BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!! I’ve changed the list from TOP TEN to TOP TWENTY FIVE, ’cause you know what? After scrolling through my 2016, 4.5 star reviews, I realize I LOVED them almost (if not AS much) as the 5-stars, so I’m adding ’em. This list of books are what made my 2016 reading year awesome!
Ooooooooooh you guys. I went darrrrrrk this year. Oh yes, the majority have love stories (nothing better than love!!), but not always “romance”.
Because in reality, “love” can be a wonderful thing (I have a few of those down there), sure. And love can be a terrible thing. I was in the mood for emotionally tumultuous (or scary, or shocking!!) love stories, and it seems the more risqué ones won my favor this year.
In the immense words of Tarryn Fisher:
“A woman’s heart was an awful curse.”
And my favorites demonstrate that over and over again. But you guys still love me, right? In REALITY, I love LOVE. 😉 The hurty stuff is great… in books. ONLY in books. 😛
HERE ARE MY 2016 FAVORITES:
1.) It Ends with Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover <— This book meant EVERYTHING to me. Not only was it written by my favorite author (one of my few absolute auto one-clicks/must-reads even without reading the blurb, kind-of-authors) but it was so freaking HONEST. HONEST!!!!!! This is the first word that comes to mine when I think of this story. Go in blind if you can, knowing that anything good (and bad) can happen… and will. That’s all I want to say about that. Part of my HUGE love for this book was that surprise that I didn’t even see coming (she sucked me in with “sweet love” and spit me out with “truth”). But what cinched my big love for it, was that the author did not shy away from reality. NOT ONCE. THIS was right. This was exact. This is real. I’m not going to say anymore (I don’t want to ruin it for you), other than this was my #1 favorite for 2016, and my #1 favorite of all time for this author (and I LOVE every one of her books. In fact… for the longest time, none could touch her very first one – Slammed – for me). Until this one. Here’s my 5-star book review!
2.) An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur <— Some of the best writing (and storytelling) I’ve ever read has come from this “new-to-me” author, that has quickly become one of my die-hard favorites. Her prose is exquisite, her detail brings everything to life, and is just enough and never too much… but she GOES there. She goes where it’s ugly, and emotionally tumultuous. Such risqué storytelling embedded in beautiful words. She states her goal is to write “intelligent romance” and that, it is. But it veils real life drama and detrimental passions. Love and heartache are the central themes, and she’s ALWAYS a must read! Here’s my 5-star book review!
3.) The Martian: A Novel by Andy Weir <— Meet my BOOK-BOYFRIEND of the year!!! This is no alpha-male my friends. At least not from what I gathered in this tale (as it was not a love story, or a competitive “bad-ass” story), but OMG I CRUSHED SO HARD ON HIM!!! And this was before I saw the movie. Yep!!!!!! I was lucky enough to read this book before the movie, and I delighted in how clever, how amazing, how capable he was at survival. And not just survival. I’m talking about SURVIVAL ON MARS!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT. THE…??!!! YES! He was left by his crew (they though he was dead), and this guy kept himself alive in all sorts of “MacGyvery” ways!. You guys… it’s not just like THAT either. He was HILARIOUS. Personable… relatable, and so darn funny, I laughed with him (yes… WITH him) all the way through. Even during his most horrific struggles. This man? My perfection (at least per this book) 😉 . I’ve crushed on nerdy book-guys before, but NOBODY can beat Mark, and his aweseomness. When I accepted, of course, that he was not “real”, I marveled at the fact that the AUTHOR came up with all of these survival solutions to keep “Mark” alive (I mean AWESOME – yet not boring – detail about all of the Mars-y stuff that I usually don’t care about). Not only was I so into it, I BELIEVE he would know his stuff if he was stuck there. Hrmmmmm… maybe brainy-funny is the new “alpha”? Well… anyway. All that to say… I think I have a crush on the author. *snort* Don’t tell him, please. I’m trusting you guys. Here’s my 5-star book review!
4.) Undecided by Julianna Keyes <— This was my PERFECT “New Adult” love story , with a slight love triangle, unrequited love, and total emotional confusion, but done perfectly due to the writing and the wit! “Nerdy-ish” girl moving in with super-popular guy (both attending the same college), ’cause he wants to buckle down and study. He doesn’t want temptation, and he certainly doesn’t need a distracting roommate (sexy, or party-animal or otherwise). Neither does she. They’re both fighting for the schooling-survival. And while he doesn’t remember her… she certainly had a bone to pick with him (yet, despite her “bone”, she’s SO into him, but does her best not to let it show). She let’s his memory-lapse slide and takes advantage of the great “roommate” deal. The tables turn however, when his annoying best friend enters the scene. I LOVED THIS ONE! This is pure “old-school” new adult romance awesomeness. Written exactly right, we know the characters, we love them, and we love and hurt with them. My #1 “new adult” book of this year. P.S. I miss the old book cover. I just can’t get used to the new one. So I posted the old one, ’cause it personifies the story perfectly. My 5-star book review!
5.) Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher <— This one is pure Tarryn Fisher, at her story-telling best. Her deeply introspective, raw and gritty, yet eloquent writing proves this one to be more than just a creepy “stalker-type” book. It explores friendship, love, trust, and the ultimate betrayal. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but emotional and psychological instability is just destructive, and down right scary. But, while it does have that “dark-read” edge to it, this book was bigger than that, narrating the main character’s personal journey of emotional revelation and the ultimate “fight-back” for her life, and her dignity and her happiness. Does it all work out in the end? Ah ah ahhhh. It’s a Tarryn Fisher book. Anything goes, and my lips are sealed. But!! I will say the very last line had me gasping! Here’s my 5-star book review!
6.) The Score (Off-Campus Book 3) by Elle Kennedy <— OH BOY. This author (and series) is the ultimate in “old-school” new adult romance laden in hilarity, and romance-angst! And I think this might just be my favorite of the series, and you guys KNOW I love the whole series!!! I wish I was part of their cool/nerdy group of awesomeness. To tell you the truth, as hot and talented as the guys are, they’re dorks, and that’s what makes me love them the most! It’s kind of similar to the others in a way, yet even if the “roll-out” is similar, each story, each set of characters, and each journey is its own. You know… the whole college kids (namely, the college hockey team) and the “good girls” that know the bad-boy college jock’s reputations. And best of all? Dean’s reputation is the worst, and he (and his heroine) are the star of this show. Let the fun and misgivings begin! Here’s my 5-star book review!
7.) Hausfrau: A Novel by Jill Alexander Essbaum <— Oh boy how to possibly describe this one? Unconventional, unique, and best of all? Socially unacceptable (she’s married and terribly lonely living in her husband’s country, and seeks outside gratification). Yet… as much of a train wreck as this story was, we (well… I) couldn’t hate her. All I saw was a downward spiral getting worse and worse, someone that needed help, love… something. And there were so many things that triggered it. Whether it was in her head, or warranted, I’ll let you decide on that. The writing is outstanding and elegant, even considering the difficult subject matter. Here’s my 5-star book review!
8.) Full Tilt by Emma Scott <— THE GRANDEST of love stories!!!! Wow. One of the rare ones that made me cry this year (’cause I was avoiding crying… mostly I wanted to be incensed, enraged, and rooting for the underdog), but this one was just… pure. And I’m still “Maryse”, at heart, ya know? I still love the deep, true soul-mate type love stories that have a journey to explore, and a heart (or two!!) to fill. 😉 (big floppy tears be damned!!!) Why the tears? Oh you KNOW I won’t tell you that. But if you’re looking for uplifting book love, and growth, and everything that comes with it, THIS is your book. And what made it even better? It’s sequel (All In (Full Tilt Book 2 <— P.S. I gave this one 4.5 stars, so consider it a part of this “Best of 2016” list). Here’s my 5-star book review!
9.) Take Me With You by Nina G. Jones<— The ULTIMATE Stockholm Syndrome dark-read “love story”. Notice I didn’t say “romance”, because there is NOTHING romantic about this one. I’d even venture to say it’s the best “dark read” I’ve read so far! Combining my favorite “feels’ of a few of my past favorite dark reads (think Comfort Food mixed with Captive in the Dark and Room), and you’ve got the creepiest, most emotionally compelling, horror/psychological thriller “romance” ever! <— LOL! There, I said it! This author holds NO punches (if you need a trigger warning, consider the WHOLE book a trigger). But it’s all necessary in the grand scheme of the life the heroine now finds herself surviving, and the author tells both the heroine and the anti-hero’s world’s with such brilliance and psychological exploration, that you’ll find yourself connecting with all of them… and questioning your own sanity! Here’s my 5-star book review!
10.) Low by Mary Elizabeth <— TOTAL THRILL RIDE that had me biting my nails, and hyperventilating all the way through (without putting it down once!!!!!!) Such an unlikely love story, but pure and true in the connection… and well… they had to do what they had to do. 😉 She was from a more affluent lifestyle, and he was from the wrong side of the tracks, but love (and security) was lacking… for both of them. Until they found each other. They did whatever it took to stay together. Tumultuous? That’s not even the half of it!! Unique, exciting, and the ending was just… WOW!!!!!!!!! Jump in my friends. Let this author take you on a street-smart adventure. 😉 Here’s my 5-star book review!
11.) Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas <— This is totally a “cheat” book on my list, ’cause it was actually released a few years ago (and much-loved then!), but I just read it this year, and it rocked my world, so it stays! 😉 Crazy psych-thriller story about a group of best friends that go on vacation in another country together, and one ends up murdered, and another is accused of her death. It’s scary, it’s intense, and EVERY one is suspect (and sort of unlikeable). Even the victim had something a bit “troubling” about her and it kept me guessing BIG TIME. And once things got really rolling… my jaw dropped!!!!!! And stayed that way. Here’s my 5-star book review!
12.) The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata <— SLOW BURN ROMANCE at it’s best. Why? ‘Cause it involves the BEST of the best football star that is a brooding, no-nonsense, uninterested JERK! And not in the “player” sense, either. He’s one of those reclusive types that is singularly focused on his goals (and a woman in his life is not one of them). He treats his assistant as if she’s disposable (even after years of her being his right hand), and while he pays her well, the “thankless” job is starting to wear on her. And so she quits. And then the fun begins! Here’s my 5-star book review!
13.) Here to Stay (The Fish Tales Book 3) by Suanne Laqueur <— Definitely not a standalone (this book rounds out this uber-angsty heartache trilogy), but it is the book that cinched the entire series for me as a 5-star favorite. I can’t tell you anymore, other than PLEASE READ this entire trilogy if you’re in the mood for an amazing love story that’s both perfect, and completely devastating and imperfect at the same time. It has the “whole” feel, with a supporting cast of family and friends, events, and tragedies. What an amazing saga! Here’s my 5-star book review!
14.) How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying Hours by Sara Ney <— Hilarious and goofy, this book won me over with the fun banter, and the realistic reactions that had me hooked. Another “old-school” new adult feel, written JUST right for me. You know… the whole popular-player and the “nerdy girl”, but she gives him a run for his money! Literally. 😉 What makes this one even more addictive, is that we get all of that awesome “just friends” slow burn that drives him crazy, and makes him act even crazier. LOL!!!! Sleeping together in the same bed, but with a boundary of pillows between them… all that good stuff! SO MUCH FUN, and the perfect read for those that love books like the “Off-Campus” series, and “Beautiful Disaster“, and “Undecided“. Now you get the picture. Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
15.) Behind Closed Doors: A Novel by B.A. Paris <— This one is definitely a dark psychological thriller in every aspect, because the heroine is living (or I should say, trying to survive) a horrifying nightmare of an abusive marriage. This one kept me up at night and gave me panic attacks. Seriously. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. And the reason it was allowed to continue had my heart in my throat. I was scared of where else this one would go. And what… an… ending. Here is my 4.5 star book review!
16.) Evelyn, After: A Novel by Victoria Helen Stone <— Another darkish psych-thriller (not too dark, but definitely a whole “husband gas-lighting” theme to it) exploring a devastating reveal, secrets, and a wife’s downward spiral as she tries to cope with what she’s learned. And the more she attempts to adapt, and release herself from her binds, the more she succumbs to her broken heart and her scattered mind. I won’t say more than that, since the fun is in the journey, and what a journey it is. Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
17.) Author Anonymous by E.K. Blair <— Shocking and scandalous, this is the ultimate train-wreck “love story/anti love story”. And what makes it extra crazy? It’s a true story, and it just might be about an author we “know”. YIKES!!! You may or may not connect to the heroine, but you won’t be able to look away as she makes one bad choice after the next, and reveals one crazy secret after the next, and opens herself up in a way we’ve never read before. You will cringe, swear, and worry, and maybe even despair with her. Or you might call it quits and throw it across the room, but one thing for sure, is that you’ll never forget it. This is one of those more… tawdry GUILTY “guilty pleasures”. If you’re in the mood for a shock-value jolt, this will deliver it. Here is my 4.5 star book review!
18.) Transfer (The Retrieval Duet Book 2) by Aly Martinez <— Yep. I’m on a darkish-read roll, and this one is the perfect sequel/conclusion to this awesome duet. Another wife escaping her vile abusive husband, while trying to keep her tiny daughter safe. But this duet is loaded in quite the twist (or two) that was gasp-worthy, and stressful, and this one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way. I was FREAKING out! I don’t want to say another word, so you can discover it all for yourself. You MUST read book #1 first, to get full impact (this one involves TWO couples, but both stories must be read together, as they are merged). Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
19.) Ricochet (A Vigilantes Novel) by Keri Lake <— And here’s my other “cheat” book, ’cause it was released in 2015, but I read it and LOVED it in 2016!!! A psych-thriller indeed, and this one has TWO villains… or maybe more. 😉 And this isn’t a case of better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know, ’cause her own personal HELL is with her famous politician husband who violently abuses her behind closed doors. And I mean the most horrid of abuse (trigger-warning for sure!!!), but it’s when she’s kidnapped by a team of famous hacker-like masked vigilantes that she finds her relief. Can you believe that?!!!! Being KIDNAPPED by those that HATE you… and THAT is better than what your life used to be? That is THIS book, and there are twists and turns, and scariness and a gasp-worthy reveal (or two) that had me enthusiastically disturbed! P.S. This is one of the hottest cover-model book covers (in my opinion). 😉 Here is my 4.5 star book review!
20.) The Goal (Off-Campus Book 4) by Elle Kennedy <— Yep! She’s on here twice!!! This whole series rocks, and here’s yet another awesome “old-school” new adult installment that fits perfectly into the series. It had me laughing out loud and hurting (although not too painful) and loving all over again. I won’t say more (and even would recommend you NOT read the blurb) ’cause there was a surprise reveal that I totally enjoyed, and made the story that much better (but it’s actually mentioned in the blurb). For me, it was much better to go in blind! This author and her “college-aged” characters will ALWAYS be on my radar, because she writes ’em like I love ’em. When it comes to what I’m “in the mood to read”… it’s usually ALWAYS these (and I want more LIKE these – but in their own unique, comedic, angsty way, if that makes any sense?). Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
21.) Pull Me Close: The Panic Series by Sydney Halston <— So well written and unique, because she’s the recluse in this one, and I mean severely agoraphobic. And her very small entourage hasn’t totally clued in yet. Alone in her safe apartment, handling all of her “needs” as best as she can within the confines of her walls, she’s forced out when she has to go to her sister’s bachelorette party (to save face, and keep her agoraphobia a secret, and to TRY and finally face her fears). Overwhelmed, she has a panic attack right there in the club, and one of the club-owners (two gorgeous twins own this bar) comes to her rescue. And the other one thinks she’d hiding something and wants nothing to do with her. And the story truly begins here. Awesome slow-burn, and you feel her fear, but it’s the reveal (and the truth behind the reveal – it’s sort of a true story…) that makes this one extra special! Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
22.) How to Save a Life by Emma Scott <— Emotional, incredible, and magical. These two “outcasts” start off as strangers, but become everything to each other through the most incredible bond. I said magical, and this one has a touch of that, as they become connected on a more esoteric level, and I loved it. Gorgeous though he was, his peers found him to be a “freak” due to his ability to predict stuff from the images and feelings that jolt through his mind. It’s all in the life journey with this one. From the personal back stories (the events, memories and childhood perceptions, long-standing guilt and shame that make the characters who they are when we meet them), to the characters meeting and merging the very issues that keep them from truly connecting with anyone else, this one is all about feeling completely unloved, unsafe, and then finding home, once and for all. Even if “home” is just ONE person… no matter where they may be. Here is my 4.5 star book review!
23.) Too Late by C. Hoover <— This is Colleen Hoover’s “dark side” and it’s gritty and raw and at times, hard to read, and I was incredibly surprised (and titillated) that she went there. Definitely trigger-warning worthy, as the heroine’s seemingly perfect boyfriend turns out to be absolutely psycho, and she can’t leave. The danger she’s in, along with all sorts of crazy plot twists (some of them, far-fetched, sure and some of them so real, so exact, it’s scary) makes this one thrilling read! Even with a few of the… er… facepalm moments that kept me from giving this an all out- 4.5 to 5 star rating, this one was absolutely unforgettable and hard to put down. It’s undeniably a stand-out in my reading year. Here is my 4 star/4.5 star book review!
24.) Dark Matter: A Novel by Blake Crouch <— My first book in this genre (techno-thriller) and it had my head spinning in anticipation and dread. What a crazy story, and yet, despite my lack of knowledge and full understanding when it comes to Quantum physics… it made sense. At least for the most part. 😉 Sort of a time-travel, or parallel universe travel situation that has the hero desperately trying to survive, and find his way back home to his wife and children. It’s got it all. Marveling at the incredible discovery, dismay and despair. And love. All of it for love. I didn’t thrill over one of the reveals (and how it played out) as much as I did the entire book, so this story fluctuates, for me, between 4 and 4.5 stars. That said, it’s a must read for anyone wanting something exciting, unique and unpredictable, that will keep you glued and on the edge of your seat. Here is my 4 star/4.5 star book review!
25.) Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon <— And here’s my third cheat of the list (I read it in 2016, but it came out in 2015) and it was riveting, nerve-wracking, and had that ultimate jaw-dropping ending that makes this one absolutely unforgettable too. So unforgettable that it’s going to be movie! She’s a recluse, but not because she wants to be. Fun, intelligent, happy (ish) “Maddy” is allergic to the world. Literally. She can’t leave her home, and lives in a sort of “uncontaminated bubble” of pure air, pure food, and the loving support of her mother (who’s a doctor – thank goodness for that!) and her trusted nurse, that has pretty much raised her. She doesn’t have access to the outside world, but doesn’t feel like she’s missing anything… that is, until she sees her new neighbor, and develops a crush. Oh oh. Let the fun (and drama) begin! Here’s my 4.5 star book review!
But those aren’t the only awesome ones I’ve read!! Check out ALL of my:
I’m so glad I had the guts to read It Ends With Us. It is a “Marmy” at its finest! 😉
Def one of my faves for the year too.
Love reading your list, Maryse.
I actually read 2 of them.
And 5 of them I will never ever read, lol.
LOL!!!!!!!! 😛
I love you guys. Seriously. <3 😀
Finally it is here – awesome 🙂
I have only read two from your list- I totally agree with It Ends With Us but I found it a bit hard to get through Low. Thought about quitting it a few times, but finished it in the end. I read Poesy afterwards and actually liked it better.
Most of the books I read are based on your recommendations Maryse, and I have added several from your list to my tbr- Full Tilt, Hausfrau and Undecided.
I just started the Off-Campus series, so I guess I will get to The Score at some point 🙂
Maybe I should try Suanne Laqueur as well – you all seem to be head over heels in love with her books. But it actually scares me a bit 🙂
The only one I read is The Score. That’s so weird. Usually there are a few I’ve read. That said, The Score was so close to being on my list. It was that good. 🙂
I didn’t realize last year was a no cry year for you. I’ve been avoiding a few of those because of the whole death book worry. I already wanted to read Bad Mommy and Take Me With You. Both of those sound insanely good.
Tessa. Do BOTH of those. 🙂
Pia… PLEASE read Suanne. PLEASE???!!!!
Maryse, Maryse, Maryse…… you surely love your dark and thrilling reads. There’s some on that there list I’m never reading, nup, nosireee. But, I’m with you on The Martian. Loved that one, and the film too. And now I’ve started Exaltation of Larks. Liking it so far, but I’m a bit nervous that s@#!s gonna happen. *chews anxiously at hangnail*
I have read 6 out of your ten, and totally agree with you. I will be adding Full Tilt and Low to my TBR list immediately. They sound great! (And yes, Undecided cover is better as the original)
Wow! So I read The Score and I am adding Full Tilt (DUH moment as to why I haven’t read this Emma Scott book), and Hausfrau to my TBR list. Just not sure that I have been brave enough for your dark reads….
Another reader of The Score…only one I’ve read on your list but looking forward to Exhaltation of Larks and Wait for It. This blog is where I find all my treasures from you or other readers. So looking forward to more in 2017! Thank you for all you do Maryse!
Whew! I’ve read 5/10. High Five Maryse. 😉
she sucked me in with “sweet love” and spit me out with “truth” <—— OMG YES!!! I will forever be grateful I went in blind with It Ends With Us.
What have I read…1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. And holy moly, all of those are on MY top ten list I sent you!!!! Okay, my book twin…I just moved Low up my TBR list. Because Marmy. 😉
Oh, Amy.
What? What’d I say??
If anyone else had wrote that first line you would of been all over it.
Oh wait Maryse wrote it.
Why does it sound so much dirtier when you say it?
I have really got to go to sleep.
Neighbors with guns and fire works on the New Year and the 4th are not good for my mental acuity.
😯
OMG!!!!!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
See how deeply IEWU affects me?? It makes me miss the suggestive nature of those kinds of comments!!!
Obviously I’m not the only one with a gutter mind around here. 😛
Your neighbors are shooting stuff off TONIGHT?
I need to rectify my situation immediately!!! Usually, you and I are book twins too, Maryse… But this year, I have only read IEWU and Undecided. All of these, with the exception of The Martian, (because I already saw the movie,) were already on my TBR and I’m actually going to be reading An Exaltation of Larks for my January Challenge from Amy.
Awesome, awesome list!! Thank you, as always, for all you do around here for us. Giving us a place to crash and talk about our favorite things…with some of our favorite friends… *big smooshy hug*, you’re the best and we love you!
Always look forward to this list! I’ve read It Ends With Us, The Martian, Undecided and The Score. Liked them all but IEWU was my fav of the bunch. I’m scared to read a few of the suggestions. Maybe I’ll try Full Tilt next.
Reading Larks now…
Maryse, what I love about you (my fellow Dark Matter twin) is that you’re so brave and daring as a reader. You don’t just stay confined within the romance genre boundaries, you seek other genres as well. That means you have the biggest standards when it comes to reading and you’re not afraid to get out of your comfort zone. I admire that so much. A love story can be told through so many different types of stories and the real gems are often found in the most unexpected places. I can’t wait to see where your quest for the best, most fulfilling and thrilling reads takes you this year!!
Sorry Maryse but I am getting absolutely desperate with the book question I sent you probably around two weeks ago. Am I allowed to give others my email if they might be willing to help??
Please????
I don’t want to start the New Year by pulling out all of my hair!!!
Well, look at that. I have now read six off your list.
*high five*
Melanie… can you resend me the question? I’ll post it now. 🙂
I have a small backlog of questions for Thursdays, but I’ll definitely jump in now.
Guys… the list is much bigger now.
*blush*
TWENTY FIVE. I tried to keep it contained, but then I tossed and turned and lost my mind.
So I added more. And now I feel better. LOL!! 😛
Lol. I still keep debating if I should of added An Untamed State. Really powerful and made me feel deeply, just feelings of sadness and anger. Feelings you should feel after reading it, but hard to think back on.
And The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, but I already had so many YA on there. I just loved her writing in that book. I felt like I could “see it”.
And I know I’m not the only one, lol. So this makes me feel better.
But if you can’t stop thinking about them bev, if you would wholeheartedly recommend them, I say add them! 😀
Yup. My count is now up to 8. But I’m sorry I cut 14 off my list. Yet, it’s still pretty cool to have a top ten. Oh, decisions decisions.
I was lost before this reading blog! I would try to find books through Goodreads. Maryse, you and I are very similar in our book choices so if you like it, I like it. With the exception of some of the dark reads…I’m a baby! Thank you so much!!!!
LOL!!! My pleasure Lisa, and I’m SO glad you’re with us!!! 😀
Great list Maryse…I read several of them…Ricochet being my first read of 2017…I really liked it…many are either already on my kindle or on my TBR! Happy New Year…looking forward to more great reads in 2017!
YAY for 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, AND 19…I loved all of those!!!
I would really like to add more to my 10 I sent you, but it could quickly get out of hand. 😉 Hmmmmm, maybe I could throw in a few more honorable mentions…
Er, maybe not because several would be from this list and I would end up looking like Fig. *snort*
By all means, Amy… 😉 Send over whatever extra you want and I will adjust it before posting. 😀
LOL!!! But Amy… we’re book-twins. The MARMYS.
*snort*
Fig. 😛
I’ve only read 4.5 of your picks!?!? What the heck? Did my taste change or what! I think you’re on a marmy train right now & I’m the caboose. I didn’t finish Wall of Winnipeg – I got squirrelly.
There are so many great fantasy reads out there, and I’m currently obsessed with m/m reads too!!! Then there’s my leftover MC needs. Sigh….
I resolve to find a Maryse rec that I can throw peanuts for!! How’s that?
I like your resolve, MichelleS.
😉
1, 3, 4, 6 were the four I did read and loved!
MichelleS if you’re on an mm kick I just finished one that gah! somebody please read it too. I think it’s lendable, I can send it to you… <— begging, bribery, whatever works…ha!
Oh! Did I mention one of the MCs is autistic? Do you work with autistic kids for speech development?
Maryse! *gasp* you… you cheated! *stomp, stomp, stomp* You added more to your list… Well, now we have more in common, so I guess it’s ok. *giggle*
I also read and LOVED Dangerous Girls, How to Date a Douchebag, Behind Closed Doors, Author Anonymous and Ricochet.
Making my list… checking it…a zillion times. I’m the younger, more fun, squirrelier version of Santa Claus with books I think…
Yes! Send it to me!!! I’m reading another m/m right now… all that WOLFSONG talk got me itchy… it’s called Little Wolf & I’m at 60% and floving it!!!
The MC in the m/m is “on the spectrum”? Look at me and all my acronyms! Ha! Yes, as an SLP half my caseload is young people with ASD, very low functioning to very high functioning. Learning to communicate at all to learning more subtle social skills. I have only read a few authors who handled it spot on. But I’m super interested now!
Oh oh, I guess it might seem completely unrealistic to you. Admittedly, even I had to suspend belief. But for some reason the story just carried me away. I’ll send it to you.
Glad you bumped it up to 25!
MichelleS, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare. She was pretty spot on, which surprise me.
Thanks for many more books for my TBR pile, Maryse–AWESOME list!!
I’ve read 4 on the list. Loved IEWU, The Score and Ricochet. But I must admit I struggled with Low – it came close to being the first book I never finished – I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. But life would be boring if we all liked the same thing.
Looking forward to Full Tilt as I loved Rush by the same author.
OK…so that makes me feel so much better….12,14,16,19,20,22 and 25! Whew! I HAVE read those…definitely not dark reads…YAY me!
Great List, Maryse!
HA!!! You’re right Maryse…Marmy status absolves me of Fig status. *pumps fist in air*
And by the way… Take Me With You needs to be added to the Marmy list.
‘Cause it’s total Marmy. 😉
Hi Maryse, love your list and so many on it! I read 17 and can’t wait to read the others. I have been caught up in YA fantasy… Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom and absolutely loving the world and characters. I’m particularly looking forward to reading Take Me With You and Dark Matter has been on my TBR for quite awhile. Also Bad Mommy! And All In. And Separation Games I saw just went live. Ahhhhh… Need more time, need more time!
Great list! I’ve read 16 out of the 24 and many are on my favs list too!
Just one clicked 5 from your list that sound so good and have read and loved a further 6! I just love your book lists Maryse! Thank you
Hey–Found several on your 5 star list to try but none of them are in audio…yet. Will keep trying. As for Dark Matter, which I just finished, I did not care for it AT ALL. Great idea but it got so silly from the mid-point on, I barely finished it (and the narrator was great). Kinda surprised not to see Cake by J. Bengsston on the list. I loved it. AND, finally…The Wall of WInnipeg is one of the best books I’ve read/listened to in a LONG time. I LOVED it from the get-go. If you haven’t listened to it, treat yourself. It’s a great audio book.
It Ends with Us ! What a book! Even the authors note made me cry! Colleen Hoover is the best author.