Although I read less in 2024 than in previous years, I still found some excellent books that have stuck with me and I’m happy to share them with you. Here they are, in no particular order. I hope you find something to add to your reading list!
Twisted Shadows by Allie Therin
I was eagerly awaiting this sequel to Liar City and it did not disappoint. It delves further into the world of empaths being present in everyday society, and provides plenty of surprises from which the main characters themselves are not immune. It’s a tense and exciting romantic thriller and I can’t wait for the next one!
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
The concept of this story was quite intriguing to me, and the paranormal parts really blend well with the main characters who are regular humans. The town has its share of ghosts (in homes, businesses and particular places outdoors) and they are integral to the plot and to the eventual happy ending for the couple.
Bananapants by Penny Reid
For fans of Penny Reid’s first series, Knitting in the City, this is a romance between Janie and Quinn’s son Desmond and Fiona and Greg’s daughter Ava. As the title implies, it’s got all the zaniness of that series, with some more serious notes relating to mental health. I’m not sure how well it would read to a newcomer to Penny’s writing, but for me it was a special treat.
Death in the Spires by KJ Charles
The author’s first foray into historical mystery is a resounding success for me and many others. Years after the unsolved murder of a schoolmate, Jem gets drawn into the case once again, coming to the realization that one of their group of friends must be the killer. It’s a character driven, intense story with a satisfying conclusion. While I love the author’s historical romances, I’ll definitely keep reading more of these.
At First Spite by Olivia Dade
What do you do with the brother of the man you were going to marry, the one who ruined your relationship? Well, living next door to him would definitely not be first on my list, but in the hands of this author it’s an angsty romance that will give you all the feels and a deeper appreciation of how everyone deserves the chance to tell their side of the story. It’s no surprise that Olivia Dade ends up on my best of the year list once again.
If Only You by Chloe Liese
Chloe Liese is another new to me author, and in true haphazard fashion I read this sixth entry in the Bergman Brother’s series first. A hockey player friend of the family and the youngest Bergman sister agree on a relationship of convenience that turns into a sweet and sexy romance. Plenty of banter and family antics make for a fun and heartwarming story. I’m eagerly catching up on the rest of the series!
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
I might be one of the few people for whom Bride is their first book by Ali Hazelwood but what a way to start! I loved this steamy paranormal romance between a vampire and a werewolf with a classic marriage of convenience trope. There are a few hints which make me hope for more in the series, but in the meantime I’ll be catching up on the author’s backlist.
Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong
I don’t read too many time travel stories (other than the Outlander series, and the sci-fi stories by Connie Willis) but the idea of a present-day homicide detective ending up as a housemaid in Victorian England working for a medical examiner works surprisingly well! The pair are present for the unveiling of an Egyptian mummy who turns out to be not so old after all. I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting and how they work through the mystery to solve the case. I’ll be picking up the rest of the series!
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon
Even if you aren’t a dog lover, you can’t help but fall for the stars of this story (Duchess and Puddin’) even as the two main characters Ashanti and Thad are falling for each other. It’s cute and funny and has relatable characters with real life problems who deal with them and each other honestly. Friendship, family, love, and the realities of being a dog owner all blend together for a really enjoyable story.