Best Books of 2018


This year it was super easy to come up with this list because there were just such clear standouts for me. These are the books that I kept thinking about months after I read them. The ones I'd reread my favorite parts from. And the ones I've shared my love for with friends and on social media. If you've somehow managed to not hear me chat about these books, then.. I hope you'll decide to add every single one to your TBR! I've divided my favorites into Contemporary and Fantasy/Sci-fi/Paranormal across both YA and adult books.

Contemporary
9 Days and 9 Nights by Katie Cotugno • Katie Cotugno, forever my favorite. I didn't expect expect or even hope for a sequel because I loved the way 99 Days ended but I'm glad Katie thought otherwise! I loved reuniting with this characters and honestly, I loved this ending even more.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo • California, food trucks, father-daughter dynamics, friendship and romance. There is a lot to love in this book.

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester • I don't see nearly enough people talking about this book which is a shame because as you can see, it's one of my top books of the year! It took me completely by surprise by fans of historical fiction and fashion should check this out.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang • This is one of the most heartwarming and refreshing romances I've ever read. But don't let the cover or synopsis fool you, it's still very sexy in addition to being super sweet.

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren • Not only do I consider Sweet Filthy Boy one of my top books of 2018, it's become one of my favorite books in general. I love the whole series but the first one is my absolute favorite. Ansel + Mia forever.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee • Every time I think of The Idea of You, I'm still amazed at how good it was. I had no idea what to expect from a romance between a 39-year-old divorcee and a 20-year-old member of a boy band but it was everything I didn't know I wanted.

The Other Side of Lost by Jessi Kirby • Long after I finished reading The Other Side of Lost I kept thinking about it. It's such a quiet novel but a powerful one that explores grief, identity and searching for meaning.


Fantasy, Sci-fi, Paranormal
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo • I've mentioned this book so many times that it shouldn't surprise anyone to see it here. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- the Little Mermaid retelling I didn't know I needed in my life.

Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare • Consider me a Shadowhunter fan for life. If Cassandra Clare continues to write about this world forever, I will keep on reading every single one. This series ender was SO good.

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout • There is just something about the Lux world that I love and I'm so happy JLA decided to do a spin-off series! She's got such a talent for writing paranormal romance and no one else is writing about aliens.

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas • Only Sarah J. Maas and this particular series ender could make me cry for 200 pages straight. What a beautiful and epic end.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor • Laini Taylor's writing and the level of imagination and detail that goes into her books is pure magic.

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young • If you love viking lore, you need to check out this book. And honestly, even if you don't.. read Sky in the Deep anyway.
The Darkest Legacy by Alexandra Bracken • There have been a lot of unexpected spin-off books released this year and I can't say I'm mad about it. The Darkest Legacy was the perfect companion novel and I enjoyed meeting an older Zu.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber • I loved Caraval but Tella as a heroine and the romance in this book took Legendary to a whole other level. Right now it's my fave in the series and I can't wait to see what Finale will bring.

Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa • Fans of anime and characters going on an adventure will love this book! It was an unexpected surprise and I am so ready for book 2.

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What were some of your favorite books of 2018?
And did you love any of these books as much as I did?

3 comments

  1. I'm definitely looking forward to Muse of Nightmares, and I'm glad you like To Kill a Kingdom because it's on my winter TBR and I've heard mixed things!
    ~A Darker Shade of Rosie

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  2. We have so many shared favorites! I love Katie and 9 Days and 9 Nights as well and The Way You Make Me Feel was an unexpected favorite of mine<3 I am SO excited to read The Paris Seamstress based on your recommendation as well as Sweet Filthy Boy! Queen of Air and Darkness, Kingdom of Ash, Shadow of the Fox and Muse of Nightmares definitely made my list too!

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  3. There are so many excellent books on this list! I'm pretty proud that there are only two I haven't read - The Paris Seamstress and The Idea of You - which are both on my TBR, and I'm hoping to enjoy them when I do get around to reading them.

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with love,

Rachel