Our December 2019 Picks

And here we are, with our final Picks of 2019. Throughout the year, the Gals have highlighted the new and upcoming audiobooks we thought would guarantee hours of great listening and looking back on it, we think we got a pretty high percentage of hits. Here’s what we’re looking forward to listening to in December – don’t forget to drop by to let us know what audiobooks are on your wish lists for the month. And we’ll be back later in the month with our Best of 2019 audiobooks, so watch this space!

The Plan Commences by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Liz Thompson, Dina Pearlman, Stella Bloom, Joniece Abbott Pratt, Esther Wane, Gemma Dawson, Robin Miles, Clara Francesca, Lance Greenfield, Jakobi Diem, Ralph Lister, John Hartley, Rupert Channing, Sarah Coomes

Kristen Ashley is releasing a new fantasy romance audio first series called The Rising.  The first book was released in late November, and the second title is due to release in December.  I’m a bit wary about a book with so many narrators but will definitely be giving it a try. As an added bonus, the entire series (which is set to consist of four books in total) is included in the Audible Escape package.  – BJ

Gilded Cage by KJ Charles

Narrated by Cornell Collins and Victoria Aston

This sequel to Any Old Diamonds is a wonderfully sharp but often tender second-chance romance set in late Victorian-era London, in which a no-nonsense lady detective finds herself teaming up with the man who broke her heart in order to prove him innocent of murder.  As is always with this author, the writing is superb, the plot is clever, the wit is dry, the characters are compelling and the whole thing is a complete delight. – Caz

The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

Narrated by Regina Hall, Mindy Kaling, Feodor Chin, Therese Plummer, Dina Pearlman, Neil Hellegers, Adenrele Ojo, Kyla Garcia. 

 Just look at that cast! Need I say more?  – Kaetrin

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

Narrated by Tanya Eby and Lauren Ezzo                    

A new Colleen Hoover title this December, sign me up to listen!  I have yet to find one of her stories to be anything less than great. – BJ

Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

Narrated by Shannon McManus and Karissa Vacker

I grew up loving Little Women, so Virginia Kantra’s latest novel looks perfect for me. It’s a modernized retelling of the Alcott classic in which the four March sisters return home around Christmas time to care for their ailing mother. I love Karissa Vacker’s narrations, so I was especially pleased to see her listed as one of the narrators here. – Shannon

Blitzed by Alexa Martin

Narrated by Kristen Sieh and Sullivan Jones

I’m a huge sports romance fan, but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an NFL based one. I plan to change that with Blitzed in December. – BJ

I enjoyed Intercepted when it first came out but I have yet to try an Alexa Martin book on audio. This one has hero in pursuit which is my jam. – Kaetrin

The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe

Narrated by Justine Eyre

Joanna Shupe is one of my very favorite authors of historical romances, so it should come as no surprise that I’m super jazzed about the second installment in her Uptown Girls series. I love stories set in Gilded Age New York, and Ms. Shupe manages to bring this historical period to vivid life. I know Justine Eyre’s voice doesn’t work for everyone, but I personally enjoy listening to her. Needless to say, The Prince of Broadway will be in my audible library just as soon as it becomes available. – Shannon

A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

I’ve been reading Nalini Singh’s paranormal romances for years, and I was really excited to learn she had written her first romantic suspense novel. The setting is described as “a town at the edge of the world”, and that right there was enough to hook me. Plus, the marvelous Saskia Maarleveld is narrating, so I’m anticipating a fantastic listening experience. – Shannon

In the Requiem by Hailey Turner

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

Gah – I’m almost afraid to listen to this one! (I’ve read the book; I know what’s coming and I know that Greg Boudreaux is going to turn me into little puddles of tearful goo on the carpet!) This final book in Hailey Turner’s Metahumans series brings the overarching plot to an exciting, emotional conclusion as these characters we’ve come to know and love are pushed to the limit and then some. This series has gone from strength to strength and I’ve been completely captivated by the clever plotting and wonderful characterisation on display throughout. I’m going to miss Jamie and Alpha Team, but am SO glad I’ve been along for the ride! – Caz

In the Dark by Loreth Ann White

Narrated by Susan Hanfield

If you need a break from romance, you might want to check out this mystery thriller title. The premise: Eight guests in a secluded wilderness spa, each with a secret, and something to fear including one another; caught my eye.  – BJ 

Loreth Anne White is one of my favourite authors, and I was intrigued by the synopsis for In the Dark – which is a kind of riff on Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None – from the moment it appeared months ago. I read and reviewed an advance copy of the book and was utterly captivated by it from start to finish, so I can’t wait to experience it again in audio. I’m not familiar with Susan Hanfield’s work, so wish me luck! – Caz

I was lucky enough to read a copy of Ms. White’s latest novel of romantic suspense in print, and I loved pretty much everything about it. Susan Hanfield is a new-to-me narrator, so I’m not sure if she’ll do this story justice, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. – Shannon

The Wicked Redhead: a Wicked City Novel by Beatriz Williams

Narrated by Dara Rosenberg and Julie McKay

If you’ve already read or listened to The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams, you’re aware that it ends on a giant cliffhanger. I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to find out how things turn out for these characters, and it looks like my wait is finally over. Ms. Williams has finished this fast-paced and sexy dual-timeline story, and I’m so excited to get my hands on a copy. Both Dara Rosenberg and Julie McKay are skilled narrators, so I think we’re all in store for something great! – Shannon

Tell us in the comments what YOU’RE looking forward to listening to over the next few weeks!