New Reviews: Romantic Fiction

Narrator Brenda Eddy has listeners feeling the sparks fly between baker Sadie Liberato and motorcycle mechanic Gear Blackstone when they meet at a Halloween costume party. Gear had his own reality show for his motorcycle shop before he was betrayed by his best friend and then fiancée. Given the description of Gear as a big, strong guy, the listener would expect Eddy to give him... Read More

Narrator Nicholas Boulton's stellar performance will make listeners want to listen to this tense historical fiction in one sitting. Lord Gideon Birch, a wounded naval captain, has just moved to the small village of Littleover, where he has fallen hard for the impoverished Theadosia Ridley. But Miss Ridley, wary of the disparity between their social positions, keeps the former... Read More

Narrator Susan Duerden returns in the third installment of the Wildes of Lindow Castle series to deliver a satisfying slow burn of a historical romance. Lavinia Gray is desperate to right her mother's wrongs and needs an advantageous marriage to do it--but she suffers a blow to her ego when the successful Parth Sterling refuses her. Nonetheless, Parth offers to help her find a... Read More

Narrator Simi Howe cooks up some southern comfort in this lighthearted contemporary romance set in the heart of New Orleans' Garden District. Tonya Martin is a professional chef in the heart of Manhattan when she's downsized and offered the opportunity to start fresh as a restaurateur. With her grown daughter off to college, she has the chance to start her life, as well as a... Read More

Narrator Angela Dawe conveys realtor Phoebe Ward's shock when her life is turned upside down. Phoebe has just discovered that contractor Jake Nichols--who is working on a house she is selling--is the man who fathered her child when they were teenagers in foster care. After she became pregnant, Phoebe moved in with her aunt and lost track of him. But Jake never stopped caring... Read More

Narrator Ron Butler's smooth voice captures the strength and romance of Jackson's characters as they navigate the present and the past. Those new to the series will meet the Grangers patriarch, Sheppard, who immediately takes the listener back to when he was wrongfully imprisoned and fell for his true love, Carson, while behind bars. Fans of the series, however, may find that... Read More

Chelsea Hatfield's soft drawl drops listeners right into Texas and the Longhorn Ranch, the setting of Brown's new Longhorn Canyon series. Rancher Cade Maguire is still smarting from being left at the altar two years ago. Retta Palmer, who has just buried her father and sold the family ranch to pay his medical bills, is eager to reclaim her old life after having spent the last... Read More

Susan Stoker hits the ground running with this first book in the Mountain Mercenaries series. Narrator Stella Bloom believably portrays everyone from alpha-male warriors to female professional dancers, allowing the listener to be swept into the story. The action is nonstop--Gray's dramatic rescue of Allye from a notorious sex trafficking ring is just the beginning of their... Read More

Narrator Justin Hill presents the romantic partnership of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh and Felicia Throgmorton in a stately, courteous manner. Cavanaugh arrives at Throgmorton Hall to check on his investment in a Throgmorton steam engine only to find the inventor dead and his children continuing the work. Felicia and Cavanaugh soon find common ground and begin to build a future... Read More

In a Regency romance full of misadventure, Marcus, Duke of Autenberry, unwittingly purchases Alyse Bell to be his wife at a Scottish village auction. Artfully voicing the people the couple encounter as they travel through Scotland, narrator Carmen Rose displays her knack for accents. However, her ability to add personality and passion to the characters' dialogue belies the flat... Read More

Meet the NEW Portia Hobbs! The American screwup is trading in her partying and drinking for a sword-making apprenticeship at a Scottish armory. Narrator Karen Chilton warmly exudes Portia's newfound confidence and occasional bouts of uncertainty as she tangles with Tavish Mckenzie--the armory's grumpy master swordsmith. Chilton's Scottish accent has a soft lilt but not enough... Read More

Narrator Derek Perkins returns for his sixth gripping performance of the Victorian Rebels series, leaving nothing on the table in this tension-riddled historical romance. The Rook is a man who has forgotten his past and built a life out of bloodshed and violence as a pirate king. When he captures Lorelai, the woman who saved his life 20 years prior, and takes her for his wife,... Read More

Mechanic Kane Harmon rescues painter Halley Ward from the side of the road. They had known each other in high school. Narrator Angela Dawe brings the listener along as a romance develops between them. Halley is scarred from a traumatic childhood in foster care before she was rescued by a wealthy aunt. Dawe conveys the emotional scars that Halley still bears. The listener will... Read More

This audiobook fits the bill for listeners looking for a quick and delightful listening experience. Stonemason Noah Donovan gets stuck on an elevator with bartender Lexi Allison and the pack rat that Lexi is pet-sitting. Narrator Alexander Cendese takes on the chapters from Noah's point of view, and narrator Laura Jennings handles Lexi's. Cendese gives Noah personal warmth and... Read More

Narrator Mary Jane Wells returns with a belly-laugh-inducing delivery of the second audiobook in the Girl Meets Duke series. When Alexandra Mountbatten agrees to be the governess of Chase Reynaud's wards over the summer, she will have to use every tool in her arsenal to connect with the unruly girls. But in so doing, she may also connect with a man who is determined to keep his... Read More

When American PhD candidate Madelyn's research brings her to a rare manuscript in Russia, she meets Grigori, a dragon shifter who is determined to protect his family's dangerous secret. Sparks fly, and Lucy River's low-key narration becomes infused with a tone of bewildered sexual curiosity. As the authoritative head of the Barinov royal dragon family takes Madelyn back to his... Read More

Narrator Dave Gillies digs in with the vocal gymnastics needed for a romance set in historical Scotland. Lady Mairi MacKenzie has been jilted, but she isn't willing to accept a proposal out of pity, even if the man asking is the towering warrior Laird Duncan MacRae. But when Redcoats drive them into hiding and Mairi's father sets a price on Duncan's head, they will need to... Read More

Narrator Joel Froomkin's versatile voice is perfect for this historical romance of the Scottish Highlands. Though he is laird of his clan, Aulay Buchanan's scar causes those around him to cringe. When he pulls a woman from the sea while taking refuge at his hunting lodge and she doesn't react to the old injury, he knows he's found a woman worth keeping. But first he'll have to... Read More

Narrator Tatiana Sokolov plays up the heartfelt romance between Boston firefighter Gavin Boudreau and EMT Cait Tasker. Annoyance quickly becomes attraction for Cait after she and Gavin are trapped in a burning house with an unconscious child. Sokolov has a charming mid-range voice with magical lighter edges--it's a pleasure to listen to her say just about anything. Her... Read More

Narrator Nicholas Boulton makes this sequel to A FALLEN LADY a delectable listen. Frenchwoman Marie-Anne de Vauteuil is less buttoned up than her English peers, and whether it's cake or sex, she has no qualms about savoring life's pleasures. When she crosses paths with the mysterious American Mr. Mason, their attraction is immediate. If Boulton's American accent occasionally... Read More

Narrator Justine Eyre's smooth voice weaves a tale of forgetfulness and secrets in this historical romance. Jacinda Bourne is one of three matchmaking sisters with a penchant for getting into mischief while investigating her clients. But when she loses her memory and is left in the care of the Duke of Rydstrom, her inquisitive nature will uncover their quickly growing... Read More

Narrator Emma Newman narrates a fun romp through supernatural London. A disgraced American socialite and a pompous British werewolf find love, despite the odds stacked against them. Newman delights in the silly excesses of the story but adopts a serious tone when needed. Both Faith and Channing have been deeply hurt before, and Newman portrays their pain with empathy and... Read More

Narrators Grace Grant and Joe Arden deliver the second in a series featuring a military man turned hitman and the woman he's sworn to protect. The audiobook picks up with Temperance being taken into Kane's protective custody for her own safety despite Kane's having taken a contract on her brother's life. Though the story seems to suffer from intense sexual scenes being built up... Read More

With her friend getting married, bridesmaid Wendy Liu is thrust back into contact with her friend's brother, Noah Denning. Wendy was stood up by Noah at the prom, and she used her pain over that experience to toughen herself. Narrator Angele Masters conveys Wendy's brash exterior as well as her softer side as she finds herself reflecting on her past. Listeners will enjoy the... Read More

This wholesome romance is told from two perspectives, so it's appropriate that Robert Petkoff and Gabra Zackman share the narration. Brad, a photographer and musical connoisseur, and Meredith, who is living the high life and becoming fed up with her marriage, begin their romance when they meet in an emergency room on New Year's Eve. Their story becomes a journey of accepting... Read More

Justine Eyre narrates a steampunk "Sleeping Beauty" that combines fairy-tale and paranormal elements. Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed, and must find a way to undo the curse before it becomes permanent. Captain Daniel Pickett is due to depart for the Caribbean and has no room for unwanted passengers. Eyre portrays Doctor Cooper as a smart, confident woman at the top of her... Read More

Narrator Brooke Hayden delivers sass and cutting remarks with a Texas twang. She also captures the heated exchanges that occur in and out of the boardroom in this steamy contemporary romance. In the wake of his father's death, Beckett King is trying to pull together the pieces of the company he inherited, but others are working against him. His aunt's greed should be his... Read More

Unlike the stagecoach that the main character eventually finds herself in, narrator Pilar Witherspoon gives listeners a smooth ride from London to Philadelphia to western Montana. Violet Mitchell never imagined she would be as far from English high society as Butte. Searching for her father and the money her brothers need leads her to Morgan Callahan's hidden silver mine and a... Read More

Narrator Mary Jane Wells, with her distinctive British voice and supreme knack for performance, delivers a beautiful historical romance with enough twists to keep the listener ensnared to the end. Spinster heiress Cassandra Holwell remembers Soren York from childhood but knows the now-grown Earl of Dewsberry must marry for money. When an inconvenient series of circumstances... Read More

Raised in a family of doomsday preppers and now an FBI agent, Mercy Kilpatrick is passionate, prepared, and determined. Narrator Teri Schnaubelt does a remarkable job bringing to life the many multidimensional characters in this suspenseful audiobook. Schnaubelt is particularly effective in her portrayals of Mercy and of her lover, Police Chief Truman Daly. When Mercy--and... Read More

Narrators Grace Grant and Sebastian York drop listeners into the bustling streets of New York City in this contemporary erotic romance. Broadway hopeful Sara can't seem to catch a break, but she refuses to give up on her dream to perform on the world's iconic stages. In the meantime, she'll settle for burning up the sheets with Hollywood film producer Ian Ford, who can't keep... Read More

Narrators Chelsea Hatfield and Jean-Paul Mordrake carry listeners from the past to the present and back again in this romance set predominantly in France. Though they shared a sweet friendship as children before being torn apart, when French translator Jessica Cresswell and world-renowned composer Callen Hayes reunite, there is a lot of history to unpack before they can examine... Read More

The second audiobook of the Psy-Changeling Trinity opens as the leader of the Human Alliance, Bowen Knight, wakes from a coma. Immediately, he is drawn to the standoffish yet inherently caring Kaia, whose voice radiates warmth and playfulness throughout the audio. Though Bowen is struggling to regain strength in somewhat unfriendly territory, narrator Angela Dawe conveys his... Read More

Lanie Jacobs is looking to escape her past, and a temporary job at Capriotti Winery provides the perfect retreat. Narrator Karen White jumps right in with multiple characters as the story opens on a big family luncheon. The listener has no problem following the voices of the family members. Lanie is anxious about her past, and White deftly conveys her emotions. Divorced Mark... Read More

When Holland's crush, a busker from the subway station, turns out to be the amazing guitarist that her uncle needs for his Broadway show, she does the only reasonable thing she can and enters into a marriage of convenience with the handsome Irishman. Narrator K.C. Sheridan does a great job capturing Calvin's Irish accent, though it sometimes spills over into Holland's dialogue.... Read More

Narrator Rosalyn Landor wraps the listener up in this historical romance. Fate lands Viola Kingsley and Marcel Lamarr at the same country inn. She is the former Countess of Riverdale, and he the Marquess of Dorchester; the two share a past encounter. Marcel and Viola decide to run away together and escape their families and responsibilities for a time, but both of their... Read More

Narrators Sebastian York and Madeleine Maby join together to recount Ethan Bishop and Mia Thrush's rocky road to romance. Scarred after a traumatic event in the Special Forces, Ethan is returning home to his family's bed and breakfast and horse farm. PR professional Mia has been tasked with minding her client's wayward daughter, Chloe, as she does community service on the horse... Read More

Blanche manages a bookstore, and in her free time she writes online dating profiles for women. Since college, Blanche has had a reputation as a love therapist, but when her ex pops up as a match on client Ainsley's profile, things become messy. Narrator Ava Erickson sounds confident and melodic as the charming Blanche. The character's wit is portrayed through Erickson's dancing... Read More

The unexpected death of their mother leaves landscape designer Tanner Harlow in charge of his 11-year-old half sister, Maddie. Narrator Rebecca Gibel helps the listener feel Tanner's struggle as he copes with this challenge. Tanner looks to Francie Tate, a childhood friend who is now an elementary school teacher, to help him watch Maddie as he develops his new business. The... Read More

Narrator Derek Perkins transports listeners to the Scottish Highlands with this historical romance featuring a secretive duke and the bold woman he can't help but fall for. Catriona's beloved aunt taught her to stand up for herself and to pursue her desires. Following her aunt's death, Catriona is sent to the Highlands to deal with her grief and the responsibilities of her... Read More

In the first title of a new historical romance series, narrator Liam Gerrard's even pacing ensures that the story flows smoothly from start to finish. Adam Drummond, a spy who is posing as a majordomo, and Suzanne Whitcomb, a widowed duchess who has been in mourning for the last three years, are drawn together despite their wealth of differences. Gerrard adds personality to the... Read More

Narrator Susan Duerden does a commendable job using the King's English for both North and his former fiancée, Diana, who is now a governess. North's voice exhibits the authoritarian tone used to command troops. Diana's is velvety and clear even when she's speaking to her little charges. The sex scenes are hot, with North's voice dropping to a lower octave and sounding like a... Read More

Firefighter Antonio Moretti's parents own a pizza shop. When his father has a heart attack, Libby Reed, a frequent customer, offers to help out. Narrator Carly Robins handles the chapters told from Libby's point of view, while narrator Alexander Cendese takes on the ones from Antonio's perspective. Robins aptly handles her characters, including Antonio's Italian-accented... Read More

Narrator Laurel Lefkow does a fine job of portraying Dr. E. Ridley Woodhouse, the new--female--doctor in an 1890s Colorado town. Reflecting her hard-won East Coast education, Ridley is gentle and precise as she examines her patients and prescribes exactly what they need. Ben, her neighbor, who is the new sheriff, is down-to-earth and practical. Lefkow brings Ridley alive,... Read More

Narrator Charlotte North's youthful timbre, hopeful tone, and British accent perfectly capture sheltered Elspeth's personality in this new Argeneau romance novel. She also draws out plenty of tension, romantic and otherwise. Less than a year after moving away, Elspeth is not thrilled with a surprise family visit. North's narration shines in the emotionally fraught conversations... Read More

A chance encounter at a party leads to the beginning of a romance between Texas Ranger John Ruiz and nurse Sunny Wesley. Narrator Todd McLaren brings the listener along as John and Sunny fall in love and complications arise. Unbeknownst to John, Sunny has befriended his 11-year-old son. McLaren gives John a subtle Spanish accent that goes with his heritage and ably gives his... Read More

Rock legend Jordan Treveryan's band and his marriage to singer-songwriter Kathy imploded after the mysterious and fiery death of his drummer, Keith. Now, 10 years later, as he plans a reunion with a reluctant Kathy and the rest of the band, ominous threats make him determined to learn the truth about what happened. Narrator Tanya Eby's energetic treatment of the dialogue... Read More

Narrators Richard Armitage and Grace Grant transport listeners to the streets of Paris in this dreamy contemporary romance. On a work assignment in Paris, American transplant Joy quickly realizes that her French isn't quite up to par, so she'll be working with a translator until she can navigate the intricacies of a Parisian perfume lab on her own. But an immediate spark with... Read More

Narrator Tanya Eby brings to life the story of three half-siblings who suddenly find themselves living together. Wealthy Malcolm discovers he has two sisters, Callie, a young woman who has a tough life, and Keira, a 20-year-old. He brings them both home to live with him and their grandfather. Eby masterfully gives voice to the three. Callie grew up in Texas, and Eby gives her a... Read More

Narrator Tanya Eby whips up a performance almost good enough to eat in this sexy contemporary romance featuring a Russian hero who runs a neighborhood bakery and a heroine who is taking back her life in the wake of trauma. Viktor Orlaf knows that "just friends" isn't going to cut it anymore between him and tattoo artist Rachel Dolan. But loving her is going to take all the... Read More

Narrator Justine Eyre's hallmark voice takes this historical romance from upper-crust London to the dark streets of the criminal underworld. Lady Felicity Faircloth's desire to receive the approval of society's darlings lands her in hot water when her lie becomes the talk of the town. When criminal king Devil promises to turn her falsehood into the truth, she doesn't realize... Read More

A sweet and sexy romance of second chances kicks off Halle's new North Ridge series. Shane and Rachel were childhood best friends and then teenage lovers--until events conspired to tear them apart. When Rachel comes back to town, she wants nothing to do with Shane, but he'll try his best to change her mind. Narrator Alexander Cendese breathes life into the emotionally wounded... Read More

Narrator Kate Russell rides through another epic Chaos Motorcycle Club romance with the long-awaited story of Hound and Keely. Widowed when club business blew back onto her husband, Keely raised her two sons, reluctantly accepting club assistance. Russell delivers descriptions of Keely's dramatic life with clarity and sympathy. She steers through the rough language and sex,... Read More

Narrator Mia Nichols capably portrays both sides of Declan and Abby's romance. She explores wolf shifter Declan's intense protective feelings toward Abby even as he resists claiming her as his mate. Nichols also reveals cougar shifter Abby's loneliness and longing for a family as well as her tenderness for Declan. Drawing out her words, both in narrative and dialogue, Nichols... Read More