Welcome to the final Monthly Picks of 2022! December can be an odd time for new releases; with so many new titles coming out between September and November, things quieten down in December and as the Gals have discovered, it’s been fairly slim pickings for audiobooks to get really excited about. BUT – we did find some new titles we hope might keep you company through the festive season and into January, so take a look and see if anything takes your fancy!
And speaking of January – we’ll be back then with a fresh set of listens to tempt you, and until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Listening!
Narrated by Gary Furlong
I really enjoyed The Gilded Scarab, the first in a steampunk trilogy set in an AU Victorian London; terrific worldbuilding, an engaging central character and fantastic narration by Gary Furlong made for an excellent listen, so here’s hoping book two will be just as good! – Caz
Narrated by Francesca Golden
If I’d been born forty years later, I know I would have been the biggest K-Pop fan! Add in the trope of celebrity falls for every-day-girl and this one holds a lot of promise. – Jenna
Narrated by Ruthie Bowles
I love origin stories and tales that show us the “before” of epic myths and fairy tales. Think Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles. This before-she-was-trapped-in-the-Underworld story of Persephone looks as if it will flesh out an already intriguing character and her story. – Jenna
Narrated by Rowan Scott
Books 2 and 2.5 in the fabulous Death and the Devil series; after everything they went through in the novellas, Ethan and Jack have decided to try a relationship of sorts, but when Jack is assigned to a team trying to catch a serial killer and Ethan becomes withdrawn and secretive… well, it’s not long before cracks start to appear. I loved these in print and I can’t wait to experience them again in audio. – Caz
Unstable Connections by Nicky James
Narrated by Nick J. Russo
This excellent romantic mystery/suspense series goes from strength to strength with this third instalment which picks up shortly after book two ended. A superbly constructed mystery combined with some amazing character and relationship development, it’s a terrific follow-up to Elusive Relations – the whole series will be making an appearance on my Best of 2022 list, for sure. – Caz
Narrated by Joel Leslie
Lily Morton’s books haven’t been working so well for me lately, but I really enjoyed this novella from 2020, an opposites-attract romance between a hard-working farmer and the supermodel who ends up staying at the farm to recuperate following an illness. Joel Leslie returns to the microphone and is sure to do an excellent job. Let the sparks – and the snark! – fly! – Caz
Narrated by Nick J. Russo
I read and reviewedthe e-version of this one a few weeks back and loved it; it’s a beautifully done redemption story featuring a secondary character from the previous book, Winter Oranges, all wrapped up in a gorgeous – and magical – slow-burn romance. Nick J. Russo is always a pleasure to listen to, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the story again in audio. – Caz
Narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
I’m always a bit nervous about books that are second or third a series if I haven’t read the prior titles, but this promises that it can be read as a stand-alone. I like the hint of forbidden love, and as a fan of Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus college hockey player series, I’m hoping this one is right up my alley. – Jenna
Narrated by Kate Reading
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Mia Vincy’s other historical romances, so I have high hopes for this one – and with Kate Reading at the microphone, I know the narration will be a treat. – Caz
PLEASE NOTE: Where not available for pre-order, self-published audiobooks generally do not have purchase links available until the day of publication. The links given will take you to the Amazon book page, and you can purchase from there as soon as it is released.
Other New and Upcoming Releases
I’m still checking often for the audio of Unstable Connections, (and of course, Subway Slayings). I’ll grab both of the=ose when they come out. I’m also planning on getting A Scandalous Kind of Duke. I’ve enjoyed all the other books, so I expect to like this one, too.
I read Winter Oranges recently and didn’t love it (a book that could have been a novella), but I’m still interested in Winter Dreams. I thought Dylan was the most interesting character in Winter Oranges.
I’ve read and enjoyed Spring Strings, and plan on getting the audio at some point.
Oh, and I’ve already got he Jackal’s House on my wishlist!
CS Poe told me Subway Slayings will probably be January; NIcky James said Unstable Connections is with Audible, so it should be out fairly soon.
I haven’t listened to Winter Dreams yet, but I really enjoyed the book, so I’m looking foward to it.
I loved The Gilded Scarab, and the ‘Death and the Devil’ series is absolutely stunning. I enjoyed Winter Oranges, but wasn’t impressed by Winter Dreams, as Dylan was an unlikable character.
I thought Dylan was redeemed really well in Winter Dreams – he was a bit of a dick in Winter Oranges for sure, although he was genuinely concerned for Jason, and I liked seeing what made him tick in WD.
Jack and Ethan are two of my all-time favourite characters now, and Rowan Scott’s version of Ethan is dead sexy ;)
OMG! I totally agree. Ethan Blades voice in audio is automatic lady boner. Lol. I’m obsessive about the ‘Death and the Devil’ audiobooks.
So true! I just love how Ethan is adorkable, sexy as sin and deadly all at once, and the vulnerability RS brings out makes him totally irresistible.