This ornate performance by Elizabeth Knowelden is a rivals-become-lovers story told with humor and a sense of adventure. Alice is an experienced spy who is hungry for her next thrilling assignment. She's finally assigned to stop an assassination but must work with Bixby, another overachieving agent. They pose as a married couple--and as the attraction runs high, so does the risk of failing at their task. Knowelden's elegant narration fits this romance. Her delivery of the banter between the two big personalities is droll, and the romantic tension is steamy. Overall, her performance is well rounded and offers a wide array of emotion. Both Alice and Bixby are presented as strong characters as they move through the natural progression of a reluctant romance.
Pub Date: April 18, 2023
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593675779
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An immersive and engaging listening experience that highlights every emotional beat and character interaction.
This audiobook follows Verbena Montrose, who enters a marriage of convenience to save her family, only to fall for the mysterious poet Flora, who secretly has another identity as William Forsyth. The story mixes romance, humor, and identity with a clever Regency twist. Ian Slater's narration stands out for his exceptional ability to distinguish voices, especially in his portrayals of Flora and William, with subtle yet clear changes in tone and cadence. Slater easily conveys emotions from quiet longing to playful banter, making each character feel unique and genuine. His pacing is natural and conversational, never rushed, allowing each scene to breathe. The performance adds depth, charm, and authenticity.
An immersive and engaging listening experience that highlights every emotional beat and character interaction.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217174133
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
Listeners will be delighted and entertained by the lively performances in this diverting production.
Narrators Mary Jane Wells and Morag Sims perform a dual narration of Alban’s latest Sapphic historical romance. In Regency-era Bath, Lady Rosalie rules the debutante social set. When newcomer Catherine arrives, both women are immediately intrigued despite being pitted against each other as rivals by their meddling mothers. The two must navigate the ton and their growing attraction. Wells and Sims both have extensive experience narrating the genre. Their lively portrayals bring the couple to life, capturing the myriad emotions the young women experience as their story progresses. Both narrators distinguish the personalities of those closest to Rosalie and Catherine with expressive voices.
Listeners will be delighted and entertained by the lively performances in this diverting production.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063428799
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
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