Audiobooks narrated by Robyn Holdaway

"In the year leading up to the First World War, four people's lives intertwine, only to be pulled apart. A landmark of gay and pacifist literature, Rose Allatini's story foregrounding conscientious objectors and queer love amidst wartime turmoil was banned months after its publication. At a countryside hotel, guests watch an amateur play. One of the actors, Antoinette de Courcy, is infatuated with Hester Cawthorn, a reserved and alluring woman. Dennis Blackwood, a gifted composer, is intrigued by Antoinette, sensing that they are alike. He meets Alan, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. Unlike Antoinette's determined pursuit of Hester, Dennis wholly represses his sexuality. With the war looming, families are torn apart by personal politics: the men around Dennis embrace the patriotic cause and sign up to fight. Dennis, however, knows that embracing peace is the only possible way to live. He attempts to stamp out his powerful desire for Alan by focusing all attention on Antoinette. Yet this only leads to mutual unfulfilment, and understanding comes too late. Each day, as Dennis and others defend themselves in public court and private circles, the likelihood of forced enrolment or imprisonment grows. Despised and Rejected is part of the Persephone Audiobook Collection, a series of forgotten classics including neglected fiction and non-fiction by women writers. First published in 1918, this edition includes an afterword by Jonathan Cutbill."

Rose Allatini (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Girl Walks into the Forest

"Midsommar meets The Shadows Between Us in this alluring mash-up of horror and fairy tale from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux, where a girl must embark on a harrowing journey through a deadly forest filled with otherworldly creatures, supernatural forces, and one maniacal villain who will stop at nothing to bring her down. For as long as she can remember, Valla’s been told her beauty would give her a life most people only dreamed of. So when the mysterious Count Leonid calls on her to be his betrothed, Valla jumps at the chance to leave her small, bleak village. The only thing standing in her way? The journey through the dangerous Gottyar Wood that many don’t survive. Filled with deadly and cunning creatures, the Gottyar immediately delivers on its reputation with an attack that leaves Valla injured; her face torn to shreds. Barely making it to the castle in one piece, Valla is relieved to finally be safe. But things have changed. Valla’s face is no longer beautiful. And the Count is not happy…Valla thought making it through the Gottyar was a victory, but when she sees what awaits beyond the palace walls, the true battle begins. In this ruthlessly female-forward narrative that borrows from the best of horror, fairy tales, and folklore, a chewed-up-and-spit-out heroine must lean on the brutality of nature and her biggest fears in order to win back what’s she's been robbed of: her life."

Madeleine Roux (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

That's What She Said: A Novel

"Eleanor Pilcher is electric in her witty, funny, and heartfelt women’s fiction debut, following polar opposite best friends Beth and Serena. When demisexual Beth decides she’s done with being a virgin and enlists Serena’s help, her new personal journey just might be the thing to end their friendship for good. Serena and Beth are best friends who couldn’t be more different—Beth is an avowed demisexual, who lacks confidence in her career and in her chances at a happy relationship due to her sexual orientation. Serena is a free spirit who oozes with confidence, both in her job and her sexual proclivities. And yet, since the moment they met, they knew they were platonic soulmates. So, when Beth decides that she officially wants to take charge of her sex life and explore the things that scare her the most, Serena is more than happy to help. Speed-dating, sex therapy, tantra, a perplexed but ultimately very nice escort—it’s all on Beth’s Sexual Odyssey List. But when Beth’s crush from her old job comes back and Serena’s favorite friend-with-benefits pushes for more than just sex, it throws their whole world into a tailspin. And suddenly, this sexual odyssey is more than a fun gag. It’ll set them down a course that’ll make them so much closer—or end their friendship for good."

Eleanor Pilcher (Author), Ell Potter, Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Idle Grounds

"Brought to you by Penguin. As always with these things it started with a birthday party. On a bright summer day in 1989 New England, Abi, three years old, vanishes from her aunt’s secluded home. Upstairs, her young cousins are looking out of the window. Something is unfolding in the distance at the edge of the forest – something sinister that is watching them back. The adults don’t seem to notice that the youngest of the group has disappeared. Too busy bickering over politics and reminiscing about the family’s domineering late matriarch, Beezy, they leave the children with no choice but to get Abi back themselves. As the cousins embark on a quest through their grandmother’s sprawling estate, buried family secrets come to light and long-awaited plans are set in motion. Will they lose themselves while trying to find her? Idle Grounds is a chilling, evocative and darkly comic debut about childhood, legacy, and the burdens and privileges we carry with us. 'Deviously subtle and intoxicatingly sinister, Idle Grounds conjures up a new language of nightmare symbolism to fill the reader's heart with dread. A deservedly assured debut!' LEON CRAIG © Krystelle Bamford 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Krystelle Bamford (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sisters of Fire and Fury

"What if the knight destined to unite Britain was not King Arthur, but a woman? An epic Arthurian fantasy reimagining for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. 'History will not remember you; it will crown him with glory. You will be forgotten, and the other women with you.' Having won the battle against Mordaunt's men and revealed themselves, the sisterhood face bigger challenges with their numbers diminished and enemies threatening at all sides. Meanwhile Cass' blossoming powers and destiny call to her but can she lead the sisterhood when she is afraid of the warrior within her? The answers lie in Camelot, and as gathering forces threaten her new world, Cass must face her destiny and face King Arthur himself. Get ready for bigger battles, destiny and old magic in this spectacular sequel to the epic Sisters of Sword and Shadow. Praise for Sisters of Sword and Shadow: 'Sisters of Sword and Shadow is absolutely brilliant. Beautiful, fierce, and furious - full of the power and magic of sisterhood in every sense. I loved it.' Katherine Webber, bestselling author of Twin Crowns 'An empowering and courageous tale of a daring sisterhood in which true chivalry means fighting for what you believe in.' Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen 'A dazzling tale of courage, power and sisterhood, with a heroine to truly root for. I loved every breathtaking minute of this fierce, feminist epic fantasy.' Catherine Doyle, bestselling author of Twin Crowns"

Laura Bates (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Last Gifts of the Universe

"Brought to you by Penguin. A dying universe. A search for answers. An adventure at the end of a trillion lifetimes. When the Home worlds finally achieved the technology to venture out into the stars, they found a graveyard of dead civilisations. What befell them is unknown. All Home knows is that they are the last ones left – and whatever came for the others will one day come for them. Scout is an Archivist who scours the dead worlds of the cosmos for their last gifts: interesting technology, cultural rituals – anything left behind that might be useful to Home and their survival. During an excavation on a lifeless planet, Scout unearths something unbelievable: a surviving message from an alien who witnessed the world-ending entity thousands of years ago. Now Scout, their brother and their sometimes-fearless, space-faring cat, Pumpkin, must race to save what matters most. ©2024 Riley August (P)2024 Penguin Audio"

Riley August (Author), Ayesha Antoine, Chris Thompson, Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sisters of Sword and Shadow

"What if the Knights of the Round Table had been women? An epic fantasy from the UK’s leading and bestselling feminist writer Laura Bates - perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. This afternoon Cass's older sister will be married. Soon she will be too. Gone will be days of running through fields and feeling the earth between her toes. So when a beautiful leather‑clad woman rides up and offers to take her away, Cass doesn’t hesitate to join her. Cass is introduced to the Sisterhood of Silk Knights - a group of women training to fight and working to right the wrongs of men. Cass is drawn into a world of ancient feuds, glorious battles, and deadly intrigue, where soon discovers she holds a power that could change the destiny of her sisterhood. “An interesting thing happens, when a man is defeated in combat by a woman.” “He tells nobody.” The first in a breathtakingly book in this rich and sweeping fantasy duology that explores questions about power, courage and the stories we tell about the past."

Laura Bates (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Something Spectacular

"From the USA Today bestselling author of Boyfriend Material comes a riotous Regency romp full of art, expensive hats, and a love that is nothing short of spectacular. Peggy Delancey’s not at all ready to move on from her former flame, Arabella Tarleton. But Belle has her own plans for a love match, and she needs Peggy’s help to make those plans a reality. Still hung up on her feelings and unable to deny Belle what she wants, Peggy reluctantly agrees to help her woo the famous and flamboyant opera singer Orfeo. She certainly doesn’t expect to find common ground with a celebrated soprano, but when Peggy and Orfeo meet, a whole new flame is ignited that she can’t ignore. Peggy finds an immediate kinship with Orfeo, who’s just as nonconforming as she is—and just as affected by their instant connection. They’ve never been able to find their place in the world, but as the pair walks the line between friendship, flirtation, and something more, they may just find their place with each other."

Alexis Hall (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Book of Spells: 150 Magickal Ways to Achieve Your Heart’s Desire

"The complete practical guide to spellcraft, bringing the ancient wisdom of witches to the modern world Connect with the mystical energies of the universe and turn your dreams and desires into powerful intentions. This beautiful audiobook will help you to manifest your hopes and desires, embrace your spiritual strength, and fulfil your own awesome potential. Discover spells, incantations, and potions for every situation where you can use the power of magical intention to enhance and transform your life. Cast candle, ribbon, and herbal spells; use crystals, gemstones, amulets, and talismans; make magical potions and practise empowering rituals to turn your wishes into the focused intentions that are at the heart of successful spell-casting. This audiobook tells you how you can activate and shape natural energy to achieve your goals. Each spell is set out in simple, easy-to-follow steps, ideal for those beginning their witchcraft journey. This audiobook tells you how to give yourself the one gift everyone wants to receive: the tools and the wisdom to harness and use your own limitless, mystical gifts. Ella Harrison is a hereditary witch who aspires to inspire and educate people about witchcraft and pagan practices. Ella was born in New Zealand and raised in a German family of members who practice various aspects of witchcraft. She holds a bachelor in social and cultural anthropology and creates content on YouTube, Instagram and recently TikTok. Ella and her fiancé Karlis co-own a small crystal shop called Silverfern Crystals (ekstones.com). They now live together with their puppies Chip and Bennie in New Zealand. © 2022 Ella Harrison © 2022 DK Audio"

Ella Harrison (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Our Wives Under The Sea: Winner of the Polari Prize

"Named as a book to look out for by Guardian, i-D, Autostraddle, Bustle, Good Housekeeping, Stylist and DAZED. Our Wives Under The Sea is the debut novel from the critically acclaimed author of Salt Slow. It's a story of falling in love, loss, grief, and what life there is in the deep, deep sea. Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah may have come back wrong. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has carried part of it with her, onto dry land and into their home. To have the woman she loves back should mean a return to normal life, but Miri can feel Leah slipping from her grasp. Memories of what they had before - the jokes they shared, the films they watched, all the small things that made Leah hers - only remind Miri of what she stands to lose. Living in the same space but suddenly separate, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had might be gone. 'Part bruisingly tender love story, part nerve-clanging submarine thriller . . . heart-slicing, cinematic.' - The Times"

Julia Armfield (Author), Annabel Baldwin, Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sistersong: A dazzling folklore retelling full of magic, love and betrayal

"*Pre-order the next captivating folkloric fantasy, SONG OF THE HUNTRESS, now!* In a magical ancient Britain, bards sing a story of treachery, love and death. This is that story. For fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, Lucy Holland's Sistersong retells the folk ballad ‘The Twa Sisters.' 'A beautiful reimagining of an old British folklore ballad, Sistersong weaves a captivating spell of myth and magic' – Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne King Cador’s children inherit a land abandoned by the Romans, torn by warring tribes. Riva can cure others, but can’t heal her own scars. Keyne battles to be seen as the king’s son, although born a daughter. And Sinne dreams of love, longing for adventure. All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky – bringing Myrdhin, meddler and magician. The siblings discover the power that lies within them and the land. But fate also brings Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart. Riva, Keyne and Sinne become entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, and must fight to forge their own paths. It’s a story that will shape the destiny of Britain. Sistersong is a powerfully moving story, perfect for readers who loved Naomi Novik’s Uprooted and Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale."

Lucy Holland (Author), Robyn Holdaway (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Robyn Holdaway