Audiobooks narrated by Allyson Ryan

Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon

The story of how Victoria’s Secret skyrocketed from a tiny chain of boutiques to an intimates monolith with annual sales in excess of $6 billion—all the while defining female beauty and sex standards for generations of Americans—and how the brand's grip on the industry slipped. Victoria's Secret is one of the most influential, and polarizing, brands to ever infiltrate the psyche of the American consumer. The company’s catalog made national headlines in the ’70s for its glamorization of lingerie, which was, in the post-bra burning era, sold either by puritanical department stores or tawdry, red-light district shops. By 1984, the owners were forced to sell to Columbus retail magnate Les Wexner, who was swiftly building an empire that would shape retail as we knew it for the next 40 years. Just a decade later, Victoria's Secret was a billion-dollar brand, selling the majority of bras bought in the US. However, its ubiquity in underwear drawers couldn't compare to the influence it had on the greater culture, helping to define what it meant to look like a happy, successful—and most importantly, sexy—modern woman to a whole generation of consumers across the globe through its airbrushed advertisements, pink velvet-lined stores, and annual televised fashion show, which drew in millions of viewers each year. But as culture changed, Victoria's Secret did not change with it. Not only did the company miss out on big expansion opportunities it also refused to change its marketing as the world became less obsessed with thinness and perfection, and more keenly focused on body acceptance. Meanwhile, Wexner, the mastermind, became increasingly known for his complicated relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, whose lifestyle he funded for many years. In March 2021, with his legacy in peril, Wexner and his wife Abigail stepped down from the Victoria's Secret board as he faced investigation by the FBI. Today, Victoria's Secret is trying to rebuild its reputation—and maintain the still-significant grip it has on the consumer. Selling Sexy expertly draws from sources within the company and across the fashion industry to examine: What happens now to a brand with such a heavy history?

Chantal Fernandez, Lauren Sherman (Author), Allyson Ryan, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Woman Cancer Sex: Second Edition

Winner of the 2023 SSTAR Consumer Book Award! Woman Cancer Sex, Second Edition, is an accessible and comprehensive resource for women living with and surviving cancer as they navigate specific challenges related to sex and sexuality. Women who have survived cancer remain sexual beings despite the challenges of cancer treatment, and they often have nowhere to go with their questions and concerns. This text interweaves stories from clinical practice with evidence-based tips and interventions for a range of physical and emotional side effects resulting from cancer and its treatment. Each chapter describes the experience of a woman with a particular kind of cancer and a variety of related problems, including loss of libido, physical pain, body image issues, depression, and struggles communicating with a partner and health care providers. Written by a leading voice in the field of cancer and sexuality, this book offers essential guidance surrounding questions about sexual health for women diagnosed with cancer. It will also be of use to health care providers including social workers and sex and couple therapists.

Anne Katz (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons: The Lives of Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt

A captivating biography of two famous women whose sons, Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt, would change the course of the 20th century-by award-winning historian Charlotte Gray. Born into upper class America in the same year, 1854, Sara Delano and Jennie Jerome refused to settle into predictable, sheltered lives as little-known wives to prominent men. Instead, both women concentrated their energies on enabling their sons to reach the epicentre of political power on two continents. In the mid-19th century, the British Empire was at its height, France's Second Empire flourished and the industrial vigour of the USA was catapulting the republic towards the Gilded Age. Sara and Jennie, raised with privilege but subject to the constraints of women's roles at the time, learned how to take control of their destinies, Sara in the prosperous Hudson Valley and Jennie in the glittering world of Imperial London. Yet their personalities and choices were dramatically different. A vivacious extrovert, Jennie married Lord Randolph Churchill, rising politician and scion of a noble British family. Her deft social and political manoeuvrings helped not only her mercurial husband but, once she was widowed, her ambitious son, Winston. By contrast, deeply conventional Sara Delano married a man as old as her father. But once widowed, she made Franklin, her only child, the focus of her existence. Thanks in large part to her financial support and to her guidance, Franklin acquired the skills he needed to become a successful politician. Set against one hundred years of history, Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons is a study in loyalty and resilience. Gray argues that Jennie and Sara are too often presented as lesser figures rather than two remarkable individuals who were key in shaping the characters of the sons who adored them, and preparing them for leadership on the world stage. A masterful biographer and acclaimed historian, Charlotte Gray breathes new life into Sara and Jennie. Impeccably researched and filled with intriguing social insights, Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons offers a fascinating and fulsome portrait of how leaders are not just born but made.

Charlotte Gray (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work

A groundbreaking approach to successfully navigating your pregnancy at work Pregnancy is a profound journey. Navigating it while working-from figuring out how to tell your boss you're pregnant to squeezing in doctors' appointments between meetings, all while working even harder to prove yourself-can be a push and pull between a desire for privacy and the need for support. The good news is, it's possible to thrive in both spaces. Carry Strong offers a new approach that will transform your pregnancy years at work from something to "get through" into a career opportunity to embrace with confidence. Employing original research, expert advice, and real-life stories from Olympic athletes, CEOs, and hundreds of amazing working mothers across the country, executive and professor Stephanie Kramer outlines essential principles for navigating pregnancy and work simultaneously. She shows you how to embrace a different perspective, find your balance, cultivate community, communicate your needs, and navigate the shift in identity from working woman to working mother. Along the way, you'll identify career considerations to make at each phase of pregnancy, starting with the moment you decide you want to become a working mom-to-be. In Carry Strong, Kramer flips the script: This isn't about powering through pregnancy at work. It's about being powerful and pregnant at work.

Stephanie Kramer (Author), Allyson Ryan, Stephanie Kramer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Everything All At Once: A Memoir

New York Times Bestseller An intimate and evocative memoir one woman’s experience with the universality of grief and the redemptive power of love as she endures her husband’s 84-day battle with lung cancer. When Steph Catudal met her husband Rivs, she thought that the love, stability, and warmth she shared with her husband had finally dispelled her pent-up anger and grief over the loss of her father and her faith. But when Rivs became ill and was put into coma at the height of the pandemic, the painful memories of her childhood—watching her father die of cancer—came flooding back. Written with lush lyricism, Steph’s account of how this crisis forced her to confront her past is raw, illuminating, and heartbreaking: her father’s death that wrecked her faith in God and jumpstarted a decade of rebellion, including running away from home and living out of a van at age 16, struggling with alcoholism, and delving into drugs to ease her pain. Sitting by Rivs's bedside, she grappled with the memories of the past and the uncertainties of the future while reckoning with the unknowns of her husband’s illness. Rivs would endure a grueling 84 days in a medically induced coma, eventually undergoing chemo for a similar illness that stole her father. Like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, and Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart, Everything All At Once is a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting reflection on resilience and a powerful reminder that we can find healing no matter how broken we are.

Stephanie Catudal (Author), Allyson Ryan, Stephanie Catudal (Narrator)

Audiobook

Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, and the Fight for the Future of Meat

A stunning and unputdownable report of the US meat industry, the overwhelming disappointments of the country's food framework, and the developing frustration of elective meat makers professing to reform the fate of food. Ideal for fanatics of Kochland, The Meat Racket, and The Mysterious Existence of Food. A long time before Coronavirus cleared across the US and the director of Tyson Food varieties notoriously proclaimed that the food production network was perilously powerless, America's meat industry was arriving at a limit. Long periods of combination, value fixing, and power snatches by world class industry insiders have hurt buyers and caused ecological annihilation. Americans have no clue about where their meat comes from. And keeping in mind that that is harming us, it's additionally making others rich. Presently, monetary writer Chloe Sorvino presents a sweeping perspective on the meat business and its future as its crucial shortcomings are revealed so anyone might be able to see. With phenomenal access and top to bottom examination, Terrible arrangement researches corporate insatiability, how environmental change will overturn our food creation, and the constraints of neighborhood developments rocking the boat. An editorial masterpiece that plunges profound into one of America's greatest and most imperative businesses, Unfair arrangement is an essential and notable read that makes certain to be a cutting edge insightful reporting exemplary.

Chloe Sorvinno (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, and the Fight for the Future of Meat

A shocking and unputdownable exposé of the United States meat industry, the devastating failures of the country's food system, and the growing disappointment of alternative meat producers claiming to revolutionize the future of food. Perfect for fans of Kochland, The Meat Racket, and The Secret Life of Groceries. Well before COVID-19 swept across the United States and the chairman of Tyson Foods infamously declared that the food supply chain was dangerously vulnerable, America's meat industry was reaching a breaking point. Years of consolidation, price-fixing, and power grabs by elite industry insiders have harmed consumers and caused environmental destruction. Americans have no idea where their meat comes from. And while that's hurting us, it's also making others rich. Now, financial journalist Chloe Sorvino presents an expansive view of the meat industry and its future as its fundamental weaknesses are laid bare for all to see. With unprecedented access and in-depth research, Raw Deal investigates corporate greed, how climate change will upend our food production, and the limitations of local movements challenging the status quo. A journalistic tour de force that dives deep into one of America's biggest and most vital industries, Raw Deal is a crucial and groundbreaking read that is sure to be a modern investigative journalism classic.

Chloe Sorvino (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Hex Files Bundle, Books 4-6

This bundle includes books 4-6 in the Hex Files series, a fast-paced paranormal mystery series with a kickass heroine, hilarious sidekicks, and an immersive world that will pull you in faster than you can say pizza. Book 4, Wicked Moon Rising: When Dani is attacked in the middle of the night, she’s more than a little disgruntled. However, she soon discovers that things aren’t as simple as they seem—and that everyone she loves is in great danger. The battle for the Hex Files has officially begun, and Wicked is under attack. As the hunt for the files turns into a race against time, Dani and her friends will come face to face with fate…the good, the bad, and the deadly. Book 5, Wicked All The Way: Just in time for the holidays, a student is murdered on the Campus of Magic. Amidst a host of personal problems, Dani is assigned rookie partner to help her with the case, and it might just be the last straw...until the killer sets his sights on her. Suddenly, her only Christmas wish is to make it through the holidays alive. Book 6, Wicked Twist of Fate: Detective Danielle DeMarco is challenged with her most intense case yet: there's a threat to the borough that's more dangerous than any other in its history. As if that isn't enough, someone close to her is poisoned, another close friend vanishes, and her boyfriend is hiding something.

Gina Lamanna (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Hex Files Bundle, Books 1-3

This bundle includes books 1-3 in the Hex Files series, a fast-paced paranormal mystery series with a kickass heroine, hilarious sidekicks, and an immersive world that will pull you in faster than you can say pizza. Book 1, Wicked Never Sleeps: Wicked—the paranormal sixth borough of New York—is home to witches and goblins, werewolves and necromancers, elves and vampires…and former Detective Dani DeMarco. She’s busy with the grand opening of her family’s pizza parlor when a knock on the door leaves her face to face with the stunning yet lethal vampire in charge of the NYPD's supernatural branch—and he needs her help with a high-profile double homicide. Book 2, Wicked Long Nights: When a powerful witch goes missing from NYPD, Dani is dragged out of retirement to assist her sometimes boyfriend, sometimes boss in locating the detective before it’s too late. Book 3, Wicked State of Mind: When a high-profile young elf is kidnapped and destined for death, Dani’s forced to go toe to toe with a kidnapper who has unlocked a secret so potent it could destroy an entire race of paranormals.

Gina Lamanna (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Pocket In Time

Katz Almira's mission is clear-travel to the past, steal the note that ruins the world, travel back to the present. Easy. She's the best pickpocket Time Weavers, Inc. has ever had. Posing as a poor widow in Regency London, she convinces her target, Lord John Byron, a man as sexy as he is wealthy, to take her in off the streets. But at her request to keep her hidden, instead of his cushy manor, he allows her to stay in a warehouse full of orphan boys he cares for there. It's the perfect place to hide, and bonus, her new roommates can help her find the mysterious note. With John as their pseudo-father, they know what he does every day, and with who. Katz can't afford any distractions, but she soon finds herself getting attached to the orphans-and John-even helping him plan for their futures. Each day she spends in the past is another day closer to her deadline, another day closer to returning to her own time, and another day John and this makeshift family get dangerously closer to her heart. But Katz staying in the past would have dire consequences for them all . . . Contains mature themes.

Lexi Post (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Pickleball For All: Everything but the 'Kitchen' Sink

An entertaining and comprehensive look at the America’s fastest growing sport, Pickleball for All is the ultimate primer for any level of player interested in the wacky history, unique rules, and exciting future of pickleball. Bainbridge Island, Washington State. On a sleepy summer vacation, three dads with bored kids started a game with handmade equipment and rules that were even more hastily constructed. Pickleball—an accessible and engaging combination of sports like ping-pong and tennis—was born, and a rich history began to take shape. Fifty years later, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to quarantine and hunt for new activities, Americans of all ages and athletic ability discovered pickleball, turning to the rapidly growing phenomenon as a way to stay active, safe, and entertained. With its unique rules, wacky terminology, and inclusive gameplay, pickleball caught the attention of the likes of the Kardashians, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and quickly became the world’s fastest growing sport with Olympic games potential.Few have followed pickleball’s ascent in American life as closely as New York Times writer and pickleball enthusiast Rachel Simon. Now Simon shares her fascination with the world in this lively, energetic primer for anyone wondering what in the world a dink is or why their neighbors have had a net up in their driveway since May 2020. From the history of the game to the basic rules (hint: you do not want to be caught in the “kitchen” during a volley), Simon offers a complete overview for casual and expert players alike. With easy-to-follow steps and expert advice, readers will learn everything they need to know, including information like: Where and how to set up a court Scoring, gameplay, and equipment Strategies to win at any skill level The difference between a dink, a drive, and a drop shot In addition, Simon weaves in inspiring stories from the world’s top players during their most exciting pickleball moments. An immersive look at a global phenomenon that’s only gaining momentum, Pickleball for All paints a vivid portrait of a new American pastime. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Rachel Simon (Author), Allyson Ryan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Island Time: A Novel

Love is in the salty sea air in this smart and steamy ensemble romantic comedy set in a tropical paradise, from the author of the "sparkly and entertaining" (Oprah Daily) It Had to Be You. This is one island you won't want to be rescued from. The Kellys are messy, loud, loving Australians. The Lees are sophisticated, aloof, buttoned-up Americans. They have nothing in common…except for the fact that their daughters are married. When a nearby volcano erupts during their short vacation to a remote tropical island off the coast of Queensland, the two families find themselves stranded together for six weeks. With only two island employees making up the rest of their party, everyone is forced to question what—or who—they really want. Island Time is a sumptuous summer read that dives deep into queer romance, family secrets, ambition, parenthood, and a bird-chasing bromance. This sexy, sun-soaked paradise of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest will show you it's never too late to change your destiny.

Georgia Clark (Author), Allyson Ryan, Cat Gould, Corinne Davies, David Linski, Katherine Littrell, Mae Martin, Mirai (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Allyson Ryan