AudioGals Valentine to 2015: Our Favourite Things

Hearts 2Everyone and his dog does end-of-year round-ups, don’t they?  So we’re going to be different this year and decided to make our look back at the best of 2015 into our very own AudioGals Valentine to our favourite audiobooks!  The Gals have chosen the best of the titles we each reviewed here, which means that either story or narration (and hopefully both) received an A grade.  With so many audiobooks coming out each month, there might be something here you missed, so if you’re looking for a guaranteed great listen, perhaps you’ll find something new to try.

 

 

BJ says:  These are audiobooks that I gave As to for both writing and at least one of the narrators last year, so I’m going with these as my top listens of 2015. Interestingly they are a good representative showing of the various sub-genres I frequently enjoy too with 2 PNR/UFs, 2 Contemporary Romances, 1 Romantic Suspense, and 1 Historical Romance. 

Kulti by Marianna Zapata, narrated by Callie Dalton (A/A)

Lovers of sports romances will not want to miss this amazing romance between a female professional soccer player and her idol turned coach which will fill you with inspiration and courage to fight for love and your life goals.

Autumn Duchess by Lucinda Brandt, narrated by Alex Wyndham (A+/A)

Lovers of well developed historical romances will be amazed by both the unique plot and dreamy narration!

Seven Years by Dannika Dark, narrated by Nicole Poole (A/A) ( 2014 release but reviewed in 2015)

In fact this entire series is one of my top favorites.  The combination of Dannika Dark’s well-developed urban fantasy, shifter focused romance and Nicole Poole’s expert narration is simply irresistible!

Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost, narrated by Tavia Gilbert (A+/A)

A slightly darker listen from another of my top-favorite UF/PNR author narrator duos.  I absolutely love Vlad and Leila and no one could bring them to life better than Tavia Gilbert who is so incredibly talented!

Bright Side by Kim Holden, narrated by Roger Wayne and Lidia Dornet (A+/A/B)

One of the most emotional and unique books you could ever listen too.  This book shredded me at multiple points; what an amazing story about a truly selfless individual!

 

Caz says: I had a good year listening-wise last year, so choosing just five audiobooks as my favourites of 2015 was nigh on impossible.  But here, in no particular order, are some of the audiobooks I  reviewed for AudioGals that made it onto my keeper shelf.

Seize the Fire by Laura Kinsale, narrated by Nicholas Boulton. (A+/A)

To say I’d been eagerly anticipating this release was a massive understatement.  Sheridan Drake is one of Laura Kinsale’s most complex heroes; sarcastic, selfish, scheming… and yet he still emerges as a decent man worthy of being called a hero.  Nicholas Boulton’s performance is flawless, he completely nails the character, warts and all, and it’s an audiobook I will always treasure.

Deadly Engagement by Lucinda Brant, narrated by Alex Wyndham. (A-/B+)

I was hard pressed to choose something from this terrific author/narrator team as all the audiobooks they have produced have been superb;  but I ended up picking this, the first time I heard Alex Wyndham narrate.  I was hooked within minutes by his lovely voice, his emotional intelligence and the sheer breadth of his skill.

The Other Side of Midnight by Simone St. James, narrated by Mary Jane Wells. (A/A)

I was captivated by this story set in London in 1925 in which a medium is approached to find a killer – of another medium.  Ms St. James has well and truly revitalised the gothic romantic thriller, and Mary Jane Wells has proved an excellent narrator; her characterisations are excellent and all her acting choices are spot on.

Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase, narrated by Kate Reading. (A+/B+)

This was another hard choice, because there were a number of audiobook releases from this superb team last year.  Kate Reading has done amazing work in all the audio versions of Loretta Chase’s books, and her performance here really IS perfect.

Heartless by Mary Balogh, narrated by Rosalyn Landor.  (A/B+)

I reviewed a number of books by this fabulous author/narrator team in 2015, so was faced with another tough choice.  I went for Heartless mainly  because I adored the hero, who is so much more than your average handsome, charming, rich and titled romantic hero.  Rosalyn Landor could read the phone book and I’d listen, but fortunately, she’s given much better material than that in Mary Balogh’s backlist, and I really hope the trend of bringing these older titles to audio continues in 2016.

 

Kaetrin says: I had plenty to choose from for my favourite listens of 2015 but there were clear favourites I just had to mention. Historicals don’t feature much in my reading these days but I’m still a fan on audio, as my list makes clear. Add in some steampunk and an erotic romantic suspense and voila! My top listens for 2015:

 

Out of Control by Shannon McKenna, narrated by Nelson Hobbs (A/A)

This is my favourite McKenna book and it lived up to all its promise on audio. Loved it.

Dair Devil by Lucinda Brant, narrated by Alex Wyndham (A+/B+)

Lovely Georgian romance and Alex Wyndham. Enough said.

Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase, narrated by Kate Reading (A-/B+)

Another favourite book performed by a favourite (and excellent) narrator.

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas, narrated by Mary Jane Wells (A/B)

The narration of this book lifted the entire story for me and added a new favourite narrator to my list.

The Kraken King by Meljean Brook, narrated by Alison Larkin

A sweeping romantic steampunk story set in Australia. Win!* (B/A) (2014 release but reviewed in 2015)

 

Melinda says: These rose to the top of 2015 as my very clear favorites – books I reviewed that made an A for both book and narration! I love contemporary romance, which shows in my selections, but a good Loretta Chase/Kate Reading collaboration is always a treat!

The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase, narrated by Kate Reading (A/A)

The combination of Loretta Chase with narrator Kate Reading is irresistible, and is an auto-buy for me. Every book in the Scoundrels series is wonderful and right now the first three are on sale at Audible too!

Suddenly One Summer by Julie James, narrated by Karen White (A/A-)

Another of my Dream Teams, Julie James and narrator Karen White deliver excellent, intelligent and witty contemporary romance, and there’s plenty of emotion and a very satisfying HEA too.

Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins, narrated by Xe Sands (A/A)

This is one of Higgins’ earlier books, which are being brought to audio with the wonderful Xe Sands narrating. This one is a real treat!

The Lawyers in Love series by N.M. Silver, narrated by Tavia Gilbert

I couldn’t pick just one – The Law of Attraction, (A-/A) The Home Court Advantage (A+/A) and Legal Briefs (A/A), all narrated by Tavia Gilbert, are such a delight! There’s humor, slapstick comedy, intelligent banter and hot love scenes – what is not to love?

 

Shannon says: In 2015, I found myself doing a lot of experimenting with my listening. I tried new authors, new narrators, and even a couple of  new subgenres. The following is a sampling of the audiobooks that stood out for me.

A Desperate Fortune by Susannah Kearsley, narrated by Katherine Kellgren (A/A-)

This is a captivating blend of historical and present-day romance. Ms. Kearsley has a definite gift for transporting the reader into the world she creates, and Katherine Kellgren’s narration adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Closer Than You Think by Karen Rose, narrated by Hillary Huber (A-/A)

I love Ms. Rose’s romantic/suspense novels. This one kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and Hillary Huber’s narration only added to the listening experience.

Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn, narrated by Elizabeth Wiley (B+/A+)

The setting, characters and plot kept me enthralled throughout this 15-hour listen. Elizabeth Wiley was the perfect choice of narrator.

Unlit Star by Lindy Zart, narrated by Johanna Parker (A-/B+)

This book broke my heart. Even so, I’m not sorry I read it. It’s one of those stories that really brings home the meaning and power of true love. Johanna Parker brought this unconventional romance to life beautifully, making it one of my favorites of 2015.

Infinity Plus One by Amy Harmon, narrated by Tavia Gilbert (B/A)

Amy Harmon’s writing paired with Tavia Gilbert’s narration is a magical combination. There’s not much else I can say that I haven’t said a thousand times before.

 

So those are the Gals’ favourites from last year.  What audiobooks did YOU love in 2015?

 

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