Our April 2020 Picks

It’s time for our monthly look at the new and upcoming releases the Gals are most looking forward to listening to over the next few weeks. As usual, we’ve got a mix of genres, authors and narrators – so hopefully there’s something here for everyone! Drop by to tell us what you think of our selections and to tell us yours – we’re always looking for ideas for future listens :)


The After Dark Collection by Lauren BlakelyThe After Dark Collection by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Elena Wolfe and Teddy Hamilton

Lauren Blakely audiobooks are always good value.  – Kaetrin

 

 

Dear Enemy by Kristen CallihanDear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

Narrated by Sebastian York & Maxine Mitchell

So excited for a new Kristen Callihan book! I’ve pre-ordered and can hardly wait.  – Kaetrin

 

 

Where the Lost Wander by Amy HarmonWhere the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

Narrated by Lauren Ezzo and Shaun Taylor-Corbett

I find Amy Harmon’s books simply mesmerizing and always fresh and thought provoking. Combine that with a historical Oregon Trail period listen, a much less explored setting for us historical romance lovers, and I simply cannot wait for Where the Lost Wander. Perhaps my single most anticipated audiobook in a month that is shaping up to be full of great listens! – BJ

I love everything Amy Harmon writes, so when I learned her latest novel would be a western historical romance set on the Oregon Trail, I was over the moon. I read a ton of romances set during this time. In fact, they were one of the subgenres that made me fall in love with romance novels. Harmon’s writing is always  lovely, so I’m sure she’ll bring this tumultuous time to vivid life. I’ve listened to Lauren Ezzo in the past and have enjoyed her narrations immensely. Shaun Taylor-Corbett is new to me, but my hopes are beyond high for this book. – Shannon

Deep in the Alaskan Woods by Karen HarperDeep in the Alaskan Woods by Karen Harper

Narrated by Courtney Patterson

I’m intrigued by the blurb, love the Alaskan setting so I’m giving it a go. – Kaetrin

 

 

Always Be My Banshee by Molly HarperAlways Be My Banshee by Molly Harper

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis

I’ve enjoyed both the witty storyline and great narration of prior Mystic Bayou books in the past, so I’m looking forward to the latest addition–and it’s an Audible Escape title to boot! –BJ

Well spotted BJ! I love Molly Harper books and I’m enjoying the dual narration in this series. Can’t wait.  ~ Kaetrin

Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris

Narrated by Davina Porter

Book fifteen in the Sebastian St. Cyr series, and it shows no sign of running out of steam! I read an advanced copy of this and it’s another well-constructed, twisty mystery, this time finding Sebastian searching for the truth behind the murder of a man already believed dead, and Davina Porter’s narration is sure to be excellent. – Caz

One of my all time favorite series that is made better by Porter’s brilliant interpretation. I’m trying to avoid any early reviews and spoilers and trying to wait patiently before I begin listening. No work commute – my preferred time to get my daily dose of St. Cyr and Hero – means less opportunity for me to listen to audio books. Looking forward to getting into this one! – Em

I love this series. Can’t wait for this one. – Kaetrin

Hard Work by BJ HarveyHard Work by BJ Harvey

Narrated by Teddy  Hamilton & Samantha Summers

I’ve not read this author before but it looks like a bit of fun and I do like a bit of Teddy Hamilton in my earbuds. – Kaetrin

 

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda JonesA Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

Narrated by Lorelei King

New Series Alert! Darynda Jones and Lorelei King, the famous Charley Davidson series duo are at it again in a new series! – BJ

 

First Comes Scandal by Julia QuinnFirst Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

The Bridgerton spin-off series continues, and although in general it hasn’t been as utterly divine as the original series, I have still enjoyed each one of the three prior books – BJ

The Rokesbys series continues with a marriage of convenience story between youngest son Nicholas and on-the-shelf Georgiana Bridgerton. I wasn’t wild about the previous book in this series, but the others have been reliable JQ fare, and Rosalyn Landor is sure to do her customary outstanding job with the narration. – Caz

It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

It’s in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

Book seven in the much loved Bridgerton series sees youngest sibling Hyacinth meeting her match when she agrees to translate an Italian diary, and it’s a lighthearted, well–written story with a sexy hero, a lively heroine, plenty of humor and a bit of grit beneath the fluff. I reviewed the old recording of this one back in 2013 (eeep!) – Caz

Truths I Never Told You by Kelly RimmerTruths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer

Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Piper Goodeve, and Jean Ann Douglas

This novel of complex relationships and dark family secrets looks right up my alley. The publisher is comparing it to the works of Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult, both of whom I absolutely love, so saying I’m excited is a bit of an understatement. I’m not overly familiar with any of the narrators listed, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for something great. – Shannon

Chosen Ones by Veronica RothChosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Narrated by Dakota Fanning and a full cast

Veronica Roth is well-known to readers of young adult fantasy, but Chosen Ones is her first novel marketed specifically towards adults. The synopsis intrigued me from the first time I read it toward the end of last year, and I’m so glad this book is finally available. It promises to be everything I love in a fantasy romance. Dakota Fanning is a phenomenal actress, and I’m curious to see how her skill will carry over into the audiobook arena. – Shannon

Wild at Heart by K.A. TuckerWild at Heart by K.A. Tucker

Narrated by Rebekkah Ross

Alaskan romances are definitely a hot trope at the moment, and one of the first that I read and loved, The Simple Wild by the amazing K.A. Tucker, has a sequel that I am sure to be listening to soon! – BJ

 

To Have and to Hoax by Martha WatersTo Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters

Narrated by Anais Inara Chase and Joel Leslie

I’m always on the look out for good historicals, and initial reports on this one, the story of a married couple engaged in a game of oneupmanship are good, so I’m in. I’m not familiar with Ms. Chase’s work – the samples I’ve listened to sound a bit underwhelming, to be honest –  but Joel Leslie’s name on the cover is enough to make me want to give it a try. – Caz

I thought this was delightful in print; the quick pacing and snappy dialogue seem well suited to audio.  Looking  forward to this one. – Em

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa WingateThe Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

Narrated by a full cast

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this richly-detailed historical novel in print, and I was completely engrossed from start to finish. Wingate brings to life a slice of American history I knew nothing about, so I’m eager for the audiobook world to embrace this book the way I did. The list of narrators is impressive, so a great listening experience is pretty much guaranteed. – Shannon

Counterpoint by Anna ZaboCounterpoint by Anna Zabo

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

Like Kaetrin, I really enjoyed Syncopation, the first book in the Twisted Wishes series, and can’t wait to listen to more. Greg Boudreaux’s narration is fabulous (natch!) and this story of a rock star who lives a double life sounds most intriguing! – Caz

I’m listening to Syncopation now and enjoying it and I read and loved Reverb (book three) last year. I’m very keen to listen to Greg Boudreaux’s dulcet tones reading me this one as well.  – Kaetrin