While I personally cannot keep a bicycle upright, let alone anything with an engine, I make no secret of my interest in motorcycles in romance. Their riders, male and female, tend to be free spirits with unique notions of a life well lived. Plus, a roundup of motorcycle titles seems the perfect farewell to the laid back pace of summer. This list is partially inspired by my recent listen of SAINT, a new motorcycle romance by Chantal Fernando, read by Vanessa Edwin. So sit back and enjoy! Ride free, wear a helmet, and love your listening.
Let’s start with Emily and Oz in the teen motorcycle romance NOWHERE BUT HERE by Katie McGarry, read by Marguerite Gavin and Sean Pratt. As the daughter of a biker, Emily sees the club differently than her young bodyguard Oz does. Narrators Gavin and Pratt ease listeners into the gritty reality of club life through the young protagonists’ point of view.
For older teens or adults, how about HATERS by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, read by Johanna Parker? Pasquala (“Paski”) lives in New Mexico with her father. Run-ins with a high school clique and longing for a motorcycle boy give Paski more than enough to deal with. Parker’s matter-of-fact yet youthful narration with a hint of humor makes for a great summer listen.
For a motorcycle romance that’s part of a series, it’s hard to go wrong with WALK THROUGH FIRE by Kristen Ashley, read by Kate Russell. Millie and Logan are your ultimate star-crossed lovers, separated for decades, then drawn back together by an irresistible pull. Hardcore, edgy dialogue and raw emotions are ably handled by narrator Kate Russell. And, of course, Russell has to wrangle Logan’s posse of MC brothers, nosy and ready to opine about Logan’s love life!
I was so excited to find a couple of classic romance authors with motorcycle titles. Listeners who love road trips shouldn’t miss REDWOOD BEND by Robyn Carr, read by Thérèse Plummer, and THE GREAT ESCAPE by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, read by Shannon Cochran.
Finally, for a glimpse into the future, pick up J.D. Robb’s INTERLUDE IN DEATH, read by the indomitable Susan Ericksen and set in the year 2050. It features Lieutenant Eve Dallas . . . on a motorcycle?! I have to admit, the reviewer’s tease that listeners will want to hear the final scene over and over again has me very intrigued. Whether you’re a series fan or not, I can assure you that there is no person who can resist J.D. Robb. It’s scientifically impossible.
Hope you’ve enjoyed some MC love—share your own favorites in the comments.