My reading habits don’t follow a very regular course. I’ll spend an entire year reading nothing but Traditional Regencies only to spend the next six months devouring the entire Betty Neels backlist (all 134 of them, for my fellow jersey dress lovers). Then I’ll skip to sexy thrillers for a few months before losing myself in a sea of Pride and Prejudice retellings.
In other words, I tend to read the same way I watch Netflix: I binge.
Since it can be difficult to pick my favorites out of the so many different and varied rabbit holes I’ve plunged myself into recently, here are five that stand out as worth a second read.
- Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin: This one came into my world during my Pride and Prejudice retellings binge, and it didn’t disappoint. I particularly adored the hero, Khalid, whose deep and quiet admiration of Ayesha perfectly captured the feelings Darcy has for Elizabeth.
- Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat: My love for the Captive Prince series is so strong that I re-read these books every year. They’re twisted and sexy and intricately plotted in ways my mind can’t even fathom. This time I opted for the audiobooks, and I’m so glad I did. I find it very enlightening to listen to books that I already know inside and out; it brings an extra layer of understanding and makes me fall in love with the characters all over again.
- Damsel in Green by Betty Neels: This is my favorite out of the vast Betty Neels library. It checks all the Neels boxes (a self-effacing nurse heroine, a rich and reticent hero, old-fashioned British teas and meals) but has more depth than you’ll find in many of her works.
- My Friend the Professor by Lucilla Andrews: Once I finished my Neels kick, I naturally had to find another nurse-doctor author to binge. Lucilla Andrews was recommended to me, so I fell right into her backlist. In this one, I especially adored the, you guessed it, deep and quiet admiration the hero had for the heroine.
- House of Cads by Elizabeth Kingston: I first started reading Kingston’s medieval historicals, which are rich and decadent and delicious. Since I also love a good Regency romp, it was a no-brainer to pick this one up. If you love Georgette Heyer (and I do), then Kingston should be on your Definitely Read Next list.
Like I said, these are just a few examples of what I’ve been reading this year. There’s no telling where I’ll end up in 2020!
Forever Home #2
These adorable service puppies are matchmakers in the making. . .
Lila Vasquez might not be the "fun one" at Puppy Promise - the service puppy training school she runs with her sisters - but she can always be counted on to gets things done. So when her latest client shows an interest in princess gowns over power suits, Lila puts aside her scruples, straps on the glittery heels, and gets to work.
If only the adorable six-year-old's father wasn't such an appealing Prince Charming.
Ford's whole life revolves around his daughter. . . until he meets Lila. Smart, capable, and amazing at helping Emily gain confidence with her new service puppy at her side, Lila is everything he ever wanted - but she's way out of his league. Good thing Emily and her new pup are up to the matchmaking task. This Christmas, it's all hands (and paws) on deck!
Romance Contemporary | Holiday [Sourcebooks, On Sale: September 24, 2019, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781492671688 / ]
Lucy Gilmore is a contemporary romance author with a love of puppies, rainbows, and happily ever afters. She began her reading (and writing) career as an English literature major and ended as a die-hard fan of romance in all forms. When she's not rolling around with her two Akitas, she can be found hiking, biking, or with her nose buried in a book.
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