I read some really fantastic books this year, and I am very excited to share with you all some of best books of the year for me. These books made me laugh, cry, and every emotion in between. So I thought I’d share some of the books that made the biggest impact on me this year.
And these will be in no particular order because I cannot be that decisive. And click through to my review page to see my full thoughts, and the title to go to the book’s Goodreads page and add them to your own TBR. Which is always the best part of favorites lists is hopefully finding some potential faves of your own. So here 20 are of my favorite reads of 2022…
Grip by Kennedy Ryan | This wasn’t the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan in 2022, but it is the book that cemented her as a favorite auto-buy author. I fell in love with her deep and emotional character work and the true journeys she takes her characters on. Her stories are so insular and expansive at the same time.
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas | Yes, I’m a basic bitch you enjoys this fantasy series. I love the contemporary magic, the characters are all standouts, and the relationships pull at my heartstrings. I just have a fun time reading them and the bomb dropped at the end of this book made me so excited for what’s next.
Alphas Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie | While this was one of my favorite books in the Like Us Series, I’m moreso using Alphas Like Us as a placeholder for loving the entire series in 2022. This is a next gen series that I actually enjoy – both the kids and the OG parent crew.
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata | This has taken over From Lukov With Love to become my favorite Mariana Zapata book. The slow built, Rhodes and Aurora’s chemistry, the humor, all of it worked so perfectly for me.
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas | I read a lot of books from Penelope Douglas in 2022 and I have to say, there was more wins than misses. This book had two of my favorite things in a romance- tension and angst. The build and release (pun intended) was so satisfying. You’re rooting for Jordan and Pike and don’t want to all implode. Addicting.
The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann | There are not enough books with Ace main characters, so I always love seeking them out – especially when they cross with one of my favorite literary genres – romance! Honestly, what could be more perfect? Joy, Fox, Malcolm, and Summer have a messy vacation with lots of humor and charm that hooked me from the beginning.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager | He finally went there! While I’ve enjoyed the few previous Sager books I’d read to varying degrees, I loved how unsettling and unsure the book made me feel. And the is it paranormal or is it not was finally answered.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez | A smalltown setting and a couple oozing chemistry – what more could I want in a romance? Daniel and Alexis feel perfect for each other, but it wasn’t without some hardships or growing pains, but they both really and genuinely care for each other in beautiful ways.
I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Carter | This might have been the most emotionally draining book I read all year. It’s a story about many different types of loss and the toll they take and the legacy they leave. It’s painful and harrowing read, but it makes an impression.
The One by John Marrs | This is probably easily the best sci-fi story I’ve read in years. Or at least it’s the one that’s stuck with me the most. I’ve read this concept before in a romance book and loved it (shoutout to The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren) so I was even more excited for it after hearing recommendations in 2021, and I have to say it was one of the most compulsively readable books I picked up all year. The craft keeps you engaged from one ending cliffhanger to the next.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave | I’m not really sure why this resonated with me so much, and while it might not have been the most memorable read, it kept my attention while I was reading it. It’s slow moving and character focused. It’s a book you can easily sit with.
Consider Me by Becka Mack | This is the perfect example of both golden retriever boyfriend and boy falls first – two things I love. Plus, the hockey family surrounding Carter and Olivia just made the story that much richer.
The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead | This had the perfect balance of character and plot for me. I was intrigued by Shay’s history and how it relates to some present-day mysteries that she encounters. The suspense and tension were *chef’s kiss* and I was so happy to enjoy this after not really enjoying Winstead’s romance book I checked out earlier in the year.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng | The smalltown and family politics in this story were so well crafted. You become a neighborhood voyeur – immersed and intruding in their world, with your judgement quick and harsh. The relationships are just as complex and dynamic – with changing levels of trust coming with each secret revealed.
Jade City by Fonda Lee | I’ve really missed reading urban fantasy- it strikes such a perfect balance of plot and world -and the intricate worldbuilding here is some of the best I’ve ever read. And I love the Kaul family with my entire heart. This is a story of power struggles and the honor in family. It’s just so good!
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire | This story feels magical. There’s an earnestness and whimsy here, like nostalgia from your childhood, wrapping you in a cozy blanket. And even with the dangers and struggles these Wayward children face, they have hope and it’s beautiful and heartbreaking to see.
Steel King by Devney Perry | This is probably one of the most unexpected reads here because I’ve never read a motorcycle club romance before, and I have to say, I really enjoyed this. I don’t know if it was just because this was such a perfect introduction to the sub-genre (because it’s a former club) but I was hooked by the drama and action.
Thank You for Listening by Julian Whelan | A heart-filled and emotional romance with a strong self acceptance journey and family roots at the core, what’s not to love. I was engaged from the very beginning of the story – literally everything about this worked for me – and the chemistry was palpable.
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison | This book was so damn charming. It was the smalltown, friends-to-lovers vibes of Gilmore Girls. And I don’t know if I can give any higher praise than that. The longing and pining are everything I want and more.
Twisted Hate by Ana Huang | This was one of my favorite enemies-to-lovers I read this past year. It’s a trope I can easily get burned out on because it seems to be everywhere, but this one really worked for me. The banter and chemistry between Josh and Jules was hot, and I loved seeing their relationship develop.
What were some of your favorite reads of 2022? Share below!
Life of a Literary Nerd 
I’m so glad that Every Heart A Doorway made your favourites list! It’s one of my favourite books!
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It’s such a great story and I can’t wait to read more in the series
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