Sandy M’s Best of 2008
Sunday, January 11, 2009 11:58
I liked C2′s idea of a Best of 2008 list. Then Liv got into the action, so thought I’d give it a try too. (Of course, mine are the best of the bunch.) I was never one to keep track of my reads, and 2008 was the first time I’ve done that; therefore, this list, though difficult to choose just a few in the long run, was easy for me since I didn’t have to rely on a twelve-month memory.
So here’s my Best of 2008, in no particular order.
Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Contemporary Romance Audiobook released by Brilliance Audio 25 Mar 08
Actually, I drooled over Hardy Cates while listening to him with the audiobook of Blue-Eyed Devil. My first foray (including Sugar Daddy) into Kleypas books and I loved every darned minute of it!
Weddings Can Be Murder by Christie Craig
Contemporary Romance released by Love Spell 27 May 08
I never thought I would fall in love with a hero who’s a sympathy puker. Don’t wrinkle your nose! Read the book, it’s hilarious! Christie Craig is making a huge name for herself and her wonderful humor.
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Love Spell 26 Aug 08
A breath of fresh air with a new take on the English social castes. Fun, intriguing, and very romantic. And loads of magic along with shapeshifting, both of which give readers a different look at old favorites.
Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance released by Brava 1 Jun 08
Really, you can interchange any one of the three Sexy books in here. Just love those Sky High Men! Ms. Shalvis has a way with humor, romance, mystery, and fun.
Killer Charms by Marianne Stillings
Contemporary Romance released by Avon 26 Aug 08
I enjoyed all three books about the Darling family, but it’s the hero of this one that gave it top honors for me in 2008. I’ll definitely be reading more of Ms. Stillings.
King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, Book 3) by C.L. Wilson
Paranormal Fantasy Romance released by Leisure Books 30 Sep 08
With just one more book to go, this series is now my favorite of all time. Ms. Wilson has created a world that is just absolutely fantastic and she’s giving us a love story like no other.
Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
Release by Berkley 2 Sep 08
I’ve loved every book in this series. They’re all incredible. But Dorian has always been my favorite from the very first book and I’d anticipated his story for so long. Ms. Singh did not disappoint!
Scandalous by Night by Barbara Pierce
Historical Romance released by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 29 Jul 08
Barbara Pierce has become an all-time favorite historical author for me. This book she gave readers a darker side of her writing and Everod is her best hero yet.
With Every Breath by Lynn Kurland
Time Travel Romance released by Jove 27 May 08
Beautiful writing, sweeping Scottish vistas, love and romance that crosses time boundaries, and characters you’ll love forever. What’s not to love?
The Missing by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Berkley Trade 4 Nov 08
As I said in my review of this book, Ms. Walker has outdone herself with this one. Absolutely mesmerizing. If you haven’t read it, you should. You’re missing out, big time.
Honorable mentions:
Ask Adam by Jess Dee
Contemporary Romance released by Samhain 29 Jul 08
Ms. Dee is a first-time author for me and I enjoyed her writing and storytelling immensely. I have a feeling she’s really going to go places!
The Hot Line by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary Romance released by NAL 4 Mar 08
Another first-time author for me. Had to love the idea of the Hot Line, firefighters just waiting to help a lady out. And those boys know what they’re doing!
cathryn fox says:
January 11th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Sandy, wow!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the Hotline and thrilled that it made your best of list for 2008!!
Liviania says:
January 11th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Nah, mine are still the best. (No matter what you and C2 think!)
c2 says:
January 11th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Yes, your list is very nice (we have some of the same books, after all)…but mine is still the bestest!
*ignoring Liv*
Sybil says:
January 11th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
did no one put seduce me at sunrise?
for shame
Sandy M says:
January 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Nah, mine’s the best since I only had one book that duplicated any others. All original!
I would have probably included Seduce Me at Sunrise if I’d read it last year. Sorry to say I didn’t get to it! You keep me too busy, Syb.
Sybil says:
January 11th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
poor over worked sandy
Liviania says:
January 11th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
See, mine’s the best because I didn’t even have one book that duplicated ya’ll’s!
Like Sandy, I have yet to read Seduce Me at Sunrise. Maybe we can do a “Best of 2008 that we didn’t get to read until 2009″ list.
Pam P says:
January 11th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Blue-Eyed Devil and King of Sword and Sky made mine for 2008, Sandy. Kurland’s an Honorable Mention, along with Seduce Me at Sunrise (Goodmand and Carlyle and Sherry Thomas nudged a bit ahead for me), and both of Nalini’s 2008 releases.
It would be interesting to see if you all revise your lists somewhat after you get to those others you haven’t had a chance to read yet. I try to go on a reading spree this time every year to try and catch up with those still lingering in my TBR I think might make my best list.
Pam P says:
January 11th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Oh, btw, where’s sybil’s list?
Barbara Pierce says:
January 12th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I’m thrilled Scandalous made your Best of 2008 list, Sandy! Thanks:D
c2 says:
January 12th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Well, I read Seduce Me at Sunrise last year and it was very good but it didn’t jump to the top of my list for some reason. Hmm. I’m revamping my rating system this year, though.
Sandy M says:
January 12th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
You’re welcome, Cathryn and Barbara. Thank you for giving us wonderful stories!