Wednesday, December 27, 2017

My Top Ten Favorite Books for 2017

I've always loved top ten lists, so why not make one? Here are my top ten favorite reads from this year, in alphabetical order, since I can't pick among faves.


10. All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by Janette Rallison

All's Fair in Love, War, and High School by [Rallison, Janette, Hill, C.J.]

I love all Janette Rallison's YA books (with the exception of Son of War, Daughter of Chaos, but that's a whole other post). They are funny, easy to relate to, and with flawed, but lovable characters with hilarious insight into life. This one is no exception.


9. Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Beyond the Rising Tide by [Beard, Sarah]

This is a YA romance book, but also a book about the afterlife, regrets, being a hero, survival guilt... so much to think about. Really enjoyed this.

8. Edgewood by Karen McQuestion

Edgewood by [McQuestion, Karen]

This is a YA Fantasy series about teens that develop powers. And yes, that's kinda been overdone, but the characters are an interesting group and I have to say, book 2 was amazing. The relationship between Russ and Nadia is very unique and seeing things from different character perspectives really changed how I felt about the characters in book 1.


7. House of Oak 1-5 by Nichole Van

Intertwine (House of Oak Book 1) by [Van, Nichole]

You're going to want to read all five, might as well get the boxed set. Nichole Van seamlessly intertwines a contemporary romance novel with an Austen-like regency novel. Each can be read as a stand-alone, but they work better if you read in order.

6. Isabella and the Slipper by Victorine E. Lieske

Isabella and the Slipper by [Lieske, Victorine E.]

I got to beta read this, and I have to say this hit the sweet spot of using a fairy tale to tell a compelling YA love story.

5. Love and Fat-Free Cheese by Crissy Sharp

Love and Fat-Free Cheese by [Sharp, Crissy]

This is both a satisfying clean romance and a suspense mystery wrapped in one. Really loved this book.

4. Moss Forest Orchid by Shari L Tapscott

Moss Forest Orchid (Silver and Orchids Book 1) by [Tapscott, Shari L.]

I'm still a little miffed that this ended in a cliff-hanger, but I really, really loved all the adventure and romance and fantasy elements like pocket dragons. Everything Shari L Tapscott writes is amazing.

3. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You by [West, Kasie]

Kasie West is like the queen of YA. This one is especially fun because it's a passing notes, mystery admirer kind of story.

2. The Princess Fugitive by Melanie Cellier

The Princess Fugitive: A Reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood (The Four Kingdoms Book 2) by [Cellier, Melanie]

This is another book where the main character was an unlikable side character in a previous book, until she gets her own story and you learn about her past. Full of adventure and clean romance.

1. The Student and the Slave by Annie Douglas Lima

The Student and the Slave (Krillonian Chronicles Book 3) by [Douglass Lima, Annie]

This was another beta read and a great culmination to the three book series. This is YA, but otherwise hard to categorize in that it's alternative reality with no magic. And about martial arts. Definitely different than what I write or usually read, but engaging all the same.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Fate's Arrangement by Megan Elder Evans

Fate's Arrangement is about a noblewoman who more than anything else, wants to continue her work as a midwife, performing c-sections in a time where everyone else thinks she's barbaric. This book is not for the squeamish as there are several childbirth scenes and sword fights and such. Tastefully done, but realistic. The adventure and romance in it are both excellent. I really enjoyed this and haven't read anything else quite like it before.

I received an early copy from the author and wanted to write a review.


Favorite books of 2020

Moment of Truth by Kasie West First: Get Caught by Crystal Liechty The Match by Sarah Adams Believing in You by Jess Mastorakos The Riven Ki...