Our September 2016 Picks

Here’s our regular look at the month’s new and upcoming releases. 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 September releases have you enjoyed so far, or are you looking forward to listening to? Stop by and tell us in the comments.

 

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

Narrated by Carmen Rose

I absolutely love the blurb for Do You Want to Start a Scandal! Combining two of my favorite romance sub-genres (mystery/suspense and historical romance), this book sounds like a historical romance with a game of Clue mixed in. I can’t wait to begin listening to put my sleuthing skills to the test! – BJ

A Spindle Cove/Castles Ever After Crossover!  I haven’t been wild about Ms. Dare’s last couple of books, but I’m looking forward to this one, in which the youngest Highwood sister gets her man. I can’t help wishing Carolyn Morris was narrating, but I do like the way Ms. Rose voices her heroes, and in spite of her oft-mentioned vocal quirks, she’s a reliable narrator, so I’m nonetheless looking forward to listening. – Caz

Fans of fun, quirky historical romances will be delighted to see another book by Tessa Dare coming out at the end of September. I love the banter between her leads, and narrator Carmen Rose is sure to bring the book to life expertly. – Shannon

 

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

Having re-released the authors Simply Quartet, Tantor is following up with the Slightly series of books about the Bedwyn family. This first tale features my favourite romance trope – the marriage of convenience – so I am looking forward to an enjoyable story. And with Rosalyn Landor once more narrating, I know a good listen is guaranteed. – Caz

 

Well Hung by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Sebastian York

I enjoyed Big Rock and I’m just about to start Mister O. Between the author and narrator, I’m sure I’ll enjoy Well Hung too. Plus: great title, no? ;-) – Kaetrin

I’m with Kaetrin on this one: (1) excellent chance of perfect narration; (2) predictably enjoyable author; (3) title promises pleasure and satisfaction. Auto Buy! – Melinda

 

 

Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton & Nina Bocci

Narrated by Randi Geddens

When a well known romance book publicist teams up with one of the best contemporary romance/women’s fiction writers of the day to write her debut novel, romance enthusiasts take note. This September Nina Bocci & Alice Clayton are releasing Roman Crazy and, even though I’m not familiar with the narrator Randi Geddens, I will definitely be standing in line to get a listen when this unique collaboration is released. – BJ

I’ve been a fan of Alice Clayton’s novels for a while, so I’m looking forward to this one (although I do wonder why authors collaborate on writing a book?). And I don’t know this narrator – unless it’s a pseudonym, this is a debut narration. So – guardedly optimistic, based on enjoying previous Alice Clayton books. – Melinda

 

Dark Horse by Michelle Diener

Narrated by Christina Delaine

This first book in Michelle Diener’s Class 5 series, has gotten really great reviews in print. I’m really pleased to see that it’s finally been released in audio. I’m not familiar with this narrator, but I’m hoping for good things. – Shannon

 

 

 

The Ballroom by Anna Hope

Narrated by Daniel Weyman

Set in Yorkshire in 1911, this story takes place in a mental asylum and tells of two inmates – John and Ella – who meet at the dance held in the impressive ballroom every Friday evening. I’m always on the lookout for historical fiction in an interesting setting, and early reviews indicate The Ballroom definitely falls into that category.  I’m not familiar with the narrator, but the story intrigues me sufficiently to want to give the audiobook a try. – Caz

 

Bossman by Vi Keeland

Narrated by Joe Arden & Maxine Mitchell

This was released in ebook format this past July and has gained quite the buzz in the contemporary romance community and good ratings (with a 4.31 average and over 13K ratings on Goodreads). Add in Narrators Joe Arden & Maxine Mitchell who are narrators I have had good experiences with in the past, and this September audiobook release is one I definitely don’t want to miss. – BJ

 

Bad Judgment by Meghan March

Narrated by TBA UPDATE: Andi Arndt and Sebastian York

This one looks like fun. Reluctant tutor and a bad boy – here’s hoping the narrator (or narrators) are good! – Kaetrin

 

 

 

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Narrated by Elizabeth Evans

Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series is hugely popular. I’m sure this fifth installment will please listeners immensely. It’s a long audiobook, just over 25 hours, but narrator Elizabeth Evans is definitely up to the challenge. – Shannon

 

 

 

Apprentice in Death by JD Robb

Narrated by Susan Ericksen

I always look forward to new JD Robb releases. I can’t get enough of Eve and Roarke and Susan Ericksen always hits it out of the park with this series. – Kaetrin

 

 

 

The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

Narrated by Karen White

Admittedly, it’s a little early to think about winter and Christmas and Mistletoe, but when you live in the deep South (US), where summer temps tend to stick around until mid-December, I think a cool contemporary romance by one of my favorite author/narrator teams might be just the thing. Plus, the blurb mentions puppies. Enough said. – Melinda

 

So that’s what we’re looking forward to in September.  How about you?

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