The other day I got an email from Goodreads that reported that I had read a whopping 97 books this year. My immediate reaction was, “What? That can’t be right!” And it’s not. Mainly because I fail epically when when it comes to logging in books I’ve read that I didn’t have to review for this blog. Sadly, the real number is only about 110 which is still a bit sad.

But that’s what happens when real life steps in. Going back to work has taken a huge chunk out of what was my “reading time”. You know, the kids are at school, hubby is at work, etc. Making time to read is more difficult. So much so that when I sat down to make this list, I found it really hard. I enjoyed a lot of the 100 books that I read, but only a few really stood out and when I thought about why, I realized that it was because of how they made me feel and the fact that they really stuck with me and made me think about things. They may have appealed to me on an emotional level, or it may have connected with me on a personal level. Those are the kinds of books that stick with me and always make me glad that I’ve read them. Of course, there are obvious favorites here from authors I’ve followed for a long time…and well, they make the list just because they continually provide an awesome story in a long running series.

Paranormal

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon-I was beyond thrilled to learn that Ms. Kenyon was going to give us Styxx’s story. I have had a real book-boyfriend love for Acheron since I found the Dark Hunter series. I thought Acheron’s book was good, but Styxx blew me away. Yes, it’s a really tough, harsh, emotional ride-but I loved it. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh-I’m a huge fan of Nalini Singh. Her world building, characters and magical writing always amaze me. Though I worried about another book focusing on Elena and Raphael, I shouldn’t have. We learn much in this installment and the final scenes are epic. And Aodhan….still love Bluebell, but I can’t wait for Aodhan’s story. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Darkness Rises by Dianne Duvall-If you are fan of paranormal and you are not reading Ms. Duvall’s Immortal Guardian series, you really should give it a shot. I recommend reading in order. I have really enjoyed each book in this series. Vampires, these guardian’s are just a bit more and each book focuses on a new couple. But there are not only vampires; there are hints at beings who are other, but we don’t know quite what. Really good, she can’t write them fast enough. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith-I wasn’t sure about including this book this year. But in the end, I really just had to. Because it made my heart pound, and it made me mad and really pissed off at certain characters that I wanted to die horrible screaming deaths. It moved me and fed my love of science fiction in a really huge way. It made me cry, too. And it stuck with me long after I finished. My friend and I still talk about it. It’s just that kind of book. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Honorable Mention: The Demon’s Song and The Demon’s Desire by Kendra Leigh Castle. Ms. Castle started this series with Renegade Angel (Harlequin Nocturne) in 2010. Stuff happened, and the series disappeared until she hooked up with Entangled. She wrote these two with Entangled and I was so excited that she would be continuing this series. I’m not sure what the status is at this date, but I believe things are in flux again, which is too bad. Ms. Castle writes awesome paranormal stories with unique characters and world building. I’m hoping she’ll continue them somehow. (Self-publishing…hint hint)

Contemporary Romance

Rocky Mountain Freedom by Vivian Arend-I have read and reviewed each of Ms. Arend’s Six Pack Ranch books here at Smexy. She finally gave us Travis’s book and it was everything I could have asked for.  Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Full Throttle by Erin McCarthy-I had to include this book even though it almost lost me toward the end of it. Again, I’ve read every book in this series, but this one hit all my romance loving buttons until that point and I simply loved Rhett. I want a Rhett of my own. He is every woman’s dream lover. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

M/M Romance

The Tin Box by Kim Fielding-I read this based on Tori’s review. It hit my heart hard. So sad and emotional but also uplifting in a way.  Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Cold by Brandon Shire-I’ve became a fan of Brandon Shire after his book Afflicted. He uses unique characters in sometimes odd situations to tell his story. There is always a strong emotional content. Cold takes place in a prison. I was pulled in and almost died at the cliffhanger ending. Book 2 is out, but I have not read at this writing. Goodreads l Kindle

Never A Hero by Marie Sexton-I love Marie Sexton and I enjoyed this book because I related to it a bit on a personal level as my niece was born without part of her arm. Difficult subject matter made for an emotional read. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

Touch and Geaux by Abigail Roux-As always, Ms Roux gave us an amazing emotional and adventure filled ride with our boys Ty and Zane. And as always, I impatiently wait for the next installment. Review l Goodreads l Kindle

There you have it! To all our Smexy followers, I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and I wish you many many hours of reading pleasure in 2014!