I didn’t fit in as much reading as I’d hoped in 2017, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t make some amazing discoveries. 2017, it seems, was a year of grit and re-reading for me. I am excited to discover more fantastic books in the coming year, but before I can officially move on, I want to share my favorites of the last year with you. Please keep in mind that these are just books that I read in 2017. That doesn’t mean they were published in 2017.
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10 | The Highlander by Kerrigan Byrne
Not only did The Highlander haul me back to long-ago Scotland, it pulled me back to when I first started reading historical romance and all the feels that came with it. This book was a whirlwind I was happy to get swept up in, and it solidified this author as a must read for me! |
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9 | Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Caraval was a fast paced YA Fantasy novel with stellar world building, and twists and turns that left you baffled until the very end. This was another book where I was able to get lost in the world, and it really ignited a love for an entire genre that had – until now – kept me on the cusp of loving it. |
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8 | I See London, I See France by Sarah Mlynowski
This book was so much fun. I really loved every second of it, and it was fun reading about a YA character who sort-of had her life together. If you’re looking for a feel good read with a serious edge to it, this one not to be missed. |
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White Hot by Ilona Andrews There is no denying that the entire Hidden Legacy series is phenomenal. From Nevada’s family to her sexual chemistry with Mad Rogan, this book hits the mark every time. The only reason this one edged out Wildfire for me is because there was a scene that left me in tears, and I just couldn’t get it out of my head. If you haven’t read this series, you don’t know what you’re missing. |
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Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer This was another book that brought me to tears. It’s hard enough being a teenager, but to deal with the loss of a parent and to not be able to focus on something you love because it reminds you too much of that parent is devastating. This book handled loss so beautifully, and as much as I loved the romance in this, it was Juliet’s dad who stole the show for me. He loved his daughter so much and would do anything for her. I loved their relationship, even with the rockiness. |
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On Broken Wings by Chanel Cleeton OK – this is three times now where I’ve been reminded what a blubbering baby I can be. But it’s true. If you’re a fan of Top Gun and you have not read the Wild Aces series, what the heck are you waiting for? It doesn’t take a sleuth to find out that Easy was a fan favorite and that everyone was waiting on pins and needles for his book. I was so anticipating this read that I had my doubts on whether or not the author could give me what I wanted. But she did. She gave me something even better than I was hoping for. Easy finally gets his happily every after, and I swear my heart sighed when he did. |
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Tender with a Twist by Annabeth Albert For as gruff as one of the heroes in this book was, this book was filled with sweetness and patience. I adored Curtis and Logan’s story. They were two men who found each other at just the right time, and I loved watching everything fall into place for them. |
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Sunset Park by Santino Hassell I don’t know what to say about this book or this author that I haven’t already said. This series, in particular just resonated with me. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it. I loved David and Raymond’s story. Ray’s character underwent some major changes in this series in such a realistic way, and I just loved seeing him want to be a better person. |
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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery There’s really no other way to put this: Anne stole my heart. She absolutely stole my heart, and I loved every moment I got to spend with her. This book brought me back to my childhood and Little House on the Prairie, and it reminded me how amazing imagination could be. Anne was a wonderful character, and I really wish this book had gone on forever. |
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First and First by Santino Hassell Caleb and Oli – you guys. Caleb and Oli have the best story out of any of Santino’s pairings. Caleb was such a jerk in the previous book that I didn’t think there was any way I could like him. I was so so wrong. I am head over heels for this man, and while I didn’t think it was possible to love him any more, I do when he’s with Oli. I love that they pretty much pass the baton between who is more persistent and willing to fight for the other, and I love that Oli brings out Caleb’s adventurous side and that Caleb effortlessly intrigues Oli. Honestly, this story is pure perfection, and I don’t think I’ll ever find another like it. |
Man – I may not have read as many books as I wanted to, but damn did I read some good ones! Once I discovered Santino Hassell, 2017 became my best reading year ever, and I wouldn’t trade that for 100 more books on my read list. No author’s writing has every moved me like his has, and I look forward to everything he puts out.
What were some of your favorite reads of the year, and what was your best discovery?
There are so many books on your list here that have been sitting in my Audible library! I need to listen to them STAT!
I also added quite a few to my TBR on Goodreads. Thanks for the recs!
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You’re welcome! Always happy to add to someone’s to be read pile. 🙂
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I really loved Letters to the Lost. Great friendships, family dynamics, some romance. It was so emotional and I loved it. Now I’m excited for Rev’s story coming out this year.
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Oh, yes! I am with you there – I can’t wait for Rev’s book! 🙂
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I also loved White Hot so much! Great TTT! 😊
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Yes, Hidden Legacy was such a great series!
Thank you. 🙂
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Okay, so I stopped the Five Boroughs series right after book 2. I feel like, since it’s your favorite, I have to read First and First. I think I’ll try to fit it in this month. I can’t give up yet!
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I hope you like it.
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Isn’t that true? I would trade high numbers for quality books, too. I keep seeing Wildfire on people’s list. I need to get busy and finish book two and three, there. I got introduced to Santino Hassell this year and liked his stuff too.
Wishing you some fantastic reads this year, too.
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Yes, girl! Get busy finishing the Hidden Legacy series! LOL
Yeah, Santino Hassell just has a way of hitting me in the feels.
Thank you! 🙂
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Great list! I also loved White Hot 😀 And the next book is even better!
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Thank you! Yes, I thought Wildfire was a great read, too. 🙂
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The Highlander and White Hot were both great books. I plan on reading On Broken Wings this year so I am looking forward to that.
Thanks for sharing your list of favorites and hope your year of reading in 2018 is a great one.
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I will be looking forward to your review for On Broken Wings. Have tissues handy. 🙂
Thank you! I hope your reading year is filled with hits!
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I didn’t read as much as I wanted to in 2017 either, but I still found some fantastic books. I love Anne of Green Gables and really should re-read it. I’ve also heard fantastic things about Kerrigan Byrne.
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I went back and forth between print and audio for Anne of Green Gables. I believe there are several editions for audio. The one I listened to was from Renee Raudman, and she did a fantastic job!
The first few books in the Kerrigan Byrne series are quite heavy, but if you can see past the too much angst in those two installments, there are fantastic stories in there. Also great in audio. 🙂
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Yay good books! I was surprised that one from Cleeton didn’t make me cry as much as I expected. It sure did make me cry lol but book one got me more. Maybe since I didn’t know “it” was gonna happen?
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I cried enough for a dozen people, so I think I offset you. LOL
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I’m excited to see Letters to the Lost on your list of favorites. It’s one of my planned reads for the Beat the Backlist Challenge this year.
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White Hot was amazing! I really hope there are going to be other book in this series.
I’m also very happy that they finally gave the guy more clothes on the cover… I mean come on! 😊
Great post!
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