Top Reads for 2017!
Another year has passed.
It felt like it flew by at some points and at others took longer than I wanted. My writing career flourished in a way I didn’t expect and I am looking forward to what the next chapter of this story will bring. At this time of the year most people set their goals, resolutions, and perhaps even dreams for next year, but I’m taking the time now to look back and just feel thankful for everything I’ve achieved in 2017.
And as I look back, I realize how blessed I’ve been with the people I’ve met, the friends I’ve made, and with all my accomplishments. Granted, when I hit publish for the first time in 2015, I never thought two years later, I’d still be here planning and plotting the next story and the next. But I am and I’ve never been more proud of myself. I saw this through, I worked my ass off, and I’ve come out on the other side.
Although, I haven’t done it alone. I’ve had a team of incredible women behind me, lifting me up when I needed it and offering advice and support when life got in the way. To those women, you know who you are, I thank you for all you’ve done.
Anyway, let’s get into books.
I’ve read so many incredible stories this year. The words that have captured my heart and soul have stuck with me for various reasons and I wanted to share them with you today.
As an author, I don’t have much free time to sit down and read non-stop, even though I’d love to. But when I do have some down time, I love to get lost in the words. Without further ado, let’s get to my top ten reads for 2017.
Pretty Reckless
by Jane Anthony
This story was a love and hate for me. I loved the story, the way Chase tore me open and ripped out my heart, then Kat came along and I was in awe of how much I loved to hate her, but I also loved her so much because it was as if Jane had taken a part of me and wrote me into this book. Her words are poetic, beautiful, and she really does bring a wealth of emotion into this vivid, tear-jerker.
Breaking Grace
by Rose Devereux
My first read by this author, and I can definitely say it will not be my last. She gave me the dark, sexy, and intense roller coaster I love to devour in one sitting. If you’ve never read Rose’s books before, go and one click this and I challenge you not to come away a fan. I fell for Bram immediately and he held my heart all the way through. A deliciously sexy ride.
Dark Master
by Shana Vanterpool
It’s no secret I’m a fan of Shana’s words. However, when I read this I knew I would be a stalker for life. She blew me away with the way she painted the world of Dark Master. I thought I was prepared for this story, but I wasn’t. It was intense, sexy, raw, emotional, filthy, and downright sinful, but so damn good I can reread it a million times over and still fall in love each time.
Bastards & Whiskey
by Alta Hensley
The first book in this series and I’m hooked. Each man in this series is indeed from the top shelf and I cannot wait to get my lips around another drink with every character Alta gives. A sexy and dark read, with some scenes that will indeed make certain readers clutch their pearls, lucky for me, I don’t wear them. 😉
The Ghostwriter
by Alessandra Torre
I didn’t know what I was getting into with this. Even from the blurb, not much can be gauged, and I’m so thankful for it. You need to go in blind, then be shocked by the unraveling of a story with a unique twist that leaves you utterly speechless.
100 Proof
by Shanora Williams
Emotional. I can’t find any other words to describe this book. Nothing prepared me for it, and I devoured it needing to know what exactly would happen. It’s heartfelt, painful, and intense. With each page, I inhaled, and waited for things to turn out how I wanted them to. Slowly, chapter by chapter, I was immersed in this book until the end, and when I put it down, I finally breathed.
Complicated Hearts
by Ashley Jade
This duet, GAHHHHH!! That’s all I can say…. Okay, that’s not all I’ll say, but I was utterly shocked, blown away, and in awe of how Ashley dragged me into these characters lives and forced me to root for them, then curse them, then gasp in shock, then sit utterly flummoxed. It was a roller coaster, and I didn’t want the ride to stop. Three hearts, three lives, and everything just gets complicate.
The Day She Cried
by K Webster
When K releases a book, I one click without question. And with this book, I wasn’t just blown away by her magical way with words, I was in awe of how she made me feel so much without taking a breath. This raw, emotional read stripped me bare, it took my heart, gripped it painfully and didn’t let go until I was spent.
This is a book that everyone should read and I doubt you’ll come away the same. It doesn’t just give a romance, it offers us an underlying theme. If only we can all learn from it. Thank you K for your strength and beautiful soul.
The Games Duet
by CD Reiss
I devoured the first book in this series, and impatiently waited for the second one. CD Reiss is a master with words. Her writing is fluid, beautiful, and it draws you in from the very first page. This duet left me with a book hangover that lasted weeks. I couldn’t pick up another one without thinking of the tension, the heat, and the emotion that spilled onto these pages. I was hooked, and even months after reading it, I still think about Adam and Diana.
Illusions Duet
by Lily White
My first books by this author and I’m in love. This duet is definitely not for everyone. It’s taboo, dark, and twisty, but so damn good. You need to read them in order to understand what’s going on because you will indeed be as confused as Eve if you don’t. This storyline, the characters are so unique, the author’s writing is beautifully poetic and I love her style. One of my faves of this year because it’s addictive reading.
