Narrator Kate Reading's velvet voice and English accent set the stage for this delightful interpretation of Shakespeare's TAMING OF THE SHREW as a Regency romance. The reputation of outspoken Cassandra Pomfret is already in danger of ruin when the handsome but reckless Duke of Ashmont causes an accident that leaves her without a chaperone. Reading boasts a range of lively character voices, including spot-on portrayals of the headstrong Cassandra and the repentant Duke that bring out the nuances of their growing attraction to each other. Reading also does a splendid job highlighting the sly power struggle among the socialites. This stellar performance by Reading is a luxurious listening experience for lovers of Regency romances and the English language.
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2020
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063041776
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Crick’s dynamic performance will keep listeners entertained.
Narrator Beverley A. Crick transports listeners to England after Napolean’s exile from France. The Earl of Heathbrook was held captive in France during Napolean's reign. When he returns to England, he has to fight to gain guardianship of his younger brothers. In order to make himself seem more responsible, the Earl persuades Giselle Bernard, a Frenchwoman he knows, to pretend to be his fiancée. Crick skillfully flows between Giselle’s French accent and Heathbrook’s English one. When Heathbrook is visited by a friend from Scotland, Crick is equally adept at voicing his accent. Giselle has a no-nonsense quality, which Crick expresses well, along with the youthfulness of Heathbrook’s younger brothers.
Crick’s dynamic performance will keep listeners entertained.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 40 mins
DD ISBN: 9798899742712
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.
Lightly magical Victorian-era England is delightfully brought to life by narrator Elizabeth Knowelden. Best friends turned antiques experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have kept up a charade of professional loathing. After an ill-fated hug in boarding school led to vicious rumors and speculation, Amelia and Caleb vowed to never show more than the utmost decorum and courtesy toward each other. Both aspire to keep their hard-won positions at Oxford University pursuing thaumaturgical objects, even if it means feigning hatred while secretly maintaining their dear friendship. Despite their best efforts, Amelia continues to find herself competing, and squabbling, with Caleb. After yet another spectacle between the two over a magical object leads to public scrutiny, they are dispatched by their superiors to the far reaches of Cumbria.
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282531
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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