It’s time for the Gals to share with you, our dear reader (!), the spoils of our eager scouring of all the new release lists. Yes, it’s Monthly Picks time, and here is our selection of the new and upcoming audio releases we’re most excited to listen to over the coming weeks. As usual, we’ve got a mixture of standalones and onging series titles, books by favourite authors, favourite narrators or about which we just thought “that sounds interesting so what the hell..?” As always this is a list that reflects each Gals’ personal taste and is far from being comprehensive, but hopefully, you’ll find something here to take your fancy. And if you think we’re missing out on something good, please drop by and tell us in the comments what you’re most looking forward to listening to this month.
Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
Narrated by Andrew Eiden & Holly Linneman
It’s been ages since I listened to a Jessica Clare book but I remember them being fun and Andrew Eiden is a favourite narrator so why not? – Kaetrin
The Sign for Home written and narrated by Blair Fell
This looks to be a romance novel featuring a deaf/blind hero searching for his one true love from whom he was separated years ago. I’m always on the lookout for books that feature disability in a positive light, and this one gives me hope. I admit to being a little hesitant about the author reading his own work, but I still plan to give it a try. – Shannon
The Other Half of the Grave by Jeanienne Frost
Narrated by Will M. Watt
I’m a huge fan of the Cat and Bones He/H and the Night Huntress series, and now we get a chance to hear Bones’ viewpoint! – BJ
Drop Dead Gorgeous by Rachel Gibson
Narrated by Stephanie Einstein and Rachanee Lumayno
I have been a Rachel Gibson fan for centuries!! Okay, decades. Okay, maybe a lot of years, more than 10 but less than 20. Y’all, the pandemic is messing with my sense of time. I read the blurb for this and busted out laughing. You already know I have a sort of twisted sense of humor! I loved her (similar-ish) take on this theme in the Author Friends series, Not Another Bad Date, so I’m looking forward to how this one works itself out! – Melinda
The Unknown Beloved by Amy Harmon
Narrated by Rob Shapiro
Amy Harmon is an auto buy author for me. I fall in love with everything she writes, so it should come as no surprise that I’m super excited to get my hands on this book. It’s set during the Great Depression and features romance with a dash of mystery thrown in. Rob Shapiro is a masterful narrator, making this pretty much a sure bet for me. – Shannon
Chrysalis by S.E. Harmon
Narrated by Kai Rubio
The premise of this romantic suspense story – which is a bit of a departure for S.E. Harmon – is intriguing; a man wakes up in hospital with no memory of who he is or how he got there… but the more he learns about himself, the less he wants to know. I’m not familiar with this narrator, but I’m going to give this one a go, so watch this space! – Caz
When Blood Lies by C.S. Harris
Narrated by Jenny Sterlin
I’m always up for a new Sebastian St. Cyr mystery – let’s hope the change of narrator works for me! – Kaetrin
Kiwi Gold by Rosalind James
Narrated by Emma Wilder and Tom Jansen
James’s New Zealand series have been a favorite listen for me – it’s my “travel” right now, since actually going to New Zealand or really anywhere has been a bit dicey for the past 2 years! – Melinda
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Narrated by Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber
I’ve enjoyed books by Abby Jimenez and narrations byJulia Whelan and Zachary Webber, so I’m looking forward to listening to this one.. – BJ
The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley
Narrated by Robert Ian Mackenzie
I read this book last year and LOVED it. It’s been out on audio in the US for some months but UK & Australian listeners finally get their turn in April. – Kaetrin
Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
I’m not sure if this re-release of Where Dreams Begin is a new recording or just a new cover, but I haven’t listened to it before so I’m going to pick it up now. – BJ
All the Duke I Need by Caroline Linden
Narrated by Beverly A Crick
Caroline Linden is one of the few authors of historical romance whose books I continue to enjoy, and Beverly Crick is always a pleasure to listen to, so I’m looking forward to this final book in the author’s Desperately Seeking Duke trilogy. – Caz
After Felix by Lily Morton
Narrated by Joel Leslie
Lily Morton and Joel Leslie are a terrific combination; book three in the Close Proximity series is billed as a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and two very stubborn men. I’m looking forward to listening to it. – Caz
Criminal Intentions S1E3- The Man With the Glass Eye 
by Cole McCade
Narrated by Curt Bonnem
I’m completely hooked on this long-running mystery/romantic suspense series and am wondering why on earth it’s taken me so long to get around to it! The previous book in the series didn’t wow me as much as the first, but it’s clear that the author is setting up some gripping storylines as well as a torturous (in the best way!) slow burn romance between two complex, fascinating characters. The narrator is doing a great job so far, so I’m here for the duration. – Caz
A Duke Worth Falling For by Sarah MacLean
Narrated by Penelope Ann Rose
Would you believe I’ve never listened to a Sarah MacLean book? Why not start with this one? – Kaetrin
An Iron Fist by Nazri Noor
Narrated by Zachary Johnson
I’m really enjoying this snarky, sexy, action-packed urban fantasy series, and the narration by Zachary Johnson is excellent! – Caz
The Long Game by Rachel Reid
Narrated by Cooper North
One of my most highly anticipated books of 2022, this is the continuation of Shane and Ilya’s story begun in Heated Rivalry. I’ve read it already and it delivers absolutely everything fans of the series could ask for – it’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s poignant and it’s just wonderful. Cooper North is one of my favourite narrators and I can’t wait to get this one into my ears! – Caz
The MOST anticipated book for me for April. I’ve had the pleasure of reading an early copy and I can promise it does not disappoint! Add in the narration by Cooper North, and the audio version is sure to be a winner too. – Kaetrin
Book Boyfriend by Kris Ripper
Narrated by Pete Cross
I’ve heard great things about this author and the narrator seems extremely promising from the samples I found at Audible. – Kaetrin
Sari, Not Sari by Sonya Singh
Narrated by Avita Jay
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, so I was delighted to see this debut rom/com on the list of April releases. It’s about a woman who is trying to get in touch with her Asian heritage, and finds love along the way. I’ve listened to Avita Jay before and have enjoyed her narrations, so my hopes are pretty high for this one. – Shannon
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
Narrated by Rebecca Mozo & Alastair Haynesbridge
I’ve enjoyed Mia Sosa’s books before and this one looks fun. – Kaetrin
The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks by John Wiltshire
Narrated by Gary Furlong
Six+ years in the making, Ben and Nikolas return in what is sure to be an epic conclusion to the long-running More Heat Than the Sun series. Gary Furlong’s work on these books has been absolutely outstanding, and I’m sure he’ll be on top form here. – Caz
Other New and Upcoming Releases
I loved the Cat and Bones novels when they came out, and I hope I remember enough to enjoy this one from Bone’s point of view! I’m glad you highlighted this one. I also used to be a big Rachel Gibson fan, but I’m not sure I’m still in the same reading space. Even so, If I can pick this up inexpensively I’ll give it a go for old time’s sake!
I enjoyed After Felix in print and on audio. I hope you do, too, Caz. I already have The Long Game on preorder. I admit I was totally bummed to realize it drops on a Tuesday, my absolute busiest day of the week! I volunteer all afternoon at a riding therapy center on Tuesdays, and I have an appointment the morning of the 26th. I definitely won’t be reading any reviews that day! LOL! I want to read it without any idea what’s up.
I’ll eventually read Tough Luck, but it’s not at the top of my list right now. And I’m planning on starting the Noor series soon. It looks like fun. I’m tempted by More Heat Than The Sun series…what do you think, Caz? Could I handle it? :-)
I guess the upside of catching Covid is that I’ll be home tomorrow when The Long Game drops! :-)
Ugh. I hope you have a relatively mild case like I did. (Mind you, it’s a good excuse to tell everyone to leave you alone while you listen to TLG!)
More Heat Than the Sun is full of drama and over the top plots – it’s not family drama though (apart from a little bit in book 3) and the plots may be a bit bonkers but they hook you in and keep you wanting to find out what happens next! It’s different to Gregory Ashe drama, for instance: Greg’s plots are more realistic! These are more like action movie plots with that level of implausibility. The relationship side is well done though – despite the continued absence of lube! :P
No lube? OUCH! :-D I’ll give it a whirl, thanks. For me, over-the-top may just beat realistic when it comes to what stresses me.
What I meant was, being over-the-top instead of being realistic is probably better. Bonkers doesn’t generally translate to something I’ll stress over.
Yes, that makes sense; it’s so obviously unrealistic (even if it’s fun – like action movies) that you can deal with it more easily.