First Half Favs: Top 10 Books of 2022 (So Far)

The first half of 2022 has come to a close! It's truly wild that the year has flown by like this. January-March always feels like such a slog and then Spring zooms by. I’m hoping Summer slows down, since it’s one of my favorite times of the year, but there’s also a lot I want to accomplish in 2022. I’m behind on a few goals that I set out for myself and I’m hoping to get my focus back during the long Summer days.

But first, books. Here are the books that have been standouts for me throughout the first half of the year! Lots of romance obviously, but a few surprises mixed in there. I want to read more memoirs in the second half of the year but I also have been loving into reading the genres that make me happy. It’s okay to read books that make you happy. You can still read diversely and across genres without having to dip into stories that create anxiety or are triggering.

Running Wild by KA Tucker

I’ve been really attracted to books that tackle complicated characters. I started off the year with this book and absolutely adored it. This is the fourth book in The Simple Wild universe and it’s about Marie and Tyler, though you do get to see glimpses of Calla and Jonah. I really, really enjoyed it.

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

If you haven’t read this series yet, I cannot recommend it enough! It is fun, silly, hilarious and thrilling. It’s the second book in the series.

Blitzed by Alexa Martin

Y’all, Alexa Martin deserves more hype. This is my favorite book in the Playbook series. If you’re a football fan, or even if you’re not and just love contemporary romance, you’ve got to read the series!

Lease on Love by Fallon Ballard

This was my first unputdownable reads of the year. It has one of the best friend groups I’ve read since the inner circle in ACOMAF. It will make you want to move into a brownstown in Brooklyn ASAP.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Look, I didn’t love Beach Read. I thought People We Meet on Vacation was cute. But BOOK LOVERS??? What did she put in this one. I really, really enjoyed it. I loved Charlie. I loved the setting. I loved the balance between banter and self discovery. Big fan.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

It’s no secret I’ve become obsessed with Tessa Bailey. Like, obsessed. And this book is pure, sexy fun. It’s on the high steam/spice scale but I read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. Such a perfect summer read!

How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

I’ve become obsessed with fake dating Romances. It’s a trope that just works for my brain and I eat ‘em like candy. This is another book that feels well balanced in terms of fun, flirty romance and character development. Plus, I always love “behind the scenes” books.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

This is a surprise for no one, I imagine. Just read it. That’s all.

You’ll Make a Fool of Death with your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Gosh this book was achingly romantic. It’s sexy and raw and deals with moving forward with grief and experiencing traumatic loss.

The Lifestyle by Taylor Hahn

I read this book during the #ReadIntoSummer2022 and it did not disappoint. It’s an Emma retelling but add in the element of swingers and big time lawyers. I KNOW it sounds wild but it was wildly entertaining and thought provoking. You won’t leave wanting to swing (or you will, I don’t judge) but you will think about what it means to have everything you need vs want.

I’d love to know what your favorites of the year have been so far!