Here’s our regular look at the recent and upcoming audiobook releases we’re most looking forward to listening to over the coming weeks. As usual, we’ve got a fairly eclectic mix of genres, written and performed by and authors and narrators we love, as well as some that are new to us – but if you think we’ve overlooked something, please let us know! Great listens are meant to be shared, and we’re always on the lookout for more!
Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert
Narrated by Iggy Toma
Annabeth Albert. Iggy Toma. Enough Said. – Caz
I listened to Arctic Sun recently and enjoyed it very much so I’m keen to try the next book in the series. – Kaetrin
Reasonable Doubt
by Gregory Ashe (released late May)
I’m completely hooked on the Hazard and Somerset series of mysteries, as much for the gritty, twisty storylines as for the complicated relationship between the two leads. This fifth book in the series sees Hazard and Somers at LAST settling (or trying to) into couple-dom while investigating the bizarre murder of the leader of a local cult. Tristan James did a great job in the previous books, so I’m pleased to see he’s back at the microphone for this latest instalment. – Caz
Fix Her Up
(Hot and Hammered #1) by Tessa Bailey
Narrated by Charlotte North
I’ve been circling around this novel for a while now (lots of good reviews from fellow reader friends). Tessa Bailey is a hit or miss author for me, but I like Charlotte North and I think this will nicely fill the hours I’m going to spend watching my boys at surf camp this summer. Light, sexy, possibly funny… a perfect beach listen. – Em
Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Christian Fox
I’ve had my fingers crossed that Teddy Hamilton and either Jacob Morgan or Christian Fox would be narrating this one and – yay! Reactions to the book that I’ve seen have been mixed, but that narration team is enough to have me keen to listen anyway! – Caz
Getting Played by Emma Chase
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber
My love for Emma Chase’s romances started with Tangled and I have been faithfully listening to each ever since. With Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber on board, the narration should also be a treat—BJ
This one looks like a lot fun and I enjoy both narrators so it’s a yes from me as well. – Kaetrin
Protect the Prince
by Jennifer Estep
Narrated by Lauren Fontang
This one is technically a July release (July 2nd) but after Kill the Queen, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Crown of Shards series!—BJ
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Narrated by Blair Brown
The blurb for this historical fiction title caught my eye: the author of Eat, Pray, Love returns with a novel about female sexuality told from the perspective of an older woman as she looks back on her youth, including a love story set in the New York City theater world during the 1940s.- BJ
I haven’t read Ms. Gilbert’s previous books, but the synopsis of City of Girls caught my eye. It’s set in the 1940’s, but rather than focusing on the second world war, this novel revolves around a small, struggling theater and those who spend time there. It looks to be filled with fantastic historical detail, strong female friendships, and even a touch of romance. I’ve never listened to Blair Brown, but I’m hoping for good things both from her and this novel as a whole. – Shannon
The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
The news that Alexis Hall and Nicholas Boulton would be collaborating again is all I need to know to make this a “must-listen” for June. – Caz
I received an early ARC of this novel and kept pushing it further and further back in my TBR pile knowing I didn’t have the time or attention to savor it. Alexis Hall is my favorite contemporary romance writer – but his books are sly and tricky and clever and smart – and all the great words I can think of – and I like to give myself lots of time to enjoy them. When I learned that Mr. Boulton was narrating this queer, odd ode to Sherlock Holmes my decision to hold off reading it felt fortuitous. Looking forward to it immensely. – Em
Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries
Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
I’ve enjoyed many of Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romances and like the sound of this first book in her latest series; a stuffy duke helping his mother to school a “spirited, unfashionable” young woman for her début. Beverley A. Crick is a favourite narrator of mine and is sure to deliver an enjoyable performance. – Caz
The Orphan’s Song by Lauren Kate
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
Lauren Kate is making her historical fiction debut with The Orphan’s Song, a love story set in 18-century Venice. I’m beyond excited to listen to this one, since it features opera singers and a mysterious building known as The Hospital of the Incurables. Plus, Cassandra Campbell is narrating, so I’m pretty sure listeners can expect greatness. – Shannon
Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
I’m always up for books featuring musicians, and I’m enjoying Roan Parrish’s Riven series, so this one is another shoe-in. Plus – Greg Boudreaux. No brainer! – Caz
When I read this novel I had big plans for a long and thoughtful review of all the reasons I liked it…and I never wrote it. Great story + talented author + terrific narrator = good stuff. – Em
Plus one from me! – Kaetrin
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Narrated by Ari Gaynor and Beth Malone
I’ve been a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner’s books for the past fifteen years or more, so it should come as no surprise that I’m super excited about her latest release. The novel traces the lives of two very different sisters, starting in the 1950’s up until the present. I’m not familiar with either of the narrators listed above, but audible sound samples sound promising. – Shannon
The Summer Country by Lauren Willig
Narrated by Nicola Barber
The Summer Country is a sweeping historical novel set in 19-century Barbados. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this masterpiece in print, and I can’t wait for fans of historical fiction with strong romantic elements to fall in love with Ms. Willig’s latest creation. I’ve listened to and enjoyed a few of Nicola Barber’s narrations in the past, so I’ confident in her ability to bring this book to vivid life. – Shannon
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
Narrated by Rachel L. Jacobs
I’ve heard so much buzz about this book. Plus, who doesn’t love Tom Hanks?? – Kaetrin
Nalini Singh’s Wolf Rain