Saskia Maarleveld brings the haunting realm of this dark sapphic academic novel to life with an evocative performance. She captures the fierce intellect of Lorelai, a magical folklorist who is determined to get to the bottom of her mentor's mysterious death. As she investigates, romantic tension develops between her and her enemy turned reluctant ally, Sylvia von Wolff. The tension ramps up on both sides as the former rivals uncover higher-reaching secrets than either suspected. Maarleveld adjusts her pacing to the intricate plot, making it gripping during moments of high tension without glossing over the romantic scenes. The overall experience is atmospheric. This is an excellent listen to curl up with on a chilly autumn evening.
Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2024
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593823699
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A rich, floral world made real by two equally divine narrators.
Ellie Gossage and Jess Nahikian show the passion in a heated rivalry between two women from very different walks of life. Cyprin is determined to find her way into the elite Divine Gardens, even if she has to break the law to do it. Purcell, meanwhile, was born into a celebrated lineage of head gardeners. Soon, their rivalry reaches an inflection point, causing Purcell to steal a life-altering rose, while Cyprin engages with an underground group bent on redistributing power. Nahikian’s cynical, down-to-earth Cyprin perfectly contrasts with Gossage’s uptight Purcell, with both narrators showing the soft sides of the two gardeners. Even as disaster strikes, the budding love between these two quickly blossoms.
A rich, floral world made real by two equally divine narrators.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250445124
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
Dorcus and Gossage bring passion to this eclectic enemies-to-lovers romance.
Marlowe and Priscilla were high school rivals, and after 16 years, they're still at one another's throats. However, when their beloved mentor, Dallas Winthrop, disappears, Marlowe and Priscilla begin a multiverse journey that forces them to question what really fuels their passion. Lindsey Dorcus embodies Marlowe, a quiet, sweater-vest-wearing thespian who seethes through clenched teeth when she argues. Ellie Gossage is the happy-go-lucky Priscilla, whose bubbly optimism keeps her afloat. Priscilla giggles, chirps, and flits through conversations. From a Godfather impression to a bastardized British/trans-Atlantic accent, this performance has it all. Even Dallas is given a flamboyant, yet levelheaded, voice of his own.
Dorcus and Gossage bring passion to this eclectic enemies-to-lovers romance.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 35 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336517
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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