Total Books Read: 60
In case you didn’t know, Goodreads does an annual Reading Challenge where you set your own goal and then attempt to meet it. I’m not great at actually tracking my books–especially the paperbacks–but I think I did better than usual this year, so 60 is pretty accurate.
Narrowing these down to my favorites…well that was a real challenge. Keep in mind these are in no particular order. I’ll start off with the fiction. Some are a bit…dark and others a bit dirty, and almost all of them are for adults so this is your warning. (Disclaimer: Most of them were NOT published in 2018 because I was focusing a lot on my backlog. Purchase links are affiliate links and I’ll get a couple of pennies if you purchase through this blog.)
Nocte (Nocte Trilogy) Courtney Cole (psychological suspense)
“There’s nothing quite so terrifying as the descension of the human mind into insanity.”
I devoured book 1. I’m not going to say much for fear of giving anything away as it’s best to go into this one blind. Love, insanity, secrets, lies, and a twist that will make you need therapy. (There’s a support group for readers, btw.) I’m reading book 2 and the writing and story are just as fabulous.
The Redemption Saga by Kristen Banet (urban fantasy) Books 1-4; book 5 scheduled for release in February 2019!
This is one of those books where I read the sample and was so drawn in I read them all back to back in 3 days (not even kidding). It’s a urban fantasy reverse harem so heads up if it’s not your thing. The action was great, each storyline was strong, and the characters well developed. And Sawyer Matthew’s self-loathing and skills reminded me of Kyra from my own series.
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas (new adult)
“We were perfect together. Until we met.” Who could resist with a tagline like that? Basically an enemies to lovers book with a twist. I’m a huge Penelope fan and I had this sitting on my kindle since it came out. I don’t know why I waited!
Flesh Series by Kylie Scott (paranormal romance) Flesh, 2012, and Skin, 2013
I was looking to get back into the zombie apocalypse-type genre and this was a fantastic way to jump into the fray. It felt like an adult version of one of my favorite YA zombie series of all time The Forest of Hands a Teeth by Carrie Ryan (which is in film production now!) While part of the same series, they have different main characters but the same world and can easily stand alone.
Ghostgirl by JB Salsbury (new adult)
I wasn’t quite sure what to think about this one at first. A new foster girl struggles to adapt to her new family and life outside a psychiatric facility. Her rare genetic condition makes it impossible to blend in. Her challenges adapting to normal when she grew up brainwashed to believe she could save mankind are heart-wrenching.
All the Rage by TM Frazier (romantic suspense)
Rage is a nineteen year old killer who has quite the reputation in the Florida biker world. Only her life is turned upside down when she falls in love with her next target. I love TM Frazier, despite my normal reluctance to read MC (motorcycle club) books. Rage was a great expansion on my favorite character from the King Series and Lawless.
Let’s Get Textual Teagan Hunter (romantic comedy)
Look the Part by Jewel E Ann (romance)
A music therapist looking for an office, a landlord who likes his quiet, Look the Part is a lighthearted read with main characters that rub each other the wrong way from the start. Unfortunately for him, the single-dad can’t compete with guitars and pet rats, and once his autistic son begins spending time with the unorthodox therapist he can’t seem to escape her.
Non-Fiction:
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero (motivational, self-help)
Poetry:
the princess saves herself in this one by amanda lovelace
“the only thing / required / to be / a woman / is to / identify as one. / – period, end of story.”
A collection of poetry in four parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, and you, the princess saves herself in this one is a raw, stunning discovery of love, loss, and self-reflection.
Moving Forward
As most of you know my 2018 has been quite an adventure. Although I know there will be bumps in the road, I have high hopes for 2019. Stay tuned for more in January.
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