2015 was a great book year with some amazingly good releases and it was so difficult to come up with our favorite reads of the year. Collectively, we've reviewed around 700+ books here on the blog, so you can believe it was super hard to narrow down our top reads of 2015.
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I have never related to a heroine like I did with Chloe in Crushed. Every emotion, every struggle and every moment of doubt she experience I've felt to and this book just felt like I was transported back to high school. I basically read it in one sitting and just couldn't get enough.
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The Trouble with Love by Lauren Layne
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This book pretty much jumped started my love for all things Lauren Layne. As soon as I finished I went out and purchased everything that LL had previous wrote and read it all. I can never resist a second chance at love at love story and the heat and chemistry between Alex and Emma was explosive. This book was sexy, sweet and funny.
Until Friday Night by Abbi GlinesReview Link
Hands down the best book that I've ever read from Abbi Glines. I did this one in audio and I pretty much listened to it in one sitting which is rare for me. I just couldn't get enough. It was intense, emotional and so damn good.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
If you haven't read this book yet go out and get a copy because it's freaking awesome. This book jump started my love of hockey books and OMG it's so good! It's sexy and sweet and has just the right amount of humor mixed in. There were so many times that I found myself laughing at loud and I just couldn't get enough of Garrett and Hannah. They just have this connection that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.
Cruel & Beautiful by A.M. Hargrove and Terri E. LaineReview Link
I feel like this is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. After I finished reading I was an emotional wreck for hours and that doesn't even count the fact that I was in a serious book hangover for days afterwards. Cruel & Beautiful moved me in a way I don't think any other book that I've read in 2015 did. It hit so many emotions for me and honestly just thinking about this beautiful love story makes me feel butterflies in my chest. As soon as I finished I wanted to go back and read again. This was a book I read in one sitting throughout the night into the early morning. Cruel & Beautiful will move you and evoke so many emotions and I honestly can't wait to see what else is in store from A.M. Hargrove and Terri E. Laine. If it's have as good I know I'll adore it.
Withering Hope by Layla Hagen
Withering Hope is one of the first books I read this year and it captivated me right away. It was so unique and beautiful, and the fact that I had never read anything like it before is so rare for me since I read a lot of books! This book has stuck with me since I first started reading it, and there are honestly not many days that go by that I don't think of this book or these characters in some way. I honestly don't know exactly what it was about Tristan and Aimee's story that spoke to me as much as it did, but this book is truly one that I would recommend to absolutely everyone. I don't think I have ever screamed as loud as I did when I received a signed copy from Layla Hagen and it is proudly displayed on my shelf of favorites.
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Cruel & Beautiful is absolutely everything! There is no other way to describe this book. It was beautiful and heartbreaking, but filled with love and hope. This book was impossible to put down, and it was so emotional for me. I don't think that I have ever cried as much as I did with Cruel & Beautiful, and it completely wrecked me. Yet as much as I cried and felt every single emotion ever, I absolutely loved it! This is another one of those books that I recommend to everyone. There is something that every single person can relate to here, and I honestly need more books from A.M Hargrove and Terri E. Laine! *cough* BEN'S STORY *cough*
Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines
Hands down, Until Friday Night is the best book Abbi Glines has ever written in my opinion. This book was so intense and beautiful, and emotional as well. (I am seeing a trend here...) Maggie and West were seriously perfect for one another and I just couldn't get enough of them! The way that they related to one another and were able to open up to each other was something that I just adored. These two are so special, and the minute I finished their book, I wanted to dive right back in.
The Friend Zone by Kristen CallihanReview Link
I knew this was going to be a favorite of mine before I ever read it. Gray Grayson stole the show for me in The Hook Up and while I liked Drew, Gray was always it for me! He is one of my all-time favorite characters, and honestly I feel possessive over him. You can read his story, but just know that he is MINE! Seriously though him and Ivy are absolute perfection and the way their relationship starts off is priceless! I love their banter and how their friendship blossomed into more. Gray Gray is charming and quick witted and I can't get enough of him!
Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley
This book left me with quite possibly the biggest book hangover ever! For days after I finished reading Millie and Logan's story, nothing else would do! I couldn't get them off of my mind, and their story is one that will stick with me forever. Another emotional one, this book was heartbreaking and beautiful but I loved every bit of it.
The Lost Soul of Lord Badewyn by Mia MarloweReview Link
The mix of historical England and magic was so unique and exciting! The story wasn't predictable, so I was excited for every page. Samuel and Meg were so perfect for each other.
The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie
The synopsis doesn't do this historical romance justice. It looked good, but what I read was amazing! The story was unbearably sweet and funny.
The Duke Can Go To the Devil by Erin KnightleyReview Link
I loved this opposites attract book! Erin Knightley's signature sweetness, wit, and comedy are evident here. This book left me feeling all warm and gooey inside.
Raging Sea by Terri Brisbin
The struggle in this book was so real for both the romantic plot and the fantasy plot. The book gave tidbits of information at a time, gluing me to the pages to find out more.
Flawed by Francette Phal
This was one of the most intense books I’ve ever read. It was deeply erotic and focused on the ways our past can really mess with our present. The writing is brilliant, the characters are complex and there are no heroes.
Forbidden by CD Reiss
The writing of CD Reiss is almost unparalleled. Her imagery and world building are on another level and the characters she delivered in Forbidden were some of the most compelling I’ve ever read. You never forget a book like this.
Coda by CD ReissReview Link
Did I mention that CD Reiss is brilliant? Because she is. Coda is the conclusion to the Songs of Submission series. It is erotic and emotionally gripping. I read it months ago and some of the scenes are still vivid in my brain.
A Dark Lure by Loreth Ann White
This is a suspense/mystery with a romance that is one of the best in this genre I’ve ever read. There are so many twist and turns, you never see the end coming. The writing is brilliant, the characters complex, the plot so well-conceived, you won’t believe it. You will be up all night reading a book like this.
The Master by Kresley Cole
This was a given y’all! If any of you reader peeps out there have read the IAD Series by Kresley Cole, you must have been excited for an Erotica by her, just like me! I had The Professional in my hot little hands in three parts delivered the day they became available, and I loved it so much, I bought a physical copy. So, naturally, when it was confirmed that Kresley was continuing the series with The Master, I did a happy dance, and a sexy dance, and another happy dance! Kresley can make my blood boil she writes such hot pieces. Plus, I just adore all of the characters, and of course, in The Master, we get a visit from all the ones we love from the first book. The tales were weaved flawlessly together, and Maxim was delicious! The heroine, Cat, was sexy, vicious, and hilarious! Add in the sex, danger, mystery, and action…..well, it’ll always be a favorite!
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Okay, this had to be a predictable choice because, I mean, who the hell doesn’t love Colleen Hoover, once you’ve been introduced to her work? This book ripped my guts out, fried them for supper, and tied them up with a bow to give me back as a present. The love. Damn, the love. The drama had me in shock, and in a state of need and desperation. I could not put the freaking book down for the life of me. Colleen Hoover brings such passion to characters and so much emotion that it’s impossible not to love her writing. Everything is so real to the reader and you’re tied up in chains, bound to the characters and how they’re going to make it through! This story was just so wonderful. Fallon and Ben are such beautiful characters, and the diction, the plot is so heart-wrenching and breath-taking. Bottom line: read it.
Bound to Darkness by Lara Adrian
The Midnight Breed. That says it all for me. Lara Adrian (along with Kresley Cole), were my first introductions into the world of PNR, and I will be loyal fan and reader to the end. Carys and Rune were two characters that I was super intrigued to read about the second she announced that this would be their story. I loved Carys already, because I grew to love her in Crave the Night, but Rune was hardly around, and when he was, he was aggressive, explosive, and kind of seemed like a dick. Naturally, this made me super curious and exhilarated to find out more about the elusive, mysterious, arrogant, and kind of nasty Breed male! Let’s face it ladies, we love bad boys! This novel was actually my favorite in this series of spin-offs thus far. I love that I get to see all my original Breed men, and yet I am totally engrossed in new characters, new love, and new danger. I especially loved this novel because Rune has turned out to have one of the most unlikely pasts, and there are some serious twists in this book. The threats and game-changing plots are beginning to build, and damn it was a great ride!
The Misadventures of Maggie Moore by Michelle Graves
This is the first book of my friend Michelle Graves’ series and I loved it so very much that I read it twice. Maggie is a riveting, emotional, honest, raw, and loveable character with a serious case of Murphy’s Law riding her. John is a man of mystery, control, and intellect with darkness in his past that threatens to consume him. When the two of them are forced to work together, and embark on a series of unbelievable, yet remarkable adventures, neither will ever be the same. What’s better? The fact that Michelle’s writing is so fresh, the storyline is unlike any other, and that she writes with her soul; pouring it out into every single word, and every single moment. If you haven’t read this story yet, you’re truly missing out, and better yet, she’s working on the next installment!
Okay, so this isn’t romance, but there are moments regarding love, and friendship. Furthermore, if any of you have read the Hollows Series by Mrs. Harrison, you know she can write! This story is full of Sci-fi and technological trickery, intrigue, action, and backgrounds. More importantly, the author did what I love most: She created a kick-ass, strong female as her main character. For me, this is what made The Hollows my all-time favorite series; the strength of her female lead, her friendships, the morals she encompasses in the choices she makes, the lessons she learns, and the adventures we enjoyed together! Though this series is very different, it has every core element within, and I couldn’t stop gorging on every word. I’m truly hoping the next won’t keep me waiting too long.
Reaper's Fall by Joannay Wylde
This book was everything I love in a story. Fun, intense and I was glued to the story. I've been waiting for Melanie and Painters story for so long. I loved Painter and Melanie and their complicated love story.
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I have yet to read a book by Novak and not like it. This was the sweetest story. Kyle was such a great guy and his heroine Olivia was a perfect match for him. I was immediately interested in everything about this story.
Playing with Fire by Kate Meader
Alexander Dempsey and Eli Cooper kept me completed fascinated with their chemistry and their barbs. They were so much fun to see fall in love. Meader is the queen of hot!
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I enjoyed all the books in this series so much and this was the final one. It did not disappoint. The mysterious identity of Chase is revealed and MacLean did not disappoint in this fantastic story.
This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak
I just recently read this and called up all my friends that like to read and begged them to read this story. Phoenix is a phenomenal heroine. I could not keep a dry eye throughout this story.
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I have been a fan of Dean Koontz since middle school and Ashley Bell is very reminiscent of his past works without seeming redundant. It’s a mystery that has you rethinking everything, with a villain who couldn’t be more horrendous, things that go bump in the night and love. It thoroughly creeped me out and made me think trying to figure out the twist.
Fugly by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Mimi Jean’s Fugly is a book that really gets to the heart of insecurity that women have and working past it, to truly love yourself and finding that someone to love you no matter what you look like. It came from the heart of Mimi Jean and really shows it is very much in her style of no holds barred curse words and all.
LOST series by Cynthia Eden
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Cynthia Eden’s LOST series is romantic suspense at its best. Broken, Twisted, and Shattered all came out this year and pulls you into a world of serial killers, stalkers, and tortured pasts. These books kept me on the edge and falling in love with the heroes/anti-heroes.
What were your favorite reads of 2015? Did any of our choices top your list?
Check out what's up for grabs.
Up For Grabs:
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- 1 Kindle copy of Never, Never Part One by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
- 1 Kindle copy of The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- 1 Kindle copy of All Played Out by Cora Carmack
- 1 Kindle copy of Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren
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Wow, I haven't read any of these aside from the Historicals and Cynthia Eden, but I definitely need to grab Lauren Layne's books.
ReplyDeleteOMG you HAVE to read her books! Love them so hard and I really think you'll like them as well. She's definitely become one of my favorite authors this year. I gobble up everything she writes.
DeleteI have way too many favorites but The Half Killed still really stands out to me.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check that one out.
DeleteMy favorites from this year were Marrow, Before We Were Strangers, Out of Time, Loving the White Liar, The Air He Breathes, every Meghan March and every Melanie Harlow books!!
ReplyDeleteI need to read so many of those. I've got most of them on my TBR but haven't had a chance to read as of yet.
DeleteLove Cynthia Eden's LOST Series!!! Great pick :)
ReplyDeleteThat series is a favorite among the RFTC review team. Everyone always wants to review those books. LOL. =)
DeleteI've got a half dozen of those on my top favorites list too and several that I still plan to read. Good choices, ladies!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteMy favorite books were The Duke & the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath, Luck Be a Lady and Lady Be Good by Meredith Duran, Suddenly One Summer by Julie James and The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long.
ReplyDeleteNice choices!
DeleteKim!!! Read all loved the first three on your list!!! Those were some of my favs!
DeleteHere are my 5 Star reads from 2015 (sorted by author, not preference):
ReplyDeleteThe Exile (The Fae) by C.T. Adams
Six of Crows (Six of Crows) by Leigh Bardugo
Ripper (Hunter, #1; Thieves) by by Lexi Blake
Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega) by Patricia Briggs
Game for Marriage (Game for It) by Karen Erickson
Cold Burn of Magic and Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade) by Jennifer Estep
Spider's Trap (Elemental Assassin) by Jennifer Estep
The Single Undead Moms Club and Fangs for the Memories (Half-Moon Hollow) by Molly Harper
The Risk (Xtreme Heroes) by Skye Jordan
Rebel (Renegades) by Skye Jordan
Tempted by Fire (Dragons of Bloodfire) by Erin Kellison
Rise of the Gryphon (Belador) by Dianna Love
Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh
Archangel's Enigma (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh
Eternal Echoes (Sisters of the Divine) by Anastasia Virgas
Lover at Last and The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood) by J.R. Ward
Great list! It was so hard to narrow down ours to 5 or less. I'll have to check out some of yours that I haven't read yet.
DeleteSo many great reads this year!! The deal and friend- zoned topped my list.
ReplyDeleteBoth are among my favorites! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI love Sarah MacLean's.
ReplyDeleteI'm woefully behind on her books and need to catch up but I've heard amazingly good things about her recent release.
DeleteMy top 6 books this year are: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews, Dead Heat and Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs, Burned by Karen Moning, and Shards of Hope and Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh.
ReplyDeleteI have lots lots including November 9, Priest, Forbidden still have lots more catching up to do though
ReplyDeletewhat a fun list!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list...I'll be referencing it as I make my way through my 2015 backlist. One of my favorite authors of 2015 is Tessa Bailey. She gave us so many hours of great reading! Risking it All was my favorite!
ReplyDeleteHi I won an ebook and I accidently deleted the original when I went to reply. So sorry! klowden13@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSend an email to Iqb99@yahoo.com to claim your prize.
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