Helyce’s Favorite Books of 2011

When Mandi asked me to put together a list of my favorite reads for 2011, I thought “piece of cake!”, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. First, I didn’t do a good job of keeping track of everything I’ve read this year and two; I found it extremely difficult not to list every “I just couldn’t put it down” book that I had read.

Before I begin, I would like to thank Mandi for inviting me to be a part of her team here at Smexy Books. I have had so much fun and the opportunity to read books that I may not have ever heard about or chosen for myself has really been eye-opening! Also, being able to discuss all the awesome books that we read with you all and comparing thoughts and opinions have been incredible! Thank you, Mandi, for EVERYTHING!

In no particular order, here we go:

Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken—After reading a novella by Aiken in the Supernatural anthology and totally loving it, I decided I had to take a look at this series. I was not disappointed. Aiken writes with snarky humor and the world she created in this series is fantastic. I’ve only been able to read the first two so far, but the rest are definitely in my TBR!

Tempted by Elisabeth Naughton (Review)—This is book 3 in Naughton’s Eternal Guardian series and I was blown away by this installment. The pairing of Demetrius- tortured, dark, and generally avoided at all costs by his fellow guardians, to the beautiful quiet, soft-spoken Princess Isadora was perfection. I cannot wait for book 4, Enraptured (Go Orpheus!!! April 2012).

Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall (Review)-This is book 2 in Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series. A new to me author, I was really taken in by the world created herein. The slight crossover of SciFi and PNR hit all my buttons in this story of Ami and Marcus. I’m not big on cliffhangers, in fact, I hate them-but there were enough extremely interesting unanswered questions at the end and I will be impatiently awaiting book 3.

Breaking Point by Pamela Clare (Review)—While I would have purchased this book for the cover alone, I am happy to say that the story within totally lives up its gorgeous cover. This is book 5 of Ms. Clare’s I-Team series and has been a favorite series of mine since I discovered her last year and gobbled up the first 4 books. Super hot, sexy men and equally strong, independent woman-this romantic suspense series is one of my favorites!

Fallen From Grace by Laura Leone-Thank goodness for Goodreads and the book blogging community or I may never have come across this book. This is one of those stories that really makes you think and stays with you long after you’ve read the last page. Make sure you keep the tissues nearby.

Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh- Dmitri! Need I say more? I love Nalini Singh and I will read anything that she writes! Her Guild Hunter and Psy/Changling series are among my most anticipated releases each year!

Talker and Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane—It was sheer chance that I came across the book Talker when I was on Goodreads one day-and it was the cover that caught my eye. The image of that tattoo along the side of the boy’s face had me more curious than anything-but this friends to lovers story quickly imbedded itself into my heart. One of my very first m/m reads, Amy Lane has become one of my favorite authors of the genre. Her very realistic and at times painful, stories of young men in love and the challenges they face in today’s world are heartfelt and heart-wrenching at the same time. Keeping Promise Rock is a separate series by Lane and revolves around a group of friends with the strong message that family is not always the one you’re born into by blood, but the one you make of your own choosing. Excellent reads-highly recommend!

Strawberries for Dessert by Marie Sexton—I have Mandi to blame and thank for turning me on to Marie Sexton’s books. She’d seen Strawberries was up for some award and told me about it, but because it was book #4, and I hate reading out of order, I started with book 1, Promises and the rest as they say is history. Sexton’s Coda series centering around a group of friends who live in Coda, CO and the relationship challenges they experience is both humorous and heartfelt at the same time. Strawberries for Dessert is by far my favorite of the series with Cole and Jonathon being one of my favorite m/m couples of all time!

Shades of Gray by Brooke McKinley-This is another one of those books that for some reason grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. The story of Miller and Danny and everything they go through will stick with you long after the last page. I loved Danny in this book. He rides a fine line where one step to the left and he’d be doomed, but one step to the right and maybe everything will work out. The author keeps you guessing till the very end. LOVED!

Divide & Conquer by Urban and Roux—I highly recommend the whole Cut & Run series. Ty and Zane together are mismatched, but at the same time, perfect for each other. This writing team is fabulous! Sexy, hot, must read!

Honorable Mentions

Virgin River (series) by Robyn Carr

Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor (series) by Lori Foster

Donovan Brothers Brewery (series) by Victoria Dahl

Never Enough (Brown Siblings) by Lauren Dane

Renegade Angel by Kendra Leigh Castle

Virgin (Cat Star Chronicles) by Cheryl Brooks

In The Flesh by Ethan Stone

Dirty Kiss by Rhys Ford

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few, but when it comes to books, I really could go on and on!

Happy New Year to all!!!