Like most internet savvy readers, I find most of my new books and series by checking out my favorite book bloggers recommendations. I have asked.... to stop by and talk about their favorite books of 2014!
Blogger: Larissa {Larissa and Friends' Bookish Life}
Book Blog Address: www.larissaslife.com
Twitter Handle: @larissa_sarah
Book Blog Address: www.larissaslife.com
Twitter Handle: @larissa_sarah
Top Books of 2014
#1 Universal Alien {Katherine Kitty Katt Series #10} by Gini Koch - Space Opera/Sci-fi
It's book 10 in the series and Gini was able to deliver a fantastic and very original story that I absolutely loved!
#2 Light My Fire (Dragon Kin, #7) by G.A. Aiken - Paranormal Romance
G.A. Aiken aka Shelly Laurenston can write a hilarious romance like no other and Light My Fire is not only a great book, it is an epic story!
#3 Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, #7) by Darynda Jones - Urban Fantasy
Another Hilarious addition to an awesome series!
#4 Fear Nothing (Detective D.D. Warren, #7) by Lisa Gardner - Mystery/Thriller
One of my favorite series ever and a superb novel!
#5 Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, #13) by Nalini Singh - Paranormal Romance
Nalini's Psy-Changeling series is always on my favorites list every year. She can do no wrong!
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Favorite Series of 2014
October Daye Series by Shenan Mcguire - Urban Fantasy
I absolutely adore this series and I feel it is very underrated by people. More people should check it out, it's amazing!
I absolutely adore this series and I feel it is very underrated by people. More people should check it out, it's amazing!
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Blogger: Brianna (The Book Vixen)
Book Blog Address: http://www.thebookvixen.com/
Twitter Handle: @thebookvixen
Top Books of 2014
#1 Black Widow by Jennifer Estep (urban fantasy) - I absolutely love this series. This book had some great twists and turns.
#2 Decker's Wood by Kirsty Dallas (contemporary romance, romantic comedy) - This was a delightful surprise. I had never read anything by this author before. I forget how/where I stumbled upon this book but as soon as I discovered the hero is a porn star, I had to read it.
#3 Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan (contemporary romance, MC romance) - Book crack. Raw, edgy, intense book crack. I love how the author has a 'warning' in the book description. Only made me want to read this book even more.
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
I have the hardest time picking favorite covers
Favorite Series of 2014
The Undeniable series by Madeline Sheehan. I glommed through the first 3 books.
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Blogger: The Lit Bitch
Top Books of 2014
#1 The Bronze Horseman (Genre: Historic Fiction/Romance)
Why I loved it: This was one of those books where I was completely wrapped up in the story more than the characters. I was fascinated by the history of Leningrad. This story is rich and complex. There is so many great things to say about it that I just don’t know where to begin. It’s full of history, romance, tragedy, forbidden love, tormented heroes, innocence, war, and hope.
#2 Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole (Genre: Historic Fiction/Romance)
Why I loved it: A forbidden love story written entirely in letters spanning two world wars? Be still my heart! There is something surprisingly intimate about a letter. I felt like I knew the characters in such a unique and intimate way. I connected with them so much more deeply than I have with other characters in a standard novel.
#3 Daughter of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton (Genre: Historic Fiction)
Why I loved it: I love how Thornton takes these women and elevates their story far above an average biography. While her novels are ‘fiction’ many of the events and people are real and did actually happen. Strong characters, intriguing story, rich history, forbidden romance, tragedy, and conspiracy. If you haven’t read Thornton before, she is a marvelous story teller and you will learn a little history while enjoying a truly engaging story!
#4 Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth (Genre: Historic Fiction/Romance/Fantasy)
Why I loved it: This story was magical! I loved how Forsyth sprinkled magic and witchcraft throughout the story. It wasn’t the focal point of the story though which I loved. It added to the novel and the characters, rather than stealing the spotlight on its own. The characters were complex and imaginative and their stories were richly developed and intriguing. While the focus was mainly on the women in the novel, there were wonderfully sensual love stories and love scenes that made the reader fall in love right along with the heroines!
#5 Bhalla Strand by Sarah Maine (Genre: Historic Fiction/Mystery)
Why I loved it: I love a good Gothic romance and this had all the things that I love in Gothic novels…..crumbling estates, forbidden/tragic love, ruined families, fall from grace….everything!
It was wonderfully atmospheric and rich in symbolism. The author really utilized the landscape, weather, and wildlife to her advantage. The landscape for me was a key figure throughout the novel, it was almost a character unto itself. It was a fast read and engaging from the very beginning. I loved the rich mystery and the intriguing family secrets and lies.
Favorite Series of 2014
The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson or The Maggie Hope Mysteries by Susan Elia MacNeal
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Blogger: Mandi/Smexy Books
Book Blog Address: www.smexybooks.com
Twitter Handle: @smexybooks
Top Books of 2014
#1 Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare (historical). Tessa Dare has a knack for writing the cutest, most adorable romance and also making them quite dirty. It's really a great combination. In Romancing the Duke, the heroine inherits a castle where the hero already resides...and doesn't want to leave. He is hostile, scarred and has impaired vision and is all around very delicious.Their romance is lovely.
#2 Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane (suspense). Another book with a tortured,
scarred hero (I'm so weak for them) with great suspense and an awesome
heroine. These two love-hate each other, and it's hot. And then the hate
goes away and they are passionate and intense. Very good suspense story
too. Highly recommend this one.
#3 Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan (contemporary). The second book in what has been a
wonderful series about the O'Neill brothers. The hero is a busy doctor,
not wanting to go home to his family's winter resort and woes. The
heroine is from France and passionate about cooking and life in general.
This romance simmers all through the book. And I also love the entire
family - they add a lot to the story.
Favorite Book Cover
Favorite
Series of 2014
The Ivy Years by Sarina Bowen. A new adult series that combines hockey and romance. She explores serious issues and writes just the right amount of angst and intense emotional drama. The third book of the series is a m/m while the others are m/f. I love this author's voice and I can't wait to see what she gives us in 2015.
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Blogger: Rachel
Book Blog Address: http://www.fiktshun.com
Twitter Handle: @fiktshun
Top Books of 2014
#1 ENDLESS KNIGHT by Kresley Cole (YA paranormal). It was dark, sexy, action-packed. Love the characters and the world. The ending was killer.
#2 A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU by Claudia Gray (YA Sci-fi/Fantasy). The worlds were incredible, the story was epic, the love story was beautiful and heartbreaking.
#3 SNOW LIKE ASHES by Sara Raasch (YA High Fantasy). A riveting and imaginative story. The world-building, plot, characters were all awesome. Totally addictive and unputdownable.
#4 ZODIAC by Romina Russell (YA Sci-fi). An amazing world, universe, galaxy. Epic, action-packed, fascinating, heartbreaking.
#5 FORECAST by Rinda Elliott (YA fantasy/urban fantasy). Non-stop action, swoon-worthy romance and awesome mythology. Fast-paced, one-sit-read.
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Suspicion by Alexandra Monir. Gorgeous and elegant.
Favorite Series of 2014
The White Rabbit Chronicles by Gena Showalter. The last book in this series released in 2014 and it was an epic finish to a fantastic series packed full of zombie-killing action, angst-y romance, bad boys, and a kick-ass heroine.
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Twitter Handle: http://twitter.com/delightedreader
Top Books of 2014
#1 Revenant by Larissa Ione, Paranormal Romance – While the hero is jaded, he hasn’t lost the kind soul that is buried deep within him. This is the last story in the series, and while sad, I am happy to say it went out with a band instead of lingering on forever.
#2 Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Paranormal Vampire Romance – The hero is conflicted, the heroine misguided, but both want the same things. The action was breath taking and left me wanting the next book in this series, now!
#3 Dark Skye by Kresley Cole –
Paranormal Romance – This book has been one I have longed to come out
years
ago. Kids who are fated to be mates, but betrayal leads them apart. I
never
thought they could overcome the odds, but Kresley is a genius at getting
the
action, love and smirky humor to all come together in the end.
#4 Loving Him Off the Field by JeanetteMurray - Contemporary Sports
Romance –
Well it’s football romance, what’s not to love about it? I love how
Jeanette
creates strong, confident females that do have a vulnerable side. Throw
in a
kicker who has a secret even his teammates don’t know about. These two
overcome
a lot to be together.
#5 Reaper’s Stand by Joanna Wylde – Motorcycle Club Romance – While I have no ikling of what MC life is like, I loved that Joanna went out on a limb for a more mature romance. This was at times darker than I cared to read, but also it showed a softer side to a man who can be hard as nails and no fear of killing the woman he thinks he might be falling in love with.
Favorite Series of 2014
Lords of Deliverance/Demonica by Larissa Ione
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Top Books of 2014
#1 Since I Saw You by Beth Kery. (Contemporary erotic romance)
I loved SiSY because it's everything a romance should be. It features a fantastic and unique heroine and hero, has developed secondary characters as well, is romantic and realistic, but extraordinary too. And the feelings. Everyone should read this book, and I only wish there were many more romances like it. This was my absolute favorite book out of the series, and hands down my favorite read from this year.
#2 The Chocolate Temptation by Laura Florand. (Contemporary romance)
I'm such a foodie and I love sweets, so reading a story set in a [French] kitchen was so much fun. Even if it had been set somewhere else though, it would still have been great. My favorite thing was how absolutely stupid in love Patrick was with Sarah, and how they're so unsure of each other. I've already re-read this book a number of times.
#3 A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev. ( I think it's technically labeled as women's fiction ... but I say it's a romance)
I first started hearing about this book in May from Courtney Milan, and Nalini Singh. (And I mean, that's some kind of recommendation right there you know?) I liked the window into a different culture, and would love to see more of it. (Come on - admit you enjoyed Bride and Prejudice...) Beyond that though, the forbidden love, and the misunderstanding, and the way it all just comes together. For a debut book, Ms. Dev knocked it out of the park.
#4 Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh. (Paranormal romance)
I mean ... Psy/Changeling. Vasic. Enough said, right? (Right!) And Rabbit the dog. I freaking cannot wait for Shards of Hope - June 2015 is so far out it's enough to make a girl want to cry.
#5 Nights with Him by Lauren Blakely. (Contemporary [erotic] romance)
I read this recently so that helps, but I really liked that the hero and heroine could stand on their own. Much like Since I Saw You - the hero and heroine don't need each other for anything but love. I really like that in romances - and the other nice thing is that he hero was the one who "gave everything up" for the heroine. A nice twist, and memorable enough to make it to my tops. Also of course well written - I'll be re-reading it, and reading more of Ms. Blakely's books.
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Erm, I'm absolutely certain I've seen some stunners, but none come to mind. :X
Favorite Series of 2014
Amour et Chocolat - come on, with that series title it's almost unfair how catchy it is ;)
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Blogger: BJ's Reviews
Book Blog Address: http://www.bjsreviews.com/
Twitter Handle: @BjsReviews
Top Books of 2014
#1. Black Lies by Alessandra Torre (Erotic Romance): Wow, without a doubt, this has got to be one of the most clever, unique plots, I have ever read! This book blew me away both with its completely unguessable suspense filled plot and its erotic nature.
#2. The Saint by Tiffany Reisz (Erotic Romance): Ms. Reisz is really in a class of her own. The religious symbolism and forbidden nature of this romance is so engaging that I was unable to put this book down until I finished it all! Then I spent a number of days afterwards digesting just how intricate and well crafted this romance was.
#3. MC Chronicles: The Diary of Bink Cummings Volume 1 by Bink Cummings (Erotic Romance): I'm a huge MC romance fan, and have read dozens of them, but, without a doubt, none even come close to the dramatic feelings that The Diary of Bink Cummings inspired. What makes this even more of a gem is that it's a true story! If you love highly erotic, forbidden love type romances, then I can't recommend The Diary of Bink Cummings highly enough!
Favorite Cover of 2014
Blyss (The Blyss Trilogy 1) by JC Cliff
Favorite Series of 2014
Dream Man by Kristen Ashley
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Blogger: Chick Lit Plus (Samantha)
Book Blog Address: http://chicklitplus.com
Twitter Address: @chicklitplus
Book Blog Address: http://chicklitplus.com
Twitter Address: @chicklitplus
Top Books of 2014
#1
Dangled Carat by Hilary Grossman, Chick Lit. This book reads like chick
lit but is actually a memoir from Grossman. I was so impressed at the
writing and fluidity throughout and I loved the ending!
#2 Goodnight June by Sarah Jio, Women’s Fiction. A must read for book lovers. There are beautiful sub-plots and such a tender story and lesson about sisterhood and what it means to be a sister within the pages.
#3 The Achilles Heel by Karyn Rae, Romantic Suspense. I found this novel extremely hard to put down. Tight writing, interesting storyline, and beautiful settings.
#4 Miss Spelled by Sarah Belle, Women’s Fiction. A clever magical twist in the plot made this book unique and a favorite of mine for 2014.
#5
How Do You Know? by Meredith Schorr, Women’s Fiction. One of my
favorite writers, Schorr delivers a moving novel that left me guessing
up until the end.
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Cure For the Common Breakup, Beth Kendrick
The Achilles Heel, Karyn Rae
Dangled Carat, Hilary GrossmanFavorite Series of 2014
The Girlfriends Series, Savannah Page
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Blogger: Lisa - BoundByBooks
Book Blog Address: http://alifeboundbybooks.blogspot.com/
Twitter Handle: @BoundByBooks
Top Books of 2014
"New Adult" Contemporary - This book had my emotions all over the place. I have never cried as hard as I did when I hit one point in this book. I Loved the characters and the story. Without a doubt the best book I've read in 2014.
"New Adult" Contemporary - I've never read anything like this before and I couldn't get enough. It was amazing on a whole new level. Loved the characters and how different this one was.
"New Adult" Contemporary - I've loved the previous two books but I wouldn't wait for this one. I think it's a tie for my favorite of the series so far with the first one. In a word... PICK! That book boy was amazing and has a special place in my heart.
"New Adult" Fantasy, Paranormal Romance - This author NEVER fails to bring the amazing and epic to her books. And Jeric.. yeah. He's got a certain WOW factor to this trilogy and the story is refreshing and there's NEVER a lull while reading, the books fly by! Love them!
"New Adult" Dark, Romantic Suspense, Mystery - This title seriously messed with my head. And even months after reading it I still can't believe how this authors mind works. I have the second book that I need to read and I'm holding off reading because I have a feeling it's going to mess with my head in a whole new level.
YA Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy - It's Dante! That should be enough. It was so hard reading this and saying goodbye to a favorite YA character of mine, yet I loved it. I could read this trilogy over and over again. Such a great story!
"New Adult" Contemporary, Romance, Military, Sports - I knew once I read the synopsis that I'd love this book and I wasn't let down. The story is equal parts heart breaking and warming and I loved the characters and what they were going through. This is a must watch author for me. With writing, characters and a story like that, it's easy to want more from her. Can't wait!
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray
Cage (Corps Security #2) by Harper Sloan (even though this book came out in 2013 it had a new cover this year and it's Jase, so yeah... enough said)
Breaking Away (Assassins #5) ) by Toni Aleo
The Space Beyond (The Book of Phoenix #2) by Kristie Cook
Chasing the Tide (Reclaiming the Sand #2) by A. Meredith Walters
Favorite Series of 2014
When I Break (When I Break #1) by Kendall Ryan
Boarded by Love (Bellevue Bullies #1) by Toni Aleo
Lost in Me (Here and Now #1) by Lexi Ryan
Upside Down (Off the Map #1) by Lia Riley
White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Ride (Bayonet Scars #1) by J.C. Emery
Tattoo Thief (Tattoo Thief #1) by Heidi Joy Tretheway
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Blogger: Jennifer
Book Blog Address: http://www.thebooknympho.com/
Twitter Address: @TheBookNympho
Top Books of 2014
#1 Evernight by Kristen Callihan (Paranormal
Romance) - Kristen Callihan writes great romance and her mash up of
paranormal romance with historical romance sucks me in every time.
#2 Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop (Urban Fantasy) - I love how different Anne Bishop's The Others series is. The weres/shifters are not the romantic mushy and cuddly kind.
#3 Black Widow by Jennifer Estep (Urban Fantasy) - Gin Blanco is a great UF heroine and I love revisiting her world with each installment of the Elemental Assassin series.
#4 Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett (Paranormal Romance) - I have a new found love for the roaring 20s thanks to Jenn Bennett. This is an era I've not read before and I want more!
#5 Screwdrivered by Alice Clayton (Contemporary Romance) - Screwdriver is a must read for romance readers. The heroine loves to read romances novels and often thinks she's living in one. It's took funny!
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Favorite Series of 2014
Immortals After Dark by Kresley Cole (Paranormal Romance)
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Blogger: Jillian
Book Blog Address: http://www.read-love-blog.com/
Twitter: @ReadLoveBlog
Top Books of 2014
#1 Mean Streak by Sandra Brown, romantic suspense, an amazing mystery and one of my all time fave book heroes...ever!
#2 Dirty, Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren, erotic/contemporary romance, delicious hero mixed with a sassy heroine and a TON of heat!
#3 Fighting Love by Abby Niles, contemporary romance, Interesting story line, amazing characters and a ton of emotion behind it
#4 Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros, NA, two well-developed and fantastic main characters with a plot that was both heart wrenching and beautiful
#5 Up To Me by Christi Barth, contemporary romance, this is one of the best written stories with amazing setting detail and a cast of unforgettable characters.
#2 Dirty, Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren, erotic/contemporary romance, delicious hero mixed with a sassy heroine and a TON of heat!
#3 Fighting Love by Abby Niles, contemporary romance, Interesting story line, amazing characters and a ton of emotion behind it
#4 Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros, NA, two well-developed and fantastic main characters with a plot that was both heart wrenching and beautiful
#5 Up To Me by Christi Barth, contemporary romance, this is one of the best written stories with amazing setting detail and a cast of unforgettable characters.
Favorite Book Cover for 2014
Favorite Series of 2014
The Line of Duty Series by Tessa Bailey
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Check Out My Other - Best of 2014 - Posts
My Favorite Author's Best of 2014
My Favorite Audiobook Narrator's Best of 2014
My Best of 2014
5 comments:
Thanks so much for having me!
So many amazing picks!
Happy 2015!
Thanks for the invite and this is a great list of bloggers/books.
Thanks for inviting me to participate with this great group of bloggers! Now I have more books to add to my
TBR: )
I'm thrilled that one of my books made the cut and now I have a whole lot of new books to add to my TBR :)
How fun! Going to check out everyone else's picks. I'm sure my TBR pile grow :)
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