One of my favorite things about Goodreads is that I can look back over the past month or year and be reminded of all of the great books I read. In case you’re looking for another good read, I’d thought I’d share my favorites with you.

January:

          The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer – Amy Schumer is hilarious in this book, but she’s also fascinating. She’s not afraid to bare it all between the covers, and I loved her story of persistence, despite many, many setbacks, to become the amazing comedian she is today.

          Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye – Jane Eyre was one of those books I didn’t appreciate until I was older. When I read the book as a teenager, I thought Jane was a boring good-goody. As an adult, I appreciated what a rebel she is, an incredibly tough and daring rebel. In this book, Lyndsay Faye makes Jane even tougher, without veering too much from believability or from the original text. A thoroughly intriguing, fun read.

February:

          Vicious by L.J. Shen – Honestly, this book was almost too vicious for me. I had a hard time believing there were any redeeming qualities in this bad boy book boyfriend. He eventually comes through, somehow without losing his bad boy attitude. He stayed the same and I changed. The book is thoroughly entertaining and a fun, fun read.

          Two Brutes, One Barista by Shaye Marlow – I absolutely adore this series by Shaye Marlow. Every book is laugh out loud funny and this one is no different. None of these characters would be nearly as much fun in real life, I suspect, but they are a ton of fun in fiction. If you want to laugh, read this book, though you might want to start with Two Cabins, One Lake.

March:

          Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken – I wasn’t sure I could get behind a love story about a cheater, but Lucas Thorne won me over and I loved Amy. The story surprised me and kept me turning pages until the end.

April:

          Rome by Jay Crownover – This is another series I just can’t get enough of and this book did not disappoint. Rome is an outwardly tough guy with an incredibly sweet and vulnerable side and Cora is a tough-as-nails, lovable, and totally fun character. I highly recommend this series, but start with the first book, Rule.

May:

          Wasted Words by Staci Hart – The bookstore alone was enough to make me want to live in this book world. I want to go to one of their character-inspired parties. The story itself, based on Jane Austen’s Emma, was incredibly sweet and fun, with the kind of characters I’d love to hang out with.

          Wicked Beautiful by J.T. Geissinger – J.T. Geissinger is one of my very favorite authors – she’s pretty much an immediate one-click for me – and this book did not disappoint. A seriously fun book about revenge and second chances.

          Royally Screwed by Emma Chase – A prince and a pauper story, where the pauper is not the least bit impressed by the prince’s wealth or ego and the prince is drawn to the pauper and treats her like a princess. Despite the royalty, the characters in this story are relatable and the love story is believable. This is no prince charming saving the damsel in distress, but a meeting of equals.

June:

          The Martian by Andy Weir – I had a hard time getting excited about all the technical details in this book, but I liked that they were there. I also liked that I could skim them and get to the heart of the story, which is about survival and persistence and the strength of one man who has every reason to expect to fail.

          Words are my Matter by Ursula K Le Guin – This is a book of essays and book reviews by one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. I may have skimmed over most of the book reviews, but the essays are fabulous and provide insight into Le Guin and her life, but also a view of her life as a writer, the craft of writing, and the state of the writing and publishing world today.

July:

          White Hot by Ilona Andrews – Ilona Andrews’ books really has it all. They have heart-flipping romance and heart-stopping action. And the characters, the characters are the best part – they have depth and personality and are just such solidly good people, even when they are doing very bad things. And the dialogue, I could get lost in the dialogue. Just read Ilona Andrews. I recommend this series, but any of their series are wonderful.

August:

          Nuts by Alice Clayton – This book was hilarious. It was so well-written and the story flowed in that beautiful way that makes you never want to put it down. A chef and an organic, sustainable farmer get together and the food, the food is as sexy as the actual love scenes. A ride that hits every one of your senses.

          The Fox and the Hound by R.S. Grey – The older I get, the more I just want to read and watch stories that make me laugh. There is enough in the real world to cry about, I want my entertainment to make me happy. And this book makes me happy. Plus, there are dogs. A really fun, funny read. I’m a huge fan of R.S. Grey and all her books are on Kindle Unlimited, so she’s super easy to binge read.

September:

          Rituals by Kelley Armstrong – This is (sob) the final (boo-hoo) book in the Cainsville series (cue full-on weeping), and it is so, so good. The perfect ending to a perfect series. If you haven’t read this series about the kick-ass Olivia Taylor-Jones, the gruff, silent, ruthless lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, and the sweet, biker Ricky as they get tangled up in a world of supernatural, mystery, and murder, read it now.

          Into the Water by Paula Hawkins – This book and its images and descriptions of water are just gorgeous. It is beautifully written and the story pulled me in right from the first page. Paula Hawkins is so skilled at giving away just enough information to keep me turning pages and wanting to know more. A wonderfully woven mystery with a commentary on the status and perils of women throughout history.

October:

          Wild Irish by C.M. Seabrooke – I’ve been a sucker for books set in Ireland lately. I can’t say why, but if the setting is Ireland I’m likely to one-click that book. Sometimes I’m disappointed, but not with this book. A moody, broken-hearted rock star and a woman who’s far from home and dealing with her own loss and sadness meet and find some happiness together. I typically steer away from rock star romances, but I highly recommend this one.

          Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken – I love Rachel Van Dyken’s books and this one was no exception. I’m not typically a fan of football romances – I know I’m probably in a minority here, but it is what it is – but the characters in this book were incredibly down-to-earth and likable. I was rooting for all the characters in this book about a second-chance at love and I’m so glad I read it.

November:

          Train Wreck by Elise Faber – I can’t handle a book about a woman who is truly a hot mess because I really just want to slap her and tell her to get over herself and woman up. Pepper thinks she’s a hot mess and she is almost unbelievably clumsy, but she’s actually a kind, fun, loyal, hardworking person who’s a bit lost. She’s willing to do the work to improve her life, it just takes her a minute to figure out how. And that’s a struggle I can get behind. This was a really fun, incredibly sweet love story.

          After We Fall by Melanie Harlow – This is a funny book, and a sad book, and a heartbreaking book, and a sweet book. It really, really just has ALL the feels. I can’t recommend it highly enough. I love this story and these characters. One might be a cowboy and the other a rich woman from the city, but they are in no way stereotypes or empty tropes. They are real and they are likable and . . . This book is just awesome.

December:

          Dating-ish by Penny Reid – I love Penny Reid’s books because they make me laugh. I can’t put down her books because they make me feel things, all the best things. Dating-ish was one of those books I couldn’t put it down and, when I did put it down, I couldn’t do anything else because I was still worrying about the characters. The characters, who are both down on relationships for their own reasons, but are drawn to each other like magnets on steroids. Bonus: this book taught me stuff about technology that was really cool (although I clearly didn’t learn what to call super-strong magnets).

          Once Upon a Rose by Laura Florand – This book is so freaking beautiful I thought I could actually smell the roses Florand was describing. It takes place in Italy at a rose farm – who even knew such a place existed? – and the opening scene with the party and the drunk Matt who flirts outrageously is so funny and sweet and adorable. Plus, the woman is the rock star in this one. A truly sweet, beautiful read.

          Worth it by S.M. Shade and C.M. Owens – I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy and Worth it is an outrageously funny romantic comedy about three women who crash and intend to cause trouble at the wedding of the cheating, scumbag ex of one of the three women. The characters are women I’d like to hang out with, though I’m almost 100% certain they’d find me boring, and you get two love stories for the price of one since the book is told from the perspectives of two of the three best friends. I loved this book so much that I went on a complete C.M. Owens binge and I loved every one of her books that I read – particularly her Wild Ones series, which is hilarious.

One of my favorite things about Goodreads is that I can look back over the past month or year and be reminded of all of the great books I read. In case you’re looking for another good read, I’d thought I’d share my favorites with you.  This year I was in the mood to laugh, and funny books filled my Kindle.

January:

          The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad #5) by Tana French – I’ve loved every book in this series by Tana French and The Secret Place is no exception. About a cold case involving the murder of a teenage boy at a girls’ boarding school, this book is intriguing, thought-provoking, and just a really good read. As usual, French’s characters are so real I can practically smell the cigarette smoke seeping through my Kindle. I really hope this isn’t the last book in the series.

February:

          My Favorite Mistake (My Favorite Mistake #1) by Chelsea Cameron – This is a fun, contention filled rom-com from another of my favorite authors, Chelsea Cameron. Taylor is not excited that her new roommate, Hunter, is so good-looking because she’s not interested in any sort of romantic entanglement. When Hunter suggests a bet, promising he’ll leave if she can convince him she either loves him or hates him, how can she refuse?

March:

          Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy #1) by Ilona Andrews – This book is in close competition with The Masked Truth for my favorite book of the year, but they are two very different books. I’ll call this one my favorite urban fantasy of the year. About what happens when a magic user becomes too powerful, this book is filled with action, amazing dialogue, great characters, and an all-around fun story. This book is a prime example of why we should never judge a book by its cover, as well, because this book is definitely more action than romance. A fun read I would recommend to almost anyone. The biggest disappointment about this book? The next book in this new series won’t be out until 2017.

          Painted Faces (Painted Faces #1) by L.H. Cosway – One of the most important criteria any book must meet to make it on this list is that I must remember it vividly enough to write about and confidently recommend it. Painted Faces met that criteria in spades and the first thing I remember about it, is just what a gorgeous, surprising, and well-told story it is. About a cabaret performer who is deeply troubled, as seen through the eyes of the woman who meets and eventually falls in love with him. A unique and captivating read.

April:

          Crushed (Redemption #2) by Lauren Layne – When I want a fun, light, sweet love story Lauren Layne is my go-to choice. This is another fairy-tale retelling, but this time it’s the Ugly Duckling – not about becoming beautiful, but about finding the people who think you’re beautiful as you are. A book that will definitely make you smile.

          Vision in Silver (The Others #3) by Anne Bishop – I love this series and this third book didn’t disappoint. In a world where the supernatural and humans remain separated, for everyone’s safety, the humans are starting to rebel, but they don’t realize what they’re up against. At the same time, Meg is still trying to figure out how to survive as a Cassandra sangue and how to help others of her kind. Every moment of this book is enthralling.

July:

          Roomies by Lindy Zart – I love a good rom-com, and this book definitely fits that bill. The narrative voice is hilarious and so much fun. The story of a girl in love with her roommate, a roommate who shows no interest, and his bad-boy brother who shows too much interest. Just a good fun read.

          The Consequences of Loving Colton (Consequence, #1) by Rachel Van Dyken – Rachel Van Dyken is another of my favorite authors in large part because she is so versatile, she can write angsty or she can write slapstick or she can write thriller and she does it all well. I’m pretty sure she can write any and everything well. And The Consequences of Loving Colton is fall on the floor funny and swoon worthy at the same time. It makes me laugh out loud and for me, that’s just about the best thing a book can do.

August:

          Deceptions (Cainsville #3) by Kelley Armstrong – I love this series and Deceptions is my favorite so far. Olivia continues to investigate the convictions of her biological parents and to unravel the secrets of Cainsville and the role she and Gabriel play in those secrets. The supernatural in this book are unique and so secretive, and the characters are just plain loveable. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

          In Too Deep (Due South #1) by Tracey Alvarez – This book was the best of surprises. I got it for free through Bookbub and my expectations were low, but the book truly blew me away. I especially liked the main character, a troubled police diver on leave and returning home to help out her family, because she was tough and incredibly brave. Her troubled past and the problems she had as a result made her one of the most real and likeable characters I’ve read all year. A definite must-read.

September:

          Chasing River (The Burying Water Series) by K.A. Tucker – I’m a huge fan of K.A. Tucker’s, but Chasing River is my favorite so far. Amber Welles visits Ireland as the first leg of her long-anticipated trip abroad. When she is saved from a terrorist’s bomb by River Delaney, her simple trip becomes a lot more complicated. I adored the characters in this book and their story is beautiful and real, but what I loved most about this book was how K.A. Tucker made me feel like I was in Dublin and educated me about some of the history of Ireland and about current day events without being the least bit didactic. A gorgeous, escapist read.

October:

          Edge of Darkness and Darkness Bound by J.T. Geissinger – These are the fourth and fifth books in the Night Prowler series, a paranormal series that just keeps getting better. Each of these books is about a different member of the Ikati, a group of panther shifters, and his or her romance with a human or another panther, depending on the book. The books and the characters are all unique, and the action in each of them is heart-stopping and adrenaline fueled. As a whole the series follows a battle between the Ikati who want to remain peaceful with and hidden from humans, and the Ikati who want more power. This series is smart, fun, and fast-paced.

          Hopeless by Colleen Hoover – I just love Colleen Hoover’s books and this one was no exception. The story of Sky and Dean and the unraveling of secrets, is at times more like a thriller than a romance. A beautiful, exciting read.

November:

          The Masked Truth by Kelley Armstrong – I am such a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong that I would probably read a telephone book if she wrote one. And I have never been disappointed by her books. The Masked Truth is, quite possibly, my favorite book of the year. About a hostage situation at a retreat for teens suffering from mental illness or “issues,” this book is a bit slow to start but will take you on a ride that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew. This book has a great story and plot, but my favorite thing about this book were the characters. They are people I’d like to know and spend time with. Armstrong also sheds light on a mental illness many don’t understand and does so with empathy and compassion.

          The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery – First, I am a sucker for a modern retelling of any fairytale, but especially of the Beauty and the Beast story. Second, I was already a pretty big fan of Katy Regnery’s before I read this book. Even if I’d been neither, however, this book would have been a hit with me. A down on her luck reporter interviews the hometown vet who’s been a recluse for the past decade after returning from war scarred and battered. The characters don’t seem like fairy tale archetypes, though, they read like real people who are entirely relatable and likeable. There are no magical transformations, but there is a happily ever after.

December:

          Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman – This book is just the right amount of horror when you’re in the mood for a good, scary, thought-provoking book. It’s dark, it’s creepy, it’s downright disturbing. Set in the first half of the nineteenth century, a young man moves into his deceased aunt’s house with his girlfriend. The small, rural town is just the right setting for a terrifying tale, even in the beginning when the characters are somewhat happy. When something or someone across the river gets angry, the violence and horror begins in earnest. The book, while a good horror tale, also asks questions about race, gender, and the accepted hegemony.

          The Shambling Guide to New York City (The Shambling Guides #1) by Mur Lafferty – When Zoe, a travel writer in desperate need of employment, takes a job as editor of a traveling guide, she learns about a side of New York City she never could have imagined. This book has it all: action, adventure, a little bit of romance, and supernatural characters and creatures that are well thought out, believable and, oftentimes, hilarious. If you’re looking for a fun read, give The Shambling Guide to New York City a try.

One of my favorite things about Goodreads is that I can look back over the past month or year and be reminded of all of the great books I read. In case you’re looking for another good read, I’d thought I’d share my favorites with you. 2014 was the year I discovered romance, so I’m going to call it the year of the love story. I’ve discovered a lot of new favorite authors this year.

January:

          The Necromancer’s House by Christopher Buehlman – Just thinking about this book gives me chills, people, genuine chills. Not because it was scary, which it absolutely was, but because I just loved it that much. It’s dark fantasy in a modern setting, with a strong Russian tinge. And it has a Rusalka, one of my favorite fantastical creatures (if you’ve never heard of a Rusalka, think homicidal mermaid without the tail – yeah, yeah, like a siren, but so much better and scarier).

February:

          The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop – Thank you to my friend, Brandi, for loaning me the black jewels trilogy. I was hooked from page one on this dark, dark fantasy. This trilogy has it all, a strong heroine, a heartbreaking love story, grotesque violence and cruelty, and incredible beauty. So glad to have read these books, finally.

March:

          Carolina Home by Virginia Kantra – Virginia Kantra was the first romance author I read and if it had been anyone else, I may never have picked up another romance book. Kantra writes real, romantic romance that gives me chest tingles and keeps me turning the pages long past the time I should have shut down my Kindle and gone to sleep. This book is not the first of hers I read, but I loved it just as much as her others.

          Murder of Crows (The Others #2) by Anne Bishop – I love this series and look forward to each new addition. Bishop has created a truly unique world to add to the urban fantasy genre.

April:

          Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City, #1) by Penny Reid – Ah, April. April was the month I first read and fell hopelessly in love with Penny Reid. By the end of 2014, I had read every word she has written and loved every moment of it. Her romantic comedies are hilarious and sweet and she comes up with mind-blowing new ways to phrase every day expressions. Just read her books, please, the world will be a better place.

          Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends, #1) by Kelley Armstrong – Another author whose work I just read no matter what it is. This one is a bit different from Armstrong’s usual fare, because it is a more traditional fantasy book, but I loved it just as much as all her other books. Her characters are always so strong, and loveable, no matter what genre she’s writing in.

          Burn (Pure #3) by Julianna Baggott – Love this take on the post-apocalyptic genre, with truly unique and fleshed out world-building. This was the final book of the trilogy and I’m still sad about this story being over.

          The Uninvited by Sophie Jordan – This book might just win the award for most misleading cover. The book is packed with action and intensity and mind-blowing realities. There’s even a bit of romance. Genetics was always my favorite part of biology and I love how this book uses genetics to build a scary and entirely believable reality.

          Dying for a Living by Kory Shrum – An urban fantasy from a self-published author that really kicks butt. This one’s about people who are immortal and die in the place of someone else, so that person can live. Unique, fast-pace, and thoroughly entertaining.

May:

          Parasite (Parasitology #1) by Mira Grant – If you love Mira Grant’s Newsflesh trilogy, you’ll love this book. Or, if you just like to obsess about germs, this is the perfect book for you. Creepy, dark, and captivating.

          The Rising Sea by Orrin H. Pilkey – See, I do read non-fiction. A fascinating and thoroughly depressing read.

June:

          How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper – Fun, fun, fun. Paranormal romance with a sense of humor.

          Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh – 2014 was also the year I discovered Nalini Singh and I can’t believe I hadn’t read her sooner. This book is my idea of a perfect urban fantasy/paranormal romance.

July:

          Bird Box by Josh Malerman – Another post-apocalyptic novel, yet somehow unique and good, dark fun.

          Flat-Out Celeste (Flat-out Love, #2) by Jessica Park – Celeste might just be my favorite character of 2014. She’s so quirky and sweet, it’s impossible not to root for her. A smart, unique, endearing romance.

August:

          The Change by Teyla Branton – Another urban fantasy that I loved. Fast-paced and action-packed fun.

          Isn’t She Lovely by Lauren Layne – 2014 was also the year I discovered Lauren Layne. Her romances, and I’ve read four of them now, are well-organized, well-written, and enthralling. Love the humor and the real characters.

September:

         Visions (Cainsville, #2) by Kelley Armstrong – The second book in a new series from Kelley Armstrong. This one moves slower than her women of the otherworld series, but I think I might like it a little bit better. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

October:

          Maybe Someday (Maybe, #1) by Colleen Hoover – I finally read my first Colleen Hoover book in October and found out what all the fuss was about. A beautiful love story.

December:

          Marked (Servants of Fate, #1) by Sarah Fine – Another new urban fantasy that I just loved. This one’s in a post-climate change world, where the streets are flooded making the East Coast U.S. city like Venice. The main characters are EMTs, and this book’s got a brand new species of super naturals. A fun, action-packed read.