Our January 2020 Picks

Jumping into January, the Gals have once again been trawling through the new and upcoming release lists to single out the audiobooks we think are most likely to provide hours of listening enjoyment over the next few weeks. As usual, it’s a fairly eclectic mix featuring favourite and new authors and narrators, and hopefully there’s something here for everyone. Do drop by and let us know which new releases you’re most eager to listen to this month!

---

All Note Long by Annabeth Albert

Narrated by Brad King

I recently listened to the first book in the Perfect Harmony series, Treble Maker. Brad King is a new-to-me narrator, but I enjoyed his performance and am looking forward to listening to the rest of the series. – Caz

This title caught my eye as well actually. I haven’t listened to Treble Maker yet – must get on that.  – Kaetrin

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini

I’m always looking for a fresh and completely different story and this historical fiction title about two exiles who are forced to get married and flee Spain during the Spanish Civil War caught my eye. I plan to give it a listen this January when it releases.  – BJ

The Vineyards of Champagne by Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by Xe Sands

I’m intrigued by the premise of Juliet Blackwell’s latest historical novel. It seems that a group of women and children sought refuge from the shelling of the first world war in a series of tunnels located beneath the city streets of France’s Champagne region. This is something I’d never heard of before reading the synopsis of this book, and I’m excited to learn more. Xe Sands is an accomplished narrator, and I’m looking forward to hear her interpretation of Ms. Blackwell’s story. – Shannon

Big Lies In a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

Narrated by Susan Bennett

Diane Chamberlain is one of my very favorite authors. In fact, I’m pretty sure I own every single audiobook she’s put out, so it should come as no surprise that I’m waiting with baited breath for her 2020 book to be released. It’s a dual timeline story about two women linked by a mysterious mural. Susan Bennett has done a fabulous job with many of Ms. Chamberlain’s previous books, so we’re pretty much guaranteed a wonderful listening experience. – Shannon

Forever Strong by Piper J. Drake

Narrated by Boise Holmes & Jolene Kim

Mr. Holmes doesn’t seem to have any other credits but I listened to a sample of Ms. Kim’s narration and like it. I’ve enjoyed previous offerings from Ms. Drake and I love the dogs. I’m going to take the risk that Mr. Holmes works out for me. – Kaetrin

Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost

Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

One of my favorite PNR/UF writer/narrator duos are releasing their latest collaboration this month, and I will definitely be listening to it! – BJ

I’ve managed to fall a bit behind on some of Ms. Frost’s books, but I’m still super excited about this latest release. It’s the second book in her Night Rebel series, a spin-off of the popular Night Huntress series, and together she and narrator Tavia Gilbert are sure to bring listeners more of the sensual magic we’ve come to expect from them. – Shannon

And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke

Narrated by Zara Hampton Brown

A hugely popular golden oldie historical comes to audio at last! The sparks fly between the expert on etiquette /would-be author and the rakish publisher who “finds reading etiquette books akin to torture.” I’ve enjoyed listening to Zara Hampton Brown (and her alter-ego) in the past so have high hopes for this one. – Caz

Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon

Narrated by Caitlin Davies

This looks fun and I’ve had good experiences with this narrator before.  Fingers crossed!  – Kaetrin

 

 

Work for It by Talia Hibbert

Narrated by TBA

I’ve heard lots of good things about Talia Hibbert’s work, and friends have recommended this, her first m/m book, to me several times, so I’m game! That said, no narrator has yet been announced, so I’m waiting to find out who it is before making a final decision as to whether I listen or pick it up in print. – Caz

I have this book in print but haven’t read it yet. I’m exactly the same as Caz though – I’ll wait until I find out who the narrator is before I one-click. – Kaetrin

Inappropriate by Vi Keeland

Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York

I’m highly looking forward to this tension-filled office romance being narrated by two of my favorite narrators. I’m also a fan of Vi Keeland’s writing. – BJ

 

Trusting Miss Trentham by Emily Larkin

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

This third book in the author’s Baleful Godmother series snuck in at the end of December, so I’m including it here. I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual series of historical romances with a paranormal twist in print, and am excited to experience the stories again in audio. With the wonderful Rosalyn Landor once more in the narrator’s chair, Trusting Miss Trentham is sure to be fabulous listen. – Caz

Object of Desire by Dal Maclean

Narrated by Gary Furlong

Dal Maclean’s Bitter Desire made my Best audiobooks of 2019 list; I was completely blown away by the story, the narration was fantastic and I can’t wait to listen to this follow up, which promises another twisty mystery and angsty romance. – Caz

You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley

Narrated by Sophie Amoss and Dan Bittner

I’ve never read anything by Colleen Oakley, and both Sophie Amoss and Dan Bittner are new-to-me narrators, but the synopsis for You Were There Too makes me excited enough to take a chance. It’s the story of a woman supposedly living a picture perfect life until she literally meets the man of her dreams. Now, she’s forced to choose between the life she’s committed to and the life fate seems to have planned for her. – Shannon

A Beastly Kind of Earl by Mia Vincy

Narrated by Kate Reading

Another one that snuck in under the wire at the end of December, this is the follow up to A Wicked Kind of Husband and is easily the best historical romance of 2019. A reclusive earl and a disgraced young woman embark upon a marriage of convenience and a game of oneupmanship – it’s witty, sexy and clever, and Kate Reading’s narration is bound to be wonderful. – Caz