Saturday, December 29, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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)


75 comments:

  1. This is just a small handful of favorite books I read/reviewed in 2018. I met my goal on Goodreads of 235 book in 2018. What fun! I gave just a brief comment on each of these but these are so many more! It's so wonderful to discover new authors too. This is just historical romance. I have really gotten into reading thrillers too. Fabulous reads there too. Happy New Year to you, PJ. Connie Fischer

    The Governess’s Convenient Marriage - Amanda McCabe: Adorable story. Beautifully descriptive. Must read more of her books.

    The Duke of Kisses - Darcy Burke - Great story with lots of twists. Loved it.

    The Lady of Astoria Abbey - Anita Stansfield - Sweet, clean book that tugs at the heartstrings.

    A Holiday by Gaslight - Mimi Matthews - Gorgeous, sweet, clean love story. Sigh. Can't wait to read more Mimi Matthews books.

    More or Less a Temptress - Anna Bradley - Part of the Somerset Sisters series. Humor, and lots of fun. I'm loving Anna Bradley's books.

    Fromage a Trois - Victoria Brownlee - Story of a young woman who loves cheese and decides to spend a year in Paris trying all different types of cheese. So much more in this story. Great descriptions and total fun! Loved it.

    The Duke and Miss Christmas - Amelia Grey - Funny, sweet novella. I am a huge fan of Amelia Grey!

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    1. I enjoy Anna Bradley's books too, Connie. Thanks for sharing your list! :)

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  2. Most historicals :) I've read 4 from Grace Burrowes this year with The Duke's Disaster my favorite (although all her books are wonderful). By Karen Ranney - To Love a Duchess. Amy Jarecki - The Highland Commander. Thrill Girl by Emele Gamble. Three from Jodi Picoult with Small Great Things as my favorite. Lisa Scottoline - Look Again. Just to name a few.

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    1. More to add to my list! A couple of those are on my tbr. There just aren't enough reading hours to get to all of them.

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  3. I read a great deal this year as illness compelled me to stay home and reading was my entertainment. Novels by Jacqueline Winspear, Deborah Crombie, Eloisa James, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly and many more wonderful stories.

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    1. I'm so sorry you were ill, petite, but happy you had books to entertain and comfort you.

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  4. Historicals are my favorite of all and the authors whose books I treasure are Grace Burrowes, Anne Gracie, and Maggie Robinson's new mystery series which is captivating.

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    1. I adore Anne Gracie and Maggie Robinson's new cozy mystery makes me happy all over!

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  5. I think Meredith Duran's book, The Sins Of Lord Lockwood, Sherry Thomas' book, The Hollow of Fear and Sarah Morgan's two books, The Christmas Sisters and How to Keep a Secret are at the top of my list. Although Sherry Thomas and Sarah Morgan aren't writing strictly in the romance genre right now, they still have strong romantic elements in their stories.

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    1. I have the Duran and Morgan books on my tbr. In my opinion, Meredith Duran is one of the best writers in the business.

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  6. I have so many that made the list but I am just gonna name a few here:

    The kiss quotient by Helen hoang
    Hello stranger by lisa kleypas
    The controversial princess by Jodie Ellen malpas
    Luna and the lie by Mariana Zapata

    Happy new year and looking forward to reading more books next year

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    1. I really need to make time to read The Kiss Quotient. I bought it when it released but it keeps getting pushed down to make time for my review books. Note to self: READ THIS BOOK!

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    2. I agree with you PJ. I keep hearing so many wonderful things about this book.

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  7. Whee! You've made my morning...and afternoon too! I'm so thrilled you like Nobody's Sweetheart Now enough to add it to your awesome list! Lady Adelaide thanks you from the bottom of her heart, LOL.

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  8. I’m just thrilled!!! Thank you so much, PJ! You are totally my people! XO

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    1. I have high hopes for more Maine Crew books in the future!

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  9. Thank you so much for the chance. Happy New Year.

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    1. Forgot to list some enjoyable reads: Nancy Naigle - Dear Santa, Carly Phillips - Freed, Breathe, Dream, Fearless, JS Scott, Only a Millionaire, Annette Reynolds (an older book) - Remember the Time, Lori Foster - Cooper's Charm to just name a few, LOL.

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  10. This is a year to remember ..my daughter got engaged and married :)
    But also sad..both my cats passed away after having them 10 years..broje my heart.
    But I said I didn't want to get another pet for a while and only if they found me, and she did :) I have a new kitten that found me in November. And I found a new author also, Susan Schild
    Have a happy New Year
    Patricia Bennett Barber

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    1. There have been ups and downs for many of us. My romances really got me through some tough times this year. Here's to a happy 2019!

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  11. Mary Balogh had two books this year in her Westcott series - Someone to Care & Someone to Trust. I always look forward & enjoy her new books.

    Rys Bowen had her annual installment to her Lady Georgie Royal Spyness series - Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding.

    I should keep a chronological list of what I read, but I do check things off my author lists to try to stay organized.

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    1. I haven't read Rys Bowen yet. I need to check out those books. Thanks!

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  12. Spot on, as always! Happy to say I've read a vast majority if these gems!

    No need to include me in the contrast! Good luck to all!

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  13. I adored Janna MacGregor’s TGTBATD! Paul and Daphne’s story captivated me. Virginia Heath is a new author for me & I adored His Mistletoe Wager.
    Samatha Chases Until There Was Us is my favorite contemporary book for 2018 - lots of surprises in this well paced second chance romance.

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    1. I'm going to have to check out Virginia Heath. I've been hearing good things about her books from a lot of people.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. I love reading lists like this! Some of my favorite books this year were First Time at Firelight Falls, Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn (and the next two in the series), The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting, Marrying Winterbourne (because I was late to the party) and Hello Stranger. I need to get caught up on the Dogfather series--I'm several books behind! Maybe in the coming months when we're staying in I'll get caught up.

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    1. You definitely need to catch up with The Dogfather, Nikki. So many good books in that series.

      Thanks for sharing your titles. I see a couple new-to-me authors to check out. :)

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  15. Two of my favorites from the list above are: The Governess Game and Every Dog Has His Day. I also fell in love with all of Devney Perry's books, her books are awesome!

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    1. I'm not familiar with Devney Perry. Thanks for the rec! I'll be sure to check those out.

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  16. I have to agree with you on Bad to The Bone. How To Walk Away by Katherine Center. The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. Cowboy Cross My Heart by Donna Grant. Catch Him If You Can by Jennifer Shirk. Cottage by The Sea by Debbie Macomber. The Good The Bad and The Duke by Janna MacGregor. Joanna's Highland by Maeve Greyson. Built To Last by Julie Ann Walker.

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    1. Ooh...more good books I haven't read yet. Thanks, Pamela!

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  17. Your list has made me happy. I have already gotten a couple of the books I have not read yet. I loved several of the books you named....The Maggie Robinson book makes me want to force her to finish the next one just for me. I am a fan of Cindy Kirk's two series - small town and family at their best. I found several British authors ----I think one of the best ones I read was by Jaimie Admans - The Little Wedding Island, but there are tons of others. (I love the humor)

    I am a fan of Mary Balogh and I enjoyed both the books from this year - Someone To Love and Someone To Trust, I think I liked Someone To Love a wee bit more.

    I have read so many wonderful stories this year....it is hard for me to name just a few....It has been a good reading year for me because I found new authors who made my heart sing. And many of the old favorites did not disappoint.

    PJ thank you so much for all you have done this year. And this list is the icing on the cake.

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    1. LOL, Annette! My editor told me today it's scheduled for June 2019. Am just tweaking the final bits now. :)

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    2. I know how you feel about Maggie Robinson's next book, Annette. Can't wait!

      I love Cindy Kirk's small town series. She has another Good Hope book coming out in February.

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  18. Some of my favorites from this year are Jenna Jackson "Widows" series, Mary Baloghs "Westcott" series, loved Lisa Kleypas's "Hello Stranger" and I mustn't forget Lorraine Heath's "Texas Trilogy". I also read a couple of books where younger men fell in love with older women and married them, one of those was Jenna Jackson's "To Woo A Wicked Widow. I haven't read Janna MacGregors TGTBATD yet or Vanessa's latest.

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    1. I haven't read Jenna Jackson yet. Off to check her out. Thanks!

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  19. I've discovered new authors with books I've never read before and favorite authors with new books to read. To recommend a few books from so many out there isn't easy for me to do.
    I recommend just a few authors with several books that are good reads.
    Karheyn Le Veque, Joanna Shupe, Janna MacGregor, Ella Quinn, Kelly Bowen, Collette Cameron, Shana Galen, Julie Johnstone, Nicole Snow, Jessica Scott, Maisey Yates, Joanne Rock, Rachel Gibson, Mary Balogh...📖👓❤️

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    1. That's a great list! I've read many of them but a couple are new to me. I'll enjoy checking them out. Thanks!

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  20. You listed a few of mine and books I've read too. Roxanne St. Claire's would definitely be near the top. So would Janna MacGregor's and Laird of the Black Isle by Paula Quinn. Also joining the list would be Patty Blount's Someone I Used to Know which I really loved!! My keeper shelf would look empty without Kristan Higgins' Good Luck With That. Avery Flynn made me laugh and laugh with Butterface and Muffin Top. Jamie Beck made me cry with The Memory of You. Jane Porter wrote some amazing stories that occurred on Chance Avenue and Megan Crane moved us to Alaska. I think I surpassed my top ten.

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    1. Great list, Eileen! There are a few in there I haven't read yet. I need to start a list. lol

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  21. I've read some good ones this year. Loved Jeaniene Frost Shades of Wicked. Love Lisa Keypad, so going to have to check out here new one.

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    1. Shades of Wicked was good, wasn't it? I'm really looking forward to the new Kleypas book. I've been wanting West Ravenel's story since book one and pairing him with Sebastian and Evie's daughter is a sweet bonus.

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  22. Great list, PJ. Some of the books from your list are waiting for me on my kindle.

    My top contemporary books this year:
    Second Chance Summer by Kait Nolan
    Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis
    Hard Sell by Lauren Layne
    The First Time at Firelight Falls by Julie Ann Long
    Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle

    Top Historicals:
    Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
    Born to Be Wilde AND Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James
    The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas
    The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne
    Kidnapped by a Rogue by Margaret Mallory
    What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell

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  23. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
    The Sins of Lord Lockwood by Meredith Duran
    Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay
    Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep (Am almost done and it looks like if will make my list)
    A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman (This book has only a whiff of romance but was such a fun book for me. Per the flap, it is a "...historical mystery debut set in Victorian England..." and features a wealthy widow and the London social season.)

    Am making notes on titles from your list PJ and from the comments section!

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  24. I love books by Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne, and a few others. In previous years, I had read a few of Roxanne St. Claire's Barefoot Bay books, but this year I read all the rest. I have also read all the Dogfather series.

    Over the past couple of months, I have started reading the Barefoot Bay World stories. A number of those authors are becoming new favorites too.

    Yes, I love to read.

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  25. A Tall Dark Cowboy Christmas by Maisey Yates. Recently discovered her and enjoyed all that I have read. Also have enjoyed Roxy St Claire's Dogfather books.
    Natty's Mama (Karen T.)

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  26. PJ, I'm so honored to be on your list with such talented, amazing authors. Your words about Laird of the Black Isle made me so happy. I appreciate and respect your opinions so again, this is an honor for me. Thank you. <3

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  27. Your ebook is one of the best I have read,enjoyed it so much.

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  28. I have a couple of these books, but the rest of them have just jumped to the top of my Wish List. Most of the historicals were already on the list after reading your and other reviews. Keep up the good work bringing us such a nice and wide variety of reviews and giveaways for books. I have found several new favorite authors here and many books that I have enjoyed.

    I hope 2019 is a spectacular year for you.
    Still not able to sign in to google. Patricia Barraclough.

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  29. I Ioved read most of these, and ageee that they are winners. Especially Cole and St Claire. I liked Talia Hibbert as well. She does a wonderful line in heroes who are not Alpha jerks. I went to buy Every Dog has His Day, ‘cause it sounds like it’s right up my street, but Oh No! it is not available on kindle in the UK. What a disappointment! Ah well, most of the others are, and for that I must be grateful. I look forward to next year’s reviews!

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    1. I'll have to check out Talia Hibbert. Thank you for the recommendation.

      If you don't mind reading print, you can order EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY from bookdepository.com with free shipping.

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  30. I'm taking not of all these books but especially the ones that have been repeated more than once. As you said, there just isn't enough time (sigh). Thanks for this post, I always look forward to it.

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    1. clicked too fast - that was note and not, "not" (big sigh).

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  31. Here's a list of books I've read in 2018. I'm not a super fast reading the way lots of folks are but I do plod along. I rate my books with 1-4 stars. Most of what I read this year rated 4 stars from me so I've been very happy about that.

    Lady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Goose by Stephanie Laurens, ebook, 1-3-18, 4 stars
    The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide for Surviving Trump World by Joy Behar, 1-14-18; 4 stars
    How I Met My Countess by Elizabeth Boyle, 1-24-18; 4 stars
    Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle, 2-17-18; 4 stars
    Lord Langley is Back in Town by Elizabeth Boyle, 3-4-18, 4 stars
    A Most Unlikely Duke by Sophie Barnes; 3-14-18; 4 stars
    The Duke of Her Desire by Sophie Barnes; 3-25-18; 4 stars
    The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries; 5-8-18; 4 stars
    When Falcons Fall by C. S. Harris; 6-9-18, 4 stars
    The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens, 6-22-18; 4 stars
    The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle, 7-4-18; 4 stars
    Mad About the Major by Elizabeth Boyle, ebook; 7-5-18; 4 stars
    A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries, ebook; 7-6-18; 4 stars
    The Risk of Rogues by Sabrina Jeffries, ebook; 7-10-18; 4 stars
    The Widow’s Auction by Sabrina Jeffries, ebook, 7-15-18; 4 stars
    The Necklace Affair by Ashley Gardner, ebook, 7-21-18; 4 stars
    Third Son’s a Charm by Shana Galen, 8-1-18, 4 stars
    No Earls Allowed by Shana Galen, ebook, 8-8-18; 4 stars
    An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen, 8-30-18, 4 stars
    The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable, 9-18-18, 4 stars
    Miss Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies by Shana Galen & Theresa Romain, ebook;9-23-18;
    4 stars
    Good Time Coming by C. S. Harris; 10-6-18; 4 stars
    Governess who Captured His Heart, The by Sophie Barnes; ebook; 10-8-18; 3.5 stars
    Mistress of Pennington’s, The by Rachel Brimble, ebook, 10-31-18, 3 stars
    A Soupcon of Poison by Jennifer Ashley, ebook, 11-2-18, 3.5 stars
    The Illegitimate Duke by Sophie Barnes, 11-26-18; 4 stars
    The Girl Who Stepped into the Past by Sophie Barnes, ebook 11-27-18, 3.5 stars

    I mentioned I'm a slow reader (not really slow, but I don't buzz through my books). I'm still reading this book started on 11-27. Got side tracked with some good TV programs and Christmas preparations. All that said, as much as I have enjoyed Sarah MacLean's books in the past, I'm having a bit of trouble sticking with this book. It's not that I don't like, it just seems I'm not that vested in the story. Not sure if I'll continue with the rest of the series.

    Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean, started 11-27-18

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    Replies
    1. That's a lot of good reading! Maybe when you pick the book back up in the new year it will be more appealing. That said, though, not every book is going to appeal to every reader. And that's okay. :)

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    2. Elizabeth Boyle is a wonderful writer! I love her books too. I have got to find a copy of THE GREAT GASBAG. I just laughed out loud reading the title and know Joy Behar is going to be a riot!!

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  32. Thanks for the great list. I’ve never been avid reader of historical romances, but you’ve given me a great list to choose from.

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    Replies
    1. I hope you'll give one a try. What do you enjoy reading?

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  33. So many wonderful bioks. My reading tends to be all over the place. Different genres.
    The Good, The Bad & The Duke
    Glass Ocean by Karen White, Gertrude Williams & Lauren Willig
    Laird Of The Black Isle
    Hello Stranger
    Cottage By The Sea
    Year One - Nora Roberts
    Books by Dorethea Benton , Cayenne Thayne, Mary Alice Monroe. Thanks for your list PJ. Have so many books on my TEL that keep getting pushed back. Going to tackle it soon.
    To everyoneeveryone, have a safe & Happy New Year.
    Carol Luciano
    Lucky4750 at aol dot com

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  34. PJ, I am curious. Did you keep track of how many books you read this year?

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    Replies
    1. I do keep track but I still have books to add to my list so I don't have an accurate number yet.

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  35. Born to be Wilde, Hello Stranger, Armed Response Janie Crouch, Before we were Strangers Brenda Novak, The Cowboy Meets his Match Sarah Mayberry

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the recs! I haven't read Janie Crouch before but that one sounds interesting.

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  36. I enjoyed too wilde to wed but I thought that born to be wild was better. I enjoyed how Lavinia built herself up from scratch... It's terrific!

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    1. I also loved Born to be Wilde and especially Lavinia. It was a close decision as to which book I'd add to my Best of list.

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  37. Thanks to you and your review team, I have read and enjoyed a lot of these books in 2018, too! Thank you for all that you do!!

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  38. Happy New Year to everyone. And thank you for the giveaway chance; nice way to end the year.

    Here are some of my favorite reads from this year:
    Sheila Roberts - Welcome to Serenity Harbor
    Bella Andre - Wild in Love
    Susan Wiggs - Snowfall at Willow Lake
    Roxanne St. Claire - New Leash on Life
    Kathleen Morgan - One Perfect Gift and A Gift from Tiffanys
    Susan Mallery - Why Not Tonite?
    Emily March - The Christmas Wishing Tree
    Debbie Macomber - The Cottage by the Sea

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  39. Happy New Year! Thanks for sharing your list. I see a couple titles on there I'd like to check out. I also enjoyed New Leash on Life and The Christmas Wishing Tree, both by long-time favorite authors.

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  40. So many of these books on your list are on mine, but there are several that I need to go back and read!! Some of my picks are Nora Roberts' SHELTER IN PLACE, Lorraine Heath's WHEN A DUKE LOVES A WOMAN, Cathy Maxwell's THE DUKE THAT I MARRY, Elizabeth Hoyt's NOT THE DUKE'S DARLING, and most recently, Jennifer Robson's THE GOWN (I think it officially came out today--so it might should be on 2019's list).

    I read a lot of amazing books this year. I just feel like all my favorite authors are just getting better and better; and I'm just luckier and luckier to be able to read them all. Sappy, I know...but it feels like every book I read lately, "I could never write something as good as this." Writers are magic, man.

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  41. I can't list them all! Recently, I did enjoy Grace Burrowes' holiday novella Patience For Christmas.

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