Audiobook Lovin' Podcast: Season 7 Ep. 13: That's a Wrap on the 2026 Audiobook Lovin Series!

 

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Audiobook Lovin Podcast · ABL Podcast - S7 Ep. 13: That's A Wrap - 2026 Audiobook Lovin Series

Another Audiobook Month has officially come to a close, and so has the 12th Annual Audiobook Lovin' Series and what an incredible June!

From wonderful conversations with talented narrators, authors, and industry professionals to sharing laughter, stories, favorite books, and heartfelt moments, this year's Audiobook Lovin Series was one for the books. Every guest brought something unique to the microphone, making this our biggest and most memorable series yet. 

To everyone who listened, watched, shared episodes, left reviews, commented on social media, or simply spent time with us throughout the month — thank you. Your support means more than you know and continues to help this community grow year after year.

A Short Summer Hiatus

After an amazing (and very busy!) June, the Audiobook Lovin Podcast will be taking a short hiatus throughout July and possibly part of August.

Why the break?

Honestly... I need one.

June is always an incredible whirlwind, and after producing this year's series, it's time to recharge the creative batteries so I can come back refreshed and ready for what's next.

During the hiatus I'll also be hard at work behind the scenes:

• Preparing for this year's Sultry Listeners Awards
• Finalizing exciting behind-the-scenes projects for the newly launched Audiobook Lovin Network
• Planning future podcast episodes, special projects, and even more audiobook goodness

While there won't be new guest interviews during the break, don't go anywhere...

There Are Still a Few Surprises Coming...

Just because we're taking a short pause doesn't mean things are going quiet.

I have a few surprises planned throughout the summer, so be sure to keep an eye on the podcast feed and my social media channels. You never know when something fun might pop up!

Join the Audiobook Lovin Patreon

If you love the Audiobook Lovin Series and the podcast and want even more content, now is the perfect time to join our Patreon community!

Your membership helps support the continued production of the podcast, interviews, special series, and all the work that goes into bringing the audiobook community together.

But that's not all...

Patreon members receive exclusive content you won't find anywhere else, including fun bonus features like:

• Would You Rather
• FMK (F, Marry, Kill)
• Extended guest fun
• Behind-the-scenes moments
• Bonus content
• Early access and other exclusive goodies

And here's the best part...

Throughout July and August, Patreon members will continue receiving exclusive content while the podcast is on hiatus.

That means the audiobook fun doesn't stop, you'll have brand-new content to enjoy even while I'm taking a much-needed break.

So if you've been thinking about joining, this is the perfect time. If you don't want to miss out on all the Audiobook Lovin' goodies, Patreon is where you'll want to be this summer!

Welcome to the Audiobook Lovin Network!

One of the biggest announcements this year was the official launch of the Audiobook Lovin Network, and I couldn't be more excited about what's ahead.

I'm thrilled to welcome the very first show joining the network:

Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo

While their official podcast launch begins July 10, you've already heard this dual during the Audiobook Lovin Series! They joined me in this year's celebration! Their show will be publishing every other Friday with new and exciting episodes. 

If you've enjoyed watching their conversations and interviews on TikTok or are brand new to them, you'll now be able to listen wherever you get your podcasts as they become part of the Audiobook Lovin family.

This is just the beginning, and I can't wait to share everything we're building behind the scenes.

Stay Connected

Even though the podcast is taking a short break, I'll still be sharing updates, announcements, audiobook news, and a few surprises throughout the summer. The Audiobook Lovin Podcast social media accounts isn't the only place where you can connect with me! Remember, I'm the Enchantress of Books and can be found on all the various platforms as such and Viviana, Enchantress of Books. I've included all the links below! 

Be sure to follow me on social media so you don't miss:

• Podcast updates
• Sultry Listeners Awards news
• Audiobook Lovin Network announcements
• Future guest reveals
• Behind-the-scenes content
• And plenty of audiobook recommendations

And if you want the complete Audiobook Lovin experience, don't forget to join the Patreon community for all the exclusive summer content.

Thank you again for making another Audiobook Month so incredibly special. Your support, encouragement, and love for audiobooks continue to inspire everything I do.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, keep listening to amazing audiobooks, and I'll see you again very soon with more conversations, more stories, and plenty more audiobook lovin'.

Until then...

Happy listening! 🎧💜

*´¨)
.·´ ¸.·*¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.*´ ¸.·´
`·-*Viviana* 

Instagram | Threads | TikTok | 

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 19: Narrator Abigail Reno

We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

Every narrator brings a unique perspective to the stories they tell, and Abigail Reno is no exception.

In this episode of the Audiobook Lovin Series, Abigail opens up about her path from trained opera singer to audiobook narrator, the joys and challenges of parenting, working through grief, and why spending time outdoors helps keep her grounded. It's a thoughtful conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Grab your favorite drink and join us for another inspiring episode.

Audiobook Lovin Podcast · 2026 - ABL Series S12 Ep 19 - Narrator Abigail Reno

You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast

Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.

Things Discussed

FYI - Affiliated Links Used throughout this post

Narrator Career Resources

Narrators Roadmap

PANA (Professional Audiobook Narrators Association)

Narrator.Life

Critical Role Vox Machina: Origins Volume I

by Critical Role, Matthew Mercer, and Matthew Colville

Kindle

Click here to watch Vox Machina on Amazon Prime

Red Rabbit

By Alex Grecian

Narrated by John Pirhalla

Available on

Audible | Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Upcoming Releases

FYI - Affiliated Links Used throughout this post

The Five Masks of Dr. Screem: Special Edition

(Goosebumps Hall of Horrors, Book 3)

By R. L. Stine

Narrated by Abigail Reno and Joel Froomkin

Release Date: 07/07/26

Pre-Order audio at 

Audible

Available for purchase at

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Book Club Boyfriend

By Jenny Holiday

Narrated by Abigail Reno and Alan Carlson

Release Date: 07/14/26

Pre-Order Audio At

Audible

Available for purchase at

Kindle | Amazon Paperback

About Our Guest

Hello, I'm Abigail!  A lifelong artist and performer who found a love for music and acting as a child. I studied opera and choral conducting at the undergraduate level after having my interest in performance piqued by many roles in musical theater growing up. 

After spending time studying acting in LA and performing both on stage & screen, I now get to do what I love from the comfort of my own home - telling stories using my voice. Transitioning from the world of theater to voice over & audiobook narration couldn't have felt more natural, as I have always been a book-worm, often caught hiding under my blankets with a book & flashlight when I was supposed to be asleep. I have recorded titles for Penguin Random House, HarperAudio, Hachette, Macmillan, Disney, Brilliance, Audible Studios, Spotify & Podium Entertainment among others...

I am a Northern California native, raised between the redwoods and the ocean.  When not in my home studio, you can find me exploring the nearby forests with my toddler on my back, baking sourdough bread, fermenting everything in sight, sewing, running, gardening and hanging out with my giant black German Shepherd, black cat & seven chickens. 

Connect with Abigail at

Website | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Libro.fm | Audible 

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 18: Narrator Willa Jaymes

We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

Narrator Willa James joins the Audiobook Lovin Series for a conversation that is equal parts nostalgic, entertaining, and insightful. From her favorite narration role as a witch to beloved television shows, books, soap operas, antiquing, and more, Willa shares the interests and experiences that have shaped both her life and career. Get ready to discover a new side of this talented narrator.

Audiobook Lovin Podcast · 2026 - ABL Series S12 Ep 18 : Narrator Willa Jaymes

You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast

Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.

Things Discussed

FYI - Affiliated Links Used throughout this post

To learn more about Alison Larkins, click here. 

Narrator Career Resources

Narrators Roadmap

PANA (Professional Audiobook Narrators Association)

Narrator.Life

King of the Damned

(Echoes of Eternity, Book 1)

By Ariel N. Anderson

Narrated by June deBorahae, Willa Jaymes, Sean Masters and Joe Arden

Available to purchase at 

Audible | Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Favorite Soaps growing up: 

The Young and the Restless

General Hospital



She loves her Christopher Pikes books

My So Called Life

Coming To Audio

Elite Player

(Winning Love Series, bk 2)

by Sophie Andrews

Narrated by Willa James and Ryan Dunlap

Available for purchase at 
Kindle | Amazon Paperback

Upcoming Releases

Fractured Souls

(Tears of the Siren, Book 5)

By M. Sinclair

Narrated by Willa Jaymes and Walker Williams

Release Date: 6/30/26

Available for pre-order at 

Audible | Kindle | Amazon Paperback 

About The Narrator

Julie is a classically trained actress and dancer with a degree in Theater and Dance from Bard College, where she received the Ana Itelman Award for Excellence in Performance. She has performed professionally around the country, including as a company member with Shakespeare & Company, and has a strong background in movement for actors. With training in ballet, modern dance, and flamenco, Julie approaches performance through both physical and emotional expression. She is known for her empathetic, character-driven work and her ability to connect deeply with audiences. Drawn to stories rich in emotion and complexity, Julie narrates romance audiobooks under the pseudonym Willa Jaymes. She lives and works in the Berkshires, where she remains active in the local theater community.

Connect with Willa at

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Facebook Page | Libro.fm | Audible | Chirp

Connect with Julia at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | Libro.fm | Audible 

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 15: Fem Narrators Spotlight

 

We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

For this special Fem Narrator Spotlight episode of Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo, we're pulling back the curtain on the realities of being a woman in the audiobook industry.

Joining us are narrators Angelina Rocca, Victoria Connolly, Dani Staro, Pagan McGrath, Jessica Threet, Jen Aldrich, and Autumn Mercer, along with audiobook producer and industry veteran Viviana Izzo. Together, they share candid conversations about career journeys, balancing work and life, overcoming rejection, setting boundaries, advocating for fair compensation, and navigating the unique challenges women face both inside and outside the recording booth.

Of course, it wouldn't be Tea Time without a healthy dose of laughter. From "hear me out" crushes and horror movie survival strategies to cringe-worthy audiobook words and unforgettable social media moments, this episode delivers heartfelt wisdom, industry insight, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you're an audiobook fan, aspiring narrator, or industry professional, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, self-worth, and lifting one another up.

Audiobook Lovin Podcast · 2026 - ABL Series S12 Ep 15: Fem Narrators Spotlight

You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast

Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.

Things Discussed

Together, we discuss:

Career paths before audiobooks

Burnout, work-life balance, and FOMO

The importance of community and support

Learning to say no and knowing your worth

Gender norms and advocating for yourself

Handling rejection and staying motivated

Shady industry practices and setting boundaries

Rate increases and valuing your artistry

Fictional crushes, horror movie survivors, and "hear me out" characters

The audiobook words that make us cringe

About Our Guests

Award-winning, and with over 100 audiobooks recorded in romance, thriller and fantasy, Victoria offers a conversational, witty and vulnerable style. 

She works from her home studio in Washington state.  

Connect with Victoria at

Website | Instagram | Threads | Audible | Libro.fm | LinkedIn

Angelina Rocca is an audiobook narrator, award-winning singer and former journalist. She has narrated more than 40 titles and has voiced documentaries as well as short-form audio.

She specializes in romance, thriller and horror.

 A classically trained vocalist and musician (she plays several instruments), Angelina has performed with her jazz and blues band nationally, as well as internationally, over a career spanning more than two decades. 

 Angelina has been many things in her life, but at the core of everything has been her desire to tell stories in compelling and interesting ways. 

When she isn't working, Angelina is an avid night and astrophotographer. She loves going on late night walks, capturing the interplay between light and dark.

Connect with Angelina at 

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Audible

Dani Staro is a passionate and versatile award-winning voice actor with experience in Audiobooks, Social Media Marketing, Digital Media, Public Speaking and Podcasts. With a dedication to the craft and a love for storytelling, she brings characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences.

Dani loves narrating Romance and Fantasy books and her voice versatility allows her to create unique voices and create an immersive experience for listeners while skillfully distinguishing between her narration and dialogue.

Dani is a woman who wears many hats (or heels). She is a classically trained dancer/ballerina of 20+ years with entertainment experience in musical theater; 15 years of social media marketing, and a Professional Registered Nurse specializing in education, respiratory and neurology.

Dani's natural velvety voice is articulate and a medium tone that can be described as sultry and husky. Other voices range from deep to high, airy to edgy, young to old.

Connect with Dani at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible | Libro.fm

Actor. Singer. Journalist. Writer. Performer. 

Jen Aldrich has told a lifetime of stories. Maybe the next story she tells will be yours. Audiobook narrator and storyteller working from her home studio in Northern California. (From: https://www.jenaldrichaudio.com/)

​

Connect with Jen at

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible 

Hi! I’m Jessica Threet. I’m an actress living currently in New York City. I am originally from Huntsville, AL, "The Rocket City" we call ourselves. I received a Bachelor Degree in Theatre with a Music and Dance Minor from Troy University before moving to the Big Apple. 

Connect with Jessica at 

Website | Instagram | Threads| TikTok | Audible | Libro.fm 

Hi, I'm an Irish-South African Actor and Narrator based in Ireland. I have over 10+ years of experience in the acting industry in Ireland and am currently working on audiobooks and animation projects.

I am competent in a range of accents including: Irish (Dublin, Neutral, Northern), American (General, Southern, New York, California), British (RP, BBC, London, Neutral), French, German, Russian, Slavic.

I currently use the pseudonym Cate Morrigan for Monster Romance and very Dark Romance genres.

 

Connect with Pagan at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible | Libro.fm

I've been in love with storytelling since I was twelve years old, recording pretend audiobooks in my bedroom and mixing them with music and sound effects on an old desktop computer. What started as a childhood dream never faded; in fact, it only grew stronger with time.

Today, I'm an emerging voice in the audiobook world, with credits including Savior by K.M. Mixon, Out of Bounds by Raven Kitts, and Playing My Cards Right by N. Owens. My voice is often described as rich, emotionally dynamic, and deeply sincere; perfect for stories that live in the heart long after the final page.

With a background in drama and years of dedicated coaching, I bring a blend of vulnerability, intuition, and heartfelt performance to every project I take on. I seem particularly drawn to romance, emotional fiction, and character-driven stories, where I can connect deeply to the narrative and the people within it.

I believe every story deserves to be felt, not just heard, and pour that belief into every word I speak behind the mic. Whether you're looking for soft intimacy, fierce passion, or quiet strength, I bring my whole heart to the booth, every single time.

Connect with Autumn at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible

Viviana Izzo is a business owner, entrepreneur, audiobook advocate, and creative professional with more than 15 years of experience in the publishing and book industries. She is the owner and operator of the award-winning Enchantress Bookish Brilliance, a boutique agency providing marketing and promotional consulting, graphic design, branding, social media strategy, audiobook support services, project management, and creative solutions for authors, narrators, publishers, and industry professionals.

She is also the co-owner of Enchantress Creations, where the healing power of herbs meets the enchantment of magick. Through Enchantress Creations, she creates handcrafted herbal products, teas, oils, candles, book-inspired merchandise, and metaphysical offerings designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit.

Viviana is the creator of the award-winning blog Viviana, Enchantress of Books, a platform dedicated to connecting readers, authors, narrators, and audiobook enthusiasts through reviews, interviews, industry features, and community engagement. She is also the host and producer of the Audiobook Lovin' Podcast and the annual Audiobook Lovin' Series, a beloved celebration of audiobooks and the talented professionals who bring stories to life.

As the founder and owner of the Sultry Listeners Awards, Viviana created a listener-driven awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence in romance audiobooks and honoring the narrators, authors, publishers, and production teams behind them.

A passionate advocate for the audiobook industry, Viviana has worked with hundreds of authors and narrators throughout her career and was a 2020 SOVAS Award nominee for Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely.

Viviana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing and an Associate of Arts degree in Culinary Arts. When she's not immersed in books, audiobooks, marketing, or herbal creations, she can usually be found enjoying time with family, exploring her love of herbalism and folklore, and helping others bring their creative visions to life.

Connect with Viviana at 

Patreon | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Facebook Page | Enchantress Creations

To learn more about

Tea Time with Tricia and Jojo,
click here to read our Special Announcement 
welcoming them to the
Audiobook Lovin' Network!

TikTok | YouTube

Are you an author, narrator/voice actor  and/or an Artist and want to be a guest of Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo? Click here to fill out the interest form!