I dunno about any of you, but right now I’m buried under a pile of incredible books and a million other things (WNBA All-Star weekend, here I come!). My attention-span is also scattered to the four winds, so what I really need are bite-sized (audio) story morsels. One of my favorite things is being read to. The Seattle Public Library hosts a bag lunch story time for adults (I’ve always wanted to go!). Audiobooks are, for the most part, the closest I get to replicating that wonderful feeling of being told a tale. In honor of the busy and multi-tasking folks out there, I scrounged up a few stories that you can listen to in a half hour, an hour, and two hours. They’re great for one sitting; while finishing up odious household chores; noshing on munchies and crunchies; or running around doing errands!
Use the advanced search on Audible to sort by length. If you do a search for “lesbian” in the less than one hour search, you’ll come up with a list that includes M/M romance, sensationalist erotica, and titillating titles. I had to dig around before I found anything that I wanted to listen to, though. Searches for “bisexual” short titles proved even less inspiring. But. You may find more in these results that are to your liking. I’d love to hear from folks who have listened to these stories or have audiobooks under three hour recommendations to share!
*Denotes To Be Listened (TBL) audiobooks.
I’ve listened to Rift Jumpers twice. Once on a lunch break and the second time this morning on my commute. It’s a short story prequel, to what, I can only assume is going to be a fantastic cosmic adventure series. Jane Henningsly, Commander of the research ship, Dauntless, and her crew, embark on a voyage of discovery across the cosmos. Long divided by distance and unattainable “faster than light” space travel, they seek out “rifts”…
Narrator Kristin James delivers another immersive performance as a crew on the cusp of exciting scientific discovery (though her Aussie and Scottish accents are slightly off the mark, I’ll chalk those characterizations up to the dilutions of years spent in outer space amongst folks from all over). She enhances humorous and tender moments between crew members as they cycle through routine, yet crucial, maneuvers, as well as creating emotional depth through her nuanced narration.
Appeals: hardish sci-fi, a touch of F/F romance, great cast chemistry (blending professionalism & personal connections), humor, kick ass female protagonists
Rift Jumpers: Faster Than Light (A Short Story Prequel) by Erik Schubach
Narrated by Kristin James
Length: 29 minutes
ASIN: B01IFGCWVU
Released: July 2016
Available as an audiobook from Amazon/Audible and iTunes. Join the discussion on Goodreads!
L.A.-based journalist Megan Hill is a true town mouse. She loves her permanent cell signal, her shitty public transport, and her Starbucks on every corner – and all of that is about to disappear for an entire summer. Soon, she’s going to regret suggesting a “town vs. city” article for the next magazine issue, as it’s her the magazine is sending to Iron Road, Utah to make the report.
Out there, she’ll find Jessie North, the confident and cantankerous owner of North Star Books in the small western town – and apparently the only out and proud lesbian for miles around. Jessie has no fear and no filter, and it’s gotten her into quite a few confrontations over the years. Maybe it’ll get her into a confrontation with this Barbie doll of a city girl who’s just turned up.
Only…Megan and Jessie don’t hate each other like it seems they should. There’s something pushing them together – and it’s not just Jessie’s mother. Whatever fairytale or chemistry is drawing these two women to each other, it’s drawing them pretty strong. Whether it’s strong enough to resist the hate of homophobic Iron Road residents and a cruel, cruel request from Megan’s editor, however, has yet to be seen. ©2016 Bridgette Jensen (P)2016 Bridgette Jensen
Wow, just from the publisher’s description alone, I’m ready to saddle up and head out into the country for adventure! You get well-trod match-ups: city vs. country and fast-paced career vs small town business owner. The sample of narrator Sara Lorn’s performance sounds very promising, too!
Also, have you watched “Cowgirl Up” from Tello? It’s two seasons of city girl shenanigans on a ranch. If you grew up on Nickelodeon’s “Hey Dude” (1989-1991), City Slickers (1991), and other humorous Westerns pitting unlikely cowgirls and cowboys against the elements, then definitely check out this series!
Appeals: city mouse vs country mouse, Western setting, F/F romance
*North Star: A Western Lesbian Romance by Bridgette Jensen
Narrated by Sara Lorn
Produced by
Length: 56 minutes
Released: August 2016
Available as an audiobook from Amazon/Audible and iTunes. Join the discussion on Goodreads!
What if everything you thought you knew was a lie?
Crafting spells, running her shop, and hanging with her lover, Hayden, was all Persephone Carraway wanted out of life. The future was filled with endless possibilities as long as it was with the girl of her dreams. But Hayden has a secret and, it turns out, so does Persephone.
One night in the Underworld will change things forever….
Demi, Persephone’s mother, has developed a designer pomegranate, infusing it with her daughter’s blood. A single act of betrayal will craft war with the old gods and the fae, leaving destruction in its wake. Persephone is drawn into a web of myth and magic where nothing is at it seems, even herself.
Myth. Magic. Pomegranates….
©2015 Erzabet Bishop (P)2015 Erzabet Bishop
Oh my dear, Persephone, what have you gotten yourself into? This will be the second audiobook featuring a retelling of Persephone and Hades (aka Hayden), that I’ve listened to this year. My finger is poised above the play button and I look forward to another version of Greek god and goddess drama! Hollie Jackson’s narration sounds like her standard style, but is still very enjoyable so far.
Appeals: Fantasy, erotica, F/F romance, mythology, retellings
*Pomegranate: Myth & Magic, Book 1 by Erzabet Bishop
Narrator: Hollie Jackson
Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Length: 2 hours
ASIN: B015S1FVUE
Audiobook production date: December 2015
Available as an audiobook from Audible. Join the discussion on Goodreads!
Omnivore Bibliosaur 