Best of 2014

I’ve read over 150 books this year. I had thought I’d get my favorite book list below 20, but realized that was pretty impossible with the amazing books I’ve read this year. I still know I left off some amazing books, but had to cut off the list at some point.  

I’m cheating right off the bat by picking a series of books as part of my favorite reads. Thanks to my friend Jen (That’s What I’m TalkingAbout), I finally started the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews.  I read all the books currently available and absolutely loved each and every book. I actually listened to each of the books thanks to my Audible membership and it only made me fall in love with audio books even more.

Broken Blade by J. C. Daniels is the 3^rd book in the Colbana Files series. This story completely ripped me apart and I loved every single minute of the book. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Beyond Jealously by Kit Rocha is the 4^th book in the Beyond series. We finally got Rachel, Cruz, and Ace’s book and it was so worth the wait! I love each and every book and visit with the O’Kanes.

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh is the 13^th book in the Psy-Changeling series. I have to admit I didn’t know what to think when I saw it was Vasic’s book, but ended up loving this book and Vasic more than ever!

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James is Agent Vaughn’s book. Only a heroine as strong as Sidney Sinclair is strong enough for Vaughn Roberts. I felt so many emotions while reading this book and can’t wait for the next book from Julie James.

Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker is the 1^st book in the Secrets and Shadows series.  Honestly I loved this entire series. The romance was well done even when some of the subject matter was tough to read.

Cheating once again, as Carly Phillips had 3 books come out this year in her Dare to Love series. Dare to Desire, Dare to Surrender, and Dare to Submit were all amazing and I’m so glad Carly now self-pubs her books so I can get more books each year.

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis is the 5^th book in the Animal Magnetism series. As with every book from Jill Shalvis, Then Came You was a sexy romance that made me laugh out loud at times.

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12^th book in her Lucky Harbor series, and also the last full-length book in the series. I loved Tanner and Callie’s book for the same reason I loved the other books in this series. The romance is the heart of every story and Jill always makes me laugh. Luckily, we were given a Christmas gift from Ms. Shalvis as she released Merry Christmas, Baby, where we see Chloe and Sawyer become parents. Bonus we get to see pretty much everyone that has ever been in a Lucky Harbor story.

We said good-bye to the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis this year and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hours of enjoyment I’ve gotten from that series.

Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey is the 9^th and final book in the Kowalskis series. I’ve loved each book in this series, but have to say Max might just be my favorite hero in the series to date. He is so adorable!

Play by Kylie Scott is the 2^nd book in the Stage Dive series and my favorite to date. I knew Mal needed a strong woman to make a relationship work and he found it in Anne.

Barefoot in Lace by Roxanne St. Claire is the 2^nd book in the Barefoot Bay Brides series and literally made me feel every possible emotion while reading. I would laugh one minute and cry the next. Gussie’s book is one of the best books I’ve ever read from Rocki!

Where there’s a Will by Stacy Gail is the 4^th book in the Bitterhorn, Texas series. I’ve read this series out of order, which is highly unusual for me. I’ve loved both books I’ve read in this series, but I wanted Coe’s story and even when I wanted to smack him, I loved every minute of this book.

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh is book 1.5 in her new Rock Kiss series. I absolutely loved David and Thea’s book and also love this series.

Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor is the 1^st book in her McKinney Brothers series. I loved Matt and Abby’s story so much. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading and saw Abby came with a ready-made family. I usually don’t read lots of books with kids, but have to say Ms. Connor did an amazing job making the kids a part of the story. I’ve suggested this book to everyone I know who is looking for an amazing contemporary romance this year.

Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the 3^rd and final book in the O’Neil Brothers series. I’ve loved each and every book in this series, but to say Tyler and Brenna’s story is my absolute favorite. I love the friends-to-lovers story line and Ms. Morgan gave her readers the perfect story. Yet another book that pulled every emotion out of me while reading.

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo is book 6.5 in the Assassins series. Readers of this series were given the perfect holiday gift from Ms. Aleo with this book. You get to spend time with all of the couples you have come to love.

All For You by Jessica Scott is the 4^th book in her Coming Home series. We finally got Reza’s book and it was even more of an emotional roller coaster than I was expecting. I loved every minute of it even as I was cursing and crying while I read.

Only by HelenKay Dimon is the 2^nd book in her Holton Woods series. I have to say I also love Mercy, book 1, but love Bast and Kyra’s story even more.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare is the 1^st book in her Castles Ever After series. I have so much love for this story. Izzy and Ransom are absolutely perfect for one another. I’ve always enjoyed the humor and romance in Tessa Dare’s stories, but have to say Romancing the Duke is my absolute favorite one to date.

Burn for You by Marquita Valentine is the 5^th book in her Boys of the South series. I’ve wanted Beau’s book forever and have to say it is was more than worth the wait. This book is another one filled with emotions, and is my favorite book from the Boys of the South series.

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell is the 1^st book in the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club and was a book I found thanks to judging a contest.  This was my first book by Jamie Farrell, but I loved her voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

Designed For Love by Kelsey Browning is the 4^th book in her Texas Nights series. As this book was Ashton’s I really didn’t know what to expect. Her character has grown on me over the course of the series and I have to say I absolutely loved this book. Designed For Love was yet another book this year where I felt so many emotions reading.

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep is the 11^th book in her Elemental Assassin series. Gin Blanco is hands-down one of my favorite characters ever. She is the heart of this series and we learned more about her with this book. Add in Finnegan Lane to the mix, and this series is awesome.

Broken Open by Lauren Dane is the 2^nd book in the Hurley Boys series. This book was super emotional and is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved Ezra and Tuesday as a couple and have to say the Hurley Boys is one of my favorite series from Lauren Dane.

My list would not be complete without mentioning at least one book by Tiffany Reisz. However, cheating once again, as she had so many wonderful books come out in 2014. I’ll limit my picks this year to The Saint and The King. The Saint would have been my favorite read of the year, even as I wanted to kill Tiffany for part of the book, and then I read The King. Both books are so full of awesome and I wanted to re-read them both as soon as I finished reading them the first time. The Saint is the 1^st book in the White Years of the Original Sinners books and The King is the 2^nd book in the White Years. However, since the White Years are prequels to the Red Years, if you miss some of your favorite characters, Tiffany gave her readers a Christmas present on her website, Christmas in Suite 37A.