One of my goals for 2024 was to read more; I had a goal set to read at least 40 books by the end of the year. I currently have read 34 books this year, and plan on getting to my goal of 40 books by December. These are six books that I have given 5 stars this year so far.
Mile high by liz tomforde
This is the first book in the Windy City series. It is a contemporary hockey romance about a flight attendant for a hockey team who works for a self-righteous NHL player. Zanders is known for his charm and “bad boy persona”, but as he gets to know Stevie, he finds himself drawn to her genuine kindness and strength. Stevie, on the other hand, is wary of getting involved with a high-profile athlete due to past heartbreak. Can Stevie handle another relationship with an athlete, or will it end in heartbreak like last time?
The right move by liz tomforde
This is the second book in the Windy City series. It is a sports romance that follows the story of Ryan Shay, a pro basketball player, and Indy Ivers, who is his best friend’s sister. When Indy needs a place to stay, Ryan offers his home, leading to a roommate arrangement that turns out to be anything but simple. Ryan is serious, disciplined, and guarded, while Indy is free-spirited, warm, and artistic. Despite their differences, a strong chemistry and mutual support build up between them. The “fake dating” trope is woven into their story, as they pretend to be in a relationship to help Ryan avoid unwanted romantic attention. Was moving into her best friend’s brother’s house the right move?
Icebreaker by hannah grace
This is the first book in the Maple Hills series. It is a college sports romance featuring Anastasia Allen, a dedicated figure skater, and Nathan Hawkins, the captain of the college hockey team. Both athletes are passionate about their respective sports, but when an incident damages the rink, forcing the figure skaters and hockey players to share it, tensions initially flare between Anastasia and Nathan. As they’re forced to spend time together, their differences spark a connection that turns into a complicated attraction. Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried because she could never like a hockey player, right?
wildfire by hannah grace
This is the second book in the Maple Hills series. It is a contemporary romance that centers on the relationship between two counselors, Russ Callaghan and Aurora (Rory) Roberts, who reconnect at a summer camp after crossing paths after a sizzling one-night stand. Russ is laid-back, charming, and has a reputation as a bit of a flirt, while Rory is independent and driven, but dealing with her own set of personal challenges. Will the two peacefully coexist, or did their one night together start a fire they can’t put out?
Just for the Summer by abby jimenez
This is the third book in the Part of Your World series, but can also be read as a standalone. Justin is cursed; every woman he dates finds her soulmate right after they break up. When Emma, a traveling nurse with the same problem, learns of his story online. They devise a plan– date each other, break up, and hopefully cancel out their curses. Emma takes an assignment in Minnesota, where they share a cottage on a charming private island. What starts as a lighthearted summer fling turns serious when Emma’s troubled mother arrives and Justin takes guardianship of his siblings. As they navigate these challenges, they start to wonder if they’ve finally found true love with each other or if it was a fling just for the summer.
The housemaid’s secret by fredia mcfadden
This is the second book in The Housemaids series but can also be read as a standalone. In this suspenseful thriller, a woman takes a job with the wealthy Garrick family, grateful for the rare opportunity to work without questions about her mysterious past. While she cleans their luxurious penthouse and prepares meals, a sense of unease grows, especially as she hears Mrs.Garrick crying behind a closed door. Discovering bloodstains on Mrs.Garrick’s nightgowns and feeling a duty to help, she resolves to protect the vulnerable woman. But her promise may demand more than she expected, as she confronts the dark side of Douglas Garrick and contemplates just how far she’ll go to make him pay.Â