Our February 2018 Picks

Given we all have such diverse tastes, it’s a rare occurrence when the Gals all highlight one particular audiobook as one we’re ALL looking forward to – but the release of the next book in Lisa Kleypas’ current Ravenels series, Hello Stranger, is a big draw for all of us, who are fans of either author, narrator, Mary Jane Wells, or both! And last month’s announcement by Lauren Blakely that Richard Armitage… let’s take a deep breath and say that again, shall we? Richard. Armitage. – is co-narrating her Audible Original release, Wanderlust, causing much celebration behind the scenes here! In fact, lots of our favourite narrators feature in new releases this month – Alex Wyndham, Moira Quirk, Derek Perkins, Andi Arndt, Sebastian York, Ashford McNab, Zachary Webber – to name but a few. Have a look through our bumper crop of picks and let us know what YOU’RE looking forward to listening to in February in the comments!

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Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by Mary Jane Wells

I’m looking forward to listening to the fourth installment in The Ravenels series. I have enjoyed both the story and narration of the prior books in this series, so it’s at the top of my TBL. – BJ

I’ve been a bit lukewarm about this latest series from Lisa Kleypas – but I’ve enjoyed the audiobooks courtesy of the terrific performances by Mary Jane Wells. This latest instalment features Garrett Gibson, the no-nonsense female doctor we’ve met in previous instalments, and she’s paired with former Scotland Yard detective Ethan Ramson, in what sounds to be an intriguing plot. Count me in.  – Caz

*grabby hands*  that is all. – Kaetrin

I’m a little ashamed to admit I’m late to the Lisa Kleypas party. She’s one of those authors I keep meaning to check out, but then I get distracted by other books and never actually pick up one of her books. Hello Stranger, book 4 in her Ravenels series, looks like the perfect book to acquaint me with her writing style. I’m usually a stickler for reading series in order, but this romance featuring a doctor heroine just might get me to break my own rule. – Shannon

Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

Narrated by Richard Armitage and Grace Grant

Like Kaetrin, I was gobsmacked to learn Richard Armitage is branching out into narrating romance novels! I’m not a big fan of contemporaries, but I can’t resist the idea of listening to him getting to grips with some serious wooing! – Caz

RICHARD ARMITAGE. Enough said.  (Bonus: available in the #AudibleRomance package) – Kaetrin

I can’t believe they have new releases in Audible Romance! *Added*! – Melinda

The A Charm of Magpies series (multiple books) by KJ Charles  (These came out at the end of January, after we’d compiled our January Picks).

Narrated by Cornell Collins

I confess that these books have been languishing on my TBR for a while – so when I learned audio editions were planned, I decided to wait for those! Given I’ll read pretty much anything K.J. Charles writes, and that I know the narrator is excellent, I am eager to get stuck into these! – Caz

I loved these books in print and the audio sample sounds excellent. – Kaetrin

The Marigold Chain by Stella Riley

Narrated by Alex Wyndham

Having greatly enjoyed Stella Riley’s and Alex Wyndham’s audiobooks in the past, I’m looking forward to listening to their latest collaboration, The Marigold Chain. – BJ

I can barely contain my excitement! I first read The Marigold Chain back in the mid-1980s, and just adored this story of a man who wins a bride in a card game and, while monumentally drunk, insists on marrying her. Set in post-Restoration London (the Great Fire takes place towards the end of the book), Ms. Riley displays her excellent period knowledge and once again creates a swoonworthy hero in Alex Deveril – and in the extremely capable hands of his namesake, Alex (Wyndham), this is sure to be a fantastic listen.- Caz

A Duke in the Night  by Kelly Bowen

Narrated by Ashford McNab

I’m looking forward to listening to A Duke in the Night, the first in a new series by an historical romance author/narrator duo I’ve enjoyed in the past. – BJ

 

Getting Schooled by Emma Chase

Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

I’m a big fan of Emma Chase’s humorous romances and this month’s Audible Original release of Getting Schooled featuring two narrators whose work I enjoy promises much. I can’t wait to listen! – BJ

This is another one that’s going straight into my Audible Romance package list – fun! – Melinda

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst Narrated by Moira Quirk and Saskia Maarleveld

I’ve had my eye on this book in print for quite some time, and now it’s coming out in audio format. It’s a young adult lesbian romance with a fantasy setting, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Plus, Moira Quirk and Saskia Maarleveld are narrating. What could be better? – Shannon

Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Bahni Turpin, and Saskia Maarleveld with a full cast

I love paranormal romances with intricately constructed worlds and complex characters so this looks right up my alley. Plus, the three main narrators are high on my list of favorites, so this is one I’ll definitely be grabbing as soon as it becomes available. – Shannon

Sightlines by Santino Hassell

Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

I’m behind on the series, but I’ll nonetheless be picking this up as soon as it comes out. Greg Boudreaux could read me the backs of cereal packets and I’d be happy to listen! – Caz

Devil in Tartan by Julia London

Narrated by Derek Perkins

I enjoyed the first couple of books in this series – book three was a bit of a disappointment, I confess – but I’m invested enough to want to listen to Aulay’s story, especially as Derek Perkins is narrating. – Caz

Ace of Spades by Sandra Owens

Narrated by Amy McFadden and Sebastian York

I’ve enjoyed the previous two books in the Aces & Eights series and I’m looking forward to listening to Nate’s story. – Kaetrin

 

Everlife by Gena Showalter

Narrated by Zachary Webber, Emma Galvin, Barry Kreinik, and James Fouhey

I’ve been on pins and needles for the release of Everlife, the conclusion to Gena Showalter’s trilogy of the same name. The world-building is beyond original, and the characters are fully-realized. I’m not normally a fan of love triangles, but Ms. Showalter has managed to make this one intriguing, and I can’t wait to see which boy turns out to be our spunky heroine’s perfect mate. I’m familiar with three out of the four narrators listed here, so I’m pretty sure this will be a fantastic listen. – Shannon

By The Book by Julia Sonneborn

Narrated by Amy McFadden

Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen (movie – I’ve never read any of the books because I am apparently a Philistine) and this one is loosely based on that plot, but in a contemporary setting. I’m in. – Kaetrin

 

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So there’s lots to look forward to in February!  Chime in with your thoughts and let us know if we’ve missed anything good!