2023 Besties – Best Books of 2023

black background with gold polka dots 2023 in gold puffy balloons with the BFF Book Blog logo in the 0 spot. Book covers for the top 10 books are listed and then Besties is in the gold balloon letters at the bottom of the image.

 

It was a fantastic reading year, here are my Top 10 books for the year!

(As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

#1 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This is one of my most recommended books of the year. Everything about it is brilliant – premise, characters, plot, emotion. It is outstanding! (And the Apple+ TV Show is fantastic!)

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #1 and the cover of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

#2 – Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

This book was an out-of-nowhere-surprise! I received the book as part of a holiday book exchange from a stranger and devoured it! It’s brilliant, fun, funny, great banter, solid characters and social commentary. It’s a really enjoyable read!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #2 and the cover of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

 

#3 – Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

This was another surprise. I picked it up on a whim since I had seen everyone talking about it! Before I had finished, I owned it on audio (so I could hear the pronunciations), Kindle (so I could see how things were spelled) and hard cover (because I need it on my bookshelf.) And, I had pre-ordered all of the formats of Iron Flame. The worst part about this series is having to wait for each book to be released. But, I absolutely found this series to be worth the hype!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #3 with the cover of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

 

#4 – Smoke Series by Abbi Glines

This series was a highlight for my reading year. 10 books released this year and I read every single one of them. This series is not available on audio so I actually read each book and most in just two or three days. I loved every character and every story line. This series is steamy and highly implausible, but I’m here for all of it. These are incredible escapes from reality. They’re really some of my favorite reads of the year! [Series order: Smokeshow, Fireball, Smoke Bomb, Straight Fire, Firecracker, Whiskey Smoke, Smokin’ Hot, Burn, Scorched and Ashes]

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #4 with 3 bookcovers for the Smoke Series by Abbi Glines.

 

#5 – True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

Such a fun read. It’s witty and clever with a unique premise and great banter and steam. It reminded me how much I enjoy Christina Lauren’s writing. I’ve downloaded several of their more recent works because they’re just consistently enjoyable and well written. This great story is the perfect example of their talents.

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #5 and the cover of True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

#6 – Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez has become an absolute one-click, insta-buy for me. I don’t care what the synopsis is, I completely trust that she’s going to deliver a fantastic story. Her characters are real and flawed and endearing. There are little gems of truth and insight tucked in the pages and each story is emotional even bordering on inspirational. Yours Truly is an absolutely fantastic book!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #6 and the cover of Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez.

#7 – The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Every story Poston crafts is a mix of reality and whimsy. The Seven Year Slip is magical and heartwarming. The main characters are just delightfully real and flawed and so engaging. You’ll be rooting for their HEA! While I didn’t love this story quite as much as The Dead Romantics, this is still a terrific story well worth a read.

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #7 with the cover of The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston.

 

#8 – Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

I know I’m so so late to the blue alien party. But, I needed a pallet cleanser this year and picked this up on a whim. And, oh man, I get the appeal. This series is insane. It is SO steamy which is just not what you are expecting from a blue alien sci-fi tome. But, it is definitely something fun and different. I liked these stories so much that I finally broke down and got Kindle Unlimited so I can read the whole series! It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like it, you’re REALLY going to like it!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #8 with the cover of Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon.

 

#9 – Happy Place by Emily Henry

This book is just a delight. I love the cast of supporting characters. The main female character wasn’t my favorite, but the rest of the characters more than made up for it and the end is delightful. If you’ve read Henry’s prior work, this has her signature style and is a fantastic book!

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #9 and the cover of Happy Place by Emily Henry.

 

#10 – The Chestnut Springs Series by Elsie Silver

I had never read any books by Elsie Silver and she was recommended in a FB reader’s group. And once I read the first book, I was hooked. I love her writing style – similar to Melanie Harlow and Devney Perry. And the characters are so engaging. These stories are addictive and I fly through them. If you love good contemporary romances, these are a solid choice! And, the rodeo/rural feel of this series is like a warm hug. [Series includes Flawless, Heartless, Powerless, Reckless and Hopeless]

 

Black background with gold polka dots. 2023 Besties at top and bottom with the BFF Book Blog logo as the 0. Gold balloon letters and #10 and the covers of the first 3 books in the Chestnut Springs Series by Elsie Silver.

 

I read so many terrific books this year! While I didn’t post many reviews and was basically MIA from this platform, you can always find my recent reads by giving me a follow on Goodreads. AND, you’re always welcome to send me a Facebook Messenger through the Blog Facebook page if you’re in a slump or you are looking for something specific.

I hope you had as much reading success in 2023 and I’m wishing you all the very best books and more in 2024!

Cheers, BFF K. Signature with a pink wineglass

 

2022 Besties – Best Reads of 2022

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #1 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right corner.

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 HenryWhite background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #2 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right.

 

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #8 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right.

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #9 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #10 in bottom left. Book cover in bottom right.

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #11 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

 

#12 – Homecoming King by Penny Reid

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #12 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

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

White background with pink polkadots. BFF Book Blog logo in upper left corner. #13 in bottom right. Book cover in bottom left.

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!

 

 

 

2020 Besties

 

2020 has been a roller coaster of a reading year! I read some good books, I read some ok books, I started but didn’t finish a whole lotta books. (I’m glaring at you, Midnight Sun!) However, I think the success of my reading ventures had as much to do with my mood as with the books I started or finished. This year’s list looks a little different as it includes both nonfiction and my attempts to add more diverse voices to my library.

Through the ups and downs of 2020, I am so thankful for books and the escape that they provide from real life! And, I hope that 2021 brings us all amazing stories full of love and laughter! Without further adieu, I present the BFF Book Blog 2020 Besties!

 

#1 Untamed by Glennon Doyle

I originally borrowed this from the library. Then, I purchased the Audible copy and asked for a hardcover copy for Christmas. I’ve purchased and sent 3 copies as gifts through the holidays. This book has some incredible lessons and is presented with such honesty and heart. I loved this book and I think every woman should read it! (But, my Zoo loving heart has to say, I don’t really believe that running cheetahs are unhappy. But, I completely get the point she’s driving home about taming ourselves unnecessarily!)

 

#2 American Royals (And Majesty) by Katharine McGee

                              

I can not stop thinking about the premise of these books. It’s mind blowing. And, then the incredibly unique setting gives birth to this soap-operaesque drama and you won’t be able to put it down! I can’t recommend this series highly enough and I wish a. there were more books coming and b. this would become a Netflix series!

 

#3 Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire Cloverleigh Farm series. The books are heartfelt and emotional. They are full of terrific, gritty, relatable stories and characters who end up with with real life HEA’s. And, Unforgettable is the perfect example of that. I love a good baseball player hero (there are 3 in the Besties list this year) and I’m a sucker for a well written adoption story. This book hit me in all the feels and I’ve re-read parts of it over again. It is just a really solid book and I highly recommend not only Unforgettable, but the entire Cloverleigh Farm series!

 

#4 The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

This book is sweet and fun but wrapped in an unexpected layer of feels and emotion. It’s a rockstar romance, but really takes a different spin on the traditional storyline. It is just a great story and it will definitely leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your head!

 

#5 The Rivals by Vi Keeland

Enemies to Lovers at its very best! This is story is absolute frothy deliciousness! It’s steamy and the banter is top notch. It’s a fantastic escape that kept me up waaaaayyyyy too late and also made a 6 hour car ride fly by! This is one 2020 release that shouldn’t be missed!

 

#6 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

What a unexpected and joyous surprise this book was! It’s a magical fantasy that almost seems YA but tackles really complex themes of family, love, identity and belonging. It’s beautifully written and should absolutely be a must read!

 

#7 Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This book is the opposite of #6! Where House in the Cerulean Sea is sweet and calming, Unwind is vivid and disturbing. BUT, it’s still a really great story. A complete dystopian mind f&^@ this book will rock your world and make you think some very deep thoughts. It’s also the first book that my tween son has been remotely interested in discussing with me. That alone puts it on the list!

 

#8 His Royal Highness by R.S. Grey

This book is classic R.S. Grey. It’s light and fun, quick and witty and purely delightful! This book is not going to make you rethink life’s purpose, but it absolutely is going to give your brain a mini-vacation in a charming story. I loved pretty much everything about this story. This is the classic example of why I love to read lighthearted, feel good, romance! (When I checked tonight, this book was $3.99 with the audible add on for $1.99! Go get that right now!)

 

#9 Accidental Tryst by Nathasha Boyd

This is another light-hearted, feel good love story. It gives off rom-com, “chick flick” (though I hate that term) vibes. It is so well written and plays out like a romantic movie ala Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. Part of the reason that I love this book so much is that I can’t stop thinking about these awesome characters. It’s just a really enjoyable!

 

#10 Keeping Score by Alyssa Kale

This is Alyssa Kale’s debut novel, but you’d never know it! This story features another baseball player Hero who is absolutely fantastic. It’s just a really engrossing story that presents some standard tropes in whole new ways. I couldn’t put it down and it broke me out of a serious reading slump this year. If you’re struggling to get into a book, try picking this one up and giving it a try!

 

#11 The Ace and the Assistant by Jiffy Kate (And the Rookie and the Rockstar and Beef Cake!)

I read the Ace and the Assistant until I finished it at 3am this week. I haven’t done that in a long time and I loved every minute of it! This is such a fun series. The writing reminds me of Melanie Harlow, Sarina Bowen or Emma Chase. Everything I’ve read from this writing duo is really terrific and I’m adding more of their books to my TBR in the new year!

 

#12 Stone Princess by Devney Perry

This book is 3/6 in the Tin Gypsy’s series, but my favorite so far. I really liked the main characters and there is the hint of a love triangle without actually going there. It’s the famous-hero-falling-for-the-small-town-girl trope and I’m here for all of it! This whole series is really inventive and immersive. I have never been a huge fan of MC stories, but this series is the exception. Highly recommended!

 

Some other notable titles in 2020:

                             
I hope that you had some really wonderful reading escapes in 2020. And, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to post more in the new year! But don’t forget to follow me on Goodreads as I update that with all the books as I finish them! I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

Best wishes for peace, health and happiness in 2021!

 

2019 Besties

 

Before we get much further into 2020, I want to be sure to recognize the best of my read/listens from 2019! I think it’s important to note that nearly all of my BESTIES this year were audiobooks. Several were listen/read combos, but nearly all of them had an audiobook component. 2019 was a WILD year for me and my family and there just wasn’t enough time for reading. But, I’m so thankful that audiobooks allowed me to enjoy wonderful romances all year long.

Of course that means I’ve been HORRIBLE about writing reviews, but you can always see what I’ve been listening too/reading on Goodreads! With that, I present to you BFF K’s 2019 Besties!

 

#1 – Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This story is so exception, you almost forget it is a work of fiction. I laughed and I cried and I just wished it were real! I can’t wait to see it all come to life in an upcoming series produced by Reese Witherspoon on Amazon Prime!

#2 – The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

(Not released in 2019, but read/listened in 2019!) I was late to this party, but so relieved I didn’t miss out. The Hate U Give was my most personally recommended book of the year. I made tons of my friends read it and still can’t get over how incredible it was. Like both of the other books in the Besties Top 3 this year, I think THuG is better as an audio than a book. The narrator brought the book to life in a way that I would NEVER have been able to in my head! (On the Come Up is fantastic too!)

#3 – Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt

This book is LMAO funny! And it’s written by two of my favorites in the book world. Plus, Andi Arndt narrating her own words in the delightful Minnesotan accent is just perfection!

#4 – The Last Wingman by Daisy Prescott

There’s not much you can say about the end of a beloved series. But, Daisy Prescott did the Wingmen proud and delivered a wonderful conclusion for the Whidbey crew and I enjoyed every minute of it! And, I think she’s pretty much the bees knees! 🐝💛🖤

#5 – Smartypants Romance Launch #1

The idea of Smartypants Romance was so exciting, but I was almost overwhelmed by all of the different opportunities. I’m so grateful that I was able to attend the Smartypants Romance launch party at Book Bonanza 2019. Hearing the authors talk about their books and how each fit into Penny Reid’s world was amazing! I walked away learning about so many knew-to-me authors and getting so excited about all of the new stories. Launch #1 of Smartypants Romance was an absolute highlight of my book year! I can’t wait to read them all and then to read all of Launch #2 and beyond.

My favorites so far include: Stud Muffin by Jiffy Kate, Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott, Love in Due Time by L.B. Dunbar, My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon, Weight Expectations by M.E. Carter and Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen!

#6 – 44 Chapters About 4 Men by BB Easton

(Not released in 2019, but read/listened to in 2019!) I think the first thing to say is that I am just really really sorry that I waited so long to read this book. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to sit in a Rom-Com authors panel at 2019 Book Bonanza. BB Easton made me LOL and I immediately downloaded the audiobook for 44 Chapters and I’m so thankful. It is absolutely fantastic and everyone should read it!

#7 – Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This book is sweet and fun; it’s clever and interesting and a joy to read. It made me wish that it was a real life story. It’s political and royal and MM perfection – a MUST read!

#8 – Beard with Me by Penny Reid

This story broke my heart. It was beautiful and touching. The individual sacrifices of the hero and heroine were as inspiring as they were stupid. This set up Beard Necessities perfectly and because it was such a crucial part of the series, I’ve placed this story in my Besties!

#9 – The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Clever, romantic, unique and touching. Helen Hoang delivers another exceptionally unique and thought-provoking story wrapped inside a lovely romance!

#10 – Gypsy King by Devney Perry

Ahhh! An incredible start to a gritty new series. It ended with more questions than answers and made me breathless for the next book in the series. That’s exceptional!

 

I hope that everyone had an incredible reading year! Cheers to 2019 and bring on all the books in 2020!

2018 Besties

 

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
The Art of Us – Hilaria Alexander
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!)
Clover Chapel – Devney Perry
Switch Stance – M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston
I Don’t – Andrea Johnston
Pucked Love – Helena Hunting
Burn for You – J.T. Geissinger
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!

2017 Besties

 

What a year 2017 has been! It was an amazing year in my book life and my real life! I’m so grateful to all of the authors who filled my days (and lets be honest mostly my nights) with incredible stories and fabulous characters! And, I’m thankful to my book friends who share new authors, rave about great stories and talk with me about fictional people as though they were real. What an incredible community to be a part of, thank you for your love of books and authors and for following BFF Book Blog! Without further ado, I present my 2017 Besties…..

 

#1 Dating-ish by Penny Reid


Unique, thought-provoking, fun!

 

#2 Autoboyography by Christina Lauren


This should be required reading for all humans.

 

#3 Cake: A Love Story Series by J. Bengtsson

This is a fantastic series from a terrific new author!

 

#4 Royally Matched by Emma Chase

This story has everything I look for in a romance, it’s perfection!

 

#5 The Year of Amy Daws

In 2017, I read and/or listened to almost every book that Amy Daws has written and she rocketed to the top of my must-read author list! Her Harris Brothers series is Sports Romance Gold and her London Lovers series was a primer for my trip to London in March. I love following her on Facebook, she’s fun and funny and her books always deliver the heart and the humor that I love. Devouring her stories was a highlight to my 2017!

 

#6 Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward

This book was the whipped cream and cherry on top of the Bourbon Kings Sundae and it was the perfect way to finish my beloved series. I’m holding out hopes for the TV Series!

 

#7 The Difference Between Us by Rachel Higginson

I haven’t had a chance to write my reviews for this series yet, but I adored this book. It was sweet and funny, angsty and smart. The heroine experiences sexual harassment in the workplace and the timing of the story and current events was impeccable!

 

#8 Defiant Queen by Meghan March

The Mount Trilogy is absolutely stunning. It’s full of twists and turns and all kinds of awesomeness. Book #2, Defiant Queen was my favorite in the trilogy. It’s full of great settings, terrific characters and tons of action. This whole series is a must-read!

 

#9 Wild For You by Daisy Prescott

Daisy Prescott always delivers solid stories and engaging characters, but Wild For You is exceptional! It’s emotional and heart-warming! I think it’s one of 2017’s hidden gems!

 

#10 Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

This is one of my most recommended books in 2017! It’s fun and funny and a tiny bit tear-jerking!

 

That’s the Top 10, but it doesn’t feel quite complete, so I present the…..

2017 Besties Honorable Mention List

Buns by Alice Clayton

Champagne and Forever by Andrea Johnston

Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

King of Code by CD Reiss

The Contract by Melanie Moorland

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

The Player and The Catch by K Bromberg

Secondborn by Amy A. Bartol

Barreled Over by Jenna Sutton

Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson

________________________________________________

 

There have been lots of changes for the BFF Book Blog and I’m sure there will be more to come next year. Thank you for following the BFF Book Blog. Book Friends really are the Best Friends! I look forward to highlighting more amazing books in the coming year and here’s a sneak peak at what’s coming next year!

 

What I’m most looking forward to in 2018

The Matchmaker’s Playbook movie on PassionFlix (Rachel VanDyken cracks me up!)

More awesomeness from Meghan March

A new kind of story from Daisy Prescott

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin on the big screen

More sweet stories from Andrea Johnston

Fifty Shades Freed premiere in February

Book Number Four in the Cake Series by J Bengtsson

New books, new friends and new adventures

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

 

New Covers for An All-Time Favorite Series – Driven Series by K. Bromberg

Check out the NEW SEXY COVERS in the Driven Series

by K. Bromberg!

Now is your chance to meet Colton and Rylee!

Driven by Need. Fueled with Desire.

Driven (Book One)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1rC4zCS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TNF4Yp

iBooks: http://apple.co/1TwMFb3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/24BRtXN

B&N: http://bit.ly/1T5OyBl

From New York Times Best-Selling Author K. Bromberg comes an unforgettable series about lust, love, redemption, and healing…

Our paths should never have crossed.

Colton Donavan was arrogant, exuded that bad boy vibe, and embodied everything I never wanted. And yet all it took was one night, one hallway, and one stolen kiss for me to know I hated him and desired him instantly.

My heart was healing. His soul was damaged. But with one bid, one little boy, and one carnival date, I couldn’t walk away and he wouldn’t let me in.

This is our story. Our fight. Our perfectly imperfect love.

Fueled With Desire. Crashing Into Love.

Fueled (Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1NnN6If

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TNF7TP

iBooks: http://apple.co/1VOoDyp

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1WRvciE

B&N: http://bit.ly/1s3QgY5

 

What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn’t supposed to, and I sure as hell didn’t want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don’t think I’ll ever be the same. She’s seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she’s still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.

How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won’t let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there’s someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I’d never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I’ll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can’t be what she needs, so why can’t I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?

 

Crashing Into Love. Racing Toward Forever.

Crashed (Book Three)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ULkdaj

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TNFb6e

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Tvv9nh

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1q6rmVV

B&N: http://bit.ly/1TwNnVP

When life crashes down around us, how hard are we willing to fight for the one thing we can’t live without, each other?

Life is full of moments.

Big moments.

Little moments.

And none of them are inconsequential.

Every single moment prepares you for that one instance that defines your life. You must overcome all your fears, confront the demons that chase you, and cleanse the poison that clings to your soul or you risk the chance of losing everything.

Mine started the minute Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet. She made me feel. Made me whole when all I thought I could ever be was incomplete. Became the lifeline I never knew I needed. Hell yes, she’s worth the fight…but how do you fight for someone you know you don’t deserve?

Love is full of ups and downs.

Heart stopping highs.

Soul shattering lows.

And none of them are insignificant.

Love is a racecourse of unexpected twists and turns that must be negotiated. You have to break down walls, learn to trust, and heal from your past in order to win. But sometimes it’s the expected that’s the hardest to hold on to.

Colton has healed and completed me, stolen my heart, and made me realize our love’s not predictable nor perfect—it’s bent. And bent’s okay. But when outside factors put our relationship to the test, what lengths will I have to go to prove to him that he’s worth the fight?

Whoever said love is patient and love is kind, never met the two of us. We know our love is worth it—have acknowledged that we were meant to be—but when our pasts crash into our future, will the repercussions make us stronger or break us apart?

 

A chance encounter led to the most important race of his life…

Raced (Book Four)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OjAzQT

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/23y6Qe0

iBooks: http://apple.co/1SVjW3i

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1rEaCGB

B&N: http://bit.ly/1ZrLjTf

Colton Donavan lived life in the fast lane, but it took Rylee Thomas to teach him what racing was all about.

Arrogant

Rogue

Broken

Conceited

Dirty-Talking

Rebel

Egomaniacal

Voodooed

Bent

Reckless

 

You think you know me?

 

Think again.

 

*Raced is not a complete re-write of the Driven Trilogy. This companion explores pivotal scenes as well as some new ones written in Colton Donavan’s point of view that were not previously published in Driven, Fueled, and Crashed. Hear his thoughts, experience his inner-turmoil, and laugh with him on his journey as he overcomes his demons and accepts what it means to love.

 

This novella is for the devoted readers of the Driven series. It is recommended that this companion be read after Driven, Fueled, and Crashed.

 

Racing toward forever. Claiming his checkered flag.

Aced (Book Five)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TxChzY

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/23y79Wc

iBooks: http://apple.co/21J3m9a

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1q6rvZx

B&N: http://bit.ly/1SVm3UT

 

Rylee and Colton’s ride continues…

One moment. Six years ago.

The night she made the world around me so much more than just a blur. Now it’s the catalyst that threatens to tear us apart.

Our happily was supposed to be ever after. So why do I feel like it’s slipping through my fingers?

How can one moment, when our world seemed so right, resurface and cause our perfect life to spiral out of control?

I can’t lose her.

She’s my checkered flag.

 

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced (releasing 1/11/16)), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat (releasing 11/3/15), and a short story titled UnRaveled. She is currently working on new projects and a few surprises for her readers.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon

 

 

 

2015 Besties

IMG_0161

 

This may be one of the most challenging posts of the entire year! How to narrow down an entire year of great reads into just one post featuring the best of the besties? We’ll do our best (see what we did there?) to highlight our favorite reads from 2015. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and enter our 2015 Besties, Rafflecopter Giveaway!

BFF K’s 2015 Besties

#1 The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

Pure pleasure.

#2 Everything by Penny Reid

In 2015, I’ve read/listened to all but 1 book by Penny Reid and I absolutely LOVE them all! This could be considered my “Year of Penny” and it was fabulous. I’ve only reviewed a few of the books on the blog so far, but I hope to review all of them for you in the coming weeks and months.

#3 Bad Romeo & Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

Fantastic stories, great characters, I wish I could re-read both of these again for the first time!

#4 Darken the Stars and Iniquity by Amy A. Bartol

Epic conclusions for two of my all-time favorite series’!

#5 Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons

Magical royal romance!

#6 Chasing Fire Series by Ann Marie Walker and Amy K Rogers

Best steam since Fifty Shades. #HudsonChaser

#7 Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Hot and fun!

#8 The Hidden Library and The Forgotten Mountain by Heather Lyons

Terrific additions to this incredible series.

#9 Bright Side and Gus by Kim Holden

Love these books so much. The review for Gus will be coming soon.

#10 The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

Fun and flirty! The Allure of Julian Lefray was fantastic too!

BFF K Bonus Besties

These three books have stayed with me as much as any books I read all year! I find myself thinking about these characters all the time!

Life Rewritten by Andrea Johnston

Until I Met You by S.L. Scott

Some Sort of Happy by Melanie Harlow

 

 

BFF A’s 2015 Besties

#1 Marrow by Tarryn Fisher

#2 Bright Side and Gus by Kim Holden

#3 November 9 by Colleen Hoover

 

#4 You by Caroline Kepnes

#5 Never Never 1 & 2 by Tarryn Fisher and Colleen Hoover

#6 Confess by Colleen Hoover

#7 The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

#8 Betrayal by Aleatha Romig

#9 The Hidden Library and The Forgotten Mountain by Heather Lyons

#10 Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

BFF A Bonus Besties

The Girl on the Train by Paulette Hawkins

Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills

 

All of the images above are buy links for Amazon.com. And, you can click on many of the headings to find our reviews. We are so grateful to all of you for joining us on our incredible book journey in 2015! We’re looking forward to all that’s in store for 2016!

signoff_K_smsignoff_A_sm

 

 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s our 1st Blogiversary!

BFFBooks-1

One year! It’s been one whole year we’ve been doing this crazy blog thing. AND, it has been some of the most amazing fun we’ve ever had.

From BFF K

1-Year Blogiversary…..That’s CRAZY! One year ago today, the very first post was a review of the Matter of Fate series by Heather Lyons.

So, Ann and I really are BFF’s. We got this wild hair awhile back to start a book blog. We didn’t have any idea how or where or why or when we could/would/should make it work. We knew we loved books. We get a kick out of sharing good books with others. And, we’re always looking for more chances to spend time together. We did a little bit of dreaming and the BFF Book Blog was born.

When Ann and I started this little blog adventure, in a lot of ways we “shielded our true identities.” We had no idea what in the world to expect. We didn’t know if we would enjoy blogging. We weren’t sure if anyone would follow us or care about our recommendations. We didn’t know if we would be able to find or make the time for the care and feeding of our little project. As the year has gone on and we’ve gotten more comfortable, we’ve gradually shared a little more of ourselves.

For better or worse, over the next few weeks and into the future, you’ll be seeing more of us, literally and figuratively. We’ll be revealing more about ourselves in addition to the books and bits.

I want you to know that it is an absolute thrill to run the BFF Book Blog! I have fangirled and squeeled more times than you can imagine. I’ve gotten a chance to meet and interact with readers and authors from around the world. Every time someone likes a Facebook status, retweets, comments on the blog, sends a note about loving a book we’ve recommended or honestly, interacts in any way I get a jolt of excitement, surprise and elation.

One year later, here are some numbers that blow me away:

1 – Blog

2 – BFFs

17 – Pinterest Boards

81 – Instagram Followers

100’s – GREAT Books Read

158 – Blog Posts

271 – Twitter Followers

2775 – Facebook Likes

Countless – laughs, memories, new friends

I’m grateful to everyone who has made this year so much fun and really made the BFF Book Blog one of my most truly happy places! Tonight, I will track down Ann, we’ll open a bottle of bubbly and toast in your honor.

signoff_K_sm

From BFF A

Seriously, it’s already been one year? So. Much. Has. Happened this year, it’s hard for me to wrap my brain around the timeline. All I know is Kiersten and I (okay, really Kiersten) had this crazy idea to start a blog because we love, love, love talking about books, recommending great reads, and wanted to share the passion with others.  What we have found is a fabulous community of readers, authors, and bloggers.  Put all of us together and we’re like a gang that no one else really understands.  I have learned a lot this year, expanded my reading options, and can’t wait for more.  I’m hoping this coming year to do more…more reading, more blogging, more falling in love with the reading community, because it really is freaking awesome.

Today we’ll celebrate what a wild ride the past year has been and anticipate what’s coming next.  Thanks for helping us get started, thanks for following, for reading and for becoming our BFF’s through our joined love of books, authors, characters, and reading.

signoff_A_sm

AND – Keep your eye on our social media accounts. In addition to a FLASH Giveaway today on Facebook, we’re planning for some MAJOR giveaways the week of June 22-26. We’re talking, books, signed books, wine koozies AND a KINDLE Paperwhite!!!! Exciting stuff!