Our July 2014 Picks

What romance audiobooks releasing in July do we believe are especially promising? We feel these titles are all good bets based on author, narrator, personal knowledge, or print reviews of the story content. Or maybe it’s just a gut feeling we have.

 

Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale

Narrated by Nicholas Boulton

This was MAHVELOUS. So witty! So drolly performed, perfect. Dream Team Historical – Melinda

Those of us who’ve been anxiously awaiting more from the powerhouse team that is Laura Kinsale and Nick Boulton can breathe sighs of relief with the release of Lessons in French.  What else is there to say? – it’s Laura and Nick, what more does anyone need to know – Caz

Laura Kinsale and Nicholas Bolton! Need I say more? – Shannon

I feared we might not see anymore of these stunning audiobooks from the Kinsale/Boulton team so needless to say, I was thrilled to hear it was coming. When I start listening to a Kinsale audio, I know I’m guaranteed an absorbing listen – Lea

Of course Kinsale’s Lessons in French – what a wonderful surprise after thinking she had done all she was going to do in audio. Love her cover art – so classy – Brenda

 

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Narrated by Renee Raudman

This is the book where Kate will have the final (I think) confrontation with Roland. It’s such a favourite series and even though I always get the print books too, I usually actually take them in via audio because I love the way Renee Raudman voices Curran.  Yes, I’m that shallow – Kaetrin

Magic Breaks is my top July pick, and is also my number one most anticipated audiobook for the whole year – Brenda

This series has an enormous following in print and audio formats and I’m among its many fans. Renee Raudman is Curran and Kate – these are always highly entertaining – Lea

 

 

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire

Narrated by Phoebe Strole

Having fallen in love with bad boy Travis Maddox in Beautiful Disaster, I am looking forward to this latest Maddox brother love story. I can never resist a story that features a playboy being brought to his knees by love. I also look forward to experiencing a new narrator, Phoebe Strole, whom I have not yet listened to – BJ 

Although I haven’t heard the narrator before, I have high hopes for this one after loving the first two in the “Beautiful” series – Brenda

 

Fast Track by Julie Garwood

Narrated by Tanya Eby

I’ve been a fan of Ms. Garwood since I was in high school. I’ve loved her historicals as well as her more recent contemporary novels. Fast Track promises to bring me all of what I love about Julie Garwood’s writing with a stellar narration. It’s a win-win situation – Shannon

 

I can’t give up on my hope of more Garwood gold, no matter the years in between – Brenda

 

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

Narrated by Karen White

This book makes great use of White’s ability to narrate animals. Fun and beach-read-y – Melinda

 

Karen White teamed with this series is guaranteed contemporary audio entertainment – Brenda

 

 

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Narrated by Elizabeth Bower, Ben Elliot, Nicola Stanton, Steven France

I’m always looking for romances with original story lines, and as a mother of children slowly approaching their teens, my curiosity was piqued with the description of this opposites attract love story featuring a housekeeper, single mother of two teenagers and her geeky, billionaire employer hero who saves the day by driving her troubled family to a math competition. I am also intrigued to listen to an audiobook narrated by four narrators – BJ

I know little about Jojo Moyes and nothing of the four narrators but it sounds irresistible. I’m willing to take a chance as this on as I have a good feeling about it – Lea

 

The Boleyn Trilogy by Laura Andersen

Narrated by Simon Vance

I’ve read and loved all three in print format, which are set in an alternate Tudor England and have a fascinating “what if?” premise. What if Anne Boleyn had borne Henry VIII a son who had lived to succeed him? I wasn’t sure about the idea at first, but once I’d started reading, I couldn’t stop, and I recommend it most highly to fans of historical fiction and romance alike. The audios are narrated by audiobook royalty – Simon Vance – so I’m in for a treat – Caz

Another “gut feel” choice – this trilogy has all the marks of audio success stamped on it – Lea

 

The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

Narrated by Heather Wilds

I’ve been waiting for this book for ages – I loved the Tairen Souls series although they were a fail for me in audio and I had to resort to the print versions. The sample I listened to gave me hope that the choice of narrator is much better for this book – Kaetrin

 

 

 

 

Beautifully Forgotten by L.A. Fiore

Narrated by Amy Rubinate

I fell in love with almost everything about Beautifully Damaged. The second book looks just as fascinating. This series has a lot of promise – Shannon 

 

 

 

 

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Narrated by Rebecca Lowman

I think this one might be about a magic phone. That sounds quirky but if anyone can pull it off, I think it is Rainbow Rowell.  I have been assured there is a happy romantic ending so I’m game to try it – Kaetrin

 

 

 

 

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda

I have been eagerly anticipating The Book of Life, the conclusion to the All Souls Trilogy, since 2012 when Shadow of the Night was released.  Although I am not familiar with the narrator, Jennifer Ikeda, I can’t wait to find out how this paranormal romance finally concludes – BJ

 

 

 

 

Tamed by Emma Chase

Narrated by Deacon Lee

After thoroughly enjoying Chase’s Tangled narrated by Sebastian York, I can’t resist trying another male narrated tales. It’s not York this time but I’m still expecting fun – Lea

 

 

 

 

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Emma Taylor

Emma Taylor has done an amazing job thus far with KAs Colorado Mountain series. One of the reasons this series works well is because it’s loosely connected – any of the titles can be standalones – Brenda