• Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Never Let Me Go by Elena Aitken

    He’s not looking for love, but she’s the sunshine to his grump and six months is a long time to deny his desire.

    Chase never fit in with his big tight-knit family. Always on the outside looking in, as soon as he could, he left small-town life—and his family—behind. Now, a clause in his father’s will has forced him home for Six. Long. Months. Sunshiny and oh-so-sexy, Annie is just the distraction that Chase needs until he can put his hometown in the rearview for good. The last thing he expects is to develop any actual feelings for her, or the young boy she’s raising, but the longer Chase stays in town, the more attached he becomes. All too soon, time is running out, the stakes are high, and Chase can’t decide what’s more dangerous. Leaving for good. Or staying.

    The author on her goal as a writer:

    “My number one goal has always been to be able to reach someone with my stories. It’s always my hope that someone can pick up my book and be totally immersed in the story that they don’t want to put it down. But it’s when I hear that my story touched them in someway or made them think, or even opened a dialogue with someone they care about, that I know I’ve achieved my goal.”

    Elena Aitken

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Next Mrs. Blackthorne by Joan Johnston

    Who will she be?

    A lavish summer wedding is being planned at Bitter Creek ranch. In one month, Clay Blackthorne will wed socialite Jocelyn Montrose. But when she hears stirrings of a corporate takeover by the family’s arch rival, North Grayhawk, Jocelyn covertly heads to North’s ranch to offer a valuable commodity—herself—if North will call off his plans. Striking a deal to spend the summer with the steely, seductive North, Jocelyn fails to see that her sacrifice to protect the man she loves may have dire consequences. Stunned by his fiancee’s rejection, Clay, a newly appointed federal judge, begins presiding over an incendiary terrorism trial, which brings him face to face with his first love, Libby Grayhawk. As tensions mount, forces beyond Clay’s control threaten the women most precious to him in the past and the present. And only in a daring act of sacrifice will he know which woman will become the next Mrs. Blackthorne. The author on why her Bitter Creek series is so popular:

    “The Bitter Creek series is about feuding families, the rich and powerful Blackthornes against the poor and struggling Creeds. I have written three historicals, and five modern-day novels in the Bitter Creek series, all involving the same families and their ancestors… I think people enjoy reading about the ongoing characters, how the feud got started, and what happens to the families next.”

    Joan Johnston

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Rising Storm by Edie James

    Homecomings can be deadly.

    When retired Delta Force operative Rollo MacKenzie returns home to become chief of police in tiny MacKenzie Cove, he has lots of expectations…none of them good. What he doesn’t expect is to find his first love targeted by a murderer willing to do anything to bury a twenty-year-old secret. After her husband’s sudden death, Alyssa Archer scrimped and saved to purchase the abandoned farmhouse on the prettiest hill in McKenzie Cove, but someone wants her off the land. If she won’t leave, she’ll die. Rollo MacKenzie might have stolen her heart years ago, but this time, their association is strictly business. No way she’s falling for the former football star. Not after all these years. With the Lord’s help, she’ll get out of this with both her life–and her heart–in one piece. But as Rollo and Alyssa fight to unmask those responsible for the vicious attacks, they discover a frightening truth. Not everything that’s buried is dead. A 5-star review:

    “This book is well-written, action-packed, and full of drama. I know you are going to love it… A terrifying journey as the mad man tries to keep his action twenty years ago a secret. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not destruction. Make Him Lord of your life and watch what he can do.”

    Author Glenda Parker– Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Special Agent Sophia by Mimi Barbour

    Sophia goes to Greece & rescues the governor’s twins, but can she save a young girl from dangerous traffickers?

    Sophia’s mane of silver hair gives her a look of a mystical warrior, a female not of this world. Some colleagues defend her, others are jealous… most fear her, yet everyone respects her abilities. An ace sharpshooter, she’s called on for the most difficult cases. Her uncanny ability to remain cool under duress makes her the perfect person to rescue the twins of the frantic Governor whose rejected husband intends to make her suffer. The fact that they are whisked to Greece also works in her favor since she’s spent most of her summers in Rhodes visiting family and can show up there without anyone becoming suspicious. Problems begin when a cocky hero hits on her in the marketplace. Why her? Sam Reagan promises his sister he’ll follow the FBI agent to the Greek island to ensure his niece & nephew will be safe. Understanding his mission has to be covert – his former brother-in-law will recognize him if he steps out of his undercover role – he uses an alias & follows the gorgeous agent who’s on the case. It’s understood he stays in the background… until he sees her. Then all bets are off. There’s no way he’ll leave her to deal with dangerous traffickers after she saves a teenager & whisks the poor girl away right under their noses. The author on why she likes to write suspense:

    “I became involved with a group of writers who decided to write a suspense collection full of short stories that were actually introductions to a full-length book… Man, I loved the whole idea of being the creator of so much conflict. It was mind-boggling, thrilling and huge fun. Again, the characters drove me and if you read the reviews for many of my suspense books, the readers mostly comment on one aspect – they couldn’t put the book down.”

    Mimi Barbour

     

     

  • Best Clean and Wholesome Romance,  Best Historical Romance Books

    The Pirate’s Desire by Jennette Green

    Seventeen-year-old Lady Lucinda wants her freedom back. But an orphaned young woman has no property rights in regency England; indeed, she has few rights at all. . .

    After Lucinda’s father is killed in action, he leaves her under the guardianship of a former pirate, the devastatingly handsome Captain Riel Montclair. Riel is a barbaric rogue, however, as he demonstrates the very first evening he arrives. Montclair clearly has a will of iron, which frustrates Lucinda beyond measure. Even more distressing, once Riel signs the legal papers with the solicitor, he will not only dictate her choice of a husband, but he’ll financially control her centuries old estate, Ravensbrook, too. Neither idea sits well with Lucinda, who has ruled her own life for the past two years. Is Montclair planning to plunder Ravensbrook for his own personal gain? Additionally, Lucinda overhears him telling his disreputable-looking first mate that if the British Navy becomes suspicious of his past, he will lose his ship. What dastardly secret is he hiding? How could her tender-hearted father have come to trust such a dangerous man? Lucinda must protect Ravensbrook, and her future, at all costs. But how far is she willing to go to get Riel out of her life, and ensure her freedom? A note from the author:

    “In the Pirate’s Desire, Riel does not believe he is worthy of love. By the end, does Lucy change his mind? … I love to write stories that show we are each worthy to be loved and cherished, just the way we are. “

    Jennette Green

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

    A summer by the lake offers refuge and romance for a single mom and a celebrity hero.

    Each summer, Kate Livingston returns to her family’s lakeside cottage, a place of simple living and happy times—a place where she now hopes her shy son can blossom. But her quiet life gets a bit more interesting with the arrival of an intriguing new neighbor, JD Harris. Although she is a confirmed single mother, Kate is soon drawn into the sweetness of a summer romance and discovers the passion of a lifetime. JD is hardly able to remember who he was before the media frenzy of becoming an overnight hero back in Washington, D.C . . . . until he escapes to this lovely, remote part of the Northwest. Now Kate Livingston and her son have rekindled the joy of small pleasures and peace . . . But how long will his blissful anonymity last before reality comes banging at his door? A review from Publisher’s weekly:

    “[An] appealing summer romance. . . . The characters’ intimate personal interactions are pure gold. Especially appealing are Wiggs’s evocations of timeless summer pleasures and her sweet yet complex depictions of Aaron’s healing at the hands of his new father figure and foster sister.”

    Publishers Weekly

     

     

  • Best Christian Romance Books

    Do Marry Your Billionaire Boss by Cami Checketts

    A reclusive billionaire. A feisty employee who unmasks celebrities. Can their unanticipated love survive amid secrets and deceit?

    Joshua Jewel, owner of Jewel Enterprises, has an enormous net worth, famous siblings, and a thriving business to boot. But he also has a problem. Someone has embezzled a million dollars from his company, and he has to investigate among his top, most trusted employees. He devises a unique plan to get to know his suspects up close and personal- a company cruise excursion. What he didn’t plan for is his top suspect, a gorgeous and brilliant young employee, to steal his heart completely. How can he trust her when she may be playing him for all he’s worth? Jade Jardine has been anxious to meet the elusive Joshua Jewel and see if the celebrity who hides his face from the world is incredible or insane. But when someone accuses her of embezzling money from Joshua’s company, her hopes for a fun and relaxing week disappear. Jade is more than surprised when her unbelievably attractive boss not only takes an interest in her, he seems to be genuinely falling for her. Joshua may be the man of her dreams, but how can she give her heart to him when he may not believe her intentions are true? As sparks begin to fly, Joshua and Jade’s trust are put to the test. Will Joshua turn out to be the hero Jade needs or a wealthy jerk who only cares about his bottom line? And will Jade even give him the chance to try? The author’s inspiration for parts of the novel:

    “This book was especially fun as I used my husband and I’s anniversary trip to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean cruise… as the setting. I was able to use a lot of the activities that we did as well. I’m terrified of heights and am trying hard to conquer that fear. When you read about Jade doing the climbing wall, know that is exactly how it happened for me. It was embarrassing!”

    Cami Checketts

     

     

  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Secret Obsession by Jill Sanders

    Fame, politics, and love collide in this captivating novel.

    Being the son of the famous Senator Rhodes thrust Blake into the limelight from a very young age. After surviving a kidnapping when he was eight years old, he knew that he wanted to follow his father into the political arena. But bumping into a beautiful starlet at a charity event turns his life upside down, all because of a stolen kiss. Robin is at the top of her career. So it’s only natural that she wants to enjoy her success. But with that success come the standard creeps and stalkers. After rumors of a relationship between her and a young congressmen go public, things take a much darker turn. A 5-star review:

    “Wow! Blake and Robin meet in Paris and the fireworks explode! Instant attraction! But someone isn’t happy about it! Follow the drama and suspense that surrounds their relationship. This is a must read by a fabulous author! Another hit in her Secret Series series!! Each one of these books are amazing, and you need to add them to your TBR list! Even better…..move them to the top of your list!”

    Penny Stone – Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Cowboy’s Texas Rose by E. Elizabeth Watson

    They’ve found exactly what they weren’t looking for…

    Archaeologist Rosalinda Morales is focused more on what’s in the soil and caves of the famed Legacy Ranch, rather than what’s on it—the sexy and charismatic cowboy heir. As a single mom to her special needs son, she knows what it’s like to struggle, so even though Toby Dixon has charm pulsing through his veins, she’s determined to resist.

    Despite trying to mend bridges, Toby Dixon’s brothers have no interest in coming home, so he’s taken the reins of his family’s historic cattle ranch. Having vowed to his dying mother to settle down, he’s still considering how to move the company forward when Dr. Morales, armed with a sense of humor, a keen intellect and love for adventure, arrives with her team of students. Suddenly Toby begins to see more possibilities for his family’s ancient land and his future.

    Toby can’t flirt his way into Rose’s life. He’ll need to up his game and earn the trust of the woman who isn’t just excavating his soil, but digging into his heart.

    The author’s inspiration for achaeologist characters:

    “Before I discovered my love of writing fiction, I had written a couple journal articles based on my archaeological research, and was pursuing degrees and a career in archaeology. I love archaeology, and studying the human past. I love history, too. I also love studying how history shapes the present.”

    E. Elizabeth Watson

     

     

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    It Had to be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret

    A sparkling romance about a spinster, a duke, and a fake engagement that blurs the lines between enemies and lovers…

    Verity Hartley always tells the truth. Well, mostly. However, when her snooty neighbor returns to their small hamlet to brag about having a grand Season, a plethora of ballgowns, and so many suitors that she cannot possibly decide which one to marry, Verity tells a lie. She claims to be betrothed. To a duke. Who happens to be her family’s sworn enemy. But what are the odds that he would ever learn of this one, little, harmless falsehood? Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is on the precipice of marrying an heiress to save his estate from financial ruin. At least, he was. Until he hears an unbelievable rumor that he is already betrothed. To the daughter of a liar, cheat, and swindler! Needing to protect his reputation, he hunts down the culprit. And when he finds the untamed beguiler, she has the audacity to ask him to lie for her. To pretend to be her fiancé! One week, that’s all Verity needs. Then Magnus can return to his life. But nothing is ever that simple. Sometimes it doesn’t take that long to fall in love, even with the enemy. The author inspiration for the series:

    “The family is led by parents who were part of a theater troop, and I guess it kind of goes back to the playwriting days where I wanted the mom and the dad to be really colorful characters. Then I started thinking about who their kids would be and just the Liars Club just sort of came to me. Then I thought, ‘Well I’m gonna name the kids after the virtues that the parents didn’t really possess.’”

    Vivienne Lorret