AAR picks the very best of 2016
We thought we’d republish this–we’re about to release our top picks for 2017. Did you read any of these? Think we picked well? (originally published on January 4, 2017)
Each year we ask our staff to share the romance, the one romance, they read this year they’d pick as their favorite. This year, as in the past, they’ve picked a variety–there are contemporaries, historicals, paranormals and mysteries on our Best of 2016 list. Where we reviewed a book, we’ve linked to the review and, as usual, clicking on the book cover will take you to Amazon. Enjoy! And, in the comments, let us know what you’d pick!
Janet Boatman:
Penny Reid’s Beard Science is wonderfully weird, and my humble skills with adjectives will never be able to adequately describe exactly why it is such an amazing book. The story is original and kooky, and her characters are mesmerizingly different. I want to meet and study Ms. Reid like a science project to understand how her brain works, because she’s a creative genius. Banana Cake Queen Jennifer Sylvester takes on the indescribable, bearded Cletus Winston in rural Tennessee, and their journey is mind-bending fun. You’ll find yourself immediately re-reading parts, because you are delightfully baffled by what you just read. Beard Science is refreshing and original, and I thought about its characters and story long after I finished reading. I still find myself smiling like a loon when I think of this book, which might be the best way to explain why it is my Best of 2016.
Maggie Boyd:
There are several books that could have made my best of 2016 pick but this year I let relevance be the guide in choosing THE book. Let me explain. Most of the romances I read aren’t really relevant to what is happening in the world at the time they are published. They tend to be lovely books, with charming characters and terrific prose but they serve as a “vacation” from reality as opposed to making me question it. This year, Jill Sorenson’s Off the Rails was not only beautifully written, with fantastic characters and a heartfelt love story; but it was pertinent to what was and is happening in the world right now. The tale of Maria, a woman who was once an illegal alien in the States and who is currently living in her impoverished town in Mexico, and Ian, the DEA/ICE agent who loves her, does a terrific job of showcasing the nuances of a difficult situation. Capturing both the desperation of the people trying to sneak across the U.S. border and the danger represented by the fraction of them that are related to the drug trade, this romance combines gritty realism with real emotion to pack a heartfelt punch. I strongly recommend it.
Kristen Donnelly:
This year hasn’t been the greatest, as we all know. I’ve been tempted to put it in the freezer, in the spirit of Joey Tribbiani, more than once. Combined with a desperate need to have structure in my life and some reading-heavy work projects, I’ve read over 400 books this year, and picking my pick has been a daunting task. I thought about the various books I’ve pressed into people’s hands this year, declaring “you must read this” for one reason or another, and realized I recommended two more than any others, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and I Let You Go by Claire Mackintosh. Both are engrossing and beautifully crafted, both were debut authors and fresh voices in their genres, and I could easily pick either. If I’m pressed to pick one, however, I’m going to go with I Let You Go. A thriller in every sense of that term, the novel grabbed me from the first paragraph. It was actually released in the UK in 2015, where one of my best friends and fellow fiction-freak lives. She texted me when she read it, demanding I pick it up as soon as I could, and selling me on it by saying that she hadn’t stopped thinking about the characters since she read the page. When I did start reading it, I let her know and her response was that six months later, the book was still with her. After reading it, I could understand why. Enthralling doesn’t even cover it and, nearly nine months after I read it, the characters have stayed with me, too.
Shannon Dyer:
I’ve read so many great books this year, but Kelly Bowen’s Duke of My Heart has to be my favorite. The writing is excellent, the plot is a lot of fun, and the characters are incredibly relatable. I loved the heroine’s quick wit. At first, the hero is put off by her intelligence, but he eventually comes to see it as something positive rather than as a mark against her. They’re an incredible couple.
BJ Jansen:
Choosing one book to call my pick from a whole year’s reading is a tall order. However, as AAR also features our top tens from the year it takes the pressure off somewhat.
I chose Bitter Legacy by Dal Maclean as my book of the year for several reasons, the first being that this is a début novel. I know that a first book has to really shine to achieve recognition on any level, but this book was recommended by Harper Fox and Josh Lanyon, two best-selling authors who do not recommend lightly. I love their work and so I took a chance on Bitter Legacy. Not only was I pleasantly surprised but I just may have found another author to follow.
This is a superbly plotted crime novel where the romance is cleverly integrated rather than an obvious add-on. The romance and crime story have equal importance and are written with equal intensity. I could hardly put this book down I was hooked by the murder mystery and totally absorbed by the romance.
The writing is very good and very visual –
…her shocked grief dissolved her glossy career-blonde veneer like solvent on paint.
Additionally, this author knows the setting – London – very well, her confidence when describing routes, road names, types of architecture and transport adds a delightful authenticity to the plot and again supports her visual style of writing.
An excellent début and a wonderful, cosy winter’s night read.
Lee B:
Ms. Thomas’s newest series is about a female Sherlock Holmes and she begins with the first story, A Study in Scarlet Women. It’s very interesting to compare her story with the newest Sherlock Holmes tv series, but having watched that show, I am very impressed with how Ms. Thomas justifies her choice for an intriguing lead character.
Haley Kral:
My standout best for 2016 is The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I am a total sucker for the enemy-to-lovers trope and this book hit all my buttons. Thorne’s writing is quirky without being over the top or irritating, Josh and Lucy are charming and memorable, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I loved this book so much that I immediately recommended it to everyone I knew that might remotely like romance or women’s fiction or happiness or love or books. Then I couldn’t get it off my mind so I went back and read it a second time. I’m currently biding my time until I’ve forgotten it a tiny bit so I can read it again.
Caz Owens:
Picking a favourite book of 2016 has proved somewhat problematic, as there hasn’t been one real standout as there was last year (when I gave K.J. Charles’ A Seditious Affair my first – and only, so far – A+ grade). I’ve given a reasonable number of DIKs, this year; outright A grades to Katharine Ashe’s The Earl, Stella Riley’s Lords of Misrule and Lorraine Heath’s The Earl Takes All and A-s to (among others) Cat Sebastian’s début, The Soldier’s Scoundrel, K.C. Bateman’s début, To Steal a Heart, Sherry Thomas’ A Study in Scarlet Women, Laura Andersen’s The Virgin’s War and Rachel Grant’s Poison Evidence.
Any “best book” I pick today will almost certainly be a different one tomorrow, but today I’m going to plump for The Earl Takes All. Lorraine Heath took a really tricky premise – the widow falling for her dead husband’s twin brother – and made it work brilliantly. The chemistry between the central couple leaps off the page and the romance is very well developed, showing both of them growing together and as individuals. I loved the flawed, complex central characters and their struggles felt very realistic; complicated and messy but beautifully handled.
It’s an emotionally charged book, right from the start, and that’s something Ms. Heath does so incredibly well and which never fails to draw me in completely.
Maria Rose:
By the end of December I’ll have read 400 or so books this year, and narrowing that down to one favorite read is definitely a challenge! But the one story that stands out for me above the others is Until I’m Yours by Kennedy Ryan, the fourth book in The Bennett’s series. Until I’m Yours is the story of an ice princess, a socialite who, from an early age, learned that to show any emotion was to be thought of as weak. Sofie Baston is a supermodel who is under the thumb of her businessman father, a man who wants her to reel in a new investor with her looks. But her ‘mark’, philanthropist entrepreneur Trevor Bishop is able to see Sofie for who she really is. He sets about breaking through her barriers and knows right away that he’s interested in more than just a fling with her – he wants forever. What makes this story so wonderful is that there is no moment in time where Trevor’s intentions waver. When events from Sofie’s past come back to create a scandal, he never doubts her and stands by her side at every turn. The story is intense and emotionally charged with attractive yet flawed and relatable characters. It flows smoothly and the author has shown me repeatedly, in previous stories in the series and in this one that she can take difficult subject matter and treat it with sensitivity and care. At the same time, this story is a beautiful, sexy romance. It’s got a permanent place on my keeper shelf.
Keira Soleore:
I delighted in the gossipy tone of Belgravia by Julian Fellowes. Set in early Victorian times, the book is written with the soaring arc of a saga and the delicacy of shifting emotions. At its core are two intense love stories spanning two generations and class boundaries, and the women in this story, through their love for their men, shake up the 19th century aristocracy. The various story threads allowed me to appreciate the subtleties of class in society and how much of an impact it had on piddling day-to-day matters and grand dynastic changes; on life and death, on life’s choices and restrictions, on behavior and dress… oh, on everything of any import. I liked the book’s deep immersion in place and time. Fellowes has really excelled in highlighting the telling details and nuances that make the story set in the early Victorian period so believable. Women’s gowns, hair styles, house interiors, the London streets, the aristocratic titles, attitudes, thoughts, and so on are scrupulously spot-on and in exquisite detail. Belgravia is a rich, complex, engrossing story told very well.
Lynn Spencer:
My pick for 2016 is The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I’ve read plenty of books that I have enjoyed, but it has been quite a while since I have been so thoroughly charmed by anything I’ve read. This story made me laugh a lot, but it also struck a deeper chord with me that caused it to linger in my mind.
Emily Wittmann:
Heading into December, I found it difficult to decide whether The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, or The Soldier’s Scoundrel, by Cat Sebastian was my favorite book of 2016. I was sure nothing could top either book until I decided to read T. J. Klune’s Wolfsong, on a whim over Thanksgiving. To say that I liked it is an understatement. I loved it. Everything about it – the evolving relationship and romance between Ox and Joe, the shifter/paranormal elements, the dialogue, the love between family/pack, the conflict… Mr. Klune gets everything pitch perfect. I spent all my free moments over the next few days flipping around and re-reading my favorite parts. I never do that. Mr. Klune is particularly adept at dialogue; midway through the novel, Joe is courting Ox, and a visit with Ox’s mother is so awkward and hilarious, I laughed out loud. And then read it again. And again. Romantic, bittersweet, and wonderful, Wolfsong, is easily my favorite book of 2016.
Caroline Russomanno:
Finally, Jane Eyre gets the adaptation it deserves. This graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and faithful to the entire scope of Bronte’s huge original novel. Jane’s childhood isn’t rushed to make way for Rochester. Jane’s religiosity isn’t glossed over to “modernize” the story or emphasize the wrongness of St. John’s offer. BLANCHE INGRAM IS NOT BLONDE. Text from the novel is used to great effect. If you love Jane Eyre, this is a delightful new way to experience it, and I recommend it for first-time readers and English learners too.
Dabney Grinnan:
Honestly, I hate picking a single favorite. I love different books for different things. Mercy Brown’s Loud is How I Love You blew me away with its pitch perfect portrayal of the lives of musicians. Clare Mackintosh’s I Let You Go made me gasp out loud in the way only a truly great suspense novel can. Sally Thorne’s debut The Hating Game has the best couple–who wouldn’t want to hang out with Lucy and Joshua?–and is remarkably witty to boot. Marrying Winterborne by the redoubtable Lisa Kleypas and A Duchess in Name by Amanda Weaver are superb historical romances with passionate love affairs beautifully grounded in a long ago time. I love them all and recommend each without reservation.
But, I must pick one and I’m going with Megan Crane’s Edge of Obsession. The book, the first in Ms. Crane’s Edge series, has it all: terrific world building, complex leads who are wonderfully far more than they first seem, sex scenes to heat up even the most moribund pulse, and a deeply satisfying love story. I’ve read it more than once and, each time, I am again impressed by the casual ease with which Ms. Crane creates a post-apocalyptic world rife with alliances, competing mythologies, and very sexy Vikings. I can’t wait for the fourth (and final?) book in the series, Edge of Power, due out this March.
Sometime in January, we’ll be posting a round-up of all our choices and opening it up to readers so you can let us know what are YOUR Best of 2016 books. Keep an eye out for that in the next few weeks.
2016 was a good reading year for me, and a year later, I still find The Hating Game and Beard Science to be among my very favorite books. Also, I follow Sally Thorne on social media and her second book, 99 Percent Mine, is due out this October, and so that is very exciting.
Ooh, thanks for the Thorne heads-up. I’ve added it to my list.
I loved Bitter Legacy and Beard Science – read both based on recommendations here.
I loved OFF THE RAILS. Jill Sorenson is one of my favorite writers and OTR is one of her best books. The “prequel” (Ian and Maria are secondary characters in it), CAUGHT IN THE ACT, is also excellent. I’m hoping one day Sorenson will return to the OTR storyline and give us a novel featuring the veterinarian who is kidnapped and has to save the life of a drug kingpin.
Now I’m going to sound like an old curmudgeon, but-with all due respect for the many who loved it—I just did not get THE HATING GAME. To me, it seemed like a workplace romance written by someone who had never actually worked for a large company. I saw no evidence of the super-competent employees the hero & heroine were supposed to be, the way the hero & heroine interacted seemed to be on a high school level. When it comes to adults working or “otherwise” in the workplace, I’m sticking with Julie James.
Great to see this reposted, as I missed it the first time around.
I’ve just put Off the Rails on my wish list, and I’m trying to find a good reason why I shouldn’t just buy it right now. ;) I think the “must buy all the books” part will win.
Gently suggesting a change. The term illegal alien was popular for a lot of years, and it might even be the term used in the book, but it’s actually considered a pejorative. I know AAR does a lot to promote diversity, and basic respect for all human beings, so I just thought I’d (again, gently) point this out. The term I see used most often to refer to people who are in a country illegally is undocumented person, or undocumented immigrant.
That’s a good point. I don’t like to go back and change reviews, however. But I will try and ensure we use better terms moving forward.
This is such a great point. Thank you, Robin.
Hi Maria Rose, I tried Until I’m Yours on your recommendation and I absolutely LOVED it. Much better than The Hating Game for me. It is my first book from the author and I am now going off to glom the rest of the series. This book could be in my Top 5 of all time. I just want to thank you so much for this reco!
Hey, I just saw this (a year late! Better than never?) – I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Oh nblibgirl! I’m so pleased you loved Bitter Legacy it is such a treat to find a new author who really shines. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next! Happy Holidays.
Lots to consider here but OMG is Bitter Legacy fabulous! BJ, Harper Fox and Josh Lanyon recommend it? How could I not immediately pick it up? It’s everything BJ describes above and just . . . wow!
I absolutely adored Bitter Legacy and re-read it immediately. It was a real nail-biter, which is rare as I’ve usually worked out who-done-it well before the end , as well as a great romance with sympathetic characters. And I cried too, which is also rare.
Araminta – I’m so sorry I didn’t reply to your comment I missed it scrolling down the thread. You seem to have had the same reaction as I did. Isn’t wonderful to read a debut book by a new author and find it so good?!
Kelly Bowen has been one of the few historical authors I’ve added as an auto-read in recent years, all of the books in this series are solid to great – including the forthcoming BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DUKE, though I am super-irritated by the title which throws in a “Duke” for no reason other then it fits with the series and the publisher’s know that “duke” in the title sells. Irked me.
I LET YOU GO is also in my top ten this year. I’ve started to weary of the domestic thriller with a twist (there are only so many twists out there), but this one really hit all the right notes and the twist really was a twist. Loved.
Other tops in my lists: A PROMISE OF FIRE by Amanda Bouchet, BEHIND THE THRONE by K B Wagers, Darcie Wilde’s mystery debut, A USEFUL WOMAN, and in YA, THE DIABOLIC by S J Kincaid.
I am super-irritated by the title which throws in a “Duke” for no reason other then it fits with the series
Agreed, Jane. I just read and reviewed it and the title bears no relation to the story at all! Unless I suppose you squint and the hero is the “Devil” and Max is the “Duke” and they both have parts to play in the story…
I was intrigued to see the graphic novel of Jane Eyre here. I’ve been trying to talk my 12-year old niece to read it, but this might be the way to get her more interested! Loved That Hating Game and Beard Science, as they were probably my favorite 2016 romances this year.
I think the Jane Eyre would be a great read for a 12-year old. It isn’t dumbed down in plot or language but the illustrations make it less intimidating and very appealing. If you give it to her I’d love to hear what she thinks!
I’ll let you know. Last year She read Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel _The Complete Persepolis_ about a young Iranian girl growing up in Tehran during the regressive Islamic Revolution. It’s a book I adore and teach but I was really surprised my young niece wanted to read it. However, the art work drew her in and so there is definitely something about graphic novels that appeals to visual readers.
Caroline – My niece loved the graphic novel of Jane Eyre and read it in one sitting on Christmas day. It has inspired her to search out other Mango classics. Thanks for posting this!
I’m delighted to hear that! Thank you for letting me know!
Off the Rails, Edge of Obsession, and Belgravia are on my TBR list. So many great choices here.
Hope you love Belgravia as much as I did.
I didn’t like The Earl Takes All at all, unfortunately. ;( Because of the premise, I think it can be one of those books you either like or don’t like. I thought it was a mess. I also can’t get into the next book in that series, which got a good review here I think. Heath is really hit or miss for me.
I think I said in my review that it was going to be a Marmite book and that people would either love it or hate it. I could probably have chosen any of the books I listed as my Top book – but this one stood out because I’d been so eager to read it since finishing the previous one!
Thanks for getting my Jane Eyre pick in there even though it was late, Dabney. Just finished it a couple days ago and it was so great I wanted to share.
I also really loved The Hating Game. Another book that interfered with my ability to go to bed on time, which is one of my key criteria!
My full review of Wolfsong should go up sometime soon. IT’S AWESOME.
It’s up and it does look like an incredible book!
I hope you read it. I thought it was wonderful.
Including my pick, I only read three of these! Looks like I have some additions to my TBR. Very intrigued by Wolfsong, and Off the Rails and Beard Science have now rocketed to the top of the list. Dabney, I am usually averse to viking books as most of the ones I’ve read have been almost paranormal in their bent. If I’m paranormal-averse, but like dystopian stuff, do you think I’ll like Edge of Obsession??
I’ll put in my two cents worth and say that Edge of Obsession is not PNR at all. There’s no magic happening and no shifters or werewolves. Just a post apocalyptic future. I love this book and the whole series (though Dabney despised the hero in book 2 if I recall).
Thanks Maria – that’s so helpful. I’ll add it to my list for 2017 reads.
It’s not PRN at all and the Viking thing is kind of a fakeout in that it’s Vikings in the future. I didn’t like the second book much but the third worked for me and I think the world building and the collision between two surviving cultures has been set up beautifully.
Em you’ve convinced me to give Wolfsong a go my tbr list is getting even longer!
I wrote a full review & it should post on AAR soon – I hope! I loved it BJ. My 10 list this year is full of m/m – so many terrific books this year. I also had Bitter Legacy in there!
Just finished Pansies last night – I think it would have squeaked in too! GAH. So good. So romantic. So wonderful.
I loved Claire Mackintosh’s I Let You Go and Sally Thorne’s debut The Hating Game! Belgravia by Julian Fellowes is on my tbr pile…
Belgravia is an excellent book – and if you’re into audiobooks, the audio version, narrated by Juliet Stevenson, is superb.
I have heard Juliet Stevenson narrate other Regency era books and they’ve all been superb. I’m so glad they got her for Belgravia.
Great choices! The Hating Game and Beard Science are also in my top 10, and Edge of Obsession is definitely in my top 20!
I just downloaded Until I’m Yours!
oh, I hope you like it! It’s the 4th in the series, but I’m terrible about remembering details for earlier books and these are all written well as standalones. It’s one of the few books I’ve read (maybe the only one) where the hero is 100% there for the heroine the entire book. I guess you can call it a ‘hero in pursuit’ trope story.
Opening Edge of Obsession on my Kindle this evening!