The last few months have been, frankly, a lot. Hence the slightly sparse updates over here! But I wanted to pop in with some books that really made a mark on me this year. I also think any of these could make fantastic Christmas presents for the book-lovers in your life!

The Charm Offensive – by Alison Cochrun

This is a sweet, delightfully easy-reading romance, but it had enough layers to keep me completely engaged. I’ve not always been a big romance reader, but I’ve definitely been delving more into the genre recently, and this might be my favourite yet.

The main character, Dev Deshpande, works on a reality TV dating show. Despite setting up the narratives around love stories for a day job, he’s managed to retain a belief in true love. He also loves his job! And then the show casts tech genius and socially awkward hottie, Charlie Winshaw, as its newest star. And everything gets complicated. Dev’s job is to bring Charlie out of his shell so he can fall in love with one of the willing female contestants, but as his feelings for Charlie develop, that starts to feel a lot less straightforward.

This book would be a great gift for anybody who loves a rom-com, or a bit of reality TV!

Daughter of the Moon Goddess – by Sue Lynn Tan

A sweeping fantasy with a gentle fairytale vibe, this book delighted every member of The Island Library book club. That’s how you know it’s a keeper! It’s inspired by the Chinese legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

Protagonist Xingyin is forced to flee her home, the moon, where she’s lived in isolation with her mother all her life. Despite her lack of allies, she’s determined to find a way to free her mother from imprisonment, and so begins a quest of truly epic proportions. Magic and monsters from all corners of the world may stand in her way, but Xingyin is nothing if not resourceful.

Highly recommended for anybody who enjoys fantasy adventures and epic quests.

The No Show – by Beth O’Leary

This is a tough one to describe. Part romance, part mystery, full of wit and humour. I found it compelling and highly entertaining.

The story follows three women: Siobhan, Miranda and Jane. They’ve all been stood up, on Valentine’s Day of all days, and all by the same man. Of course, they don’t know that. As we learn more about these women and their relationships with Joseph Carter, we have to wonder what’s going on with this man. The novel is ambitious, covering a lot of ground, and it kept me gripped from start to finish.

I think this is a perfect read for anybody who likes character-driven stories with a bit of a mystery element to unpick.

This Vicious Grace – by Emily Thiede

Another fantasy read, playing with some familiar tropes. I love fantasy of all stripes, whether it’s playing into tropes or subverting them, and this one does a bit of both.

Alessa is the Finestra, which means it’s her job to protect her island from the impending demon horde. To do this, she’s been granted the power to magnify a partner’s magic and put it to use to defend her people. The only catch is that, so far, she’s killed all three of the people she’s been partnered with. Time is running out, and so is the island’s faith in Alessa. Desperate and frightened, she hires a bodyguard to protect her long enough to have one last try at controlling her terrible gift. Enter Dante: cynical, insightful, and carrying dark secrets of his own. Sparks may be flying between Dante and Alessa, but he could either hold the key to her survival, or her destruction.

This book feels like it’s ready to be on the screen, it’s vivid and exciting, and full of little surprises. A great choice for anybody who likes their fantasy to play with expectations.

Afterlove – by Tanya Byrne

I couldn’t write this list without a single YA read on it! Afterlove is a young adult romance with a substantial, supernatural twist.

Ash Persaud is in love with Poppy Morgan. She’s beautiful, she’s intelligent, she’s hilarious, and she’s alive. Which, unfortunately, Ash no longer is. Which is turning out to be a bit of an obstacle. After a tragic New Year’s Eve accident, Ash finds out she’s dead, but turns out death comes with the job offer of a lifetime. Her new role is as a reaper, guiding the souls of the dead to whatever comes next. But all she wants is just a little more time with her girlfriend.

Honestly, I kind of wanted more time on the supernatural side of this book. But it was a sweet and decidedly novel sapphic romance, and I would recommend it to people who like their romances with a little touch of something unusual.

And if you’re really stumped, there’s always a mystery!

Not a mystery novel, a mystery book. If you’re stumped for what to get the reader in your life, you might want to go for a blind date with a book, courtesy of Bee Books. No sponsorship to report! I’ve just bought from them a few times – for myself or for others – and know how great their packages are. So if you’re looking to support a small business with your Christmas shopping and want something a bit different, definitely one to check out.

What were your favourite books from 2022?

As the year draws to a close, what books really made an impression on you? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations to take into 2023! Feel free to drop any top picks in the comments.