We’re trying something a little bit different with our September Picks. We’re still highlighting the audiobooks we’re most eager to listen to – whether they’re by a favourite author or narrator, or feature a favourite trope, or just because – but as well as talking about the titles we’re the most “grabby hands” for, we’re also including a selection of titles we think might be of interest more generally. With such large numbers of audiobooks being released each week, we can’t possibly cover all of them – so it’s still a curated selection – but hopefully, it’ll help to give a flavour of what else has been/is being released during the month.
It’s still in the experimental stages, so any comments or suggestions as to what we can do to make it better/more relevant/more interesting are most welcome!
Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux and Joel Leslie
Annabeth Albert is one of my favourite authors, and this is the first book in her new Shore Leave series. It promises to be a low-angst, tropey romance (we’ve got best friend’s little brother, fake relationship, first times, and Only One Bed) and a lot of fun. Plus – M/M NARRATING ROYALTY! – Caz
This one is on my list too, Caz, for exactly the same reasons! – Kaetrin
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Narrated by Vikas Adam, Graham Halstead and Cassandra Campbell
I confess that all I really know about this one comes from the book blurb – “an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.” Really, it was Vikas Adam’s name that caught my eye on this one, otherwise I’m flying blind, but I’m going to give it a go! – Caz
A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria
Narrated by Seraphine Valentine
It’s a second-chance/fake relationship combo and what’s not to love about that? – Kaetrin
When First I Met My King and The Dragon’s Tale by Harper Fox
Narrated by Gary Furlong
I’m not familiar with this series – loosely based on Arthurian legend – from Harper Fox, but this m/m romance between a young Lancelot and a fledgling prince Arthur sounds interesting, and Gary Furlong is sure to deliver an excellent performance. I’ll definitely be giving these a listen. – Caz
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Narrated by Callie Dalton
This book is getting a lot of buzz and I do like a fake relationship to bring protagonists together. Add Callie Dalton’s narration to the mix and I’m in. – Kaetrin
The Endless Road to Sunshine by Nicky James
Narrated by Nick. J. Russo
This one came out at the end of August, but I was really struck by the first line of the synopsis which states “I married a serial killer”. Colour me intrigued! The few of this author’s books I’ve listened to so far have been relatively low-angst, but I gather from reading reviews and synopses that isn’t typical of Ms. James’ work – I’m looking foward to cranking up the angst and drama with this one! Nick J. Russo is a favourite narrator, and I’m sure he’ll do a fabulous job. – Caz
Right Behind Her by Melinda Leigh
Narrated by Christina Traister
I’m enjoying this romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh about homicide-detective-turned-sherriff Bree Taggert. The romance is fairly low key, but the mysteries are strong and the characters are engaging and I’m enjoying the family – and found family – dynamics in the stories. Right Behind Her is book four in the set, and promises a mystery that strikes very close to home. I’ve enjoyed Christina Traister’s narration in the past, so that’s an added incentive to listen! – Caz
With You Forever by Chloe Liese
Narrated by CJ Bloom & Nelson Hobbs
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this one and I loved it. This narrating pair promises to bring that something extra to the story you can only get on audio. – Kaetrin
The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish
Narrated by Michael Dean
This is the very first LGBTQ+ romance to be published as part of one of Harlequin’s main category romance lines (yay!) and I’ve been eagerly awaiting it since it was announced. It’s the third book in the Garnet Run series (following Better Than People and Best Laid Plans) and tells the story of a single dad trying to do the best for his daughter after a messy break-up. Michael Dean’s narration doesn’t always work for me, but I generally enjoy Roan Parrish’s books, so I’m going to give it a try. – Caz
I’m not sure I’ve listened to Michael Dean narrate before but I have enjoyed the previous Garnet Run books and I plan to listen to this one as well. – Kaetrin
Riley Thorn and the Corpse in the Closet by Lucy Score
Narrated by Natalie Duke.
I recently picked up the first book in this series when it was an Audible Daily Deal and it was so much fun! I loved the narration and the story so I’m definitely on board for what’s next for Riley and Nick. – Kaetrin
Enduring Night & His Fateful Heap of Days by John Wiltshire
Narrated by Gary Furlong
Books 7 & 8 in the More Heat Than the Sun series are bound to find Ben and Nik once again embroiled in mystery, murder and mayhem, and Gary Furlong is sure to be as brilliant as always. These stories are action-packed and often require a huge suspension of disbelief, but the characters are compelling and I’m completely addicted. – Caz
Other New and Upcoming Releases:
Gah! I’ve got so much to read! Bad, Audiogals! Bad! I’ve seen the Sept books list on a couple of other sites but didn’t see nearly as many books there that interest me as here. I’m now looking forward to Sailor Proof, Chimera Affair, Right Behind Her (once I catch up in the series), and the Roan Parrish book. I’m also looking forward to (hopefully) seeing reviews of several others I might be tempted to add to my list. I’m not familiar with Nicky James and have only read one Harper Fox.
Er…. oops?
I just wrote my review of the print version of Sailor Proof it’s low on drama but I enjoyed it – with those two narrators, the audio is going to be good, too! I’ve got the Parrish in print, too – I might review the audio, but Michael Dean isn’t a favourite, so I’m holding off on that until I see what the book is like.
I like the Bree Taggert series – I reviewed the first 3 in print at AAR, but I’m going to listen to the next one.
So far, the Nicky James books I’ve listened to (I reviewed Clashing Hearts recently) are fairly low-angst, but I’ve given to understand that isn’t her usual MO. I do have the one listed here, so maybe I’ll review it – I’ll see how it goes.
I’ve reviewed several of Harper Fox’s audiobooks here, and in fact I’ve done one just recently, (watch this space) although I can’t say I’m going to recommend it. Also, the Arthurian series is four books (although only three have been published so far), and I might wait until the series is complete.
I like this new format and can see quite a few that interest me.
I don’t usually go for Forces MCs, but I might have to bite the bullet for a Greg Boudreaux/Joel Leslie combo!
I just added my review of the print edition at AAR – it’s pretty fluffy and while the military angle does come into play, it’s not until really late on.