Our June 2023 Picks

June is a bumper month for new romance audiobook releases to get excited about! It’s impossible to make this a comprehensive list; instead we try to choose titles we’re excited to listen to and which look as though they might be interesting (or just because we like the author/narrator, or both!) Doing this post mid-month means it also gives us the chance fo ‘mop up’ any late-month releases from the month before, so you might find a few May releases in this list as well.

We always love hearing from you and having a chat about what new audiobooks you’re planning on listening to, so don’t forget to drop by and tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments!


The Strangest Forms & The Old Wheel by Gregory Ashe

Narrated by Greg Tremblay

MY TWO FAVOURITE GREGS TOGETHER AT LAST! These are the first two books in The Adventures of Holloway Holmes trilogy, a new series set in a school for ‘troubled teens’ in remote Utah in which a descendent of the famous detective finds a friend, lots of trouble and, possibly, love. But it’s Gregory Ashe, so you know nothing is going to be as simple as that!- Caz

Perfect Together by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Aaron Shedlock, Kevin R. Free, Noel Harrison & Zura Johnson

It’s no secret that I’m a big Kristen Ashley fan, though I must admit that a few of her latest releases have not been my all-time favorites. With Perfect Together, KA is tackling a difficult plot line of a broken marriage and a second-chance romance, so I’m definitely looking forward to listening to see how she tackles this somewhat unusual premise! – BJ

It’s all going to hinge on whether the reason he walked out makes sense and can be forgiven by the listener as well as his wife. My fingers and toes are all crossed because when KA works, she works. – Kaetrin

Good as Gold by Sarina Bowen

Narrated by Jason Clarke & Lessa Lamb

I’ve recently become a big fan of Sarina Bowen’s romances, and based on early Goodreads reviews of her upcoming June release, a small-town, unresolved feeling romance, this one looks to be equally promising! – BJ

Yes, BJ, I’m in for this one as well. – Kaetrin

The God’s Eye by Anna Butler

Narrated by Gary Furlong

This final instalment in the steampunk Lancaster’s Luck trilogy finds Rafe struggling to adjust to his new responsibilities and unable to accompany Ned on his latest expedition… which sounds like a recipe for disaster!  I really enjoyed the previous books in the series – the worldbuilding is superb and Rafe is such a likeable protagonist – plus Gary Furlong’s narration has been incredibly good, so I have high hopes I’ll enjoy this, too. – Caz

Trust Me by Rachel GrantTrust Me by Rachel Grant

Narrated by Nicol Zanzarella & Greg Tremblay

Rachel Grant can be relied on to deliver plenty of action, tension and romance and I’m eagerly looking forward to this second book in her Evidence: Under Fire series.  A kidnapped archaeologist, a daring rescue and a dastardly plot – sounds great! – plus sure-to-be-excellent narration from Grant regulars, Nichol Zanzarella and Greg Tremblay.  – Caz

I really like the premise of this one so my hopes are high! – Kaetrin

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Lovers of women’s fiction will want to note that Elin Hilderbrand and her long-time narrator, Erin Bennett, will be releasing their next Nantucket-based audiobook in June! – BJ

 

Outside by Nicky James

Narrated by Nick J. Russo

The conclusion to the Death Row Chronicles (begun in Inside)  picks up Bishop’s story following his exoneration and release from prison.  He’s got a lot of catching up to do, plus is navigating a romantic relationship for the first time… it’s a lot and I’m sure Nicky James is going to put us through the wringer!  Nick J. Russo is back in the narrator’s chair, and I’m really looking forward to listening to the rest of the story. – Caz

The Sunny Side by Lily Morton

Narrated by Joel Leslie

Lily Morton and Joel Leslie make a winning team for low-angst romances with humour and heat. This is one I’ll pick up when I need a smile. – Carrie

 

Sons of Sorrow by Nazri Noor

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

This penultimate book in Nazri Noor’s Wild Hearts series finds Locke and Sylvain preparing for their toughest challenge yet – the Oriel of Fire – as they continue their quest to find out what’s behind The Withering and interfering goddesses keep appearing to drop unhelpful hints. The plot definitely thickens!  – Caz

 

Identity by Nora Roberts

Narrated by January LaVoy

Technically a late May release, but one I just recently noticed. Nora Roberts’ latest release has me intrigued with its romantic suspense/thriller plot line, so I’m looking forward to listening to this one soon! – BJ

I’ve had the pleasure of reading this one and I “heard” January LaVoy in my head as I did. It’s one I’ll revisit on audio for sure. Since I read Identity, I’ve been on a Nora Roberts/JD Robb binge. – Kaetrin

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

Narrated by Joel Leslie

I’m excited about the time period for this book. That and having Joel at the helm makes this an easy choice. – Carrie

I read an ARC of this and it was SO. GOOD. It’s 1959 in NYC, where a hard-nosed journalist and the son of the owner of the newspaper he works for meet and fall in love… slowly and wonderfully and it’s just lovely. Possibly my favourite book by this author. Joel Leslie is in the narrator’s chair, and is sure to do a great job, – Caz

 Count me as another who is excited for this one. – Kaetrin

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis

Narrated by Andi Arndt

Classic Jill Shalvis contemporary romance is exactly what I needed this June – add in a Notable Pet, second chances and narration by Andi Arndt, and this looks like a winner! – Melinda

 

Witch King by Martha Wells

Narrated by Eric Mok

This came out in late May. It’s a fantasy and I have no idea if it has any romance in it but I’ve enjoyed a lot of this author’s books so I want to listen to this one. – Kaetrin

 

Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder

Narrated by Kristen DiMercurio and Jay Aaseng

I enjoyed the author’s début – How to Fake it in Hollywood – and have been looking forward to this story about a couple of TV stars on a hit show whose behind the scenes relationship doesn’t exactly mirror their on-screen love affair.  The two narrators are unknown to me (I’d hoped for the return of Andrew Eiden and Thérèse Plummer), so I might wait to see some reviews before I make up my mind on this one. – Caz

Even if the Sky is Falling by Taj McCoy, Farah Heron, Lane Clarke, Charish Reid, Sarah Smith, Denise Williams

Narrated by Adenrele Ojo, Soneela Nankani, Karen Murray, Marissa Hampton, Donnabella Mortel, Joy Beharie &  Teddy Hamilton

The premise of this anthology is that people think it’s the end of the world due to a faulty international alarm warning of an impending meteor shower. It sounds fascinating. – Kaetrin


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 Recent and Upcoming Releases

5 thoughts on “Our June 2023 Picks

  1. Fair warning for The Sunny Side.

    I read it when it first came out, and it was a warm hug of a book right up until the 3rd act drama trauma which I felt was wildly out of character. I ended up giving it two stars and have been off Lily Morton since then. I’m not holding a grudge; I’ve lost faith.

    It’s got all the stars on goodreads so maybe y’all will feel differently.

    1. Good to know, thanks. I confess I’ve been on a break from LM for a while now. I’ve absolutely loved quite a few of her books, but lately it seems as though she’s writing the same one over and over, and the humour feels forced. It’s sad when you no longer enjoy an author you used to love :(

    2. Hah, it’s funny but, after being disappointed in a few of her books, I really liked The Sunny Side! I can’t remember the drama you mention so I’m guessing it didn’t bother me much. I thought the next one (?) about the Scottish wedding was really weak, though.

    3. It wasn’t her best, but I still liked it fine. I’ll pick it up through whyspersync and enjoy Joel’s narration! I agree the drama felt out of character and it irked me, so I get what you’re saying.

    4. I liked it a lot until the end but I couldn’t forgive Jonas and that ruined the whole thing for me.

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