Here we are again at the start of what we’re hoping is going to be a great year of listening all round! A few weeks back, the Gals had a look into their crystal balls to see which audiobooks they think are going to be winners over the next few months, but now we’re taking a more in-depth look at the titles we’re most excited to listen to in January. There’s a full-cast (and WHAT a cast!) recording of a new Lauren Blakely book coming out, as well as several titles by favourite narrators as well as the occasional new-to-us author or narrator as well. Have a look through our choices and then drop by to let us know what you’re most looking forward to listening to over the next few weeks.
Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
All good things must come to an end, but I’m sure this final book in Annabeth Albert’s wonderful Out of Uniform series will bring IT to the end on a high note. A hot Navy SEAL agrees to play fake-boyfriend for his crush and they end up on the camping trip from hell… Albert and Boudreaux are a match made in heaven as far as I’m concerned! – Caz
Always a joy to listen to – I’m loving this series on audio. – Kaetrin
Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York with January Lavoy, Julia Whelan, R.C. Bray, Shane East, Joe Arden, Erin Mallon, Dion Graham, Savannah Peachwood, Jason Clarke, Robin Miles.
This is a full cast recording so I’m extra excited about this one.- Kaetrin
Once Ghosted Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole
Narrated by Karen Chilton
I’ve been looking forward to this f/f novella.- Kaetrin
Under Fire by Scarlett Cole
Narrated by Amelie Griffin and Alexandre Steele
I’m always on the lookout for new romantic suspense authors to try, and the Love Over Duty series caught my eye last year when a fellow reviewer praised the final book in the series, Deep Cover. I made a note of it and have the books on my TBR – but my reading time is so limited I didn’t expect to get to them anytime soon, so I was delighted to see they’re coming to audio, which is a godsend when it comes to catching up with books I can’t find the time to read! I’m not familiar with either narrator, so fingers crossed! – Caz
What Doesn’t Kill Her by Christina Dodd
Narrated by Vanessa Johansson
I really loved Dead Girl Running, the first installment in Christina Dodd’s Cape Charade series, so I’m eager to get my hands on book two. If it’s even half as enjoyable as book one, I’ll be over the moon. Vanessa Johanssen did a great job with the first book, so I have high hopes for both the story and narration. – Shannon
The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye
Narrated by January Lavoy
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this historical novel in print, and I literally loved everything about it. It takes place in 1920’s Oregon, where a white woman on the run seeks refuge at the only hotel for black people in the City of Portland. It’s the perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of romance. January Lavoy is an extremely skilled narrator, and I can’t imagine anyone else bringing this story to life like she can. – Shannon
We Shouldn’t by Vi Keeland
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
Two of my favorite tandem narrators and Vi Keeland writing, We Shouldn’t is sure to be sexy fun in January. – BJ
Untouchable by Jayne Anne Krentz
Narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb
I enjoy Ms. Krentz’s blend of romance and suspense, so I was excited to learn the third entry in her Cutler, Sutter, and Selenas series was coming out this month. The series centers on a group of people who escaped from a cult as children, and I can’t wait to see how Ms. Krentz intends to finish off their stories. Amanda Leigh Cobb, though not my favorite narrator, has done a fantastic job with some of Ms. Krentz’s other books, so I’m sure listeners are in for a treat. – Shannon
Rend by Roan Parrish
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
I loved Rend when I read it back in November. It’s a beautiful, tender, sexy, heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting story about a marriage in trouble; a rare romance that shows what happens AFTER the HEA and shows that even the most meant-to-be-together of couples has to work at making a go of it. There is no doubt in my mind that Greg Boudreaux will perform this brilliantly and make me break down and sob even more than I did the first time around. – Caz
Repeat by Kylie Scott
Narrated by Andi Arndt
In the past both Kylie Scott and Andi Arndt have been a winning hit for me. In January, I’m looking forward to their newest release. – BJ
It’s Kylie Scott and Andi Arndt. Need I say more? – Kaetrin
Flare Up by Shannon Stacey
Narrated byTatiana Sokolov
I have been hanging out for this book ever since I read the blurb last year. – Kaetrin
Turning Point by Danielle Steel
Narrated by Todd McLaren
Over the years, I’ve found Danielle Steel’s books to be a reliable option for contemporary romance. Her new title which centers around trauma doctors sounds intriguing and though I’m not familiar with the narrator, I’m looking forward to listening to it in January. – BJ
99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
Narrated by Jayme Mattler
After the runaway success of last year’s The Hating Game, this is Thorne’s much-anticipated sophomore book.- Kaetrin
Prisoner of Night by J.R. Ward
Narrated by Jim Frangione
I’m not a big fan of novellas, since I usually find authors have to rush things in order to fit everything in, but J.R. Ward is a master storyteller, so I plan to give this latest short work a try. It’s set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but the characters are unfamiliar to me. It looks like it will be filled with all the romance, adventure, and sparkling wit I’ve come to expect from this author. Plus, Jim Frangione is narrating, and there’s nothing better than that. – Shannon