Bahni Turpin voices widowed heiress Patience Jordan in Riley's multicultural Regency romance. Patience fights to be reunited with her infant son despite the Duke of Repington's arrival as his guardian. Turpin rolls out a realistic Demerara (present-day Guyana) accent for Patience with broad vowels and a distinctive intonation. Patience's desperation is well represented by Turpin's forthright dialogue, sometimes edged with hints of panic. Her English accents for Repington and his second-in-command emerge as officious sounding and stiff, making it hard for listeners to connect with Repington and Patience's romance. Turpin depicts characters' thoughts in their native accents but narrates the story softly in an American accent. Listeners will root for Patience but may wonder at her attraction to the prickly Repington.
Pub Date: 2020
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners are in for a treat as this audiobook recounts the exploits of the legendary Saint Valentine; his blind lover, Agatha; and a cast of characters voiced by 20 narrators. Standout performances from Ryan Haugen as Valentine and Wayne LeGette as Emperor Gallienus anchor the ensemble with clear character distinctions and expressive deliveries that guide listeners through the action and intimacy. This historical fiction reworks the story of the Roman soldier Valentine, who embraced the priesthood, secretly performing Christian marriages against Emperor Claudius' ruling, ultimately becoming the martyr who inspired Valentine's Day. Sound effects and dialogue create a cinematic audio production emphasizing love, faith, and resistance. Listeners will be immersed in a vivid ancient world they won't soon forget.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798991362429
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Beth Eyre and Angus King narrate a historical novel set in 1613 during the reign of King James I of Scotland and England. King James's messenger, Andrew Logan, has been sent to Scotland on a clandestine mission, accompanied by his daughter, Phoebe, and court scrivener. At the start of the journey, English Phoebe dislikes Scottish Andrew immensely, and Eyre leans into Phoebe's prim standoffishness. Angus King depicts Andrew as somewhat bemused. As the journey progresses and Phoebe and Andrew learn more about each other, Eyre and King portray the emotional connection developing between them. Ultimately thrilling and deeply romantic, Phoebe and Andrew's journey is conveyed exquisitely by Eyre and King.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781705049983
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
