Top 10 Books of 2020

 

I ended 2020 with 79 books read. Not an astronomical number, but since it was such a tough and stressful year, I'll take it. I've set my goal for this year at 75 books and am already well on my way to finishing book 1 (Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai which is WONDERFUL so far), but I thought I'd take a moment and share my favorite books I read in 2020 before I completely dive head first into 2021 :)

*I'm putting these in an order, but it's a rough order...except for my #1. I'm pretty sure about that...*

click on covers for Goodreads links

10. Sanctum by Hannah McBride

One of my favorite people published her first novel in 2020, and I'm so glad it ended up being one I love enough to call a favorite. It has everything I look for in some of my biggest comfort reads, including but not limited to a sweet fated romance and interesting relationship dynamics (among family, friends, and the love interest). Plus, it has shifters!

9. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Strange to put this at #9, but for now I like it here. This book was a big deal to me this past year, partly because of nostalgia and partly because I truly love this series and these characters. I'm so grateful to have finally gotten Midnight Sun and relieved that it was just as good as, if not better than, I'd imagined it would be. 

8. Always Only You by Chloe Liese

This one was a little bit of a pleasant surprise for me. I read book 1 in this series earlier in the year and liked it, but didn't LOVE it. So I almost didn't pick up Always Only You. But then I saw people talking about it and it caught my interest--and I'm so glad it did. I loved Frankie and Ren and still think about them all the time. And now I'm looking forward to reading the next Bergman novel!

7. Lost Star by Rebecca Royce

Ah yes, my obligatory fangirling over Rebecca Royce's RH. This author writes some of my FAVORITE. This series, Wings of Artemis, in particular. Lost Star was everything I'd wanted i to be and more and I love it so much and now I think I'm going to need to re-read it soon. This harem is...*chef's kiss* I miss this series.

6. Hands Down by Mariana Zapata

Almost always without fail, MZ books end up being favorites. Hands Down was no exception. It made me so happy, and I've re-read it since it released in the summer and I still ADORE Zac and Bianca and their sweet, funny friends-to-lovers story.

5. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

The Brown Sisters brought be so much joy. It was tough to choose between them, but Zafir slays me. Such a sweetheart, and his dynamic with Dani. Perfection. If you need a pick me up, I strongly suggest picking up these books. They're a delight.

4. A Kingdom of Flesh & Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This book took me an embarrassingly long time to read, but the fact that I stayed interested the whole time and kept coming back to this beast of a book during the trying year is a testament to how fantastic this story is. I looooooooved the relationship growth in particular, and I'm already clamoring for book 3. Poppy & Cas 5ever.

3. Sworn to the Shadow God by Ruby Dixon

Ruby Dixon was the author I read the most this year, so it was somewhat difficult to pick which book of hers to include on this list. But the Aspect & Anchor series was my introduction to RD, and Sworn to the Shadow God was the book of hers I was most excited to pick up this year. It did not disappoint, and now I'm anxiously awaiting another installment in this series. And now that I'm talking about it, this will likely be another one I re-read soon because I freaking LOVED this book.

2. Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

This was one of the last books I read in 2020. I actually got it for Christmas. But wow, it was such a gem. I'm so glad I didn't hesitate to pick it up once I had it in my hands because this book warmed my heart and made me so beyond happy. A new favorite. And now I'm looking into Kate Clayborn's backlist because I need more. I'm also greatly looking forward to Love at First because as I said, I need more. 

1. Lola and the Millionaires by Kathryn Moon

Technically a duology, but it's all one big story to me so I'm counting it altogether as #1. These books have brought me the most reading joy of 2020. They're now all-time favorites. I originally read them through KU, but they wormed their way into my heart so much that I bought the paperbacks. I've re-read them more than once since my first read. They are...basically perfect. A sweet reverse harem that unfolds flawlessly. Gaaaah, so so so so BEYOND good. So yeah, definitely my favorite of 2020.

What do you think of my list? What were your favorite reads of 2020? Leave a comment and let me know! :)

Let's Chat... Books I Read Before I Started Blogging

Hello, friends! I hope you're having a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. This past week I saw this tweet from an author I admire:

As someone who's published 20+ books and hasn't made many end-of-year lists, it definitely hurts to not be noticed. To feel like your book is invisible. BUT, readers find books that aren't on lists all the time. That's who we write for anyway, yes?

— Lisa - DON'T JUDGE ME out now (@lisa_schroeder) November 25, 2020

And I really like this, because of course end-of-year lists aren't the end all, be all. That said, it also got me thinking because this author has written some books I love. Books that definitely would have hit end of the year lists for me--except I read them before I was blogging, so they didn't make any list for me.

Which brings me to this post--I'm going to share ten books I read before I started blogging that I love SO MUCH and definitely would have made my end-of-year lists if I'd been blogging and making lists like that at the time I read them.

(These are in no particular order, btw--I can't even attempt to rank them!)

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Obviously a book by the author who inspired this post has to be on this list :) Chasing Brooklyn is a story written in verse--one of the best books in verse I've read, actually. It's unique and romantic and sad and I think about this book literally all the time. If you want to have many feelings and beautiful writing, Chasing Brooklyn is perfect.

The Secret Circle by L.J. Smith

This series and pretty much everything by L.J. Smith could make this list. These books made me feel so at home and they have a place near and dear to my heart. I mean, witches and romance--perfection, yes?? I think I need a Secret Circle re-read now that I think about it because I truly love this series so much.

 

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

I change my mind pretty much every day on which Sarah Dessen book is my favorite, but I think Just Listen resonates with me the most. It's another one that I think about all the time. "Don't think or judge, just listen." AHHH.

Evernight by Claudia Gray

This series was among my obsessions after I worked my way out of re-reading Twilight over and over again. The only thing similar between this and Twilight is vampires and romance, but I was eager to devour anything of the sort. I adore the premise of this one (like, I truly wish there could be more in this world!!!), and I fell so in love with these characters. To this day I still love Balthazar.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I know, I know, but I'd be a liar if I didn't include this book. It would have been my number 1 read of 2009. This book was my LIFE back then. Not quite so much now, but I do still love it.

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

This book is such a gem! It's cute and sweet and the premise is basically the best thing ever. Look at this: When a random act of kindness involves Katrina with Malcolm, a handsome teenage guardian angel intent on fulfilling her greatest wish, fame and fortune seem like the most obvious requests. But after two botched wishes, Malcolm knows Katrina is hiding something from him. How can she tell him the truth, when her heart's desire has become Malcolm himself? TELL ME that doesn't sound fantastic??? I don't believe you. Read this book, thank you.

Scent of Danger by Andrea Kane

This was the first ~adult romance~ book I ever read, so it has a special place in my heart. But honestly it's a fun little suspense. I enjoy re-reading it every now and then because Sabrina and Dylan's chemistry is exquisite, and Sabrina and Carson's blooming father/daughter relationship?? An all-time favorite.

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

I remember standing in Borders, practically begging my dad to buy me this book because I wanted to read it *so bad.* Totally worth it. Quite possibly the first "unlikable" female protagonist I ever remember reading, I reflect on this book often. So, so good.

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

I probably passed this book up at Borders like ten times before finally caving and buying it with babysitting money when I was ~14. It then became one of the books that took over my life because of course I was obsessed. Vampires and shifters and love...so fun. I will forever wish this series was completed, but regardless I will continue to re-read this one and the sequel FOREVER.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

I will forever wonder why more people haven't read this series. It's one of my all-time favorites, and I am obsessed with it to this very day. Dru Anderson is one of the OG strong YA protagonists. She's snarky. She's awesome. And she has a little love triangle of her own that I have strong opinions about and still consider writing fanfiction for because MY HEART. 

So there it is, ten books I read before I started blogging that would have been on my end-of-year favorites list. Have you read any of these? And did you enjoy this post?? Because I am definitely interested in writing another sometime soon!! :)

Let's Talk About Comfort Reads

This graphic does not match this post, but I'm too tired to make a whole new graphic tonight. I'm sure everyone is aware and familiar with how things have been going lately. It's wild. I, and I'm sure many of y'all, have had a super stressful week. I'm sad. Like, so sad. And I honestly don't have the energy to write a review or anything substantial.

So instead, I'm going to share some of my comfort reads. Because I think we need some of those right now.

*click on covers for goodreads links*

Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Obviously most of Kristen Ashley's books are my happy place, but Lady Luck has a special place in my heart. I'm always here to read and read and read and read Ty and Lexie's story.

The Secret Circle by L.J. Smith

One of my all-time favorite series by one of my all-time favorite authors. Honestly, L.J. Smith has a couple of other series that could fit on this list too (Dark Visions & Night World, if you're curious), but there's something extra special about this group of found family best friends with witchy powers. I love these books to the end of time.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Levi today, Levi tomorrow, Levi forever. He can make anything better.

Wait for It by Mariana Zapata

MZ is another author where most of her books could be comfort reads for me, exactly which one depends on the day, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that right now, Wait for It is my favorite MZ book. Diana and Dallas get my heart every time. And don't even get me started on Diana's nephews. Love them.

Significance by Shelly Crane

This book (this whole series) is full of so much sweetness. Plus, I'm a sucker for soulmates. Significance always hits the spot when I need it.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Of course. The book that started it all for me. I actually think I'm going to be re-reading this one over the weekend. I've read this whole series more times than I can count and still, it continues to make me happy. So much love.

What do you think, friends? And please, tell me some of your comfort reads!

Top Ten Reads of 2019

Yes, I am very aware that this post is kind of late. But January has been an exceptionally busy month and I'm just now getting the time (and energy) to sit down and write this post. So here it is. Before I get into it, let me say that these are ranked but they're not entirely definitive. Like, 1-3 are basically tied but I forced myself to put them in an order. That said, obviously all the books on this list are ones I'd recommend soooo yeah.

Now without further ado, my top ten favorite reads* of 2019!

*they all didn't necessarily release in 2019, but I read them in 2019

10. Paths by Brynne Asher

This series was a pleasant surprise for me in 2019. I started reading it with the intent to get to book 3 because it sounded like what I was in the mood for at the time, but I ended up really enjoying books 1 & 2 as well. Book 2 ended up being my favorite in the series (so far). I'm looking forward to picking up book 4 sometime this year!

9. Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd

This was the last book I read before I started by (still ongoing) binge of Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarian series, and I'm so glad I snuck it in right before Christmas. It just made me so happy and it hit on a couple of my favorite tropes (fake relationships & grumpy hero) perfectly. A favorite I'm sure I'll be re-reading.

8. Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon

Speaking of Ice Planet Barbarians... Say hello to my biggest "why the f didn't I read this sooner???" of 2019. It's so good! I'm on book 10 right now and in love. My favorite in the series keeps shifting (maybe once I'm caught up I'll make a post all about that?), but of the ones I read in 2019, this was my fav. It's a perfect example of instalove done right. The growth as a couple? How close they got? How cute? Instant favorite. 

7. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

This book is such a gem. It's poignant and I couldn't put it down, and it had some Fangirl vibes I very much appreciated. Eliza and Her Monsters is the book that most touched my heart in 2019, and I still think about "There are monsters in the sea" all. the. time.

6. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

I read this one earlier in the year, and I give it high regards as a book that stayed in my mind all year. When I tried to think of what might land on this list, A Curse was one that easily came to mind without having to look back at what else I gave 5 stars. It was an enchanting story that I purposely read slower so it wouldn't end quite so quickly--and then it was over and I was desperately awaiting the sequel. Now I have it, and it's definitely going to be one of my reads in the first half of 2020!

5. Quiet Man by Kristen Ashley

We all know it's never a list of favorites from me if KA isn't on it somewhere. I read multiple books by KA in 2019, but I think this was my fav (not including any re-reads). I loved this intro to what will be her new series. Mo was quiet and sweet and just...everything. I'm such a fan and cannot wait to get my hands on the books for all his friends and enjoy this world and group even more. It's gonna be so good!

4. Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson

Okay, so this released early this January and let me tell you--if you read YA, you *need* this book in your life. It's a raw story full of complex familial relationships & the most beautiful friends to more ship. I read it in one sitting way too late at night, but it was 100% worth it. HIGHLY recommend.

3. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Ah, and now we're getting into the books that broke my brain trying to rank them. Serpent & Dove was everything I want in a book and more. It had witches, a marriage of convenience, a virgin hero, well done enemies to lovers, a delicious slow burn that was life changing, and definitely more. It's an all-time favorite for me--I just love it soooo much.

2. Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Like A Curse, this was one that I read early in 2019 and stayed on my radar all year. Now, this one did have a little leg up in the on-my-radar department because it's by JLA and we all know I love JLA and blah blah blah but this. freaking. book! An ARC showed up at my house on my birthday last year (coincidentally) and I peeked at a page out of curiosity--then I threw away any other reading plans I'd tried to make and binged Storm and Fury. It's the kind of book where when I finished it, I wanted to sit and re-read it right away. I was obsessed. And now that it's 2020, I'm BEYOND excited to get my hands on the sequel this year!!

1. Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon

Do you ever read a book and as you're reading it you just KNOW this book is going to be a favorite forever and it'll never be your brain and now it's something you'll always love? That was this book. I remember I saw it around a lot when it released and people recommended it for people who enjoyed slow burns. So I picked it up like "huh, I remember people saying this author is good fingers crossed I like it." And I swear, after only a little bit of the beginning I became obsessed with this book. Like, it took over my life. Even now I check Ruby Dixon's website for news about a companion or sequel or something because I am so ridiculously in love with this book (fyi, Sworn to the Shadow God is slated for February but it's going to be a long one so it might be late). So. Ahem. Yeah. If you enjoy fantasy with grump heroes and safe, beautiful slow burns give this one a try. It's kind of good. :)

So those are my favorites of 2019! I realized after I started this post that I broke my personal rule of only one book per author on my favorites list (which is why there's only one KA & JLA)...but since it was Ruby Dixon and she is without a doubt my top new-to-me author of 2019, I'm going to let it slide. Ha.

If you want to see all of what I read in 2019, you can check out my Twitter thread where I shared my reads & short thoughts on them. 

You could also check out my Goodreads challenge, where all my 2019 reads are logged.

Have you read any of these? What were your favorites of 2019?

Jess' Favorite Books of 2017

Hi, friends! So I just finished my 95th book of the year, and I'm fairly certain it's my last read of 2017 (due to the fact that I have work on the weekend and also I'm now in a huge book hangover where all I want to do is re-read a certain series...which I'll talk about later in this post). This means that it's time to talk about my favorite books I read this year! They're not in any particular order -- until the last one on this list, which will be my #1 fav of the year. The rest are just equal super awesome favorites. :)

(Click on covers for Gooreads links!)

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

I actually read this one super recently -- it was a gift from my Secret Santa, and I read the entire thing in a few hours the day I opened it. This was my first Kasie West book, and it has me more than eager to pick up many more. The Fill-In Boyfriend is sweet and cute and easy to get swept up in. Also doesn't hurt that it has one of my favorite tropes (a pretend relationship...that of course blooms into more).

Groupie / Roadie / Moxie by C.M. Stunich

2017 has been a huge year of me finding and reading more reverse harem (since I love it so gosh darn much). One of my favorite trilogies is this one right here. I can't pick one book above the others as a favorite for the year (though throughout the rest of this list, I'm aiming for one book per author, just fyi -- and I'm not counting re-reads either...and I re-read A LOT this year) Okay, I digress... I can't pick one book of this trilogy as a favorite for this list, mostly because it's all one story following the same characters and it's all important and amazing and I loooooved it so muuuuch. 

Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh

I've read four books out of this series so far and enjoyed every single one of them, but my favorite so far is this one right here. Caressed by Ice pulled me in right away and I could NOT put it down. I loved Judd and Brenna as a couple -- they made me all warm and fuzzy. Plus, Judd in and of himself is a total favorite.

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Not a year goes by where I don't read at least a handful of JLA books so picking just one favorite is always hard, but this year that fav is totally Till Death. I LOVED the mystery of this one. It was so much fun trying to figure it out throughout the story...while also falling in love with Cole. Jen's writing just always wins me over. Always, always, always.

The Hookup by Kristen Ashley

This was the most difficult decision for this list. Why? Because I've read SO MANY Kristen Ashley books this year. Even not counting re-reads. And they were all so good. It came down to a toss up between The Farthest Edge and this one and I don't know why but I chose The Hookup. Tomorrow I'll probably wish I'd gone with TFE. But the POINT is that they're both fantastic books. And since I chose The Hookup, I will say that it's such a well-written beautiful romance and I know even though I just read it this month, I'll be re-reading it soon. And then often after that. Though isn't that the way with KA books??

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Of course I had to include a Raven Cycle on here. I, ahem, did not complete this series this year. Not for lack of wanting to -- I was actually going to read The Raven King as my last book of 2017 -- but more, I just ran out of time. But I'm okay with that because this series is best taken in small, lovely doses and BLLB was the perfect amount of the Raven crew for my year. And now I have some left over for 2018. Oh, in case you did not know, this is one of my favorite series ever with some of my favorite characters ever and I'm kind of more than a little obsessed. Heh.

Black and Green by C.L. Stone

I feel a little bad because I feel like a good portion of this list is me talking about how much I loved certain installments of series I love, but...oh well. This is the tenth book in the Ghost Bird series and I enjoyed it a whole bunch, even though when I was reading it I took a while to get to the point of loving it. I got there, though, once I realized what it was all leading up to. And it was well worth it, in my opinion. Aaaand now maybe I want to re-read this soon? Hmm. Maybe if I can step away from this next series...

Dark Demise by Rebecca Royce

Say hello to my last read of 2017 and also my absolute #1 favorite book of the year! It currently has me in total book hangover and as soon as I'm done with this post I'm going to be re-reading other books in the series because I don't know what else to do with my life. Y'ALL. I've been getting so into this series this year. Book 1 was actually my first read of 2017. And I've had some books I liked more than others (though I did enjoy them all) and honestly and truly this book tops them all. I am head over heels. And, aha, it doesn't even release until January 23rd, 2018 (so, you know, if you want to jump on the bandwagon of this amazing series -- which I HIGHLY recommend -- now if the perfect time to do it!). Dark Demise was so well written. In each individual character's personalities to their chemistry to the plot and events and ALL THE THINGS I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOOOOK.

Ahhhhh.

Okay.

So. 

Dark Demise was kind of the main reason I made this post; I needed to shout from the rooftops how phenomenal this beauty is. Now that I've gotten that out of my system (for now), tell me, friends, what have been your favorite books you've read this year?!