Editors’ Top Picks

An LGBTQIA+ space story, set on Earth

Phil Stamper’s debut combines all of my favorite things: NASA, reality TV, and an LGBTQIA+ love story. Performed by Michael Crouch and a full cast, The Gravity of Us follows the fictional near-future of Orpheus V—NASA’s mission to get humankind on Mars. Though the mission and the astronauts involved play a huge part in this story, it’s two of the astronauts’ kids—Cal and Leon—who are at the heart of it. Being thrust onto the national stage and a reality TV show about the landmark mission, these Astrokids are forced to figure out the rest of their lives and their feelings for one another in front of the entire world. From the insider knowledge and space facts to the frank discussions about family, sexuality, and mental health, Stamper’s debut was truly out of this world (I’m sorry, I had to).

Michael C.

Editor Audible

Seizing the day

Known for her wildly popular Royal Spyness series—a favorite of those of us Audible Editors who love a good cozy mystery—Rhys Bowen delivers a standalone novel that has everything you’d expect and more. Above the Bay of Angels is a turn-of-the-century story about palace intrigue, starring a bright young woman who, despite losing her noble status, maintains a fighting spirit in pursuit of her passion in life. For Bella Waverly, that hunger is for cooking. On her path to independence, lies unravel, blackmail is committed, and assassination attempts are made in her midst. Interspersed are hints of a sweet culinary romance. The narration by Gemma Dawson is the icing atop this delightful listen.

Valerie B.

Editor Audible

I vote yes

It’s hard to be under 18 in the current political climate. You want to affect change, but you’re not of legal age to vote. In this moving, quirky, wonderful audiobook, Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed show that if you have the passion, you can make a difference no matter how old you are. Jamie Goldberg and Maya Rehman spend an unexpected summer together going door to door for their local state senate candidate who’s running in a special election. Jamie considers himself an awkward introvert not cut out for public speaking, and Maya is volunteering against her will, but slowly they start to see the value in what they’re doing. And as Jamie and Maya discover the issues they care about, they realize that they care about each other, too. I could not get enough of this charming listen, which is performed by Tiya Sircar and Michael Crouch—it was the sweet and hopeful note I needed to kick off this election year.

Katie O.

Editor Audible

The heroine wins this one on her own

There’s a lot of reasons why this audiobook felt like it was created just for me. Magic, for one, is a part of this story, which is my jam. I also love peeking into the glamorous lives of the New York City upper class. Our heroine, much like myself, was a book-loving outsider in this world of upper-class wizards. But what I loved most about this story was Claire’s unflinching strength, independence, and cleverness in the face of a situation that seemed completely out of her depth. It was easy to root for Claire as she navigates the cloudy politics of the wizarding community of NYC with her Texan-style aplomb and her strong moral compass. She even uses her research skills as a librarian to outsmart the bad guys at their own game. How badass is that?! Go Claire! And let’s not forget the romance here. I promise you, there is a dreamy, moody guy who is wrapped up in all this, but you’ll have to listen to find out because I’m not giving it away!

Melissa B.

Editor Audible

A search for truth in love and life

Valerie B.

Editor Audible

Only time will tell

What would you do if you had a glimpse into your future and nothing was as it should be? In Rebecca Serle’s latest novel we meet Dannie Kohan, a woman who has it all together: the high-powered job, the doting boyfriend, and the locked-in future. That is, until she falls asleep and wakes up in an entirely altered existence, with a different man, and a life that she did not plan fastidiously for. From the moment you lay ears on this one you’re hooked. Voiced by Megan Hilty (#smash4eva), Dannie’s spirit is perfectly embodied. You hear her calm assuredness alongside the intensity and desire of someone who didn’t know they were lost until they were found. I caught myself holding my breath several times as she recounts the tension of idling through status quo days and ruminating on this alternate reality she can’t shake and its implications. Cancel your plans for the weekend when you press play on this one, as you won’t be able to pause this unexpected, heartbreaking love story.

Summer loving doesn’t have to end

Michael C.

Editor Audible