When it comes to print books, Judith Ivory is one romance author who works extremely well for me with each and every book. More masterpieces than mere works of fiction, her writing is rich with fully developed characters following a unique path, often pushing romance boundaries – not in the sexually aggressive manner we see more and more these days but rather in introducing the reader to lead characters who may be more than a little flawed (often with questionable actions) on a journey that slowly builds to a highly satisfying conclusion. This is especially notable when you consider the fact that these books were published between 1988 and 2002.
Fortunately for romance listeners, there are four Judith Ivory books in audio format. She, along with the likes of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Diana Gabaldon, were a few of the reasons I found Recorded Books so desirable back in the early 2000s despite the cost. When romance audiobooks were few and far between, Recorded Books was giving listeners audios worthy of one relisten after another that to this day stand the test of time with talented narrators who set the bar high for today’s narrators. Those Ivory gems, originally released in cassette tape and CD format, can now be found at Audible:
Beast narrated by Barbara Rosenblat – original audio release date 1997
A staggeringly beautiful, very young heroine combined with an older hero with a hidden identity.
Sleeping Beauty narrated by Violet Primm – original audio date 1998
A 29-year-old scholarly hero and a 37-year-old heroine with a very questionable past. My favorite.
The Proposition narrated by Steven Crossley – original audio release date – 1999
Pygmalion in reverse and a rat catcher as a hero. Seriously!
The Indiscretion narrated by Barbara Rosenblat – original audio release date 2001
Melinda and I discussed The Indiscretion recently in our Shared Favorites.
Judith Ivory remains on our Gals’ Wish List, however, as there are another five incredible titles yet to be released in audio. Four of those titles (her first four releases) are written under the name of Judy Cuevas. Those titles are every bit as worthy as her later Ivory titles and, in my opinion, more intricately written.
Untie My Heart 2002 – written as Judith Ivory, her last release and another that is often mentioned as an Ivory favorite. It has earned a spot in AAR’s past three Top 100 Romances Poll (since 2004).
Dance 1996 – written as Judy Cuevas, is out of print (no eBook version either) with used copies starting around $16.00. Amazon has a new copy listed for $406.42. A highly popular book for those who can snag a copy.
Bliss 1995 – written as Judy Cuevas, is also out of print with no eBook version. Used copies start around $5.00 and new copies at Amazon range from $367.98 to $553.45! Bliss and Dance are connected books and Bliss is every bit as popular as Dance although it features Ivory’s most challenging hero.
Black Silk 1991 – written as Judy Cuevas. The hero comes complete with a mistress, a paternity suit, and a hatred for Submit’s (yes, that’s her name) much older and now dead husband who she truly loved. Ivory enhanced the earlier edition and rereleased in 2002. Available in both paperback and eBook format.
Angel in a Red Dress, originally released as Starlight Surrender (her first book) in 1988 – written as Judy Cuevas. Rereleased in 2006 under Ivory’s name, it has an old romance feel but is epic in nature and memorable. Available in both paperback and eBook format.
Now it’s time to let audio publishers know we want to see the balance of Ivory’s books in audio!
And if I could really, really wish, not only would I wish for these five titles but also for a rerecording of Sleeping Beauty. My absolute favorite Ivory, I slammed its narration in my first Speaking of Audiobooks column only to later force myself to give it another try with an open mind. The problem? The hero’s nasal almost effeminate voice. Once I dedicated myself to listening, I greatly enjoyed the audio. But still, I want the hero James to sound totally like a hero!
I hope you will join me in requesting these Ivory titles in audio. And, if you haven’t read Ivory in print or have missed one of her books, I suggest you give it a try!
Lea Hensley
