It’s Top 10 Tuesday, the first one of the new year! So today, we’re sharing our favorite retro reads from 2023.
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Table of contents
- It’s Top Ten Tuesday
- This Week’s Theme: Our Best Reads from 2023
- List of 10 Favorite Books We Read in 2023
- 1. Cheyenne Captive by Georgina Gentry
- 2. The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth
- 3. Eagle’s Song by Rosanne Bittner
- 4. The Shining Of Love By Emma Darcy
- 5. Love’s Reckless Rebel By Gina Robins
- 6. A Durable Fire by Robyn Donald
- 7. Fantasy By Emma Darcy
- 8. Meet The New Dawn by Rosanne Bittner
- 9. The Passionate Sinner by Violet Winspear
- 10. The Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham
- Your Opinion
It’s Top Ten Tuesday
It’s Top Ten Tuesday again, where we post a list of 10 of our best, favorite, or most important book-ish-related items, depending on the theme of the week. Thank you to That Artsy Reader Girl for providing us with this feature and creative ideas.
“Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”
This Week’s Theme: Our Best Reads from 2023
We’re a bit behind on celebrating the New Year. It seems like every holiday season, we always receive an extra gift when we visit relatives. This year, it was the flu from hell.
Last week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme was “Favorite Books of 2023.” We missed the deadline to share our choices, but better late than never! So, we’re posting them this week.
We had so many things we wanted to accomplish before the end of the year, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to get to all of them. As a result, we’ve decided to extend our New Year celebrations throughout the entire month with some special events.
But in the meantime, here’s a list of the ten best romances we read and reviewed in 2023 for Sweet Savage Flame. These novels have all received a 5-star rating.
However, they are not the only exceptional reads from last year; they just represent the best of the best. You can explore the rest here.
List of 10 Favorite Books We Read in 2023
Enjoy this list (in no particular order) of our favorite romance books—that is to say, our favorite retro romance reads from last year!
1. Cheyenne Captive by Georgina Gentry
Georgina Gentry’s Cheyenne Captive is recommended for those interested in Native American and Western romance novels.
The Cheyenneenne Captive Novel is a well-written historical novel with a strong focus on the Cheyenne tribe and their customs. The main characters, Summer and Iron Knife, are well-developed. This historical romance explores their relationship amidst a backdrop of violence and conflicts with other characters.
2. The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth
The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth is an epic Harlequin Presents filled with revenge, deceit, and unexpected twists. The book showcases an audacious plot and dynamic characters, making it a thrilling read for fans of old-school romances.
3. Eagle’s Song by Rosanne Bittner
Eagle’s Song is a powerful conclusion to Rosanne Bittner‘s “Savage Destiny” series, exploring themes of love, family, and overcoming bigotry. Bittner’s writing is deep and emotionally charged, evoking a wide range of feelings in readers.
Overall, we highly recommend reading it, as it’s one of the reviewer Blue Falcon‘s all-time favorites.
4. The Shining Of Love By Emma Darcy
Emma Darcy’s The Shining of Love is a poignant and stirring narrative that masterfully captures the essence of forbidden love and emotional turmoil. The novel stands out for its rich character development and the ability to deeply engage the reader in the protagonist’s moral and emotional journey.
It is a powerful testament to the complexities of love and the human heart, resonating with readers who appreciate romance that delves beyond surface-level attraction.
5. Love’s Reckless Rebel By Gina Robins
Love’s Reckless Rebel by Gina Robins stands out for its skillful combination of humor, romance, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The inclusion of rom-com elements, well-crafted characters and a focus on emotional depth over explicit sexual content add to the novel’s charm.
Overall, it’s a highly rated and beloved work in the genre, showcasing Gina Robins’ (Connie Feddersen) talent for engaging and romantic stories.
6. A Durable Fire by Robyn Donald
A Durable Fire is a quintessential example of Robyn Donald’s work, characterized by its intense emotional depth, complex characters, and dark romantic themes. The book successfully captures the essence of old-school Harlequin romances with its tumultuous plot, flawed yet compelling characters, and a rollercoaster of emotional and sensual experiences.
7. Fantasy By Emma Darcy
Fantasy by Emma Darcy captivates with its blend of emotional turmoil, passionate encounters, and the exploration of personal desires against the backdrop of professional demands. The story is not just about romance but also delves into themes of self-worth and the pursuit of happiness in unexpected ways.
This Harlequin Presents by the late Frank and Wendy Brennan exemplifies the allure and provides readers with a delightful escape into a world where fantasy and reality intriguingly intersect.
8. Meet The New Dawn by Rosanne Bittner
Meet The New Dawn by Rosanne Bittner is another emotional entry in her “Savage Destiny” series, with raw and real character emotions. The series can be emotionally draining, but the overall story is engaging and well-written.
Readers should be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and keep tissues nearby while reading.
9. The Passionate Sinner by Violet Winspear
Violet Winspear’s The Passionate Sinner is a dramatic and intense romance novel exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
With a strong focus on the love between the characters, the book provides a satisfying and highly dramatic reading experience.
10. The Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham
The Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham is a delightful and unforgettable romance between two polar opposite characters who find love through a fake engagement that turns into a marriage of convenience.
With passionate moments, misunderstandings, and a trusty dog, this book is a must-read for fans of the Harlequin Presents line and is available in Manga form.
Your Opinion
We read fewer books last year than we had planned to, but this year, we are determined to read and review 100 books!
What do you think of this Top Ten Tuesday’s list? What do you think of our choices for favorite romance novels to read in 2023?
As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance!