Speaking of Audiobooks: June 2010 Releases
My Unofficial Personal Listening Challenge for 2010 is proceeding quite well much to my delight. For my first challenge category, Fantasy Romance, I chose Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Sharing Knife, Volume 1: Beguilement. It was truly enchanting and I’m now sure I’ll listen to all four in the series.
Next up was the Abridged Romance category and I must admit that I did expect to be disappointed in some manner since I have experienced some spectacular abridged failures in the past. However, I chose very well. The abridged version of Georgette Heyer’s Sylvester was highly entertaining but I attribute a great part of its success to narrator Richard Armitage. In a word, his narration was awesome! Yeah, he pitches his voice just a little too high for a female’s voice here or there but I took note of that only because I knew I would be writing this review. I’m sure a portion of the success was also due to the fact that I hadn’t read Sylvester first in print. The four hours and fifty-one minutes of narration seemed complete. And being one who must envision the lead characters in my head, it was easy to see Richard Armitage as Sylvester – quite a treat, I assure you.
My next listening challenge category is Series and my choice for the first of such is Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. With so much praise for this series, I’m expecting great things.
Leftovers from May
(All are unabridged unless stated otherwise.)
Here are just a few of those surprise audiobooks that failed to make last month’s New Releases column.
Anderson, Catherine – Morning Light Narrated by Julia Gibson
Featherstone, Charlotte – Sinful Narrated by Victor Villar-Hausar
Heyer, Georgette – Venetia Narrated by Richard Armitage (Abridged)
Hoyt, Elizabeth – To Desire a Devil Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Kurland, Lynn – One Enchanted Evening Narrated by Ilyana Kadushin
Morsi, Pamela – Red’s Hot Honky Tonk Bar Narrated by Savannah Richards
Quinn, Julia – Ten Things I Love About You Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Wingate, Lisa – Never Say Never Narrated by Peggity Price
It looks like I’ll be adding a good number of audiobooks to my library from both May and June’s new release lists. This partial list of May leftovers contains three now on my Wish List – Venetia, To Desire a Devil, and Ten Things I Love About You.
Audiobook Romances on Sale in June
Abridged
Garwood, Julie – Honor’s Splendour Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Graham, Heather – The Death Dealer Narrated by Natalie Ross
Graham, Heather – Ghost Shadow Narrated by Angela Dawe
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Bullet Narrated by Kimberly Alexis
Howard, Linda – Dying to Please Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Lindsey, Johanna – Johanna Lindsey CD Collection 5: All I Need Is You, Joining Various Narrators
Lindsey, Johanna – That Perfect Someone Narrated by Laural Merlington
Michaels, Fern – Game Over Narrated by Laural Merlington
Roberts, Nora – Three Fates – Narrated by Bernadette Quigley
Steele, Danielle – Family Ties Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Unabridged
Coulter, Catherine – Eleventh Hour Narrated by Sandra Burr
Garwood, Julie – Honor’s Splendour Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Graham, Heather – Ghost Shadow Narrated by Angela Dawe
Hamilton, Laurell K. – Bullet Narrated by Kimberly Alexis
Kleypas, Lisa – Love in the Afternoon Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
Lindsey, Johanna – That Perfect Someone Narrated by Laural Merlington
London, Julia – One Season of Sunshine Narrated by Natalie Ross
London, Julia – Summer of Two Wishes Narrated by Natalie Ross
Lowell, Elizabeth – Death Echo Narrated by Beth McDonald
Macomber, Debbie – Cindy and the Prince: A Selection from Fairy Tale Weddings Narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Macomber, Debbie – Some Kind of Wonderful Narrated by Teri Clark Linden
Macomber, Debbie – Thursdays at Eight Narrated by Laural Merlington
Mallery, Susan – Almost Perfect Narrated by Tanya Eby
Michaels, Fern – Game Over Narrated by Laural Merlington
Quick, Amanda – Deception Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Steele, Danielle – Family Ties Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Stewart, Mariah – Acts of Mercy Narrated by Joyce Bean
Woods, Sherryl – Stealing Home Narrated by Janet Metzger
Recent Additions to my Audio Library
After the Night – Linda Howard
Narrated by Natalie Ross
I’ve been talking about the release of this one for months now. It’s one of my Howard favorites and I can’t decide if I’m going to immediately dive into it or save it for vacation.
Dark Lover – J.R. Ward
Narrated by Jim Frangione
Now that I understand Jim Frangione’s style of reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of audiobooks, I’m eagerly purchasing each one. I loved this series in print and am greatly enjoying in audio.
The Sharing Knife Vol. 3: Passage – Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by Bernadette Dunne
Continuing the story of Dag and Fawn, I’m hooked and while eager to proceed, I’m also spacing out to make the series last longer (something I tend to do).
Slow Heat in Heaven – Sandra Brown
Narrated by Dick Hill
Purchased for no other reason than curiosity, this 1991 romance features one very alpha hero (also rude and possibly cruel if my memory serves me correctly). I read it years ago and can’t remember much more than the old southern style of romance and leads that tend to bicker and then bicker again. Now I’m having second thoughts about my purchase…
Manhunting – Jennifer Crusie
Narrated by Renee Raudman
Continuing to collect these Crusie series books that usually deliver some good laughs, I’m planning on six hours of classy yet light entertainment.
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation – Lauren Willig
Narrated by Kate Reading
Chosen for my Mystery with Romantic Elements challenge category, I soon discovered from others that it wasn’t a good fit for that particular category. It’s been moved to general romance listening for some day in the future.
Recent Reads
Lover Eternal – J.R. Ward
Narrated by Jim Frangione
I am a huge fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood – or at least I was for the first five books. Lover Eternal is the second in the series and focuses on Rhage, the extremely handsome brother who, of course, has many troubles lying behind his gorgeous, sexy façade. The story of his romance with Mary is touching as well as the ever growing bond between the brothers. As I’ve written previously, I didn’t care for Jim Frangione’s narration initially but recent recommendations from other listeners tempted me to try again and I’m thoroughly enjoying these books once more. Frangione’s narration is closer to reading than acting but once my ear became accustomed to listening more for the words than the voice, I followed along with little difficulty. Although I’ve read this series several times in order, I’m now jumping here and there with the audiobooks. I listened to Lover Awakened first, Lover Eternal followed, and I have now purchased Dark Lover and Lover Avenged. However, I don’t recommend the audiobook version for first timers. The print version’s glossary of terms is key to understanding much of the Brotherhood’s lingo.
Out of Control – Suzanne Brockmann
Narrated by Norma Lana
Although this is fourth in the Troubleshooters series, Out of Control was my first Brockmann read. I had no difficulty understanding the action or the relationship of the characters and thought it worked well as a stand-alone. This was a Desert Isle Keeper (DIK) for me when I read it 7 years ago and it was thoroughly enjoyable all over again when I listened to the audio version recently. Narrator Norma Lana is pleasant to the ear but I often had difficulty differentiating the hero and heroine’s voices. Therefore, close attention must be paid to the dialogue. However, this did not keep me from enjoying the three love stories intertwined within the book. Ken and Savannah are appealing as the primary leads but it is the secondary romance between earthy Molly and hardened smuggler Jones that spoke more to my romantic side. And, oddly enough, I had less difficulty distinguishing between their voices. With good to average narration and exceptional writing, I give a solid recommendation for Out of Control.
The Sharing Knife, Vol. 2: Legacy – Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by Bernadette Dunne
The Sharing Knife, Volume 1: Beguilement, the first in a series, was a personal favorite (see comments) and Volume Two centers on Dag and Fawn’s continued travels as they visit his family. I remained engrossed with their tale all the while remaining convinced that this is a series that works best for me in audio. With the same narrator, it truly does seem like Chapter Two of a delightful fantasy romance, one that I’m sure I’ll be listening to Chapters Three and Four as well (Volumes 3-4). In fact, Volume 3 is already on my iPod ready to go.
Time for Your Thoughts
What new releases are you looking forward to?
Do you know of any June releases that failed to make this list?
What are the latest additions to your audio library?
And, as always, what are your latest audio successes or failures?
Ending Notes
I’ve written a full length review of the audiobook version of Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips now posted at AAR. Other full length audiobook reviews are in the works.
During the next two months, there will be no monthly lists of upcoming audiobook releases on AAR’s main site. We’ll continue to publish those lists here at Speaking of Audiobooks and will notify you once the main site is carrying the lists again.
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 later this month.
– Lea Hensley
Watch full movie films for no cost
I finished listening to Sylvester today. Richard Armitage is to die for! I think I really benefited from not having read the story so I didn’t know what I was missing with the abridged version. I’m just downloading Venetia now. Happily, Audible have a 15% off everything sale until 11am 15 June. So, naturally, I bought 4 other books too!!
Nice blog, I like it, but it looks a little weird when using mozzila browser, keep it going:)
Toby Stephens has a significant secondary role in Onegin. Ralph Fiennes stars and this is one movie I watch again and again and again. Anyway, this was my first intro to Toby Stephens and although I’ve seen him in a few other movies since, Jane Eyre is by far my favorite of his performances. In fact, it’s my favorite Jane Eyre (I think I own five).
I didn’t care for The Tenant of Wildfell Hall but that was mostly due to the fact that it just ended suddenly at what I felt was the turning point of the story. It was abrupt and left me feeling disgruntled that I had wasted my time on a movie that had no resolution or ending.
Oh man, you have a treat in store! The acting is really good and there are some incredibly sexy scenes without there being any actual sex or skin that I recall. I have kind of a dual experience when I watch it – enjoying it and admiring it at the same time. On one hand, it’s an amazingly romantic and sexy story; and on the other, it’s such a well made film. You’ll have to let us know what you think.
He was in something else, too. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (?) maybe? I need to remember to watch it sometime.
Okay, I’ll definitely give Robin Hood another try.
MaryK – it’s funny you should mention Toby Stephens and Jane Eyre. I have it right here on my bedside table. Toby did a cameo as Prince John in season 3 of Robin Hood which was what inspired me to place a hold on Jane Eyre.
I watched Robin Hood right after the first time I saw North and South, and I lost interest after the 6th or so episode because, as you say, Robin isn’t that interesting. But Guy – Guy gets really interesting in the second half of season 1 and stays that way. The good thing about watching a series after it’s all over is that since most of the spoilerish things have already been put out there you aren’t hostage to the manipulations of the writers as you are if you are watching as it goes down. It must be said that the writing on Robin Hood was frequently bad to very bad, but the acting was quite often good and Richard Armitage was brilliant (and catch-your-breath gorgeous by season 3). Well worth a second try in my view.
Toby Stephens and Jane Eyre — be still my heart. Did you know he’s Maggie Smith’s son? He’s been in other stuff — 12th Night and Photographing Fairies. He’s quite luscious.
My heroes quite often are villains. I like ’em that way.
The info on The Convenient Marriage is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Convenient-Marriage-Naxos-Classic-Fiction/dp/1843794411/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276017728&sr=8-1
I can only assume Audible will release it at the same time – or hope so anyway. I just checked there and both Sylvester and Venetia are on sale.
And I’m glad to hear my Richard Armitage blathering has done some good in the world. ;) I think North and South is his most swoon-worthy role, but I’m currently glomming Robin Hood pretty intensely. He is just so, so lovely.
Rachel – let me clarify – it was your talk of Richard Armitage in general on your blog (or Twitter) that influenced me not only to watch North and South again but also try Sylvester.
And as a general statement – I’m listening to the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (Dead Until Dark and so on) and, OMG, what great audiobooks! I’m a total newbie to this series and I raced through the first and second in the series and must now restrain myself to wait and not abuse my audiobook budget. Thanks to all of you who recommended this series!!
I know what you mean. I lost interest in Robin Hood b/c I was naturally watching it for Robin, and he just wasn’t very interesting. I’m half convinced to try switching perspectives and watching it for the villain. :) If I did though, I’d end up being sad when/if he gets his comeuppance. :(
Loved, loved North and South.
OT, but on the subject of lovely men :) – Have you seen Toby Stephens’ Jane Eyre? Would love to glom him but he apparently hasn’t had many major roles.
Claire – My first thoughts of Heyer were similar to yours – I couldn’t get into her books. However, I developed a taste for Heyer once I disassociated her writing from my interpretation of romance (which is based on the past 30 years). Once I did that, I found I enjoy her books as works of fiction.
Nina – I looked for Darkest Passion and could find no upcoming release information. But once I saw that her audiobooks look to be available on Audible (and not the traditional CD format), I’m betting this one falls into the category of many other Audible audiobooks wherein we receive no upcoming notice (Audible is famous for that). One day you’ll check Audible and – there it will be. Since I check Audible on a daily basis, I’ll give notice once I see it on Twitter.
Anne – I totally agree about that first love scene in Slow Heat in Heaven – wow! I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. Dick Hill does an excellent job with the narration.
Kayne – It is seldom that I even attempt to listen to an abridged audiobook but I also have really been burned in the past nearly every time I’ve tried. I like all the details and the option of not paying complete attention to portions of a book if I find it too wordy. However, I did enjoy the abridged version of Nora Robert’s Born in Fire, Born in Ice, and Born in Shame. Still, each time, I was left with the feeling that there was more.
MichelleD – Please come see us on a regular basis. We’d love to hear about your latest listening experiences. There is also an archive for our past Speaking of Audiobooks columns and you’ll find many discussions of interest, I’m betting. And thanks for the good word!
Rachel – You are one of the reasons I finally attempted Sylvester. So good to hear about Venetia since I plan to listen to it soon. Are you saying that Richard Armitage will narrate The Convenient Marriage? Please say so!
I finished Sylvester a couple days ago, having listened to this one and Venetia both back to back (Audible sent me a $10 gift certificate which fully paid for Sylvester since it is/was on “sale” – yay!)
Both are fully enjoyable, but I liked Venetia better. Damarel’s voice literally gave me shivers at some points. It was a cross between the voice he used as John Thornton in North and South and the one he used as Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood. Deep and very sexy. Um, swoon.
Armitage’s narration is definitely a performance rather than a reading; his voices are very distinct and convincing including his female voices (I think) which, as discussed here, is a real test of a narrator. I would not put him in league with Jim Dale (who narrated the Harry Potter series brilliantly), but he’s good. I do wonder if he’s listened to Harry Potter as his Sylvester at his haughtiest in the beginning sounds a bit like Cornelius Fudge, and his Lady Salford has a bit of Dumbledore in her (the old, breathless quality to her voice). Oh, and Tom has the same accent, though not the same deep voice as Hagrid.
I didn’t notice any of these similarities in Venetia. Sylvester has a much stronger conflict, though. I wish I could gain access to Lords of the North, the Bernard Cornwell novel he narrated, but it’s not in my library system or Audible, and the cheapest online copy is $100.
In an case, I’m there when The Convenient Marriage comes out in August. Or when Richard Armitage does anything for that matter.
I enjoyed reading your BLOG. I am fairly new to this site, but am a huge fan of Audiobooks and listen on a regular basis. I travel a great deal, so it is my favorite form of entertainment having been an avid reader for years. Audio allows me to multitask :-).
The biggest new release for me this month was Christine Feehan’s Safe Harbor – Book 5 of the Drake Sisters, Unabridged. I have requested repeatedly from Audible.com as I had all of the other Drake novels (except Kate’s, Book 2 – I am hoping they will release that one as well). I really enjoyed it!
Again, enjoy reading the posts – keep up the good work Lea!
I never listen to or read abridged versions. I’m always suspicious about what they cut out that might’ve been important. :D
I’m going to make an exception for the abridged Sylvester because the one time I tried to read Heyer I found it very dense going.
In response to Slow Heat in Heaven by Sandra Brown. There is something special about those slow southern drawls on a hot summer day. In the Midnight Rain by Ruth Wind was like that.
Anyone have opinions on abridged vs unabridged audio books? I just read my first abridged verson and liked that I could hear it in less time (It was 5 disks). Sometimes the unabridged audios seem really long.
Just enjoyed audio versions of Savor the Moment and Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts. They were only $12.95 at Walmart. I[m awaiting a copy of The River Knows it by Quick. I heard I Thee Wed by Quick a while ago and liked it.
I love SLOW HEAT IN HEAVEN. Loved the book, love the audio book. It has flaws, but I still adore it. The first love scene will singe your ears.
I adore Georgette Heyer and adore Richard Armitage, so I’m not sure which will win out. The unabridged version of SYLVESTER was a disappointment, while the unabridged version of VENETIA, my favorite, had me sobbing as Jenny Crusie and I drove home from RWA last summer.
Still, maybe I’ll try.
I believe I’ll pass on that one. :*)
I was disappointed that The Darkest Passion, the newest Lord of the Underworld Series, by Gena Showalter wasn’t released as an audio book. Does anyone know if it will be an audio book at all? All of the previous 6 (including the novellas) are available…what gives? This is a series that I never read but only listen to. I think Max Bellmore does a good job.
I finished the last installment of Steig Larrson’s Millenium series – The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest and really liked it…I know it’s not romance but it was still a good series.
I’m now listening to Bullet and am enjoying it. I like this seies a lot although I know there are lots of people who don’t like Anita Blake any more. I like Kimberley Alexis and the added sound effects took a little getting used to but I think they add to the stroytelling.
I relistened to Sea Swept recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend this series (Chesapeake Bay) by Nora Roberts – it’s a really good romantic story.
Lea, if you know anything about whether Darkest Passion will be released I’d love to know about it.
Thank you for the review of Sylvester. I heard a sample of Venetia and noticed the same thing about how RA does the female voices. Its a little odd but what really has me thinking twice is that I’m not sure I’ll like Heyer. I tried one of her books once and couldn’t get into it. I may be one of the few who don’t love her. I wish he’d do a contemporary authors historical or better yet, a movie so I can look at him too!
Thanks MaryK. I rely on you all to keep me up to date!
Lea – This is where I saw it and all I know. http://twitter.com/CarinaPress/statuses/15267055614
Caryl – Are you new to Speaking of Audiobooks? If so, a new column goes up approximately every two weeks. The column around the end/first of the month gives the list of upcoming releases. Hope to see you here often!
MaryK – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in Sylvester. Also, I imagine you saw Gamatst’s post regarding After the Night. Natalie Ross usually does not disappoint me (and sometimes I think she is fabulous) but I’ll be posting a review of it soon. Thanks for the info about Carina Press – it’s the kind of information I’m constantly seeking. I’ll be watching it closely and would appreciate knowing further details if you hear them.
Kathy – Since I started writing this column, my audio listening has doubled – at least. Hearing others’ recommendations has greatly increased my choices. I’m lonely without an audiobook now when doing those exact activities you mentioned.
Kaetrin – Did you care for Regency Buck’s narrator? Narrators of Georgette Heyer’s books have not been favorites. I hope Richard Armitage has some sort of contract to keep narrating!
You have been listening to some of my favorite audiobooks. I am about a third of the way through Faking It and haven’t finished it. I fully intend to do so soon but something else grabbed my attention. I definitely prefer listening to reading this particular book. I think it also helps that I haven’t just read Welcome to Temptation. Next to it, Faking It pales by comparison IMHO. I just realized I pledged to listen to Faking It at the same time as you and I’ve not followed through! Will remedy right away…
Kayne – Have you listened to other audiobooks by Susan Elizabeth Phillips? So many are my favorites.
Gamatst – Thanks for the review of After the Night. I don’t think I’ll be waiting until vacation to listen – maybe I’ll re-listen then! And I think you know I totally emphasize with you concerning Flosnik’s narration of Garwood’s historicals. I’ll be eager to hear your thoughts on Honor’s Splendour if you decide to try it.
Hope you’ll join us on Twitter.
One good thing about reading the Ward’s BDB series as many times as I have – now I feel pretty confident fast forwarding through all those Lesser scenes!
Peggy P – I think we can have a good time on Twitter once many of us are meeting there as well. For the past year or two, I’ve tweeted when columns go live and various thoughts on audiobooks but will ramp up the number of entries for the new releases.
I keep hearing about the Harry Dresden series and it’s probably in my future – maybe my next listening challenge.
Hi Lea – just subscribed to your tweets, thanks for letting us know!
I downloaded After the Night – will listen to it this week while commuting. I just finished listening to Wanted by Vickie Lewis Thompson, it’s a Harlequin about 5 hrs long and not bad. Also recently listened to Changes by Jim Butcher (Harry Dresden series) and 61 Hours by Lee Child (Jack Reacher series) and recommend them both!
Natural Born Charmer remains one of my all time favorite listens – enjoyed your review and I agree – if I had read it I don’t think I would have loved it nor ever re-read it.
I enjoyed Natalie Ross’s narration of After The Night very much! She caught the “”voices”” very well to my ears. Gray started out sounding the jerk he acted, but then came the HOT Gray and by the end he was melted butter! Loved it! Faith was portrayed perfectly as the strong confident woman she had become. And the court room scene was priceless, just as anticipated. LOL
For those that like UF romance Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Kiss will be released on June 28th. The narrator was great with Angel’s Blood so I’m really looking forward to this one!
And for UF with a romance angle Karen Chance’s Midnights Daughter narrated by Joyce Bean will be released on June 21st.
I have been anticipating Garwood’s Honor’s Splendor for months but am leery of Flosnick’s portrayal of Duncan after she ruined Alex in The Bride for me. So we’ll see if I use a credit or wait on reviews….
My ray of hope centers on the fact that I have enjoyed Flosnick’s portrayal of the heroes in both Rendezvous and Ravished after she ruined the male leads with Seduction, Scandal and Surrender by Quick.
I too have come to appreciate Jim Frangione with the BDB. Not what I would have wanted but excellent narrating in his own way. After listening to Dark Lover and Lover Revealed I’m halfway through Lover Awakened. I purchased Lover Avenged at Audibles sale last month too. I’ve never tried Twitter but I might have to check it out now.
You all may want to follow me on Twitter – LeaAAR. Yesterday I started tweeting some of the more significant new audiobook releases. I plan to do so throughout the month. It’s a good way to keep up with the latest releases and ask questions of each other as well.
I already have a number of audiobook followers and I’d love for you to join in!
Thanks so much for your article and reviews. I just heard the audio book Natural Born Charmer by SEP and your review is right on. It was amazing. I was sad to see that the narrator, Ms Fields, died.
Hi Lea. I’m hoping to get my hands on Sylvester or Venetia. I like Richard Armitage and I’ve never read a Heyer. I started to listen to Regency Buck on audio and got bored and started Outlander instead. Needless to say, I haven’t had time to go back to it!!
I’m listening to Kiss an Angel by SEP at present, having just finished Match Me If You Can and before that, Faking It by Jenny Crusie. Did you enjoy the Crusie better this time? I appreciated it a lot better on the back of WTT and I just loved the narrator. She “”got”” the humour of both books and I found her very easy to listen to. WTT is still the better book I think but Faking It was pretty darn good to. I think both will be comfort re-listens for me in the future. I do have a soft spot for Tilda!
I tried to get some Jo Goodman books but they don’t have any at Books on Board and there’s nothing available for me from Audible. sigh…
I LOVE this column! I do almost all my reading with audio books now. I can garden, walk, housework, sew etc. I’m listening to “”Heart of Fire”” by Linda Howard and I’m really enjoying it. Thanks again for this column.
I’m going to have to try Sylvester. :)
I hope you’ll review After the Night. I really like the book, but I haven’t been impressed with the audio samples.
I’ve been trying to get into Romance audio and am having great success, so far, with the Jayne Castle’s Harmony series.
I heard that some of the Carina Press books will also be released in audio.
Hi Lea,
Thanks for this thorough review. I usually listen to NPR on my 35 min. morning commute and save books on tape for cross-country drives. But this gives me a go-to list for recommendations. Thanks!