Some months, there are releases we’re ALL excited about, and others, our choices reflect the diversity of the tastes of our reviewers – and that’s certainly the case with our look at the recent and upcoming releases for August. Some of these are already available, some are coming later in the month, but in each case we’ve based our choices on our opinions of authors, narrators… and sometimes just gut instinct. What August releases have you enjoyed so far, or are you looking forward to listening to? Stop by and tell us in the comments.
The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne
Narrated by Derek Perkins
I have been enjoying this series after I was drawn to it by the first book (The Highwayman) winning an Audie earlier this year. With the same author narrator duo back for book 3, I definitely have The Highlander on my to-listen queue for August. – BJ
The first book in this series (The Highwayman) very deservedly won the Audie Award for the Best Romance this year. Strong storytelling and excellent narration have characterised the previous books, and I’m sure those will continue to be in evidence in The Highlander. – Caz
Sting by Sandra Brown
Narrated by Stephen Lang
I always look forward to Sandra Brown’s yearly romantic suspense title. In August, Ms. Brown releases Sting and with the return of narrator Stephen Lang (who did a good job of narrating last year’s release), Sting is definitely a title I want to experience in audio. – BJ
Risk by Dannika Dark
Narrated by Nicole Poole
A new book set in Dannika Dark’s mageri universe with narration by the fabulous Nicole Poole! This excites me on all kinds of levels. I’m counting the days until its release. – Shannon
Ultimate Courage by Piper J. Drake
Narrated by Daniel Thomas May and Kristin Kalbli
I love a good rescue story and this one could be catnip. Plus, dogs. – Kaetrin
It Ends with Us
by Colleen Hoover
Narrated by Olivia Song
I can’t wait to listen to It Ends with Us! Colleen Hoover always writes magical romances of deeply complex characters. Each one is unique and engrossing, making her one of my auto-buy authors. Additionally, AudioGals recently gave Olivia Song a B+ for a recent narration, so I’m ready to dig-in to the audio version of this title. – BJ
Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter
Narrated by Khristine Hvam
Faith Hunter has been on my radar for some time now, but I must admit to being a bit intimidated by the length of her Jane Yellowrock series. With Blood of the Earth, the first book in a brand-new series set in the same world as the Yellowrock books, Ms. Hunter is giving listeners a chance to start fresh, as it were. The synopsis is intriguing, and I’ve enjoyed Khristine Hvam’s narrations in the past, so I’m hoping for good things. – Shannon
My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly
Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
I’ll admit that the books I’ve read by this author haven’t wowed me, but I enjoy listening to Beverley A. Crick and the premise of this one – which has a touch of the My Fair Lady about it – sounds like it might be fun. – Caz
The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Narrator TBA
When I mentioned I love a good rescue story I wasn’t kidding. Wounded hero bodyguard, misunderstood heiress? Sign me up. – Kaetrin
Easy Kisses by Kristen Proby
Narrated by Sebastian York and Rachel Fulginiti
Both of these narrators have impressed me in the past – that’s enough to have me keen to listen to this one. – Kaetrin
Hitched by Kendall Ryan
Narrated by Ava Erickson and Teddy Hamilton
I reckon the modern day marriage of convenience trope is the “fake relationship” and I love a good marriage of convenience. – Kaetrin
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Narrated by Katie Shorr
One of my fellow reviewers at AAR positively raved about this RomCom between two co-workers and their antagonistic games of one-upmanship. I am not familiar with this narrator, but fingers crossed she can do the story justice. – Caz
Exiled by Jasinda Wilder
Narrated by Summer Roberts and Tyler Donne
I can’t wait to find out what will happen next to the mysterious Madame X. This edgy romance series isn’t for the faint of heart, but I adore it. Both Summer Roberts and Tyler Donne are extremely skilled narrators, so this ought to be a stellar listening experience all round. – Shannon
Those are our choices for the audiobooks we think are going to enjoy in August. How about you? What are you most looking forward to or have you enjoyed this month so far?
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@Caz – I’ve only heard good things about The Hating Game too. I was just about to beg Melinda for the audio when one of my friends told me she had a spare copy of the print book and is bringing it to me on the weekend. *happy dance* Hope the audio lives up to the print hype!
So many goodies! Decisions, decisions…
I’ve never heard of Piper Drake. The story looks good but the tipping point is the dogs!
I’ve read a few of her books and I always love the dogs! The stories have been promising but some have definitely been better than others. Apart from the dogs though, there is something about her voice which makes me want to keep trying her books because I think it’s only a matter of time before she hits one out of the park. And, those I have read/listened to haven’t been *bad* by any stretch so it’s all good. Plus: Dogs!! :D
Actually, I’ve only read one of Piper J. Drake’s books before – I was getting her confused with DD Ayres – but the rest of the comment holds true! :D
I’m listening to the Hating Game right now (read it and loved it last week) – the narrator is okay – I like her but she doesn’t do much for the hero’s voice.
Thanks for this list – I’ve been meaning to read The Highwayman – going to grab it in audio next
That’s always my first concern with an unknown narrator (the hero’s voice). But I’ve heard so many good things about the story, so here’s hoping!
Mandi, have you finished listening to The Hating Game? Any thoughts you’d wish to share with us? I listened to the Audible sample and have my doubts about the narrator. The voices of the hero and the heroine (falsetto? That’s the reason I can’t listen to some excellent historicals narrated by Simon Prebble) must be both done right, otherwise ,no matter how good the story, I can’t keep on listening.
I have it for review, Bea – although I haven’t had a chance to start it yet. I’ll try to listen as soon as I can.
That’s great, Caz! Everyone’s raving about this book and lately I haven’t been able to devote my time to reading. The moment I hit the bed at night with a book in my hands I fall asleep, I’m so tired from my day. So audiobooks have become very lifeline between commutes and household chores. Looking forward to your opinion about THG, Caz. Your reviews are always spot on. Have a great week!