My Top 10 Reads of 2024

I was very lucky to find dozens of good books to read last year, so it was hard narrowing down my list, particularly when I read multiple books by the same author. Mostly I read in the genres mystery/thriller and romance. If those are your jam, you’ll want to add some of these books to your to-be-read (TBR) list.

FICTIONFavorite read with an alpha a-hole: King of Wrath by Ana Huang

I was very excited when I read the synopsis of Ana Huang’s contemporary romance King of Wrath, and it didn’t disappoint.

Billionaire hero? Check.Alpha a-hole? Check.Blackmailed into marriage? Check. Except this time, the hero was the one blackmailed and forced to marry the heroine.

No one wants to be forced into marriage, and certainly not a billionaire alpha. The story held my attention from the beginning, and I enjoyed reading about their extravagant lifestyle, including the exclusive club where all the billionaires hang out. Vivian held her own throughout the story, and watching Dante slowly fall for her is why reading romance novels is so enjoyable.

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Couple with the best banter: Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

Aaliyah is a plus-size heroine on a quest to find a date for her 30th birthday party and makes plans to meet a blind date at the restaurant near her complex. But he stands her up. She strikes up a friendship with the bartender, who encourages her to meet future dates there.

This one is a slow-burn romance, and considering the length I was worried it would drag, but it didn’t. Aaliyah and Ahmad go from strangers to friends to much more over the course of the book. There’s a great cast of characters rounding out the story, and though the entire novel is written in the heroine’s POV, I didn’t feel like I missed anything.

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Favorite romantic comedy: Jamaal the IT Guy by Kasha Thompson

I don’t remember how I stumbled upon this book, but I loved every second of it! There were numerous moments where I was laughing to myself, and several where I laughed out loud.

Winnie and Jamaal work at an IT company in California and are crushing on each other—but neither of them know it. Winnie goes down to the IT department with all kinds of bogus computer problems just to see Jamaal, and he is ever ready to assist her. These two were not only funny, they were hot together! Two quirky nerds getting it on. The story is cute and I absolutely adored them. So much so, I purchased another one of Thompson’s books, Sight Unseen, about a couple getting married on a reality show the first time they meet. So far so good…

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Favorite action thriller: Rogue Force (Troy Stark Thriller, Book 1) by Jack Mars

I listened to the audiobook on this one, and it was such an exciting read! After several terrorist attacks, Troy is pulled into a special assignment that takes him to Europe. The book is action-packed with a tough, take-no-sh!t hero and a great supporting cast. For instance, I’m fascinated by the cleanup guy. I look forward to reading more books about Troy Stark saving the day. (As of this writing, the book is free.)

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Favorite Psychological Thriller: The Co-Worker by Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden doesn’t miss, and this was another great book. I read three novels by her last year, and this one was my favorite. Dawn, the oddball accountant who’s obsessed with turtles, ends up missing and is presumed dead, and her co-worker, Natalie the beautiful sales rep, becomes the primary suspect. As the layers are peeled back, you learn both women are hiding major secrets. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job infusing emotion and distinguishing between the characters’ voices.

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Book I Couldn’t Put Down: Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle

Dear Wife had me in a chokehold. The story is about two women: Beth is on the run from an abusive husband and Sabine is missing. Part of what kept me guessing is that I couldn’t figure out what the connection was between the two women. About two-thirds of the way through the novel, it becomes clear what’s going on. My mind was blown. I absolutely had to finish the book then, and I stayed up until 2:00 am to read the conclusion. 

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Book Club Recommendation: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

My heart was heavy when I finished this novel because the ending seemed so… unfair. Nonetheless, the story was well done, and it’s the kind of book that would make for a great book club discussion.

Hannah’s husband disappears when a scandal rocks the company he works for, and he leaves a note that she should protect his daughter—her stepdaughter who hates her, by the way. From there, Hannah has to unravel the mystery of why her husband has left so suddenly, and even more importantly, who is he, really? Because he’s not who he says he is. By the way, the novel is now an Apple TV series starring Jennifer Garner.

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NONFICTIONFavorite Book With Advice for Entrepreneurs: Company of One by Paul Jarvis

This is a great book for self-employed people to question whether scaling up is really what you want. Jarvis points out how being a solopreneur and only hiring contractors when needed can be lucrative and satisfying. Figuring out why you want to grow larger with employees and more products and more responsibilities can help you better understand if you even need to. Growth for the sake of growth might not make you happy, and I think the idea of a minimalist business life is a valid one.   

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Favorite Book With Practical Tips for Writers: The Pocket Guide to Pantsing by ML Ronn

This one is for my fellow pantsers. ML Ronn points out the beauty of pantsing and how it’s just as valid as plotting. He covers his personal method as an example, but ultimately each writer will have their own unique method, the same way plotters have different plotting styles. The point is, don’t struggle with plotting when it’s not your natural inclination. You risk stifling your creativity and keeping yourself from completing your story.

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Favorite Re-Read: The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole

This is geared more for freelance writers, but I still found it helpful because I’ve been writing more blog posts and articles. Rereading Nicolas’s book reminded me of some of the tips on topics like writing great headlines, etc. The book is filled with practical advice and examples that should help any writer get started or improve.

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That’s my list! What are some of your favorite reads from 2024?

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