HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, HERE’S TO 2022!
Welcome to Brian’s Book Blog’s weekly New and Notable Audiobooks Post for the Week of January 1st.
Comment below on any I missed or what you’re excited about!
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No Way Back by J. B. Turner
Narrated by Jonathan Davis
Brilliance Publishing
Read my review of No Way Back here
Check out my reviews of other titles written by J. B. Turner
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Jonathan Davis
$1.99 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
From the author of the bestselling Jon Reznick Thriller series comes an exhilarating new adventure. When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge…or die trying.
NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table – as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.
Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?
To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound – from haunted special forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?
The Intangible by C.J. Washington
Narrated by Jordan Cobb, Will Damron, Megan Tusing, Andrew Eiden
Brilliance Publishing
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Will Damron
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Megan Tusing
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Andrew Eiden
$7.47 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
In C.J. Washington’s riveting debut novel, a deadly secret and a devastating betrayal collide to unravel the lives of two couples in crisis.
Amanda Jackson and her husband Derrick long to have a baby. But Amanda’s meandering road to motherhood has strained her marriage and she finds herself keeping secrets, even from her mother and sister. Feeling adrift – and beset by the sense that she can’t trust her own mind – Amanda turns to neuroscientist Patrick Davis for answers.
Patrick understands the strange twists and turns of the human mind better than anyone. But his expertise hasn’t helped as his own homelife crumbles. Like Amanda, his brilliant wife Marissa is harboring secrets and an immense guilt. But instead of turning to Patrick, she becomes obsessed with finding a scientific theory to restore what she’s lost.
As the two couples confront the fraught intersection of hope and regret, what they find could change their lives forever.
The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson
Narrated by Sarah Naughton
Brilliance Publishing
Read my review of The Paid Bridesmaid here
Check out my reviews of other titles written by Sariah Wilson
$1.99 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
From Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of Roommaid, comes a captivating romantic comedy about what happens when a wedding party mixes business with romance.
Rachel Vinson is a bridesmaid for hire: part confidante, part wedding planner, and one hundred percent pretend BFF. Discretion guaranteed. Her next gig is a destination wedding – livestreamed and sponsored – for an Instagram influencer. That means a paradise of new contacts, which could be a boon to her already booming business. If Rachel can keep the very handsome and slightly too interested best man at bay, that is.
High-tech entrepreneur Camden Lewis must know: Who is this gorgeous, intelligent, and mysterious woman? Too good to be real. Convinced she’s a corporate spy out to tank his company, Camden’s not letting her out of his sight. But the constant surveillance is also opening his eyes to things about Rachel that he likes. If she’s a spy, she’s certainly the cutest one he’s ever seen.
As the week’s worth of wedding events march along, Rachel and Camden are learning almost everything there is to know about each other. Rachel’s made a career out of always a bridesmaid…but perhaps there’s a chance for her own trip down the aisle?
Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea
Narrated by Vivienne Leheny
Recorded Books, Inc.
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Vivienne Leheny
$7.49 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
Twenty Years Later, to understand the present, you need to listen to the past…. Call: 646-838-2389
In this gripping, fast-paced new stand-alone thriller from USA Today, IndieBound, and number-one internationally best-selling author Charlie Donlea, a TV news host sets out to uncover the truth behind a gruesome tale of sex, betrayal, and murder 20 years after the investigation was abandoned in the wake of 9/11.
Avery Mason, host of American Events, knows the subjects that grab a TV audience’s attention. Her latest story – a murder mystery laced with kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal – is guaranteed to be ratings gold. New DNA technology has allowed the New York medical examiner’s office to make its first successful identification of a 9/11 victim in years. The twist: The victim, Victoria Ford, had been accused of the gruesome murder of her married lover. In a chilling last phone call to her sister, Victoria begged her to prove her innocence.
Emma Kind has waited 20 years to put her sister to rest, but closure won’t be complete until she can clear Victoria’s name. Alone she’s had no luck, but she’s convinced that Avery’s connections and fame will help. Avery, hoping to negotiate a more lucrative network contract, goes into investigative overdrive. Victoria had been having an affair with a successful novelist, found hanging from the balcony of his Catskills mansion. The rope, the bedroom, and the entire crime scene was covered in Victoria’s DNA.
But the twisted puzzle of Victoria’s private life belies a much darker mystery. And what Avery doesn’t realize is that there are other players in the game who are interested in Avery’s own secret past – one she has kept hidden from both the network executives and her television audience. A secret she thought was dead and buried….
Accused of a brutal murder, Victoria Ford made a final chilling call from the North Tower on the morning of 9/11. Twenty years ago, no one listened. Today, you will…. Call: 646-838-2389
Blissfully Blindsided by Robin Alexander
Narrated by Lori Prince
Tantor Audio
Read my review of Blissfully Blindsided here
Check out my reviews of other titles written by Robin Alexander
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Lori Prince
Blaze Sonnier has had a bad year. In the spring, she made national news while dressed as the Easter Bunny in a brawl where she was trying to defend herself, and earned the moniker Bitch Slap Bunny. In the fall, the mother who abandoned Blaze for an acting career showed up on her doorstep, not only injured from an accident but broke and in need of a place to stay. While on a bike ride to purge her stress Blaze encounters one small (in physical stature only) silver lining with a flat tire.
The job Caleigh Breaux took after graduating college required her to live as a nomad into her late thirties. Weary of traveling, hotels, and being unable to have a real relationship, she made a career change. Though she hoped the change would lead her to meet the woman of her dreams she’s stunned when it happens the night she rolls into the town of Falcon, Louisiana.
In her latest romantic comedy, Robin Alexander has woven another tale with her trademark humor about small-town life, family, forgiveness, and falling in love.
Too Good to Be True by Leigh Hays
Narrated by Lula Larkin
Bold Strokes Books Inc
$7.49 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
When it comes to mistakes, social worker Madison Hewitt doesn’t do anything halfway. Her last relationship managed to break her heart and her professional prospects. Coming home to Providence is her chance to regroup, even if she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop, in life and in love.
Jen Winslow has her hands full raising her son, dealing with her ex-wife, and managing a career that takes more energy than it gives. She’s spent a lifetime being the strong one and occasionally playing the hero. Case in point? Meeting Madison at a wedding and saving her from a run-in with the woman who ruined her life. But the more time Jen spends with Madison, the more it feels like she’s the one in need of rescuing.
Can the promise of love survive the realities of life, or is it just another example of too good to be true?
Looking for Trouble by Jess Lea
Narrated by Cat Gould
Tantor Audio
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Cat Gould
$7.49 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
In this quirky lesbian romantic mystery, a reporter and a party volunteer who can’t stand each other join forces to find the truth behind an ice queen derailing Australia’s weirdest election.
Nancy is sick of living in the share house from hell, getting dumped by women who aren’t that into her, and being stuck in dead-end jobs. It’s time to chase her dream to become a political journalist, get her own funky inner-city Melbourne place, and meet Ms Right.
Instead, she meets cranky George, a butch, tattooed bus driver and party volunteer who’s dodging a vengeful ex-girlfriend. George thinks Nancy is stuck up; Nancy thinks George is the rudest woman she’s ever met.
The warring pair is caught up in the crazy election campaign of Clara West, a maverick running on the bizarre promise to shut down the internet. Rich, sexy, and dangerous, Clara will stop at nothing in the pursuit of power.
Nancy and George must learn to trust each other and act fast if they want to stay alive.
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Tiffany Brooks
Narrated by Stephanie Willing
Dreamscape Media, LLC
$7.49 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
High-school senior Riley Ozment is desperate to change her reality after making a fool of herself on social media. She needs to do something drastic to repair her social standing – like trying out for a Survivor-style reality TV show. Suddenly, Riley’s dropped onto a deserted tropical island with 19 other teens competing for a million dollars and a rumored treasure lost on the island.
But that treasure has a history: A local curse says that seven people need to die before the treasure can be found. And six hunters have already lost their lives in the search. Now the question remains: Who will be the seventh?
With a cast of vivid characters who will stop at nothing to win the show, a cursed-island setting, and a priceless treasure waiting to be discovered, The Girl Who Knew Too Much pitches listeners right into a scheming web of lies, love, and betrayal.
Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera
Narrated by Noah Galvin, Froy Gutierrez
Harper Audio
$12.99 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys listeners first fell for in the New York Times best-selling rom-com What If It’s Us.
Ben survived freshman year of college, but he’s feeling more stuck than ever. His classes are a slog, his part-time job working with his father is even worse, and his best friend Dylan’s been acting weird for weeks. Ben’s only real bright spot is his writing partner Mario, who’s been giving him a lot of Spanish lessons and even more kisses. Mario’s big Hollywood dreams make Ben start to dream bigger – and the choices he makes now could be the key to reshaping his future. So why can’t he stop thinking about a certain boy from his past?
Arthur is back in New York City for the first time in two years, ready to take the theater world by a storm as the world’s best…intern to the assistant of an off-off-Broadway director. Of course, it sucks to be spending the summer apart from his sweet, reliable boyfriend, Mikey, but he knows their relationship is strong enough to weather the distance. Which is why it’s no big deal when his ex-boyfriend Ben stumbles back into the picture. And it’s definitely fine that Ben’s blissfully happy with some mystery boy. First loves are special, but it’s way too late for what-ifs. Right?
Even as the boys try to shake off the past, they keep running into each other in the present. Is this the universe trying to tell them there’s a do-over in their future?
Here’s to Us is sure to be welcomed by fans old and new of these authors and their previous collaboration, What If It’s Us. Critically acclaimed and best-selling authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera combine their talents in these smart, funny, heartfelt novels about two very different boys who can’t decide if the universe is pushing them together – or pulling them apart.
All Saints Hotel and Cocktail Lounge by Nathan Monk
Narrated by Nathan Monk
Self Published
Murder. Mayhem. Millennials. What was supposed to be a night of hope and change unwittingly launches an adventure into chaos as five friends uncover a dark past, a secret society, and a sinister plan.
Leo, Joy, Shane, Clementine, and Nick have known each other since high school, but life has taken each of them in vastly different directions. Our story begins as they all gather together to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
In Nathan Monk’s latest novel, he weaves together a story that spans decades set against the backdrop of friendships built around a neighborhood bar. Using his powerful storytelling and immersive characters, he transports us through the troubles of the millennial dilemma. The All Saints Hotel and Cocktail Lounge is a stunning story of collective trauma. The audiobook travels through time looking at major events from 9/11 and the Columbine Massacre to the technology boom through the lens of an unsuspecting cast of characters who are simply attempting to survive a world that doesn’t seem built for them.
This Southern Gothic tale confronts some of the darkest parts of our modern history and takes the listener on a journey through the perils of the Great Recession, the Occupation of Wall Street, and right up the edge of a global pandemic that will transform the world as we know it. Who will survive the unprecedented events that unfold? Not even student debt is as perilous as the adventure you are about to embark on. No amount of cutting back on avocado toast and caramel lattes can save you from the dangers ahead.
In his unique style, Nathan creates characters that are at times hard to like but impossible not to love. This tale is full of betrayal, romance, and kitchen grease as this ragtag group of friends attempt to make the world a better place and are confronted with the question, “Do we even have the power to make any meaningful change at all and if not, is there even hope?”
Pull up a barstool, light ’em if you got ’em, and pour yourself a tall glass of suspense and romance masquerading as casual sex as you journey into the seedy halls of the All Saints Hotel and Cocktail Lounge.
The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan
Narrated by Amy McFadden
Harlequin Audio
$12.99 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
A popular sorority girl. An unsolved murder. A campus podcast with chilling repercussions.
Lucas Vega is obsessed with the death of Candace Swain, who left a sorority party one night and never came back. Her body was found after two weeks, but the case has grown cold. Three years later while interning at the medical examiner’s, Lucas discovers new information, but the police are not interested.
Lucas knows he has several credible pieces of the puzzle. He just isn’t sure how they fit together. So he creates a podcast to revisit Candace’s last hours. Then he encourages listeners to crowdsource what they remember and invites guest lecturer Regan Merritt, a former US marshal, to come on and share her expertise.
New tips come in that convince Lucas and Regan they are onto something. Then shockingly one of the podcast callers turns up dead. Another hints at Candace’s secret life…a much darker picture than Lucas imagined – and one that implicates other sorority sisters. Regan uses her own resources to bolster their theory and learns that Lucas is hiding his own secret. The pressure is on to solve the murder, but first Lucas must come clean about his real motives in pursuing this podcast – before the killer silences him forever.
The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane
Narrated by Karissa Vacker
Harper Audio
Check out my reviews of other titles narrated by Karissa Vacker
$12.99 Whispersync Deal with Kindle Purchase
The number one international best-selling author of Pretty Little Wife returns with another thrilling domestic suspense novel that asks, how many wives and girlfriends need to disappear before your family notices?
Elisa Wright is a mom and wife, living a nice, quiet life in a nice, quiet town. She’s also convinced her brother-in-law is a murderer. Josh has one dead wife and one missing fiancée, and though he grieved for them he starts dating someone new. Elisa fears for that woman’s safety, and she desperately wants to know what happened to her friend, Josh’s missing fiancée.
Searching for clues means investigating her own family. And she doesn’t like what she finds. A laptop filled with incriminating information. Other women.
But when Elisa becomes friends with Josh’s new girlfriend and starts to question things she thinks are true, Elisa wonders if the memories of a horrible incident a year ago have finally pushed her over the edge and Josh is really innocent. With so much at stake, Elisa fights off panic attacks and a strange illness. Is it a breakdown or something more? The race is on to get to the truth before another disappearance because there’s a killer in the family…or is there?
- Snapped (Agent Jade Monroe #1) by C. M. Sutter (Narrated by Meghan Kelly) - March 21, 2023
- Dungeon World Drifters (System Apocalypse – Relentless #2) by Craig Hamilton & Tao Wong (Narrated by Shamaan Casey) - March 19, 2023
- New and Notable Audiobook Releases for the Week of March 18th on Brian’s Book Blog - March 18, 2023
