By Cassandra O'Leary
When asked for the list of the best books of 2018, according to me, I admit I was stumped. Not because I didn't read...I read a total of 95 books last year going by my Goodreads list. But I tried mixing it up, reading across sub-genres and trying different, new-to-me authors to diversify my reading.
So, thinking about 'best' is difficult when comparing apples and oranges, let alone apples and chocolate cake. Still, I did try! Not all of these books were new releases, since they may have been sitting on my to be read list for a while.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy my slightly quirky list. Here goes...
Sweet and funny:
Pretty Face by Lucy Parker
This romance set in the world of the London West End theatre features Lily, a gorgeous actress known for getting naked on TV, and serious thespian, Luc. It's a classic enemies to lovers story with a fake relationship thrown in, when they have to play it up for the cameras. There's a simmering sexual tension in this book, plus believable theatre details that had me hooked. The course of true love never did run smooth...
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon
Compelling futuristic world-building:
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh
I've been reading the complete Psy Changeling series by Nalini Singh, a futuristic, science fiction meets paranormal romance series. Heart of Obsidian is a stand-out in the series for me, because of the way the author handled the build-up of tension between factions in the outside world in this story, plus the tension between the bottled-up, emotion-less (apparently) trained killer, Kaleb, and the emotional, caring but highly intelligent woman who is his match. I'm soooo excited that Ms Singh will be a keynote speaker at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in August this year!
Best Aussie contender:
Playing Dirty, Amy Andrews
If you've been following the Sydney Smoke rugby series like I have, you've probably been waiting to learn more about Val, daughter of the coach. We finally get to learn more about Val and her broken relationship with her well-respected but strict and bossy father. Well, we get to the bottom of this story, and it's a tear-jerker. Amy Andrews blends her ususal witty voice, sexy and fun banter and the more serious family issues in this great read.
Buy from Amazon
Addictive and sexy:
Wrong To Need You by Alisha Rai
I'd read a couple of Alisha Rai's books before this one and enjoyed them, but I think this is my favourite. Jackson returns to a small town where his family are a big deal, but he was accused of a crime (unfairly) many years before. He's in love with his brother's widow...and she may be falling for his strong, silent charm too. I loved the quiet chef who's actually a superstar overseas, but doesn't want the notoriety or fame. A great Beta hero and sexy, slow-burn romance. I recommend the whole Forbidden Hearts series.
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon
Oddball read...worth a go:
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
Buy from Amazon
Best romcom read:
Dr Strange Beard by Penny Reid
I'd have to say Penny Reid's books are some of my favourite romantic comedies, and the latest book in the Winston Brothers series was a winner. Roscoe is one of the most unusual and sensitive romance heroes I've ever read -- he has a perfect, detailed memory of events from his childhood and emotional recall with total accuracy. This makes for an interesting problem...he won't let himself get close to anyone. Simone, his childhood best friend, is an exception. Sort of. Love, love, loved this pair and the classic Penny Reid humour.
Cassandra was the winner of the global We Heart New Talent contest, and also a finalist in contests run by Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of America. Check out her romcoms, Girl on a Plane and Heart Note, plus shorter fiction on her website: cassandraolearyauthor.com
About Cassandra O'Leary
Cassandra O'Leary is a romance, romcom and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader and film/TV fangirl. You'll find her in Melbourne, Australia, drinking coffee, chasing her mini ninjas and buying shoes on the internet. Oh yes, and writing.Cassandra was the winner of the global We Heart New Talent contest, and also a finalist in contests run by Romance Writers of Australia and Romance Writers of America. Check out her romcoms, Girl on a Plane and Heart Note, plus shorter fiction on her website: cassandraolearyauthor.com
5 comments:
What a fun list - all unknown authors to me, but found some I'll have to check out!
Yay! Glad I could help with some recommendations. 😀
I really like how you "labeled" these books. A couple of them intrigue me. And they will be new-to-me authors!
I love a woman who has eclectic reading tastes. Thanks for this list. I'm especially intrigued by the Nevermoor book. Always looking for good kid lit and the cover caught me immediately, along with your brief explanation. Going to check it out now.
Amazingly enough, I've read three of your selections: Lucy Parker's, Alish Rai's, and Penny Reid. Always Penny Reid. Wrong to Need You was my favorite in this series by Rai and Jackson became an absolute favorite book hero. While I have loved Penny Reid from the beginning, Lucy Parker became a one-click author for me after reading her first two in this series. Her third is sitting on my Kindle right now. I love that we have a few faves in common. Now I just need a new one from you. :-)
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