks for the mentions! The Chase books I am recording for Nancy Yost, bless her office and Adrienne Rosado, are my first foray into royalty share on ACX at Audible. I was nervous about it, but after our interview came out, there was a ten fold increase in payment. Usually, I am paid a flat fee. With these books, sales have a direct and beneficial impact. Very grateful! Kate.
I’m so glad!
Wow! I guess this is a case of “Mission Accomplished”!
I’ve been hoarding credits at Audible, just waiting for Lord Perfect and Mr. Impossible to be released. Like The Last Hellion (I adore the audio) Mr. Impossible was not a favorite of mine in print, so I am really excited to hear Kate’s narration, it’s been a very long time since I read the book.
Lord Perfect was my first Loretta Chase, I still have the tattered copy I found at Value Village a very long time ago. Who else would have the audacity to name a heroine Bathsheba?
As far as Jayne Castle: It’s really weird, the audios on Overdrive have disappeared from the LAPL and the SPL catalog. It’s a mystery. I wonder if she is now with Recorded Books…..they always make things difficult. Joyce Bean has done most of the Harmony audios, but a few have been done by others…..it may be Barbara Rosenblatt who does Siren’s Call. Whomever it is I hope it’s good.
I can tell you Mel that some audiobook publishers are no longer selling to libraries through Overdrive. :( One of the benefits of working at the library has been asking for titles I personally want to listen to…only to discover they are no longer available. The biggest disappointment has been the unavailablity of Brilliance Audio titles; no JD Robb, no newer Nora Roberts, Amanda Quick, Julie Garwood, etc. It’s VERY FRUSTRATING.
So, does Brilliance no longer have a library program?
I can’t speak for all libraries of course but my experience has been that they will sell hard copies to us but digital seems to be out of the game at this time. We have older titles available but nothing from the last few years. There is a request feature on each library’s digital site (or there should be) where you can make recommendations, but Brilliance titles are not an option and do not show up under our ordering catalog.
Ugh! I rely on my library for so many digital audio books. Bad news to be sure.
Yep. All the J. D. Robb audios are no longer available on Overdrive at LAPL. I am boycotting Brilliance Audio from this day forward. Libraries should ALWAYS be supported by the publishing industry…..it is the moral and ethical thing to do.
OMG!!
ALL OF GEORGETTE HEYER AUDIOS HAVE BEEN REMOVED TOO! THIS IS A SAD DAY FOR MELODY BURNS……..
You made my day, month, year! Lord Perfect and my all-time favourite Mr. Impossible read by Kate Reading? I waited for years for these two! Thans a million for sharing. There I go to to spend my credits….
Do we know if there are more Loretta Chase titles coming and if so which titles?
There are more Chase titles coming – I think the rest of her backlist. Here’s what Kate Reading said in her May 2015 article:
KATE So, when Adrienne sent the next two books, one (The Last Hellion) belongs with Lord of Scoundrels series, but the other, Miss Wonderful, is part of a different series, the Carsington Brothers. I panicked and wrote Adrienne, saying “OMG how am I going to keep all this straight in my head?”, but she assured me that The Last Hellion was the last of that series, and Miss Wonderful was the first in the next. So I’m moving on to the Carsington Brothers…
KATE There’s a hilarious scene in Miss Wonderful involving the day of the wedding, a ladder, and being late to the church.
KATE And after these two, that’s four, there will be another six books to do. I will be thoroughly Chased.
And here is the link to her entire interview: http://www.audiogals.net/2015/05/chatting-with-kate-reading-a-loretta-chase-giveaway-and-two-first-chapter-listens/#.VZ3qy0vPZg0