Category Archives: From the Calendar

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Celebrate love and romance in audio!

Sparks fly as Cinnamon Roll meets the Queen of the Perfect Match and the word quiver takes on an entirely new meaning. A must-listen Valentine’s Day novella by Milena McKay, author of The Delicate Things We Make. Contains mature themes.

tags: romance, lesbian, Valentines

There are instant sparks when Jacques meets Patrice, but she’s asked him for professional help, and mixing business with pleasure is a no-no. But they soon realize that none of the rules apply when love is involved, and Jacques is determined to show Patrice that Valentine’s Day can bring gifts more precious than anything money can buy.

tags: romance, wholesome, contemporary

The attraction is mutual and no-strings-attached sex is the perfect arrangement for both of them, since Amber has sworn off dating after a string of terrible boyfriends. But what would happen if develop feelings for each other, given a relationship is the last thing Amber wants right now . . .

tags: contemporary, romance, romcom, interracial, Valentines

Are they merely caught up in honoring a childish promise to marry if they’re both single at thirty-five, or should they seize this chance for a happier future than they could have ever planned?

tags: contemporary, romance

Just as free-spirited bookstore employee Cleo Davis faces closure of her beloved shop, the owner informs her it will continue as part of the successful Stephens chain. When the chain’s risk assessor, the very reserved, very attractive Mark Stephens, enters the store to look over her business plan, Cleo clashes with him right away. Oil and water have nothing on them.

tags: wholesome, romance, contemporary

Holiday Cheer or Fear?

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Audiobooks for the holiday season

A must-listen holiday novella in the Fallen Crest series.

C. J. Carmichael presents Book 2 in the Shannon Sisters series.

She’s the Christmas light in a world that seems so dark . . .

Jackie Lau presents Book 2 in the Holidays with the Wongs series. 

Greg Wong hates when things don’t go according to plan, so he definitely doesn’t appreciate it when his mother insists he drive Tasha Edwards back to Mosquito Bay for the Christmas holidays. He likes peace and quiet when he’s in the car, and that’s the opposite of what he’ll get with Tasha, his high school sweetheart. The first woman he ever loved.

In Trick Shot, a spicy Christmas novella, Leo, Riley, and Jace embark on a passionate and unconventional romance that challenges societal norms. As they navigate their desires and explore the boundaries of their connection, they discover that love knows no bounds, especially during the enchanting holiday season.

Hugo Award–winning editor, and horror legend, Ellen Datlow presents a terrifying and chilling horror anthology of original short stories exploring the endless terrors of winter solstice traditions across the globe, featuring chillers by Tananarive Due, Stephen Graham Jones, Alma Katsu, and many more.

This completely addictive psychological thriller from bestselling author Mikayla Davids is packed with chilling twists that will keep you up all night! Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Lisa Jewell, and Ruth Ware.

From the New York Times–bestselling author, a tale of family tensions and foul play at a snowed-in Connecticut country house.

They come in with the snow. They are the snow . . .

Spooky Season Audiobooks

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From the downright chilling, to scary and the weird, this collection of REAL ghost stories is ideal for a Halloween thrill or an insight into a unique haunted history.

tags: supernatural, ghosts, unexplained phenomena

A group of boyhood friends in the summer of 1977. An annual rite of passage in a dark and alluring Pennsylvania wood. The channeling of a malevolent Presence. And a childhood game about to go terribly wrong . . .

tags: horror, occult, supernatural, thrillers

Four brand-new horror novellas from “a modern-day Algernon Blackwood” all about books, stories, manuscripts—the written word has never had sharper teeth . . .

tags: short stories, thrillers, psychological, horror, suspense

A girl suffering from paralyzing night terrors finds a missing poster hanging from the door of her apartment building. On that poster is a photograph of a frighteningly familiar face. It’s her. Only, she’s never seen this photo before and something about its grin scares her. She must discover: What is real and what is the nightmare?

tags: horror, thrillers, psychological

In a bewitchingly melancholy, thrillingly modern ghost story for fans of Eve Chase, Megan Shepherd, and Lisa Jewell, the new inhabitants of a centuries-old castle perched on a remote island in northwest Scotland must confront its tragic and terrifying history . . .

tags: gothic, historical, occult, supernatural

A Goodreads Most Anticipated Horror of 2024 and a must-listen for fans of gothic fiction.

“A Sapphic séance of preternatural proportions, My Darling Dreadful Thing summons a stunning new literary voice to be reckoned with. Johanna van Veen reaches beyond the veil to conjure up a gothic shocker like no other.” —Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother and Ghost Eaters

tags: gothic, thrillers, supernatural, psychological

A work of literary horror in the gothic tradition, The Invisible Hotel is a startling, speculative tale of a woman in crisis and in stasis, and a country’s shifting identity in the long afterlife of the Korean War.

tags: gothic, occult, supernatural

A captivating tale of two Victorian gentlemen hiding their relationship away in a botanical garden who embark on a Frankenstein-style experiment with unexpected consequences.

tags: gothic, horror, LGBTQ+

Back to School Listens

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Be prepared for #back2school

Middle and High School

Performed by Ramon De Ocampo

Figuring out how to make friends, develop relationships and to be confident is a step-by-step process. Now help is available in Embracing the Awkward, written by the popular teen-advice-YouTuber, The Josh Speaks.

Performed by Chelsea Stephens

For teens looking to boost their grades, make a new friend, or save money for something special, forming healthy habits is the key to success both right now and in the future. Mini Habits for Teens shows them how to build good habits that stick, with easy advice for practicing little, everyday changes that help them work toward their goals one step at a time.

Performed by Roger Wayne

In How to Be a High School Superstar, Cal Newport explores the world of relaxed superstars—students who scored spots at the nation’s top colleges by leading uncluttered, low stress, and authentic lives.

College

Performed by Roger Wayne

Proving you can be successful and still have time for fun, How to Win at College is the must-have guide for making the most of these four important years—and getting and edge on life after graduation.

Performed by Adi Cabral

The perfect gift for the college-bound student! Based on the popular Mindfulness-Based College (MBC) program at Brown University, this book offers powerful skills to increase academic success and boost mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health—now and for a lifetime.

Performed by Brian Holden

Hilarious, outrageous, and telling stories from students on over 100 college campuses cover the basics, and then some, including topics on college living; finding people, places, and patience; classes; dating; the party scene; and money.

August is Romance Awareness Month

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Couples Advice

Performed by Kitty Hendrix

In 10 Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy, two of the world’s leading couple researchers and therapists give listeners an inside tour of what goes on inside the consulting rooms of their practice.

Performed by Ann Sprinkle

Stop fighting with each other and start fighting for your relationship. This unique guide uncovers the science of conflict to help you let go of blame and reignite intimacy and joy.

Performed by Moniqua Plante

Are you ready to stop the conflict and start connecting with your partner? Based in the science of emotionally focused therapy and attachment theory, this is your go-to guide.

Performed by the author

While there’s no doubt that love is an inexact science, if you understand how you and your partner are wired differently, you can overcome your differences, and create a lasting intimate connection. This is the complete “insider’s guide” to understanding your partner’s brain, sparking lasting connection, and enjoying a romantic relationship built on love and trust.

Romantic Listens

Performed by Ashford MacNab and Dan Calley

A must-listen romance from USA Today bestselling author Jade West. Contains mature themes.

Performed by Lexi Evans and Michelle Price

These three are meant to be together, even against all odds. Tensions start to rise as Alfred, the evil HR boss, is out to end Warts & Claws—and will stop at nothing to do so. Can Ember, Lea, and Minni mend broken bonds and escape the trap that awaits?

Clio Evans presents Book 4 in the Warts & Claws Inc. series. Contains mature themes.

Performed by Desiree Ketchum and Grayson Owens

When Blake reluctantly agrees to attend a charity “date auction” at the local townie bar, she figures supporting the family of her late brother’s best friend is the right thing to do. But getting back in the saddle might be a mistake. Because even if she’s an expert rider, there’s no way in hell she’s letting that cowboy hold the reins.

Kayla Grosse presents Book 1 in the Cowboys of Night Hawk series. Contains mature themes.

Performed by Midnite Michaels and Lauryn Nichols

Two people who start as antagonists unexpectedly end up finding common ground. Once they get past the initial friction, what blossoms between them is simply beautiful.

Nicole Falls presents Book 1 in the Preston Brothers series. Contains mature themes.

National Pizza Day

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It’s February 9, are you celebrating National Pizza Day?

Why not add a little pizza knowledge (or fun) while you chow down on your favorite slice.

Fun facts:

  • In the US, we consume approximately 3 billion pizzas a year. That is the equivalent to 350 slices per second.
  • 17% of all restaurants in the USA are pizza shops
  • The top 10 US states that eat the most pizza in order are: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Iowa, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, West Virginia

And if you are craving more, here are a few pizza related titles for your dining pleasure.

Slice Harvester: A Memoir in Pizza
By Colin Atrophy Hagendorf Narrated by Roger Wayne

A Pizza My Heart: Book 1 in the Slice series
By Teagan Hunter Narrated by Emma Wilder & Alex Kydd

Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American
By Ian MacAllen Narrated by Paul Bellantoni        

Pasta, Pane, Vino: Deep Travels Through Italy’s Food Culture
By Matt Goulding Narrated by Will Damron

Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories Behind America’s Favorite Dishes
By David Page Narrated by Jonathan Yen           

In Memorandum: A Poem of Sacrifice— ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’

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By Iain Martin

My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity. –Wilfred Owen

Wilfred Owen
Wilfred Owen

It seems appropriate as we consider the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed services on Veterans Day to remember a famous poem written by Wilfred Owen, a British officer killed in France during the final week of the First World War. Owen was among the thousands of well educated young men who volunteered to serve for ‘King and country.’ Arriving on the western front in the early summer of 1916, he was overwhelmed by the horrors of trench warfare. Appalled by the endless slaughter and nightmarish conditions in which the men existed, Owen set about opposing the war through his aspiring poetry.

Siegfried Sassoon
Siegfried Sassoon

In early 1917 Owen was diagnosed with ‘shell shock’ (what we would now define as combat fatigue) and was sent to Craiglockhart War Hospital in Edinburgh. There he met the noted British poet and fellow infantry officer Siegfried Sassoon. Owen gained not only a close friend but a mentor for his writing. It was at Craiglockhart that Owen first drafted what was to become his most famous work, Dulce et Decorum Est.

The first words of this Latin saying, Dulce et Decorum Est, are taken from an ode by Horace. The words were widely understood and often quoted at the start of the First World War. They mean, “It is sweet and right.” The full saying ends the poem: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori–it is sweet and right to die for your country. This was the kind of classical literature heaped upon generations of young schoolboys before the war, then fighting and dying by the countless thousands on the battlefields across France. Owen’s poem, perhaps the finest of its kind, reminds us the true cost of any war.

Continue reading In Memorandum: A Poem of Sacrifice— ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ →

Talk/Write Like a Detective Novel Day

From the Calendar,

By Charles Constant

I have loved detective fiction since I was first introduced to it during high school in a selective course named “Detective and Science Fiction.” Being high school, we read stories about the more intellectual detectives such as Sherlock Holmes, C. Auguste Dupin, and Lord Peter Wimsey. It wasn’t until later when, now hooked on the genre, I discovered Carroll John Daly, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler, who wrote the grittier, more physical, and, to me, more personal hard-boiled style of detective fiction.

Who wouldn’t want to be able to assemble the pieces of a mystery the way Miss Marple could or be able to easily see things others didn’t, like Sherlock Holmes? Of course, that would require having a different sort of brain than the one I was given. However, as a teenager, I could see myself perhaps not as a “tough guy” but at least as a tougher version of me. A guy who didn’t let things affect him the way they affected other people; a guy who always had a snappy comeback or a cleverly cool response to an insult, and in high school, such abilities would come in handy.
The idea for Talk/Write Like a Detective Novel Day came to me after I watched the rise in popularity of Talk Like a Pirate Day. Talk Like a Pirate Day was fun, but after saying “Arrrr” a few times or telling the waiter serving your breakfast, “I be wantin’ some coffee, Matey,” there wasn’t much to it . . . other than having to explain yourself.

Raymond Chandler
Raymond Chandler

Continue reading Talk/Write Like a Detective Novel Day →