8. Leviathan Wakes

By James S.A. Corey (561 pp)

This is the first book in the Expanse series - which was a show on Syfy channel. I watched 1 episode of the show and had to run out and buy the book. (Technically, I asked for it for Christmas.) I really wanted to read the book before I finished the show but ended up reading and watching at the same time. And it was little bit jarring because of the differences. But I LOVED the book and I'm happy there are 4 more published! It's set in the future when people live in space with a conflict between earth, Mars with a strong military, and outer planets. It's hard to sum up in a couple of sentences. There is political unrest and the story is divided between a detective looking for a missing woman and a ship captain who runs into related trouble. It's really good: creepy, actiony, surprising. I recommend.

7. Secrets of a Summer Night

By Lisa Kleypas (309 pp)

This is a historical romance. Normally I prefer contemporaries but I wanted to try this author. It starts out as a generic story of woman with bad luck and no money needs a good marriage in London society (1843). A handsome rake with no title comes in to mix things up. But as the story goes on the story won me over. The characterization is wonderful. It gets a wee bit melodramatic at the end but a fun read for romance fans.

6. The Best Man

By Kristan Higgins (331 pp, ebook)

This is a sweet and fun small town romance. When the story opens, Faith Holland's story book romance comes to an end at the altar when her fiancé comes out. She moves away and when returns home, there are sparks with the Chief of Police. But both have tragic back stories to overcome. Lots of cute dialogue and funny situations although at times it went overboard into too silly. I still thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend for romance fans.