Welcome to the May 2021 Audio Book of the Month Poll!
Here are all our Audio Reviews rated 4.5 & 5 hearts and up 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 week. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules….
On the Run (Whispering Key Book 2) by May Archer (Author) and Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: On the Run
SERIES: Whispering Key Book 2
AUTHOR: May Archer
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 20 minutes
RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2021
BLURB:
I was supposed to be partying with a bunch of celebrities in paradise this week, okay?
But then, I made one teeny, tiny error in judgement before leaving New York, and suddenly, the paparazzi expected me to give a command performance as “the other man” in their straight celebrity “outing” of the week.
Um, no, precious. So much no.
Instead, I did what any self-respecting, secret-keeping man would do in that situation: I cancelled my trip and fled New York to hide out in the last place anyone would look for me – a weird, little Florida island where nothing exciting ever happened.
Or, at least, it didn’t…until I arrived.
Now, I find myself shacked up with my fake boyfriend Beale Goodman, Whispering Key’s most adorable, most enormous, most virginal cinnamon roll – a guy who rescues feral cats, believes in soulmates, and talks about happiness like it’s free for the taking.
A guy who nearly convinces me, with every smile and kiss, that it is.
Stranger still? I find myself falling for the people on the island. Fitting in, instead of sticking out. Making, you know, friends. And for the first time ever, I think I’ve found something I want to run to, rather than from…
As long as I can keep my secrets from catching up with me.
Sweet as Honey (Aster Valley Book 2) by Lucy Lennox (Author) and Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Sweet as Honey
SERIES: Aster Valley Book 2
AUTHOR: Lucy Lennox
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 24 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2021
BLURB:
When I rode my bike into Aster Valley, it was supposed to be temporary. A quick, relaxing visit with friends. No entanglements. Zero drama.
But then I saw the bumblebee being harassed on the side of the highway.
More specifically, I saw Truman Sweet, Aster Valley’s resident botanist, spice merchant, and bee-costume enthusiast, being harassed. And the second I got involved, all my plans for a quick departure scattered like pollen on the breeze.
It turns out that Truman—adorably shy, relentlessly sunshiny, hot as all heck, reluctantly-still-a-virgin Truman—has secrets. Secrets someone in this charming small town doesn’t want brought to light. Secrets that rouse every one of my protective instincts just as surely as his kisses rouse… other parts of me.
And before I know it, I’m thinking being entangled might not be so bad… if it’s Truman I’m tangled up with.
I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Truman from the dangers in his past, but after a lifetime of loneliness and disappointment, how can I possibly convince him to trust me with his future?
Stud (Four Bears Construction #5) by K.M. Neuhold (Author) & Tim Paige and Liam DiCosimo (Narrators)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Stud
SERIES: Four Bears Construction #5
AUTHOR: K.M. Neuhold
NARRATORS: Tim Paige and Liam DiCosimo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 5 hours and 22 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2021
BLURB:
Stud: A boss, knob, or nail head…or, you know, the hot guy who’s way too young to keep asking me out with that adorably earnest smile…
It’s been three years since West walked into my bar and asked me out for the first time. I was relieved he stopped asking after the first few “no’s” and a way-too-good-to-be-real kiss. He’s 15 years younger than I am; it can only lead to trouble.
Of course, now he’s running through people off dating apps like it’s his job and wearing these lace panties that look really unfair on someone as furry and muscular as he is, and, um…what was I talking about?
I probably shouldn’t sabotage his dates, but I’m only human. I might not be ready to admit that I want him, but I’m definitely not ready to let anyone else have him either.
He’s too perfect, too hot, and I am in way too much trouble…
Note: Stud is a friends-to-lovers, construction-worker-in-panties, omg-so-much-swoon story that happens to be the fifth audiobook in the Four Bears Construction Series. Every audiobook in this series can be listened to as a stand-alone, but they’re a lot more fun together!
Audible
Loving Jay (Loving You #1) by Renae Kaye (Author) & Dave Gillies (Narrator)
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: Loving Jay
SERIES: Loving You #1
AUTHOR: Renae Kaye
NARRATOR: Dave Gillies
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 6 hours, 24 minutes
RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2014
BLURB:
One thing Liam Turner knows for sure is that he’s not gay – after all, his father makes it very clear he’ll allow no son of his to be gay. And Liam believes it, until a chance meeting with James “Jay” Bell turns Liam’s world upside-down. Jay is vivacious and unabashedly gay – from the tips of his bleached hair to the ends of his polished nails. With a flair for fashion, overreaction, and an inability to cork his verbal diarrhea, drama queen Jay must have a screw loose.
An accident as a teenager left Liam with a limp and a fear of driving. He can’t play football anymore either, and that makes him feel like less of a man. But that’s no reason to question his sexuality… unless the accident broke something else inside him. When being with Jay causes Liam’s protective instincts to emerge, Liam starts to believe all he’s known in life has been a convenient lie. From intolerance to confrontations, Liam must learn to overcome his fears – and his father – before he can accept his sexuality and truly love Jay.
Audible
Starting from the Top (Starting From Book 5) by Lane Hayes (Author) and Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Starting from the Top
SERIES: Starting From Series Book 5
AUTHOR: Lane Hayes
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 8 hours and 43 minutes
RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2021
BLURB:
The guitarist, the dad, and a band on the rise….
Johnny
A quiet place to live and some time to recharge before my band heads out on the road again sounds amazing. I wouldn’t mind a distraction, too, but my new neighbor is off-limits. There are rules about not getting involved with your bandmate’s ex, right? And Sean isn’t my type anyway. He’s too bossy, too commanding, and he has way too much baggage. I’ve learned that it’s best to let go of the heavy stuff. So why am I so drawn to him?
Sean
Coming out later in life has taught me to protect my privacy at all costs. And while juggling a handful of businesses and two kids isn’t easy, I excel at the art of multitasking and keeping everything separate. But Johnny blurs those lines. He’s easy-going, sweet-natured, and cool. In short, he’s everything I’m not. I want to know all about him…starting from the top.
Starting from the Top is a MM, bisexual romance with some rock and roll, an age gap, and a little family fun! Each book in the Starting From series can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
The Endgame by Riley Hart (Author) and Iggy Toma (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: The Endgame
AUTHOR: Riley Hart
NARRATOR: Iggy Toma
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 50 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2021
BLURB:
Weston
When I left home, I swore I’d never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I’ve done it all as an out gay man. So, when I’m in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don’t hesitate to proposition him…right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella.
Anson
I’ve always known I’m gay, but never acted on it. Pretending isn’t easy, but it means I can keep playing football. No one has ever guessed my secret until the gorgeous man at a bar in DC. At least he doesn’t know who I am – the best tight end in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Lightning. Though my identity doesn’t stay a secret from him for long.
Between texts and late-night phone calls, we get to know each other. West’s the only person who knows all the parts of me, just like I know his. When he asks for one night together so he can show me what it’s like to be with a man, I can’t say no. But once isn’t enough, and we keep sneaking around together – brief encounters, in California, Georgia, or DC, filled with passionate touches and whispered truths.
I never thought I’d have love. West never thought he’d want it. Now we’re all in with each other, but he still has time left in his Senate term. I have contract obligations to fulfill, and I’m closeted. We don’t even live in the same state. The odds are stacked against us, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to win. He’s the endgame in the biggest challenge of my life, the one I’m banking my future happiness on.
Bell, Book and Scandal (Bedknobs & Broomsticks #3) by Josh Lanyon (Author) & Kale Williams (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Bell, Book and Scandal
SERIES: Bedknobs & Broomsticks #3
AUTHOR: Josh Lanyon
NARRATOR: Kale Williams
PUBLISHER: JustJoshin Publishing
LENGTH: 5 hours and 39 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2021
BLURB:
Black Magic. Blackmail. Little Black Books. Must a witch break his vows to save his marriage?
Cosmo Saville loves that his husband has finally accepted his witchy ways. And in return, his promise to stay out of police business guarantees them a happily ever after. At least, until he discovers he might be responsible for a dangerous game of blackmail….
Police Commissioner John Joseph Galbraith feels relieved that his marriage is back on track. Especially since he has his hands full with a high-profile suicide and rumors of a city-wide extortion ring. But when he stumbles across Cosmo breaking his vow by playing cop, John agonizes over old wounds.
With the commissioner’s badge and family in jeopardy, Cosmo has no choice but to put his life on the line.
Can the witch expose a dark conspiracy, save John’s career, and return to love’s delicious spell?
Bell, Book and Scandal is the third book in the Bedknobs and Broomsticks romantic gay mystery trilogy. If you like quirky characters, snappy spells, and madcap suspense, then you’ll love Josh Lanyon’s supernatural story.
Audible
Bad Boy (Masters of Romance #1) by Emma Alcott (Author) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Bad Boy
SERIES: Masters of Romance #1
AUTHOR: Emma Alcott
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 55 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 29, 2021
BLURB:
Russ
They call me a bad boy, and thirteen years ago they would have been right.
I’ve done things I’m not proud of.
Served time.
Broken hearts and bones alike.
But I’m a changed man now. I don’t break the law for a living anymore; I write books about guys like me who fall in love with other guys. It’s as close to a happily ever after as I think I’ll get…
Until Colton shows up in my remote cabin in the middle of a snowstorm, so timid and young and sweet.
I’ve given up my wicked ways, but damn if he doesn’t make me want to do bad, bad things…
Colton
I didn’t mean to get lost on my way to the big New Year’s Eve party, and I definitely didn’t mean to drive my car into a snowbank, but here I am in the middle of nowhere, stranded in front of a creepy cabin, about to freeze to death.
The only way I’ll make it through the night is if I go inside, but there’s no telling who might be in there. It very well could be a serial killer, or a horror movie monster…
Or a bearded, tattooed bad boy with a big secret who’ll steal my heart and make me never want to leave.
Bad Boy is the first book in the Masters of Romance series, where romance authors don’t just write about happily ever afters—they live them. Get ready for love, laughter, and some serious steam. No cheating and no love triangles, guaranteed. Bad Boy can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s way more fun to binge them all. Which author are you most excited to see get his HEA?
Auible
Memory Lane (Pine Cove #5) by H.J. Welch (Author) & Nick J. Russo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Memory Lane
SERIES: Pine Cove #5
AUTHOR: H.J. Welch
NARRATOR: Nick J. Russo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 8 hours and 21 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2021
BLURB:
Ever since Jay Coal’s best friend saved his life in high school, he’s harbored a secret love. But Angel is straight, and his thrilling work as a movie stuntman takes him all over the world, while Jay has never left Pine Cove. When Angel finally comes back to town, a suspicious work accident leaves him in the dark, and only Jay can light the way.
It’s a second chance for Angel Shields. Trustworthy Jay helps him recover from the accident, and Angel starts to see him in a different light. But are these feelings of attraction new? Or has he always had a secret crush on his best friend? Thanks to the accident, Angel can’t trust his own memories to tell him. Maybe all that matters is how he feels now?
Their life-long friendship is at risk if they make a move, but this chemistry is unforgettable. With more dangers ahead than answers, will they even get the chance to explore this love that’s waiting for them down the end of memory lane?
Book five of Pine Cove, Memory Lane is a steamy, stand-alone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliff-hanger.
Audible
Side Character (Masters of Romance #0.5) by Emma Alcott & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Side Character
SERIES: Masters of Romance #.5
AUTHOR: Emma Alcott
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 1 hour and 8 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2021
BLURB:
Sawyer Jonathan Aston has an extremely suckable…ahem. We’re talking eight inches of girthy perfection. Two-thirds of a foot of succulent man-meat. A true cornucopia of carnal delights.
And tonight, that ahem is going to make my mouth feel like a Tokyo subway car at rush hour. We’re talking crowded. Crammed. Absolutely stuffed. And if I’m lucky, a few stops later we’ll both get off at the same time and head home together to see what kind of trouble we can get up to when bed is our final destination.
But you know what they say about the best-laid plans….
It’s a good thing I’m resourceful, because come what may, I’m not going to stop until I make Sawyer mine.
Side Character is a stand-alone short story set in the Masters of Romance universe. While there are no authors in this one, there is a sassy best friend who messes things up spectacularly, but still manages to land the man of his dreams. Get ready for love, laughter, and some serious steam. No cheating and no love triangles, guaranteed.
Auible
All Fired Up (Ashes & Dust #1) by Jenn Burke (Author) & Tim Paige (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: All Fired Up
SERIES: Ashes & Dust #1
AUTHOR: Jenn Burke
NARRATOR: Tim Paige
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 7 hours and 41 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2021
BLURB:
Once bitten. Twice burned. Forever bonded.
Don’t miss this riveting and romantic spin-off series from Jenn Burke, author of Not Dead Yet.
Paranormals are dying. All over the city, with no explanation and only one thing in common: their magic is missing.
Vampire and private investigator Evan Fournier isn’t supposed to be taking on paranormal cases, but when the murderer hits close to home, he agrees to look into it. The last thing he expects is to become a target himself—and then to become irrevocably bonded to the man who just tried to kill him.
With his memory gone and his soul bonded to a stranger, former firefighter Colin Zhang wants to be anywhere else. He doesn’t have a damn clue why he just tried to kill Evan, and he didn’t even know about magic until just now. The sooner he can get back to his real life, the better.
But every time either of them tries to leave, pure agony stops them short. Forced to work with Evan or suffer the consequences, Colin must excavate the secrets buried in his missing memories while battling two rising threats: the conspiracy behind the murder, and his mutual attraction to the bond mate he never wanted.
Carina
True Mate (Prosper Woods Chronicles Book 1) by Patricia Logan (Author) and John Solo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: True Mate
SERIES: Prosper Woods Chronicles Book 1
AUTHOR: Patricia Logan
NARRATOR: John Solo
PUBLISHER: Westburg Publishing
LENGTH: 6 hours and 42 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2021
BLURB:
True Mate is the first book in the Prosper Woods Chronicles, but don’t miss True Knight, the incredible prequel to the series!
When I moved to Prosper Woods, California, a couple of weeks ago, I’d had big plans for a quiet life. Let’s just say, things haven’t exactly turned out the way I expected they would. For one thing, as new sheriff, I hadn’t planned on investigating a murder the day after my arrival. For another thing, no one told me supernatural creatures existed. I didn’t believe it at first, but when Vincent Lasco suddenly smiled at me with a mouth full of fangs, things got interesting.
Quiet small-town life indeed!
The moment I decided to take Sheriff Romeo Harmon home for a roll in the sheets, I knew hiding my true nature was a huge mistake. Then again, things never turn out the way I expect. The simple life of anonymity I’d hoped to have in Prosper Woods has blown up in my face in the most poetic and spectacular way. Not only that, the guy isn’t even aware that he has secrets of his own. How a guy could have lived all his life not knowing what he was, seems nearly impossible but in his case, I know it’s true.
Supernaturals are everywhere!
The town of Prosper Woods has a couple of new residents who at first glance, seem very unsuited for small town life. Before long though, I realized they were right for the town…probably the only right thing about this weird place. Surprisingly, they fit right in.
Things are about to get interesting!
Protective Behavior (Bad Behavior #5) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt (Authors) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Protective Behavior
SERIES: Bad Behavior #5
AUTHORS: Cari Z and L.A. Witt
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 7 hours and 22 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2021
BLURB:
Detective Mark Thibedeau is perfectly happy doing his job in Internal Affairs and going home to his cat. Still, when his assistant wants to set him up on a blind date, he can’t help but be intrigued.
Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting.
It’s instant chemistry when they meet – and instant chaos.
That chaos isn’t just phone calls interrupting dates. When a patient comes into the ED rapidly bleeding out from a gunshot wound, Ryan suddenly finds himself in possession of evidence that could very well put two White cops in jail for killing an innocent Black man in cold blood.
Not sure what else to do, Ryan takes the evidence to the only cop he can trust – Mark.
Now, Mark is investigating a delicate case, and Ryan is a material witness, and putting their fledgling relationship on hold is the least of their problems. Dirty cops stalk Ryan and his colleagues. Higher-ups question Mark’s investigative integrity at every turn. Worse, he’s tugging at threads of a citywide systemic problem of cops getting away with racially motivated murder.
And there are cops with blood on their hands who will gladly kill to keep that system running.
CW: racially motivated violence, White cop-on-Black civilian violence
Audible
Following the Rules (The Script Club Book 1) by Lane Hayes (Author) and Alexander Cendese (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Following the Rules
SERIES: The Script Club Book 1
AUTHOR: Lane Hayes
NARRATOR: Alexander Cendese
PUBLISHER: Self-published
RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2021
LENGTH: 4 hours and 50 minutes
BLURB:
The geek, the jock, and a new set of rules…
Topher-
My friend’s brother needs an academic assistant and I need a job. Problem…jocks are my weakness. Seriously. I lose my ability to speak coherently around muscle-bound hotties. Oh yeah, I lose my inhibitions too—not a good look for a guy with a genius IQ. So what am I going to do about Simon?
Simon-
Finishing college isn’t high on my list of priorities, but my future in professional football is looking bleak. I need a plan B or C, and I could use some help navigating life as an undergrad. Topher is perfect. He’s also a little strange…but in a good way. And I like the way I feel when I’m around him—as though anything is possible. Maybe if we follow our hearts, we’ll find what we’re looking for. But that means changing the rules…
Following the Rules is a MM, bisexual awakening romance starring a lovable nerd, a cool jock, and some extracurricular fun.
Off Plan (Whispering Key Book 1) by May Archer (Author) and Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Off Plan
SERIES: Whispering Key Book 1
AUTHOR: May Archer
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 11 hours 50 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2020
BLURB:
I came to Whispering Key for a job. That was all. To show the world Mason Bloom could be more than a small-town doctor living a medium-sized life.
Private doctor on a swanky island with a posh resort? Check.
But from the moment I set foot on this island, nothing went according to plan.
I didn’t expect to find the resort falling apart. I didn’t expect the people here to be so charming and crazy and welcoming and real. I didn’t expect legends about shipwrecks and buried treasure. And I definitely didn’t expect Fenn Reardon, the island’s incredibly attractive, incredibly infuriating, incredibly male resident tour guide, to become the one person I can’t live without.
Thirty-five’s a bit late for me to realize I’m not straight, though, right? And I have big dreams that won’t fit on Whispering Key, anyway – dreams that do not include tying myself to a tiny island stuck in the past or to a man who refuses to think about the future.
My head’s telling me I have to leave Whispering Key…My heart’s telling me there might be treasure on this island after all.
Through the Last Door (Sacred Guardian #1) by J.A. Jaken (Author) & Dan Calley (Narrator)
Reviewed by Stephen K.
TITLE: Through the Last Door
SERIES: Sacred Guardian #1
AUTHOR: J.A. Jaken
NARRATOR: Dan Calley
PUBLISHER: J.A. Jaken Audible
LENGTH: 13 hrs and 38 mins
RELEASE DATE: Apr 27, 2021
BLURB:
When Kaori Sansa’s father dies, he is forced to return home to claim the throne as the rightful heir of the country of Kazure. In the aftermath of his father’s death, he learns that the country he loves is riddled with corruption and is hovering on the brink of war. Will he be able to hold the kingdom together despite the odds that are stacked against it and, somehow, unlock the buried powers of Shinja, the Sacred Beast of Kazure?