Our March 2015 Picks

Which audiobooks are you excited about this month? Here are a few titles we feel are good bets based on authors, narrators, personal knowledge, reviews of story content – and sometimes, just on gut instinct.

 

Prudence – by Gail Carriger

Narrated by Moira Quirk

I enjoy both Ms Carriger and Ms Quirk ‘s work – this title has to be another winner. I’d advise letting time go by before jumping between this author’s series. The change of narrator from Emily Gray (Parasol Protectorate series) to Moira Quirk (with subsequent titles) can be startling. Both narrators are skilled and a joy to listen to while bringing their own vision and character voices to any cross over characters  – Brenda 

Excuse me while I go all fangirl here: SQUUEEEE!!! I LOVE the combo of Carriger and Quirk; they go together like tea and crumpets! Carriger’s writes spectacularly and Quirk’s performs each word like a maestro. I. Cannot. Wait. – Diana

Gail Carriger, a master of Victorian paranormal with a touch of steampunk, returns with a sequel series (following her charming Parasol Protectorate). Prudence is the daughter of the soulless Alexia Tarabotti and werewolf Lord Maccon, and has her own unique powers that are sure to make this an exciting start to the new Custard Protocol series – Victoria

Prudence is a sure-to-be hit with Gail Carriger’s popularity and Moira Quirk’s fabulous narration. Moira proved this well-made match with her narration of Carriger’s Finishing School series which carries high ratings at Audible. Each brings fans to the table – Lea

 

A Stone in the Sea – by AL Jackson

Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York.

Lea put me on to this book and I’ve been meaning to try a Sebastian York narration for ages. I like rock star heroes and this one sounds fun – Kaetrin

Okay – I’ve already listened and I was completely impressed with the narration and the rock star aspect which is especially well done  – Lea

 

Mistress of Rome – by Kate Quinn

Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley

I love historical fiction. The plot and setting sound amazing. The narrator isn’t someone I’ve listened to before, but the Audible sample sounds promising – Shannon

I know nothing about Kate Quinn’s writing abilities other than her plentiful better-than-average ratings at Goodreads. But with those ratings, this unique storyline, and Elizabeth Wiley’s narration skills, I’m betting this one will be an above average listen – Lea 

 

Need You for Keeps – by Marina Adair

Narrated by Renee Raudman

This choice is because Renee is narrating and I want to experience her with an author who (although established) I’m not familiar with. – Brenda

I’m with Brenda here – Renee Raudman lifts the entertainment level of any book. I’ll be trying – Lea

 

Confess – by Colleen Hoover

Narrated by Sebastian York and Elizabeth Louise

With a fantastic cast of narrators, the very sexy Sebastian York and the talented Elizabeth Louise, plus one of the most creative New Adult authors in the market, Confess is an audiobook that I definitely don’t want to miss. It’s not often that I get a chance to listen to an audiobook that is not part of a series that is produced in collaboration with an author/narrator(s) that I know and trust, so this is a special treat – BJ

 

The Unleashing – by Shelly Laurenston

Narrated by Johanna Parker

Shelley Larenston’s books always make me laugh. With the skilled narration abilities of Johanna Parker (I can count on her to catch and deliver the humor), it’s a title to look forward to – Brenda

 

 

 

The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire – by Molly Harper

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

I can say Ditto to my Laurenston/Parker comments here. Some off-the-wall humor and a narrator who gets it adds up to a fun listen – Brenda

 

 

 

Bright Side by Kim Holden

Narrated by Lidia Dornet and Roger Wayne

Although I am not familiar with these narrators, for a relatively new author (she has one other title to her name), the eBook format of Bright Side garnered a very impressive following on Goodreads (with a spectacular rating of 4.56 out of 6181 votes!), including a number of other reviewers that I know and follow. So I am definitely intrigued and looking forward to listening to this one – BJ

 

His Wicked Reputation – by Madeline Hunter

Narrated by Mary Jane Wells

This is the first in a new series from Ms Hunter featuring three ducal brothers, and the synopsis for this – an irresistible hero investigating an art theft meets a spinster with an artistic bent reduced to copying paintings in order to provide for her and her sister – sounds really intriguing. Add to that Mary Jane Wells’ narration (who has quickly become a firm favorite), and I’m looking forward to an entertaining listen – Caz

 

Girl Underwater – by Claire Kells

Narrated by Julia Whelan

This is an example of the narrator leading me to a book. Ms. Whelan is a favourite narrator and so I took a look at the blurb – a guy and a girl stranded with three children after a plane crash. Sounds exciting and interesting – Kaetrin

 

 

Escorted – by Claire Kent

Narrated by Simone Lewis

I’ve heard great things about this book and the sample of the narration I tried was very promising. Male escort falls for a client. What could go wrong? – Kaetrin

 

 

 

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose

Narrated by Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross

In the spirit of something different and unique, this book sounds amazing! A mix of historical and paranormal romance set in 1890s Belle Epoque Paris making for what I hope to be a decadently, haunting romantic tale! And the narration… oh my, it’s Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross promising a magical performance! – BJ

 

 

The Shadows by J.R. Ward

Narrated by Jim Frangione

A great, addicting paranormal series with the narrator that Megan says “owns” the Black Dagger Brotherhood! – Melinda

 

 

 

Happy Listening!

 

Lea Hensley