Being a reader is such a personal experience. While many people are readers, having your own taste and things you enjoy is what makes reading so much fun. It's also nice when you discover new genres or tropes you can't get enough of.
That's why I was so excited to look back at all of the books I read in 2024 and pick out my top 10 favorites. For a few quick stats, I read 170 books in 2024 with most of those being ARCs or books I was incredibly excited for. Ultimately, this wasn't my highest reading year but there was a lot going on so this was a solid number.
As with most years, a majority of my reads were in the romance genre with an occasional memoir, fantasy, graphic novel or thriller. Overall, the year wasn't too bad and my total average rating for all of 2024 was 3.9 which is pretty darn good. ,
If you've been following some of the best books from publishers, then you'll notice some overlap but there were just so many good books released in 2024. Of course, be sure to let us know your favorites on our X/Twitter page as well.
These were my top 10 books that I read in 2024.
1. Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
For the sake of not repeating myself, I'm going to share why I like this book and why it was a favorite rather than go into the storyline. Not Another Love Song featured Julie Soto's trademark writing, meaning it was easy to fall into and the romance was an utter delight. Watching as Gwen and Xander try to fight their attraction was so perfect. Seeing these two finally come together and all the built-up angst was worth the payoff. Julie Soto is quickly cementing herself as one of my favorite romance authors.
2. The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
Given that The Neighbor Favor was one of my favorites of 2023, I knew that The Partner Plot was going to be amazing. Kristina Forest did the dang thing especially when it came to these characters and the tropes she used. Violet was such a great character with so much depth and it felt like every chapter we learned more and more about her. Seeing her paired up with Xavier had me giggling and kicking my feet. Additionally, the way the story was paced and plotted was just right. Plus this has me even more excited for The Love Lyric in 2025.
3. Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle
If there's one author who always ends up on my list, it's Sarah Hogle. Since the release of her debut, I've adored everything she's written. While Old Flames and New Fortunes fell under the radar, this book might be Sarah's best. She wrote such lovable characters who felt like real people and set up an entirely new world which isn't easy to do. Old Flames and New Fortunes was whimsical, swoony, and a downright cozy read.
4. Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
Next is a fantasy romance which wasn't my genre of choice this year yet Ruby Dixon made me love Bull Moon Rising. Not only is the world incredibly rich and full of compelling characters, but there is so much more for us to learn. Plus the relationship between Aspeth and Hawk was just so hot as these two were truly meant for each other. If you haven't picked up something from Ruby Dixon yet, then what are you waiting for?
5. Dark Restraint by Katee Robert
Dark Restraint was a no-brainer to make my top books of the year. Katee Robert basically served everything I was looking for up on a platter. From a morally grey hero with "Touch her and you die" vibes to a heroine who was in an impossible situation, these two couldn't be more unlikely but their romance was to die for. Coupled with the action and the continuing plot of the Dark Olympus series, this has me so excited for what's next.
6. Reel by Kennedy Ryan
The first of two Kennedy Ryan books on my list, Forever re-released Reel this year and I was so excited to pick it up. Reel blew me away as it was not just a romance but a love story. Whether it was the love story between Canon and Neevah or the one with Desi and her love, this book will have you in your feelings. Aside from the gorgeous writing, I just adored the story and all of the characters so there was no way it wasn't going to make my favorites list.
7. In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
Since this is the only book I don't have a cover photo of, it's going right here and that's In a Jam by Kate Canterbary. This was my first Kate Canterbary and I know it won't be my last. Kate Canterbary took such a compelling story of love and longing that I truly couldn't put this book down. I adored seeing Shay and Noah come back together and realize that their feelings weren't as simple as they originally thought. Coupled with Noah's added responsibility and Shay picking up the pieces of her old life, it's a long book but one worth the read.
8. This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
If you've read Kennedy Ryan, is it any surprise that two of her books made my top 10? I had to include This Could Be Us as it's another love story. This is truly a love story for Soledad as she's picking up the pieces of her life and trying to figure out what's next for her. Then there's the forbidden romance which you will immediately be obsessed with as the chemistry between them flies off the page. If you haven't read This Could Be Us, you're truly missing out on some of the best from Kennedy Ryan.
9. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
If I had to pick a new favorite author I loved in 2024, it was Hannah Bonam-Young. Her books absolutely took over my TBR in 2024 and I've read her entire backlist up to this point. While I adored Out of the Woods, it's a 2025 release so I decided to go with Out on a Limb. Hannah Bonam-Young made me fall in love with Win and Bo as people and then fall for their romance which is truly how the book plays out.
Out on a Limb is a surprise pregnancy romance which I usually don't like, but Hannah Bonam-Young made me love it in this book. This book has so much heart and love that there was no way I wasn't going to enjoy it.
10. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Last but certainly not least is Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood. 2024 was my year of rediscovering Ali Hazelwood and what a time to be alive. She put so many books in 2024 but my favorite of the bunch was Not in Love. Ali Hazelwood changed up her formula in a big way but going heavy on the steam and putting the romance at the backburner yet it was clear Rue and Eli were into each other but didn't want to admit it.
This book did have some scientific elements as most of her books do but it didn't feel as overpowering as the others. If you've been turned off by that, then I think Not in Love will work for you in comparison to her other releases. While it was a tie between this one and Bride, Not in Love has stuck with me and it's one I know I'm going to revisit.
Those were my top 10 favorite reads of 2024 but I wanted to include some honorable mentions of books I loved but they just didn't make the cut. Those books are The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson, Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop, Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa, Collide by Bal Khabra, and The Art of Scandal by Regina Black.