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!

#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!

#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]

#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.

#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!

#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.

#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!

#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!

#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]

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

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!

All About Books Featuring BFF Book Blog

All About Books on Nebraska Public Media features a really fun interview with BFF K! In this interview, BFF K visits with host, Pat Leach, about some of her recent best reads. They chat about The Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez, what makes Romance fresh and different, reading through the pandemic, the joy of audiobooks. BFF K also sings the praises of the Romance Genre and why #SmartGirlsReadRomance.

All About Books Host Pat Leach with BFF K from BFF Book Blog

You can listen here or visit the All About Books webpage at Nebraska Public Media!

Check out BFF K’s review of the Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez.

As summer wraps up, I hope you’re finding some amazing reads!

Let’s Get Real – 2021 BFF Book Blog Update

Let’s Get Real

Hello friends! I’ve missed you!

via GIPHY

I feel a little like Steve from Blues Clues reintroducing myself to you after a long absence. It’s only been about 7 months and not 19 years, but it still feels like I owe you an explanation. And honestly, the explanation is really really simple. In fact, I can sum it up in one word: LIFE!

Like so many people, I’ve had a wild 18 months: living through a pandemic, job change, health stuff, a new pandemic puppy and the busy day to day of being a wife, mom, daughter, co-worker, friend – all of the labels that we each carry. It has seemed really heavy. Let’s just acknowledge that it’s been a lot.

And, it’s impacted my life as a reader and blogger as well. Like so many others, I’ve found it so challenging to continue or engage in many of my favorite past-times. And reading has been that way. Sometimes life makes it hard to concentrate long enough to get into or through a book, even some of my favorites. The bad news is that this blog has been a casualty. My posts have been few and far between and my outreach to engage with my fellow readers has been seldom at best.

But, it’s not all bad news, there are some bright spots. I’m still reading, I’m just not actively reviewing as many books. And, I might not be reading on my Kindle or carrying a paperback. But, I am loving audiobooks. Reading has continued to be a bright spot and a salve for my soul. I have read predominantly Rom Coms and light romance. Books continue to be both an escape and a way to “live a thousand lives” instead of just one. Reading is still my most favorite escape and defines me as a human. I feel so lucky to have that beacon to guide me through the dark and confusing times and give me so much hope for the future.

via GIPHY

All of that to say that I’ve missed you! I would like to say that I’ll be back more often in the coming weeks. But let’s be honest, I don’t want to make any promises. I will do my best and that’s all any of us can do. Take care of yourselves and always remember Smart Girls Read Romance!

PS – Tell me about your reading journey over the past 18 months? What’s your experience been? And, as always, if you’ve read something really great, let me add it to my TBR!

PSS – I always rate my recent reads on Goodreads and keep my TBR up to date, so you can have an idea of what I’m reading even if I’m not posting about it! ❤️

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

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!

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

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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

Welcome Guest Blogger – MJ West

Hello BFF’s!

A few things are changing at BFF Book Blog. BFF A is stepping back from the blog. Though she’s still our #1 fan, she won’t be reading and reviewing regularly.

BFF K is pursuing a fun new romance book adventure. You’ll see more about this in the coming weeks….Any audiobook fans follow the blog? (hint hint) But, I’ll be posting fewer reviews and promos than usual.

So, today we’re pleased to introduce a new Book BFF to you. Please welcome our new guest blogger, MJ West! Her bio is below and soon she’ll be posting fun new reviews and book for you to check out.

We can’t wait for her reviews and fun recommendations. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and let us know what your favorite books are these days!

Happy Reading!

Meet MJ West

A romantic at heart, MJ loves a happy ending, probably dating back to seeing Cinderalla as a little girl, or her young teens, when she was obsessed with Sweet Valley High books, soap operas, and her favorite movies, Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman. So she’s a natural for escaping in the pages of romance novels and is so excited to share her favorite finds with you!

Her own happily ever after is with her college sweetheart, Monty, who has been by her side for 20+ years. Knowing first hand that “It’s Complicated” describes any real-life romance, some of her favorite books are angsty and drama-filled with dynamic characters. But, a good HEA epilogue is always her favorite part, and she can’t always keep from reading the end first, but she tries!

As Mom to two active tween girls, she is becoming ever-less cool and battling her fair share of eye-rolls. She finds herself on her toes to keep up, as they grow into young women faster than she can believe! Wanting them to be happy, strong, independent girls, she also loves smart, feisty heroines that hold their own!

Her busy, stressful worklife in a fast-paced IT consulting company means MJ is always ready for a break! When she gets one, you’ll find her soaking up the sun by the pool with a cool drink, or snuggled up by the fire with a coffee, depending on the season, turning pages of the latest romance novel on her Kindle. She tries to embrace exercise, for her own good, and audio books are a saving grace to get her through her workouts!

MJ also loves shopping, fashion, movies, live music, cooking, writing and arts and crafts. It’s hard to find time for it all, but she always takes time for her latest book boyfriend, even if she has to stay up late to get some time with him…

2016 Besties

This is always 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 2016. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and enter our 2016 Besties, Rafflecopter Giveaway!

BFF K’s 2016 Besties

I just couldn’t narrow the list any further, so I present the Top 16 in 2016!

#1 – Maybe In Another Life & One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Unique, smart, emotional, fantastic!

#2 – The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons

A wonderful end to one of my most favorite series of all time!

#3 – A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

Kandi Steiner blew me away, an absolute page-turner!

#4 – The Royals Series by Erin Watt

Paper Princess Broken Prince Twisted Palace

My guilty pleasure of 2016 – way crazy and crazy good!

#5 – Beard Science by Penny Reid

Anyone who can turn a quirky, odd-ball character named Cletus into a love interest deserves to be on this list!

#6 – The Year of Meghan March

In 2016, I read or listened to nearly every book that Meghan March has written and I LOVE them all! She is a go-to, always one-click author for me now. She writes great stories, steamy scenes, strong heroines and the best alpha males EVER! If you want to check out my reviews, just enter Meghan March in the search tab on the right side of this page.

#7 – Endurance by Georgia Cates

I loved this book so much, the entire Sin series too! In addition to Endurance, Georgia Cates also brought us the Lovibond Series in 2016!

#8 – Franco by Kim Holden

My final book boyfriend of 2016 and he was worth the wait!

#9 – Better Love by Daisy Prescott

This silver fox was everything! I LOVE this book and this entire series!

#10 – Whiskey & Honey by Andrea Johnston

#TeamBiper #TeamAndreaJohnston #SmartGirlsWriteRomance

#11 – First & Goal: Queen of the League by Laura Chapman

LOL-funny and one of my most fun reads of the year.

#12 – Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

I loved this world and these characters. Royally Matched is one of my most anticipated reads for 2017!

#13 – A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey

This book will make you want to travel to Italy and eat Gelato with Gianluca.

#14 – Moonshot & Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre

Moonshot introduced me to Alessandra Torre and her terrific writing style. And, I adored the audio for Hollywood Dirt. GREAT books!

#15 – Managed by Kristen Callihan

Witty dialogue and great characters, just an all ’round great read!

#16 – Reilly O’Brien & Co. Series by Jenna Sutton

I read every book in this series in 2016 and I can’t wait for more in 2017. Good stories and great characters!

BFF A’s 2016 Besties

#1 – It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

#2 – F*uck Love by Tarryn Fisher

#3 – So Much More by Kim Holden

#4 – Franco by Kim Holden

#5 – Cunning, Deception, Entrapment (Infidelity Series books 2, 3 and 4) by Aleatha Romig

#6 – Into the Light and Away from the Dark (The Light Series) by Aleatha Romig

#7 – The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

#8 – Whiskey and Honey by Andrea Johnston

#9 – Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

#10 – The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward

#11 – Too Late by Colleen Hoover

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 2016! We’re looking forward to all that’s in store for 2017!

2016 Besties Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway