Following a hectic year of working and going back to school, I am far behind on my reading challenge on Goodreads. Despite that, I did manage to read some great books this year.
The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
This title received one of the few five star reviews I gave this year, and is my favorite book of the year. Anyone who has read any of my reviews knows I ADORE the grumpy/sunshine trope and that remains true with this story. The crazy thing about this particular book is that it also uses my least favorite trope, ever – second chance romance. But Julie Anne Long handles this aspect beautifully and I felt as though I was reading Magnus and Alexandra’s story from the beginning.
My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long
Ms. Long makes her second appearance on my Best Of list this year with My Season of Scandal. I know other readers might be fed up of visiting the Grand Palace on the Thames, but I cannot get enough of it! In this particular installment we have Dominic and Cat, another sort of grumpy/sunshine combo. Dominic is older with some skeletons in the closet, and finds himself Cat’s unwitting and secret chaperone. I loved watching him watch over her and slowly fall in love while doing so.
One Dangerous Night by Cathy Maxwell
Cathy Maxwell has been a hit-or-miss author for me in the past, but her current series has definitely been a hit, including this title. It features Elise and Christopher as they embark on a madcap journey together following a stagecoach accident. Along the way they find out Elise’s family secrets while they fall in love. It is a great romantic adventure, and I loved it.
The Saloon Girl’s Only Shot by Dani Collins
The second installment in Dani Collins’ Quail’s Creek series, this story features Owen, a man determined to prove himself, and Temperance, a former schoolteacher rocked by scandal. Temperance becomes stranded in Denver City and finds herself employed by Owen as he endeavors to open his own bar. This title is a nice change from my usual historical romances as it’s set in the Wild West and features no one from the aristocracy. Owen and Temperance are just ordinary people trying to find their way in life.