Our January 2021 Picks

Kicking off our first Monthly Picks of 2021, and we’ve got a great mix of current and upcoming titles for your consideration in January, from historical fiction to romantic suspense; mysteries to contemporary romance. As usual, we’ve used our best, tried and tested scientific methods (!) to come up with this list (yeah, so okay, it’s all down to whether we like the narrators and/or authors!), so hopefully there’s something here for everyone :)

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Meet Me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft

Narrated by Aysha Kala

Both Jenny Ashcroft and Aysha Kala are new to me, but the synopsis for Meet Me in Bombay looks fascinating enough to make me take a chance. It’s set in 1913 Bombay, a time and a setting we don’t see very often in fiction. It looks like exactly the kind of sweeping romantic saga I love so much, so I’ll definitely be grabbing it as soon as it comes out. – Shannon

They Told Me I Was Everything by Gregory Ashe

Narrated by J.F. Harding 

My review for this has already run, but I couldn’t not include it in this list because it’s an absolutely fantastic listen! The mystery is clever, the characters are compelling and J.F Harding nails Every Single Thing about the narration. This is not to be missed. – Caz 

A Friend in the Dark by Gregory Ashe and C.S. Poe

Narrated by Garrett Kiesel

I read this one when it came out last summer, and enjoyed it very much. It’s the first collaboration between these two writers (and the first in a four-book series), and while the mystery is a bit less complex than I’m used to from Mr. Ashe, the central characters are engaging, and there’s plenty of action, banter and sexual tension. Garrett Kiesel is a new-to-me narrator, but fingers crossed he can do the material justice. – Caz

Roommate by Sarina Bowen

Narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Stephen Dexter

Having recently discovered the Him Series in my Audible Escape final chapter before the program’s discontinuation – and having thoroughly enjoyed it, and even though I’m a novice at listening to M/M romance , I’m looking forward to Roommate. The fact that Teddy Hamilton is one of the narrators is an added bonus! – BJ

It’s Sarina Bowen and Teddy Hamilton; that’s enough for me! Stephen Dexter is new-to-me so I’m crossing my fingers he can hold his own in such exalted company! – Caz

I have no experience with Stephen Dexter as narrator but have heard good things and of course, Teddy Hamilton! With this combination and this author how could I go wrong? – Kaetrin

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant

Narrated by Jordan Cobb

Happily Ever Afters looks utterly delightful. It’s a young adult rom/com with an African-American heroine. It’s gotten a great deal of positive buzz in the months leading up to its publication, and I freely admit to having preordered it as soon as it became available on audible. Jordan Cobb isn’t a narrator I’m familiar with, but the audio sample sounds more than promising. – Shannon

Find me in Havana by Serena Burdick

Narrated by Marisol Ramirez and Frankie Corzo

I love it when a good book can take me away to a new place and time and when you mix in a bit of mystery, I think this historical fiction title has a chance to be my breath of fresh air for my January listens.  – BJ

 

Managed by Kristen Callihan

Narrated by Rupert Channing and Charlotte North

I have had this book on my TBR for ages so I’m extra delighted it’s coming out on audio. I’ll actually get to it this time! Charlotte North  has really impressed me recently, so this was an easy choice. – Kaetrin

 

Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner

Narrated by Hillary Huber

Lisa Gardner got her start writing romance, and even though her recent books feel more like mysteries than love stories, I still find myself intrigued by the way she creates complex relationships that feel incredibly authentic and relatable. Before She Disappeared is Gardner’s first stand alone novel in twenty years, and I couldn’t be more excited for it. Hillary Huber is one of my very favorite narrators, so I’m expecting all manner of greatness. – Shannon

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Narrated by Emily Shaffer, Kirby Heyborne, and Lauren Fortgang

I’m always on the hunt for new takes on Jane Eyre, and The Wife Upstairs looks amazing. Imagine Jane as a down-on-her-luck pet sitter with a penchant for stealing her client’s valuables. I’m super intrigued, and the stellar team of narrators listed for this novel make me all the more eager to give it a listen. – Shannon

Crossing the Touchline by Jay Hogan

Narrated by Gary Furlong

The second book in Jay Hogan’s Auckland Med. series, this is an angsty, rollercoaster ride of a romance between a closeted rugby player and an out and proud ER nurse. I’ve listened to it  already (couldn’t put it down!) and Gary Furlong does an incredible job with the narration. – Caz

(Note – this title is not YET available from Audible (although it will be) – but can currently be purchased from Author’s Direct, Apple Books, Google Play, Audiobooks.com and other vendors.)

The Invitation by Vi Keeland

Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt

I’m a huge fan of Vi Keeland’s writing and the narrating duo of Sebastian York and Andi Ardnt are two of my favorite contemporary romance narrators, so I’m looking forward to listening to The Invitation. – BJ

 

Rescue Me by Sarra Manning – narrated Owen Findlay and Heather Duff

I have had great experience with Sarra Manning books in the past and this one involves a dog so that was enough to hook me. – Kaetrin

(Note: Geo-restricted – not available in the US yet.)

 

The Home They Built by Shannon Stacey

Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov

I listened to the first book and read the second – I really need to know what happens with the third couple! – Kaetrin

 

Driven by Rebecca Zanetti

Narrated by Roger Wayne

I’ve been enjoying this series, and looking forward to this book, which puts the enigmatic Angus Force front and centre. Roger Wayne’s narration has been excellent throughout and he’s what’s kept me coming back for more. – Caz

– Caz