Berne, Lisa. The Redemption of Philip Thane. HarperAudio. (Penhallow Dynasty, Bk. 6). Dec. 2021. 10:50 hrs. ISBN 9780063209626. $26.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Narrator Moira Quirk returns to voice the latest installment of Berne’s “Penhallow Dynasty” series (after The Worst Duke in the World). In hopes of securing funds from his relative Henrietta Penhallow, ne’er-do-well Philip Thane reluctantly travels to a small British town to give a speech at their Plough Day celebration. Along the way he meets the lovely Miss Margaret Allen. Failing to charm her at the festival, he surprisingly gets another chance as he wakes to repeat Plough Day over and over again. Quirk’s abilities to give characters unique voices and to switch easily among them aid in bringing each to life. Most notable is her performance of Philip and his emotional and mental changes throughout the novel as he matures from rakish wastrel to an upstanding and responsible gentleman. However, while the indications of which day it is may be clearly delineated in written form, they are not well defined in this format. VERDICT Recommended for fans of the author and readers who enjoy their historical romances with a slight hint of fantasy.— Amanda L.S. Murphy

Carlyle, Christy. Duke Gone Rogue. HarperAudio. (Love on Holiday, Bk. 1). Dec. 2021. 8:31 hrs. ISBN 9780063054394. $23.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The first in Carlyle’s (Nothing Compares to the Duke) latest historical romance series stars a reluctant duke and an independent spinster. When Will Hart grudgingly goes on a holiday planned by his sisters, the last person he expects to see is the beautiful mystery woman who witnessed the end of his engagement. Madeline Ravenwood is focused on three things: her inherited gardening business, developing a rose variety fit for a princess, and co-leading the town’s Royal Visit Committee. As their paths cross, they realize what they really want in their lives. Listeners are treated to an entertaining production that showcases Karen Cass’s skills. Believably voicing the characters, regardless of origin, gender, or age, she pulls listeners into Will and Madeline’s world, capturing not only Madeline’s independent spirit and Will’s changes in attitude, but also the quirks of the various townspeople and members of the ton alike. VERDICT Recommended for fans of Carlyle’s previous books, many of which are also performed by Cass.— Amanda L. S. Murphy

Collins, Manda. An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire. Hachette Audio. (A Lady’s Guide, Bk. 2). Nov. 2021. 7:39 hrs. ISBN 9781549110634. $24.98. HISTORICAL ROMANCE

This enjoyable sequel to A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem skillfully blends Victorian-era romance and mystery. Lady Caroline Hardcastle is the cowriter of an infamous crime column that everyone reads, but society has not forgiven her for being so gauche as to author it. She broke off her engagement to Viscount Valentine Thorn many years ago when he was too callow and cowardly to defend her to his snobby family. They felt she was wholly inappropriate as a spouse since her father earned his fortune in trade instead of inheriting it. Years later, when Caro’s friend Effie goes missing and Val’s cousin is entangled in the disappearance, the two are thrown together to investigate. Feelings are reignited, but neither is sure they can trust the other. Mary Jane Wells narrates with lively charm, a musical voice, and great facility with accents. The archness can be cloying and the mystery tends to overshadow the romance, but fans of Victorian romance and mystery will be rooting for the two characters who are so clearly meant for each other. VERDICT A supplemental purchase for collections where historical romance is popular.—B. Allison Gray

dyer, kc. An Accidental Odyssey. Books on Tape. Dec. 2021. 12:30 hrs. ISBN 9780593457443. $95. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

After her womanizing father suffers a stroke, then disappears from the hospital, Gia Kostas needs to upend her whole life— including her job at a foodie magazine and her rich fiancé—to find him. It turns out that Dr. Aristotle Kostas, a classics professor, has booked the research trip of a lifetime to try and prove a theory he’s been working on his whole life. Gia decides to join her father, and as they retrace the steps Odysseus took on his way home from the Trojan War, Gia finds herself learning more about her father, herself, and what she wants from life. A thread of romance ties in neatly with the broader themes of family and self-discovery, narrated with aplomb by Akaina Ghosh. This second installment in dyer’s “ExLibris Adventure” series (following Eighty Days to Elsewhere) stands alone. VERDICT Listeners who enjoy mouth-watering food descriptions and who are hungry for an international adventure will find much to enjoy here.—Elizabeth Gabriel

Kelly, Anita. Love & Other Disasters. Hachette Audio. Jan. 2022. 10:38 hrs. ISBN 9781549166068. $25.98. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Tensions run high and personalities clash on the set of Chef’s Special, the nation’s most popular reality TV cooking competition, in this fun romantic comedy. London Parker is the first out nonbinary contestant in the show’s history and just wants to keep their head down and their eyes on the prize. Dahlia Woodson is a recent divorcée dealing with depression and isolation, and she hopes to prove something to herself and her family by winning. Neither contestant reckoned on falling in love on the show. Following the edict that the road to true love never runs smoothly, Kelly’s story provides plenty of angst, as well as sweet moments to balance out the somewhat start-stop pacing. Relatable themes and emotion make this a fun, heartfelt listen, and a warm narration by Lindsey Dorcus helps bring the characters (and the sex scenes) to life. VERDICT A good buy for libraries where contemporary romance circulates well.—Chelsea Lytal

Shalvis, Jill. The Family You Make. HarperAudio. (Sunrise Cove, Bk. 1). Jan. 2022. 9:33 hrs. ISBN 9780063025516. $26.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Data scientist Levi Cutler didn’t mean to call the woman trapped with him (in a broken gondola perilously on the brink of falling off its line) his girlfriend, but why not make his mother happy if this is going to be his last phone call with her? Traveling nurse Jane is supposed to be working in Lake Tahoe until her contract is up—not falling out of the sky on her first gondola ride or reviving a wounded but handsome stranger while they wait to be rescued. Now that it appears both will make it out alive, Levi asks Jane to pretend to be his girlfriend, at least for a little while. Jane finds herself jealous of his tight-knit, nosy, and altogether wonderful family, but is also thinking she could finally see herself as part of one. Narrator Erin Mallon does a lovely job bringing the novel’s heart, humor, and voices to life. VERDICT With an additional secondary romance and a large cast of friends and family, this is a fun series starter and a perfect listen for library patrons looking for some adventurous romance with a gorgeous wintry setting.—Elizabeth Gabriel