Monday, December 28, 2015

Our Best Books of 2015




I seem to say this every December but this year, 2015, truly was an exceptional year for romance fiction and choosing my top ten was more difficult than it has been in years. While we're all looking forward to the new stories awaiting us in 2016, Janga, Lisa, Manda, Hellie and I have taken a moment to look back over the past twelve months and put together lists of our favorite books of 2015. 







Janga’s Top Ten Romance Novels of 2015

This reader has found 2015 a very good year. Among the 352 books I read in 2015, I gave 4.5-5.0 stars to slightly more than 16 percent of them.  Although I read roughly the same number of historicals and contemporaries, more than half of the books that left me raving to friends and preparing for a reread were historicals. Selecting a top ten from the forty plus romance/women’s fiction titles on my A list was a difficult task that involved rereading sections of books and frantically reordering a dozen times or so. Because I am still wavering on how I rank the top ten after I move past #1, I list them in order of release date.


1.     Rise, Karina Bliss (January 14)
This was my top contemporary read of the year, and I’m not really a fan of rock star romances. But Bliss won me with this redemption story of a bad-boy musician who is risking everything on a comeback and the college professor/Pulitzer Prize-winning historian whom he convinces to write his biography. These are flawed, intelligent characters who should not work as pair but who do regardless. They left me rooting for them as individuals and as a couple. Bliss made a believer out of me. Now I want to know what’s next in the Rock Solid series.


2.     It Started with a Scandal, Julie Anne Long (March 31)
With readers panting for Lyon and Olivia’s story, the book before the long-awaited conclusion to their romance could have been a colossal failure. Instead, Long gives readers a cross-class romance that ranks with the best in the genre. Two people who are all wrong and all right for each other fall in love in an unforgettable tale. Then, there’s a child who totally won my heart. I love this book!

3.     This Heart of Mine, Brenda Novak (March 31)
Novak’s eighth novel in her Whiskey Creek series is a romance with a heroine who has just been
released from prison and a hero who became a single father at eighteen. I think Novak deserves special recognition for moving off predictable paths with the characters in this series. I give this my Best of Series Award and consider it one of the best books this prolific author has written.

4.     The Color of Light, Emilie Richards (July 28)
Emilie Richards has been on my auto-buy list for more than two decades, and this story about a woman pastor, a priest experiencing a crisis of vocation, and the imperfections and overcomings of a contemporary congregation earned a spot on a special keeper shelf for comfort rereads. I think it is her best since Prospect Street (2003).

5.     Luck Be a Lady, Meredith Duran (August 25)
Duran had two winners this year, but Luck Be a Lady edged out Lady Be Good because I so admired Duran’s ability to take a man who behave immorally and an ice queen devoid of human attachments and make me not only believe in them as hero and heroine but also root for their HEA.

6.     Not Always a Saint, Mary Jo Putney (August 25)
MJP is one of my never-fail authors. I’ve loved every book of hers, but some are more beloved than others. This one falls in the latter group. Daniel is a good, although imperfect, man who tries to live a life of wholeness, that is, a life in which his choices reflect his beliefs. He falls for a “wicked widow” with an immediacy and intensity that surprises even him. I love a rogue as much as any romance reader—and MJP has created some classic rogues—but I also love a deftly crafted good-guy hero.

7.     Forever Your Earl, Eva Leigh (September 29, 2015)
Since Eva Leigh is also Zoe Archer, she is not eligible for debut of the year honors, but she counts as my discovery of the year (via PJ’s recommendation). This book made me an instant fan. I especially loved the intelligence of the characters and the gender reversal of a heroine passionate about her work and a hero in need of substance and meaning in his life. Plus the prose is wonderful with the sound and sense melding of poetry.

8.     The Legend of Lyon Redmond, Julie Anne Long (September 29)
This is it: my top read of the year! My expectations were so high that I was afraid to turn the first page for fear that it would disappoint, but those fears proved groundless. Long weaves together the tangled past and present of Lyon Redmond and Olivia Eversea with skill and grace and gives enough of a glance at their future to leave readers with a happy sigh. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more, and it left me an even more devoted fan of Julie Anne Long.

9.     Dukes Prefer Blondes, Loretta Chase (December 29)
Fans have been asking for Lady Clara’s book since the Dressmakers series began, and Chase delivers in the best book of the series. I don’t want to preview my upcoming review or to include spoilers, so suffice it to say Chase offers further evidence of why she justifiably has the reputation of being one of the best writers in the genre of romance. I’ve read DPB twice and I’m sure I will be rereading it again.

10.  Anything for You, Kristan Higgins (December 29)
Kristan Higgins’s Blue Heron series has become one of my all-time favorite series, and the combination of humor, emotional power, and superior storytelling that characterize this book demonstrate how the series has earned that distinction. AFY is the story of Connor O’Rourke and Jessica Dunn, two characters in whom many fans are already invested, and it is a blue ribbon winner. A review of this book is also forthcoming.

Glancing over this list, I long to reread them all, but I am also reminded of books I loved almost as much that are not on the list. Mary Balogh’s Survivors’ Club series continues to be incredibly good. Manda Collins and Madeline Hunter gave me all-time favorite heroes. Tessa Dare and Eloisa James gave me books with humor and heart that I cherish, as I do the books by Kim Law, Julia London and Marilyn Pappano that moved me to tears. Grace Burrowes proved as addictive in contemporary romance as in historicals, Anne Gracie and Rose Lerner, in their usual fashion, added books to my keeper shelves, and Lauren Willig ended a beloved series with wit and grace. Forgive me if I repeat myself, but 2015 was a very good year for this romance reader.


Lisa's Top Ten   

1.      When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
2.      Trade Me by Courtney Milan
3.      Suddenly One Summer by Julie James
4.      The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean (12/29 release)
5.      The Liar by Nora Roberts
6.      Fallen by Carey Baldwin
7.      Hero by Night by Sara Jane Stone
8.      The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long
9.      Dead by Midnight by Pamela Clare
10.    Dearest Rogue by Elizabeth Hoyt






Manda's Top Ten  (in no particular order)



Beyond Limits -- Laura Griffin

We've been waiting a couple of years to see Elizabeth LeBlanc and Derek Vaughn get their HEA and it was worth the wait. I especially loved that Elizabeth was great at her job and didn't need to be rescued. Griffin never fails to keep me riveted and her subtle characterization makes her romantic suspense some of the best out there.



Closer Than You Think -- Karen Rose

When I heard Karen Rose was moving the action of her romantic suspense novels back to Cincinnati,  I was a little worried we'd be leaving all out favorites from her Baltimore books behind.  But I shouldn't have worried. Both Faith and Deacon put in appearances in previous books, and Karen Rose's tight plotting and stellar characterization are present no matter where her books are set. I loved this one,  even when I was gasping at some of the over the top twists.



Still the One -- Jill Shalvis

I usually think of Jill Shalvis as a writer I can go to for laughs and witty banter--and there is plenty of that here--but I didn't expect to find myself nodding in recognition at her description of how it feels to distrust your own body. Darcy Stone's struggle to regain her mobility after a bad auto accident is chock full of moments like that for me. And her romance with hunky physical therapist AJ is sweet and funny. Shalvis at her best.



The Other Side of Midnight -- Simone St.James

With her trademark combination of period detail and paranormal mystery, The Other Side of Midnight is a poignant and powerful addition to St. James's canon. Set in the years after WWI when England is mourning the loss of a generation of young men, it's the story of a reluctant medium and a determined policeman.  Wonderful book.


The Shameless Hour -- Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen was one of my happiest discoveries this year.  From the first book her Ivy Years series has pushed boundaries,  and The Shameless Hour is no exception. With a virgin hero and a heroine who isn't afraid to own her sexuality, this book takes on the issue of campus sexual assault with insight and humor without feeling like an after school special.  Plus it's just a solid romance with a cute and sexy beta hero.

The Friend Zone -- Kristen Callihan
I kinda hate Kristen Callihan. Okay,  maybe jealous is a better word.  Not only does she write amazing paranormal historical romance,  but she also has written one of my favorite New Adult romances of the year. Gray Grayson and Ivy MacKenzie are funny and sweet together and their story hits all the right notes. It's smoking hot, but also incredibly tender. This is just damn good romance.

Taking the Heat -- Victoria Dahl
Take one sexy male librarian,  one surprisingly innocent advice columnist and add strong attraction and you've got the makings of Victoria Dahl's latest Jackson Hole set contemporary romance.  Fresh and funny, sexy and sweet,  I adored sexy beta hero Gabe and his mad skillz (librarianish and otherwise). And Veronica's self doubt over her failed attempt to leave home for the big city really hit close to home for me.

Dark Wild Night -- Christina Lauren
There needs to be a word for that feeling you get when a couple you've been rooting for over several
books finally gets together. If there was such a word Dark Wild Night would be next to its definition in the dictionary.  Lola and Oliver surprised me in a great way. Their own story was both sweeter and sexier than I expected.  And I loved it. If Comic Book Guys are like Oliver sign me up!

Irresistibly Yours -- Lauren Layne
Fun and frothy, sexy and sweet,  Lauren Layne's contemporary romances set amid the exciting world of New York magazine publishing are another of my favorite discoveries this year.  Complete with a charming meet-cute this funny,  sexy friends to lovers story deserves to stand out in the crowded contemporary field.

? -- ?
Since there's still a month to go,  and I'm an optimist, I'm leaving the #10 slot blank.  Because it always makes me nervous to compile a list of the best books of the year before the year is over. So, here's to finding #10 and another year of new discoveries. 



Hellie's Favorite Books of 2015

I’ll be honest: picking favorite romance novels for me is like picking my favorite M&Ms out of the giant bag. I mean, sure, I love the green ones, but are the orange ones that bad? No. They’re all awesome and make me feel a big pile of mush and goodness when I’m in their presence. And I can’t stop consuming them.

But I’ll give it a shot.

If you’ve been around my reviews a while, you would imagine this is going to be a list of ONE. Because there’s only one book that came out this year that I absolutely cared about more than I could about my own firstborn with Tom Hiddleston.

     THE LEGEND OF LYON REDMOND by Julie Anne Long 
      Oh, BFF, Jules, you lived up to your own legend. This book was magical, funny, romantic, and angsty-angsty goodness. I had to wait a long time for this Happily Ever After, but it was brilliant.

      IT STARTED WITH A SCANDAL by Julie Anne Long
      The penultimate leading up to Lyon’s book. I honestly couldn’t tell you what happened in it now because I still have Lyon’s ballad in my head, but I remember loving and rhapsodizing about it at the time.

      WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT by Tessa Dare
      I feel like I’m saying this with every new Tessa Dare series, but really the Castles Ever After is her best series. (I will undoubtedly say it about whatever series she writes next.) But OMG, I could not stop laughing in this book. The scene with the bog—I think I cackled a lung out of my body just reading it. Then I wanted to read it aloud to someone and act it out so they could enjoy it as much as I did.

      SAY YES TO THE MARQUESS by Tessa Dare
      Much like It Started With a Scandal—I can’t tell you much about it other than I laughed and enjoyed it mightily at the time.

      COLD HEARTED RAKE by Lisa Kleypas
      Being we have waited AGES for a new Lisa Kleypas historical, I think this is on most everyone’s favorite list this year. She writes the most delicious rakes of all time.

      SWEETEST SCOUNDREL by Elizabeth Hoyt
      OMG! The scene with the highwaymen. Asa is so BADASS and delicious and I loved him so dearly. I just love Elizabeth Hoyt heroes. They’re not conventional, but they are wholly, WHOLLY masculine and sex-on-a-stick.

     THE STRIKER by Monica McCarty
      I cannot get enough of her books. This story was sadder than many of the others in this series (though her stories are typically emotionally powerful and you are put through the wringer each time you read one). I was so worried this couple wouldn’t work out because there was so much to let go of. Relationships where a betrayal of trust occurs are terribly hard to put back together, especially when the betrayal is something as large as large numbers of men lost in a battle.

Now the next three I haven’t actually read yet because they’re due later this year, et al, but they’re on this list because I have a good feeling I will want them on this list.

      THE ROCK by Monica McCarty
      THE ROGUE NOT TAKEN by Sara Maclean
      ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins


PJ's Top Ten (in no particular order)

Mistress Firebrand: Renegades of the American Revolution by Donna Thorland (March 3)

Thorland continues to bring the passion and danger of the American Revolution to life through her well-developed characters, believable scenarios and impeccable writing. Her characters leap from the pages, so realistic that it's often difficult to discern the historical figures from the fictional. If you enjoy historical romance set amidst the American colonies' struggle for independence, Donna Thorland should be your go-to author. 

Montana Cherries by Kim Law (July 28)


A complex, compelling story that delves into the impact of mental illness on a family. This emotional, contemporary romance was originally meant to be a stand-alone but Law has since decided to write more stories for the Wilde family. If any characters deserve happy endings, it's these and I'm delighted that the talented Kim Law has decided to take them on. 

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist (May 5)

In Tiffany Girl, as well as her other Chicago World's Fair books, Gist creates a sense of time and place that draws me into the world of her characters as if I'm traveling their journey with them. Her research is impeccable and her well-formed characters come to life through the pages of the book. She brings 1893 New York City to life in this intriguing look into the lives of the independent, working women known as the Tiffany Girls.  

Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis (June 30)

Second Chance Summer has everything I look for in a contemporary romance: spot-on dialog, a rich and real depth of emotion, laughter and tears, a sizzling romance, and a patchwork family that has captured my heart. Lily and Aidan are complex characters who have been given a second chance but only by overcoming fear and guilt, and finding forgiveness and acceptance will they have a shot at a happy ending together. This is Shalvis at her best!

The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long (September 29)

I waited a long time for this book. A long time. The final story in Long's Pennyroyal Green series, this brings us the highly anticipated journey of Lyon Redmond and Olivia Eversea. When expectations are as high as they were for this story, the fear of disappointment is always lurking. I'm delighted to say that Long not only met my expectations, she blew them them straight out of the water. The best way to describe my feelings for The Legend of Lyon Redmond, my top book of 2015, is through the final paragraph of my 5-Star, Top Dish review of the book: "Like a beautiful symphony, The Legend of Lyon Redmond hits every note perfectly, creating a masterpiece that brought me to tears and filled my heart with joy. It's my favorite book of 2015. Years from now, when people are asked to list their all-time favorite books, I fully expect Lyon and Olivia's enduring love story to be among those at the top. It really is that good."

Forever Your Earl by Eva Leigh (September 29)

Smart writing, an intelligent, independent heroine, fast-paced action, a rich secondary cast and a worthy hero who captured my heart highlight this outstanding historical romance by Eva Leigh. Leigh, who also writes historical adventure and historical paranormal romances as Zoe Archer has been a favorite of mine for years but I think she's hit a new high with this first book in her The Wicked Quills of London series.

Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt (November 24)

My favorite book in an outstanding series of favorites, Sweetest Scoundrel is lush, sizzling, deeply emotional, and endearingly romantic. I adore an earthy, rough-around-the-edges hero with a vulnerable heart and Asa Makepeace is one of the best. Pair him with a repressed spinster who has never known desire or love and who carries a dark secret in her heart and I'm there. Asa and Eve are among my all-time favorite heroes and heroines and their story is a keeper. 



Obsession Falls by Christina Dodd (September 8)

I love a good suspense thriller that engages all my senses and keeps me glued to the pages. Obsession Falls grabbed me from the get-go and took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions from the shocking beginning to the OMG twist at the end. Fast-paced, intense, and filled with more twists and turns than a mountain road, this is a story that refused to let go. I read the entire book - 401 pages - in one day, forgetting about everything but these characters and their gripping story. 

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare (December 30, 2014)

I've been a Tessa Dare fan since her debut. She never fails to delight me with the charm and humor of her books. Though both of her 2015 releases were 5-star reads for me, this one edged out When a Scot Ties the Knot for "best of" honors. Rafe and Clio captured my heart with their determination to make their mark despite the vulnerability they hid from the world and delighted me with their banter. I may never look at wedding cakes the same way again. 

Behind the Mask by Carolyn Crane (May 18)

Carolyn Crane blew me away with this intense, gritty, romantic suspense thriller that pairs deeply flawed characters fighting for their lives. This is not my usual type of reading but I couldn't turn away from the book and I'm still thinking about the main characters more than six months after reading their story. Crane's writing is exquisite, with multi-layered, complex, supremely flawed characters within a world that is painted in such perfect detail that I was right there with them every step of their non-stop, action-packed journey. 

There were many exceptional books published in 2015. A few that didn't make my top ten cut but deserve honorable mention are: Home by Morning by Kaki Warner, The Striker by Monica McCarty, It Started with a Scandal by Julie Anne Long, Playing with Fire by Kate Meader, The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie, Good Earl Gone Bad by Manda Collins, Four Nights with the Duke by Eloisa James, Rogue Spy by Joanna Bourne and The Match of the Century by Cathy Maxwell. As Janga mentioned above, it was a very good year for romance! 

There were also many outstanding novellas published this year. A few of my favorites were Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare, A Pirate for Christmas by Anna Campbell, Her Pirate from the Past by Caro Carson, and Melting Point by Kate Meader


What books made your Best of 2015 list? 

Three lucky people who leave comments will be winners. I'm giving away a print copy of The Legend of Lyon Redmond (US only), a print copy of Forever Your Earl (US only) and a Kindle copy of The Legend of Lyon Redmond (open to all). Winners will be drawn from all comments left before 9:00 pm, December 30, 2015 (EST). 

41 comments:

  1. I have read 170 books this year (so far) and loved many of them. A few of my favorites are:

    "The Painter's Daughter" - Julie Klassen
    "How to Marry a Rake in Ten Days" (Noella) - Samantha Holt
    "Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince" - Ella Quinn
    "Amberwell" - D. E. Stevenson
    "The Irresistible Rogue" - Valerie Bowman
    "One Wild Winter's Eve" - Anne Barton
    "The Hired Girl" - Laura Amy Schlitz
    "The Little Bookshop on the Seine" - Rebecca Raisin
    "Greythorne" - L. M. Merrington
    "Simply Anna" - Jennifer Moore
    "Josette" - Kathleen Bittner Roth
    "The Bourbon Kings" - J. R. Ward (Note: Next in series, "The Angel's Share" pubs. in July 2016)
    "Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor" - Melanie Dobson
    "Garden of Lies" - Amanda Quick
    "Tyringham Park" - Rosemary McLoughlin
    "Diary of an Accidental Wallflower" - Jennifer McQuiston
    "The Titled Americans" - Elizabeth Kehoe

    I guess I got carried away, but when I look at my list of favorites I've read this year, I realize that there were some really outstanding one and I have to share them with you.

    I am so excited to see what 2016 brings to all of us bookworms!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing, Connie! A couple books on your list just missed mine and there are other titles that I will definitely be checking out.

      I've already read advance copies of a couple 2016 books that stand a very good chance of making my 2016 "Best of" list. Here's to more fantastic reading in the new year!

      Delete
    2. How lovely to see Amberwell on your list, Connie. I don't know many people who read her. I grew up reading my mother's D. E. Stevenson books, and I still have a deep affection for them. I bought Amberwell and Celia's House with a Christmas gift card yesterday and reread them both last night.

      Delete
  2. I have read 326 books so far this year, but I'm way up from my usual 250 simply because I've been reading some novellas in that group. Novellas can be quite satisfying too! Mind you, I also include non-fiction in those books - and they take a lot longer to read usually. Right now I am hoping to read Carl Reiner's I REMEMBER ME autobiography - especially the chapters with respect to his late wife, Estelle. I think Carl is one of the most fascinating people to interview. Walter Cronkite and Art Linkletter used to be as well. (Methinks I am showing my age, LOL....)
    All the best to The Dishes, now and in the new year....
    (International)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought there were some wonderful novellas published this year, Laney. I'm going to have to check my library for the Carl Reiner book. I think I'd enjoy reading that one. I've been a fan since the Dick Van Dyke show. (and that's telling my age too!) :)

      Delete
    2. Dick Van Dyke has an amazing autobiography too!

      Delete
  3. I'm obviously a slow reader compared to the others commenting on this post. I want to comment on what I've read here right now.

    1. I've only read about 5 books in the Pennyroyal Series by Julie Anne Long. Most of those titles I rated 4 stars. Until I read Like No Other Lover in '14. I didn't care for it (can't remember now why) but I could only give it 2 stars. I think I got burned out on JAL and gave up on her books. The others I had on my TBR shelves were sold or traded. I haven't read her work since that 2 star book.
    2. I'm looking forward to reading Lisa Kleypas' new historical. It has been WAY too long since she's written in this genre. I don't have a copy yet, but it's on my wishlist at Paperback Swap.
    3. I was pleased to see that PJ enjoyed reading Deeanne Gist's books as much as I have. I've only read It Happened at the Fair and Tempest in the White City so far but Fair Play and Tiffany Girl are on my wishlist at PBS. I really enjoy Ms. Gist's writing.
    4. OK, my top ten list of favorite books read in 2015:
    Where Shadows Dance by C. S. Harris
    If the Viscount Falls by Sabrina Jeffries
    The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries
    The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn
    What Darkness Brings by C. S. Harris
    Why Kings Confess by C. S. Harris
    What Remains of Heaven by C. S. Harris
    It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist
    The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen
    The Tempting of Thomas Carrick by Stephanie Laurens

    As you might be able to tell, I am a huge fan of C. S. Harris' books. Most of what I've read of her work are older releases. I'm waiting for some newer titles to be released soon.




    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've very much enjoyed Gist's World's Fair books. She's a wonderful writer.

      Delete
    2. I really enjoyed Ms. Gist's TIFFANY GIRL as well. I read almost the whole thing on a flight home from RWA. I should probably be flogged for not having it on my top 10 this year, but as PJ and everyone said, this was a very good year for romance...

      Delete
    3. I thought Tiffany Girl was excellent, and I too love C. S. Harris. I have a separate top ten mysteries list. :)

      Delete
    4. I think you should give "like no other lover" a second chance. The drinking game and the shooting scene were two of the funniest scenes of all time. Love Miles...more than Lyon!

      Delete
    5. I may have to reconsider picking up JAL's books again. I'm hearing more and more raves lately and I'm beginning to think I'm missing something here.

      Delete
  4. Have read over 900 books this year, but the one that stands out that was surprised not on any of the list was Lorraine Heath The Duke and the Lady in Red, Four Nights with a Duke Eloisa James, After You Jojo Moyes, Heart Song Cottage Emily March, Evergreen Springs Raeanne Thayne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There were many wonderful books published this year. It's very difficult to narrow them all down to ten titles. I have the Lorraine Heath book on my tbr but haven't had time to read it yet.

      Delete
    2. I love Lorraine Heath--so I'm going to run down the ones she published this year to read. (She does usually make my list.)

      Delete
  5. My favorite books this year were The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath, Lady Be Good and Luck Be a Lady by Meredith Duran, Suddenly One Summer by Julie James and The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long. I actually had to get JAL's book from the library, because the places I buy books, such as Target, didn't carry it. That has to hurt sales if readers can't find the book at most retail stores.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So many retail stores have downsized their book inventory. I've noticed that many authors whose books used to be regulars are no longer represented there.

      Delete
  6. Here's 10 not necessarily in order lol:

    The Duke's Disaster - Grace Burrowes
    Everlasting Enchantment - Kathryne Kennedy
    Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress - Theresa Romain
    Douglas - Grace Burrowes
    Shattered - Cynthia Eden
    To Desire a Highlander - Sue-Ellen Welfonder
    In Bed with a Rogue - Samantha Grace
    What a Duke Dares - Anna Campbell
    Dragon Knights' Sword - Mary Morgan
    To Charm a Naughty Countess - Theresa Romain

    It's hard just picking ten lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoyed many of those same books, catslady. I don't think I've read Mary Morgan. Must check her out.

      Delete
  7. The latest Mary Balogh books from her Survivors Club series 'Only a Promise' and 'Only a Kiss' came immediately to mind. And the latest JD Robb In Death book 'Devotion in Death'. I know there are others I really enjoyed, but my brain is still in an after Christmas fog aggravated by taking cold pills.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm fighting the post-Christmas cold too, Di. Hope you're feeling better soon!

      Delete
  8. My favorite books were so numerous. The Art of baking Blind, Sunrise, The Nightingale, and many more. Lovely feature today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by traveler. I've not read The Art of Baking Blind but that's an intriguing title. I'm off to check it out.

      Delete
  9. Many wonderful novels which I enjoyed. It started with Paris by Cathy Kelly, The Things we Keep by Sally Hepworth, Stella Rose by Tammy Flanders Hetrick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have It Started with Paris in my trb. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

      Delete
  10. What great lists! Here are my top 10 books of 2015. The first four were 5-star reads. The rest are in no specific order.
    The Legend of Lyon Redmond--Julie Anne Long
    Corrupted--Lisa Scottoline
    Earls Just Want to Have Fun--Shana Galen
    If You Only Knew--Kristan Higgins
    This Heart of Mine--Brenda Novak
    Montana Cherries--Kim Law
    True Pretenses--Rose Lerner
    It Started With a Scandal--Julie Anne Long
    The Girls of Mischief Bay--Susan Mallery
    A Curious Beginning--Deanna Raybourn
    Dearest Rogue--Elizabeth Hoyt


    Honorable mentions: My Sunshine Away (M.O.Walsh,) When a Scot Ties the Knot (Tessa Dare,) Still the One (Jill Shalvis,) The Guilty (David Baldacci,) The Promise (Robert Crais,) Beyond Limits (Laura Griffin,) Once Upon a Marquess (Courtney Milan,) Only a Kiss (Mary Balogh,) Crash & Burn (Lisa Gardner,) Those Girls (Chevy Stevens.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the diversity of the titles on our lists. I regularly read across sub-genre lines. So great to know I'm not alone! :)

      Delete
  11. I want to second the comments about It Started with a Scandal. Loved it, probably my favorite book of the year. I love all of Julie Anne Long's books, but his one was special. Her best one to date, IMHO. (Not nearly as wild about The Legend of Lyon Redmond. Don't shoot me.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nobody's going to shoot you here, Diane! I agree that It Started with a Scandal is an exceptional book. If not for The Legend of Lyon Redmond, it probably would have been my top book of the year.

      We don't all have to love the same books or love them in the same way. I'm thrilled that there are enough good books being written to satisfy the reader in all of us!

      Delete
  12. Picking a top ten is so hard for a wonderful year of books!
    I would have to say (in no particular order):
    1. The Legend of Lyon Redmond - Julie Anne Long
    2. When a Scot Ties the Knot - Tessa Dare
    3. Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh
    4. Act Like It - Lucy Parker
    5. One Moonlit Night - Gaelen Foley
    6. The Irresistible Rogue - Valerie Bowman
    7. The Last Chance Christmas Ball Anthology
    8. Luck Be a Lady - Meredith Duran
    9. Sweet Summer Kisses Anthology
    10. The Duke Can Go to the Devil - Erin Knightley

    ReplyDelete
  13. looking forward to The Rogue not Taken by Sarah MacLean--amazon told me it shipped :)

    denise

    ReplyDelete
  14. Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor
    Make Me by Lee Child
    Memory Man by David Baldacci
    Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin
    It's Only Love by Marie Force

    ReplyDelete
  15. Here are my top ten but there are so many more that are on my list. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Last One Home by Debbie Macomber, Heartsong Cottage by Emily March, Liar by Nora Roberts, Obsession Falls by Christina Dodd, Montanna Cherries by Kim Law, Some Like It Scottish by Patience Griffin, The Girls of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery, Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz and Too Hard to Handle by Julie Ann Walker.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jo Goodman's This Gun For Hire
    Elizabeth Hoyt's Sweetest Scoundrel
    Tessa Dare's When a Scot Ties the Knot
    Eloisa James's Four Nights with a Duke
    Lisa Kleypas's Cold-Hearted Rake
    Julie Anne Long's It Started with a Scandal

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  18. Sharlene MooreDecember 28, 2015 at 11:58 PM
    In no order.
    Four Nights with the Duke, Eloisa James
    The Duke and the Lady in Red, Lorraine Heath
    When a Scot Ties the Knot, Tessa Dare
    The Match of the Century, Cathy Maxwell
    Diary of an Accidental Wallflower, Jennifer McQuiston
    To Tame the Wind, Regan Walker
    Good Earl Gone Bad, Manda Collins
    Cold Hearted Rake, Lisa Kleypas
    The Rogue Not Taken, Sarah MacLean
    Only a Kiss, Mary Balogh
    I could easily add Shana Galen's Earls Just Want to Have Fun, Caroline Linden's Love in the Time of Scandals, Gaelen Foley's One Moonlit Night and many fabulous historical fictions this year, including quite possibly one of the best books ever, Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I agree with The Legend of Lyon Redmond. Definitely a favorite... Not 100% sure about the epilogue but love the rest of the book. :)

    I also love Eloisa James' Four Night with the Duke... Just read When a Scot Ties the Knot and love it too.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Just got the new MacLean and Loretta chase to read, can't wait. So far my best of year:

    Julie Anne Long - It Started with a Scandal (Lyon's book was good too, but some parts lagged for me for some reason)
    Lorraine Heath - The Duke and the Lady in Red
    Meredith Duran - Luck Be a Lady (Lady Be Good also top favorite)
    Eva Leigh - Forever your Earl (Scandal Takes the Stage was also a top favorite)
    Jo Goodman - This Gun for Hire -
    Miranda Neville - Duke of Desire
    Nalini Singh - Shards of Hope

    ReplyDelete
  21. Like Janga, I feel like 2015 was a really good year for readers. Here are the first 10 favorites that come to mind, in no special order:
    Daniel's True Desire by Grace Burrowes (David is also a contender)
    When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
    Seduced by a Lady's Heart by Christi Caldwell
    Beauty and the Rake by Erica Monroe
    Lady Vice by Wendy LaCapra
    Tall, Dark & Wicked by Madeline Hunter
    Meet the Earl at Midnight by Gina Conkle
    Wind Chime Wedding by Sophie Moss
    Primal Force by D.D. Ayres
    That Man of Mine by Maria Geraci
    Since I'm finishing up my Christmas book marathon, I will add my two favorite Christmas reads. I think both are near perfect holiday books:
    Home for Christmas by Lily Everett
    No Groom at the Inn by Megan Frampton

    ReplyDelete
  22. No need to enter my name in the giveaway. I just wanted to add my list to the others here. I enjoy reading these end-of-the-year lists. Here are my picks in no particular order:
    1. It Started with a Scandal, Julie Anne Long
    2. The Legend of Lyon Redmond, Julie Anne Long (probably the top read because it was so eagerly read by me!)
    3. When a Scot Ties the Knot, Tessa Dare
    4. Suddenly One Summer, Julie James
    5. Still the One, Jill Shalvis
    6. Second Chance Summer, Jill Shalvis
    7. Four Nights with a Duke, Eloisa James
    8. Only a Kiss, Mary Balogh
    9. Treasured by Thursday, Catherine Bybee
    10. Only a Promise, Mary Balogh
    11. Say Yes to the Marquess, Tessa Dare
    12. His First and Last, Terri Osburn

    ReplyDelete
  23. Not in for contest as I have it already, but have to comment Dukes Prefer Blondes I just read and loved! Top of my list now, best of series.

    ReplyDelete