The Best of 2019 – Alex’s List
It’s always difficult to put together a ‘Best of’ list, and as usual I’m sure I forgot a few. But after much thought, here are the books which stood out for me this year.
Beard With Me by Penny Reid
Wow. Ms. Reid has said that this book was originally intended to be a novella, but that it grew to become a full book. I can see why, as it’s such a compelling story! This is the prequel to Beard Necessities (also released in 2019) and tells the story of Scarlet and Billy, two highschoolers who each feel like outcasts for different reasons. There’s grit, there’s humor, and a story that sticks with you long after you’ve closed the book.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker
She’s done it again! Lucy Parker may not have a long backlist, but it’s a great one. This book is no exception, with chemistry that sizzles off the page. Actress Freddy Carlton falls for theater critic James Ford-Griffin amidst the dramas and secrets on set of The Austen Playbook.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
When her twin sister’s wedding results in a case of mass food poisoning, Olive Torres finds herself on a ‘honeymoon’ trip to Hawaii with the brother of the groom, Ethan Thomas. It’s an unusual start to this enemies-to-lovers romance, which had me laughing out loud while perched on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was next in the hilarious family drama.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews
This was hands down my favorite sci-fi/paranormal book of 2019. While it’s the fourth book in the Innkeeper series, Sweep of the Blade stands alone as the focus shifts to Maud, who has traveled to a vampire planet to see if she can make a home there for herself and her daughter. It’s part under-dog story and part adventure, in addition to the romance, all of which make for a great read.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is another author who has become a favorite in the past year or two. She has a talent for blending passionate romance with powerful insights into life and culture. Hook Shot is the story of Kenan and Lotus, a basketball player and a fashion designer, and their rocky road to love. I particularly liked how frankly she addressed the realities of divorce, as Kenan is coping with the end of his marriage and its effect on his daughter. Ryan packs a punch in this one.
Buy it at: Amazon
The Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas
This retelling of the Legend of Mulan was one of my few DIKs in 2019, and easily earned its spot on my Best Of list. Thomas has turned a classic tale into something wonderful and new here, combining rich historical detail and compelling characters in a story well worth remembering.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins
It’s not strictly romance, but I loved this book with its exploration of generational family ties and secrets. Emma London returns to her hometown to be with her ailing grandmother and give her daughter a break from some friend drama. Each character was as compelling as the next here, and I loved seeing where the book would go.
Buy it at Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes and Noble/Kobo
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
I’ve recently gotten into some non-fiction books in audiobook format on my commute, and Talking to Strangers was by far my favorite of 2019. Not only does Gladwell present interesting research and observations about the ways we interact with strangers – and the mistakes we make in understanding them – but his audiobook sounds more like a podcast than a book. He uses actual interview tapes, and plays a soundtrack throughout the work that ties the work together. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook, both because it is uniquely well done, and because many of Gladwell’s points have stuck with me and prompted discussion since listening to this.
Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Alexa Martin is my favorite new author, and I don’t know how I managed so long without her. This book has one of my favorite storylines, where an independent single mom reencounters her high school sweetheart and informs him they have a son together. Surprise! The characters are hilarious and heartwarming, and Martin’s experience as an NFL wife definitely shows.
Buy it at Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes and Noble/Kobo
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Thank you for an interesting list! Just finished the Alexa Martin and will put comments on AAR review. Have enjoyed the series and I really like how her heroines get support from the women in their lives. The guys are interesting and lovable, but her women are just the best.
I finished reading Malcolm Gladwell about 3 weeks ago and waiting for my turn at the library for Ballad of Mulan. I have been thinking of checking out Parker and Martin, your list will expedite that. Thank you for doing the best lists and making them so readily available. In the past, I always had to dig through the website.
A nice list. Thank you.
I’m reading some wild stuff on twitter about RWA. I need a sanity break.
Oh my gosh, I’ve been busy with holiday stuff and am just now seeing all of the posts about the RWA! I’m taking a sanity break with family and friends, but I’m also just so fed up.
Nice picks! Liked everything here but the Higgins and the Lauren; The Parker and Magnolia Sword almost made my own list.
I too loved The Austen Playbook and want to reread it. It’s definitely one of my favorites of 2019. I reviewed Headliners recently for an arc and think it’s pretty wonderful too. I don’t know if I like it more or less than The Austen Playbook. I’m still pondering it. Lucy Parker is just about in a league of her own.
The Magnolia Sword is on my list to read! I’m still hoping to get to Sapphire Flames from the Hidden Legacy series, but once I catch up, it’s good to know that the Innkeeper series is strong.
I recently listened to Magnolia Sword. Emily Woo Zeller narrates, and she’s really good. I liked it so much, I bought and read the ebook directly after.
I’ve got Sweep of the Blade in the TBR, and hope to read that soon.
Magnolia Sword is on my upcoming list too. Just great.
I listened to it as well and thought the narration was fabulous.
I’m going to blow my trumpet here and tell you that Sherry Thomas contacted me to ask for suggestions about narrators, and chose the one I recommended :) :) :)
That’s awesome Caz!
I agree about The Austen Playbook, the first 15.5 chapters (the romcom ones) became my new favourite of hers over Pretty Face. You would think I would be excited about Headliners in a month, but after the highly rated Mia Vincy #2 did absolutely nothing for me (DNF after 3 chapters due to dislike of Hero, heroine and story, and nowhere near the humour of #1 which would compensate).
I utterly adored the first half of Sweep of the Blade. With the overwhelming respect and trust they had for each other, it was precisely calibrated to appeal to me. The ending was not good. I wonder if they fixed that when editing the serial into a book.