First, happy Fourth of July!! Go drink a beer and eat a hot dog!
2014 is half over and we wanted to take a moment to briefly reflect on our favorite books we’ve read so far this year.
Tori:
It’s hard for me to do lists like these. I wish I could list all the books I’ve read so far because regardless of any issues or misgivings…there is something I have enjoyed about each and everyone of them.
Black Arts by Faith Hunter–A new beginning for Jane Yellowrock which blows the series wide open.
Push by Claire Wallis-A psychological romantic thriller with a shocking ending.
Absolution by Angela Louise McGurk-Violence and sex take on new meanings in a world run by vampires.
The Kraken King-Love on the open seas proves adventurous for two lost souls.
The Truth About Alice Jennifer Mathieu-A must read book that examines the dynamics bullying.
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop-Bishop weaves her magic in a world ruled by shifters.
Broken Blade by J.C. Daniels-Can a broken woman find what she has lost in a world that wants her dead?
Still Life With Strings by L.H. Cosway-A beautiful engaging love story filled with music and laughter as two opposites attract in the best of ways.
Honorable Mentions:
Screwdrivered by Alice Clayton
Shield Of Winter by Nalini Singh
Devil’s Game by Joanna Wylde
Fury Of The Demon (Kara Gillian, #6) by Diana Rowland
Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Laurens
***************
Helyce:
When Mandi first mentioned that she wanted to do a mid-year post of “best of” books so far, I thought, “piece of cake”. I was so wrong. As I reviewed my paltry list of read books on Goodreads, I realized that in nearly 7 months I have not read many books at all; no where near what I’ve normally read in the same time frame in previous years. I blame work, and life in general… So, I had to approach this from a different perspective. Here goes:
Slide and Rare by Garrett Leigh (series: Roads) is an m/m romance that features a paramedic and an artist who suffers from severe depression due to events in his childhood. I have not read many books, if any, where one of the main characters suffers from depression to the point that it is debilitating. While I did struggle a bit with the fact that Pete, who is a paramedic, missed so many of the signals where Ash’s issues were concerned, I continued to be pulled in throughout the story. There is a bit of a mystery as well which was very intriguing and I jumped into Rare immediately following Slide. I like this author’s voice and look forward to more.
Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh. I had to include this because I really loved everything about it. I loved that the Empaths have been reawakened. I loved that Silence has failed. I loved that an Arrow found love. Truly an excellent addition to an already spectacular series!
Night Unbound is book 5 in Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series [Note: September 2014 release]. This paranormal series is reminiscent of Ms. Kenyon’s Dark Hunters or Ms. Adrian’s Midnight Breeds but mixed in to the whole good vampires versus bad vampires are beings who we’ve previously only been able to guess at who/what they really are. This book moves the story arc forward well and gives us more definitive hints on what exactly our characters are dealing with. If you are a paranormal romance fan, I recommend this series!
*******************
Sheena:
Shield Of Winter by Nalini Singh – (Duh!) This was my most anticipated Hero story, second ONLY to the Hawke Snow. And Nalini delivered!
Romancing The Duke by Tessa Dare– this might be Dare’s best book yet and that is saying a lot. A nearly blind hero, a heroine who won’t give up, and all kinds of heat, humor, and tender moments.
The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan – This story ripped me to shreds and I loved every page. One of the best, most damaged and amazing heroines I’ve ever read and oh how I loved this story.
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop – Book #2 in this series – it delivered everything I could have hoped for! This world and these characters continue to grow, and I loved the end so very much.
******************
Mandi:
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop – Currently, my favorite urban fantasy series. It’s good you guys.
All I Have by Nicole Helm – adorable farmer’s market romance. Great chemistry between the hero and heroine.
Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan – everything I want in a contemporary romance.
Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren – It’s sweet. It’s filthy. It surprised the heck out of me.
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare – It’s Dare at her finest. Blind hero, a stubborn heroine, a fantastic story.
The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan – This is my Goodreads review – “He can’t even touch her hand without her having an extreme reaction. So he waits. He ever so patiently starts to court her. AND IT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING EVER!!!”
Off the Edge by Carolyn Crane – Adventure, suspense, super sexy.
Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner – Such a different story. Unique, romantic – love this author.
Reaper’s Legacy by Joanna Wylde – Ruger makes my lady parts tingle.
Aaaand just like that Tori made me pick Jane Yellowrock series again.
All winners, ladies! :)
Happy Fourth oh July! :)
Some Hachette Books are on sale at Amz for $1.99 – http://www.dailycheapreads.com/post/2014/07/04/11/42/31/110643/read-a-romance-over-the-holiday-weekend-1-99-each/post.html
This deal includes books 1,2 and 4 in Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series
Thanks!
Off the top of my head, my favorites for the year is Beyond Jealousy, Bitter Spirits, and Shield of Winter.
Loved all three of those!
I want to thank all of you Smexy ladies for introducing me to lots of new (to me, anyway) authors and fantabulous books. Your reviews and Top Ten lists, and Smexy Scene posts are so entertaining and hilarious! So many good reads out there and you help us all find them.
Deb
Thanks so much Deb :) We have fun.