CLICK HERE FOR A LARGER VIEW OF OUR HISTORIC ROMANCE INFOGRAPHIC
In October 2013, we featured our first AudioGals Guide to Romance Audio infographic. It highlighted the best in romance audio in nine romance sub-genres in a rather colorful way visually. Called The Classics, we consider it a core curriculum for romance listening. By listening to each of the audios in that graphic, one can fully grasp the diversity romance offers and understand the high level of entertainment high quality audiobooks can provide.
As we planned the graphic with Tantor Audio, we knew it would only be the first in a series. In June 2014, we published the second in the series, AudioGals Guide to Romance Audio: Paranormal Romance. Now it’s time to turn our attention to Historical Romance. As with our The Classics and Paranormal Romance graphics, we searched out listeners’ historical romance favorites through past comments, discussions, ratings, and polls at AudioGals, the Speaking of Audiobooks column, and our Romance Audiobooks Goodreads group. We also took into consideration the numerous listeners’ emails and messages we have received over the past six years. All audios chosen for the Historical Romance graphic are well written, expertly performed, and contain quality production.
You will see multiple referrals to All About Romance’s Top 100 Romances Poll. AAR has held this poll since 1998 and we find it to be an excellent indicator of romance books that not only draw readers in but have staying power year after year. When we discover a Top 100 book in audio format with an above average narrator, we think that is something to talk about.
We want to thank Tantor Audio for supporting this event and for their unfailing commitment to quality romance audio. Tantor pays attention to listeners’ requests and releases a large selection of romance audiobooks each month. Weekly, I check their upcoming romance titles and find myself continuously delighted with what I find there. During the month of December, all of Tantor’s titles in today’s Historical Romance infographic will be on sale at Tantor’s site. Also, there’s a significant change at Tantor – all their titles going forward will be available from their site as both MP3 CDs and downloads.
You will find each audio title on the Historic Romance graphic detailed below. Titles and images link the hard copies (CDs and MP3 CDs), if available. Listed separately are links to Audible and Tantor’s titles.
We encourage those who work with groups of listeners to download either our jpeg or PDF files. Our PDF file will print out as a good size poster if desired.
Hall of Fame
Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
Narrated by Davina Porter
Outlander always seems to be leading the pack in historical romance audio even though its categorization as romance is up for debate. Davina Porter brings another whole dimension to this vastly popular series and, as audio enthusiasts, we know we are the luckiest of all Gabaldon fans. See our Week of Outlander from this past July as we celebrated Outlander in audio format and looked forward to the STARZ series.
Lord of Scoundrels – Loretta Chase
Narrated by Kate Reading
For years, Lord of Scoundrels was at the top of our audio wish list, with Loretta Chase taking first place in the Romance Author’s Backlist You Most Want to See in Audio at Speaking of Audiobooks Favorite Romance Audiobook Poll in 2011 and 2012. With Kate Reading’s telling, it was an overwhelming hit, of such quality that it became an immediate audio genre classic. LOS has held first place in AAR’s Top 100 since 2000 and we predict it will hold first place in the hearts of historical romance audio listeners for that long as well.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie – Jennifer Ashley
Narrated by Angela Dawe
A favorite in print format since its release (and sitting in fourth place on AAR’s Top 100), The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie features one of the most complex and unusual romance heroes to date. When we heard the news that Tantor was releasing TMOLIM, we had to wonder about the challenge ahead – could any narrator capture the complexity of Ian, a sexy yet autistic hero in audio format? And Angela Dawe did! She got Ian’s character – ever so perfectly.
Devil in Winter – Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Another perennial favorite of print readers, Devil in Winter took second place in AAR’s Top 100. Sebastian, the extreme bad boy hero who played a villain in It Happened One Autumn, wins with audio listeners as well. Rosalyn Landor places a slightly different spin on Sebastian than that in my mind’s eye but that doesn’t matter when it comes to the purposes of the graph as audio listeners love it.
The Spymaster’s Lady – Joanna Bourne
Narrated by Kirsten Potter
The Spymaster’s Lady (#11 in AAR’s Top 100) grabbed romance readers in 2008, proving a far excellent book than its cheesy cover and misleading title (the heroine is a spy of the highest order as well) would indicate. There was all sorts of excitement when it was released in audio format in 2010 and it carries a strong following to this day.
Flowers from the Storm – Laura Kinsale
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
Literally one of the best romance audios ever. Laura Kinsale was exacting when choosing the narrator for her backlist and Nick Boulton won the hearts of all who listened to even one of his Kinsale performances. Add to that the extreme popularity of Flowers from the Storm (#6 on AAR’s Top 100) since its original 1992 print publication, and this one is romance audio gold.
Surrender – Pamela Clare
Narrated by Kaleo Griffith
Not only does Surrender deliver on the romance and action, but it provides a rich lesson in history during the time of the French and Indian War. Think Daniel Day Lewis running through the woods in The Last of the Mohicans and you have a taste of Surrender. Kaleo Griffith expertly brings its characters to life staying faithful to the author’s words.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Narrated by Josephine Bailey
There are audio productions of Pride and Prejudice from as early as 1983 (and possibly earlier). Is there a more popular classic romance than that of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? Movies, TV series (1995 A & E – my fave), audiobooks, and then the old-fashioned printed page – this story still holds the hearts of romance fans everywhere!
The Raven Prince – Elizabeth Hoyt
Narrated by Moira Quirk
Moira Quirk’s sensational performance of the Princes Trilogy was such a delightful surprise to romance audio fans as she was a new name and we feared the narration wouldn’t equal the book content. Ms. Quirk takes The Raven Prince (#22 in AAR’s Top 100) to an even higher level of enjoyment in audio format.
Not Your Usual Romance
Time Honored Classics
Persuasion – Jane Austen
Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Another Austen perennial favorite performed beautifully by Anne Flosnik, can anyone forget the story of Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth once they have listened to Persuasion or seen it in a movie or TV format? Not me…
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
Narrated by Wanda McCaddon
I recall Jane Eyre from my earliest days as I sat with my sisters watching an old black and white version (Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine), horrified of that mad woman laughing/screaming from the roof as the house burned. I have watched every American movie adaption since and own most. I simply can never get enough of Jane and Rochester’s story. Listening to it brings out all that we miss in all those movie versions. Print format is off the table here – I need to hear or watch this one.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Narrated by Josephine Bailey
I found at least fourteen unabridged versions of Pride and Prejudice at Audible. Want another narrator? Here are just a few – Margarite Gavin, Kate Reading, Anne Flosnik, Flo Gibson, Carolyn Seymour, Alison Larkin, and on and on.
Georgette Heyer
Sylvester – Unabridged 
Abridged 
Unabridged – Abridged
Although the Heyer purists try to look away from the Naxos’ abridged versions of Heyer’s work and steer us all towards the unabridged versions, the abridged versions (usually around six hours) work very well for a number of us here at AudioGals if Richard Armitage is doing the narrating. But we will bow to the purists for selecting the three Heyer titles in this infographic (although it is hard for them to choose just three). However, I’m including the abridged versions, cause for us non-purists, they’re pretty darn good.
Venetia – Unabridged Narrated by Phyllida Nash
Abridged 
Unabridged – Abridged
Phyllida Nash is known for her Heyer narrations and Venetia has earned the reputation as one of Heyer’s best Regency Romances. With its Beauty and the Beast similarities, this audio is cherished in both unabridged and abridged (see Armitage-influenced thoughts above) versions.
The Quiet Gentleman
Narrated by Cornelius Garrett
Another well-known Heyer narrator, Cornelius Garrett knows how to give life to Heyer’s quirky characters and emphasize the dry humor. AudioGals reviewer Carrie says it best, “The wonderful and varied accents of the British Isles can be a challenge to read in print, but come alive in the hands, or should I say voice, of a talented narrator like Garrett.”
Continuing Storyline
Amelia Peabody series – Elizabeth Peters
Book 1 – Crocodile on the Sandbank
Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat/Susan O’Malley
– Susan O’Malley narration
For Barbara Rosenblat narration (our recommendation):
One Click Digital (library access)
Crocodile on the Sandbank, the first in the popular Amelia Peabody series, is available in two unabridged editions – one narrated by Susan O’Malley and one narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. We far prefer the Rosenblat version although it is the harder of the two to find. Audible carries the O’Malley version. We have provided two sources for the Rosenblat version.
Although Audible does offer Susan O’Malley’s narrations of Books 1-6 of the series, it also carries Barbara Rosenblat’s narrations of Books 2 through 19. It’s Rosenblat’s narrative skill that landed the Amelia Peabody series on today’s infographic.
Outlander series – Diana Gabaldon
Book 1 – Outlander
Narrated by Davina Porter
Recorded in 1994 (the early days of audiobooks), the quality of its narration is so exceptional that it is seen as a gold standard even today. Yes, it’s long – 33 hours and as the series continues, the books get even longer but it’s an experience not to be missed by the romance audio enthusiast. For those who have yet to try listening to Outlander, make sure it is the unabridged version and then just trust us!
Lady Julia Grey series – Deanna Raybourn
Book 1 – Silent in the Grave
Narrated by Ellen Archer
The Goodreads description says it best, “To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband’s dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching on the floor.” Starting with her husband’s sudden death, Lady Julia Grey is swept into a world of mystery and deceit. It is also the world of the enigmatic and maddeningly attractive private investigator Nicholas Brisbane…
American
Early to Civil War
Untamed – Pamela Clare
Narrated by Kaleo Griffith
Following the events in Surrender, the Mackinnon brothers story continues. Untamed, however, can be enjoyed as a stand-alone title. Kaleo Griffiths’ narration is superb and the historical detail impressive.
Tempting Torment – Jo Goodman
Narrated by Jill Tanner
Originally published in 2003 (1989 print) in audio cassette format, Tempting Torment is a stand-alone title in the true nature of the better-written late 1980s/early 1990s romances. This expansive tale with more than 17 hours of audio contains more than one crossing from Europe to America and back again. Expect a lot of adventure and romance and an excellent Jill Tanner delivery.
Just Imagine – Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by Cristine McMurdo-Wallis
Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ only non-contemporary book, Just Imagine in set shortly after the end of the Civil War. Although it isn’t quite up to the standard of a number of her later contemporary hits, it’s still good listening with a satisfying narration especially if you are a fan of American historicals.
Old West
Sunset Embrace – Sandra Brown
Narrated by Ellen Archer
Originally published in print format in 1985, it shows it’s age but despite a pushy hero, it sits among many an Old West romance fans’ favorites. Ellen Archer excels.
The Touch of Fire – Linda Howard
Narrated by Natalie Ross
Released in audio format in 2009 (1992 print), The Touch of Fire is one of Howard’s few Old West tales. No one writes romance quite like Linda Howard, even with her varied approaches to the genre. Natalie Ross delivers this gritty western romance admirably.
Comanche Moon – Catherine Anderson
Narrated by Ruth Ann Phimister
With an original print release of 1992, Comanche Moon is exactly what it sounds like – an Indian romance featuring a fierce Comanche warrior and the honey-haired prisoner. I haven’t listened to a Ruth Ann Phimister narration but we’ve heard positive comments from other listeners.
Post Civil War to WWII
Prince Charming – Julie Garwood
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
In Prince Charming, heroine Taylor’s tale is darker and more serious than many of Garwood’s lighter medievals while still being a wonderful and fun road-trip story. Add to that the talents of Rosalyn Landor and you have a highly enjoyable American West listen.
The Shadow and the Star – Laura Kinsale
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
Okay, it’s a bit of a stretch to classify The Shadow and the Star as an American romance as it takes place in Hawaii (before statehood) and Europe. It features a highly skilled martial arts warrior (disguised as an ordinary hunk of a hero) and a prim and proper London shopgirl. However, nothing about this book is ordinary including Nick Boulton’s exceptional narration.
Morning Glory – LaVyrle Spencer (Unabridged)
Narrated by Kate Forbes
No
The hard-to-find unabridged version is truly that – difficult to find – but you may be able to locate a copy at your library or as a used hard copy. Don’t think the abridged version will do – it simply won’t. Originally we had included Morning Glory in our Hall of Fame but after talking with Recorded Books last week, we realized the chances of a rerelease of the Kate Forbes’ narration is highly unlikely as the rights have been tangled in a difficult situation not of their (RB) making for many years. Truly a loss!
European
Spies and the Like
Wicked Intentions – Elizabeth Hoyt
Narrated by Ashford McNab
With a romance scenario that is out of the ordinary and an overall story that is more meaty than most, Elizabeth Hoyt once again proved her ample talents writing historical romance with this first entry to the Maiden Lane series. Add Ashford MacNab’s rich narration and you have an all time Hoyt audio favorite.
The Black Hawk – Joanna Bourne
Narrated by Kirsten Potter
Coming in at #17 in AAR’s Top 100, 2011’s The Black Hawk showcases the reasons behind Joanna Bourne’s continued popularity. The 2009 audio release of The Spymaster’s Lady made listeners hunger for more Bourne audios. Tantor delivered this year, with the release of four titles – all narrated by the terrific Kirsten Potter.
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron – Jennifer Ashley
Narrated by Angela Dawe
Third in Ashley’s beloved Mackenzie series, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron works as a stand-alone. A number of titles in this series were battling for a mention in today’s infographic. You saw The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie in Hall of Fame above but The Duke’s Perfect Wife
are all worthy of a mention as well. Angela Dawe is impressive and completely delivers the listener into this world.
The Intellectual
A Week to Be Wicked – Tessa Dare
Narrated by Carolyn Morris
Carolyn Morris came on the romance audio scene in late 2013 and what an impression she made. In her review of Dare’s A Night to Surrender, Megan had this to say, “Ms. Morris’ British accent and light modulated voice are a perfect match for this playful romance…Ms. Morris’ pacing and timing was just right to convey the humor of the battle, without taking us out of the Regency setting.” A Week to Be Wicked is one of, if not the, most popular Dare title and the narration only makes it better.
Not Quite a Husband – Sherry Thomas
Narrated by Anne Flosnik
There were several Sherry Thomas books in the running here – Private Arrangements
When Beauty Tamed the Beast – Eloisa James
Narrated by Susan Duerden
I think of When Beauty Tames the Beast as “too-beautiful-and-I-know-it meeting intellectual-yet-droll-grump.” And then I think of the richness of the audio version. A 2012 Audies Finalist, it’s completely entertaining with Susan Duerden fully fleshing out every detail for an outstanding performance.
Crossing Class Lines
Unclaimed – Courtney Milan
Narrated by Polly Lee
It was difficult to choose just one Milan audiobook. There were so many that almost made this list – Unveiled
Silk Is for Seduction – Loretta Chase
Narrated by Kate Reading
Romance listeners can’t get enough of Loretta Chase in audio format and we fervently hope we will see more of her backlist. In the meantime, Tantor released three of her newer releases (print release 2011 – 2014) this year and we loved hearing Kate Reading performing Loretta Chase – magic!
It Happened One Autumn – Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Lisa Kleypas’ historicals continue to be highly popular in both print and audio format. It Happened One Autumn is the second in the Wallflower series and introduces us not only to Marcus and Lillian but also Sebastian from Devil In Winter (see Hall of Fame) who plays a villain in this piece. Rosalyn Landor has more titles on today’s infographic than any other narrator. Historical romance audio fans see her as a stamp of quality.
The Anti-Heroes
Ruthless – Anne Stuart
Narrated by Susan Ericksen
There’s nothing like an Anne Stuart title! Her bad boy heroes are just that and, of all books on today’s graphic, Ruthless most fits the anti-hero description with the dark, deceitful, bored King of Hell deciding he’d like to be involved with the much younger, innocent, no-nonsense (who is quite capable of defending herself) heroine. Susan Ericksen helps the listener understand the King of Hell and what leads to his redemption. A very fine and wicked listen.
More than a Mistress – Mary Balogh
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
A personal favorite in print format, More Than a Mistress features a Duke hero-on-the-edge and an actual mistress. No playing at words in the title here. But despite its rather serious nature at times, I recall this as a laugh-out-loud book especially as performed by Rosalyn Landor. Her tendency to perform gruff heroes works perfectly here as I see the Duke as a rather gruff “I’m a Duke!” type of character anyway.
Between the Devil and Desire – Lorraine Heath
Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Although second in the Scoundrels of St. James Street series, Between the Devil and Desire works as a stand-alone. A former street urchin who now owns a gentleman’s gambling club paired with a Duchess – it’s delicious and so beyond the same ol’ same ol’ we so often encounter when listening to books with such outrageous titles. Susan Ericksen once again shows her talent at performing anti-heroes.
The Other Categories
Medieval
For My Lady’s Heart
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
Another magnificent audiobook from the Kinsale/Boulton team, For My Lady’s Heart was a 2014 Audie finest. Caz has this to say, “Once again, Nicholas Boulton delivers a stellar performance on all counts. His command of the language is obvious and he not only reads the quotes from Chaucer most convincingly, but the archaic English words and expressions roll off his tongue effortlessly…”
The Bride
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
A beloved medieval romance, The Bride is considered Garwood’s best by most, earning #29 in AAR’s Top 100. A strong English heroine forced to marry a stern Scottish laird = fireworks ensue. Rosalyn Landor delivers each aspect of this funny, endearing romance delightfully, seamlessly switching between English and Scottish accents.
Never Seduce a Scot
Narrated by Kirsten Potter
Book 1 in the Montgomerys and Armstrongs series, Never Seduce a Scot was a 2013 Audies Finalist. Melinda tells us “I was surprised to learn that a book by Maya Banks, an author known to me for erotic romance, was nominated for an Audie. What I learned is that it is a medieval romantic suspense (really, it read just like a romantic suspense but was set in 1215), not erotic romance, and in spite of the title, tackles a serious subject and handles it with emotion and sensitivity.”
Time Travel
The Rose Garden
Narrated by Nicola Barber
Susanna Kearsley combines history and romance in an almost haunting manner. This time travel is set in present day and 1715 in Cornwall. Nicola Barber brings it all to life with her beautiful delivery.
A Knight in Shining Armor
Narrated by Steve West
Although the print version of A Knight in Shining Armor was originally released in 1989, it remains popular today ranking #37 on AAR’s Top 100. Simon & Schuster released the unabridged audio version in 2012 and romance listeners were introduced to Steve West. He’s simply a spectacular narrator reminding more than one of us of Nicholas Boulton (narrator of Laura Kinsale’s audios).
Kiss of the Highlander
Narrated by Phil Gigante
Book 4 in the Highlander series, this is the place to start if you are new to the series. Books 1 – 3 are charming enough but won’t convince you to stay with the series as strongly as Kiss of the Highlander will. This is a laugh-out-loud funny, fun audiobook performed perfectly by Phil Gigante.
Paranormal
The Perfect Poison
Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Sixth in the Amanda Quick’s related Arcane Society series, The Perfect Poison easily stands on its own. Featuring a private detective agency investigating paranormal crimes, hero Caleb is more surly than other Quick heroes and Anne Flosnik captures him perfectly, skillfully delivering the sexy witty repartee between our couple, elevating the listen above the written word.
Firelight
Narrated by Moira Quirk
Firelight includes a well done twist that keeps you guessing until the end. Moira Quirk’s flawless narration provides vivid personalities, wonderful accents, and distinctive voices for each character – male or female, boy or girl. A listening experience that draws you in from the opening scene, keeping your ears attuned throughout.
Soulless
Narrated by Emily Gray
Narrator Emily Gray is without equal in her delivery of Ms Carriger’s prose in Soulless. Set in an alternative Victorian England, Alexia Tarabotti is one of a kind amidst the accepted werewolves, vampires, and ghosts of this world. As this mystery with an HEA unfolds, you will have a superb (and laugh-out-loud) listening experience.
Now to dig in and discover some of these historical romance titles for yourself
Happy Historical Listening!
Lea Hensley
It’s Cyber Monday at Tantor Audio. All downloads $4.99 & the selection is huge! Only today – so don’s miss out! http://bit.ly/1tCPR7S
What a great guide!! Congratulations and thanks a million for this labor of love! Most of my favorite authors, titles and narrators are included and others I am more than willing to try. I tried to find Morning Glory after your review but it seems I will have to settle for the print version.
Please keep these amazing guides comig!
Thanks Bea!
Interesting list. I agree with most, but I strongly disagree with The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie’s designation as Hall of Fame. An amazing book with one of the WORST narrations EVER!…..well one women’s melody is another gal’s noise. :)
Thanks for all you do here at Audiogals….it’s appreciated!
.
Ahh Mel, we just followed the votes of praise we found all over the place for TMOLIM. I just happen to agree!
But I love how you put it, “one woman’s melody is another gal’s noise.” I have to use that!
Thank you for a great summary!
I do have a bit of an update….Crocodile on the Sandbank narrated by the marvelous Barbara R is definitely available on Audible. I just finished listening to it yesterday and bought it during one of their recent sales when the first two items in a series were specially priced. What a fun listen.
Lisa (or anyone else who knows) – could you please provide me an Audible link to Crocodile on the Sandbank narrated by Barbara Roseblat? I have searched and searched Audible this morning and can’t find one. I want to update our article. Thanks!
Hi, Lea,
Wow, I see from my link from my Audible library that it’s no longer available “in my country” which is the US. Very strange as I purchased on Oct. 12 along with the second book in the series.
Here is the link when I originally purchased that now says “not available”:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Crocodile-on-the-Sandbank-Audiobook/B002UZMZT2
Here is the second book in the series narrated by Barbara Rosenblat…also in my library: http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Curse-of-the-Pharaohs-Audiobook/B002V5IVFI
This reminds me of something that happened probably two years ago…I was going to purchase something on Audible and got the same message about not being available for sale in my country. I started a chat with a CSR who told me that they thought it was a mistake and to check back. Sure enough, I checked the next day, and the situation was resolved. Hopefully, this, too, is a technical glitch rather than a licensing situation because it’s a great listen.
I am always fascinated by what does and does not make it to these lists as what I love is not necessarily on everyone’s list. Sadly, while we continue with the current system of audiobook rights, those of us in places like Australia, will remain unable to listen. Especially frustrating is when books like Devil in Winter stubbornly remain unavailable while the remaining books are all in my library. Fortunately, several titles are available and soon to add to those such as Venetia and Sylvester in my library. To misquote a famous song, One day the world will read as one!
It’s sad that the reasons behind the geographical restrictions usually remain a guessing game for listeners. We keep hoping things will change when it’s probably stated somewhere in a contract and doubtful that anyone will actually make changes to said contract.
Sally, are you saying that Devil in Winter is the only Wallflower book unavailable in Australia? Or is Devil in Winter missing from your library’s inventory?
Sadly, Sally, you’re not alone, as we in the UK have the same problem. I bought a copy of Devil in Winter on mp3 CD, which is sometimes a useful alternative, but not always practical, or inexpensive when you take postage costs into account.
It’s something I bemoan regularly.