PJ's Best Books of 2018

It's that time of year again. I enjoy compiling my "best of" list every year because it gives me the opportunity to look back and reflect upon all the great books I read during the previous twelve months. I also dread writing this post because how the heck am I supposed to narrow down that list of titles to only ten?!? Some years it just can't be done. So, for better or worse, and in no particular order, here are my (slightly more than) top ten favorite books of 2018.

THE PRINCE by Katharine Ashe
(Read Janga's review)

This is my favorite Katharine Ashe novel and, in my opinion, her best work to date. It's been seven months since I read this book and I'm still thinking about Libby and Ziyaeddin.  Janga reviewed THE PRINCE for the blog and her thoughts mirrored my own. From Janga's review: "Ashe gives readers an emotionally intense story of two complex people who are more than the labels others would use to define them. This is a love story that involves the head and the heart as well as the libido." "If you like historical romance that makes you feel, makes you think, and leaves you considering how soon you can plan a reread, I highly recommend The Prince. I have added it to my best-of-the-year list."  







A PRINCESS IN THEORY by Alyssa Cole
(Read Hellie's Top Dish review)

What a fun book! These characters! Alyssa Cole's orphaned grad student and prince-in-disguise kept me up reading way too late and were my first thought when I awoke the next morning. I dove back into the story before I even thought about breakfast - a rare occurrence, believe me.  

I've been hearing about Cole for the past year but this was the first of her books that I had read. I loved the fun and flirty banter, the freshness of the story, the appeal of the characters, the exploration of friendship, the emotional growth of Naledi and Thabiso, and the twists that kept me wondering until the very end. 

HIS DUCHESS AT EVENTIDE
(Read PJ's review)

His Duchess at Eventide, a full-length historical romance that's sweeping in scope and stunning in emotional intensity is, for me, Wendy LaCapra's best writing to date. Penelope and Cheverley drew me into their story as well as their hearts, allowing me to experience their anger, fear, joy, anguish, yearning, and hope with a full investment in their happiness. LaCapra's eloquent prose brings it all to life, keeping me reading late into the night and leaving me with the reassurance that some bonds, though stretched beyond imagination, cannot be broken, that evil foes can be vanquished, that love wins. More than two months after reading this book, the characters and their story still linger in my mind. 






THE VIXEN by Christi Caldwell

This emotional, sometimes heart-wrenching, historical romance is, in my opinion, the best book this talented writer has delivered to date. Keep the tissues handy for this one. You'll need them as Connor and Ophelia's journey unfolds, then need a few more when their hard-won love, and happiness, are finally claimed. Mystery, danger, rapid-fire banter, an atypical hero and heroine, storytelling that will immerse you in the gritty underworld of Regency London and the darker side of nobility, gut-wrenching heartache, and the honor and sacrifice of deep, unconditional love make The Vixen a book that should be on every romance lover's must-read list.

 TOO WILDE TO WED by Eloisa James

(Read PJ's review)

Not since Julia Quinn's Bridgertons have I fallen in love so quickly or completely with a family as I have with the Wildes. I adored this couple and their second-chance story. The sheer yearning between North and Diana that had my heart clutching, the witty banter, humor that left me chuckling, sparks that fly when they go toe-to-toe, and the sweetness that flows between them in the quiet moments of the darkest hours of the night have made Too Wilde to Wed a favorite Eloisa James novel and landed it on my Best of 2018 list. 

BAD TO THE BONE by Roxanne St. Claire

(Read PJ and Janga's Just Between Us review of Bad to the Bone)

I've been reading Roxanne St. Claire's books for several years and in that time many of her titles have made their way to my keeper shelves but none has touched me as deeply as Bad to the Bone. All of the books in St. Claire's The Dogfather series are keepers but this one is extra special. Molly, Trace, and their teen daughter, Pru are all characters with depth, layers, vulnerability, and loyal hearts (Trace's rescue dog, Meatball, too!). I was emotionally exhausted by the time I finished their book but it was so worth it. I've since read it a second - and third - time, along with their wedding short story (sign up for St. Claire's newsletter for access), used up another half a box of tissues (Did I mention it's emotional?), and love them more each time I revisit. 

HELLO STRANGER by Lisa Kleypas

(Read PJ's review)

This is the deeply romantic Lisa Kleypas storytelling that I fell in love with years ago. I liked Ethan and Garrett individually but really loved them as a couple. They bring out the best in one another, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses. They're strong individually but stronger together. Neither is diminished by the other and while there are times in the story when Garrett is rescued by Ethan, there are others where Garrett does the rescuing. Their love is deep and enduring but they also like, admire, and desire one another and, in the end, they save one another. Hello Stranger is my favorite book so far in the Ravenels series and ranks high on my list of all-time Kleypas keepers.   

FIRST TIME AT FIRELIGHT FALLS 

by Julie Anne Long

When I turned the final page of First Time at Firelight Falls all I wanted to do was go back to the beginning and read it all over again. Exquisitely crafted by Long, this is a story filled with humor, romance, sizzle, emotion, family, community, and the reveal of a long-held secret. I can honestly say I never imagined I'd be lusting after a grade school principal hero but when that hero is Gabe Caldera? Let's just say Gabe makes my internal engine hum very nicely indeed. Gabe and Eden are one of my favorite JAL couples and their story, a keeper. You won't want to miss this one.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DUKE 

by Janna MacGregor

(Read PJ's review)

I love a redeemed villain turned hero and MacGregor's Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart is one of the best. In fact, he's my favorite redeemed bad boy since Lisa Kleypas's Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. And who better to pair him with than his former best friend - and current enemy's - younger sister, right? MacGregor really hits her stride with this story, bringing us this unlikely couple who are just so right for one another. It was pure pleasure to watch Daphne recapture her sense of self and the adventurous spirit she'd kept firmly in check since her sister's death. She really keeps Paul on his toes. Their banter sparkles, the chemistry is off the charts, his tenderness with her is sigh-worthy, her defense of him, cheer-worthy, and the bond formed in their youth, while stretched to its limits, remains strong and unbroken, a solid foundation for a lifelong love. 

    

NOBODY'S SWEETHEART NOW 

by Maggie Robinson

(Read PJ's review)

Robinson launches her 1920's British cozy mystery series with an expertly crafted whodunit that's an absolute delight from beginning to end. The story flows beautifully, with impeccable timing and perfectly placed twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the big reveal. If you're in the mood for a roaring-twenties cozy mystery set in the bucolic English countryside with sparkling wit and banter, a well-crafted mystery, a likable protagonist, a charming but meddlesome ghost, a handsome inspector, and a house filled with potential murderers, then this is the book for you. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY by Jenn McKinlay

(Read PJ's review)

I added this book to my Best of 2018 watch list the second week of January and after almost twelve months and numerous books, its place on the list remains secure. Jessie and Zach's story is everything I want in a contemporary romance, full of humor, heart, romance, friendship, and fun. It has all the feels! Catching up with Zach's Maine Crew friends was fun and watching the threads of friendship extended to - and accepted by - Jessie, someone who has felt isolated her entire life, both poignant and satisfying. I adore this group of friends with their off-the-wall games and wagers; how they give each other grief but always have one another's backs. Tagging along on Zach and Jessie's journey to love and watching all six of the main characters (two and four legged alike) bond into a loving, forever family was such a joy. Every Dog Has His Day has a special place on my keeper shelf. I've already read it twice and can pretty much guarantee I'll be doing so again. 

THE WARRIOR OF CLAN KINCAID

by Lily Blackwood

(Read PJ's review)

Lily Blackwood brings the medieval highlands of Scotland to life in this third book of her Highland Warrior series. Cull and Derryth are characters who engaged my heart, my mind, and my romantic soul. Their bond is so deep, so complete that I was certain their love would conquer any obstacle in their path and Blackwood throws more than a few their way. Blackwood's characters are fully dimensional, with depths that draw me in and encourage me to cheer for their happy endings...or just punishments, as the case may be. Her words paint pictures, allowing me to visualize life in the highlands as it would have been, and her storytelling brings me along on a sometimes emotional, sometimes frightening, sometimes sensual, and, ultimately, celebratory journey. In this book, I didn't just read about Cull and Derryth's journey, I traveled that journey with them, and that's what a good book should do. 

BEAUTIFUL SINNER by Sophie Jordan

I thought hot flashes were in my rear view mirror. Then I read this newest book in Jordan's Devil's Rock contemporary romance series. Holy mother of hotness! Cruz and Gabby: so sweet, so sexy, so you-do-not-want-to-miss-this-book awesome! Jordan’s characters and their against all odds journey touched my heart, fired up my libido, and left me cheering for happy endings. I read the book in one sitting. If it hadn’t been 2:00 am when I finished I would have gone back to page one and started all over again. 

THE GOVERNESS GAME by Tessa Dare

(Read PJ's review)

I've been reading - and loving - Tessa Dare's books since her debut. Most of her titles have places on my keeper shelf yet even among all those beloved stories, for me, The Governess Game shines as one of her best. I loved the sizzling chemistry between Chase and Alexandra, the witty banter, sensuality, and heartfelt emotion. I adored the two orphaned girls for whom Chase is responsible and appreciated the fact that they are not wallpaper but fully developed, essential characters with key roles in the evolution of Chase and Alexandra, both individually and as a couple. Dare's trademark humor also shines throughout this story, with many laugh-out-loud scenes. If you're looking for feel-good historical romance with plenty of humor, sizzle, and heartfelt emotion, this is a book that should be on your must-read list. 

LAIRD OF THE BLACK ISLE by Paula Quinn

(Read PJ's review)

I loved this book so much. From beginning to end, it grabbed my heart and never let go. I wasn't sure if Quinn could ever create a hero who could rival Tristan MacGregor (Seduced by a Highlander), in my affections. It seems fitting that Lachlan MacKenzie, the man who gives his heart to Tristan's beloved daughter, Mairie should also be the hero to equal Tristan in mine. I loved the push and pull between Lachlan and Mairie, the snappy banter, the reluctant attraction, and the fact that even when she pushes him to his limits he never snaps but always treats her with care. As with Quinn's previous books, there's a fair amount of humor in this story as well as heartfelt emotion. The poignancy of Lachlan's interactions with the orphaned Will and Lily in the face of his own losses brought me to tears more than once. Mairie is a wonderful heroine and exactly what I would expect of Tristan and Isobel's daughter. Her confidence, compassion, intelligence, humor, bravery, and fierce protectiveness of those she holds in her heart make her a true MacGregor and a perfect match for Lachlan. I adored them. 

WICKED AND THE WALLFLOWER

by Sarah MacLean

How does she do it, time after time? A dark, sexy hero and one of my all-time favorite heroines in a story that went straight to my keeper shelf. MacLean takes readers into the gritty underbelly of London in this first book of her new Bareknuckle Bastards series, pairing a bastard smuggling king bent on revenge with a spinster wallflower who's far from the pushover he expects. Mystery, emotion, danger, and sizzling sensuality make this a page-turner I couldn't put down. 



There were also three novellas that knocked my socks off this year.

DIAMOND FIRE by Ilona Andrews

Set within Andrews' magical, Hidden Legacy world in Texas, this story is a brilliantly executed transition from Nevada's (heroine of first HL trilogy) journey to Catalina's (heroine of next trilogy). I've fallen in love with this world, the characters, and stories that are fast-paced, action-packed, suspense-filled, and full of betrayal, intrigue, magic, and humor. I love how Andrews uses humor to balance the darker elements of the series. The story stands well on its own and I highly recommend it to both fans of the Hidden Legacy series as well as those new to this world. 

BARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING by Roxanne St. Claire

A special treat for fans of St. Claire's heartwarming The Dogfather contemporary romance series, this Christmas story has all the feels. Whether you've read the earlier books in this series or not, this is a short, heartwarming story that celebrates family, the joy of the season, the unconditional love to be found in a four-legged companion, and the absolute necessity of kindness. Pru and Gramma Finnie's adventure made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with the Kilcannon family all over again.     

MALCOLM & ISABEL (Pennyroyal Today)
by Julie Anne Long

This story, which begins in the epilogue of Long's historical romance, The Legend of Lyon Redmond, pushed every single one of my happy buttons. At 145 pages (not including previous epilogue), it's longer than most novellas but short enough to be an easy one-day read. If you're like me, though, you'll want to take your time and savor each perfectly placed word of this charming contemporary romance. Long is brilliant at evoking emotion while bringing stories and characters to vivid life through the imagery created by her beautiful mastery of words.   

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So, there you have it. My favorite romances of 2018. Tell me about the books that made your "best of" list this year.

Four randomly chosen people who post a comment before midnight, New Year's Eve will each receive a package of books. (U.S. addresses only)