The Gals’ monthly picks represent our best bets based on author, narrator, and possibly personal knowledge or print reviews of the story content. Or maybe it’s just a gut feeling…
Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson
Narrated by Emma Bates
All three Gals are happy to see another title from Gibson’s backlist make it to audio format and we’re hoping Emma Bates brings this old favorite to life in the style it deserves. This is a guarded recommendation as we know nothing about the narrator but we’re banking on Harper Audio’s usual selection of talented narrators. We do have to wonder though why this highly popular author doesn’t deserve the best contemporary voice?
Skin Deep by Pamela Clare
Narrated by Kaleo Griffith
The Gals all wish Skin Deep was more than a novella but with a length of 5 hours 30 minutes, it’s long enough to satisfy. One thing you can be sure of – with Kaleo Griffith narrating, we’ll all be listening. Brenda gives a big thanks to Tantor for including the narration of the short fan appreciation story included at the end of Skin Deep – The Beer Run. She plans on listening to it first!
Love Irresistibly by Julie James
Narrated by Karen White
One of our favorite author/narrator combos, every other James/White audio made the Three Gals Favorites list. Will Love Irresistibly make it as well? Be sure to check out our Love Irresistibly giveaway (which ends tomorrow night) and listen to Karen White talk with Lea about all of Julie James audios and the next James audio release coming in May.
My Bluegrass Baby by Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi
We all appreciate this author/narrator combo. While Melinda and Lea are listening because they enjoyed And One Last Thing, Molly Harper is an auto buy for Brenda. In this rare departure from paranormal for Harper, My Bluegrass Baby is a contemporary romance title. We’re betting on success.
Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson
Narrated by Kathleen Early
In her review, Melinda gives a guarded recommendation – she didn’t think the narration stellar. Lea is currently listening and enjoying what she hears although the narration doesn’t rise above average. Still, it receives a recommendation from all three of the Gals. As Brenda says. “I have to hear tough John Kowalsky playing Barbie’s with his daughter and discussing Barbie’s footwear.” Now that’s not to be missed.
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Narrated by Dan Bittner
Beautiful Disaster told the love story from the heroine’s POV while the second book in the Disaster series, Walking Disaster, tells the hero’s side of the story. In her Beautiful Disaster review, Brenda says of Walking Disaster, “I’m intrigued by how Ms McGuire will handle the male POV and can’t wait to listen after hearing samples of male narrator Dan Bittner’s skilled voice.” Now Lea is convinced she must give Walking Disaster a try as well.
Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis
Narrated by Karen White
Both Melinda and Brenda will definitely be listening to Karen White’s narration of another Shalvis tale.
Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
Narrated by Peter Berkrot
Listening to Peter Berkrot’s samples at Audible has Brenda rubbing her hands (or is that ears?) together in anticipation. Melinda agrees that he sounds good – a little gruff/rough which should work well in a Nora Roberts suspense. She stipulates however that since she didn’t hear him voice women or love scenes, she’s taking a “wait and see” stance.
Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell
Narrated by Betsy Zajko
Both Melinda and Lea are cautiously recommending Dangerous Refuge. We like Lowell about half the time but we are completely unfamiliar with the narrator. Once again, we’re relying on Harper Audio’s ability to wisely choose their narrators.
Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath
Narrated by Faye Adele
Melinda really liked Faye Adele’s narration of another book in this series.
Headed for Trouble by Suzanne Brockmann
Narrated by Patrick Lawlor and Melanie Ewbank
Melinda loves this narrator team performing Suzanne Brockmann. Enough said.
Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison
Narrated by Sophie Eastlake
Brenda’s take, “Thea Harrison is starting a new series, Game of Shadows, with Rising Darkness while keeping her go-to narrator Sophie Eastlake which is another winning combo for me.”
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
Narrated by James Langton
A choice for Melinda, it includes a number of re-recorded second epilogues by a new-to-Quinn narrator.
The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick
Narrated by Justine Eyre
Another Melinda choice – Amanda Quick/Justine Eyre make a good combo.
Good picks–would add Highlander Most Wanted–Maya Banks/Kristen Potter–great series. Also going to try The Vampire King–Heather Killough-Wladen/ Antony Ferguson. Her Lost Angels Series with Gildart Jackson has been very good.