Another great year for reading as I explored even more genres and new authors. This list of twelve represents my best choices of the many I enjoyed. They weren’t all published in 2022 but read this year. I hope you’ll consider adding and enjoy them at least as much as I did.
1. The Appeal by Janice Hallett
If you like the epistolary format of storytelling you’ll love this as its best in class.
2. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
While I came late to the CoHo party, I’m now a die-hard fan. This one is classic Hoover with every emotion covered.
3. Take Me Higher by Pamela Clare
It’s not often I’m completely blown away by a story but this was one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read.
4. Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
The heroine’s journey following her unwanted divorce was an emotional smorgasbord. Higgins strikes again!
5. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
I was worried this wouldn’t live up to the hype but it more than did. It was a wonderful surprise.
6. Cold as Ice by Allison Brennan
I dreaded getting to this book for good reason and it was every bit as harrowing as I imagined. Of course, I couldn’t stop listening.
7. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
Why did I wait so long to read this?!?! My book club selected it and it was a hit, especially on audio. That ending…
8. Desperation in Death by J. D. Robb
You’d think that after more than 50 books in a series (this is #55) the stories would become stale. Not hardly with this one. It’s a horrific view of human trafficking in the future. Utterly chilling.
9. Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby
One of the more complex stories I read last year, this had me conflicted on so many levels. It’s a masterpiece.
10. Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
I’m not a big fan of time shifts but this was different. It’s clever and unique, something I could listen to again.
11. Six Graves by Angela Marsons
This story haunted me long after I finished, the most nerve wracking story in the series. It was outstanding.
12. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Hard to admit that I only chose this book to read because it was hyped by a lot of my friends. But! This time I’m glad I succumbed to the hype because it’s special.
Blue Mood Café 
Great list! I’ll check some of these out!
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Thanks, Amy💜
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Yes, def Remarkably Bright Creatures,
and the JD Robb.
Hereare mine
1 Masters in this Hall by KJ Charles.
2 Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice
3 The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal
4 Phantom Game by Christine Feehan
5 Overboard by Sara Paretsky
6 Dead in the Water by Julie Ann Walker. A great end to the series
7 Reede’s Mission to the Sectors by Veronica Scott
8 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
9 Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
10 The Real Baxter by Lane Hayes
11. Leopard’s Scar by Christine Feehan
12 Emperor by Anna Hackett
Plus special mentions to The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells and The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. Both of which I was working my way through last year. Plus The Beresford by Will Carver.
Gill
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Thanks for sharing your list, Gill💜 Killers of a Certain Age is already on my phone to listen to so glad it’s in your top 12!
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Seeing Finlay Donovan on here makes me so happy. I just love this series and have been biting at the bit to read my ARC of the newest one.
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I actually thought of you when I included Finlay Donovan! I’m forever grateful to you because your enthusiasm had me bump it up.
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It’s just so fun and that first book was so unexpected. I love that!
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Fab list Jo. I’m so glad you enjoyed My Lovely Wife and Wrong Place, Wrong Time!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 Those two bring back strong, wonderful memories.
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Great choices! Many I have read or on my TBR but I need to put the rest on it.
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Thanks, Anne💜 I think you’d find everything on this list interesting.
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I really enjoyed The Appeal, Wrong Place Wrong Time and My Lovely Wife.
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I remember your reviews, Jacob💜
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Fabulous year! Happy 2023 reading!
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Thank you, Carol💜
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I just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures a couple of days ago and thought it was absolutely wonderful!
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Desperation in Death and Wrong Place, Wrong Time are on my to-read list! Thanks for the recommendations 😊
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You are in for some great reading, Nicola💜
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I am really intrigued by Take Me Higher by Pamela Clare after reading your comment, Jo. Is this a series I need to read in order, or can it be read as a standalone? There are so many wonderful books on this list.
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Definitely need to read in order. Clare left her publisher a few years ago and is now self publishing. I started with her I-Team series, which intersects with this one. I actually preorder all of her books…she’s that good.
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That’s good to know. I am going to add this series to my TBR.
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Six Graves, Remarkably Bright Creatures and Finlay Donovan are on my list of 2022 favorites too! And I loved My Lovely Wife as well. Great list!
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