There were a lot of surprises for me in 2013. I fell for a lizard. An actual alien lizard. I fell for a sweeping male/male fantasy story. But there were also some authors that made my list that are no surprise at all including Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews. Let’s get to it.
Captive Prince Volume One and Two by S.U. Pacat Review l Goodreads l Kindle
A favorite read of the year and the trilogy isn’t even over yet! I can barely stand the wait. This is a male/male fantasy story, and while I thoroughly enjoyed Volume One, Volume Two is what really blew me away. You must read them in order. For all of the dark things that happen in Volume One, the payoff in Volume Two – including the romance and the epic twists and turns - is worth it. Volume Three will be released in 2014.
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh Review l Goodreads l Kindle
Twelve books into this amazing series, and this is the strongest one yet. Not only has Singh crafted a complex and intriguing world, but the romance in this book is FANTASTIC.
“Tell me you aren’t evil.” Please.
Kaleb’s thumbs moved against her temples. “I’m sorry.”
Shaking her head in a mute refusal to accept what he was trying to tell her, she lifted trembling fingers to his jaw. “What have you done?”
“Too much that can never be undone.”
Uncommon Passion by Anne Calhoun. Review l Goodreads l Kindle
Erotic. Intense. Amazing heroine. Anne Calhoun is one of my most anticipated authors.
“What is this?” she asked. She wanted to rub up against him. She wanted to see him, touch his bare skin. She wanted…
He gave a low laugh she felt rumble in his chest as much as heard in her ears. “Chemistry,” he said, and lifted his head to look at her. “This is some kind of wicked chemistry.”
The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith Review l Goodreads l Kindle
One of the longest books I’ve ever read and I was captivated throughout. Lizard hero who by some point in the middle of the book, I found quite sexy. A human heroine who refuses to give up through some very dark moments but they all lead to a satisfying ending. One of the most unique romances I’ve read.
No, it was not sex, but it had to be something that made him look for reasons to sit with her, to speak with her, even to fight with her if that was all there was, because even the most tedious and foul chore of curing a damned animal hide could become something to look forward to if he was with her. And it wasn’t sex, but he wished it was; it wasn’t sex, but if it had been, even that could be good, could even be glorious, just because it was with her.
Written in Red by Anne Bishop Review l Goodreads l Kindle
Very strong urban fantasy world. Heroine is amazing. Every single supporting character is amazing. Just a hint of romance – but I have a feeling it will be coming in later books. If you pick one urban fantasy to read this year, it should be this one.
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews Review l Goodreads l Kindle
I say this every damn year – Ilona Andrews is the BEST storyteller out there. Period. The world. The characters. The romance. The action. The villain. This is an absolute must-read series.
"Are you hungry, baby?" Curran asked.
"Starving."
"I think we should go to dinner."
"Great idea."
"What are you going to wear?"
"My badass face."
"Good choice," he said.
Beyond Control by Kit Rocha Review l Goodreads l Kindle
This is the second book in this erotic series and I just knew Dallas and Lex would blow me away. The hottest book I read this year with great supporting characters and a terrific world. (and book one and three are awesome too!)
Dallas O’Kane didn’t chase after women who ran. Dallas O’Kane lifted a finger and women came running
The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers Review l Goodreads l Kindle
This is Mary Ann River’s debut story and in 120 pages it made a tremendous impact. So freaking good. But guess what? This isn’t the only book by her that made my list…
Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers (part of the Heating up the Holidays anthology) Review l Goodreads l Kindle
This one might have made me squee in delight more than The Story Guy. Again, in a novella-length story, Mary Ann Rivers writes the most beautiful words. Just read this one and then get excited for 2014 when she has a full-length book coming out. (and it’s $.99 for the entire anthology.)
Honorable Mentions/Authors I discovered in 2013/Other Stuff I’ll Force you to Read
The Kit Colbana series by JC Daniels – this is one of the best ‘urban fantasy with a very strong romance’ series I read. The first two are out, the third comes out next month. You want to be reading this. Blade Song is Bk #1 ($1.99)
Sarah Morgan – read Ripped, Sleigh Bells in the Snow, An Invitation to Sin. She writes great romance and she makes me giggle.
Tessa Bailey – The Queen of the Dirty Talking Hero. That’s all you need to know. Take a glance at her Reviews
In the Category of – “Mandi is very excited to see what this author does in 2014 is Edie Harris.. See her 2013 books here. I rec all of them.
Kristen Callihan – She writes a very strong paranormal historical series. Four books in and each one is so, so good. The romance is great and the world is fun. Check her out here.
I really, really, REALLY need to read The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith. Great list Mandi-licious
You doooo. You just need like 2 weeks free. LOL
Yikes, lots of these books have horrific reviews on Goodreads, which make me question your taste in books and whether I should be even considering your opinion.
Every one of those books has a cumulative score of 4 stars and up.
Ouch. This list was the same as mine. lol
Mine too. Lol.
I’ve read wonderful things about all of these books, and the Goodreads I looked at shows them all at 4 stars and up. The Mary Ann Rivers’ novellas are wonderful, Ilona Andrews can truly do no wrong, and Tessa Bailey’s hero is a hoot! So many of the rest are either on my Kindle waiting for me, or on my “wishlist”. Thank you!
So many of these were favorites of mine as well. Great list!
Yay for 2013! :)
I still do not know who Ghost is…ha, I have managed to hide from the spoilers until I read the book
You have been good!
I need to read The Captive Prince but otherwise our list is pretty much the same. There were some realllly good books this year.
I think you would like the Captive Prince. So many twists
Heart of Obsidian was my #1 favorite read followed by Monica Murphy’s Drew + Fable books. I keep re-reading these 3 books. Love them.
Hmm..I haven’t read Monica Murphy
Man, so many books on my TR pile that I need to move up! I haven’t heard of the Captive Prince series so I’ll have to check it out.
Still can’t bring myself to read the lizard book…
LOL – totally understand. The lizard book is not for everyone
Great list! Looks a lot like mine. Lol. I really need to read Uncommon Passion and The Captive Prince series.
You would LOVE Uncommon Passion!
Fab list Mandi, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and J.C. Daniels were my favs of 2013 too. I’ll need to check out some of your other recommendations I don’t know how I missed Written In Red but it sounds right up my street!
It took me awhile to read it too. Now I’m dying for the sequel
I’m so excited that I’ve read four of the books you mention! Then again, so many of the others are sitting in my TBR…I could read 24/7 and never catch up.
You should see how many books are on my kindle waiting to be read
I love your list Mandi!!! Singh is just classic, how can you not love her books. I do need to read Kristen Callihan.
Singh really is outstanding.
Callihan is a must read! :)
So glad that you gave a mention to the Kit Colbana series. I was a total wreck at the end of the second book and keep searching the author’s website for any snippets she might throw out to sustain me. Have you tried Shanna Walkers Rhylee Adamson series? Also a new one I discovered this year with a strong sword slinging female lead.
Oooh I haven’t…I will go look up that series right now. Thanks!
Another score for Written in Red! I love that book. Great list Mandi and of course I agree on Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews.
Spot on! I love The Kit Colbana series too!