MinnChica’s 2011 Favorites

I’ve read over 350 books so far this year, and having to chose which are my favorites is SO HARD!! I’m going to try and limit it to 10 or so… (Emphasis on the word try….)

 

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
– This is the final book in the Fever Series, and after the cliff hanger of the fourth book, I was anxious to see where Moning was taking the series, what would happen to the sexy Barrons and how Mac would be able to come come out on top. Needless to say, I was so happy with the ending. It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty damn close. If you have yet to read the Fever Series you need to go out and do so. NOW… Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/02/08/review-and-giveaway-shadowfever-by-karen-marie-moning/

 

 

Enclave by Ann Aguirre
-I’m usually not a fan of YA books – at all. But Aguirre is a favorite of mine and I trusted her not to make many of the mistakes that bug me in YA books. I am SO SO happy I took the chance on this one. The writing was fabulous, the plot and adventure was just amazing and the characters were incredible kids that acted like… KIDS! It was just so well done across the board. LOVE LOVE Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/04/19/joint-review-enclave-by-ann-aguirre/

 

 

Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
-2011 was the year of Romantic Suspense for me, and not many people could do it half as well as Eden. The first book in the Deadly series was so incredibly creepy and scary and amazing it blew me away. I’ve never had to finish a suspense book and literally curl up next to my husband because I was still creeped out – until I finished this…. This book is DEFINITELY worth it! Review: http://lifeaccording2nicole.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-deadly-fear-by-cynthia-eden.html

Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
-I have one word for why this book made the list: Hawke. Hawke and Sienna have been circling each other since the beginning of the Psy-Changeling series and I’ve been counting down the books until we finally get to see a happy ending for these two. The journey was amazing and incredible and I’m was so disappointed when I turned the last page – I wanted it to go on forever!!

 

 

 

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
-I think that between Curran and Kate and the world building in this series, Andrews has created THE BEST urban fantasy series ever. And when we see these two living together and still going out and kicking ass and taking names, well what’s not to love? In my opinion, this series just keeps getting better and better. It’s a MUST READ.

 

 

 

 

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
-Shalvis was a new to me author this year, and I am so glad she was pushed onto me. The third book in the Lucky Harbor series was my favorite, maybe because I could relate to the asthma suffering heroine, or maybe because our hero was the town sheriff and ex-bad boy who stole my attention when he first walked into the series in the first book. Contemporary romance fans will NOT be disappointed by this book and series. Wonderful! Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/12/05/review-head-over-heels-by-jill-shalvis/

 

 

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
-This was probably the best debut author/book of 2011. A fresh new paranormal world with unique creatures that have yet to be seen in mainstream paranormal romance. Dragos and Pia were hilarious and sexy and so much fun to read. The series is wonderful as well, and Harrison quickly cemented herself as one of my favorite auto-buy authors. Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/05/20/joint-review-dragon-bound-by-thea-harrison/

 

 

 

Demon Bait by Moira Rogers
-I’ve read (literally) everything Rogers has published. I’ve enjoyed the vast majority of it. But Demon Bait took them to a new level (for me). With this paranormal-cyberpunk-post-apocalytpic world they combined their love of all things paranormal with the awesomesauce that is the Matrix and created a fabulous new world. I’m anxious for more to come in this series. Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/11/22/joint-review-demon-bait-by-moira-rogers/

 

 

A Lot Like Love by Julie James
-James is another favorite of mine in the straight contemporary romance genre. I can always count on her books to have strong willed, educated and true role model style heroines. Her heroes are sexy FBI professionals that make me weak in the knees. I have yet to read something by James that didn’t just blow me away, and I can’t wait for more FBI hero and lawyer heroine mash-ups. Review: http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/02/guest-review-lot-like-love-by-julie.html

 

 

Collision Course by Zoe Archer
-I’m a huge fan of Science Fiction Romance, especially in the space opera setting. When I got the first 8th Wing book I was excited, but also trying not to get my hopes up. Archer far surpassed anything I could have hoped for or expected. The story was so well done, the characters were amazing and the world itself was fun to play around in. Archer better write more books in this series, otherwise I might have to start stalking her…. Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/04/06/review-collision-course-by-zoe-archer/

 

 

Deadly Descent by Kaylea Cross
-I read every Kaylea Cross book she’s published this year. This was my favorite of them, but the others were just as wonderful. Cross has an incredible talent for getting into the head of terrorists, showing their side and creating realistic military suspense stories that also weave in a wonderful romantic element. Even E agreed that the military aspect was well done. Romantic Suspense fans who love their hero in a sexy uniform will have to pick up a Cross book, and soon. Review: https://thebookpushers.com/2011/09/08/joint-review-deadly-descent-by-kaylea-cross/

 

 

Cut & Run by Roux & Urban
-I’ve been hesitant to read any m/m book, but after listening to Mandi from Smexybooks go on and on and on and on about this series I decided to pick it up and give it a try. WOW. I am sooooo glad that I did. Ty and Zane are just so awesome. I went through Roux and Urban’s entire backlist in like a 5 day period. CRACK, these books are my new crack. I might even have to do a re-read soon….