*Clicking on book cover brings you to the post with all the nominees
Favorite Cover Favorite Secondary Character
Favorite Scene Favorite Quote
Favorite Heroine and Hero
Favorite Couple Favorite Contemporary and Historical
Favorite Book of 2020
The following are my top ten contemporary and historical books I had the privilege of reading this year. (In no particular order)
Nominees:
1. Hannah and Nardi - Bliss by Judy Cuevas
In the musty dark of the attic, Hannah felt heartened at last. And so very impressed with the real Nardi de Saint Vallier. He might not be a prince, but he was heroic: a man ready to face his nemesis, all that had worn him down before. Better than the fancy trousers and pretty coats that had once impressed her, this man had a magnificent fortitude.
If you have been following along with The Romanices, this should come as no surprise. These two, just, what complete characters, faults, hopes, fears, strength, and love. I loved how they challenged, changed, and loved one another.
2. Phoebe and Deverell - Scandal and Miss Smith by Julia Byrne
3. Severine, William Doyle, and Adrian Hawkurst - Beauty Like the Night by Joanna Bourne
Hear me out on this one, I know these three aren't a romantic couple but romantic love isn't the only type of love out there. If you're a reader of the series, you'll have watched William fall in love himself and become a defacto father to Severine and Adrian, who is also Severine's brother-in-law. This familial relationship had a sweet satisfaction to it, we've seen these three go through the ringer and it just warms my heart that they have each other.
4. Elle and Rex - Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes
5. Liya and Jay - The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel
She quieted the restless sense of separation he’d felt all his life.
I loved these two, instead of insta-lust the author wrote instant awareness and what a burning delicious tingle up the spine these two gave off. The ending had Raven saying something to Jane that I thought was cruel but for 90% of the book, their chemistry was on point. I felt the heat between them and that also makes for an enjoyable reading experience.
7. Jules and Jake - Love Hard by Nalini Singh
Jake “Golden Boy” Esera and Juliet “Bad Influence” Nelisi? Nope. Nope. Triple extra nope.
I loved these two together, they had a great ease to how their characters flowed together and delicious heat to their tension. Jake supporting Jules but ultimately letting her make her own decisions, made the romance flourish in the story. I also liked how when they couldn't battle their sexual heat anymore, came to an agreement to scratch the itch once to get it out of their system, but didn't drag out when they realized there was deeper feelings involved. The teasing between them when Jules figured out that the "Golden Boy" wasn't a morning person and teased him about his grumpiness was so cute too.
8. Elle and Darcy - Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
“Just because it started out fake doesn’t mean it can’t become real, right?”
The opposites attract is clear right away but what I enjoyed about Elle and Darcy's connection was that with their initial and mutual physical attraction, with each meeting, it was clear how emotionally they were fitting into each other's grooves. Darcy has a tough exterior wall but with each date with Elle, it cracks and she lets her in more and more.
9. Samiah and Daniel - The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
A potent, electric charge sizzled in the air between them, a sensation so strong he felt it on his skin.
With two people who were mentally and professionally not wanting to get involved romantically, Samiah and Daniel couldn't deny their potent chemistry. I thought the author did a great job setting these two up and their initial physical attraction that deepened into a friendship and eventual romantic and sexual relationship. This couple was more soft together than sparking and if you read Graces Burrowes, I compared them to her usual couple's chemistry; they fit and click in a way that has them immediately together. Samiah and Daniel had a sweet friendship that built to a sexy romance and I had a great time getting to read about it.
10. January and Gus - Beach Read by Emily Henry
“I lied,” he whispered against my ear. “I have read your books.”
This couple's past relationship in college and how they misread each other's thoughts and feelings was a perfect bridge to January learning to look into the shadows and Gus discovering that he can bring light to the dark. I enjoyed their wit and snark that had such an ease to it; they weren't “on” for each other, it was just their chemistry. I did think at times their cutesy knee bumping while sitting felt a bit juvenile but overall I liked their friendship and that had me believing in their love. These two sparked and burned.
Winner:
Elle loved herself, but what a feeling it must be, being loved by someone else exactly as you are, quirks and warts and all.
This was obviously a battle with Hannah and Nardi. Maybe it's the current times but I sunk into how "normal" (not high drama/angst) these two were with their dysfunctions. I thought the author did a great job showing and taking us on the journey of their relationship developing and making me feel all those emotions, fear, hope, and attraction. There was a deepness and a lightness to Elle and Darcy that still brings a smile to my face when I think of them.
2018 Winner
What couple was your favorite from 2020?
And finally, next time, Favorite Contemporary, Historical, and Book of 2020...
