Welcome to 2018 y’all….where I’m still epically late on getting out my Top Reads list for the year.
Y’all didn’t expect anything else from me, right? Right.
I’m glad we’ve all accepted the fact that I will NEVER be on top of things. Ever.
Despite the fact that I am once again so behind on getting this list out, especially considering it’s almost May (<—That’s how long it’s taken me to finish this post that it was almost May when I started it, and now it’s almost June), I LOVE making this list. I also kind of hate it in a way because narrowing my Top Reads of the year down to anything under like 100 books is super hard. Like for reals. But seriously, I love it. I love getting to go back through the books I read, getting to think about why I loved them in the first place, and creating this list honestly just reminds me again and again why I love reading so much.
Compiling this list just makes my little book blogger heart so damn happy, and I love getting to share some of my favorite reads of the year.
2017 was another phenomenal year of reading for me. I read books I had been wanting to read for years. I read standalones, duets, and series. I read books ranging from contemporary romance to male/male romance to some of the most suspenseful and emotional books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. These books made me laugh out loud, made me smile until my cheeks hurt, made me feel like I was getting emotionally murdered again and again, and put my heart back together in ways that I will truly never forget.
Each of these books represents a reading experience I loved, and one that I will never forget. What I got within these books, and many of the other books I read in 2017, were stories that took me all over the world, stories that were so beautiful and meaningful and special, along with characters that made me feel and question and think, and reading experiences that were life changing. And I don’t say that lightly. I truly believe books can change your life if you let them, and this year of reading showed me that in more ways than one.
I ended 2017 with having read 226 books, and I honestly just feel lucky that I got the chance to read each and every one of them. Every one of those books represents a different story and author and set of characters that gave me a unique and memorable reading experience.
I honestly just can’t wait to read more books this year and to continue experiencing the unique magic that books can give you.
So here is my Top Reads list of 2017! I loved each and every one of these books for so many different reasons, and I can’t recommend them enough to y’all! I promise if you give them a chance, you will not regret it…in fact, I think you’ll find that you absolutely love what any of these books will offer you.
Here’s to another year of great reading, another year of unforgettable stories and characters, and another year of the best books you could ask for!
**All books selected were read by myself in 2017. Scroll below to read and find out more about them all (they aren’t listed in any kind of order), and as always, thank you for visiting The Never Ending Book Basket.**
~The New Camelot Series: American Queen, American Prince, & American King by Sierra Simone~
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“I want to go the brink of not knowing myself, I want someone to take me there and hold me by the neck and make me stare at an entire reckless realm of possibility.” -American Queen
“It was the purest heavens in the midst of the worst hell, and I loved every minute of it, even though it was all underpinned by a lie–my lie—and I knew one day it would burn down around me.” -American Prince
“Every time you gave me your trust, your obedience, and your surrender. Every time you fought me knowing you would lose, every time you carried me when I couldn’t limp along myself, and every breath and kiss you ever shared with me—it was all you saying yes, every moment of it. You’ve said yes to me so many times I’m surprised I could even hear the word no.” -American King
The New Camelot Series by Sierra Simone is one of the best series I have EVER read. The writing in this series, what you get with Greer, Embry, and Ash is something you will never forget. Trust me. This series completely owned me and consumed me through every word, and I still think about it! I think about how it took my breath away, how it made me blush something fierce, how it pushed my boundaries and my heart, and how it gave me a love story that is truly unique. This take on King Arthur is in a league of its own, and I am telling you if there is one series you take a chance on, it should be this one. This series shocked me, wowed me, and literally took my breath away more times than I could count, and that is just part of what makes it so incredible. I’m telling you, you will never forget this series!
Read My Review of American Queen – Read My Review of American Prince – Read My Review of America King
~All the Ugly and Wonderful Things~
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“I liked learning things. How numbers worked together to explain the stars. How molecules made the world. All the ugly and wonderful things people had done in the last two thousand years.”
All The Ugly and Wonderful Things is one of the most exceptional books I have ever read. As a fan of forbidden and taboo romances, this book had my name all over it, and I loved every single word of it. What it gives you as you follow along the years of its main character Wavy’s life is a story of love that grows and evolves over time. This book will make you think and question every part of your moral compass, and it will have you wondering if you’re truly okay with what’s happening. But more than that it will give you a story that will show you how things happen the way they do, and how a relationship and friendship can grow out of the darkest and most dire of situations. Wavy and Kellan’s relationship is meaningful, provocative to say the least, but so breathtakingly honest, and you will feel so much with them as you take this unforgettable journey with them in this book.
Read My Review of All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
~The Darkest Sunrise & The Brightest Sunset by Aly Martinez~
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“I assure you I have zero interest in commiserating with you. I wouldn’t understand your demons any more than you would understand my personal circle of hell.”
Her sad eyes flicked back to mine. “Then what do you want?”
I sucked in a deep breath that did nothing to calm the eternal storm brewing within me. “Just a little company in the darkness. No questions. No judgments. No faking it.” -The Darkest Sunrise
“It’s always darkest before dawn … We just have to wait a little longer. The sun always rises, baby.” -The Brightest Sunset
If you have been following blog, you know I am HUGE fan of Aly Martinez, and that woman knows how to write one helluva duet. It’s like duets were made for her kind of storytelling and emotional murdering, and The Darkest Sunrise and The Brightest Sunset proved that over and over again. Porter and Charlotte seared themselves to my heart from the very beginning of this epic and emotional story, and I loved every unforgettable moment of their life changing story. Aly Martinez crafts the perfect amount of romance, fire, suspense, and banter into a story that will have the strongest and most amazing grip on your heart through every word as the story unfolds around these characters falling so fiercely for one another in the darkness. This duet exemplifies what it means to find that one person who’s broken pieces might just match yours in a way that you would’ve never expected. With twists and turns and shocking moments galore, this duet delivers one of the most consuming stories I’ve ever read!
Read My Review of The Darkest Sunrise – Read My Review of The Brightest Sunset
~All the Way by M. Mabie~
“So handsome. So fun. So damn weird. So good at making it all seem real. That was the moment I realized Cord had the power to rip my guts out, and I was probably going to let him. “
Mabie is one of my all-time favorite authors for so many reasons, and All the Way proved that to me again and again. She always creates memorable and dynamic characters that have a story that is real, that is full of the most honest love, and that is bursting with charm and vibrancy. All the Way follows Cord and Dana, as she decides to have one last little fling and some fun before getting serious, while he tries to convince her that he means everything he’s saying and that he wants her. Those two have a back and forth that is out of this world, their chemistry is through the roof, and every part of their story just showed me again and again how incredible they were and could be together. Getting to be with these two as they felt what they did, as they saw what was real, and as they fell so hard into something they didn’t expect was nothing short of everything!
~The Line by Amie Knight~
“I wanted his hushed conversations, his stories that transported me to another place. A place where homeless girls didn’t live in train stations. A place where there wasn’t hunger or cold. A place only my cowboy had taken me. I needed to figure out how to get there, and I needed more info on Cole to do that.”
There are some books you read, there are some book you live and breathe, and then there are book that own your through every word. The Line by Amie Knight was one of those books. This story is so special and meaningful to me, and I literally cannot say enough how much I loved it. What I got with Cole and Everly was emotional, heart melting, and so real and intense. I loved those two. I loved unfolding the pieces of their story, I loved how it literally left me breathless, I loved how this book gave me a family and a world that I NEVER wanted to leave, and I loved every unforgettable word that Amie Knight crafted in this book. Amie Knight is one of the best writers I have ever read, and The Line highlights her true writing and storytelling talent. She allows you to live and feel and be in the heart of this book, and that will give you it all with Cole and Everly. Trust me.
~The Royals: Paper Princess, Broken Prince, & Twisted Palace by Erin Watt~
“You’re poking a tiger.”
I shrug. “He poked me first.”
Callum shakes his head. “And I thought raising five boys was an adventure. I haven’t seen anything yet, have I?” ~Paper Princess
“I’m done playing games, Ella. No other girls exist in the world for me. If you see me talking to one, know that I’m talking about you. If you see me walking next to someone, I’m wishing it was you … You’re the only one for me.” ~Broken Prince
“Ella has no idea how gorgeous she is. Every girl at Astor Park would die to have those curves, that golden hair, the flawless features. She’s pure and total perfection. And she’s all fucking mine.” ~Twisted Palace
The Royals Series by Erin Watt is probably one of the most addicting and consuming series I have read in quite some time. This book was like crack while I was reading; I could not get enough, and I was completely entranced with every part of this series. It has a serious Cruel Intentions feel to it, and it brings to life a world of backstabbing, the upper crust of society, and a mystery that involves everything from lies to secrets to murder. I could not get enough of this series, and even though Reed Royal is one hell of an asshole, he was an asshole who I LOVED to hate. The back and forth between him and Ella as she pushed and challenged him, as he pushed right back, and as she tried to find her place in this world that she knows nothing about was spectacular. This series brought a world to life that was equal parts alluring, mysterious, and intense. I loved getting to be there as it all unfolded, and I can’t wait to read more about those Royals because they really do ruin you….in the best possible way.
Read My Review of Paper Princess – Read My Review of Broken Prince – Read My Review of Twisted Palace
~Starving for Southern Series: The Sweetness of Life by Kathryn Andrews~
Two weeks. His wine. Her recipes. A feature article in a special issue of a world-renowned magazine. Pairing wine with food is one thing, but two hearts is another.
Kathryn Andrews is an author who creates such vibrant, beautiful, and memorable worlds in all of her books. From the beach, to the mountains, to the hills of a winery, she always takes my breath away with the worlds and characters and stories she so beautifully crafts and creates. The Sweetness of Life is a phenomenal enemies to lovers romance that follows Shelby and Zach as they do all that they can to make their dreams come true. Set in the Georgia wine country, this book follows Shelby and Zach as they push each other’s buttons, as they start feeling a fire that no amount of water could put out, and as they start to realize that what started off as 2 weeks of work, soon might be something more than they realized. The chemistry and connection they share, the magical location of this story, and every ounce of what you get with them will blow you away!
Read My Review of The Sweetness of Life
~A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks~
“She was effortless, it took no exertion or strength to love her, and when I was with her she made everything brighter.”
A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks is one of the most emotional and breathtaking books I have ever read. Told through alternating past and present, the unforgettable story of Ellis and Harlow unfolds as you meet them, as you see what broke them apart, and as they attempt to put the pieces of it all back together again. Second chance romances are my favorite, and this one goes in the books as one of my favorites ever with what I got with Ellis and Harlow. Their story hurt me, it made me, and it gave me everything along the way. The literal amazingness of this story, its unforgettable ending, and what I felt with Ellis and Harlow as they lived their story and felt everything so deeply and truly is something I will never forget. This book was all about the beauty and power and emotions of the heart, and the love, anguish, and breathtaking feels it can bring you along the way.
Read My Review of A Life Less Beautiful
~The Fall Away Series: Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, Aflame, & Next to Never by Penelope Douglas~
“You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You’re a fucking drought. I thought that all the assholes drove German cars, but it turns out that pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars.” ~Bully
“Girlfriend isn’t enough to describe you, Tate. That term is disposable. You’re not my girlfriend, my girl, or my woman. You’re. Just. Mine,” I bit out every syllable, so she would fucking understand. “And I’m yours,” I added, a little calmer.” ~Until You
“You’ve always wanted me. You know why? Because I don’t try to kill your demons. I run with them.” ~Rival
“I wrapped my arms around his waist. “You called me your girl.” I nodded, waggling my eyebrows. “And,” I continued, “you’d better believe this little wallflower will cut a bitch with that knife of yours if anyone lays a hand on you.” ~Falling Away
“I’m never letting you go again, Tate,” I whispered, almost desperate. “I’m your friend forever, and if that’s all I get, then that’s what I’m taking, because only when you’re here”—I took her hand and placed it on my heart—“do I feel like my life is worth a damn.” ~Aflame
“No one else can make you happy, and putting that expectation on the other will doom both of you. You don’t look at someone and say, “You can make my life better.” You look at someone and say, ” I can make your life better.” Be a blessing, not a burden.” ~Next to Never
The Fall Away Series has probably been recommended to me at least 50 different times over the past few years, and I will be the first person to admit that I am so dumb for waiting so long to read these books. This series was incredible. It was new adult gold, and I have since dubbed Penelope Douglas the queen of that sub genre because she 100% knows how to create a new adult romance with the angst, the intensity, the glorious push and pull, and every bit of what makes that genre what it is. What I loved about each and every one of these books was how the guys were all assholes in their own way, yet they were all so redeemable with so many layers to them and why they were the way they were. Getting their stories, getting to see who they were and what they felt, and getting to be with them as they fell so hard for the strong and fierce women that could bring them to their knees. Each and every story in this series had me so in love with this world and had me knowing that I never wanted to leave them all. Whether it was Jared and Tate, Madoc and Fallon, or Jaxon and KC I was enamored with them all and completely besotted with them all, with the intensity they all shared, and how they all made up one crazy wonderful family that I always want to be a part of. You will love these characters, you will hate them, and you will feel every emotion in between with them, and that is just a fraction of what will make you LOVE every word of what you get with them.
Read My Review of Bully – Read My Review of Until You – Read My Review of Rival – Read My Review of Falling Away – Read My Review of Aflame – Read My Review of Next To Never
~Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov~
“I was lost. Lost to him, lost to myself, lost to this aching, pulsing need inside me to let go. To stop pretending I didn’t want this. To surrender to it because I wanted it and it felt so fucking good.”
Strong Enough was a male/male romance that explored the budding relationship and connection between two men, one of whom knows he’s gay and is looking for a new start in America, and one of whom who is not accepting of the attraction he feels to men. This book explores what happens when these two men start sharing something so real and so powerful, as they struggle to find their way, and as Derek finds out what it means to be faced with what he really feels and what has always been there. This is as much of a love story as it is a story of acceptance and faith in yourself and in those around you. This book was beautiful, these characters were dynamic and their struggles completely struck my heart in so many ways. Melanie Harlow and David Romanov crafted a heart touching story that was real, that was heartbreaking at times and so full of hope at others, and through it all it told a story of discovering who you are, what you want, and what you’re willing to fight for.
Read My Review of Strong Enough
~Autoboyography by Christina Lauren~
“Love fails for a million reasons – distance, infidelity, pride, religion, money, illness. Why is this story any more worthy?
It felt like it was. It felt important. Living in this town is suffocating in so many ways.
But if a tree falls in the woods, maybe it makes no sound.
And if a boy falls for the bishop’s closeted son, maybe it makes no story.”
Christina Lauren is one of my all-time favorite writing duos. Their books are incredible, and Autoboyography is one of the most beautiful books I have EVER read. This story was powerful, it was unforgettable, and it was breathtaking. This young adult novel follows what happens between Tanner, a boy who is back in the closet now that he and his family are living in Utah, and Sebastian, the son of a Bishop in the Mormon Church. What starts as a friendship soon becomes more than either of them expected. What they share together is special, its magical and its real, yet it could lead to consequences and outcomes that neither of them are really prepared for. What Christina Lauren creates in this story is nothing short of spectacular. With the perfect amount of beauty, and with a story that is meaningful in every way possible, this story explores what happens when a love that is so true and deep and real grows out of the most impossible of situations. I literally do not have enough words to tell you how beautiful and special this story is. What you get with Tanner and Sebastian will move you and own you, and you will love every second you get with them because their love is everything and beyond worth fighting for.
Read My Review of Autoboyography
~The Bars Between Us by A.S. Teague~
“There’s sadness and loss everywhere. No matter how much money you have. That common thread is what binds Bronn and I together.”
The Bars Between Us was a story that enraptured me right from the start. Grace and Bronn are two seemingly opposite people, who share a world of connection and fire that draws them both closer together. He’s from the wrong side of the tracks and has had so much struggle his entire life. She’s from a world that is so unlike the one he was in, yet she can completely relate to the feelings and struggles he’s had. They may seem so different, but there is something so right about these two. Their story in this book follows them as they face those struggles, as they put the pieces of themselves and each other back together again, and as they realize there may be more working against them than they realized. Through A.S. Teague’s fantastic writing, this world and these characters are brought to life in a way that will have you loving every piece of what you get with them.
Read My Review of The Bars Between Us
~The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series: Lover Awakened, Lover Eternal, Lover Revealed, & Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward~
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came…and I was awakened.” ~Lover Awakened
“I will not fall in love with you,” she said. “I can’t let myself. I won’t.”
“That’s all right. I’ll love you enough for the both of us.” ~Lover Eternal
“I liked you, cop. From the moment I met you. No… not the first moment. I wanted to kill you when I first met you. But then I liked you. A lot.” ~Lover Revealed
“You so need to lighten up about that potato-launcher incident,” Butch said.
Phury rolled his eyes and eased back in the banquette. “You broke my window.”
“Of course we did. V and I were aiming for it.”
“Twice.”
“Thus proving that he and I are outstanding marksmen.” ~Lover Unbound
“What brings you onto my property?” Rhev said, cradling his mug with both hands trying to absorb its warmth.
Got a problem”
I can’t fix your personality, sorry” ~Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series is one that I have heard about so much over the year. I started devouring these books after some not so subtle pushing from some friends of mine, and I am so happy they told me to read these books. They are incredible, addicting, and so unlike what I normally read, but so phenomenal. I love these characters, I love the world they live in, and I love getting explore more and more of the action, history, and pull that brings them all together. The first book in this series was on my top reads list last year, so it was no surprise to me that the next books in the series were too. I am behind on catching up with these books, but I have no doubt that one day I will catch up and that I will continue to be blown away by this series because these books and J.R. Ward’s writing are that incredible. These books are intense, action packed, and tell the story of a world of vampires and the people around them who change their lives. I love that all of these characters are really different, they add a new dynamic to everything, and I am beyond ready to get my hands on the rest of their stories. (I’m looking at you John Matthew.)
Read My Review of Lover Awakened – Read My Review of Lover Eternal – Read My Review of Lover Revealed – Read My Review of Lover Unbound – Read My Review of Lover Enshrined
~Guardian Protection Series: Singe by Aly Martinez~
“Love rarely makes a man smile. Especially if said man is me and he has to deal with a crazy woman like you. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t burn the world down for you. Extinguish an entire species. And then place their ashes at your feet if it meant you’d smile. But I probably won’t be grinning while I do it.”
Aly Martinez knows how to start a series, and Singe, the first book in her Guardian Protection Series had me knowing that this series and this world of characters was going to give me everything I needed and more. Told through her explosive and exceptional writing, Singe lets Rhion and Jude’s story unfold in a way that will literally blow you away. You will get the pieces of them, their shared past, and every ounce of the fire that consumes them in a way that will let you know that what they share is truly unforgettable. This book was the perfect start to this series. It let me back into a world that I LOVE, it gave me so many characters that I couldn’t wait to know more about (I’M LOOKING AT YOU SO HARD RIGHT NOW JOHNSON!), and it let me jump into a family that would do anything to protect their own. This story was emotional, breathtaking, and fiery in more ways than one. It shows both of their struggles, both of their hearts, and it allows you to understand every facet of them. If you have ever read a book by Aly Martinez, you will love and enjoy every second of how this book unfolds and what it gives you.
~A Steel Heart by Amie Knight~
“She was gonna fucking fill me, this woman-girl who didn’t realize what she did to me with her body. With her personality. With her snarky wit and sweet eyes. She was a lethal combination and completely fucking clueless.”
Just when I think I can’t love Amie Knight’s writing and books more, she writes A Steel Heart and gives me everything I need and more. This book was phenomenal. It was charming, it was emotional, it was real and full of heart and pain and anguish, and it told a story of what happens when you meet that one person who changes everything. Miranda was a gem of a character, with the best personality and quirks and a heart of gold. Holden Steel was a man who had been through so much and constantly in a world of pain because of the anguish of it all. What happens when these two are together sets this book apart, and gives you their story of heartbreak, healing and hope. This story made me cry so many times. It allowed me to feel it all, and it gave me one hell of a story that touched every single emotion I had. Amie Knight is an exceptional author with a pure talent for allowing you to feel it all, bringing all of her words to life, and giving you the hope of second chances. A Steel Heart is a story that you will not soon forget!
Read My Review of A Steel Heart
~Misadventures of a City Girl by Meredith Wild & Chelle Bliss~
“This man…his words and his body, and the way he’s managed to rescue my heart from the depth of my misery and pull it into the warmth of his love. What did I ever do to deserve him?”
The Misadventures Series is one that I am loving! These quick, steamy, and consuming reads are so fun and cover every kind of story you could ever want. Misadventures of a City Girl was such a great read. The combination of Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss’s writing was vibrant and memorable and so enjoyable. I could not put this book down from the moment I started it. I loved the premise of this book, I felt every ounce of heat and fire these characters shared, and I especially loved that even though this was certainly a quick read, it didn’t when it came to its incredible story. Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss created a book that I never wanted to end, and they simultaneously created a book that made me blush, made me melt, and had me hoping with all that I had that this city girl and her mountain man would find a way to make it work. Sometimes you just need a book that is easy to read and enjoy and love, and this book fit that bill tenfold!
Read My Review of Misadventures of City Girl
~The Beautiful Series: Beautiful by Christina Lauren~
“It’s too bad I’m too eccentric for you. It’s too bad you’re too busy for me. It’s too bad I’m only learning my heart and you have yours rolled up in bubble wrap.”
I am HUGE fan of series and getting to spend as much time as I can with a group of characters. That is just part of the reason I LOVED The Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren. I have become so invested in each of these characters’ lives, and as sad as I was to see the series come to an end, Christina Lauren brought it all to a close in a way that gave me it all. They wrote the perfect last book, they created the perfect last love story, and they brought it all to a close in a way that perfectly fit this series, its characters, and the vibrancy and life and love that defined it. I could not have asked for more with this book. Getting to experience the blossoming feelings between Pippa and Jensen, getting to be there in the middle of how right it all felt, and getting one last little taste of this world was everything I needed. Beautiful was all about finding love in the most unexpected places and what that love can give you if you let it. Christina Lauren’s words brought the life and personality of this series to life one last time in such an incredible way, and I truly could not have asked for more.
~The Beneath Series: Beneath This Mask, Beneath This Ink, Beneath These Chains, Beneath These Scars, Beneath These Lies, Beneath These Shadows, & Beneath The Truth by Meghan March~
“I knew you were something special, and I wasn’t going to take the chance that I’d only get a taste. I knew that once I did, I’d be addicted. That I’d have to have more. I needed you to be as off balance as I was.” I kissed the corner of her mouth. “And it worked.” ~Beneath This Mask
“Her knee shot up and caught me unaware. I stumbled back a step, grunting, and bent over as the sick feeling in my gut twisted. “Fuck, woman. Did you have to crush my balls?” She must have lowered her head because I could feel her breath on my ear when she spoke. “One, don’t ever talk to me like that again. I’m a fucking lady.” ~Beneath This Ink
“Don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m not letting you go. Whatever happens, Elle, you’re mine, and you’re staying mine.” My words came without thought: “Like I could ever be anyone else’s.” ~Beneath These Chains
“No one makes it through life without scars. It’s impossible.
But they’re not signs of shame;
they’re badges of honor
showing that you fought and survived.” ~Beneath These Scars
“She was mine. He might be the better man, but I didn’t care.
I’d laid my claim, and I wouldn’t give her up for anything or nothing!” ~Beneath These Lies
“I want you. I’m not making any secret of that, but now I’m going to wait until you admit that you want me just as much.”~Beneath These Shadows
“I’m going to touch every inch of you. Memorize you. Drive every other thought from your head except how perfect you are. How much you matter to me.” ~Beneath The Truth
I will be the first to admit that I am way late to the game on reading Meghan March’s books, and I am the worst for waiting so long to read them because she is a phenomenal writer who knows how to craft a consuming, action packed story, that has the best amount of heart and fire woven through every word. Her Beneath Series was incredible. I’m pretty sure I devoured every book in this series in less than 5 days. That’s how entrenched I was with these characters and the world she gave me in this book. Set in the illustrious city of New Orleans, the Beneath Series follows a set of characters with a world of connection, some mysterious pasts, and more personality than you can shake a stick at. Meghan March made every book in this series full of twists and turns, alpha men and women who brought each other to their knees, and a sense of connection that showed what an utterly incredible world this series was. As sad as I was to see it all end, I can’t say enough what Meghan March gave me within the pages of these books. She gave me some of the most dynamic characters I have ever met. She gave me mysteries and action and painful pasts. She gave me honesty and truth and the reality that all of these characters. She gave me the light and the dark and every shadow and beam in between. She gave me it all, and I loved getting to be so swept up in it all because it gave me a world of characters and stories that I absolutely loved with all that I had.
Read My Review of Beneath This Mask – Read My Review of Beneath This Ink – Read My Review of Beneath These Chains – Read My Review of Beneath These Scars – Read My Review of Beneath These Lies – Read My Review of Beneath These Shadows – Read My Review of Beneath The Truth
~The Quantum Series: Delirious by M.S. Force~
“I summon the courage to go for what I want. Having cancer has left me less afraid than I used to be. I’m painfully aware that life is short and we’ve got to seize the moment, especially when the moment is lying in my arms, hard and hot and sexy and so tormented.
… “Time wasted is time we never get back. I don’t believe in playing games or mincing words.”
The Quantum Series by M.S. Force is one that I have loved so much! All of these books have been on my Top Reads list for the past few years, so it was no surprise to me that Delirious was one of my favorite reads too! I loved this book. I loved how emotional it was, I loved how it told a story of unexpected love, and I loved getting to be in every part of this beautiful and meaningful love story. What Aileen and Kristian shared in this story was raw, authentic, and it pushed both of these characters. It pushed her to fight for everything she wanted and to be the woman she wanted to be, and it pushed him to be accepting of love and the life and relationship that Aileen wanted to share with him. I loved every single part of this story, and with the best supporting characters and family around, M.S. Force once again made this a book and series that I could not get enough of. This book can technically can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the other books in the series because they are seriously amazing and it will heighten everything you get in this book.
~Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker~
“Just breathe. Ten tiny breaths … Seize them. Feel them. Love them.”
Ten Tiny Breaths is one of those books that I have had for forever, but never got around to reading. It was one of those stories that everyone I knew loved, but I just hadn’t had the chance to read, and this year I was bound and determined to fix that. What I found in this book was a raw and highly emotional story of what happens when your whole life comes crashing down. This book was powerful, it was emotionally breathtaking, and it blew me away. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by K.A. Tucker, but it will not be the last. I found her writing style to be so easy to sink right into, and she brought a world to life that was memorable, dynamic, and that made me love every word of what I was reading. Kacey’s story in this book is something I will never forget. It wasn’t easy, in fact at times it was downright hard to read because of what she’d been through, but I loved it. I loved it all. I felt it all. I breathed it all. And in the end, this was probably one of the most spectacular books I’ve ever read.
Read My Review of Ten Tiny Breaths
~The Renegades: Nova & Rebel by Rebecca Yarros~
“Does she still hate me? I hope so. I deserved it. Lord knew I hated myself enough for the both of us. The problem with love was that once it was gone, there was no filing that hole, no substitute for that euphoria.” Nova
“You are a headstrong, independent, stubborn woman surrounded by a sea of boys, when what you crave—what you need—is a man. One who isn’t going to hold you back but isn’t afraid of you, either. One who knows the delicate balance between watching you fly and protecting you so you don’t fall. Hell, I’m not sure any of those boys would even know what to do with you if you ever let them get their hands on you.” ~Rebel
Rebecca Yarros is hands down one of my all-time favorite authors. All of her books have made it on this list in some way, shape, or form, and I have no doubt that whatever she writes will be on this list because that woman knows how to write a damn good book. Her exceptional writing and storytelling weaves together the perfect amount of emotion, romance, and angst in a way that is unlike any other author I have ever read. Her Renegades Series adds a pure sense of adrenaline and adventure to all of that. Nove and Rebel were two incredible, pulse pounding, and all-consuming stories that combined the stunts and literal spark of the X-Games, the travel and wonder and awe of Semester at Sea and travelling abroad, and all of the incredible emotion and heart touching moments of an honest to goodness love story. These books had it all, and my heart was in every word of what these characters experienced. Whether it was Rachel and Landon’s second chance at it all, or Penna and Cruz’s unexpected and so not allowed romance, these books will own you in every way possible way. Rebecca Yarros delivers romances in these stories that are full of adventure, pulse pounding moments, unforgettable emotion and angst that will have you feeling it all with these characters. Trust me when I say you NEED these books in your life. Stat.
Read My Review of Nova – Read My Review of Rebel
~The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas~
“Because he was always mine. And I was always his. Even before we knew it. Even before we found each other.”
Jodi Ellen Malpas is an incredible writer. She gifted me the one and only Jesse Ward, and for that I will always be a fan of her books. The Forbidden is her second standalone ever, and I have to say that she has a real talent for standalone stories. I love her series too, but there’s something about her standalones that make them so special. The Forbidden is a story that isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s raw, it pushes the boundaries of what is right and wrong and okay. It’s real in a way that you will not soon forget, and it is not easy to these characters. It pushes and pulls them in so many directions, and yet in the same breath it completely allows you to understand how and why things happen the way that they do. What you get with Annie and Jack will give you it all, will break you in ways, and will show you how love can grow even in the most unlikely and forbidden of situations…and how that love can change your life and your future if you let it.
Read My Review of The Forbidden
~The Royally Series: Royally Screwed, Royally Matched, Royally Endowed by Emma Chase~
“I’m not sleeping with you for money.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not a prostitute.”
“Of course you’re not. But you’re young and beautiful, I’m handsome and rich. The more applicable question is why aren’t we fucking already?”
“That is a strong argument.” ~Royally Screwed
“I’ve never been very good at doing what I’m told.
It’s a problem.
Or a reflex. If they say left, I go right. If they say sit, I jump. If they say behave, I get drunk and spend the weekend screwing all three of the Archbishop’s tripled nieces.
They were nice girls. I wonder what they’re doing this Friday?” ~Royally Matched
“I’ll save her.
Because that’s who I am. That’s what I do. Why I’m here – the only reason I’m here.
And she belongs to me.
Ellie is mine to have and to hold. To save and keep. Forever and always.” ~Royally Endowed
Emma Chase is the queen of romantic comedies in my opinion. She is the woman who created Drew from Tangled, and she certainly knows how to create a romance that will make you laugh out loud as many times as it’ll make you swoon. The Royally Series was such an incredibly fun series to read. It was funny as hell, it had such memorable characters, and it had Royalty…so honestly what’s not to love?! Emma Chase’s extraordinary writing brought each of these stories to life in a unique and memorable way. Whether it was Nicholas and Olivia falling in love when everything was against them (aka a prince and a commoner), or Henry and Sarah falling for each other in the craziest of situations (aka a reality television show), or Ellie and Logan’s story of longing and wanting more (aka no one’s allowed to date the royals younger sister)…these stories blew me away. They were romantic and swoony and memorable and so fun. They balanced the perfect amount of humor and lightness, while also having some serious feels, and I’m pretty sure I’m still swooning over them all!
Read My Review of Royally Screwed – Read My Review of Royally Matched – Read My Review of Royally Endowed
~The Family Justice Saga: Everlasting by Suzanne Halliday~
“He wanted to take her. Now. Here. Surrounded by all these people. She didn’t have to wonder if her wicked lawyer lover had a hidey-hole already picked out where he could do gloriously unspeakable things to her. It wouldn’t be the first time. How she got through a casual conversation that turned into a planning session without losing her mind was a miracle.”
If you have been following my blog, then you know I am HUGE fan of Suzanne Halliday and her Family Justice Saga. My heart is so entrenched with these characters, and Everlasting was the next phenomenal installment in this series. It was full of marriages, and babies, and suspense, and action, and more love, loyalty, and friendship than you can shake a stick at. It is suffice to say that I would read anything that this author writes, and I can guarantee you that as long as she is writing this series with this group of characters, I will be reading and loving it. These books do need to be read in order, and I am telling you the moment you start them you will be hooked. You will love the Justice family, you will love the craziness and adventures they get into, and you will how your heart will be owned and melted by each and every one of them. Suzanne Halliday is a phenomenal storyteller, and the way she steals your heart and gives it over to this incredible group of characters will have you loving everything she gives you in her books. This series really is a saga, and you will LOVE every moment you get to experience within it. Trust me.
~Easy & Breakable by Tammara Webber~
“Love is not the absence of logic but logic examined and recalculated heated and curved to fit inside the contours of the heart” ~Easy
“I dreamed about the future because that’s what people persuade you to do when you’re a kid, but that’s the biggest lie of all–that you can plan. Reality is, you have no fucking clue what’s coming and neither do they.” ~Breakable
Easy and Breakable by Tammara Webber were two of those books that everyone had read that I was once again so totally behind on. Like for reals y’all. I have had these books for years and I could kick myself for waiting to read them because they were so dang good! They were new adult gold and I loved every angsty word of them! This story was one that I could not put down, it was one that had the feels, had the glorious angst that makes new adult romance what it is, and it had this level of heart and suspense through every page that I just loved. This book is all about secrets, emotions, the pain of the past and its impact on the present, and I loved every single word of it. I loved what it allowed me to feel with these characters, I loved how each book gave me a different perspective on a story I loved, and I loved how it ruled my heart through every single word. Like I said, I was so beyond dumb to wait to read this duet, and I am so glad I finally did. The heart, the heartbreak, the feels and emotion of it all was something I absolutely loved in these books!
Read My Review of Easy – Read My Review of Breakable
~Hot Cop by Laurelin Paige & Sierra Simone~
His blue, blue eyes. They’re pools of cobalt, and I forget to blink when I look into them. Forget how to breathe. Forget how to look away. Now this is what they mean by ovaries exploding. Mine are exploding. They’ve exploded. Kaboom. His manly aura has sent signals to my baby-makers and caused instant combustion. ”
Now you may not know this about me, but I have a thing for books about characters making babies. Like seriously. Whether it’s a secret baby, a whoopsie baby, or someone trying to get knocked up, I am all about those kinds of books, so when two of my favorite authors teamed up to write a story about a librarian getting knocked up by a hot cop, I was all for it! This book was super heated and practically on fire with what these two share. What I loved about this story was that while it was fun and light, it also had that serious pull to it and that heart that made me swoon something fierce with what these characters were sharing. This story is all about two very different people trying to help each other out. Livia wants a baby and no relationship, and Chase is a guy who’s not really looking for anything serious and who’s always up for a good time. What starts off as the two of them having fun soon becomes more than they bargained for, and you will love getting to be a part of every second of that. Seriously y’all, it’s a hot cop, a sweet as all get out librarian, and some good old fashioned baby making…what’s not to love?!
~The London Lovers: The Seduction of Molly O’Flaherty, The Persuasion of Molly O’Flaherty, & The Wedding of Molly O’Flaherty by Sierra Simone~
“And I wanted to taste his. I wanted to taste his everything—thoughts and feelings and pain and pleasure and everything that made Silas himself, I wanted it all. For the rest of my life.” ~The Seduction of Molly O’Flaherty
“You deserve my blood and my pain and my torture. You deserve to watch me branded with hot iron, and I would do it gladly, if only to spend that much more time with you.” ~The Persuasion of Molly O’Flaherty
“All the shame and all the fear and all the hate, and I want you to let it all go. Give it to me, give yourself to me, and I will carry it all for you. For the rest of eternity or even just for a few minutes. Give it to me.” ~The Wedding of Molly O’Flaherty
Let me start this review off by saying that I am not normally a fan of historical romances. I don’t have anything against them, but they just aren’t my normal go to genre of books to read. But when I found out that Sierra Simone, who is one of my favorite writers, had written historical romances, I knew I had to read them, and boy am I glad I did! This series was unputdownable. It was consuming, full of fire and passion and heat, and it had a story that was full of intrigue, suspense, and a bit of mystery that had me in every breath of what I was reading. Sierra Simone always weaves together some serious romance and heat with some serious feels, and I got to experience that once again within this series. These books are definitely quick reads that you will want to devour as soon as humanly possible. You will love the feel of them, you will love getting transported back in time, and you will love getting to be there as it all unfolds. Sierra Simone brings her A game once again in the London Lovers story and you will bask in every glorious moment of it!
Read My Review of The Seduction of Molly O’Flaherty – Read My Review of The Persuasion of Molly O’Flaherty – Read My Review of The Wedding of Molly O’Flaherty
~The Enamorado Series: I Don’t & I Want by Ella Fox~
“Nothing had changed. With one look, we were the only two people in the universe. A million butterfly wings fluttered inside of my stomach and chest as I licked my lips and tried to get my bearings.” ~I Don’t
“Nothing had ever felt so right—like my lips had been waiting to meet his forever and, finally, things were unfolding the way they were meant to. Within a minute or two sweet gave way to wild and the kiss grew into something larger than life—like a hurricane that had been waiting off shore, gathering strength.” ~I Want
I can always count on Ella Fox to deliver a read that is so easy to fall right into, that has the feels and some serious romance, and that will make me swoon with all that I have. Her Enamorado Series is the perfect trifecta of Spanish alpha male goodness, strong and memorable female characters, and with the perfect amount of heat and heart that will have you swooning and melting through every single page. I love this series, I love getting to know and fall in love with all of these characters, and I love how each of these stories allowed my heart to be so in it with these characters. These books made my heart beat a little faster, they brought me into a world of characters I truly never want to leave, and they gave me two love stories that I know I won’t forget. (Plus I have reread these books multiple times just because I LOVE them so much, and I love the feels and swoonworthy moments I get with these characters!) I am telling you these books will own you, they will make you smile and swoon and melt, and in the end they will have you so desperate for more of all of these characters and stories!
Read My Review of I Don’t– Read My Review of I Want
~The Markham Hall Series: The Awakening of Ivy Leavold, Education of Ivy Leavold, The Punishment of Ivy Leavold, & The Reclaiming of Ivy Leavold by Sierra Simone~
“You taste so good,” he said in that growling voice of his. “I could do this all day. Would you like me to?” I nodded. I wanted his mouth on me always. And yet, as I looked down and saw the stiff outline pressing against the front of his pants, I thought I could also happily trade places and spend my days with my mouth on him. The mere thought made me almost wild with desire.” ~The Awakening of Ivy Leavold
“Was I excited or was I scared?
And given what I had realized about myself – and about us – did it matter which?
I turned and faced him, my fiancé and master, pressing my back against the door. Blood and warmth and want pooled in my core as I watched him watching me.” ~The Education of Ivy Leavold
“I knew what he was going to do as soon as he lifted the hem of my dress and tugged the interfering clothes away. I should have said no. I should have said that we had to keep away from each other until we could make decisions about our future. But the tired apathy was blasted away in his intense presence, leaving only a quickening pulse and a growing hunger in its wake.” ~The Punishment of Ivy Leavold
“Go ahead.
It was almost like a taunt, a dare, daring me to try to make her want me, and I had never been one to turn down a dare.” ~The Reclaiming of Ivy Leavold
Set in the same world as The London Lovers Series, The Markham Hall Series is a serial that will have you wanting to jump back in time a hundred years just to be with all of these characters. This serial was full of the most visceral passion and heat, it told a story that was dark and edgy and twisty, and it captured my heart just as much as it made me blush. I loved this series, I could not put it down, and I was captivated with the pull and the desire and the fire these two characters shared. I once again was blown away by Sierra Simone’s exceptional writing, and how she immersed me in a world that was unique, that was memorable, and that was unlike any other book world I had been a part of. This story will definitely have you blushing something fierce, it’ll push your boundaries in the best way, and it’ll have you realizing that 19th century London was definitely the place to be!
Read My Review of The Awakening of Ivy Leavold – Read My Review of The Education of Ivy Leavold – Read My Review of The Punishment of Ivy Leavold – Read My Review of The Reclaiming of Ivy Leavold
~Chased by Hazel James~
“I want a man who’s above comparison . I want the butterfly – infested romance from the books I read . The kind of romance that makes me crazy when I’m with him and crave him when he’s gone . I want my relationship to fuel me the same way it fuels him . Screw the paper , I want chemistry.”
So a fun fact about me is that I am slightly obsessed with natural disasters and weather. I have found very few books that have combined that love of weather with a love story, so getting the chance to read Chased by Hazel James was fantastic. I loved every heart pounding, emotional, and intense word of this book. I loved how this story not only combined elements of storm chasing and romance, but it also told a story of healing from the pain and anguish its main character DH had gone through. This book was phenomenally written, it was meaningful, emotional, and powerful with the story and moments it gave me, and it had a level of emotion to it that I absolutely loved. Hazel James brought it all to the page in this book, and showed exactly what can happen when two people come into each other’s lives at a time when they weren’t expecting it, but in a way that will change them both forever. Chased had all of the heart and emotion and the adrenaline pumping moments in it that literally took my breath away, and I loved every single second I got to experience within its pages.
~Bad Penny by Staci Hart~
‘I wanted zero commitment. I wanted the fun and the thrill and to call it before things got messy. Sticky. I always skipped out the door before those pesky old feelings got involved and wrecked the whole train.’
When I read the first line of this book and read Penny compare the color of guys lips to the colors of a certain head they have…I knew that I was going to love that girl something fierce. And boy was I right about that one! Penny and Bodhi were the absolute best. They were hysterical, they were real and themselves through every single word, and they just brought it all to the table. I loved every unforgettable moment of their story, and getting to be smack dab in the middle of their craziness, their back and forth, and what they were sharing together. She’s the girl who doesn’t do any commitments or anything serious past date 3, and he’s the guy who wants to show her what could be. What I loved about this book was that it was the perfect blend of humor, laugh out loud moments, the best amount of heat, and two characters realizing that what they might be sharing could just be the real thing. Staci Hart completley rocked this story and had me LOVING every antic of these characters and in complete love with all that they shared. Trust me, if you’re looking for a fun and memorable read, then run yourself to this one this very second.
~Misadventures of the First Daughter by Meredith Wild & Mia Michelle~
“I want to crawl inside her soul, possess her, save her, ruin her from ever wanting another man.”
The Misadventures Series promises quick, steamy, and fulfilling reads and Misadventures of the First Daughter was all of that and more! I mean what’s not to love about a story with the first daughter and a secret service agent?! Let me tell y’all this book made me blush something fierce. It had me on the edge of my seat with what these characters share, it had me loving every twist and turn the next page would bring, and it had me so in love with these characters. What Charlotte and Zane share is so full of unadulterated passion and fire, and will have your heart in every single world. Meredith Wild and Mia Michelle know how to write one hell of a captivating read, and it’s easy to say that I could not get enough of what I was reading in this book! It was intense, captivating on every level, full of the most mesmerizing fire and connection, and it had that taboo element to it that had me loving everything I was reading. When I say you will love this book, I mean it! It is quick, dirty in the best possible way, and full of the heat and love that makes a good love story.
Read My Review of Misadventures of the First Daughter
~Real Good Man & Real Good Love by Meghan March~
“We’re going to get to know each other. I’m going to take you out on dates and show you what we’ve both been missing. You’re gonna fall in love with me, Banner. That’s where we’re going from here.” ~Real Good Man
“If you feel half of what I’m feeling, then you’re so in love with me, you wouldn’t notice if she twerked on your dick in the middle of church.” ~Real Good Love
Everything Meghan March writes ends up on my Top Reads list because that woman knows how to write one hell of a book that has the love, the dynamic and distinctive characters, and the stories that just don’t quit. Her duets have been some of my favorites to read, and she manages to keep you hooked in through every word, while having you practically salivating for more! Real Good Man & Real Good Love made me laugh out loud with the banter between Logan and Banner, had me melting all over the place for what those two shared, and staying the color of an apple from the heat those two had. They were the best. They were strong willed, funny as hell, and they just couldn’t quit each other, and even though they came from two different worlds, they couldn’t help but be drawn closer and closer to one another. I loved every part of their story and getting to see more of the amazing characters Meghan has created. I am telling you, if you start this duet, you will be in love with what you’re reading and getting with these characters and you will need and have to have more of them because that’s how amazing and spectacular and memorable they are!
Read My Review of Real Good Man – Read My Review of Real Good Love
***Be sure to check out my previous Top Reads lists!***
2014
2015
2016
And if you acutally made it all the way to the bottom of this post…well then you deserve all the prizes in the world!!! Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you enjoyed my Top Reads of 2017!!
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The Never Ending Book Basket 