Our May 2017 Picks

If you’re an AudioGals regular, then you’ll know that our tastes are fairly diverse when it comes to genre. Sometimes, though, there are audiobooks that we agree look awesome, and it seems that Julia Quinn and Ilona Andrews fall into that category, as both authors have new releases in May that we’re looking forward to. As for the rest, well you’ll find a mix of contemporary, historical and fantasy romances among our May picks – hopefully, there’s something for everyone! Some of these titles are already available, some are coming out later in the month, but in each case, our choices are based on a variety of factors; author, narrator, story… or just gut instinct. Are any of these on your wish list? Have you listened to any of them and if so, what did you think? Have we missed out anything you’re looking forward to? Join in the discussion in the comments.

 

The Girl with the Make Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

There aren’t too many historical romances set in America, so when I saw that the well known and loved author/narrator combination of Julia Quinn and Rosalyn Landor are releasing a historical romance with the American revolution as the backdrop (a Bridgerton prequel no less!), I instantly knew this is a book I’ll be listening to this May.  – BJ

Rosalyn Landor + Julia Quinn = awesome.  Need I say more? – Caz

No one writes historical romance like Julia Quinn, and no one is capable of bringing historical romance novels to life like Rosalyn Landor. Can you tell I’m over the moon for this one? – Shannon

I have to make this one a Gal Sweep and say, Julia Quinn has been at the top of my favorites list since Simon Prebble read me When He Was Wicked back in aught-six (2006, which is about 2 generations ago in internet time) – Melinda

 

White Hot by Ilona Andrews

Narrated by Renee Raudman

I’m always thrilled to see a new offering from author/narrator combo Ilona Andrews and Renee Raudman. I’m counting down the days until this is released. – Shannon

I expect other AudioGals reviewers will include this one in their lists. The much anticipated second book of the Hidden Legacy series, I can hardly wait! – Kaetrin

 

Flame In the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Narrated by Nancy Wu

I’ve heard great things about Renee Ahdieh’s books, and Flame In the Mist looks great. I’m not familiar with Nancy Wu’s work, but I’m hoping for good things. – Shannon

 

 

Complicated by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Lance Greenfield and Erin Mallon

This May Audible is trying a whole new marketing approach with one of my all-time favorite authors, Kristen Ashley. Complicated – a new Kristen Ashley book – will be released in audiobook format only this May.  I for one am intrigued, so I will no doubt be listening to it soon. – BJ

 

 

Buns by Alice Clayton

Narrated by Elizabeth Louise and Jason Carpenter

This one looks like a lot of fun and the samples I listened to of both narrators convinced me I should give this one a whirl.. – Kaetrin

I’m a big, big Alice Clayton fan and really look forward to her new work! – Melinda

 

 

The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

I admit, I was sceptical about a time-travel story about Jane Austen, but I read an ARC of the book just the other week, and absolutely loved it.  Two Austen experts from the future travel back in time to meet the lady herself and bring back the complete manuscript of The Watsons, a story previously thought to be incomplete.  The author does a great job with the historical sections and with the characterisation of Jane, which is just right.  With the excellent Saskia Maarleveld narrating, I’m really looking forward to experiencing this story again in audio. – Caz

 

Fair, Bright and Terrible by Elizabeth KingstonFair, Bright and Terrible by Elizabeth Kingston

Narrated by Nicholas Boulton

Even though this came out at the end of April, I’m including it here because – Nicholas Boulton.  This novel is a sequel to The King’s Man and is the story of a woman so consumed by her desire for revenge that she is in danger of failing to seize her chance for personal happiness.  This promises to be a meaty, angsty tale and with Nicholas Boulton at the helm there’s no question I’m in for a great listen. – Caz

 

From Duke till Dawn by Eva Leigh

Narrated by Faye Adele

Eva Leigh (Zoe Archer) is one of my favourite historical romance authors; she writes fabulous heroines, incredibly sexy heroes and off-the-charts sexual tension while also creating engrossing stories that bring something a bit different to the genre.  This first in her new The London Underground series (which, my fellow Brits will no doubt be pleased to discover is not about the ACUTAL London Underground!) is set mostly in the city’s criminal underworld, featuring a con-artist heroine who comes face to face with a former mark … is retribution around the corner?  I have only listened to Faye Adele a couple of times, but I enjoyed what I heard so I have high hopes for this one. – Caz

 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb

Ever since I finished listening to A Court of Mist and Fury last year, I’ve been on tenterhooks for the next installment in the series. The worldbuilding is wonderful and the characters are multi-faceted. I’m not sure why they’re using a different narrator, but I’m hoping Amanda Leigh Cobb will do the story justice. – Shannon

 

 

Candy Boys by Jo Raven

Narrated by Ava Erickson, Sebastian York and Joe Arden.

This one looks to be an MMF ménage and the calibre of narrator is high – so are my hopes. – Kaetrin

 

 

 

Bombshell by C.D. Reiss

Narrated by Andi Arndt and Christian Fox.

It’s a nanny-falls-in-love-with-the-suddenly-a-father-of-a-five-year-old story. What’s not to like? – Kaetrin

 

 

 

Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti

Narrated by Karen White

If you’re a romantic suspense lover then this May you will want to check out Lethal Lies by Rebecca Zanetti.  It is book 2 in romantic suspense series, Blood Brothers, that has a series arching suspense arc, so its best if you’ve listened to Deadly Silence (book 1) first. And with Karen White narrating, it’s sure to be a great audiobook format pick. – BJ