So here we are, at the middle of another January, and we’re back with our regular Monthly Picks feature, wherein we scour the new/coming soon releases lists and pick the titles we think are mostly likely to provide us – and you, dear reader – with the best romance listening over the coming weeks. As always, we’ve got a mixture of the familiar and the not-so familiar when it comes to authors and narrators, but whatever the case, we hope you’ll find something here to make your ears happy!
Cascade Hunger by Gregory Ashe
Narrated by Declan Winters
This follow up to Stray Fears finds Eli and Dag drawn into another supernatural murder mystery in which it seems as though the evil Hashok has returned. Or has it? Edge-of-your-seat suspense, magical tricksters, evil spirits and two basically sweet guys who just want to work out how to be together… I loved Cascade Hunger when I read it and am looking forward to experiencing it again in audio. Declan Winters is getting better and better and is fast becoming a favourite narrator. – Caz
The Girl in the Mist by Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Hillary Huber
Yes, a new KA title! I’m not familiar with the narrator but am intrigued by the plot, so will no doubt be listening to The Girl in the Mist sometime soon! – BJ
It’s billed as a romantic thriller so I’m banking on a HEA. It’s Kristen Ashley and there are likely to be (possibly multiple) kidnappings. Need I say more? – Kaetrin
The Best Men by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan
I haven’t had much luck with Lauren Blakely’s books since Mister O and Big Rock, but Sarina Bowen is a different matter. Her involvement plus that of Messers Hamilton and Morgan means I’m seriously thinking about giving this one a try. – Caz
I’m not always blown away by Lauren Blakely but she’s usually reliable enough. Sarina Bowen usually works for me better and this narrating pair makes this book a must listen. – Kaetrin
Crash Site by Rachel Grant
Narrated by Eva Kaminsky, A.T Chandler & Nicola Lambo
This one is a sequel to Dangerous Ground (which Kaetrin reviewed HERE), and finds archaeologist Fiona Carver on a seemingly dream job on a private Caribbean island – when a helicopter crash sets a train of events in motion that lead to her and photographer working together to find out who is being targeted and why. The romance in the previous book was left unresolved (not even an HFN) so here’s hoping for some progression here! – Caz
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
Nicholas Boulton narrating Alexis Hall?? YES PLEASE! It’s been a long time since they collaborated on the outstanding Glitterland so this reunion is long overdue! The blurb describes Something Fabulous as “a delightfully witty romance featuring a reserved duke who’s betrothed to one twin and hopelessly enamoured of the other” . I. Can’t. Wait. – . Caz
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Narrated by Brittany Pressley and Ryan West
Colleen Hoover’s books are an auto-buy for me. I have yet to listen to one that doesn’t hit the right spot with its thought provoking plots and angst filled romance stories which end in a HEA. – BJ
The Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland
Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Ardnt
I’m a big fan of Vi Keeland’s romances and Sebastian York’s and Andi Ardnt’s narrations so I feel like I hit the trifecta when I read the blurb for The Summer Proposal! But it gets better than that, as I’m also a huge fan of sports romances and the hero in this book is a star hockey player! – BJ
His Compass by Con Riley
Narrated by Cornell Collins
His Compass is a beautifully written, emotionally charged May/December romance and I adored it when I read it last year. Cornell Collins is an excellent narrator, so I’m looking forward to listening to it and loving the story all over again. – Caz
Night Prince by Felice Stevens
Narrated by Kale Williams
Felice Stevens and Kale Williams have produced a number of winners (see our lists of Top Rated reviews of 2021!) so even though vampires aren’t normally my thing, I’m eager to get my teeth into (see what I did there?) this story of the ages old vamp falling for a wise-talking New Yorker – Caz
Other New and Upcoming Releases:
I’m really looking forward to Something Fabulous!
Crash Site is KU with audiobook included when you borrow it here in the US, so yay!
Night Prince looks intriguing, but I think I’ll wait and see if you review it. I’m curious to see how Felice Stevens will be with world building.
The Best Men has potential. I have the prequel novella, Super-hot Wingman on my kindle.
I’m interested in M.M. Crane’s Bold Fortune, and I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to Andi Arndt in the past and at least thought she was ok. So I’m going to check that one out when the audiobook is released and see if there is a whispersync deal available.
I’m still catching upon books out in 2021 (and before), so there’s that to keep me busy!
I read the Hall over the weekend (just uploaded my AAR review) – it’s bonkers but a lot of fun and Nicholas Boulton is sure to be awesome!
Andi Arndt is one of the few female narrators I’ll listen to these days – I haven’t listened to her often, but when I have I’ve enjoyed her performances.
I’m on the fence about The Best Men; the last few LB m/ms have been horrible, but maybe with SB on board, this one might be better.