Devney’s Favorite Reads

It’s no secret that I love reading, especially romance novels. Reading was what inspired me to become a writer, and when I have a quiet moment or two, there’s nothing I love more than to lose myself in an incredible story. From contemporary romance to paranormal to fantasy and all the spaces in between, books are my happy place.

My husband asked me a while ago how many books I’ve read in the past twenty years. My answer? No freaking clue. Probably hundreds. (If only I would have been better at keeping my Goodreads shelves up to date. Gah!)

There was a period of time where I was reading a book a day. And when I stumble upon a list of book recommendations, I usually feel like I’ve struck gold.

One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is for book recommendations. So here it is, in no particular order or preference . . .

Devney’s Favorite Reads.

NOTE: This is an ongoing list. I add to it as I have time and as I read new books that strike that perfect chord. So check back often! Maybe I didn’t have a winner for you today. But there’s always tomorrow.

Contemporary Romance

Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey – A sassy heroine. A refreshingly sweet hero who has a deliciously filthy mouth. Sexy banter. Witty humor. Add in a dash of angst and this book will steal your heart.

Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole – Whenever I’m in the mood for a dark romance, Tillie Cole is my go-to. This book is gritty and sexy and romantic. The London gangster setting is enthralling and the twists will keep you guessing.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – This isn’t just a romance, it’s a story. A traveling circus during the great depressing gives this book something special.

Making Faces by Amy Harmon – A beautiful, ugly duckling turns swan story. My heart will never forget this one. Emotional. Bittersweet. Powerful.

Written with Regret by Aly Martinez – Full of Aly’s signature twists and turns, the first book in this duet is fantastic. Fast-paced. Sexy and romantic. The perfect cliffhanger.

Written with You by Aly Martinez – The whodunit was a total surprise. I love it when that happens. And Aly Martinez always leaves me guessing while I’m busy swooning at the romance.

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – This was the first audiobook I listened to. Ever. I could not have chosen better. Unique. Angsty. Simply fantastic.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Not your typical romance but it is truly touching and heartbreaking and unique.

Fisher’s Light by Tara Sivec – This is one of my most favorite second-chance romances. It’s powerful. The redemption is beautiful. It’s one of those books that breaks your heart and then puts it all back together again.

The Bombshell Effect by Karla Sorensen – If I’ve said it once I’ll say it again. I love a football player hero. This introduction to the Washington Wolves series was fantastic. Read it in one night, fantastic. Karla also gets bonus points for knowing the difference between effect and affect.

The Ex Effect by Karla Sorensen – A friends-to-lovers romance brimming with chemistry, banter and emotion. The Washington Wolves series is a must.

The Marriage Effect by Karla Sorensen – A sexy, engaging, contemporary marriage-of-convenience story that is unputdownable. My favorite Washington Wolves book.

Flock by Kate Stewart – My first Kate Stewart book but no my last. A smoking hot romance with a unique plot that will keep you guessing and begging for book two. I don’t often read cliffhangers, but when they are done right like this book, wow can they pack a punch.

Exodus by Kate Stewart – This is a book I won’t forget. Sexy. Unexpected. Thrilling. Prepare for a major book hangover. This is a phenomenal duet.

Enemies by Tijan – I am a sucker for a hot football player. This book couldn’t have a more perfect title. It’s sexy. Angsty. Enemies-to-lovers perfection.

Teardrop Shot by Tijan – Second favorite sports hero? Basketball. This one is a page-turner.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker – I read this book and decided I’d better move to Alaska. Small town perfection. Romantic. Heartwarming. This book started my love for K.A. Tucker’s work.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young – This was my first book by Samantha Young. Let’s just stay I binged the entire series shortly thereafter. Excellent banter. Palpable chemistry. Stellar writing.

Romantic Comedy

Plan B by Jana Aston – I read this book on an airplane. After an hour of listening to me chortle, the guy next to me finally dared ask what I was reading. It’s utterly hilarious.

Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey – Quick-witted banter. Swoony romance. Moments when you’ll catch yourself laughing out loud. A wonderful romantic comedy.

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren – I love a spunky, quirky heroine. Hazel will have you laughing out loud. The romance is sweet and addictive. I’ve read a lot by this duo but this book is my favorite.

Hail Mary by Nicola Rendell – Funny and quirky and unique. And hot. I mean . . . hot. A dirty-talking quarterback is my weakness.

Romantic Suspense

Nine Minutes Trilogy by Beth Flynn – Motorcycle club romances are my catnip and this one is unlike anything you’ve ever read. Twisty. Taboo. Terrific.

Dark Paradise by Tami Hoag – I’ve read this book more times than I can remember. Enemies-to-lovers. Alpha hero. And Montana. Need I say more?

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts – My heart raced through the entire beginning. Mature. Suspenseful. I love Nora’s way of bringing characters through a horrific event and together later in life.

Young & New Adult

Vain by Fisher Amelie – Vain is the exact word for this heroine. She’ll make you want to scream at the beginning, but oh my, her redemption is truly beautiful.

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas – Sharp writing. An addictive storyline. Honest characters. This book is a page-turner.

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay – No book I have ever read has a last line as powerful and unforgettable as this one. And the beauty is you get to read this stunning story and hit that last line yourself. So. Good. So, so good.

Historical Romance

In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks – An exciting read that has it all. A single dad. A feisty heroine. Warring clans. Highlanders aplenty. This book is utterly entertaining.

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks – The third book in the series and oh, how I loved this fierce heroine. The romance is swoonworthy and the final battle so satisfying. A wonderful way to give each brother their happily-ever-after.

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks – My favorite book in this series. It’s a forbidden love story where the hero is arranged to marry another but his heart belongs to the woman who saved his life and nursed him back to health. This one hit me right in the feels and at one point, tears rolled down my face. Highly recommend.

The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne – My first historical romance and I’ve never looked back. This book is exciting. Sensual. Magnificent.

The Hunter by Kerrigan Byrne – The second book in the Victorian Rebels series and it cemented my absolute love for this author’s work.

The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne – Another fantastic to the Victorian Rebels series. See a theme here? Yeah . . . this series is just that fantastic.

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne – If you held me at gunpoint and made me pick a favorite in this series, I would probably choose this one. Or The Highwayman. Or The Highlander. So don’t hold me at gunpoint because I won’t be able to choose.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase – She shoots him. That’s right, she shoots him. Only in a historical romance. A fantastic, unputdownable story.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough – This book is going to rip your heart out. And you’re going to like it.

The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss – My go-to historical romance recommendation. Angsty. Infuriating at times. Deliciously satisfying. Bold for its time.

Fantasy

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – This book is a fantastic start to a memorable fantasy trilogy. If you love adventure and magic, this is a YA must-read.

Seige and Storm by Leigh Bardugo – The adventure continues to save the world from dark magic. My favorite part about this one was we get pirates. Yes, pirates. I blazed through this one in a day because it was so addictive.

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo – This series warmed my YA fantasy loving heart. It has everything I love in an epic story: adventure, romance, and a happily-ever-after. A trilogy I will revisit again and again.

The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon – An all-time favorite. The world building is phenomenal. The story impeccable. This is a fantasy story to swallow you whole.

The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon – See those notes above for book one in the series? They apply here too. Romantic. Epic. Captivating. A must-read.

The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon – A fantastic tale of fate after a dying woman casts a curse and the lives it weaved together. The viking-like setting was so vivid I lived in these pages. A forever favorite.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – There are no words to describe how much I love this series. Epic. Romantic. Entertaining. Spellbinding. Gripping. Unexpected. Need I go on?

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas – My favorite of the series. Because . . . Rhysand.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas – An exhilarating and satisfying conclusion. I couldn’t consume it fast enough.

Paranormal

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer – I can’t NOT put this book on my list. Twilight came out when I was in my twenties, graduated from college and in a time when I hadn’t read much. After this book, I never stopped reading. And reading lead me to writing. It took almost two decades, but one could say this book changed my life. Team Edward.

Shadows by Kristen Proby – Romantic and edgy, this book has a perfect spooky vibe balanced with Kristen’s signature swoon.

Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh – Elena and Raphael. My favorite couple. Ever. Yup. This is the first book in the Guild Hunter series, which is arguably my favorite series. Dark. Romantic. Consuming. I drop everything when a new Guild Hunter book hits my Kindle.

Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh – There are a lot of books in the Guild Hunter series. This is the book you’re reading to reach. It’s a long haul, making it to twelve. The payoff is so worth it.

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh – It’s no secret that Nalini Singh is a favorite author of mine. This is the beginning to her psy-changeling series. Unique. Entertaining. Thrilling. This is a true paranormal romance gem.

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright – One of my favorite shifter romances. A marriage of convenience with excellent banter and a badass heroine. Yes, please.

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