Another year, another best books list. I decided to only do a roundup of my top 5 books this year since I only read ~40 books. The past two years I have definitely read less since I’ve become more involved in other hobbies, but I’ve really missed reading and want to re-prioritize books and blogging in 2023 (while also putting less pressure on myself- but that’s for a separate post). Unsurprisingly, 4 out of the 5 books on my list are the continuation of series that I already enjoy, as I’ve found myself gravitating more toward trusted authors and sequels since I’ve been picking up books more infrequently.
As Good as Dead | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #3| This series really did something when it started and when I tell you the conclusion is WILD. It’s outrageous and also sort of fitting given everything that’s happened? I can’t say much more without spoilers but it’s definitely a series final to remember.
Running Wild | Spinoff to The Simple Wild/ Wild #3 | I’m obsessed with the Alaskan based setting of The Simple Wild books- something about them is so otherworldly and cozy, and I’m glad I get to continue with this spin-off novel. It’s interesting to see a spin-off following a not so beloved side character from the main series, and I learned a lot about the Iditarod, which was fascinating (I love when books expose me and educate me on a new topic through the natural course of a story).
Love on the Brain | Companion Novel to The Love Hypothesis | Do all of the novels/novellas in this series have basically the same hate-to-love premise? Yes. Are they entirely predictable? Yes. Do I still love them anyways? Absolutely. I’m loving this science focused romance series that is honestly so inspiring with all of it’s STEM focused protagonists (and love interests!) and it makes me *almost* wish I had been a STEM major.
More Than You’ll Ever Know | I’ve been enjoying adult thrillers more and more as I get older (into my 30s now, eek!) and this one I picked up from the library on a whim and found super intriguing. It tackles issues of race, economic status, and gender stereotypes while following two parallel female protagonists who are very different yet share some core similarities. It also has a little bit of a true crime vibe to it too.
Kingdom of the Feared | Kingdom of the Wicked # 3 | This series is an odd case of me not really vibing with the first book but absolutely loving the second and third installments in the series. I love love loved the way the underworld was structured and visiting the different houses of sin and seeing how they were personified in the world building. I believe this is the end of Emilia and Wrath’s story, but there’s so much potential for spin offs in this world!
Did any of these make your top books of 2022 list?
Love on the Brain has been such a popular pick this week. I’m glad you liked it so much!
If you’re comfortable sharing, what other hobbies have you been into?
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2022/
It really was such a good release in 2022! I’ve actually gotten really into makeup- I’ve always loved it but have started posting my looks on social media and started a makeup specific IG 🙂 Also, got a kitten early last year and he kept me busy!
I actually really hated the third book in the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series as it was just too farfetched for me but glad you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Love on the Brain as well, sure it was a bit predictable but Ali Hazelwood just manages to write her books so well that I’m hooked all the same.
Yes, Ali Hazelwood’s books are predictable and sort of all have the same hate to lovers trope, but I still love them and they’re so much fun! Have you read the three novellas she’s put out?
No I really need to and now they’re coming out in book form I really have no excuse not to. I heard a couple of mixed things about them but I reckon they’ll be good pick me up reads.
Ahh we have to discuss the final Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book because I have THOUGHTS. I really loved that series overall! I still have to read Love on the Brain but I’m expecting to love it! I read Ali’s novellas and decided to pause and wait to read LotB until there would be less of a wait until her next book!
That series took SUCH a turn in the final book, but overall I’m impressed with how Holly Jackson wrapped up the series. You’re going to LOVE Love on the Brain, the couples that Ali Hazelwood writes are so charming! Have you read the three novellas she came out with?
I’ve only read the first book of the A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder trilogy, I did start the second last year, but I just couldn’t really get into it. Maybe this year? I don’t know, I do kind of feel like it didn’t really need to be a trilogy! I’m intrigued that you say that you liked the second and third books of the Kingdom of The Wicked trilogy more than the first because I wasn’t a big fan of the first and so didn’t go back for the rest. I’m still not sure I will, but it’s interesting to hear that you felt that way.
Interestingly enough, it took me a while to get into the second book in the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, but I”m glad I powered through because the last book was really interesting! Also, the last two books in the KOTW trilogy are suuuuper different than the first one (they have more of an ACOMAF vibe, but they are much more spicy/New Adult too!)
Everyone seems to absolutely love Jackson’s series. I really need to read that one.
It’s really amazing and unlike anything else I’ve read lately in the YA space.
Running Wild and Love on the Brain are at the top of my tbr for this year. I’d planned on reading them last year, but didn’t make it happen. I’m happy to see them on your favorites list! Happy reading in 2023!
Thank you, Dedra! I hope you love both of them, I have to say though that while both amazing I preferred Running Wild and HIGHLY recommend it!
Good luck with your reading and blogging goals! I’m also trying to make reading a priority this year. It wasn’t a focus last year, and I missed it.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series got so insane hahaha. I don’t think I’ve ever read another series like it… totally need more!
As Good as Dead took a total turn in the last book. I don’t quite understand why Pip’s personality took a 180, but it’s definitely a series to remember.