TOP AUDIOBOOK PICKS OF 2019

Liza’s Top Audiobook Picks of 2019

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Random House Audio)

New to me author and OMG I loved this story so much. I’m really hoping it’s true it will soon be made into a show on Amazon Prime.

Veronica Speedwell series 1 – 4 by Deanna Raybourn (Recorded Books/Audible Audio)

I glommed this series as quickly as I could after listening to the first book in the series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis (Harper Audio)

One of my favorite books ever from Jill Shalvis! The romance was strong in this story, but it’s the sisters’ relationship that makes this such an amazing story.

Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep (Harper Audio)

Loved the growth of all the characters in this book. I can’t wait to read the 3^rd book in 2020!

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen (Harper Audio)

Somehow this was my first book from Sarah Dessen, and I loved her voice. Her books are classified as YA, but her voice speaks to everyone.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Audible Audio)

I really enjoyed this story very much. While I figured out most of the mystery involved in this story rather early on, it was still such an engaging story from start to finish.

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins  (Harper Audio)

I admit it…somehow this is my first book by Ms. Bev. I absolutely loved her voice and was pulled into the story from page one.  Yes Rebel was my first book, but definitely won’t be my last!

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews (Harper Audio)

I love the Hidden Legacy series of books and really loved the first book with Catalina as the head of House Baylor.

Barenuckle Bastards series by Sarah MacLean (Harper Audio)

I listened to both books after hearing Sarah MacLean speak at RWA in July. I absolutely fell in love with her voice in these books, and can’t wait to see what happens in the 3^rd Barenuckle Bastards books.

Well Met by Jen DeLuca (Penguin Audio)

This romantic comedy story was one of the best stories I listened to this year. I actually had tried to get a print copy at RWA at the publisher’s signing and Ms. DeLuca ran out as I got to her table. I have to say it was more than worth the wait to listen to the story!

The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole (Audible Audio)

Alyssa Cole could probably write and updated phone book and I’d love it. Her Reluctant Royals books have been some of my favorites from the very beginning. I grabbed The A.I. Who Loved Me as soon as it hit Audible and loved every minute of this story. I really hope we get more stories in the future with these characters as well.

Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec & Andi Arndt (Audible Originals)

I signed up for Audible Escapes in December and one of the books suggested to me was this book. I literally was laughing out loud as I was grocery shopping and again at work while listening to this story. It hit on all my happy places and I could read about these characters over and over again.

Nikki’s Top Audiobook Picks of 2019

Cold Fury Hockey series by Sawyer Bennett

1. Alex
2. Garrett
3. Zack
4. Ryker
5. Hawks
6. Max
7. Roman
8. Lucas
9. Can
10. Reed
11. Marek

All Tantor Audio

The Cold Fury Series by Sawyer Bennett 

This series was my first foray into Sawyer Bennett’s amazing world of romance novels. It took me a while to get there, I missed the bus so many times, but sweet Baby Jesus...I have arrived! 

I was looking for an audiobook from my local library to fill the silence while I was knitting a blanket, and I downloaded book 1 in the series, Alex. I was floored by how much much I loved it. I’m not typically a fan of sports romance, but the Cold Fury won me over. It’s an 11 book series and I gobbled them all up, in audiobook, over the course of 4 weeks. If I had to pick my favourite, I think it might be Zack. It’s book 3. It’s full of angst and heartbreak...my weakness in romance! I love that the book was narrated by both a man and a woman. All the books are read by Cris Dukehart and Graham Halstead. They did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.

Ethan Frost series by Tracy Wolff

1. Ruined
2. Addicted
3. Exposed

All Tantor Audio

The Ethan Frost series by Tracy Wolff

I really loved this series. It was dark and twisted, and heartbreakingly beautiful. This series deals with some sensitive, possible trigger inducing, topics. But the love story between Ethan and Chloe consumed me until I read all the books. I will say that I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator, Tess Chalmers. Her voice grated on me a bit. It reminded me of a stereotypical “valley girl” from the 80’s. Sometimes, her voice would pull me out of the story, but most of time I was able to brush it off. 

SAPPHIRE FLAMES (HIDDEN LEGACY #4)

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Avon HarperCollins Publisher

Hidden Legacy #4, Catalina Baylor #1

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Sapphire Flames is the 4th book in the Hidden Legacy series and the 1st book with Catalina Baylor being the main character of the series. Catalina is the head of House Baylor and they are in the final weeks of new house protection when Sapphire Flames begins. I feel like all of the Baylors have the same moral code when it comes to taking care of friends, family and those in need, and Catalina was everything I wanted in the new head of the house.

Catalina's style and magic is very different from Nevada's, and I liked she delegated more responsibilities to various family members.  Even when there were issues along the way, she showed a strength I wasn't aware she had from the first 3 Hidden Legacy books. I felt like Catalina's strength was more internal and she was learning on the fly, and it was very refreshing for me. Her sense of right and wrong worked for me and I loved seeing her begin to come into her own as the story progressed.

Alessandro Sagredo gave me all the happy sighs when he was on the page. I loved the banter between him and Catalina. OMG the chemistry and attraction between these two gave me all the feels. I can't wait to see where they go as this series progresses, as I think I love them even more than I loved Nevada and Rogan...and I had mad love for those two.

Sapphire Flames was a great read. I loved getting to spend more time and learn more about each of the Baylor family members with each new installment. Ilona Andrews became an auto-buy/auto-read author for me as soon as I read the first Kate Daniels book, and I have to say my love for the Hidden Legacy series is every bit as strong. I can't wait to see where we are taken next in this wonderful Urban Fantasy series.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

DIAMOND FIRE (HIDDEN LEGACY #3.5)

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Avon Impulse

Hidden Legacy #3.5

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher/Edelweiss

Liza's Review:

Diamond Fire is a novella set in the Hidden Legacy world. I was super excited to get Nevada and Rogan's wedding story, and really enjoyed getting to learn more about Nevada's sister Catalina. I will say I wish we had gotten a little bit more from Nevada's point of view, but did love her sharing how she first met Rogan's mother at the start of the book.

Catalina and her sister Arabella are forced to become the wedding planners/coordinators when Nevada pretty much can't work with anyone else. When a Rogan family heirloom goes missing, Catalina makes it her main job to find it before the wedding. While Catalina had been a part of the Hidden Legacy series, she was more a supporting character and I felt like she just is starting to come into her own in Diamond Fire. I enjoyed seeing Catalina's style of investigating, and seeing her explore her magic powers and how they could work to get the answers she needs. I felt like Nevada was more a fly by the seat of her pants investigator; Catalina tends to be methodical in her investigating. 

I really enjoyed Diamond Fire and seeing Nevada and Rogan get their happily ever after. I also really loved getting to know Catalina more. I'm excited to read future Hidden Legacy novels from Catalina's point of view and see her grow even more in her magic and as a character.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

MAGIC TRIUMPHS

Mercenary Kate Daniels must risk all to protect everything she holds dear in this epic, can't-miss entry in the thrilling #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series.

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She's made friends and enemies. She's found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate's doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.

Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world.

Release Date: August 28, 2018

Ace

Kate Daniels #10

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

I thought I was prepared for the end of the Kate Daniels series.  I knew it was coming for such a long time, yet as I was reading the final book, all I wanted to do was savor each and every page as to make it last just a little bit longer. Magic Triumphs is filled with everything fans of this series have come to expect and love. We have much action, humor, and love in this story, which wrapped up the series perfectly.

I loved every single moment of Magic Triumphs. I honestly found myself laughing way more as I read this book than I ever expected to with it being the final book in the series. Yes there has always been humor in the books in this series, but I think I was so prepared for the battle at the end, I didn't think about everything Kate, Curran and crew would have to go through to get to that point of the story. I adored Kate and Curran's son Conlan so much. OMG he was about the cutest toddler ever to hit the pages of a book. I loved the dynamic the addition of Conlan added to this family.

I loved we got to see so many friend and even a few enemies along the way. Hugh and Elara showing up didn't really surprise me too much, but how they arrived totally and completely threw me for a loop for some reason. I was glad to see Hugh and Elara again following Iron & Magic, and while you don't have to read it before reading Magic Triumphs, there are some events that directly impact some of the actions in Magic Triumphs.

The entire series has been leading up to an epic battle between Kate and her father Roland. I have to say it was everything I was expecting and more. I have to say I loved while we had been building up for the battle over the entire course of the series, it really only was a small portion of this final book. The relationships between all the characters were at the front and center of the story and it just gave me all the feels to spend time with so many favorite characters along the way. I gave me the chance to also see the growth of all the characters over the course of the series.

I feel like Ilona Andrews gave the readers the best possible ending to the Kate Daniels series of books. While in my heart of hearts I'm hoping for many spin-off series beyond the Iron Covenant series, I was completely satisfied with the ending of Magic Triumphs. The Kate Daniels series of books will be one I will continue to read and listen to over and over again. I highly recommend this series of books to anyone who loves books in the Urban Fantasy genre.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

IRON AND MAGIC (THE IRON COVENANT #1)

No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work.

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

Release Date: June 26, 2018

The Iron Covenant #1, Kate Daniels #9.5

Nancy Yost Literary Agency, LLC

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher 

Liza's Review:

Iron and Magic is the first book in the Iron Covenant series that is a spin-off of the Kate Daniels series. While a reader could pick up this series and start it, I feel they would be missing out on some much of the world building to this point if they didn't read the Kate Daniels books first.

Hugh d'Ambray is no longer aligned with his master/foster father Roland. Hugh really doesn't know what to do with himself initially and seems to drown his feelings in alcohol to get through each day. I felt like had Hugh's Iron Dogs not been in trouble, he probably would have continued on doing nothing. However, the loyal men and women who have always followed him needing his help finally woke him up. I have to say Hugh having concern for anyone other than himself was almost a bit of a surprise, as I've never really felt like he cared about anything but himself and Roland from what we've seen of him so far in the Kate Daniels series. He needs food and shelter for his people and has discovered just the person to help.

Elara Harper is called the White Lady by her people. She has the shelter Hugh and the Iron Dogs needs and he can provide the protection her people need. This unlikely pair and their marriage of convenience could have been the biggest cluster with two individuals who are both used to being in charge. I have to say the banter between them made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.

I thought Iron and Magic was a good start to this spinoff series. There was much world building to be established, so the book did start out a bit slow. However, once I really was pulled into the story, I was totally hooked. I like seeing a side of Hugh I don't feel like we have ever seen before. I also loved the Elara really kept him on his toes. They really did seem absolutely perfect for one another as they each wanted to protect their people at any cost. 

Elara and Hugh fought well together for a common goal, and I have to say I enjoyed learning more about Hugh in Iron and Magic, but have to say I didn't learn nearly enough about Elara. I am absolutely intrigued by her. She is such a strong woman, yet I feel some vulnerability from her as well. I only know I want to know more about her than what we saw in Iron and Magic and can't wait to see who and what she really is.

Iron and Magic left me wanting more, which I feel is a good thing for books in a series. I also wonder what parts Hugh and Elara will play in the final Kate Daniels book coming out later this month. I feel like their involvement will give more insight into future books.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

MAGIC BINDS (KATE DANIELS #9)

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

Release Date: September 20, 2015

ACE 

Kate Daniels #9

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

The Kate Daniels series is like book crack to me. As soon as I start the book, I don't want to put it down until I’m finished, and then I have to wait and entire year for my next fix. One would think I'd learn from my annual wait, but no I haven't since I got caught up on the series last year. Yep, I read the first 8 books in one year and now must wait each year like everyone else for my next fix.

I really liked Magic Binds. We were given all the action and adventure I've come to love from the series, with lots of time for Kate and Curran, and we even learned more about Roland. Curran and Kate are probably one of my most favorite couples in any Urban Fantasy series I read. Even in the crazy magic-filled world they live in, they seem to have some of the same problems as other couples. They have to get their wedding planned, their kid isn't really following any of the rules they set, and oh yea, they have to protect Atlanta from Kate's father...again. I absolutely love that Kate really just wants to exchange vows with Curran and not worry about anyone being there for the ceremony. I loved that Julie is really starting to show more of the person she wants to be. Yes, she is very much like Kate in many things, but she is her own person too, and I feel like we saw more of who she will become in Magic Binds. Roland pushed Kate more in Magic Binds than he had in previous books. I have to say; I loved seeing Kate show even more fight than usual in Magic Binds. I think part of the reason I love the Kate Daniels series so much is because in addition to action, adventure, and romance, we get so much humor in every single book. Some of the humor is pretty dry, but it makes me laugh every single time. 

Overall I felt like Magic Binds was a very strong story in the Kate Daniels series. I liked the changes to Kate, and could see much growth in her character. I loved that we got to spend time with some of my favorite members of the pack, and found myself even liking some characters I'd not liked in the past. I will say I felt like part of the storyline just ended rather abruptly, and I would have liked more of a resolution to it. Not to give any spoilers away, but I have to say Kate and Curran's wedding was everything I had hoped for and I felt it was absolutely perfect for them.

Fans of the Kate Daniels series will be completely in their happy place while they read Magic Binds. I highly recommend reading the entire Kate Daniels series to anyone who is a fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. I will say you really do need to read the series in order to understand the history of the characters and the dynamics of the world and everything going on currently. I caught up on the entire series last year in audiobook, and can highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give this series a try.

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

MAGIC SHIFTS (KATE DANIELS #8)

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Kate Daniels Book #8

Ace Penguin Publishing Group

Review copy provided by publisher

I am so glad I finally listened to my friend Jen last year and started reading/listening to the Kate Daniels series. It is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series out and I devour the books as soon as I get them in my hands. Magic Shifts was no different.

I absolutely loved where Ilona Andrews took the series in Magic Shifts. I knew things would change with Curran, Kate and Julie leaving the Keep, and loved they now have their very own home. While they have to stay away from the Keep for 30 days to let the transistion for the new Beast Lord happen with the pack, I loved we still got to spend time with so many favorite characters. 

Since Kate has claimed Atlanta, she and Curran are spending lots of time protecting the city. Luckily they have several members and friends from the pack that have decided to leave with them and are always there to help. I loved getting to see how Kate and Curran worked in their new roles and also loved they really are still the exact same people they have always been.

The interactions with Kate's dad Roland were so much fun. Honestly I didn't know what to expect and yet found myself really loving the family time between Kate and Roland. Kate actually was able to find out more about her mother thanks to family time. While I still don't really trust Roland, I know that Kate and Curran can battle anything that comes their way.

Magic Shifts was a wonderful addition to the series and I love that the series continues to stay fresh and completely original 8 books into the series. Each and every book is filled with emotion, action and adventure. I can't wait for my next fix in the Kate Daniels series.