Listen free for 30 days
-
The Headmistress
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $26.30
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
A Whisper of Solace
- Written by: Milena McKay
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neve Blackthorne, head of one of the most successful Studios in Hollywood, is the one to rule them all. Powerful, beautiful, and aloof, she's ruthless, yet irresistible. Above all, she has an unquenchable survival instinct. Surely a fleeting entanglement with one Audrey Avens, a bright, young, rising star in her company, won't bring down the Wicked Queen of Tinseltown. Or will it? Neve's public persona has no chink in the untouchable armor, but when the lights go out and the cameras stop rolling, what becomes of an Ice Queen whose heart is ruled by love and fear?
-
-
Well worth the listen.
- By Marah on 2023-03-26
Written by: Milena McKay
-
The Delicate Things We Make
- Written by: Milena McKay
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hitting rock bottom in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, investigative journalist Jamie Walker lands the assignment of a lifetime: Find the most elusive artist of a generation, who has enthralled the art and fashion world for more than a decade.
-
-
excellent
- By D Carter on 2022-03-23
Written by: Milena McKay
-
The Brutal Truth
- Written by: Lee Winter
- Narrated by: Angela Dawe
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Australian crime reporter Maddie Grey is out of her depth in New York, miserable, and secretly drawn to her powerful, twice-married media mogul boss, Elena Bartell, who eats failing newspapers for breakfast. As work takes them to Australia, Maddie is goaded into a brief, seemingly harmless bet with her enigmatic boss - where they have to tell the complete truth to each other. It backfires catastrophically.
-
-
superb read
- By Amazon Customer on 2021-03-03
Written by: Lee Winter
-
Truth and Measure
- The Carlisle Series, Book 1
- Written by: Roslyn Sinclair
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jules Moretti is newly single, an aspiring writer, and the hyper-competent assistant to the most powerful woman in fashion. It's a tough job, but her ice queen boss won't settle for less than perfection. Vivian Carlisle helms the internationally revered fashion publication Du Jour. She might be smack in the middle of a messy divorce, but you have to make sacrifices to be the best. That's what she tells herself, anyway. When the unthinkable happens, Vivian's regimented world is turned upside-down. Her life is about power, success, and dominance—not a baby!
-
-
Amazing build up
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-05-28
Written by: Roslyn Sinclair
-
Schuss
- Written by: E.J. Noyes
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stacey Evans wants only one thing: to be the best alpine ski racer she can be. Everything else—like her sweet and ultra-supportive best friend and hot-but-vapid girlfriend—is just a bonus. Fresh from a medal at her first Olympics, Stacey knows she can only get better and is firmly focused on the future, and totally not thinking about how she’s kind of a little in love with that sweet, ultra-supportive best friend....
Written by: E.J. Noyes
-
Hotel Queens
- Written by: Lee Winter
- Narrated by: Angela Dawe
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brilliant ice queen Amelia Duxton is a hotel vice president who thrives on control, truth, and efficiency. All she wants is to buy the coveted Mayfair Palace. Fiery Kai Fisher is charming and chaotic and renowned for closing ambitious deals. Her sights are set on snatching the Mayfair Palace out from under the nose of her hated arch rivals, the Duxton family. But when secrets emerge and everything starts to fall apart, how can either of the warring women win - especially when they’ve just met their match?
-
-
Corporate espionage with an LGBT spin!
- By Priscilla on 2021-02-22
Written by: Lee Winter
-
A Whisper of Solace
- Written by: Milena McKay
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neve Blackthorne, head of one of the most successful Studios in Hollywood, is the one to rule them all. Powerful, beautiful, and aloof, she's ruthless, yet irresistible. Above all, she has an unquenchable survival instinct. Surely a fleeting entanglement with one Audrey Avens, a bright, young, rising star in her company, won't bring down the Wicked Queen of Tinseltown. Or will it? Neve's public persona has no chink in the untouchable armor, but when the lights go out and the cameras stop rolling, what becomes of an Ice Queen whose heart is ruled by love and fear?
-
-
Well worth the listen.
- By Marah on 2023-03-26
Written by: Milena McKay
-
The Delicate Things We Make
- Written by: Milena McKay
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hitting rock bottom in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, investigative journalist Jamie Walker lands the assignment of a lifetime: Find the most elusive artist of a generation, who has enthralled the art and fashion world for more than a decade.
-
-
excellent
- By D Carter on 2022-03-23
Written by: Milena McKay
-
The Brutal Truth
- Written by: Lee Winter
- Narrated by: Angela Dawe
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Australian crime reporter Maddie Grey is out of her depth in New York, miserable, and secretly drawn to her powerful, twice-married media mogul boss, Elena Bartell, who eats failing newspapers for breakfast. As work takes them to Australia, Maddie is goaded into a brief, seemingly harmless bet with her enigmatic boss - where they have to tell the complete truth to each other. It backfires catastrophically.
-
-
superb read
- By Amazon Customer on 2021-03-03
Written by: Lee Winter
-
Truth and Measure
- The Carlisle Series, Book 1
- Written by: Roslyn Sinclair
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jules Moretti is newly single, an aspiring writer, and the hyper-competent assistant to the most powerful woman in fashion. It's a tough job, but her ice queen boss won't settle for less than perfection. Vivian Carlisle helms the internationally revered fashion publication Du Jour. She might be smack in the middle of a messy divorce, but you have to make sacrifices to be the best. That's what she tells herself, anyway. When the unthinkable happens, Vivian's regimented world is turned upside-down. Her life is about power, success, and dominance—not a baby!
-
-
Amazing build up
- By Amazon Customer on 2023-05-28
Written by: Roslyn Sinclair
-
Schuss
- Written by: E.J. Noyes
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stacey Evans wants only one thing: to be the best alpine ski racer she can be. Everything else—like her sweet and ultra-supportive best friend and hot-but-vapid girlfriend—is just a bonus. Fresh from a medal at her first Olympics, Stacey knows she can only get better and is firmly focused on the future, and totally not thinking about how she’s kind of a little in love with that sweet, ultra-supportive best friend....
Written by: E.J. Noyes
-
Hotel Queens
- Written by: Lee Winter
- Narrated by: Angela Dawe
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brilliant ice queen Amelia Duxton is a hotel vice president who thrives on control, truth, and efficiency. All she wants is to buy the coveted Mayfair Palace. Fiery Kai Fisher is charming and chaotic and renowned for closing ambitious deals. Her sights are set on snatching the Mayfair Palace out from under the nose of her hated arch rivals, the Duxton family. But when secrets emerge and everything starts to fall apart, how can either of the warring women win - especially when they’ve just met their match?
-
-
Corporate espionage with an LGBT spin!
- By Priscilla on 2021-02-22
Written by: Lee Winter
-
Go Around
- Written by: E. J. Noyes
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Avery Weston is doing fine. Sure, she’s not doing as fine as her ex - award-winning actress and current television it girl Elise Hayes - but Avery enjoys her work as a federal air marshal and also enjoys almost being over Elise walking out on their relationship 15 months ago. Then Elise is seated next to her on a flight, and the emotional progress Avery thought she’d made is reset in an instant.
-
-
Brilliant, amusing, exciting
- By Sarah H on 2022-08-28
Written by: E. J. Noyes
-
The Girlfriend Arrangement
- Black Diamond, Book 1
- Written by: Anna Stone, Hildred Billings
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Parker Black has put her bad girl days behind her. Once the rebellious, womanizing middle child of the wealthiest family in Seattle, she's now the founder and CEO of a luxury lingerie label. But when an incident from her past resurfaces, everything she's built threatens to come crashing down. For up-and-coming public relations specialist Julia Conner, her job is her life. A former foster kid, she's spent years climbing the ladder. So when Parker contacts her to help her come back from a scandal, Julia is determined to prove she can handle a big-name client like Parker Black.
Written by: Anna Stone, and others
-
Down to a Science
- I Heart Sapphfic Pride Collection Series, Book 1
- Written by: Haley Cass
- Narrated by: Lori Prince
- Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ellie Beckett's life is simple and uncomplicated; she's on track to become a leading expert in biomedical engineering, she has a pub where she feels comfortable enough to hang out multiple times a week, and so what if she doesn't have time for . . . people? She doesn't need or want them. Until she meets Mia Sharpe. As it turns out, maybe Ellie does want at least one person.
-
-
great story and performance
- By Dana on 2023-10-02
Written by: Haley Cass
-
Ask, Tell
- Ask, Tell Series, Book 1
- Written by: E. J. Noyes
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Captain Sabine Fleischer is a skilled and dedicated US Army surgeon deployed to a combat hospital in Afghanistan. She is also one of the thousands of troops who are forced to serve in silence because of the military's anti-gay policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)". Usually driven and focused, Sabine finds that battles raging both inside and outside are making it more and more difficult for her to deal with her emotions. Dealing with loss and mortality, lack of privacy, sleep deprivation, loneliness, and the isolation forced on her by Don't Ask, Don't Tell are all taking their toll.
-
-
Wonderful
- By Anonymous User on 2020-11-12
Written by: E. J. Noyes
-
Integrity
- Halcyon Division, Book 1
- Written by: E. J. Noyes
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s an ordinary workday when intelligence analyst Lexie Martin learns about a horrific chemical weapon attack abroad. Just an ordinary day...until a stranger breaks into her house and warns her to forget what she saw and heard, setting off a chain of events Lexie thought only happened in movies. Falsely accused of stealing intelligence and unsure of who to trust, Lexie quickly realizes the significance of the intel and that she must do everything she can to keep it safe. And as she runs—maybe for her life—Lexie knows she needs something, or someone, to help her.
-
-
great story
- By D Carter on 2023-06-16
Written by: E. J. Noyes
-
Chemistry
- Written by: Rachael Sommers
- Narrated by: Lori Prince
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Newly minted high school teacher Lily Cross is young, bubbly, and can’t wait to put her fresh ideas into practice in the classroom. Her excitement is derailed after a disastrous run-in with a colleague. Lily didn’t realize she’d have to win over her fellow teachers as well as her students, but that’s okay. Lily’s up to the challenge.
-
-
A lesbian version of "You've Got Mail" but sexier!
- By Tracey H. on 2023-04-04
Written by: Rachael Sommers
-
These Thin Lines
- Written by: Milena McKay
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heart of Paris, Chiara Conti is a Queen trapped in an Ivory Tower of haute couture, fortune and lovelessness. Lonely and dejected, she's longing for inspiration, for direction, for understanding. When Vi Courtenay falls at her feet, losing her shoe like a veritable Cinderella, events are set in motion that will unravel their carefully fashioned lives. With everything tainted, will the thin lines they rend ever be mended?
-
-
Smart & funny just like Cinderella
- By CW on 2023-10-16
Written by: Milena McKay
-
The Stepmother
- Written by: Melissa Tereze
- Narrated by: Nicole Eden
- Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the death of her estranged father, Hayley McAllister plans to endure cold, wet England just long enough to tie up loose ends. Then she’s heading straight back to Ibiza, where she lives exactly as she pleases—performing her music, soaking up sunshine, and indulging in flings with gorgeous women. She has no interest in meeting her dad’s new wife—a wife Hayley assumes must be just as bitter as he was...until she comes face to face with Diane Astell—a walking, talking dream, from her dark hair and eyes and brilliant smile, down to her divine legs.
-
-
Loved the book, but the audio book was far better
- By Kindle Customer on 2023-10-17
Written by: Melissa Tereze
-
Those Who Wait
- Written by: Haley Cass
- Narrated by: Lori Prince
- Length: 21 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sutton Spencer's ideas for her life were fairly simple: finish graduate school and fall in love. It would be a lot simpler if she could pinpoint exactly what she should do when she graduates in less than a year. Oh, and if she could figure out how to talk to a woman without feeling like a total mess, that would be great, too. Charlotte Thompson is very much the opposite.
-
-
I'm sad it's over!
- By Melina on 2021-04-16
Written by: Haley Cass
-
Just a Touch Away
- Written by: Jae
- Narrated by: Abby Craden
- Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hannah Martin has an unusual job: she's a professional cuddler. While she has a big heart for her clients, she hasn't found someone special to snuggle up to in her personal life. Winter Sullivan isn't looking for love. She's an aloof workaholic who's built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn't want to share her space with anyone. When Winter's estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together.
-
-
Excellent
- By D Carter on 2023-04-20
Written by: Jae
-
The AM Show
- Written by: T.B. Markinson, Miranda MacLeod
- Narrated by: Lori Prince
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amanda Morgan is a morning show host with a fierce reputation, but a bitter divorce has left her feeling all washed up. Dakota Washington is a young reporter who is flabbergasted to meet her career idol - and biggest celebrity crush - at a friend’s out-of-town wedding. Their night together goes beyond her wildest fantasies. They were never meant to see each other again - until fate steps in, landing Dakota a job at Amanda’s network in New York City. Thanks to a draconian employment contract, the network could fire them on the spot for getting romantically involved.
-
-
Cute!
- By Amber L on 2023-05-15
Written by: T.B. Markinson, and others
-
When You Least Expect It
- Written by: Haley Cass
- Narrated by: Lori Prince
- Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Caroline Parker knows three things to be true. First, she is going to be Boston's most sought-after divorce attorney by 35. Second, given how terrible her romantic track record is, falling in love isn't in the cards for her. And third, Christmas only brings her bad luck - being broken up with not once, not twice, but three times during the holidays is proof enough of that. When she runs into Hannah Dalton on Christmas Eve, she has no reason to believe her luck will change. After all, though Hannah is probably the most gorgeous woman she's ever seen, she's also straight.
-
-
A nice, funny, light hearted read
- By Dana Thompson on 2023-11-11
Written by: Haley Cass
Publisher's Summary
Lambda Literary 2022 Lesbian Romance winner
Golden Crown Literary Society 2022 winner in the following categories:
- Romantic Blend
- Ann Bannon Popular Choice
- Tee Corinne Cover Design (Em Schreiber, cover designer)
A chance encounter. An unforgettable night.
And back home, trouble is brewing on the remote island of Three Dragons, where nothing feels like it used to. Alone and lonely, Sam Threadneedle wishes upon a star, hoping for change. But when said change comes, it's with a roar and not a whimper.
Torn between loyalty and lust, Sam is forced to reevaluate everything.
Can she and the Home of Dragons withstand the storm that is Magdalene Nox, or will any and all crumble?
Not everything is as it seems, and as she slowly unravels the mysteries behind the centuries-old walls, Sam realizes that home is much more than oak and stone.
Contains mature themes.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Headmistress
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2023-02-11
A must listen, wonderful performance and story
Performance: 4.99 ⭐️
Story: 4.5 ⭐️
I was shocked at first hearing Magdalene’s voice (I wasn’t a fan, waaaay too raspy) but I gave it another chance and fell in love! The narrator found her groove as the book went on. Her voice brings the story to life.
As for the story, there were a few moments that I cringed at but besides that, the novel is entertaining, thrilling, and beautifully written.
If you’re on the fence, definitely make the jump. Do not skip this audiobook!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2023-01-25
Nice!
For a sapphic romance novel, this was great! The story held my attention, characters were well developed and relatable, and the narration was stellar, dare I say....hot.... Worth the time spent listening!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kait
- 2022-09-19
Loved it!
This audiobook was phenomenal. Abby Craden, as always, is the queen of Sapphic narration with perfect voices, inflection, emotion, all of it! I always know when I’m picking an audiobook that it’s a winner if Abby read it (even if the book sucks, I’d pay just to listen to her voice for 8+ hours…Can I get an amen, ladies?? Has anyone else listened to her 6 minutes of the phonebook narration?!)
The story itself was fantastic! The characters were well-developed and all very likable. I loved the not-so-icy ice queen and the sweet, geeky math nerd! The romance was well-paced and steamy as hell (queue sizzling sound effects), with plenty of tension and plenty of gratification, but also very solid emotional development, and a satisfying conclusion.
I knew there was also a mystery genre tag on this book, but I didn’t honestly know what to expect going into it. I was pleasantly surprised by the mysterious side arc that kept me guessing and coincided neatly with the main romantic plot to heighten the tension and suspense throughout, and ultimately result in a twisty and unexpected ending!
The writing style was superb – elegant and unblemished. This is my first book by McKay and will certainly not be my last! It’s high praise from me that, despite being written from a single perspective, I didn’t feel that I missed the other MCs perspective as I often do; a feat achieved through beautiful descriptions of body language and facial expressions along with well-written dialogue and banter.
A solid 5 stars for me. 110% recommend the audio version - this is one of those instances where the story’s greatness is absolutely amplified by phenomenal narration!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mac
- 2022-07-18
Milena does it again!
Milena McKay’s writing is superb. Combine that with Abby’s performance and you have a great book. I had already read the ebook but I enjoyed the audiobook just as much if not more.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Margaret Kaczor
- 2022-05-23
I'll be re-listening this one many times
Great storyline, relatable character, good mix of funny and serious. I'll have to check out other books by McKay now. The narration puts a bow on top of everything, Abby Craden can read the phonebook and make it sound interesting.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- D Carter
- 2022-03-17
great
most excellent, loved the story and Abby Craden brought it to life. Now have to go listen to Milena's other book 😍👍👍💥
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amy M
- 2022-03-15
Enthralling
A sleepless night though I could not stop listening.
Holy Shit Abby Craden!
Holy Shit Milena McKay!
Finally Holy Fucking Hell Magdalene Fucking Nox!
I dragged my feet with the purchase of this audiobook, convinced that I was making a mistake.
Jesus was I wrong! The Headmistress was nothing that I expected yet absolutely everything I needed.
I am still processing what I could possibly say to give this book, author and narrator justice.
I just want to push past my exhaustion and listen to this audiobook immediately. To become lost again within their story and the of voice of Magdalene Fucking Nox!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jude
- 2022-02-24
Perfection
That exhilarating feeling I felt last summer when I first read The Headmistress? It came back tenfold with the audiobook. First, there was the anticipation. When the author announced that Abby Craden would be narrating, the impatience went through the roof. Who better than Abby Craden to voice MFN? For the nerd that I can’t help being, the fact that it was released on 2.22.22 simply added to the perfection that I knew this would be.
I don’t have time to reread favourite books anymore, now that there are so many to choose from. Audiobooks are my excuse. Knowing what was going to happen in the story (interestingly, I hadn’t forgotten that much) allowed me to focus on the words, on the details, the little things that make McKay’s writing work so well for me, afforded me the luxury to delight in clues I’d missed the first time, appreciate the whole name thing too that she explained on her blog, revel in Lily’s sassiness, Sam’s earnestness and less in-your-face hotness, and, obviously, the overall wonder that is Magdalene Nox. While I was extremely impatient to hear Craden voice Magdalene – and damn, the level of sexiness… –, I love absolutely all her voices, Sam’s and Lily’s in particular.
The Headmistress was my favourite book in 2021. Abby Craden is, well, Abby Craden. And yet, even though I knew this combo would be magnificent, it exceeded my expectations. If, after listening, you’re not ready to let go of Sam and Magdalene and you haven’t read it yet, grab the follow-up short story The Proposal. And keep your eyes peeled on February 26th for a Willoughby-related surprise.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 2022-04-13
captivating
I'll admit, the first time around, I did not like this book. Once I realized and got to know the character's struggles, I listened to it again, and I love it! Ice queen and all!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Quiet Painter
- 2022-02-24
WOW!!! Remarkable story.
Oh my, what a ride. A bit of everything put together to make a wonderful, well thought out and captivating story. The MC's chemistry was apparent through out the entire book. Ms.McKay, you my dear can weave a story. I won't even hint at the threads you spun, suffice it to say it became a coat of many colours. The hint of malice that lurked behind the scenes and the manner in which the MC's recognized and over come the obstacles and prejudices were so craftily done. Loved the sex scenes...fanning myself here.
Abby Craden. There, enough said. Did I mention narration by Abby Craden. The puurrrfect voice. Sexy, sultry, oozingly sensuous.
Will listen to this book again, like tomorrow.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MissLynn
- 2022-03-08
Absolutely terrific!
Oh, MeelEEna MkEYE.... (those of you that have listened to this have now learned how to properly pronounce her name!) I loved this book when I first read it and I absolutely loved it all over again on audio.
For those few books that haven't yet experienced this story yet, it needs to go at the very top of your to-read/to listen list. Go do that already and then come back.
If you love Abby Craden's voice and narration skills, you are in for such a treat!
I first experienced Milena's work with her debut, The Delicate Things We Make, and was so excited by her talent! The book was very well written, smart and had such a strong story that I had a feeling this new writer was going places. And then she released this one and skyrocketed herself into the must-read author category.
The Headmistress is amazing. It's an age gap, ice queen romance with a bit of a mystery in the mix. When I say ice queen, I'm talking about one that the great Lee Winter herself would be proud of. After a mind-blowingly hot sexual encounter with a woman at an education conference in the Big Apple, Sam Threadneedle returns home to finish out the school year at the remote island where she teaches at an all-girls private school. Just a few short months later, she is stunned when the school's board of trustees brings in a new headmistress to save the school from ruin and she is none other than the strikingly gorgeous woman she hasn't been able to get out of her head since.
Magdalene Nox blows in like a storm and Sam and everyone else at the school is terrified by the changes that lie ahead. Sam is trying to reconcile that this woman who is going to decimate her beloved school is the same one she shared such a passionate night with. And it's not easy. Nox has a reputation for "squeezing institutions dry" with the changes she institutes and nobody but nobody wants her there beyond the board who is responsible for leading the institution to the brink.
This is a premise ripe for drama and romance and it delivers in a big way. Magdalene and Sam are fabulous characters and watching this whole story play out is something of a dance. An exciting, mysterious, delicious one. There are also memorable and well fleshed out secondary characters and a cat that is impossible not to fall in love with. And the sex? Good lord, folks, it's hot.
I'll be honest and say when I first heard Abby's Magdalene voice I wasn't so sure about her choice. I loved the lower register, but it was so low that it seemed to impede her ability to emote. And we know Abby can do that like nobody's business. But as the story progressed, her tone changed. Yes, it was still in a lower register, but as Magdalene started to open herself up, the way she spoke changed. And then I realized that it was probably a conscious choice on Abby's (and maybe Milena's) part to do that. Genius, really. Sam's was terrific as were the secondary characters, including the teenagers that played a significant role.
There were moments that were so well done I actually screamed out loud! There was one particularly sexy scene where I had to stop afterwards and gather myself after nearly sliding under the dashboard of my car! I mean, good lord. But it wasn't just in that regard that Abby excelled. There were these incredibly emotional scenes where Abby used her acting skills to their full potential. I can count on one hand the number of voice actors that can pull those off the way she can.
I stretched this one out as long as I could and am genuinely sad it's over. This will certainly go on my "revisit this again and again" list!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amanda Franklin
- 2022-05-13
WHAT A BOOK
The first thing that comes to mind when I listened to this book is Holy crap I LOVE Headmistress Knox's voice.
I could listen to her all day.
This book captured my attention right from the start. All through the book it kept you guessing on who was behind what was happening to Sam. I LOVED the twist and turns.
This book has everything from Sex, Friendship, Love, Intriguing characters, mystery, suspense and much more.
Abby Craden is Absolutely the best narrator that you could have for this book. The voice of Headmistress Knox is OMG makes you melt the deep husky tones suits her to a tee.
I recommend this book 100%
if you'd like to just sit back and go for an amazing ride with mystery and suspense this is the book for you.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- BFAV
- 2022-03-19
Enjoyable!
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a bit of a different theme than most. The narration is great. I stuck right with the story and finished in 1 1/2 days.
The only thing I didn’t like was how ‘sappy’ the romance dialogue got in the end.
Definitely worth a credit.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jamie
- 2022-02-24
It has Everything.
This beautiful story has romance, mystery, LGBTQIA representation and heart throughout. Milena McKay weaves a story that draws you in with such exquisite words and descriptions. It’s easy to visualize the scenes she creates so effortlessly and to be fully invested in the characters. She is an excellent story teller. The narration by Abbey Craden is flawless, sensual, and pure fire. These two make a perfect team. My only regret is that I finished the beautiful journey too soon! LOVE!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Donna Coakley
- 2022-11-02
I'm the exception. I hated it.
First book I couldn't finish. Narrator whispered the main character and loud on others. I was constantly turning the volume way up or down which was super annoying. I gave it 6 hours and I just couldn't care about a single character. The plot didn't grab me either. I'm not even done with this review and I don't remember enough to wonder about the ending.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Constance
- 2022-03-17
great story excellent narration
The Headmistress was one of my fave books in the last year...then I was compelled to listen to it when I heard Abby Crayden would narrate. Milena McKay has a bright future ahead..she is so talented! What a treat!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dani
- 2022-03-17
Good book!
Definitely give it a listen! It was very good! Did not disappoint! One of my favorite narrators and she did great on this book also.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful