Best Books of 2018

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

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!

Buy from Amazon

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

Oddball read...worth a go:

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

This is a kid lit book, aimed at roughly eight to twelve year olds. I read this one aloud to my two boys and they adored it, and I did too. For adults who enjoy fun fantasy in the style of Alice in Wonderland or Harry Potter, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. Jupiter North is a fantastic ginger hero too!

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.

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 

Reading Outside The Square

By Cassandra O'Leary 
A couple of months ago I found myself in a reading rut. I had plenty of ebooks to read on my Kindle app, paperbacks I bought ages ago taking up space on my to be read pile, but nothing appealed to me. This was not cool. I'm a big reader...normally I love it for relaxation and enjoyment. But nothing was tickling my proverbial fancy.

As a contemporary romance and romantic comedy author, I'd found myself buying books in those genres almost automatically. I was reading them with a critical eye, working out whether I liked the balance of humour and more subtle character elements, whether the plot was interesting or how they snuck up on me with twists or surprises. Long story short, I was reading with the analytical mind of a writer and it was hurting my head.

I set myself a vague goal of reading some different books, outside my usual sub-genres. Guess what? I found some gems that not only impressed me from a writerly standpoint, but drew me into the story world unlike some of my other recent reads. I think the difference is the step back from my own work. Sometimes it's good to reinvigorate your love of reading just for the love of it.

Here's a short list of some of those books I've enjoyed most.

1. Psy Changling series by Nalini Singh

I'm currently reading Kiss of Snow, book 10 in this expansive paranormal romance/fantasy/sci fi series. So many people had recommended these books to me, knowing that I'm a Star Trek and science fiction fan from way back when. They were right! I should listen to my clever bookish friends.

I love the complexity of the world building in this series, with its contingent of alpha heroes from werewolf and leopard characters, strong heroines and an undercurrent of impending war. The strangely Silent Psy race who have contained their emotions and live almost entirely online, is an interesting take on our society's current reliance on technology. It's also a super sexy series filled with sexual tension...if you like that sort of thing. Hint: I do!

Psy Changling series info - nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas

This is an addictive new adult fantasy series with mythological and romantic elements. Powerful fae and demons rule a number of kingdoms, and our heroine (a human who later becomes immortal after she dies and is resurrected) must navigate a complex political landscape of rival courts.

This series sucked me right in, and I did not expect the changes the heroine brought about in her world through her actions in choosing, then leaving, a fairy mate. She's strong and relentless, weilds a sword and isn't afraid of monsters. Or if she is afraid, she goes out there and deals with them anyway. Now I'm about to start reading Maas's other series, Throne of Glass. I can't wait!

A Court of Thorns and Roses series info - sarahjmaas.com/court-of-thorns-and-roses

3. The Merridew Sisters series by Anne Gracie

This series is pure Regency fun, with a light touch of humour that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anne is an Aussie author I've had the pleasure of learning from, as I've attended a couple of her writing seminars. I just knew I would adore her books, from the moment I heard her speak about imbuing characters with depth, humour and heart but not forgetting to show their faults and flaws.



I started with The Perfect Rake, the first book in the series, and it's now a firm favourite. Highly recommended read for all the historical fans, or anyone who likes a well constructed story with a dishy hero.

The Merridew Sisters series info - www.annegracie.com/books/the-merridew-sisters


Anyway, I hope I've inspired others to read outside their usual box and grab a good read that sings in a completely different key.

About Cassandra O'Leary

Cassandra O'Leary is a romance and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she's also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting 'research' trips, that would be splendiferous.

Read more at cassandraolearyauthor.com

Flowers as Symbolism

By Rosalie Redd

Throughout history, flowers have been an important part of many cultures and societies. Flowers evoke emotions, raise our spirits, and remind us of the life teeming all around us. We, as humans, have attached meaning to different varieties, imparting a bit of our own cultural imprint upon each one.

Flowers are so essential to us, we use them in our celebrations, our weddings, our important life events. We turn them upside down to dry them, press them into books, and place them under glass to preserve the memories. We use flowers to pay homage to our lost loved ones, placing them on gravestones and planting them in honor of their memory.

Some flowers have significance in the world of romance.

The red rose, in particular, is known for love. The delicate petals, sweet scent, and yes, thorns all play a part in its symbolism. Other flowers, such as lavender and chamomile have aphrodisiac qualities that lead to a sense of euphoria, arousal, and excitement.

What is the appeal of flowers? Is it the color? The scent? The texture? All of the above?

As a writer, I’m drawn to books with symbolism, whether flowers or other objects. One of the most popular young adult books ever written, Twilight by Stephanie Meyers, had an apple on the book cover. The apple represented ‘forbidden fruit’. Isn’t fruit a by-product of a flower? Using flowers as symbolism in writing is powerful.

In my novel, Untouchable Lover, I use a rose as symbolism for lost innocence. The untouched beauty of the rose floating down amid a tense, physical scene represents the falling away of innocence. The contrast of the rose amid the chaos is a nice contradiction.

Symbolism is everywhere if you look. Art, architecture, photos are just a few places. Gee, maybe there’s even symbolism in names? What do you think?

Have you seen flowers used as symbolism in everyday life? If so, how?

Note: I’ll be off the internet for a few days, but I appreciate your comments and will get back to you soon!

After finishing a rewarding career in finance and accounting, it was time for Rosalie Redd to put away the spreadsheets and take out the word processor. She writes Paranormal/Science Fiction Romance inspired by classics from the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres layered with a good, hot dose of romance.

She currently lives in Oregon, where rain is just another excuse to keep writing. When not at her computer, you can find her at Jazzercise, waterfall collecting in the Pacific Northwest, or relaxing with her husband and their pesky cat, Snookums.

Rosalie Redd

Discover Otherworldly love…

www.rosalieredd.com