Coming of Age Audiobooks | Fiction & Literature

When We Were Bright and Beautiful: A Novel

“Two parts Gone Girl, two parts Notes on a Scandal. . .will play with your expectations about who’s the villain and who’s the victim.” — Jennifer Weiner, USA Today The acclaimed, bestselling author of This Could Hurt returns with her biggest, boldest novel yet—an electrifying, twisty, and deeply emotional family drama, set on Manhattan’s glittering Upper East Side, that explores the dark side of love, the limits of loyalty, and the high cost of truth. You can have everything, and still not have enough. Cassie Quinn may only be twenty-three, but she knows a few things. One: money can’t buy happiness, but it’s certainly better to have it. Two: family matters most. Three: her younger brother Billy is not a rapist. When Billy, a junior at Princeton, is arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie races home to Manhattan to join forces with her big brother Nate and their parents, Lawrence and Eleanor. The Quinns scramble to hire the best legal minds money can buy, but Billy fits the all-too-familiar sex-offender profile—white, athletic, and privileged—that makes headlines and sways juries. Meanwhile, Cassie struggles to understand why Billy’s ex Diana would go this far, even if the breakup was painful. And she knows how the end of first love can destroy someone: Her own years-long affair with a powerful, charismatic man left her shattered, and she’s only recently regained her footing. As reporters converge outside their Upper East Side landmark building, the Quinns gird themselves for a media-saturated trial, and Cassie vows she’ll do whatever it takes to save Billy. But what if that means exposing her own darkest secrets to the world? Lightning-paced and psychologically astute as it rockets toward an explosive ending, When We Were Bright and Beautiful is a dazzling novel that asks: who will pay the price when the truth is revealed?

Jillian Medoff (Author), Marin Ireland (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Girls Are Good

COMPETITION. PERFECTION. DESTRUCTION. ‘A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession, told in sparse and beautiful prose’ Abigail Dean, author of GIRL A ‘Brilliantly observed, beautifully written – it’s quite simply unforgettable’ Alex Michaelides, author of THE SILENT PATIENT and THE MAIDENS A DANGEROUS OBSESSION Martina wants to be the best gymnast in the world. But so does everyone around her. A TOURNAMENT WITH A DIFFERENCE During one week of intense competition, Martina and her teammates are tested to the limit, and any sign of weakness can quickly spell the end. A MURDER IN THE NIGHT By the end of the week, one of the gymnasts will be dead. Every girl will do anything to win…but at what cost? ‘Compelling, harrowing, and ultimately devastating – it’s quite simply unforgettable.’ ALEX MICHAELIDES, author of THE PATIENT ‘A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession.’ ABIGAIL DEAN, Sunday Times bestselling author of GIRL A ‘Brutal and brilliant – I read it in one sitting.’ HARRIET TYCE, author of BLOOD ORANGE ‘A glimpse into a wonderfully dangerous, screwed up world. I couldn’t put it down.’ CESCA MAJOR, author of THE OTHER GIRL

Ilaria Bernardini (Author), Sarah Alexander (Narrator)

Audiobook

Stand Up, Barry Goldman

All I’d wanted for as long as I could remember was a woman to love, a soulmate to live with in contentment for the rest of my days: friend, lover, companion, mother to our children. Time was running out: I was getting old. Next year I would be eighteen. Barry Goldman is a sensitive boy. He’s being primed to run the family business but has discovered a talent for making audiences laugh at his silly poems. At last, he has found something that might make him attractive to girls – in particular, Harriet Fink - but there’s not much call for delicate, earnest poets in the 1970s comedy world of hot-panted dolly birds and battle-axe mothers-in-law. Then one night he sees Kris Dean on stage and understands that the world of comedy is about to change forever. Stand Up, Barry Goldman – like Elena Ferrante, but with jokes - is the debut novel of David J. Cohen, stand-up comedian and writer best known as the creator of dozens of songs for multi-BAFTA winning hit TV show Horrible Histories, and less well known as lead singer in the world’s first Jewish heavy metal band, Guns’n’Moses. 'Funny and fascinating, a lovely tale.' Jo Brand 'Powerfully funny, often moving... Dave has created the Jewish Adrian Mole of alternative comedy.' David Quantick

David J Cohen (Author), Arthur Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Change

‘A roar of rage, a pacy page-turner, I loved it with all my broken heart. Read it. You’ll love it’ Marian Keyes ‘I loved this wild mystery about a group of midlife women who have just about had enough. I couldn't put it down’ Erin Kelly ‘A feminist thriller for our times’ Nina Pottell, Prima ‘An addictive, fast-paced crime novel like nothing you’ve ever read before’ Red magazine * * * Nessa: The Seeker Jo: The Protector Harriett: The Punisher With newfound powers the time has come to take matters into their own hands… After Nessa is widowed and her daughters leave for college, she’s left alone in her house near the ocean. In the quiet hours, she hears voices belonging to the dead – who will only speak to her. On the cusp of fifty Harriett’s marriage and career imploded, and she hasn’t left her house in months. But her life is far from over – in fact, she’s undergone a stunning metamorphosis. Jo spent thirty years at war with her body. The rage that arrived with menopause felt like the last straw – until she discovers she’s able to channel it. Guided by voices only Nessa can hear, the trio discover the abandoned body of a teenage girl. The police have written off the victim. But the women have not. Their own investigations lead them to more bodies and a world of wealth where the rules don’t apply – and the realisation that laws are designed to protect villains, not the vulnerable. So it’s up to these three women to avenge the innocent, and punish the guilty… The time has come to embrace The Change. * * * ‘Part crime thriller, part extended howl of pure rage, The Change takes a scalpel to the cancer of misogyny that infects every cell of western culture, with biting wit and a burning, righteous anger that never lets up. Powerful and original’ Tammy Cohen ‘A brilliant book. Thrilling, fast paced and original. I couldn’t stop reading’ Sarah Morgan ‘A revenge fantasy and feminist fist-pump – and a balm for trying times’ Grazia

Kirsten Miller (Author), January Lavoy (Narrator)

Audiobook

Gia & the Blast from the Past: A Series About Sisters

When Gia comes face to face with a past she didn't know she had, will she trust in a future she can't control? Gia Gustafson is officially coming of age... but now what? Her world seems to be standing still while everything and everyone around her is moving at lightning speed. Her best friend, Ricky Zander, has gone rogue, her grandparents have grown old overnight, and her sisters have all found their happily-ever-afters. Because life isn't confusing enough, the gorgeous new guy at work is doing his best to sweep Gia off her feet, and Ricky is none too happy about it. But when a stranger she'd recognize anywhere shows up unannounced on her doorstep, Gia isn't so sure she's ready to grow up, after all. If you like family sagas and series about sisters, you'll love Gia and the Blast from the Past and the rest of The Gustafson Girls series. Clean and Wholesome, Christian Contemporary Romance with the Coming of Age and Family Life themes. Read the whole Gustafson Girls Series - Juliette & the Monday ManDates - Renata & the Fall from Grace - Phoebe & the Rock of Ages - Gia & the Blast from the Past

Becky Doughty (Author), Becky Doughty (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Thousand Boy Kisses: The unforgettable love story and TikTok sensation

Brought to you by Penguin. DISCOVER THE UNFORGETTABLE TIKTOK SENSATION THAT HAS CAPTURED MILLIONS OF HEARTS Two hearts. One love story. An ending you will never forget . . . Rune Kristiansen and Poppy Litchfield met as children and swore to be friends forever. As teenagers, their friendship grew into a love that promised to last a lifetime. But their worlds were shattered when Rune was sent home to his native Norway. Two years later, Rune is back, and Poppy is ready for their happy ever after to begin. But the boy who returns is not the Rune she remembers. What happened to turn her sweet, thoughtful Rune into this brooding stranger? And will the secret Poppy is carrying bring them closer together or separate them forever? Discover the story that will break your heart and make you believe true love really does last for eternity . . . 'This book is breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful. You will cry ugly tears' 5***** READER REVIEW 'So moving that it left me sobbing but at the same time filled my heart. Beautiful, tragic, heartbreakingly wonderful' 5***** READER REVIEW 'It is without a doubt the biggest ugly cry I have ever had from a book' 5***** READER REVIEW 'I have read books that have had me ugly crying in the past but I honestly don't think I've read a book before this one where tears flowed in every single chapter' 5***** READER REVIEW 'The most heartbreaking, soul-shattering yet beautiful book I have ever read . . . I sobbed. I mean ugly crying' 5***** READER REVIEW 'One of the most beautiful and most heartbreaking books I have ever read' 5***** READER REVIEW 'Rune couldn't have been more perfect, nor Poppy more perfect for him' 5***** READER REVIEW © Tillie Cole 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Tillie Cole (Author), Katie Schorr, P.J. Ochlan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Emotionally Bulletproof Scott's Story - Book 2: The Three Twelve and Seventy

Are Your Relationships Helping You Or Holding You Back?As his own family turns on him, Scott Calloway has trouble answering this question. After saving his aunt from her abusive husband, Scott finds himself managing her construction company. With the danger of becoming a target of his abusive uncle, and those still loyal to him, Scott must learn to: •Create healthy social circles •Choose wisely who to lean on for support Just like Scott, you may find yourself in need of healthy relationships. By joining Scott in this story, you will have the opportunity to learn a rare, often unexplored lesson from the Bible. After experiencing this story, and the worksheets at the book’s end, you will be that much closer to becoming Emotionally Bulletproof.

Brian Shaul, David Allen (Author), David Allen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Things I Wanted to Say (But Never Did)

From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes a brand new dark and twisted bully romance full of secrets and lies … Whit Lancaster burst into my life like a storm. Dark and thunderous, furious and fierce. Cold, heartless, and devastatingly beautiful, like the statues in our prep school gardens. The school with his family name on the sign. He can do no wrong here. This is his domain. He’s a menace on campus. Adored and feared. Hated and respected. His taunting words carve into my skin, shredding me to ribbons. Yet his intense gaze scorches my blood, fills me with a longing I don’t understand. When he comes to my rescue one night, he ends up broken. Bleeding. My instincts scream to leave and let him suffer, but I can’t. I sneak him into my room. Clean him up. Fall for his lies. Let him possess every single part of me until I’m the one left a gasping, broken mess. Then he leaves me alone in the dead of night, taking my journal with him. Now he knows all my secrets. My hate. My truth. And he promises to use my words against me. I’ll be ruined if my darkest secret gets out. That’s when I strike a bargain with the devil. I’ll let Whit Lancaster ruin me behind closed doors instead. Things I Wanted to Say (but never did) is a complete standalone. This edgy bully romance contains dark scenes some listeners may find uncomfortable to hear. Listener discretion is advised.

Monica Murphy (Author), Allie Piper, Joe Arden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Infamous: 'Bridgerton's wild little sister. So much fun!' Sarra Manning, author of London, with Love

22-year-old aspiring writer Edith 'Eddie' Miller and her best friend Rose have always done everything together-climbing trees, throwing grapes at boys, sneaking bottles of wine, practicing kissing . . . But following their debutante ball Rose is suddenly talking about marriage, and Eddie is horrified. When Eddie meets charming, renowned poet Nash Nicholson, he invites her to his crumbling Gothic estate in the countryside. The entourage of eccentric artists indulging in pure hedonism is exactly what Eddie needs in order to forget Rose and finish her novel. But Eddie might discover the world of famous literary icons isn't all poems and pleasure . . .

Lex Croucher (Author), Ellie Kendrick (Narrator)

Audiobook

Waiting for Sunshine: The emotional and thought-provoking new novel from the bestselling author of M

Brought to you by Penguin. 'Who would name a child Sunshine, then give her away?' Chrissie has always wanted to be a mother. After months of trying to adopt, she and her husband Stuart finally get the news that a little girl named Sunshine is waiting for them. The child comes to them without a history, and it feels like a fresh start for all of them. But when fragments from Sunshine's previous life start to intrude on her new one, the little girl's mysterious past quickly becomes Chrissie's greatest fear ... Beautiful and compelling, this is a story of hope and love, about finding the perfect family and fighting to keep it, perfect for fans of Dawn French and Ruth Jones Praise for Jane Sanderson: 'Fantastic, moving, beautiful' Daily Mail 'Nostalgic and poignant' Fabulous 'This tender tale of second chances . . . is a nostalgic delight' Sunday Mirror 'Beautifully written and a joy to read' Daily Express 'Gorgeous . . . guaranteed to make you think' Prima © Jane Sanderson 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Jane Sanderson (Author), Sofia Zervudachi (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Yellow Kitchen

Expectation meets Julie and Julia, The Yellow Kitchen is a brilliant exploration of food, belonging and friendship. London E17, 2019. A yellow kitchen stands as a metaphor for the lifelong friendship between three women: Claude, the baker, goal-orientated Sophie and political Giulia. They have the best kind of friendship, chasing life and careers; dating, dreaming and consuming but always returning to be reunited in the yellow kitchen. That is, until a trip to Lisbon unravels unexplored desires between Claude and Sophie. Having sex is one thing, waking up the day after is the beginning of something new. Exploring the complexities of female friendship, The Yellow Kitchen is a hymn to the last year of London as we knew it and a celebration of the culture, the food and the rhythms we live by. Praise for The Yellow Kitchen: 'Rich and thoroughly intoxicating, The Yellow Kitchen is a sensual journey into friendship, food and female sexuality, full of complex, fascinating characters and bold ideas. I loved it' Rosie Walsh 'A heady mix of politics, friendship, sex and food, poignant, provocative and utterly distinctive' Paula Hawkins 'An exquisite novel - beautifully rendered, powerfully told, and so deeply felt. I urge you to read this novel - you will never forget it' Lucia Osborne-Crowley 'Mixing female friendship, romance, loss, redemption, and memorable meals, The Yellow Kitchen is the perfect recipe for a flavorful literary feast. With subtle dashes of wit and generous sprinklings of honesty, Margaux Vialleron has crafted a brave and tender tale' Kim Fay, author of Love & Saffron 'The Yellow Kitchen is so warm and convivial in atmosphere, and its discussion of the politics of the UK and their impact very poignant. It portrayed beautifully the sense of adventure of being a certain age, with its rush and richness and emotional confusion, and I found it such a satisfying read' Emily Itami, author of Fault Lines

Beth Eyre, Margaux Vialleron, Nicky Diss, Sarah Feathers (Author), Heather Long (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Trio

Brought to you by Penguin. Sophisticated, mature and richly atmospheric, a debut novel about three young people navigating the risks and possibilities of intimacy For fans of André Aciman, Deborah Levy and the Penguin European Writers series Thora, August and Hugo come from different worlds - one an art school dreamer, one a wealthy scion of the old elite, and one an ordinary boy from out of town. But over the course of two sky-blue summers in Stockholm, they are drawn together magnetically. The novel opens years later, when Hugo, long estranged from Thora and August, is visited by their daughter - who has questions about her parents which she believes Hugo can answer - and the memories of those luminous days come flooding back. Modern yet timeless, poignant and euphoric, The Trio is a novel about the path not taken, the people we might have become, and the relationships which shape and haunt us long after they come to a close. 'An international success before even being published, The Trio is a novel that stands well above the hype... Elegiac, bittersweet, [with] the golden shimmer of nostalgia' Gefle Dagblad 'Mature and confident, delicate and eloquent, a study in intimacy... The Trio creates a greedy sensation within the reader of constantly wanting to pick up a book and read just a few more pages... Timeless and universal' Kult Magasin 'Johanna Hedman should definitely expect to win prizes' Upsala Nya Tidning © Johanna Hedman 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Johanna Hedman (Author), Maya Lindh, Sam Woolf (Narrator)

Audiobook

Coming of Age Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature