Speaking of Audiobooks: A BIG May Multi-Audio Giveaway

The selection of exceptional romance audiobooks keeps improving and Spring of 2014 has proven that with old print favorites released as new audiobooks and much-loved authors simultaneously releasing their new books in print and audio format while a number of newer authors (especially New Adult) have become instant hits. This spring, Tantor Audio’s romance offerings have been some of the best ever with outstanding content and narration. We’re featuring a number of those titles today along with a Tantor giveaway.

The Giveaway

We’re giving away five romance audiobooks to one winner courtesy of Tantor Audio. The winner will choose five audiobooks (MP3 CDs) from the ten-plus titles featured below. All titles are either new releases or soon-to-be released. If the winner chooses future releases, those titles will be mailed separately after their release.

Enter by following the easy entry link below by 11:59 p.m. eastern standard time on Thursday, May 8^th. The giveaway is open only to listeners in the U.S. and Canada. We encourage your comments in our discussion area but to enter, you must follow the entry link. If you review for another website or blog and have access to free review copies, please refrain from entering. The winner will be notified by email on Friday morning and will have 24 hours to acknowledge their win so watch your email. Another winner will be selected on Saturday morning if the winner has not responded.

Enter the Contest Here!

Contest is closed.

for your chance to win a selection of five Tantor romances from today’s list.

The List of Titles

It Happened One Wedding – Julie James

Narrated by Karen White

I’m starting off our list with an audiobook I’m highly anticipating. It’s Book 5 in the FBI/US Attorney series and I have to say that this is one of my favorite author/narrator combos. Karen White completely gets Julie James’ characters. Releasing tomorrow (5/06), I believe it will be a big hit. Maggie gave It Happened One Wedding an A- here at AAR just last Friday. I can hardly wait!

The Forbidden Rose – Joanna Bourne

Narrated by Kirsten Potter

Released by Penguin in 2010, The Spymaster’s Lady is many a romance listener’s favorite. Tantor recently picked up the remaining three print books in the Spymasters series. The Forbidden Rose is Book 1 followed by The Spymaster’s Lady, My Lord and Spymaster, and The Black Hawk. Tantor will also be releasing the next entry in the series, Rogue Spy, in November. Maybe even best of all, Kirsten Potter, beloved narrator of The Spymaster’s Lady, returns to narrate all. The winner may also choose My Lord and Spymaster and/or The Black Hawk (mailed after its 6/10 release).

In Want of a Wife – Jo Goodman

Narrated by Talmadge Ragan

Jo Goodman knows how to write a good Western. I don’t know much about Talmadge Ragan but my fingers are crossed that her narration will equal the quality books we have grown to expect from Ms. Goodman. Seven AAR staff members picked In Want of a Wife for our May Eagerly Awaiting titles. It releases tomorrow (5/06)

Silk Is for Seduction – Loretta Chase

Narrated by Kate Reading

Blackstone Audio released Loretta Chase’s longed-for Lord of Scoundrels in audio format earlier this year (my AAR review) and Kate Reading was simply magnificent as narrator. Tantor has now released the first two in Ms. Chase’s new Dressmakers series – Silk Is for Seduction, and  Scandal Wears Satin, and will release Vixen in Velvet on 6/24/14. Kate Reading continues narrating. The winner may also choose Scandal Wears Satin and/or Vixen in Velvet (mailed after its release).

Exquisite – Ella Frank

Narrated by Mackenzie Cartwright

I haven’t listened to a Mackenzie Cartwright narration but she sounds really good in the samples over at Audible. Exquisite carries a 4.03 rating at Goodreads with 8200 ratings. From the reviews, it looks to be a sexy contemporary. The winner can also choose Book 2, Entice, and/or Book 3, Edible (releases 5/13 – sent after release).

The Luckiest Lady in London – Sherry Thomas

Narrated by Corrie James

I read or listen to every Sherry Thomas title within weeks of publication and have yet to come across one that I graded less than a B (most are in the A range). Corrie James is impressive – faithfully delivering the author’s words while distinctly performing each character. I don’t think you can go wrong with this combo.

Branded – Laura Wright

Narrated by Kaleo Griffith

I’m unfamiliar with Laura Wright although she seems to have a good size backlist including Tantor’s Mark of the Vampire series and a number of Harlequin/Silhouette Desire titles. Branded (6/03) is the first in a new series, the Cavanaugh Brothers, a contemporary Cowboy series set on a Texas cattle ranch. I do enjoy Western settings – old west or new but it’s Kaleo Griffith’s narration that has my attention. As narrator of Pamela Clare’s romantic suspense and historical titles, he has proven that he can deliver! (And has quite the fan base.) Branded will be mailed after its release.

One Night in London – Caroline Linden

Narrated by Gildart Jackson

I’m not familiar with Caroline Linden’s writing but she has earned a couple of DIKs this past year at AAR. Gildart Jackson is relatively new to narrating with only seven Tantor titles to his name but he sounds promising on Audible’s samples.

A Different Blue – Amy Harmon

Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

Earning a DIK here at AAR from Shannon, I too listened to A Different Blue. Tavia Gilbert excels in her narration (she’s one of my favorites) and Amy Harmon’s writing is simply beautiful. I give it a solid A and encourage you to read Shannon’s review.

Then Came You – Jill Shalvis

Narrated by Karen White

With Karen White’s narration, the Animal Magnetism is a popular series in audio format. A light, fun contemporary series, Karen White knows how to make each story shine. Although I haven’t listened to this series, there are many Speaking of Audiobooks regulars who highly recommend it. Then Came You releases on 7/01 and will be mailed after its release.

Our Latest AAR Audiobook Reviews

Midnight Train to Paris – Juliette Sobanet

Dark Witch – Nora Roberts

All Through the Night – Connie Brockway

The Countess Conspiracy – Courtney Milan

A Different Blue – Amy Harmon

A Week to Be Wicked – Tessa Dare

Sins and Needles – Karina Halle

Sweet Revenge – Zoe Archer

Ending Notes

Check out our Speaking of Audiobooks Facebook page to see romance audio updates, industry news, and links to articles of interest.

For those new to our Speaking of Audiobooks column, be sure to check out our audio archives for further recommendations and discussions.

Our affiliated Goodreads group – Romance Audiobooks keeps growing and now has 748 members. Come join us for discussions in between columns.

Remember – this is new type of contest entry for AAR – we’d love to hear your comments but to enter, you must follow the link and give us your online name and email address.

Enjoy your listening.

– Lea Hensley