So far in 2016, I have read 95 books, and I’ve read several that were really good! Since it’s summer, and I’m feeling a bit lazy, I thought a post that’s strictly about good books without being a review could be the thing for today.
My Fave Books Read in 2016
Not all of those books that have reached my favorite shelf in 2016 are released this year. However, because this is the year I read them, that’s the year they’re my faves. Here they are – in the order I read them:
Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster is the last in her delicious Ultimate series, and it hit all possible sweet spots for me! Armie’s story was one readers had been teased with from the start of the series, and it was great to finally get to know what was up.
Touch & Go by Mira Lyn Kelly is the second in her Dare to Love series, and it includes one of my favorite romance tropes – the friends to lovers trope. And it was so well done! My toes curled and my heart sung as I was reading Ava’s and Sam’s story.
He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker is quite different from her usual New Adult stories, as this was a psychological thriller in which Maggie plays detective to figure out how exactly her best friend, Celine died – because she’s sure it wasn’t truly a suicide.
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino includes one of my other favorite romance tropes – the second chance at love. Matt and Grace have been apart for several years, until Matt suddenly sees her at a subway stop in New York. And it’s as if life just stopped for a few seconds. Beautifully written, this story showed me that love is indeed stronger than hate, and the arrogance of a person who is trying to keep two people apart.
Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis – what can I say? Shalvis has at least one of her books on my favorite shelf every year. There is just something about her small-town romances, with tight-knit communities. The strong feelings, and the way life can seem both simpler and more complicated.
Rock by J.A. Huss is an extremely well done romantic suspense! There is mystery, memory-loss, suspense, love, attraction and an ever-present danger in this one!
In Her Eyes by Wesley Banks blew me away! There is a lot going on, with some very tender moments, and a sadness that completely and utterly broke my heart before putting it slowly back together again.
Leave Me by Gayle Forman got to me because it rang so very true! I have often felt like I have to shoulder many things alone – even if I’m married to an amazing man. Maribeth took her life in her own hands after a heart attack, though, and what she did took a lot of courage.
Do you have a list of your favorite books read in 2016 so far? If yes, please leave me a link to them – I’m always looking for more fave books to add to my own shelves 🙂
I will definitely be looking into a LOT of these. Great list. I might have to steal (borrow) this post lol.
Oh go right ahead, Leona 🙂 I did one in July of last year, too, and I probably got that idea from another blogger back then…
I like a good pyschological thriller once in a while, and that one sounds good. And the Carlino book does too- I like the second chance at love thing too sometimes. I’ve read a few contemps with that theme.
I’ve been thinking about my faves of the year so far also- I should go back and do a tally.
The Carlino book really, really messed with my emotions, Greg! I loved it 🙂 You should do a tally, it’s a good way for your followers to pick up the ones that might become their own faves 😀
yay, thanks for sharing, and I’m sad to say I haven’t read any….
It’s always funny to me that we don’t read a lot of the same books, Melliane, even if our tastes in books are very similar!
Nice lis! I’ve only read Nobody But You from this list and I really enjoyed that one as well. I might eventually read He Will be My Ruin, but not sure yet. I am trying to finish her Burying Water series first, still need to read the last book. I haven’t read any Lori Foster yet, but I do own one of her books now, so if I enjoy that one I might check out some of her other books.
Nobody But You was great 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed Jill Shalvis – it was one of her first books for you, right?
He Will Be My Ruin is very different form the Burying Water series – very good, but different 🙂
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I’m really glad you’re enjoying these books. I’ve been adding more suspense and horror to my listening this year. I’m struggling to read books right now. I’m hoping I will be able to pick up more later this year. Glad you enjoyed all of these.
Suspense / horror with romance elements are very appealing to me these days, Melanie. Sorry you’re struggling these days – hopefully, you’ll get back into enjoying your books sooner rather than later!
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
I have enjoyed a lot of books this year and I do have a few favorites, most of them being cozy mysteries…lol. 🙂
Cozy Mysteries, you say, Stormi? That’s such a surprise 😉
Twitter: Kissinbluekaren
I am a little sad to see I have only read one book from your list, He Will Be My Ruin. I did really like it though it wasn’t in my top 10 this year. I did post about my favorites a few weeks ago. I would have to add The Last One to my list now since I really enjoyed it.
Check out my Top 10 of 2016 here
I’ll definitely check out your top 10 2016 list, Karen.
I think that we might have the same taste in books, we just haven’t read exactly the same as of yet… I know we picked up a lot of the same books in Chicago, but I haven’t gotten to very many of those so far.
Touch and Go sounds amazing, Lexxie. I love friends to romance and so I need the book in my life!
Lori Foster is also on my TBR because of you and other reviewers. And your review also made me super curious about Leave Me.
Glad you found some amazing titles this year, Lexxie! Hope the rest of the year is just as amazing.
Friends to lovers is just so sweet, don’t you think Nick? You will probably really enjoy Touch & Go. And I can’t believe you haven’t read any Lori Foster yet, that’s just sad :p
Mine so far:
The Knave of Hearts (Rhymes With Love #5) by Elizabeth Boyle
Dark of Night – Flesh and Fire by Jonathan Maberry
The Rogue Not Taken (Scandal & Scoundrel, #1) by Sarah MacLean
🙂
I haven’t read any of yours, Felicia, but I believe I have The Rogue Not Taken on my TBR shelf 🙂
Lori Foster is pretty great! I did like Fighting Dirty, but it was love for me. Have you read Just a Hint, Clint by Lori Foster? I LOVE THAT BOOK!
No, I haven’t read Just a Hint, Clint… I can’t even say I’ve heard of it, actually. Off to check that one out 🙂
Fun post! I really need to read He Will Be My Ruin; though I own a copy, so soon!! I have Leave Me to read sometime soon as well so I’m glad to see you loved it so much.
-Lauren
Oh, I hope you’ll enjoy He Will Be My Ruin and Leave Me as much as I did, Lauren!
They all look good but I have none of them on my lists.??? Gotta fix that.I’m looking for some books for weekend reading by the pool and several of these would do.
Isn’t it funny how that works, Laura 🙂 If you decide to get one of these, I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Nobody But You was a good read! Love her books. Foster too. I’ve not read that one yet but she’s always a favorite 🙂
Both Shalvis and Foster almost always hit the perfect spot for me, Anna 🙂
This is a fun post! I should totally try to do this. If I have time! Maybe with my blogoversary next month. Touch and Go sounds really good, I’m going to go add it on Goodreads. Thanks for sharing!
You should! Several people have added one (or more) from my list, so that’s good. I think seeing other bloggers favorites is a great way to find new to me books, Lisa. 🙂
oh yes for Lori Foster, I just love her stuff. Fighting Dirty was pretty dang fun!!! Such a great couple to read.
I’ve not heard of a single one of these books! Leave me looks and sounds really promising, I’ll be looking into that one the next time I’m book shopping.
I always find that so interesting! That I have books that are my favorites, and other people haven’t even heard of them. Leave Me has a really interesting premise that is well executed to boot.
Thanks for stopping by!
Ooo, a nice selection of books Lexxie! My favourite book this year is definitely The Fireman by Joe Hill, it was epic!
I’m super jealous of your 90+ books. I have only read 51 books so far and 6 of those were from July which is probably my best month all year. I have a few favorites too, none from your list since I haven’t read any of them but I’m adding some to my list.
I love seeing which books people have really loved in the year so far! And also how that list might or might not change by the end of the year.
All of these titles sound really good, but I especially love the look of He Will be My Ruin. I am utterly obsessed with mystery/thrillers at the moment (and probably always will be now, I love them so much!), and it sounds like something I could really sink my teeth into! And if it’s on your half yearly favourites list, that definitely bodes well 😀
I’ve left my half yearly favourites list in the comment love thingy below, if you want to take a look!