Summer is here, and it has officially hit “boiling hot” on the New England temperature scale. Are there other places in the world that are hotter? Probably, but I’m a New Englander, so I’m allowed to complain.
So what better time for hot new romances?! Listening doesn’t require actual moving (no pages to turn!), and it’s a great activity for indoors or beachside. Enjoy, and stay cool!
UNDER CURRENTS
By Nora Roberts, read by January LaVoy
Macmillan Audio
Nora Roberts needs no introduction, and romantic suspense has been hot this year. Add in January LaVoy’s narration, and how can you go wrong? LaVoy plays up that delicious edge of fear that suggests the violent pasts of love interests Zane and Darby as they face their demons and hope for a future together.
REBEL: Women Who Dare
By Beverly Jenkins, read by Kim Staunton
Harper Audio
Narrator Kim Staunton rocks that teacher voice in this historical romance set in New Orleans in the late nineteenth century. She’s both steady and enlightening, making listeners attentive to the story. Main character Val as well as her students, neighbors, and love interest Drake all jump out of history as three dimensional characters in this emotional romance from fan favorite Beverly Jenkins.
AMERICAN WITCH
By Thea Harrison, read by Sophie Eastlake
Teddy Harrison LLC
Sophie Eastlake has narrated many of Thea Harrison’s contemporary fantasies, and I have a special place in my heart for this one. Housewife Molly Sullivan starts out as the victim of her husband’s infidelity and ends up with magical powers she has to learn to use. Eastlake manages to be both deliberate in her reading and driving with a edgy energy as Molly’s enemies draw nearer.
ONE FINE DUKE: School for Dukes, Book 3
By Lenora Bell, read by Beverley A. Crick
Harper Audio
There’s nothing so wonderful to listen to as an uptight British aristocrat, and narrator Beverley A. Crick is so on the nose with the Duke of Thorndon. Luckily, he’s met his match with Mina Penny, secret spymaster, who drags him on a mission that involves the Duke’s sister. There’s a lovely texture to Crick’s voice that is ageless and works with characters of both genders.
A GIRL LIKE HER: Ravenswood, Book 1
By Talia Hibbert, read by Rupert Channing
Audible, Inc.
AudioFile Earphones Award
Our reviewer loved the tone of Rupert Channing’s accent in this village romance. Ruth isn’t interested in romance but her neighbor Evan feels she’s worth the extra effort of a thoughtful courtship. And what is her gruff exterior really hiding?
Photo by Peter Fazekas
