The Best of 2016: Sara’s List
In 2016 I discovered several new authors as well as an appreciation for a few I’d almost dismissed. I looked for humor as well as great character moments in my top ten choices; however there were plenty of standout books that could have pushed this list to a top twenty.
The Mother Road
by Meghan Quinn
A humorous look at a woman making peace with her mother’s legacy and finding a deep love with the man she left behind. I laughed so much at this outrageous family road trip from hell.
Duke of My Heart by Kelly Bowen
A mature, confident business woman meet her match in a stubborn and intelligent Duke. I loved the complex dance of their courtship but was more impressed with a fully realized independent woman who doesn’t surrender that strength to get her happy ever after.
The Hunter by Kerrigan Byrne
No recent author does the dark and damaged Hero better than Kerrigan Byrne. Her deft hand makes you feel deep compassion for a cold-hearted assassin, and yet there is so much warmth in his emotional awakening.
Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
After all of the declarations of love in the first book, Him, the author team follows it with a good look at what comes next for a man coming to terms with his bisexuality. Partners deal with the stress of a relationship forced to remain in the closet and personal successes sometimes come at too high a cost.
To Lure a Proper Lady by Ashlyn Macnamara
Many of my top picks for the year introduced heroes outside of the standard Wealthy Peer/Gentleman mold. A cynical Bow Street Runner on the case for a Lady protecting her family had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, but the highlight was the layered portrayal of both main characters finding true love together.
Forevermore by Kristen Callihan – The Darkest London series was one of the best all-around Historical/Paranormal hybrids and this final installment was bittersweet to read. Ms. Callihan wraps up loose ends, gives each character a satisfying ending and lets her fans enjoy one last look at this paranormal world full of incredible things.
A Spring Deception by Jess Michaels – Another common man finding love among the upper classes, in this case with the added twist of a secret identity throw into the mix. Jess Michaels was a new to me author at the beginning of the year who quickly became an Auto-buy name by the end.
Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
Awkward comedic situations, lighthearted characters and a whole lot of joy abound in a story that embraces the idea that opposites attract. This book was just pure entertainment with no dark subtext or angst to get in the way of all the fun.
Unmasking Miss Appleby by Emily Larkin
When my fellow reviewer Caz recommends an author, I listen! The typical Woman-in-Pants historical trope is set on its ear by folding in magical elements to create situations that ask interesting questions on personal identity. Discovering this series was an unexpected treat.
Moonshadow by Thea Harrison –A book that revitalizes a popular series with new characters, new adventures and a surprising amount of heart. Ms. Harrison takes full advantage of her self-published platform to write the story that fans like me will appreciate while also opening the door for new readers to discover this intricate paranormal world.
I think I’ve read all of Tessa Dare’s books now, and Do You Want to Start a Scandal is absolutely one of the best. She just keeps getting better and better!
I haven’t read any of the books on this list, though I would like to read Byrne’s _The Hunter_. I’ve been wanting to read something by Byrne after reading lots of praise about her writing.
Her first, The Highwayman, is still my favorite, though I’ve enjoyed all her books. She has a new one coming out in February linked to the Victorian Rebels series – better catch up over the holidays!
Thanks! I own both books and definitely need to read one of them soon. Always looking for a new historical romance author!!
Such a great list! I too loved the Bowen. The Dare, the Byrne, and the Larkin are on my TBR list.
Wow. You and I read different books… which I love. On this list, I’ve read only the Dare. So many books. So little time.
I really enjoy the writing collaboration of Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. Though I enjoyed Him a little more than Us, I’m happy to see them being recognized! As well, Duke of My Heart, The Hunter and Do You Want to Start a Scandal are all on my to-read list.
Nice list, Sara. Not unexpectedly, I agree with many of your choices and quite a few of those authors are on my list, too. I preferred A Duke to Remember over Duke of My Heart, though – and I’m pleased to see the Emily Larkin here :)
The Hunter by Kerrigan Byrne was a big discovery for me in 2016. While most other readers seem to prefer The Highwayman I found the heroine, hero and the supporting characters in this one truly memorable and out of the ordinary. It would definitely make my best of 2016 list as well.
I really enjoyed Edmund. And Ms. Dare’s book as well as the one by Ms. Bowen.
I enjoyed Tessa Dare’s new release, included in this list. It’s probably my favorite in that series after A Week to Be Wicked. I could’ve done with less of the child character Edmund. That was a joke that kind of never ended in the book.