2016 Favorite Reads

As 2016 comes to an end tonight, I can't help but think about my favorite books of the year. I've read over 300 books this year, and the following are a select few that are not only 5-stars for me, but really stood out from the crowd. Of course CoHo makes an appearance, no surprise there. So here they are, in no particular order.

 

What were some of your favorite books from 2016?

Book Review: Hardball by CD Reiss #Giveaway

There are a handful of writers out there that I will read anything they write, no matter what, often without even bothering to read the synopsis. Of those favorites, there are only a few that cause butterflies to swirl around my belly and goosebumps to break out on my skin simply by reading the first word of a new book. CD Reiss is the top of that butterfly group for me. Whenever I learn that she's working on something new, the anticipation as I wait for it practically kills me. Her writing captures you and holds on tight and keeps you in its grasp long after you've read "the end." She will always be my #1 favorite because honestly I don't know what I would do without her books.

It's kind of daunting starting a new book by an author that you covet so much because you sometimes fear this might be the one you don't connect with. The one you don't like. It took about 1 paragraph for me to calm down and know that I had nothing to fear with Hardball. Dash is your typical superstar athlete - handsome and elusive with plenty of women to choose from. Vivian is a school librarian who has a big heart and is oblivious to her own beauty. An unlikely match for sure, but those are my favorite kind

Right off the bat you realize that Dash is a little bit quirky and not only was it endearing but sexy as well. Don't ask me how, that's just the brilliance of CD Reiss at work. I absolutely loved him! I mean, a sexy baseball player who quotes Shakespeare, has a filthy mouth and comes with a side of kink? Hell Yeah! Sign me up for one of those please.

Book Review: Ink & Lies by S.L. Jennings #Giveaway

August and Fiona have been the best of friends for the past decade. While he is excellent at writing romance novels, he fails when it comes to real life romance. Because he doesn't believe in love and happily ever afters, he doesn't see what has been right in front of him for years. But when he finally opens his eyes and his heart and admits how he feels, will it be too late?

I've read all but one book that S.L. Jennings has written (it's on my list, believe me) and I continue to be blown away by this author's versatility. She's written heartbreaking and emotional (Fear Of Series), sexy and dirty (Sexual Education Series) and even paranormal romance (Dark Light Series) and all of them she has written extremely well. Ink & Lies is completely different than any of those and it is my favorite of her books to date. The hero, August, is funny, self-deprecating and a bit of a man-whore, but Jesus he's got a heart of gold underneath all of that armor.

The tone of the story was so different and I think that is largely in part to it being told from the male's point of view. I love books written this way and Ms. Jennings absolutely nailed. While I was certainly frustrated with August and Fiona and their inability to just get out of their own damn ways when it came to their relationship, it just made the inevitable that much sweeter. Though I admit I had some serious doubts about the out come here.

Book Review: Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8) by Setta Jay

This series. Gah! While I have more than enjoyed all the male Guardian stories, I have been anxiously waiting for the next female Guardian to find a mate. We know that it is more difficult for the female Guardians to find mates because their male needs to be more powerful than themselves. Well who could be more powerful that a Guardian? A God of course! I don't know why I didn't see that one coming, but I didn't and it was a fantastic surprise for me.

Sacha has always been pretty low key in the previous books so it is almost funny that Hades would be her mate. I mean the God is anything but low key.  But as soon as he learns of his mate, you kind of see him just settle into the role of protective male and wow was it wonderful. He's still seriously intense, as are all these delicious alpha-males, but everything in him is focused on Sacha and it is both hot and heartwarming. I just loved mated Hades!

Now there is, of course, so much else going on in the story, like the small matter of the fate of the worlds. Throw in a new world with mysterious Gods and a smidgen of utter confusion and well, we have quite an awesome book!

Book Review: Wicked Sexy Liar (Wild Seasons #4) by Christina Lauren

I can't believe this is the last book in the Wild Seasons series. It's been a fun and dirty journey that I did not want to end. I was a little nervous going in being that the hero, Luke, is ex of the first heroine in the series, Mia. What a pleasant surprise it was to learn that he was not a jerk after all. Sure he might be a bit of a manwhore (OK fine, a huge manwhore) but despite that he's genuinely a good guy with a whole lot of love to give the right girl.

London doesn't think she is that girl. Nor does she want to be. Just one night is all she needs. Or maybe two or three, but there is nothing more than that. She was a bit frustrating at times, to hung up on the past actions of others and too worried about what her friends might think. Anyone could tell that Luke was all in with her, but it too London a lot of convincing. Which I can't complain about too much because I very much enjoyed all of Luke's convincing.

This was a great end to a series that I loved reading. Each pair of characters brought their own uniqueness and made the series highly additive. So while I am sad to say goodbye tot his crew, I also can't wait to see what the writing duo of Christina Lauren has in store for us next.

Book Review: The Baller (Down & Dirty Football #1) by Vi Keeland #Giveaway

The last thing that up and coming sports reporter Delilah Maddox needs during her first locker room interview is a cocky football player giving her a hard time. However, that is exactly what she gets from star quarterback Brody Easton. Emphasis on cocky and hard. Brody isn't used to women turning him down and he wants Delilah badly, but she doesn't go out with "players." What follows is a relentless, sexy and comical pursuit that Delilah has no hopes on escaping. But Brody has some shit in his past so what happens when all of that resurfaces just when he's got Delilah right where he wants her?

I have had the honor and pleasure of reading and reviewing most of Vi Keeland's book and I swear each one is better than the last. The Baller is by far my favorite from this author and one of my top 2 favorites of 2016 so far. It was just brilliant! It had humor and amazing tension and sexy times while also blending in an intense level of emotions. I loved Brody, of course (who wouldn't?), but who I really fell in love with was Delilah. It's not often that I like a heroine this much, as in never, but Delilah was awesome. So strong and sometimes hilarious. There was a certain scene with a certain outfit that had me hysterical I may have even peed a little bit. She is seriously amazing and I want to be her when I grow up.

Book Review: Wicked Lust (Wicked Horse #2) by Sawyer Bennett

What's hotter than a sexy alpha cowboy that fulfills sexual fantasies? The answer you're looking for is nothing. Nothing is fucking hotter than that. Welcome back to The Wicked Horse!

When Sawyer first introduced Cain at the end of book one, I nearly exploded and I've been dying to read his story ever since. Cain is the head of security at The Wicked Horse as well as a fantasy maker for the dirtier side of the business. And a damn good one. He has no desire to be in a relationship again and this allows him to indulge in endless sex while working towards a good bonus.

Sloane is a reporter here only to sniff out a scandalous story on the supposed sex club. However, she did not plan on Cain. At first she thought to use their attraction to get the information she needs for the story. She soon realizes he is someone special and using him is the last thing she wants to do. But what choice does she have? Both are holding back secrets and it is only a matter of time before the truth is out and everything crumbles.

Book Review: Big Rock by Lauren Blakely #Giveaway

Spencer Holiday is one of New York City's most prominent playboys. But at least he is a gentleman about it. He always makes sure that a woman is well cared for and well satisfied before he sends them on their merry way. Now his father needs him to tone down his manwhore ways to help his father secure the sale of his business, so he ropes in his best friend and business partner, Charlotte, into playing the part of his fiance. Charlotte needs to get her ex off her back so she figures this fiance charade is the perfect way to do that. With a few ground rules in place, what could go wrong?

OMG I loved this book. L.O.V.E.D. It is told 100% from the man's point of view (yessssss!) and it is witty and hilarious and frickin hot. This was such a fun and lighthearted read and as soon as I was done I wanted to start it all over again. Spencer is absolutely delicious. Gentleman playboy might sound like a ridiculous oxymoron, but it truly is what he is. And trust me when I say it is a lethal combination. Poor Charlotte didn't stand a chance. And as it turns out, neither did Spencer. I love a good friends to lovers romance and this one has become one of my top favorites. I don't reread books very often (hardly ever, honestly) but this is going on my to re-read list. LOVE!

Book Review: The Cornerstone (Walsh Family #4) by Kate Canterbary

I love this fuckin series so hard!

OK now that I've gotten that out of the way...

Shannon Walsh is the glue that holds her family together. Her four brothers count on her for pretty much everything and she gives her all to take care of their every need. But she doesn't let anyone take care of her. Whether she wants to admit it or not, it is starting to take its toll.

When Will Halsted met the smart mouthed red head at his sister's wedding, he immediately thought of ways to keep her mouth busy and quiet. Their heated words turn into a couple nights of intense passion. Then that one weekend turned into stolen weekends together here and there. Soon he realizes he could never get enough of her. But she's got thick brick walls surrounding her heart and he's determined to be the man to knock them down.

Hands down, Will is my new favorite hero in this series. He is the perfect amount of bossy, attentive and loving all wrapped up in a hot Navy SEAL package. I absolutely loved the snarky banter between these two that almost always led to super hot hate fucking. And the dirty things that came out of his mouth? Totally melted me into a puddle of goo.

Book Review: Blindsight Volume 2 by Adriane Leigh

I was so flippin' excited when this book hit my Kindle; it was literally a stop what I am doing and start reading immediately moment.Book 1 of this serial ended with Hunter dropping the bomb that he knows Erin's secret and we pick right back up from there. In turn, some of his own secrets are revealed, but I get the feeling he is hiding a whole hell of a lot more.

Erin is torn between running for the hills or staying in the comfort of Hunter's bed/ She makes the choice I know I would have made - Hunter. I mean really, there is just no denying that man. Some hot sexcapades ensue as they travel for his photography, but when they return home things get a bit frenzied. And then BAM, another mega cliffy.

I have some ideas on who some people truly are and some of the connections that are still unknown. But then with that ending, I'm left thinking that I have no clue what the hell is going on. There is definitely more to Hunter then he is letting on and I can't decided if it is good stuff or bad.

This second installment was steamy and thrilling and still has me hooked. I can't wait for book 3!

Book Review: Final Debt (Indebted #6) by Pepper Winters #Giveaway

Finally, it's here! The thrilling, erotic, nail biting, "OMFG I can't take anymore!" conclusion to Pepper Winters' Indebted series. I was equal parts anxious for this book and terrified of it. I have never been so scared and stressed out while reading before. At about the 40% point or so I wanted to rip my damn hair out. Seriously, it made me binge eat junk food and I have been working extra hard to eat clean!

Nila, Jethro and those they care about have all gone through agonizing pain to get to where they are. How much more can any of them take before they buckle and crack? Oh trust me, you're going to find out and live all of the pain yourself. I loved these star-crossed lovers from the very first word of their story and no one deserves a happily ever after more than they do. But is that really in the cards for them? Can they put a stop to this heinous debt inheritance before the final debt is collected? Blood will be shed, tears will be cried and you may even want to hide your Kindle in fear. (I don't recommend putting it in the freezer).

This entire book had me tense with apprehension. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next while simultaneously being terrified of it. I did not a breath a deep sigh of relief until I got to the end and knew no more damn pain was coming. What an epic journey this series has been and I loved every second of it. Thank you Ms. Winters.

Book Review: Sinful Longing (Sinful Nights #3) by Lauren Blakely

Colin Sloane might not have the best past, but he's gotten is act together and turned his life around. He's no longer the lost boy he once was but now a successful business man and loving brother. Now he just needs to get the girl and he has his sights set on Elle Mariano. Unfortunately for him, he is just the type of man Elle is determined not to fall for again.  She can't let her their friends-with-benefits arrangement turn into anything more. Can Colin get her to trust him and not let his past dictate their future?

What is it about a man in a suit with lots of delicious tattoos hidden underneath that is so damn hot? I have been intrigues by Colin ever since we got that first glimpse of him in the first book of this series, and I was very much looking forward to getting to know him better. All of him. Sigh. Sure he's got some demons in his past, not to mention a batshit crazy mom, but those things have made him stronger. He's sexy and loyal and sexy and smart... and did I  mention sexy? Cause damn.

Elle has her own history and refuses to let it repeat itself. She is determined to protect herself and those she cares about from any more of her mistakes and keeps Colin at arms length for as long as she cans. I without a doubt understand why she had her hesitations but I also thought she was insane for not grabbing hold of everything that man was offering.

Book Review: Unlawful Justice by K.C. Lynn & K. Langston #Giveaway

The town of Harmony Falls, Texas has recently been riddled with crime. The once peaceful town is now in full blown chaos as things have escalated into deaths and disgusting acts of vengeance. Hate fill the streets and homes of this small town, wreaking havoc with no end in sight. Despite it all, is it possible for two souls at the center of it to find love? Just maybe peace, love and truth will prevail...

So this is one of those books that I needed to take a day (or five) off after reading it before I could sit down and attempt to write a review. Even now, almost a week later, I'm not sure my thoughts will be very coherent or even come close to doing this novel justice, but I'll try.

These two authors have come together to write a truly powerful story that not only engages your heart but your mind as well. (And, ahem, other body parts). It makes you think about the world around us, the hate that sadly still consumes the world, and what the heck are we going to do about it? As much as I wish it wasn't so, racism and corruption are very much a part of our society. Hate is an ugly, multifaceted stone with so many sides at war with each other. It's not just black vs. white here in Harmony Falls, but also good cops vs. bad cops; right vs. wrong and so on... and I was truly impressed how these authors managed to equally and honestly show all sides.

Book Review: Blindsight (Blindsight #1) by Adriane Leigh

Next book! Next book! I need it!

I can count on one finger how many books I have blindly started reading without ever looking at the blurb. And that would be this one. I literally had no clue what Blindsight was about, but that didn't matter because it's Adriane Leigh and I always enjoy her work.

So she starts us off right in the thick of it with a prologue that makes you wonder what the heck is going on. From there we go back in time a bit to see the events that led up to that point. We have Erin, a woman in need of a job, and Hunter, a wealthy and successful erotic photographer. He offers her a job as his PA, but you can't help but wonder if there are other motives behind their "chance meeting."

Their attraction to each other is electric and it's only a matter of time before their working relationship turns into something more. However, it's clear that they both have secrets and who knows what will happen when all is revealed.

Book Review: Searing Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #7) by Setta Jay #Giveaway

Searing Ecstasy is the most perfect title for this book as there is heat and fire everywhere in it. Literally. Fans of this series have been anxiously for the day the leader of the Guardians, Drake, found his mate. Well it is finally here and it did NOT disappoint.

So much happens in this book which makes it exciting and fast paced plus down right sexy. There's a God missing, mysterious warriors about and not one but two Guardians in the midst of the mating frenzy. All of these different parts mesh together for a phenomenal story that is very hard to put down.

Drake is forced to stay away from his mate, Delia, until the Guardians can find a way to help her. The result is an intense build up of sexual tension and desire. I couldn't wait for Drake to finally explode and unleash all of it on her. It was pretty damn epic. Meanwhile, Sander and Nastia are dealing with their own mating issues. I have to say I liked Sander a whole hell of a lot. Like maybe even more than Drake (unbelievable, I know). Plus I enjoyed the banter between him and his mate and more importantly, he burned up my kindle.

Book Review: Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Events in Elizabeth's past have left her broken and distrusting. It's why she doesn't do relationships at all, just the occasional one night stand. She's content to keep it that way until the boy with the sexy British accent changes everything.

Declan isn't too trusting himself, but there is something about Elizabeth that immediately draws him in. Campus' sexiest bad boy also has a romantic side and he wants to be the one to heal her, to keep her safe... to love her. But there is only so much rejection he can take from her before he gives up and walks away.

Oh Ilsa.There is just something about her writing that mesmerizes me. From the first word, I feel like I am physically pulled into the story and nothing will tear me away from reading it. Nothing. When I reviewed her  first book, Very Bad Things, two years ago (holy crap!), I used words like consumed, captivated and exquisite to describe the story and writing. And those same words could be used to describe every book this woman has written, including Dirty English. She's just amazing and hands down a must read author for me.

Book Review: Slaying the Dragon (Deception #2) by T.K. Leigh #Giveaway

Slaying the Dragon is the thrilling and sexy conclusion to the Deception duet by T.K. Leigh and must be read AFTER Chasing the Dragon. Which means if you haven't read book one yet, you might not want to read this review.

Book one, which in my opinion was T.K.'s best work to date, left us with a heartbreaking cliffhanger. Book two picks up where we left off with Tyler and Mackenzie's relationship at a crossroads, if you will. This is the part where you want to shake up the H and h a bit and make them snap out of it and straighten stuff out. Alas, since I couldn't physically maul these two, I read on as they both dealt with the aftermath. So many factors came into play to keep them apart and it was agony, only made a tiny bit sweeter by the hope I held onto that eventually all would be OK. And there was certain family member who was a complete jerk here and deserved a good throat punch. They had such a long way to go but I loved watching them gradually get there. Second first dates and second first kisses and Tyler Burnham back in the bedroom. Sigh.

Book Review: Friction (Legal Affairs) by Sawyer Bennett

It doesn't matter how many books I read by Sawyer Bennett, I love every damn one. Her Legal Affairs books are some of my top favorites by her, probably because they are some of her dirtiest, and Friction is  right up there with the rest.

Leary and Reeve are opposing counsels on an upcoming medical malpractice case and they are totally hot for each other. The chemistry between them is combustible and I frickin loved how they teased and pushes one another. Especially in public. Gah! They agree to keep the case out of the relationship, but when Reeve has to choose between protecting his career or the sassy woman he's falling for, his decision could ruin it all.

Book Review: Dark Wild Night (Wild Seasons #3) by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is one of the handful of authors that I know I'm going to love the book before it's even loaded onto my kindle. This writing duo is amazing and they have another big winner with Dark Wild Night.

Like their friends, Oliver and Lola got married back on that crazy night in Vegas. But unlike the other two pairs, they got an annulment the next day. While the other couples are still together, these two opted to be best friends instead. Lola craves Oliver like no other man before, but she's convinced he doesn't feel the same for her. She couldn't be more wrong.

So Oliver. Sigh. I loved him. I mean I. LOVED. HIM. I think he took over the top spot from Flynn as my favorite hero in this series. I am a sucker for a sexy geek and Oliver is pretty much the definition of that. He may be on the quiet side, but in the bedroom he has a beautifully filthy side. Throw in the Aussie accent and dear god, don't even bother with panties. Plus his love for Lola was so soul deep it made my heart melt.

Book Review: Sinful Desire (Sinful Nights #2) by Lauren Blakely #Giveaway

Ryan Sloane doesn't trust anyone enough to let them get close and he doesn't do love. Love is a lie. The only people who get that emotion from him are his family and he has no plans to change that. Until he sees her. The gorgeous Sophie elicists instant lust in him and he must have her. This will be nothing more than sex. Mind blowingsex. Except, it's already been more from the moment he laid eyes on her.

So I love Lauren Blakely books but this series has really taken it up a notch for me. Not only do we get the really hot sex that we love (and we DO love it), but there is also the story of the Sloane Siblings' cookoo mom in prison. Ryan is by far the hottest and dirties Blakely Boy yet and dammit he was delicious. I loved hoe he was both demanding and tender and despite what he believed about himself, very much capable of loving someone. And loving them beautifully at that. Sophie was strong and independent and I loved how she could stand on her own as master of her own universe, but then just as easily submit to Ryan in the bedroom. They were perfect.