The Gals have been scouring the lists of new and upcoming releases to find the titles we think are most likely to bring us lots of listening pleasure over the coming weeks. It seems we’re all going for favourite authors and narrators this month – which is by no means a bad thing; there are so many audiobooks being released every week that it’s impossible to sample them all and sometimes – and perhaps especially in times like these – we want to listen to something we’re pretty sure is going to hit the spot.
What about you, dear readers? What new audiobooks are you most excited about? Drop by and let us know in the comments.
Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Emily Rankin
I’m a fan of the Hidden Legacy Series, both the storyline and narration, so I can’t wait to listen to Book five, Emerald Blaze – BJ
I’m excited about this one too. I had the pleasure of reading an early copy but I’d like to revisit the series on audio. – Kaetrin
I’m not a die-hard Ilona Andrews fan, but the Hidden Legacy series checks all my boxes when it comes to totally immersive urban fantasy. This fifth installment in the series continues the story begun in Sapphire Flames, and I can’t wait to see how things turn out for these beloved characters. Emily Rankin is a skilled narrator, and once I got over my shock at not hearing Renee Raudman’s interpretation of the series, I enjoyed her narrative style. – Shannon
Ends of the Earth by Keira Andrews
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
I’ve become a big fan of Keira Andrews over the last year or so and I’m pleased to see so many of her books coming to audio with such terrific narrators. Ends of the Earth sounds like a gripping tale of romantic suspense in which a sexy park ranger teams up with a single dad to search for his daughter – who’s been abducted by the bad guy. – Caz
A Guy Walks into My Bar by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Joe Arden, Shane East and a full cast
I’ve already reviewed this one – HERE – but A Guy Walks into My Bar is one of the most highly anticipated contemporary romance audios of the year, thanks in no small part to the participation of a pair of superstar narrators. I’m sure it’s going to be a massive hit. – Caz
Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown
Narrated by Kyf Brewer
Every year I look to ringing in the Fall season with Sandra Brown’s latest romantic suspense. I have become used to her stories renditions by Victor Slezak, so we will see how new-to-me narrator, Kyf Brewer performs. – BJ
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
Narrated by Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan
I love everything Fiona Davis writes, and her latest novel, The Lions of Fifth Avenue, is a lush and evocative love letter to books and the libraries that house them. It’s a dual-timeline novel that moves back and forth between 1993 and 1913, telling the stories of two women whose lives are profoundly affected by the New York Public Library. I love both Erin Bennett and Lisa Flanagan as narrators, so I’m confident listeners are in for a real treat. – Shannon
Pop Star by Eden Finley
Narrated by Iggy Toma
This is the first book in a spin off from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend series. We met Harley in the final FB book, Hat Trick, where he appeared as a rather selfish, petulant member of one of the world’s top boy bands, but here he is starring in his own book, so I’m hoping for some character redemption. Iggy Toma is narrating solo this time around – I was happy with the dual narration with Alexander Cendese in the previous series, but I’m not going to complain about the change! – Caz
I Loved You First anthology by Molly Harper, Karen Hawkins & Suzanne Enoch
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi
I mainly chose this because of my love for all books Molly Harper, but Amanda Ronconi is also a big draw for me. – Kaetrin
Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera
Narrated by Carmen Vine and Sean Crisden
I have enjoyed all my previous Adriana Herrera listens to this was an easy choice to make. – Kaetrin
The Mech Who Loved Me by Bec McMaster
Narrated by Sienna Frances
Book two in the Blue Blood Conspiracy is a (sort of) bodyguard romance as our shy, scientist heroine uncovers a dastardly plot that threatens the lives of many – including her. I have yet to listen to the first book in the series (Mission Improper) but I’m hearing good reports about Sienna Frances’ narration. This is one of the best steampunk/paranormal series of recent years, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it again. – Caz
I’m a big fan of Bec McMaster, and enjoyed reading both the London Steampunk and London Steampunk: The Blueblood Conspiracy series. I was thrilled when the author released the first book in the LS: TBC series, Mission: Improper, in audio last month, and I very much enjoyed listening to it (review to come)! Sienna Frances was well suited to the characters and the material, and I’m looking forward to listening to The Mech Who Loved Me (one of my favorite books in the series). Opposites attract, a virgin heroine, danger and thrills…yes, please! – Em
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
Narrated by Jake Abel
Being a diehard Twilight fan, I’m excited for the next installment in the series. It has been fifteen years since the series debut, so we will see if the storyline and Edward’s PoV has the same allure as Bella’s PoV did fifteen years ago. Nonetheless this is my most anticipated release in August. – BJ
Gideon by Lily Morton
Narrated by Joel Leslie
Lily Morton’s books are always sexy and warm and funny, and I’m interested to see how she makes a romantic hero out of Gideon, Milo’s arsehole of a brother. – Caz
I really enjoyed Oz recently so I’m looking forward to listening to this one as well. – Kaetrin
Say No More by Karen Rose
Narrated by Joel Froomkin
Karen Rose has long been an auto-buy author for me, so I’m super excited for the release of Say No More, the second book in her Sacramento series. It’s romantic suspense revolving around a cult. Joel Froomkin has done a fabulous job with other romantic suspense titles, so I’m sure he’ll be stellar here. – Shannon
Without a Trace by R.J. Scott
Narrated by Sean Crisden
Book two in the Lancaster Falls series, Without a Trace picks up the story begun in What Lies Beneath, although with a different central couple and a new self-contained mystery. Sean Crisden returns to the narrator’s chair, so I know I’m guaranteed a good listen. – Caz
In the Solace by Hailey Turner
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
This sixth book in Hailey Turner’s fabulous Metahumans Files ties up the loose plot threads, sees Jamie and Kyle finally make it to the altar and Liam Wessex get his man in the form of a sexy MI6 agent. Thrills, spills, clever plotting, great characters are the hallmark of this series, and I’m excited for the guys to get their Last Hurrah! – Caz
The Jackal by J.R. Ward
Narrated by Jim Frangione
J.R. Ward has been dropping hints about this Black Dagger Brotherhood spin off series for literal years now, and I was honestly beginning to wonder if she ever planned to write it. now though, my questions have been answered, and The Jackal is almost here. Once again, Jim Frangione is narrating, so devoted fans as well as new listeners are in for something extra special, I’m sure. – Shannon
I need to read Sapphire Flames so I can read the one. For some reason I’ve been reluctant to move on in the series after the first couple’s story wound down. I loved those books.
I can’t imagine Sandra Brown without Slezak! That’s one of the best couplings in audio book history. Envy is still my benchmark for romantic suspense.
I Loved You First sounds fun, and I love Ronconi’s narrations. I also need to catch up on Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk series because this new one sounds interesting. I can’t wait to read all the reviews, thank you!
The London Steampunk and the Blue Blood Conspiracy spin-off are two of the best series in the genre. The first series was narrated by Alison Larkin – who is a terrific narrator, but wasn’t – IMO – right for the series. I haven’t listened to Mission Improper yet, but I hope to, soon.
I see some romantic suspense series in this list that are new to me. I shall probably investigate them but, most likely, in book form as I read much more than listen.
I have bought the audio of ‘A Guy Walks into my Bar’ after reading Caz’s review, but haven’t started listening to it yet. It sounds fun, a bit different and I need to visit London vicariously! I have a bet with myself about the location of the Food Festival she mentions.
I’m disappointed that the book Adriana Herrera released last month, ‘Finding Joy’, hasn’t been released on audio, whilst this new one has straightaway. I loved FJ and think it’s a very special book. I shall probably read ‘Here to Stay’ but I have Dreamers 3 and 4 to read first.
I think that I’m going to give Lily Morton’s audios a miss for the next two books. In my opinion, ‘Gideon’ and ‘Best Man’ are not at the same level as all the others. Well, the first half of Gideon is fine but then it goes flat. I shall look forward to the audios of ‘Charlie Sunshine’, which is really sweet, and ‘After Felix’ which is terrific.
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Finding Joy as an upcoming release at Tantor – I’ll check. I confess that the only books by Lily Morton I’ve actually read (as opposed to listened to) are Blue Billings (which is being recorded right now) and The Summer of Us – I’ve done all the others in audio because I was late to the LM party! So I’m happy to wait for the audio releases now. The RJ Scott series is pretty good and Sean Crisden is a terrific narrator – I plan to check out more of her books at some point.
I’ve just searched at Tantor and ‘Finding Joy’ is being released on 23 September, narrated by Braeden Sinclair. I don’t think I’ve heard anything by him. I just hope it gets put on Audible UK.
I looked at the authors on the list and both RJ Scott and Keira Andrews have books that interest me – both of them have written a lot of books! The Lancaster Falls trilogy looks good but I wasn’t sure where to start with Keira Andrews so just got the 2 books that were free. One of them – Syncronicity – has an hilarious cover.
I really enjoyed Keira Andrews’ Semper Fi – which I reviewed here a few months ago – and Beyond the Sea which is wonderfully narrated by Greg B. John Solo is recording The Christmas Deal which I read and really liked when it came out last year. I’ve just picked up a review copy of Ends of the Earth (also narrated by Greg) so look out for that. I’ve had fairly good experiences with her books so far.
Re. Tantor and UK releases. I think there’s a pretty good chance it will be available here. A few years back I’d have been less sanguine, as very few of their romance titles got released outside the US, but that’s changed recently. Plus, it usually says “not available in your territory” on their website if a title isn’t available internationally.