by Vanessa Riley ; read by Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2020
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: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Christy Carlyle ; read by Karen Cass ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2026
Listeners will long for Tess and Dominic to find the treasure—and love—together.
Awards & Accolades
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Narrator Karen Cass leads listeners on an adventurous treasure hunt for an elusive Viking hoard in Victorian Norfolk, England. Dominic Prince comes from a famous line of treasure hunters, and he’s determined to make a name for himself when an American tycoon funds his latest expedition. Tess Hawthorne isn’t thrilled when a handsome scoundrel shows up in her hometown looking for the very treasure she’s been searching for her whole life. Cass gives an expressive and nuanced performance; her light, feminine tone gives Tess the perfect touch of grace and determination, while her warmer, soothing voice for Dominic makes him sound reassuring and appealing. Cass transitions flawlessly among secondary characters, giving each a distinct voice.
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063347397
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
by TJ Alexander ; read by Ian Slater ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2026
An immersive and engaging listening experience that highlights every emotional beat and character interaction.
Awards & Accolades
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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
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