Welcome to the September 2017 Audio Book of the Month Poll!
Here are all our Audio Reviews from the previous month, in no particular order. Please vote for your favorites. As with all of our Polls, you can vote for as many as you want, but you only get one visit, so make it count!
The top two will go through to the Audio of the Year Poll!
POLL SCHEDULE:
This poll will remain open until at least 6PM, Amsterdam time next Friday. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules…
Shax’s War (Brimstone) by Angel Martinez (Author) & Vance Bastian (Narrator)
Review by: Alexander
TITLE: Shax’s War
SERIES: Brimstone, Book 3
AUTHOR: Angel Martinez
NARRATOR: Vance Bastian
PUBLISHER: Mischief Corner Books, LLC
LENGTH: 4 hrs and 30 mins
RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2017
BLURB:
The boys desperately need a vacation. With the not-quite-ill-gotten gains from the Frog incident, Shax takes the Brimstone’s crew to the exclusive resort planet, Opal, for some much needed rest and relaxation. The resort has everything a demon prince and his crew could want, but an incident on the Trauma Ball court sends Ness stalking off in anger and sends events swiftly spiraling out of control.
Shax will need every bit of his cunning and his legendary luck to save his Ness as he’s drawn into a web of criminal experiments and…pink hedgehogs? Read more
Caught! (Shamwell Tales #1) by J.L. Merrow (Author) & Mark Steadman (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Caught!
SERIES: Shamwell Tales #1
AUTHOR: J.L. Merrow
NARRATOR: Mark Steadman
PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing
LENGTH: 8 hours, 52 minutes
RELEASE DATE: August 28, 2017
BLURB:
Bow ties are cool . . . but secrets, not so much.
Behind Robert Emeny’s cheerfully eccentric exterior lies a young heart battered and bruised by his past. He’s taken a job in a village primary school to make a fresh start, and love isn’t part of his plans. But then he’s knocked for six—literally—by a chance encounter with the uncle of two of his pupils.
Sean Grant works in pest control, lives on a council estate, and rides a motorbike. Robert is an ex–public schoolboy from a posh family who drives a classic car. On the face of it, they shouldn’t have anything in common. Yet Robert can’t resist Sean’s roguish grin, and passion sparks between them even after an excruciatingly embarrassing first date.
Too bad the past Robert’s hiding from is about to come looking for him. His increasingly ludicrous efforts to keep his secrets are pushing Sean away—but telling the truth could make Sean leave him for good. Read more
See Me by K. C. Wells (Author) and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
REVIEWED BY CINDY
TITLE: See Me
AUTHOR: K.C. Wells
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 5 Hours and 11 Minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2017
Blurb:
Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.
Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She’s fierce, funny, and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there’s only one thing on her mind – revenge.
Cronin’s Key III by N.R. Walker (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Cronin’s Key III
SERIES: Cronin’s Key
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 7 hours, 30 minutes
RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2017
BLURB:
History isn’t always what it seems….
Twelve months after his change, Alec MacAidan is still getting used to his many vampire talents. While most vampires would give anything to have more than one supernatural power, Alec craves nothing more than peace and time alone with Cronin. But when Alec meets entities from outside this realm, he’s left powerless in their presence.
Zoan are half-lycan, half-dragon creatures that have slipped through time and reality, seemingly undetected by man and vampire. Or have they? They bear an uncanny resemblance to gargoyles, leaving Alec’s view on all things weird to get a whole lot weirder.
This new quest leads Alec, Cronin, and their band of friends to Paris, Rome, and Moscow, where they learn that gargoyles aren’t simply statues on walls. In the underground pits beneath churches all over the world, Alec discovers the Key’s true destiny. Facing the Zoan might take every talent he has. And he may need help from the dead to get them all out alive. Read more
A Second Harvest by Eli Easton (Author) & Will Tulin (Narrator)
Reviewed by Christine
TITLE: A Second Harvest
SERIES: Men of Lancaster County #1
AUTHOR: Eli Easton
NARRATOR: Will Tulin
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 7 hrs, 40 mins.
RELEASE DATE: June 7, 2017
BLURB:
David Fisher has lived by the rules all his life. Born to a Mennonite family, he obeyed his father and took over the family farm, married, and had two children. Now with both his kids in college and his wife deceased, he runs his farm alone and without joy, counting off the days of a life half-lived.
Christie Landon, graphic designer, Manhattanite, and fierce gay party boy, needs a change. Now 30, he figures it’s time to grow up and think about his future. When his best friend overdoses, Christie resolves to take a break from the city. He heads to a small house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to rest, recoup, and reflect.
But life in the country is boring despite glimpses of the hunky silver fox next door. When Christie’s creativity latches onto cooking, he decides to approach his widower neighbor with a plan to share meals and grocery expenses. David agrees, and soon the odd couple finds they really enjoy spending time together.
Christie challenges the boundaries of David’s closed world and brings out feelings he buried long ago. If he can break free of the past, he might find a second chance at happiness. Read more
Wanted, A Gentleman by K.J. Charles (Author) & Greg Patmore (Narrator)
Reviewed by Chris
TITLE: Wanted, A Gentleman
AUTHOR: K.J. Charles
NARRATOR: Greg Patmore
PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing
LENGTH: 4hrs 40min
RELEASE DATE: August 17, 2017
BLURB:
The grand romance of Mr. Martin St. Vincent – a merchant with a mission. Also a problem, Mr. Theodore Swann – a humble scribbler and advertiser for love.
Act the first: the offices of the Matrimonial Advertiser, London, where lonely hearts may seek one another for the cost of a shilling.
Act the second: a pursuit to Gretna Green (or thereabouts) featuring a speedy carriage, sundry rustic, a private bedchamber.
In the course of which are presented romance, revenge, and redemption, deceptions, discoveries, and desires – the particulars of which are too numerous to impart. Read more
Broken by Nicola Haken (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Christine
TITLE: Broken
AUTHOR: Nicola Haken
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 10 hrs. 36 mins.
RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2017
BLURB:
When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan. Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House. James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him. Just a little fun – that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding. Broken. Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James? Read more
Return to Zero (Shatterproof Bond #3) by Isobel Starling (Author) & Gary Furlong (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Return to Zero
SERIES: Shatterproof Bond #3
AUTHOR: Isobel Starling
NARRATOR: Gary Furlong
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 6 hours, 42 minutes
RELEASEDATE: July 27, 2017
BLURB:
The thrilling sequel to As You Wish and Illuminate the Shadows.
Pulled into a world of secrets and lies for the man he loves, Declan Ramsay’s life has changed immeasurably in the eight months since meeting, and falling for his boss’s son, Sam Aiken. Declan journey of personal discovery is about to take a darker turn, and for Sam, the world becomes more treacherous than he could ever have imagined.
Two agents are missing – presumed dead, while on a reconnaissance mission at an outdoor adventure centre in the Scottish Highlands. Sir James Aiken sends his son and Declan to follow the trail, and discover the fate of the agents.
As the mission offers his first chance to use the skills he learned on the MI6 training course in Morocco, Declan is keen to get started. However, Sir James sees to it that the seeds of doubt and discord have been sewn between the couple as they begin their mission.
The journey to their Highland location, and the discoveries they make when they reach the G’wan Adventures center, prove that Sir James Aiken has been less than honest with his son. Events in the Highlands force Sam and Declan to face their greatest fears, and understand what they both really want from life – and from each other. Read more
Cronin’s Key II by N.R. Walker (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Cronin’s Key II
SERIES: Cronin’s Key
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 8 hours
RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2017
BLURB:
History isn’t always what it seems . . .
With the battle of Egypt behind them, Alec and Cronin are enjoying the thrill of new love. Though fate doesn’t wait long before throwing them back into the world of weird.
They know Alec’s blood is special, though its true purpose still eludes them. And given Alec’s inability to be changed into a vampire, Cronin is free to drink from him at will. But the ramifications of drinking such powerful blood starts a ripple effect.
With the help of Jorge, a disturbing vampire-child with the gift of foresight, Alec and Cronin face a new kind of war. This time their investigations lead them to the borders of China and Mongolia—but it’s not what lies in the pits beneath that worries Alec.
It’s the creator behind it all.
In the underground depths of China, amidst a war with the Terracotta Army, they will find out just what the Key is, and what Alec means to the vampire world. Read more
Silken by Isobel Starling (Author) & Gomez Pugh (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Silken
AUTHOR: Isobel Starling
NARRATOR: Gomez Pugh
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 2 hours, 26 minutes
RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2017
BLURB:
Matthew Fisher loved being a dancer, but his 10-year ballet career came to an abrupt end with a knee injury. He had to find a new way to make a living, and luckily, his sister was friends with Annabelle Ramsay-Aiken, only daughter of property magnate Sir James Aiken. She arranged an interview, and six months on the job training saw Matthew stepping out as a real estate agent for Aiken Luxury Lettings. Now, instead of stretching at the barre, Matthew spends his days inspecting the vacant London homes of their rich and famous clients.
Losing his dance career had left a huge hole in Matthew’s heart, and to fill it Matthew began a Tumblr blog dedicated to his fetish for wearing lingerie. He wanted to give his followers the impression he lived a charmed life, so decided to use A.L.L properties as locations for erotic photo shoots.
One of his online followers presses all of Matthew’s buttons, and a long distance, online Dom/sub relationship develops between them. But when the relationship suddenly moves from online fantasy to real life… can Matthew really submit? Read more
Artistic Pursuits by Andrew Grey (Author) and John Solo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Louisa
TITLE: Artistic Pursuits 
SERIES: Art Series #3
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
NARRATOR: John Solo
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 6 hr 39mins
RELEASE DATE: July 11th 2017
BLURB:
Frank Jennings is an FBI agent looking for redemption. Leslie Carlton is an Interpol agent looking for a thief. Attraction flares from the moment they meet on a case searching for a stolen triptych of unique Tiffany windows, but after a single night of stunning passion, Leslie is called back to London to continue his search there. When the case heats up again, Leslie returns to the States-and to Frank-but their investigation is complicated by their tumultuous feelings. Is it possible for two dedicated detectives to pursue each other while they’re tracking down stolen art and the unscrupulous man who steals it? Read more
Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford (Author) & Greg Tremblay (Narrator)
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: Dim Sum Asylum
AUTHOR: Rhys Ford
NARRATOR: Greg Tremblay
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 9 hours, 44 minutes
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2017
BLURB:
Welcome to Dim Sum Asylum: a San Francisco where it’s a ho-hum kind of case when a cop has to chase down an enchanted two-foot-tall shrine god statue with an impressive Fu Manchu mustache that’s running around Chinatown trolling sex magic and chaos in its wake.
Senior Inspector Roku MacCormick of the Chinatown Arcane Crimes Division faces a pile of challenges far beyond his human-faerie heritage – snarling dragons guarding C-Town’s multiple gates and exploding noodle factories. After a case goes sideways, Roku is saddled with Trent Leonard, a new partner he can’t trust, to add to the crime syndicate family he doesn’t want and a spell-casting serial killer he desperately needs to find.
While Roku would rather stay home with Bob the Cat and whiskey himself to sleep, he puts on his badge and gun every day, determined to serve and protect the city he loves. When Chinatown’s dark mystical underworld makes his life hell and the case turns deadly, Trent guards Roku’s back and, if Trent can be believed, his heart…even if from what Roku can see, Trent is as dangerous as the monsters and criminals they’re sworn to bring down. Read more
A Solitary Man by Shira Anthony and Aisling Mancy (Authors) and Jim Pelletier (Narrator)
Reviewed by Louisa
TITLE: A Solitary Man 
AUTHOR: Shira Anthony and Aisling Mancy
NARRATOR: Jim Pelletier
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 10h 38m
RELEASE DATE: June 23 2017
BLURB:
Sparks fly when Chance meets tall, sexy Xav at a Wilmington bar and they have the hottest one-nighter of their lives. But Chance doesn’t do repeats, Xav seems detached, and they go their separate ways without a word. Later, when closeted Assistant District Attorney C. Evan “Chance” Fairchild meets Dare’s Landing’s newest deputy sheriff, Xavier “Xav” Constantine, Evan isn’t only wary. He’s irritated as hell.
Xavier is a former FBI agent turned deputy sheriff who is hot on the trail of a South American child prostitution ring. Evan is fighting to put an end to rampant cocaine trafficking and chafing under the thumb of an election-hungry boss. When someone tries to kill the eleven-year-old witness who holds the key to both their investigations, they’re forced to work together as they put their lives on the line to protect him. As Chance and Xav collide in the heat of a sweltering North Carolina summer, dodging bullets and chasing bad guys isn’t the only action going on. Read more