Julia Whelan Archives - BFF Book Blog

White background with pink polka dots. 2022 Besties. The BFF Book Blog logo with an open book and two hands cheers-ing wine glasses over the book.

#1 – The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

This book was so good that as soon as I finished it, I immediately hit play and started the audio again. It’s not only my #1 for this year, but it’s high on my favorite books of all time! Please read it. If you don’t love it like I did, don’t tell me, I want us to still be friends. ❤️

*Each of the images in this post link to Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small commission on items purchased through these links.

#2 – Book Lovers by Emily Henry

This is one of those books that reinforces EVERYTHING I love about Romance Books! It’s absolutely delicious and everything I LOVE about reading romance books. It should not be missed!

#3 – Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is a book that is so well written you almost forget it’s fiction and then you wish it would be true! I loved everything about this book and it confirms that Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong in my book!

#4 – Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend by Penny Reid

Clever, fresh, inventive and so well written. You’ll think about these characters long after the story is over! I love this book so much!

#5 – Space Series by Sara L Hudson

I devoured this series. It’s so much fun. Each story is better than the last. It’s fun and different and I loved each story more than the last. It’s full of smart women and the men who love them!

#6 – The STEM-inist Novellas by Ali Hazelwood

Another group of super smart female friends and the guys who love them! Ali Hazelwood is one of the best new voices in Romance and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!

#7 – Last on the List by Amy Daws

Amy Daws has come into her own. Everything she writes is better than the last and I am here for it all! I can’t wait for the mountain-man brothers who will start in the spin off of this story. The entire series is must-read!

#8 – Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

Such a fun story that celebrates audio books and the narrators who create them. I adored this book and the characters. It should definitely make your TBR if you haven’t read it yet!

#9 – Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

What should have seemed like a boring and played storyline felt new and fresh. I really really loved these characters both main and secondary. I was sad when this book was over and I’ll look for more from this author.

#10 – Scandalized by Ivy Owens

Another story line that could have felt rehearsed and tired, but wasn’t! This book was fun and tugged on the heartstrings from start to finish! I loved it.

#11 – Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker

#12 – Homecoming King by Penny Reid

This is quintessential Penny Reid. Fun and heartfelt. It’s perfect for the fall/winter and I can’t wait to read Drama King!

#13 – Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

This book is full of Christmas Spirit! It is so clever and inventive. I loved this premise and these characters, I have thought about this book all through the holiday season.

All in all, 2022 has been an incredible year full of GREAT books! I could have added even more to this bestie list. If 2023 has half as many wonderful books, I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

I wish you all the very Happiest New Year and I hope 2023 brings love, health, prosperity, all of the happiness and great books!

Wow, 2018 was a wild year! It was a year of personal challenges that presented some challenges to my reading schedule. But, in the end I persevered (lol) and it was another stellar year for this book lover! 😅 Thank goodness for audiobooks to help feed my passion for Romance books when I don’t have the time to read! Some of the following books have been reviewed on the blog and some of the reviews are still to come. Without further ado, I present my list of 2018 Besties!

#1 – Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson

Stunning, emotional, fulfilling story set in Nebraska! I love this story and these characters!

#2 – The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

This is the book that I gushed about on All About Books on NET Radio! Just a fantastic, wonderful, emotional, moving story! Definitely check this out!

#3 – Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

This is hands-down the BEST audiobook that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to! The story is phenomenal, but it is made so much better by the incredible narration of Grace Grant and Richard Armitage. This will make anyone an audio lover!

#4 – The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Sweet and stunning. The most unique characters I’ve read in a long time. Heartfelt and hopeful!

#5 – My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Julia Whelan has long been one of my favorite narrators. But, hearing her narrate her own story and characters was one of my favorite book experiences of the year. This book is exceptional!

#6 – The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

This book was as much of a group experience as you can get with a book. It’s fresh and lovely and slightly taboo. I enjoyed the book and am obsessed with Robinne Lee’s narration, but more than anything I have loved talking about this book with other #HayeSolNuts and developing an obsession with Harry Styles!

#7 – Royally Yours by Emma Chase

This is the prequel that I didn’t even know I wanted! I adore this series and this is one of my most favorite stories in this series. It’s historical with a modern feel and characters that are absolute perfection!

#8 – Banking the Billionaire by Max Monroe (The Year of Max Monroe)

2018 is the year I devoured everything written by the hilarious duo. But with all of the great stories to choose from, I have to pick Banking the Billionaire (#2 in the Bad Boy Billionaire series) because Thatcher Kelly is my most favorite hero ever written. Period. He does it for me. He’s sweet, kind, caring, independent and co-dependent, confident, crazy in love with his heroine, but not so much that he’s willing to sacrifice who he is! He’s AMAZING! I’ve listened to this audio twice this year!!!

#9 – Tinfoil Heart by Daisy Prescott

I’m a believer! How about you? This is another complete unique story unlike anything else you’ve read. And, it’s thoroughly enjoyable! This is an absolute gem!

#10 – Steadfast by Sarina Bowen (The Year of Sarina Bowen)

Another “Year of” Author! It started with the amazing Bittersweet and I’ve devoured all of the books in the True North Series, the Brooklyn Bruisers Series and Him/Us, I have a few more on my list to enjoy. Everything she writes is fantastic! Steadfast has stuck with me more than any of the others. Jude broke my heart and mended it back together!

AND Now the Next Besties

I can’t just leave it at 10, so here’s 8 more stellar books to make it an even 18 for 2018!

Hate Note – Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

https://amzn.to/2Vj5mIv

The Art of Us – Hilaria Alexander

https://amzn.to/2CI4nup

Change of Hart – ME Carter

(Also the Year of ME Carter! I had a hard time deciding between this and Groupie! But love me some Jason Hart!)

https://amzn.to/2BM5xDi

Clover Chapel – Devney Perry

https://amzn.to/2VjuRcP

Switch Stance – M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston

https://amzn.to/2Rqqqh4

I Don’t – Andrea Johnston

https://amzn.to/2Amk8pd

Pucked Love – Helena Hunting

https://amzn.to/2RtRa06

Burn for You – J.T. Geissinger

https://amzn.to/2LMHo4h

What a great year and I’m sure that there will be many more great reads to come in 2019! I thank you all for following the blog and sharing your favorite reads with me all year long! Books really do make friends, BFF’s!