Our December 2020 Picks

Welcome to our final Picks of 2020! As usual, the Gals have trawled through the new and upcoming release lists to pick out the titles we think are going to provide this month’s best listens, although as we found in November, it’s fairly slim pickings. Still, we’ve got a good mix here of favourite authors and narrators, so hopefully you’ll find something here to give you some ideas for your future listening pleasure.

Thanks for spending time with us over what’s been an unusual and trying year. We appreciate your questions and comments – and we’re always glad to know when we’ve helped you to find some great listens (and avoid the not-so-great ones!). We’ll be sharing a list of our favourite audiobooks of 2020 very soon and look forward to chatting with  you about yours!

Right Move by A.M. Arthur

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

I’m still catching up with the Clean Slate Ranch series, but have really enjoyed the stories I’ve listened to so far, and I hope this – billed as a sexy, slow-burn romance between a cowboy and a former skating star – will be no exception. Plus, Greg Boudreaux – nuff sed. – Caz

Dream Chaser by Kristen Ashley

Narrated by Susannah Jones

A new Kristen Ashley and Susannah Jones title (the author/narrator combo of the Rock Chick Series)!  Need I say more!  Though I must admit that the first book in this series, Dream Maker, was not one of my favorite KA titles, she’s written so many fabulous books/series (the Dream Man, Rock Chick, and Colorado Mountain series being my top favorites) that I will definitely be listening to Dream Chaser soon. – BJ

I’m keen to get my hands on this one too! – Kaetrin

Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase

Narrated by Kate Reading

Another power writer/narrator combo – in this case, in the Historical Romance genre – is releasing their latest creation this December and I for one can’t wait to listen to it! – BJ

I read and reviewed this one in print and it’s easily the best historical romance of 2020. Kate Reading’s superb way with Loretta Chase’s deadpan humour is always a highlight and I can’t wait to get stuck into the audio version! – Caz

I always enjoy narrations by Kate Reading and I’ve heard great things about this book so I’m very keen to listen. – Kaetrin

What could be better than a new Loretta Chase narrated by the incomparable Kate Reading? These two always give me that warm fuzzy feeling inside! – Shannon

Captial Wolves Duet by Joanna Chambers

Narrated by Hamish McKinlay

I read both books (Gentleman Wolf and Master Wolf) when they came out and loved them, so I was delighted when the author announced she was making them available in audio format using the narrator who did such great work on her Enlightenment series. In Edinburgh in 1788, elegant werewolf Lindsay Sommerville meets architect Drew Nichol and is instantly smitten – but the course of true love never does run true, and their relationship develops across both books (so you need to listen to both to get to the HEA!). The story is angsty and dark and terrific, and the narration is sure to be top-notch. – Caz

I’m a big fan of Joanna Chambers and have heard from people in the know that the narration is superb. – Kaetrin

The Vow by Dannika Dark 

Narrated by Nicole Poole

I’m super excited about Dannika Dark and Nicole Poole’s The Vow, the first in the Black Arrowhead Series! Their Seven series is one of my all-time favorite PNR/UF Series, and I’m hoping this will become a new favorite. – BJ

It’s hard to top Dannika Dark and Nicole Poole when it comes to paranormal romance and/or urban fantasy. The Vow, first in Dark’s new Black Arrowhead series, looks right up my alley, and I can’t wait to get sucked in. – Shannon

Layla by Colleen Hoover

Narrated by Brian Pallino

Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite romance writers. Her stories always engage me on an emotional level and are incredibly unique in their plotlines. And this may well be one of her most unique stories yet as it also appears to have a thriller (in fact, Audible has classified this as a Literature/Horror title), so I for one can’t wait to listen to uncover Ms. Hoover’s latest creation! – BJ

I admit I’ve never read/listened to anything by this author, and that this one caught my eye because I love the late Brian Pallino’s voice. Then I read the synopsis and have decided to give it a go! – Caz

I loved Ms. Hoover’s Verity earlier this year, and so, I’m making an effort to read more of her work. Layla looks so unique, a little creepy, and utterly captivating. The narrator is new to me, but I’m crossing my fingers for great things. – Shannon

The Empress by Laura Martínez-Belli (Simon Bruni – translator)

Narrated by Yareli Arizmendi

Both the writer and narrator are new to me, but I enjoy mixing up the genres I listen to with a good historical fiction title every once in a while, so the blurb of The Empress caught my eye. As an added bonus, this historical fiction title has a forbidden romance and royalty theme to boot! – BJ

Like B.J., I’m new to both this author and narrator, but historical fiction is one of my very favorite genres, especially when it deals with royalty. I definitelyplan to pick this one up as soon as I can. – Shannon

The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings by Lily Morton

Narrated by Joel Leslie

This one came out at the end of November, but in case you missed it… From another favourite author/narrator combination, The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings (reviewed HERE) is an atmospheric ghost story combined with a lovely slow-burn romance wrapped up in a wonderful performance. – Caz