Another year has come and gone which means that it’s time to participate in Two Chicks On Books, Fiktshun, Tales of a Ravenous Reader, and Dark Faerie Tales‘ annual TOP 10 OF 2016 week long meme. These posts are easy to put together and schedule during the holidays so that I can spend time with my family. Enjoy!
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10. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas A unique premise of two pen pals that never meet for years. When they do, only one of them knows who the other one is, and he’s not impressed. This one was a not typical high school romance that ended up on the new adult spectrum due to intense sexual scenes. Misha and Ryen’s story kept me reading non-stop. ~ My Review |
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09. Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino I loved this book about Emi and Jase and their relationship that began as children in poor circumstances. Written as a book within a book, we get both the story of how they began, and the story now, after not seeing each other for years. A unique premise, this book had me rooting for these two, even as Emi struggles with what Jase has done as an adult with their story. ~ My Review |
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08. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover This is definitely not your normal run of the mill romance. Hoover’s writing is nothing short of exquisite in her telling the story of a woman that falls for the wrong man. A man with problems. This book just won the GoodReads romance of the year for 2016. ~ My Review |
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07. Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson This YA novel was one of the best in this genre that I have ever read. Lily is a normal teen and well, Colton isn’t. He has Asbergers and is on the autism spectrum. Lily and Colton shouldn’t make sense together, but they actually do. At turns, heartwarming and heartbreaking, this book is one I will never forget. ~ My Review |
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06. The Gift by Dannika Dark The Mageri series is my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal romance. The Gift is a novella that gives us another look at favorite characters from this series that has already ended. It has a heartwarming story that all Mageri readers wanted to see told. The Gift was touching in it’s story line, and a true gift to Dark’s many fans. ~ My Review |
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05. From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch New paranormal series surrounding an immortal with pretty much unknown powers. Piper was one of the strongest(mentally)characters I have read in awhile. She gets everything thrown at her and still comes up swinging. Great characters and an unusual sidekick named Grizz were the heart of this story-that is except when the action takes off, and that happened a lot. Couldn’t put it down. ~ My Review |
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04. The Torn World by Melanie Karsak Final book of this series, this book wrapped the series up in a fresh new way as far as dystopian reads go. This world is full of zombies, and it’s also full of the hidden magical beings that have always lived unknown to humans. When the bad guys of the magical realm want the world as their own, what’s to become of the rag tag group of humans that are all that’s left now? ~ My Review |
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03. Eye of the Storm by Emmie Mears Ayala Storme and her fellow demon hunters team together to try and save what remains of the United States from falling to all sorts of evil demons. Fourth and final book, this series had me at page one and never let go until this book ended it all. For me, this series never went below 5 stars. ~ My Review |
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02. Live Wire by Amber Lynn Natusch Caged, by this author, was a favorite series of mine. Live Wire is a spin-off of Caged and involves the children of the main characters of Caged, Ruby and Sean. Immortal woman with some bad ass moves gets dropped into the middle of nowhere and is taken in by a seriously hot farmer. Nothing bad can happen, can it? ~ My Review |
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01. Risk by Dannika Dark Written as a side novel for her completed Mageri series, Dark gave us one of her most beloved character’s story. Simon. Finally. Leather clad bad boy immortal in all his glory. Loved him from the minute I met him, but love him even more now, if that’s possible. ~ My Review |
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Honorable Mentions |
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Dream Magic by Michelle Mankin A story of the magical underbelly of both New Orleans and Paris. Magical in this case, doesn’t mean heartwarming. Intricately told, Mankin makes her story come alive with wonderful characters and equally horrible villains. ~ My Review |
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Veiled by Karina Halle This book is a spinoff of this author’s, Experiment in Terror series. Since that is a favorite series of mine, this was a book I had been waiting for. It can standalone as a PNR, but also falls a bit into the horror genre. Page turner story that will give you chills at times, with sensual scenes at other times. ~ My Review |
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Make Me Sin by J.T.Geissinger This rock star romance series continues with Chloe and A.J.’s story. Intensely sexual, it also told the story of a good romance. Heartbreaking at times, this book did feature a big OH NO, moment. Loved the whole thing. ~ My Review |
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What were your top reads of 2016?
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
Not read a one of those but heard of a few of them. 🙂
You should try some. They really are all good stories and well written 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I have seen swear on this life on a few lists I really need to check it out. Great list.
Great story and a must read if you like contemporary romances that aren’t cookie cutter. Thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I Swear on This Life is also on my list. Needless to say I thought it was an amazing story!
It really was amazing, wasn’t it? I couldn’t not put this on my list 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I haven’t read any of those but some sound great.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Happy Raturday!
There’s definitely some really good ones, I had a hard time getting it down to the thirteen on the list. Could have added several more!
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
The only books on your list that I’ve read are the Dannika Dark books. Glad you enjoyed all of these. I’ll be sure to check more of these out.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Beyond Surrender by Kit Rocha (@mlsimmons, @kitrocha)
Oh, I hope you do! I would be interested in your thoughts 🙂 This list was in no particular order, if you are wondering.
Lorna recently posted…Best Books Iâve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I haven’t read any of these yet! But, they all look great–especially the Colleen Hoover. 🙂
Colleen Hoover has never let me down. I think this book was a very personal one for her and is darker than others I have read by her.
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
oh you know I haven’t read any of these yet, although I have been meaning to pick up Punk 57. I just love Penelope Douglas. And it looks like you had a fun reading year too…hope 2017 is a great one for ya.
Lover Of Romance recently posted…Quickie Book Review-A Pirate For Christmas by Anna Campbell
Such a good romance and really different. I think you would like it a lot. Swear on this Life was just as good if not better in a different way. This list was in no particular order 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I have not read any of those :/
blodeuedd recently posted…Four weddings and a sixpence Anthology
Oh I hope you try a few! I promise they are good 🙂 Totally understand if you can’t though
Lorna recently posted…Best Books Iâve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
Oh man, I’m surprised because I’ve not read any of these! I haven’t heard of most of them either. :/ I’m curious about Risk though – it seems like something I would enjoy. 😀 Fabulous list, Lorna! =)
Check out my Top Ten post!
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) recently posted…Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Yes, Simon is a great character in Risk. I had five other books to love him in before this one. He’s one of a kind Dannika writes some wonderful male characters!
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
Awesome list of books you got there! I really want to read It Ends with Us someday!
Ronyell (a.k.a Rabbitearsblog) recently posted…Top Ten of 2016 Day 1 (December 26, 2016) : Best Books I’ve Read in 2016
That was one of my most anticipated books of 2016. Hoover is just a wonderful writer. And thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Best Books Iâve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I can’t believe I’ve only read one book from this list but, there you have it. I loved Puddle Jumping too though, so good!
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week!
I may have found it from you? Not sure. I adored this book! Nothing else to be said
Lorna recently posted…Best Books Iâve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
Fun to see your Top 10 list. I still want to read Punk57. I’ve got two of those series on my wish lists after reading your reviews this year (Dannika Dark and Melanie Karsak). One of these days I’ll read a CoHo book.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Merry Christmas!
All three of those writers are amazing, although this one is the only series by Karsak I have read. Hoover is a must read I think, if you love romance 🙂 Of course, I love all of these books
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I loved the whole Harvesting series which I finally caught up with this year after reading the first book a while back. I hope she writes more in the genre.
chucklesthescot recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday
I would love that too! Those books were all great. Thanks for stopping by
Oh I want to read all of these but especially Ends With Us. I’m also very curious about Puddle Jumping as well. Nice list!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
Puddle Jumping was just the best! If you are interested at all you should try it. All the feels! Ends With Us is very well written and tackles a hard subject. Hoover has yet to disappoint me. Hope you get a chance to try some of these
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)
I’ve only read one book on your list, Lorna! And I think you know which one. 🙂 Most of the books on your list are on my ereader though…thanks to you! 😉 I’m happy you had such a great year of reading! Happy New Year!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Review ~ Mr. Match ~ JA Huss
I had to go back and look and then I was like “duh”. smh. I hope you get a chance to read more of these Brandee! Some of these(if not all), I think you will love. Happy New Years Brandee!
Lorna recently posted…Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 (@Mollykatie112, @DannikaDark, @AmberLNatusch, @EmmieMears)