The Gals’ monthly picks represent our best bets based on author, narrator, and possibly personal knowledge or print reviews of the story content. Or maybe it’s just a gut feeling…
Our monthly picks are late…again. There’s a lot to look forward to this month!
The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale
Narrated by Nicholas Boulton
All three gals discussed The Prince of Midnight earlier this month. We all agree it’s an A+ for narration and A- for book content.
Three Gals Talking: Laura Kinsale’s The Prince of Midnight
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
Narrated by Karen White
All three Gals are looking forward to Julie James’ second print release and her last title to make it to audio format. Practice Makes Perfect is Lea’s favorite of James’ titles and it’s responsible for moving Ms. James to her favorite contemporary author list.
Material Girl by Julia London
Narrated by Natalie Ross
Lea has been wishing for Material Girl and Beauty Queen, the 1st and 2nd entries in The Fancy Lives of the Lear Sisters trilogy, since their print release in 2003 and 2004. Beauty Queen is slated for audio release in June – both are narrated by Natalie Ross – a favorite with the Gals. Lea is ecstatic to see Material Girl‘s release this month and Brenda is looking forward to it as well with Natalie Ross and it’s contemporary romance sub-genre as her reasons.
Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
Narrated by Johanna Parker
Both Brenda and Lea are looking forward to Dead Ever After but not the fact that the series is ending. It’s been a great ride and one we’ll relisten to.
Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Renee Raudman
The highly anticipated release we were afraid wasn’t going to make it to audio with Renee Raudman as narrator. But as you can see – all’s safe. The 4th in The Edge series, Steel’s Edge is a top May Pick for Brenda but Lea is looking forward to it as well although she needs to catch up with the series before listening.
Tempted by Elizabeth Naaughton
Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley
Eternal Guardians Series
Both Lea and Brenda have been wanting to listen to an Elizabeth Wiley narration since we heard her delightful comments during the Virginia Book Festival romance panel discussion, Falling Headphones Over Heels. We’ve heard good things about Naughton’s writing plus Brenda loved another of her titles, Stolen Fury, a few years back and has high hopes for her paranormals.
Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James
Narrated by Susan Duerden
Lea’s choice for three reasons – Eloisa James, Susan Duerden, and Harper Audio. Should spell quality.
Forever by Jacquelyn Frank
Narrated by Xe Sands
Brenda is choosing Forever because Xe Sands is narrating. Her voice takes an author she’s not crazy about and makes her books worth listening to – with judicious skipping. ;)
Before the Larkspur Blooms by Caroline Fyffe
Narrated by Patrick Lawlor
Lea is looking forward to this one after loving an earlier Fyffe audio, Where the Wind Blows. However, it was narrated by Phil Gigante and she prefers Gigante over Lawlor any day of the week. Still it’s great old Western writing.
Kiss of the Demon King by Kresley Coley
Narrated by Robert Petkoff
Brenda’s pick – Petkoff’s narration skills are amazing.
Unleashed by Sara Humphries
Narrated by Arika Rapson
Brenda is ready to roll the dice on a new author/narrator combo.
Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
Narrated by Angela Dawe
Brenda is choosing out of habit. Garwood has been an auto buy for more years than she can remember and she continues to hold out hope that her magic will strike again. If not, they are easy reads/listens.
Untraceable by Laura Griffin
Narrated by Talmadge Ragan
Brenda has been interested in trying more from this author since reading her free Kindle novella, Surrender at Dawn. She’s hoping her full length romantic suspense holds to the promise she found in that novella. She hasn’t listened to narrator Talmadge Ragan but she has some experience so here’s hoping she clicks.
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood
Narrated by Susan Duerden
Brenda is looking forward to Julie Garwood’s Guardian Angel after really enjoying The Lion’s Lady with the same author/narrator combo.
Playing Possum by Charlaine Harris
Narrated by Angela Dawe, Natalie Ross, Amanda Ronconi, & Nicola Barber
Playing Possum brings 4 Charlaine Harris novellas (that are already in audio in separate anthologies) together in one volume. Unfortunately Johanna Parker doesn’t narrate but with four accomplished narrators doing the honors, Brenda wants to listen to the two Sookie Stackhouse shorts and the two Dahlia shorts. Lea thinks she’ll be listening as well, die hard Sookie fan that she is.
Narrated by Tanya Eby
Shades of Gray by Kay Hooper
Narrated by Tanya Eby
Brenda believes this is a book title Hooper has first rights to with the original 1988 release date of the Loveswept version. With Tanya Eby narrating, she may give it a try for old times sake.