Speaking of Audiobooks: January 2010 Releases
Recommendations from our last Speaking of Audiobooks column on funny romances have provided me with quite a few smiles and laughs this holiday season as I decorated for Christmas, wrapped presents, and traveled for a few days. Currently I’m having a delightful time listening to Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Natural Born Charmer – it’s beyond funny and has me hooting loudly at times. Thanks to all who shared their favorite funny romance audiobooks. I’ve purchased a few already and anticipate many more amusing moments over the upcoming winter months.
Leftovers from December
December 1st alone provided eleven new romance audiobook titles that failed to make our upcoming December releases list over at AAR. That list is now updated and here are just a few of those additional audiobooks:
Crusie, Jennifer – Charlie All Night
Feehan, Christine – Deadly Game: Ghost Walkers, Book 5
Johansen, Iris – Touch the Horizon
Leigh, Tamara – Splitting Harriet
Lowell, Elizabeth – Pearl Cove
Mallery, Susan – Tender Loving Care
Sands, Lyndsay – Vampires Are Forever: Argeneau Vampires, Book 8
Audiobook Romances on Sale in January
Abridged
Coulter, Catherine – The Nightingale Legacy
Coulter, Catherine – The Valentine Legacy
Coulter, Catherine – The Wyndham Legacy
Delinsky, Barbara – Barbara Delinsky CD Collection: Twilight Whispers & Facets
Delinsky, Barbara – Not My Daughter
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Bloody Bones
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Burnt Offerings
Hamilton, Laurell K. – The Killing Dance
Howard, Linda – Kill and Tell
Michaels, Fern – Vegas Rich
Michaels, Fern – Wish List
Wiggs, Susan – Susan Wiggs CD Collection: Snowfall at Willow Lake, & Fireside
Unabridged
Brown, Sandra – Texas! Chase
Brunstetter, Wanda – Kelly’s Chance
Coulter, Catherine – The Nightingale Legacy
Coulter, Catherine – The Valentine Legacy
Coulter, Catherine – The Wyndham Legacy
Dodd, Christina – Almost Like Being in Love
Graham, Heather – Deadly Gift
Graham, Heather – Deadly Harvest
Graham, Heather – Deadly Night
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Bloody Bones
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Burnt Offerings
Hamilton, Laurell K. – The Killing Dance
Howard, Linda – Dying to Please (Link for unabridged not yet available)
Howard, Linda – Kill and Tell
Jeffries, Sabrina – The Truth About Lord Stoneville
Macomber, Debbie – Midnight Sons Volume 1: Brides for Brothers & The Marriage Risk
Macomber, Debbie – Midnight Sons Volume 2: Daddy’s Little Helper & Because of the Baby
Macomber, Debbie – Midnight Sons Volume 3: Falling for Him, Ending in Marriage & Midnight Sons and Daughters
Michaels, Fern – Vegas Heat
Michaels, Fern – Vegas Rich
Michaels, Fern – Wish List
Roberts, Nora – Dance to the Piper
Roberts, Nora – Hot Rocks
Roberts, Nora – Risky Business
Willig, Lauren – The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
Recent Reads
Son of the Morning – Linda Howard
Only recently released in audio format, this 1997 time travel romance gets an A on both narration and content. Hero Niall is classic Howard style at its best while Grace is the smart woman on the run. Narrator Natalie Ross performs multiple male voices with clear distinction and it was a pleasure listening to Niall and Grace’s verbal exchanges. And, not once did I wonder which character was speaking.
The Bride – Julie Garwood
Narrator Rosalyn Landor (Lisa Kleypas’ Hathaway series) proves to be both a success and a disappointment in that her women were beautifully portrayed while her male characters, particularly hero Alec, were almost painful to hear. When I read The Bride years ago, I laughed often, but didn’t find too much to laugh about in the audio version. However, I think this may be due, in part, to my loss of enthusiasm for Garwood’s perfect, young, sweet, can-do-everything heroines.
Leaving Normal – Stef Ann Holm
A recent audio hit for me, I granted this one DIK status when I reviewed it for AAR in 2005. Narrator Andrea Gallo delivers a superb performance and I found the listening every bit as pleasant as the reading. I can’t say enough good about the firefighter beta hero Tony. This is one romance that reads and feels like the real thing.
Time for Your Thoughts
What new releases are you looking forward to?
Do you know of any January releases that failed to make this list?
What are the latest additions to your audio library?
What are your latest audio successes or failures?
Ending Notes
Please let us know if you have an audio topic you want us to consider.
For those new to our Speaking of Audiobooks column, be sure to check out our audio archives for further recommendations and discussions.
See you again in January.
– Lea Hensley
LinnieGayl – I admit I want to read the Willig book based on the cover – a rare occurrence in my reading world. Can I just jump in or should I read the previous books in the series?
Susan – Welcome to Speaking of Audiobooks! We mention your books at least once a month it seems (2 columns a month) and, hopefully, I have been keeping accurate track of your backlist as it is released. You may want to visit our Speaking of Audiobooks archives at some time.
LinnieGayl – I admit I want to read the Willig book based on the cover – a rare occurrence in my reading world. Can I just jump in or should I read the previous books in the series?
Susan – Welcome to Speaking of Audiobooks! We mention your books at least once a month it seems (2 columns a month) and, hopefully, I have been keeping accurate track of your backlist as it is released. You may want to visit our Speaking of Audiobooks archives at some time.
What a wonderful list you’ve put together! I’ve always got at least a couple audiobooks in my car. I listen to them all the time. Thanks for mentioning that Tender Loving Care has been released in audio. Lately, several books from my backlist have been released in audio, which is a lot of fun.
I loved SEP’s Natural Born Charmer, too. Laugh out loud funny!
What a wonderful list you’ve put together! I’ve always got at least a couple audiobooks in my car. I listen to them all the time. Thanks for mentioning that Tender Loving Care has been released in audio. Lately, several books from my backlist have been released in audio, which is a lot of fun.
I loved SEP’s Natural Born Charmer, too. Laugh out loud funny!
I’m most looking forward to listening to The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig. I own the rest of the audio books in the series, and have truly enjoyed them. Always before, I’ve listened to them after I’ve read a print version. This time, I may actually listen first…not sure.
I’m most looking forward to listening to The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig. I own the rest of the audio books in the series, and have truly enjoyed them. Always before, I’ve listened to them after I’ve read a print version. This time, I may actually listen first…not sure.
Just finished an unabridged version of Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts and loved it. I purchsed it in CD format from Recordedbooks.com. I read it years ago (1991) when it was first published so it was fun getting to listen to it.
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite audio books. I have it in unabridged version on cassettes.
I am eagerly awating Kill and Tell by Linda Howard and just today received Mary Balogh’s audio book A Matter of Class.
I also enjoyed the audio short story by Nora Roberts All I Want for Christmas. Short and sweet.
Just finished an unabridged version of Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts and loved it. I purchsed it in CD format from Recordedbooks.com. I read it years ago (1991) when it was first published so it was fun getting to listen to it.
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite audio books. I have it in unabridged version on cassettes.
I am eagerly awating Kill and Tell by Linda Howard and just today received Mary Balogh’s audio book A Matter of Class.
I also enjoyed the audio short story by Nora Roberts All I Want for Christmas. Short and sweet.
Lea, once again, thanks for a great list. You make it easy to find great audio books.
I’m looking forward to Texas! Chase, but it’s only available in abridged on Audible right now so I think I’ll start with Texas! Lucky. I’m also going to download Son of the Morning after hearing so many recommendations.
I’ve been on a Sandra Brown kick lately. I really liked Smash Cut narrated by Victor Slezak. It has a great villain and a lot of twists. It really grabbed my attention right from the start. I loved Rainwater, also narrated by Victor Slezak. It’s not a typical romance but a great story. Victor Slezak is becoming one of my favorite male narrators. I did not like Best Kept Secrets. To me the heroine was stupid and the male lead (I wouldn’t call him a hero) was sleazy.
RebeccaM – I don’t know why anyone would buy an abridged version unless it’s because they really want to listen to the book and the unabridged is unavailable. I would just wait for the unabridged or read the book. An exception I may make is Sylvester narrated by Richard Armitage, for obvious reasons.
Peggy P – When I get in a slump, I try something different. Recently, I went from historical and comtemporary romances to romance suspense and mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris and some of Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries. Now I’m ready to try contemporary romance again.
Lea, once again, thanks for a great list. You make it easy to find great audio books.
I’m looking forward to Texas! Chase, but it’s only available in abridged on Audible right now so I think I’ll start with Texas! Lucky. I’m also going to download Son of the Morning after hearing so many recommendations.
I’ve been on a Sandra Brown kick lately. I really liked Smash Cut narrated by Victor Slezak. It has a great villain and a lot of twists. It really grabbed my attention right from the start. I loved Rainwater, also narrated by Victor Slezak. It’s not a typical romance but a great story. Victor Slezak is becoming one of my favorite male narrators. I did not like Best Kept Secrets. To me the heroine was stupid and the male lead (I wouldn’t call him a hero) was sleazy.
RebeccaM – I don’t know why anyone would buy an abridged version unless it’s because they really want to listen to the book and the unabridged is unavailable. I would just wait for the unabridged or read the book. An exception I may make is Sylvester narrated by Richard Armitage, for obvious reasons.
Peggy P – When I get in a slump, I try something different. Recently, I went from historical and comtemporary romances to romance suspense and mysteries. I’ve really enjoyed the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris and some of Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries. Now I’m ready to try contemporary romance again.
Peggy P – don’t know if you were serious with your slumps comment, but that really could be a topic many identify with! And slumps in audiobooks can be very time consuming and expensive. Hmmm…
Peggy P – don’t know if you were serious with your slumps comment, but that really could be a topic many identify with! And slumps in audiobooks can be very time consuming and expensive. Hmmm…
Hi Lea, as always thanks compiling the listings!
After all the recs here I downloaded The Bride but did not really enjoy it also. Been in a slump though – have started several books but have lost interest or not paid enough attention to follow the story. I’m hoping for that one really good one to make my ears perk up & listen!
Maybe that should be a topic – slumps and how long will they last?
Hi Lea, as always thanks compiling the listings!
After all the recs here I downloaded The Bride but did not really enjoy it also. Been in a slump though – have started several books but have lost interest or not paid enough attention to follow the story. I’m hoping for that one really good one to make my ears perk up & listen!
Maybe that should be a topic – slumps and how long will they last?
Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. We are snowed in and having a White Christmas – something we only see every 8 years or so in Oklahoma.
I so enjoy this column and all of your contributions. That’s what keeps it interesting.
Wm – If these audiobooks from Naxos are new releases, we certainly want to include them. I’ll add that site to my monthly search for new releases and will add these to our January new release list if that is their scheduled date.
Rebecca – abridged books don’t interest me although there are some non-fiction books that may work for me in abridged format. But I think abridged fiction may work for some just because it is shorter in nature. And how discouraging about releases in Australia! Is it cost prohibitive to buy CDs in the US and mail?
GamaTST – really looking forward to Kill and Tell. I hope you do try Son of the Morning. If you haven’t read it, you may want to check the synopsis since it is a bit unusual for a romance.
Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. We are snowed in and having a White Christmas – something we only see every 8 years or so in Oklahoma.
I so enjoy this column and all of your contributions. That’s what keeps it interesting.
Wm – If these audiobooks from Naxos are new releases, we certainly want to include them. I’ll add that site to my monthly search for new releases and will add these to our January new release list if that is their scheduled date.
Rebecca – abridged books don’t interest me although there are some non-fiction books that may work for me in abridged format. But I think abridged fiction may work for some just because it is shorter in nature. And how discouraging about releases in Australia! Is it cost prohibitive to buy CDs in the US and mail?
GamaTST – really looking forward to Kill and Tell. I hope you do try Son of the Morning. If you haven’t read it, you may want to check the synopsis since it is a bit unusual for a romance.
Hello all.
I too love this column – you are doing a great job Lea :-)
I have recently started buying audio books and really enjoy the listening experience, love my ipod. I take the recommendations from this column, rush over to audible and “”try”” to buy them, but…not many are available to the rest of the world !!!
It’s soooo frustrating, I live in Australia and there are approx 1700 romance audio books offered to the US and 672 for the rest of the world. Hello, why is this so ???
For example: I can buy some audio books from my favourite author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, half of the Chicago Stars series – yeah, only half !!! I even emailed SEP to ask why this is so and she kindly replied, she couldn’t work it out either. Thankfully, Natural Born Charmer is one I have. This is my 5/5 all time favourite :-) Hope you are enjoying it Lea.
My other question/query/pondering is why would anyone buy an abridged version of a book ??? Thoughts anyone ???
Hello all.
I too love this column – you are doing a great job Lea :-)
I have recently started buying audio books and really enjoy the listening experience, love my ipod. I take the recommendations from this column, rush over to audible and “”try”” to buy them, but…not many are available to the rest of the world !!!
It’s soooo frustrating, I live in Australia and there are approx 1700 romance audio books offered to the US and 672 for the rest of the world. Hello, why is this so ???
For example: I can buy some audio books from my favourite author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, half of the Chicago Stars series – yeah, only half !!! I even emailed SEP to ask why this is so and she kindly replied, she couldn’t work it out either. Thankfully, Natural Born Charmer is one I have. This is my 5/5 all time favourite :-) Hope you are enjoying it Lea.
My other question/query/pondering is why would anyone buy an abridged version of a book ??? Thoughts anyone ???
I just finished Nora Roberts short story All I Want For Christmas as read by Patrick Lawlor. He did a great job with it, it was a quick fun listen.
I had tried listening to the version Audible has of All I Want for Christmas which is read by a woman and it was truly terrible, one I couldn’t finish with the narrator so bad. So I was very happy to have an old favorite fixed by getting an excellent narrator.
Another success for me was Ravished by Amanda Quick. I had been disappointed in Anne Flosnick’s interpretation of the heroes personalities in Scandal, Surrender and Seduction and was afraid she’d ruin my favorite AQ book, but she did Ravished just right IMHO.
Looking forward to Howard’s Kill and Tell! After reading the review and comments here I’m going to have to get Son of The Morning now.
PS Lea, your “”…. to my loss of enthusiasm for Garwood’s perfect, young, sweet, can-do-everything heroines”” comment is almost word for word what my daughter told me within the last week as to why she is done trying to re-read her books.
I just finished Nora Roberts short story All I Want For Christmas as read by Patrick Lawlor. He did a great job with it, it was a quick fun listen.
I had tried listening to the version Audible has of All I Want for Christmas which is read by a woman and it was truly terrible, one I couldn’t finish with the narrator so bad. So I was very happy to have an old favorite fixed by getting an excellent narrator.
Another success for me was Ravished by Amanda Quick. I had been disappointed in Anne Flosnick’s interpretation of the heroes personalities in Scandal, Surrender and Seduction and was afraid she’d ruin my favorite AQ book, but she did Ravished just right IMHO.
Looking forward to Howard’s Kill and Tell! After reading the review and comments here I’m going to have to get Son of The Morning now.
PS Lea, your “”…. to my loss of enthusiasm for Garwood’s perfect, young, sweet, can-do-everything heroines”” comment is almost word for word what my daughter told me within the last week as to why she is done trying to re-read her books.
“”Speaking of Audiobooks”” is probably my favorite column. Thanks!
“”Speaking of Audiobooks”” is probably my favorite column. Thanks!
I second Diana’s thanks for putting these lists together, and I think I’m going to be picking up Crusie’s Charlie All Night. I think it’s time for a re-read, er, listen.
I second Diana’s thanks for putting these lists together, and I think I’m going to be picking up Crusie’s Charlie All Night. I think it’s time for a re-read, er, listen.
Hi,
Please consider adding regency romance titles from Naxos AudioBooks:
Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion, read by Clare Wille; Sylvester, read by Richard Armitage; and, coming April 2010, Venetia, read by Richard Armitage.
Hi,
Please consider adding regency romance titles from Naxos AudioBooks:
Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion, read by Clare Wille; Sylvester, read by Richard Armitage; and, coming April 2010, Venetia, read by Richard Armitage.
I can’t thank you enough for the work you do in compiling these lists! My job in december leaves little time for anything other than going to work and then going to bed, which is why I haver been around
much.
Loved Son of the Morning!
In the news, Audible is having a buy extra credits sale now and they have a free download for an original production of A Christmas Carol read by Tim Curry.
Merry Christmas!
I can’t thank you enough for the work you do in compiling these lists! My job in december leaves little time for anything other than going to work and then going to bed, which is why I haver been around
much.
Loved Son of the Morning!
In the news, Audible is having a buy extra credits sale now and they have a free download for an original production of A Christmas Carol read by Tim Curry.
Merry Christmas!