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Enjoy these summer love stories in the cool air inside as the summer starts heating up again. Avoid the heat and download any of these books today from BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download. BARD is a web-based downloading service provided to patrons by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and Kansas Talking Books. It gives patrons access to almost our entire collection of digital audio and braille books and magazines.

DB 61448 Summer Boys by Hailey Abbott 

Three teenage cousins reunite at their families' summer cottages at the beach. But problems arise when Jamie is rejected by last year's boyfriend, Ella falls for her sister's guy, and Beth sees her best buddy George in a new light. For senior high readers. 2004. 

DB103323 Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler 

After spending her summer in the Outer Banks, Larissa starts her senior year of high school with the attention of her longtime crush, the superstar quarterback. But then Jasmine, her romantic summertime fling, reappears and complicates matters. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021. 

DB111310 How I survived my summer vacation. Vol. 1 

"A collection of short stories set during the summer after sophomore year at Sunnydale High. When sophomore year ended with Buffy's defeat--just barely--of the Master, she headed off to spend the summer with her father in L.A. The theme was R&R, parties, and an occasional shopping spree. But things that go bump in the night don't take vacation. So Buffy's trying desperately to keep a lid on things in L.A. and to keep her secret identity from her father. Meanwhile, back in Sunnydale, trouble keeps popping up in the darnedest places. Giles wants Willow and Xander to have a "normal" summer, so he and Jenny Calendar, whose budding romance is progressing to full bloom, attempt to stave off the forces of darkness sans Slayer and Slayerettes. And Angel, grappling with Buffy's brush with death, must decide: Does he want to be a more permanent member of the Scooby Gang? Concerts. Picnics. The resurrection of an ancient monster or two. Just your typical fun in the sun." -- Provided by publisher.  --  Some violence and some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 

DB103322 Sunkissed by Kasie West 

Betrayed by her best friend and dragged off to a remote family camp, seventeen-year-old Avery's dreams of a perfect summer seem over, until a whirlwind romance leads to an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021. 

DB104789 Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen 

When Ever Wong's parents send her away for the summer, she's expecting a strict, educational immersion program in Taiwan. Instead, she finds the infamous "Loveboat." Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020. 

DB109781 Golden Boys by Phil Stamper 

"Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are best friends, bonded in their small rural town by their queerness, their good grades, and their big dreams. They are about to embark on the summer before senior year of high school, where each is going on a new, big adventure, from attending a design school in Paris to interning on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Senator. What will this summer of new experiences and world-expanding travel mean for each of them--and for their friendship?" -- Provided by publisher.  --  Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 

DB104186 Blackout by Ashley Woodfolk, et al.  

Six interconnected short stories of warmth and electricity of Black teen love in New York City during a summer blackout. Acclaimed, award-winning authors include Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021. 

DB 66722 Peculiar Treasures by Robin Jones Gunn 

The summer before her senior year at Bible college, Katie Weldon catches the bouquet at her best friend Christy Miller's wedding. But Katie's new assignment as resident assistant at her dorm brings up new challenges in her relationship with almost-boyfriend Rick Doyle. For senior high and older readers. 2008. 

DB 70051 Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen 

The summer before entering college, bookworm Auden visits her father and his new family in the beachfront town of Colby. When she meets bike-shop manager Eli, a fellow insomniac, Auden realizes what has been missing in her life and seizes the opportunity to change. For senior high readers.    2009. 

DB104120 Once upon a quincean~era by Monica Gomez-Hira 

Carmen takes on a summer internship that has her reuniting with estranged family for an over-the-top quincean~era, reluctantly reconnecting to a long-lost ex-boyfriend, and finding happiness in the chaos. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021. 

DB116483 The summer I turned pretty by Jenny Han 

"Belly spends the summer she turns sixteen at the beach just like every other summer of her life, but this time things are very different." -- Provided by publisher.  --  Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 

DB119146 The Getaway List by Emma Lord 

"The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List -- a list of all the adventures they've wanted to do together since he moved away -- will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future. Riley isn't sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom's scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young--except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley's feelings in a direction she didn't know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart." --provided by publisher. 

DB108648 Float by Kate Marchant 

"Waverly Lyons has been caught in the middle of her parents' divorce for as long as she can remember. This summer, the battle rages over who she'll spend her vacation with, and when Waverly's options are shot down, it's bye-bye Fairbanks, Alaska and hello Holden, Florida to stay with her aunt. Coming from the tundra of the north, the beach culture isn't exactly Waverly's forte. The sun may just be her mortal enemy, and her vibe is decidedly not chill. To top it off? Her ability to swim? Nonexistent. Enter Blake, the (superhot) boy next door. Charming and sweet, he welcomes Waverly into his circle. For the first time in her life, Waverly has friends, a social life, and soon enough, feelings for Blake. As the two grow closer, Waverly's fortunes begin to look up. But every summer must come to an end, and letting go is hardest when you've finally found where you belong." -- Provided by publisher.  --  Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2022. 

DB 85482 The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood 

Gottie Oppenheimer, a seventeen-year-old physics prodigy, navigates grief, love, and disruptions in the space-time continuum in one very eventful summer. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2016. 

DB115556 Those Summer Nights by Laura Silverman 

"After recovering from a soccer injury that ended her Olympic dreams and still grieving the death of her beloved grandmother, seventeen-year-old Hannah Klein must navigate a new summer job working with her ex-best friend, her younger brother, and her brother's suddenly attractive best friend." -- Provided by publisher.  --  Strong language and descriptions of sex. For senior high and older readers. 

DB107622 We can't keep meeting like this by Rachel Lynn Solomon 

A wedding harpist disillusioned with love and a cater-waiter who's a hopeless romantic flirt and fight their way through a summer of weddings. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

DB116721 Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino 

"Seventeen-year-old Lilah, who wears hearing aids, returns to a summer camp for the Deaf and Blind as a counselor, eager to improve her ASL and find her place in the community, but she did not expect to also find romance along the way." -- Provided by publisher.  --  Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 

DB102792 Love is a revolution by Rene´e Watson 

Harlem teenager Nala is looking forward to a summer of movies and ice cream until she falls in love with the very woke Tye and pretends to be a social activist. For senior high and older readers. 2021. 

DB 94994 When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington 

Aiden, former star pitcher and golden boy of Riverton, quits the team when he starts to lose some of his vision. He and Olivia, whose life is falling apart, connect during the last summer of high school as both seek a new direction. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019. 

Kansas Talking Books’ staff share what they’ve recently been reading. Download one today and be ready to ready in minutes using BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download, a web-based download service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and Kansas Talking Books that allows patrons access to almost the entire collection of digital audio and braille books and magazines.

Amanda Diggs, Production Manager

DB 104344 Survival of the fritters by Ginger Bolton

Former 911 operator Emily Westhill runs the best donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, and works alongside her retired police chief father-in-law and tabby cat Deputy Donut. But when a favorite customer is found murdered on the five-year anniversary of her son's murder, Emily vows to solve both cases. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

DB 112637 Don’t fear the reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

"Four years after her tumultuous senior year, Jade Daniels is released from prison right before Christmas when her conviction is overturned. But life beyond bars takes a dangerous turn as soon as she returns to Proofrock. Convicted Serial Killer, Dark Mill South, seeking revenge for thirty-eight Dakota men hanged in 1862, escapes from his prison transfer due to a blizzard, just outside of Proofrock, Idaho. Dark Mill South's Reunion Tour began on December 12th, 2019, a Thursday. Thirty-six hours and twenty bodies later, on Friday the 13th, it would be over." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Nataly Renfro, Machine Clerk

DB 79327 Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan McGuire

Years ago, Rose Marshall died when a man ran her off the road. Now, she haunts the highway and helps truckers transition to the other side. But with her killer still free and alive, Rose decides it's time to hunt him down. Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex. 2014.

DB 108883 The girl in the green silk gown by Seanan McGuire

"For Rose Marshall, death has long since become the only life she really knows. She's been sweet sixteen for more than sixty years, hitchhiking her way along the highways and byways of America, sometimes seen as an avenging angel, sometimes seen as a killer in her own right, but always Rose, the Phantom Prom Date, the Girl in the Green Silk Gown. The man who killed her is still out there, thanks to a crossroads bargain that won't let him die, and he's looking for the one who got away. When Bobby Cross comes back into the picture, there's going to be hell to pay-possibly literally. Rose has worked for decades to make a place for herself in the twilight. Can she defend it, when Bobby Cross comes to take her down? Can she find a way to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead, and make it home before her hitchhiker's luck runs out? There's only one way to know for sure." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.

DB 110422 Angel of the overpass by Seanan McGuire

"Rose Marshall died when she was sixteen years old and on her way to her high school prom. She hasn't been resting easy since then-Bobby Cross, the man who killed her, got away clean after running her off the road, and she's not the kind of girl who can let something like that slide. She's been looking for a way to stop him since before they put her body in the ground. But things have changed in the twilight world where the spirits of the restless dead continue their "lives." The crossroads have been destroyed, and Bobby's protections are gone. For the first time, it might be possible for Rose to defeat him. Not alone, though. She'll need every friend she's managed to make and every favor she's managed to add to her account if she wants to stand a chance...and this may be her last chance to be avenged, since what is Bobby Cross without the crossroads? Everything Rose knows is about to change." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Michael Lang, Director

DB 84010 Brief history of creation: science and the search for the origin of life by Bill Mesler and H. James Cleeves 

Journalist Mesler and biologist Cleaves survey the history of Western science and the investigations into the creation and development of life. They examine the philosophical debates, political changes, and scientific understanding surrounding each discovery, and cover ancient Greek scientists, the use of the microscope, and Darwin's voyage, among others. 2016.

DB 120243 Lake of souls: the collected short fiction by Ann Leckie

"Journey across the stars of the Imperial Radch universe. Listen to the words of the Old Gods that ruled The Raven Tower. Learn the secrets of the mysterious Lake of Souls. And so much more, in this masterfully wide-ranging and immersive short fiction collection from award-winning author Ann Leckie"-- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Dylan Calhoon, Patron Services Manager

DB 120303 The paleontologist by Luke Dumas

"Curator of paleontology Dr. Simon Nealy never expected to return to his Pennsylvania hometown, let alone the Hawthorne Museum of Natural History. He was just a boy when his six-year-old sister, Morgan, was abducted from the museum under his watch, and the guilt has haunted Simon ever since. After a recent breakup and the death of the aunt who raised him, Simon feels drawn back to the place where Morgan vanished, in search of the bones they never found. But from the moment he arrives, things aren't what he expected. The Hawthorne is a crumbling ruin, still closed amid the ongoing pandemic, and plummeting toward financial catastrophe. Worse, Simon begins seeing and hearing things he can't explain. Strange animal sounds. Bloody footprints that no living creature could have left. A prehistoric killer looming in the shadows of the museum. Terrified he's losing his grasp on reality, Simon turns to the handwritten research diaries of his predecessor and uncovers a blood-soaked mystery 150 million years in the making that could be the answer to everything."-- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

DB 110285 The babysitter lives by Stephen Graham Jones

"When high school senior Charlotte agrees to babysit the Wilbanks twins, she plans to put the six-year-olds to bed early and spend a quiet night studying: the SATs are tomorrow, and checking the Native American/Alaskan Native box on all the forms doesn't mean jack if you choke on test day. But tomorrow is also Halloween, and the twins are eager to show off their costumes--Ron is a nurse, in an old-fashioned white skirt-uniform, and Desi has an Authentic Squaw costume, complete with buckskin and feathered headdress. Excitement is in the air. Charlotte's last babysitting gig almost ended in tragedy, when her young charge sleepwalked unnoticed into the middle of the street, only to be found unharmed by Charlotte's mother. Charlotte vows to be extra careful this time. But the house is filled with mysterious noises and secrets that only the twins understand, echoes of horrors that Charlotte gradually realizes took place in the house eleven years ago. Soon Charlotte has to admit that every babysitter's worst nightmare has come true: they're not alone in the house." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Maggie Witte, Outreach Librarian

DB 117669 Iron flame by Rebecca Yarros

"Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College--Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. Now the real training begins, and Violet's already wondering how she'll get through. It's not just that it's grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it's designed to stretch the riders' capacity for pain beyond endurance. It's the new vice commandant, who's made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is-unless she betrays the man she loves. Although Violet's body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else's, she still has her wits--and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But a determination to survive won't be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College--and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller.

DB 67272 The candy bombers: the untold story of the Berlin airlift and America’s finest hour by Andrei Cherny

Recounts the post-WWII Berlin airlift of 1948-1949. Describes the Soviet Union's attempt to expel British, American, and French troops by blockading sectors of the city--actions that consigned more than two million citizens to starvation. Relates the American response--airlifting food and supplies and parachuting candy to children. Some violence. 2008.

DB 118797 Chasing serenity by Kristen Ashley

"From a very young age, Chloe Pierce was trained to look after the ones she loved. And she was trained by the best. But when the man who looked after her was no longer there, Chloe is cast adrift-just as the very foundation of her life crumbled to pieces. Then she runs into tall, lanky, unpretentious Judge Oakley, her exact opposite. She shops. He hikes. She drinks pink ladies. He drinks beer. She's a city girl. He's a mountain guy. Obviously, this means they have a blowout fight upon meeting. Their second encounter doesn't go a lot better. Judge is loving the challenge. Chloe is everything he doesn't want in a woman, but he can't stop finding ways to spend time with her. He knows she's dealing with loss and change. He just doesn't know how deep that goes. Or how ingrained it is for Chloe to care for those who have a place in her heart, how hard it will be to trust anyone to look after her... And how much harder it is when it's his turn." -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Julia Quinn published the first book in the Bridgerton series in 2000. It is set during the Regency era of Britain, usually officially considered to be 1811-1820 (although it is sometimes considered as starting as early as 1795 and ending as late as 1837), when George, Prince of Wales, ruled the country as regent while his father was indisposed. It was a period of social and cultural growth as the Regent was a patron of the many new movements in the arts that led to a refinement and sophistication of in all areas of the arts. This is reflected in the novels about this period.

Regency romances first became popular with the writing of Jane Austen and over the time have regained popularity as new romance authors return to the time period bringing renewed interest. Don’t forget to try the original Bridgerton books and any of these other wonderful Regency romance reads.

Psstt… All of these books are available on BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download, a download service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and Kansas Talking Books that enables patrons to download books and magazines whenever they want in just about a minute.

Start off with the original Bridgerton book:

DB 60504 The duke and I by Julia Quinn

Simon Basset, the new duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton stage a courtship to keep society matchmakers at bay. But when the charade becomes all too real for Daphne, Simon must either marry her or risk ruining her reputation and breaking her heart. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2000.

DB 63410 The wedding bargain by Victoria Alexander

London, 1818. Pandora Effington has avoided marriage for six seasons, yet Maximillian Wells, the earl of Trent, intends to wed her. Pandora agrees, but only if Max completes the twelve labors of Hercules. Despite the seemingly impossible task, Max determines to win her hand. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 1999.

DB 65815 One night for love by Mary Balogh

England, 1813. Neville Wyatt, the earl of Kilbourne, is about to marry his stepcousin, Lauren Edgeworth, from A Summer to Remember (DB 54986), when his first wife, Lily Doyle, appears. He had married the illiterate Lily in war-torn Portugal and thought she had been killed. Explicit descriptions of sex. 1999.

DB 69136 The black moth by Georgette Heyer

Heyer's first book follows the earl of Wyncham's heir, Jack Carstares, who became a highwayman after being wrongly accused of cheating at cards. Now, years later, Jack comes out of hiding to rescue Diana Beauleigh from the unwanted attention of the villainous duke of Andover. Includes 2003 foreword. 1929.

DB 57930 Duchess in love by Eloisa James

Regency England. Gina was wed as a young girl to Cam Serrard, a duke. Cam fled to Greece after the ceremony, but returns twelve years later to give Gina an annulment so she can remarry. The couple unexpectedly fall in love. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2002.

DB 59273 Secrets of a summer night by Lisa Kleypas

Four Victorian young ladies band together to seek husbands for one another, despite their "unmarriageable" traits. Impoverished aristocrat Annabelle attracts rich commoner Simon, who only wants a mistress. Wealthy Evangeline and American sisters Daisy and Lillian conspire to manipulate the situation. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2004.

DB 74458 A night to surrender by Tessa Dare

Spindle Cove, England; 1813. In her community, Susanna Finch has cultivated a tranquil safe haven for young women--free of men and militia. Susanna is outraged when her father gives injured officer Victor Bramwell the title of earl and sends Victor to protect a nearby castle. Explicit descriptions of sex. 2011.

DB 75674 The ugly duchess by Eloisa James

London, 1809. James Ryburn's father the duke forces James to marry plain-faced Theodora for her fortune. Theo and James fall in love, but Theo banishes James when she discovers the truth. After seven years at sea James returns to win Theo back. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2012.

DB 26301 Love only once by Johanna Lindsey

Regina Ashton, to her shame, has fallen in love with the arrogant nobleman who abducted her one night from a London street to his townhouse and awakened her passion. Nicholas Eden wants to return the love born of scandal, but the painful secret of his illegitimacy has hardened his heart. Explicit descriptions of sex.

DB 62512 Captain Jack’s woman by Stephanie Laurens

1811. Kit Cranmer returns to her grandfather's country estate after years in London. Disguised as a boy, she helps the locals smuggle goods from Napoleonic France. She falls in love with fellow crook Captain Jack--in reality a nobleman spy. Prequel to the Bastion Club novels. Explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.

DB 107190 Once upon a marquess by Courtney Milan

The last man Judith Worth wants to see again is Christian Trent, the Marquess of Ashford. He spent summers at her family home, kissed her one magical night, and then heartlessly ruined her father. But when a tricky business matter arises, he's the only one she can ask for help. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2015.

DB 70508 Loving a lost lord by Mary Jo Putney

1812. Mariah Clarke invents an imaginary husband to avoid the unwanted advances of George Burke, who seeks to reclaim the estate of Mariah's late father. When an amnesiac shipwreck survivor washes up on the beach, Mariah convinces the lost man that they are married. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2009.