This is the year I rediscovered my love of reading! I’ve finally figured out how to turn off writer brain (for the most part) and enjoy stories again as a reader.
My goal for 2015 was 80 books, and I’ve read 89, so not too bad. I read a lot of great books this year (including re-reading Harry Potter…that series gets better with every reading), and it was hard to narrow it down to my ten favorites. But here are my top 10, in no particular order. Spoiler: They’re all romances or have very strong romantic elements. (I know, you’re all shocked.)
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker. The premise of this book intrigued me, and after a few friends read this book and raved and raved about it, I gave it a try. Holy cow. This book was AMAZING. Talk about depth. The relationships in this book were so complex, and the story line was fantastic. If you read one book next year, read this one. I promise you won’t regret it.
Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram. I actually just finished this book yesterday, and it was everything I needed a book to be right now–romantic, sweet, and a true fantasy-fulfillment. This book was a blissful escape into a fairy tale.
Water So Deep by Nichole Giles. I full-on let Netflix entertain my kids while I ripped through this story in a day. The heroine was conflicted and strong, and I’m a sucker for mermaid tales. The love story in this one was perfect. I really hope book 2 comes out soon because I can’t wait for more!
Royal Date by Sariah Wilson. Another modern-day fairy tale that left me with a happy sigh. Who doesn’t love a good Cinderella story? Hot guy. Damsel in distress. A royal palace. Seriously, it’s the perfect combo.
The Kiss that Launched 1,000 GIFs by Sheralyn Pratt. The flirtatious banter between the hero and heroine made this story a total treat.
Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes. This was a regency tale with an engagement to prevent a scandal and a most Mr. Rochester-ish hero. I actually read the entire series this year and loved them all, but I think book 1 is still my favorite.
Mine to Spell by Janeal Falor. I waited what felt like forever for this book to come out (it’s the second in the series) and it was totally worth it. I love the magic system in this book and the social system and treatment of women is fascinating.
Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode. I know dystopian is so 2013, but I still love it. This book was everything I love about the genre–strong characters, a complex and interesting social system, and lots of political unrest. Book 2 is coming out in a few weeks and I’m so excited!
How to Hook a Bookworm by Cassie Mae. This was the conclusion to the How To series (although you can read them all independently), and it was as hilarious and entertaining as the other books. I especially loved the cameos of characters from book 1 and 2.
My Fairly Dangerous Godmother by Janette Rallison. I adore anything and everything this lady writes, and her Godmother series is one of my favorites. Book 3 was as quirky and fun as the other two. I especially loved when she got stuck in the Twelve Dancing Princesses story.
I’ve already got my kindle filled with more books than I can possibly read in 2016, and I have a long list of sequels I’m anxious for. I hope you read as many great books this past year as I did!