As 2024 comes to a close, it's time to look back and reminisce on all the amazing books we've read this past year. That's why I wanted to break it down by publisher and share some of my absolute favorites.
Starting things off, we're talking about some of our favorite books published by Penguin. When you think of Penguin, you might only think of one or two imprints, but the company has so many great ones which is why I chose to include Penguin and not just one imprint.
Some of the imprints featured under Penguin are Berkley, Ace, Putnam, and Dutton to name a few but the list goes on and on. With that being said, I wanted to share some of my favorite reads under the Penguin imprint and honestly, there were almost too many to name.
While this list is only going to feature my top 6, I'm going to include some honorable mentions at the end with some titles that almost made the list. As with each of these lists, this is just my opinion so if you have others you'd include, be sure to let us know your favorites on X or Facebook.
These were 6 amazing titles published by Penguin in 2024.
1. The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
One of my favorite books published by Penguin was The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest. This is the second book in her Greene Sisters series and this time, we're following Violet who seems to have the perfect life yet things aren't exactly as they seem. Things start to fall apart for her until she runs into Xavier, her high-school sweetheart she hasn't seen in years. From there, it becomes a marriage of convivence between the two and you will truly not be able to put this book down.
Whether you read the first book and loved it or pick it up for the cover, The Partner Plot will have you ready to book a flight to Vegas and reconnect with your first love. With some fake dating, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of tension between Xavier and Violet, you'll be ready to reread this as soon as you finish.
2. Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
Switching gears completely, I knew that Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon was going to be on my list as it was just so good. The start of a new fantasy romance series from Dixon, we're following Aspeth as she's looking to change her life completely. While things seem easy at first, things get more complicated as she ends up getting rejected and has to marry Hawk, a minotaur, and her teacher while they wait for the real teacher to get her act together.
With plenty of action, a great found family element and an undeniably steamy romance, Bull Moon Rising is an utter delight. Romantasy has had such a huge year in 2024 and I can only hope Ruby Dixon continues to give us even more incredible romantasy stories into next year.
3. Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle
Is it really a list of mine if I'm not including Sarah Hogle on there? I doubt it, but I've adored Sarah Hogle since her debut novel, and going into Old Flames and New Fortunes, I was hyped. Thankfully, Sarah Hogle took the cozy romance trend and made it her own. The story follows Romina as she's trying to save her business while also having to see her old flame: Alex. From the start, it's clear there are so many lingering feelings and chemistry between these two.
Sarah Hogle not only introduced an entirely new world to us, but gave us so many characters to love and a steamy romance you'll be howling at the moon for. If you decide to pick up Sarah Hogle's 2024 release, know that it's a different yet welcome change from her.
4. The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
If there's one author I'm glad I gave a second chance to, it's Alicia Thompson. While some might have skipped her debut title, Alicia Thompson is giving us homerun after homerun including The Art of Catching Feelings. This is a romance between a baseball player and his heckler who ends up becoming an even bigger part of his life than he could have ever imagined.
I don't want to talk too much about the plot, but this one will surprise you and make you want to watch baseball. While I can't guarantee the latter, I will say that The Art of Catching Feelings is a fun romance you won't want to put down.
5. The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton
Coming in at #5 spot is a romance I truly couldn't get enough of this year and that's The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton. Considering that this was her debut book, I'm even more excited to see what's next. This story follows Amerie and Vincent who meet under some unlikely circumstances but end up having to fake date as a way to help each other.
Of course, the feelings end up becoming very real and that's what I loved so much about the story. The way Etta Easton wrote these characters was so vivid. They truly felt like real people and there is something so out-of-this-world about that. If you haven't read The Kiss Countdown yet, then make sure you do before The Love Simulation comes out.
6. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Last but certainly not least, I had to include a book from Ali Hazelwood as I finished up her backlist and read all of her novellas in 2024. Considering that Ali Hazelwood was booked and busy this year, I knew at least one of her releases was going to make my list. From Penguin, I decided to go with Not in Love.
Not in Love follows Rue and Eli who first meet as they're trying to hook up but things go awry. The two eventually meet again but it's because Eli is looking to buy out the company Rue works at. Despite that, they decide to start hooking up and Miss Ali Hazelwood doesn't leave anything out. She gave us such a scorching romance between the two. Coupled with the incredible character work and plenty of plot, Not in Love is one I simply was in love with this year.
As you can see, those were just 6 of my favorites published by Penguin this year. I did promise to share some that almost made the cut which are Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb, When I Think of You by Myah Ariel, Ready or Not by Cara Bastone, and Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young.
Ultimately, there were so many great books published in 2024 so if you're looking for a good place to start, these 6 are perfect for planning your 2025 TBR list.