Wow – there’s a LOT to look forward to on the audiobook front in August, with new titles coming out from several big-name, favourite authors – including Ilona Andrews, Lorraine Heath, Tessa Dare and Sandra Brown – as well as new performances by some of our all-time favourite narrators. Have a look at our list and then drop by and tell us what YOU’RE looking forward to listening to over the next few weeks.
Sapphire Flames
by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Emily Rankin
I have been loving the Hidden Legacy series, and can’t wait to listen to the next instalment this August. – BJ
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of the book and it’s so much fun! I’m sure the audio will be great too. – Kaetrin
Outfox by Sandra Brown
Narrated by Victor Slezak
Every year I look forward to Sandra Brown’s romantic suspense title release. This August she is releasing the psychological thriller, Outfox, and I can’t wait to listen to it! – BJ
Give Up the Ghost
by Jenn Burke
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
The previous book (Not Dead Yet) in this imaginative and unusual fantasy romance series was every bit as good as I remembered and (no surprises here!) Greg Boudreaux’s narration was terrific; he captures the main character perfectly and the whole audio experience was a delight. Give Up the Ghost continues to develop some of the leftover plotlines as Wes struggles to conceal (spoilers!), Hudson continues to pursue (spoilers!) – which puts them on the outs. Funny, sexy, tender and tear-jerking, I loved the book when I read it and can’t wait to re-experience it in audio format. – Caz
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne
Narrated by Derek Perkins
I admit that Ms. Byrne’s last few books haven’t worked for me all that well, but I’ll grab any opportunity to listen to Derek Perkins, so I think I’m going to give this a try. – Caz
I’m a huge fan of Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels books, so I’m excited to get my hands on her latest novel which happens to be the first installment in an all new series. Derek Perkins is a skilled narrator and I’m thrilled to see him at the helm here. Historical romance doesn’t get better than this! – Shannon
Things You Save in a Fire
by Katherine Center
Narrated by Therese Plumber
The fresh storyline of a female firefighter heroine caught my attention on this title. – BJ
The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
Narrated by Mary Jane Wells
I love both Tessa Dare’s historical romances and Mary Jane Wells’ fantastic narrations, so I’m looking forward to their latest collaboration! – BJ
I have been hanging out for this one ever since loving The Governess Game. – Kaetrin
Tessa Dare’s books aren’t always my cup of tea, but I’ve been intrigued by the heroine of The Wallflower Wager since I met her back in The Duchess Deal. With Mary Jane Wells as the narrator, it’s sure to be a great listening experience. – Shannon
The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood
Narrated by Alex McKenna, Kirby Heyborne and a full cast
If you prefer your romances on the darker side, Bryn Greenwood is an author you have to check out. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of her latest work in print, and I loved absolutely everything about it, making it a book I’m delighted to recommend when it comes out later this month. It’s a full cast narration too, a style known for adding an extra layer of authenticity to the listening experience. – Shanon
The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath
Narrated by Kate Reading
This Victorian-set series following the lives and loves of the Trewlove siblings continues with Aiden’s story. Owner of an elite club for ladies, he becomes involved with a duchess with a very specific agenda. While the Sins for All Seasons series isn’t my favourite by this author, it’s most definitely enhanced by superb performances from Kate Reading. – Caz
Perky by Julia Kent
Narrated by Erin Mallon
I saw this one when I was browsing at Audible recently. It’s a second chance romance with a twist on the revenge porn story which has me intrigued. – Kaetrin
Desire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
Elizabeth Kingston’s Welsh Blades series continues with this story of an independent (and deadly) young woman and the nobleman she rescues from a band of brigands… with the always superb Nicholas Boulton on board to narrate, this is bound to be a terrific listen. – Caz
A Nicholas Boulton narration is always a treat and when paired with Elizabeth Kingston’s words I am all the excitement. – Kaetrin
It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian
Narrated by Joel Leslie
I enjoyed this when I read it a while back; it’s an m/m, historical riff on The Sound of Music as a young clergyman becomes involved with a grouchy sea-captain struggling to cope with his rambunctious children. It’s a charming story and Joel Leslie’s narration is certain to be excellent, so I’m really looking forward to listening to this one. – Caz
I read the second book in the series and loved it so I’m keen to try this one on audio. Joel Leslie is a solid narrator so it promises to be fun. And, did you say The Sound of Music Caz?? – Kaetrin
Unmasked by the Marquess by Cat Sebastian
Narrated by Joel Leslie
I really like the representation of different sexual and gender identities in the historical setting that this author is bringing. I have this on my TBR but I’m thinking audio might be a great option too. – Kaetrin
Three Part Harmony by Holley Trent
Narrated by Sean Crisden, Danny Boston & Natalie Eaton
I have heard great things about Holley Trent erotic romance and this MMF ménage looks like a lot of fun. I’ve only listened to Sean Crisden narrate before so fingers crossed the other two performers work for me. – Kaetrin
In the Blood by Hailey Turner
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
In this fourth book in Hailey Turner’s military/sci-fi Metahumans series, the stakes are even higher for our heroes and the plot thickens even further. Great stories, compelling characters and relationships, steamy romances AND fabulous narration by Greg Boudreaux mean I’ll be glued to this one asap! – Caz
Rebound by L.A. Witt
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo and Nick J. Russo
This story of a twenty-something hockey-star finding his way out of an abusive relationship with the help of an older cop with his own relationship issues captivated me when I read the book earlier this year. When I saw it was coming in audio with two such fantastic narrators I may just have squealed with delight. – Caz
The Husband Gambit
by L.A. Witt
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux and Michael Ferraiuolo
Did Christmas come early while I wasn’t looking? I love the fake relationship trope so this story of a guy who responds to an ad offering $1.2 million to get married for a year sounds like it could be good. And with those narrators? *rubs hands with glee* Yeah I’m in! – Caz
Wicked Lies Boys Tell by K. Webster
Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan
TEDDY HAMILTON AND JACOB MORGAN. Hello, dream team narrators! Nuff sed. – Caz
Those LA Witt titles sound tempting indeed, and I’ve had Wicked Lies Boys Tell on pre-order for a while already. Hamilton & Morgan…nirvana for my ears! And Wallflower Wager sounds like fun, too. August may be the dog days of summer, but it feels more like Christmas this year!!
Yes, there’s some really good stuff coming out this month – I’ve already listened to The Husband Gambit and am finishing an early copy of Rebound – the stories are solid and needless to say, the narration in both is excellent.
I’ve almost finished It Takes Two to Tumble, and it’s quite wonderful. Joel Leslie always brings his best work, and that is saying something! What a talent he is! The story is delicious, and I am really empathetic to the MCs. The author has blended joy and heartbreak beautifully, and I look forward to the rest of the series. Can you tell me when Rebound will be available to the public? I’m especially looking forward to that one.
I think it’s out on the 20th (Aug), so not long to wait. Tantor doesn’t put their new releases up at Audible until the last minute these days.
Thanks! I’ll watch for it. I really liked Two to Tumble, but I felt the timeline was a bit compressed. Otherwise, it was quite delicious. And now I’m thinking about A Duchess in His Bed. I adore Kate Reading, so I’m tempted. So many books, so little time….
So true. I think the fact that Kate Reading is narrating is why I’m keeping up with the Heath series. I’m a big fan of hers and some of her recent books have reduced me to emotional puddles, but this latest one… not so much. That’s not to say it’s bad by any means – it just hasn’t grabbed me. But I have a review copy. so watch this space.
I will keep my eyes glued!