Compiling this list for 2016 succeeded in proving to me that this was not a great year for me reading wise. From a numbers perspective, I’ve read the least amount of books this year when compared to previous years. I wasn’t surprised to see that most of my favorite reads were by authors whose series I’ve followed for years. With a sprinkling of new to me authors mixed in, here is my list in no particular order:
Archangel’s Heart (Guild Hunter #9) by Nalini Singh: This was a fantastic release as we focus on Raphael and Elena once again and gain some very interesting knowledge about Elena’s past. Singh continues her story by taking us far away from Raphael’s domain as the Archangels come together to make important decisions. But nothing is ever as seems and much to Elena’s surprise, she makes some family connections in the land of her ancestors.
Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews: Kate is once again up against her father in a race to save her lands and people from war while at the same time trying to plan a wedding to her love, Curran. While it feels like Kate learns so much and moves forward in great strides, the threat is still there, it’s very real and sadly, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Filled with humor and action the only disappointment is the long wait for the next book.
Return of the Bad Boy (Second Chances #4) by Jessica Lemmon: My favorite book of this series so far, Lemmon finally gives us Asher’s story. I suspected that Asher would end up with Gloria, and I looked forward to seeing just how she would handle this pairing. I was not disappointed! Ms. Lemmon has quickly become an auto-read author for me.
Split by J.B. Salsbury: A new to me author, Salsbury explores the intricacies of multiple personality disorder in a young man, so horribly abused as a child, he developed an alternate personality. Packed with emotional content, the reader cannot help but feel Lucas’s torment and anguish. I really enjoyed the author’s unique approach in how the dual personality of Lucas is handled with the heroine, Shyann.
In The Kill by K. Sterling: Once again Ms. Sterling writes a story that pulled me in, shook me up, gave me the feels, and made me laugh and smirk, all in just over 100 pages. In an interesting twist, the assassin falls for his mark, but it’s really not that simple when a series of events brings him full circle and he’s to close a door from his past.
Eidolon (Wraith Kings #2) by Grace Draven: This is probably my most surprising favorite read of the year. I also read book one, Radiance, this year. I fell in love with Brishen and Ildiko and their journey from looking at each other in disgust to falling in love. In Eidolon, their love continues to be tested. My first book in the fantasy genre, I cannot wait to see what is next for this couple.
Honorable Mention:
Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Making The Play by T.J. Kline
A Little More Love by Kendra Leigh Castle
I always hear how great Kate Daniels is! I really need to check it out!
Oh Sheena, YES! I am so not a UF reader especially knowing there is not a lot of smexy times. BUT this series is great. I found I enjoyed it more listening on Audible, but once I was invested i the story and it’s characters I just get the kindle version. Do try it…the world building is great and there is humor that just makes it all come together. Kate and Curran are just perfect.
I really enjoy Jessica Lemmon but I couldn’t get in to Asher and Glo. I may try to circle back to it at some point.
Hey Kini, I think I get where you’re coming from with Asher and Glo. They had that meant to be together vibe that just stuck for me. I love this author’s writing style!
I liked Jessica Lemmon’s The Billionaire Bachelor. I am a fan of Robyn’s Virgin River books, but haven’t gotten past that in my TBR. I wasn’t sure if I would like the Women’s Fiction books – is there a romance with HEA?
Hi Sharlene: I’ve become a huge fan of Lemmon’s books. I’ve read her Second Chances series and one of the new Billionaire books. Her NA stories have also been really good. The Virgin River series (Carr) was my first experience with Robyn Carr and I have since read her Thunderpoint series as well. Her single stand alones are also really good and all do have a romantic element. In What we Find, there is a main couple and they do find their way to each other.