I love this time of year. Closing the book on 2013 and starting fresh for 2014–so fun right?
It’s a time I like to use for reflection, and I enjoy looking over my “books read” and reliving little moments from them.
These books were not necessarily released this year–though some of them were. These are all books I read for the first time this year, and most have been read time and time again since.
In no particular order:
Dex in Blue by Amy Lane. This was my first “Amy.” I read Dex in January. By May, I’d glommed most of her backlist, and now I pre-order all her new titles as soon as they become available. Why out of all of Amy’s amazing backlist do I choose Dex as THE one? Because Dex and Kane, quite simply, are my favorite romance couple ever. When I read this book, I was stunned by the beauty and humanity in this story about porn stars. Dex and Kane introduced me to Amy’s work, and in a way, they will always be my favorite.
Illumination by Rowan Speedwell. Oh, this book. Yes, it’s a story about a rock star and a recluse, and I almost skipped over it because rock star stories aren’t my thing. But the other main character, Miles the artist? He intrigued me. Miles broke my heart and put it back together shinier and stronger than before. Sometimes a loss is so devastating, you think you’ll never be right again. You’ll never have what you had before, and you’ll never have anything close to it. But this beautifully crafted romance shows how loss isn’t an ending, but sometimes a beginning. It was breathtaking.
King Perry AND King Mai by Edmond Manning. Yes, I’m cheating. It’s my blog, I do what I want! Honestly, I don’t think it’s possible for me to talk about one of these books without talking about the other. Manning has created an amazing character in Vin Vanbly, a rich mythology of Lost and Found kings, and he wraps them up in such delightful and delicious prose. I laughed, cried, squealed with delight. Amazing. Don’t go into the stories looking for a traditional romance tale–you won’t find it. What you will find is a wild, manic ride into uncharted literary territory with a wonderful unreliable narrator and the men he kings.
The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles. Historical paranormal M/M mystery with BIRDS. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the wild fun of this book. I howled with laughter. (truth: I scared my dog) It’s just an unbelievably good time. Not to be missed. And…there’s a sequel coming very soon!
Into this River I Drown by TJ Klune. This was my first reading of TJ Klune’s work. To me, this was much more a literary novel than a romance, though it was absolutely a romance too. Evocative prose, a lilting rhythm like running water, a heartwrenching beginning and a breathtaking conclusion. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year.
The Rifter by Ginn Hale. The Rifter marked my return to reading epic fantasy, and in a big, big way. A ten-book serial that tells the story of a man who falls from our world into another, a study in paradox and the power of love to shape or change a life–elegantly written and meticulously crafted. I disappeared from the world for a week while I read it, and I regret nothing.
Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan. Another older book, but one I read for the first time this year. Nowhere Ranch is the story of Monroe Davis and how he finds a family. It’s some of the best first-person narration I have ever read. It’s crazy-sexy. It’s kinky. And it’s sweet. I loved this book.
When You Were Pixels by Julio-Alexi Genao. A letter, a diary, a confession, a love story. What can be told in only 32 pages? This story was amazing. Beautiful. I could wax poetic about it all day long, but I’d rather you go read this instead.
Too Stupid To Live by Anne Tenino. How was I supposed to take a book with that title seriously? Well, at first, I didn’t. But oh, I see what you did there, Anne Tenino. You see, comedy is hard to write. It takes chops. And to subtly parodize the genre while writing to genre convention and openly poking fun? Genius writing. Laugh-out-loud funny and endearing and a great romance too! Genius.
Muscling Through, by JL Merrow. This book made me speechless. It was absolutely perfect. Hands down the BEST first-person narration I’ve ever read. A lovely story of a simple man who meets a very drunk art professor while taking a piss in an alley outside a bar. What happens next? magic. Just a delightfully perfect in every way romance.
Captive Prince Volumes One and Two by S.U. Pacat/C.S. Pacat. More fantasy. Intrigue. Slavery. War. All so incredibly well written, an intricate puzzle that was so fun to read. Though seriously? Kicking myself for not waiting until book three was OUT before I read this! Now waiting impatiently for the third volume. 🙂
And, the book I finished yesterday, just sneaking in before the year ends: Shattered Glass by Dani Alexander. This book was hyped. I was cautious. What if I didn’t love it? I didn’t need to worry. Yes, it is remarkable. It is riveting. It’s funny and sad and maddening and a little ridiculous and heartwrenching and and and and…And I couldn’t look away.
Well, there it is, my favorite reads of 2013. Saved it to the last minute, and glad I did, otherwise Shattered Glass might not have made it onto the list.
So, what great books did I miss? What do you think will make it to my 2014 list? Let me know in the comments!