Yes, I've been woeful at blogging of late - too much going on and a million other excuses.

I've still be reading and learning though. 

Normally I wouldn't select a book on the basis of the publisher, but independent publisher Choc Lit has provided all of my top reads of this year.

 This small but perfectly formed outift are consistently producing top quality books.  Definitely falling into the romance category, they have added depth to them.  Their publishing criteria is that the story must include the hero's perspective, which although does add an extra dimension, I think what sets apart their line up is the quality of the writing and the writers they are showcasing.  Choc-Lit seemsto have a great partnership with its writers and really care about what they put out there. 

I know from inside gen that they have an industrious panel of readers who have to give manuscripts a postive critique before they get published and that the panel is carefully chosen and vetted before they're let loose.

It's certainly paying off. 

My top read of this year is the fantastic, The Untied Kingdom, which I bought on Kindle but its a keeper and I'm going to have to buy the paperback. 

Where do I start? From page one, you are thrown into the story - quite literally dropped into the Thames with the heroine, Eve,who is down-to-earth and a fighter, without that awful cutesy feistiness.

A riveting page turner this book is set in a modern day parallell world, which is brilliantly conceived.  The detail of the setting and the locations really creates an evocative world that you become absorbed in. 

The battle scarred hero is a gem, tough, uncompromising and fiercely loyal as well as bit more than a bit sexy. 

From a writers point of view, this book has it all, a clever plot which is full of conflict, great description of an original setting, engaging characters and page turning pace.  Set some time aside - you might want to read it in one sitting.