Looks like my fellow readers are antsy for more personalized reader recommendations! This is getting to be a weekly favorite. I knew it would, ’cause there’s nothing better than 1.) Getting to know our book-buds and 2.) finding out what their favorite books are. After all, if we have similar tastes, these very books might just rock our worlds, too!
Grey: So, I’ve got my butterfly net out and I’m ready to collect all of the thrown peanuts. I’d love to get suggestions…and this is my trusted spot for recommendations. It would be awesome if everyone just posted with their favorite or couple favorite books.. *throws peanut* LOL!
Amy: Ooooh Grey, you are just asking for it with that kind of request…you’re bound to get bombarded with recs now!! Maryse has started posting readers’ favorites lists on Saturdays…I can’t wait to see whose list is up next!
I got just the thing, Grey (and crew!!). MichelleS has been a long-time member of our community and loves a little bit of everything! Historical, fantasy, paranormal and of course contemporary romance. Take a look at her list (and notes). I have read and absolutely LOVED the majority of her favorites on this list so I know those that I haven’t read will be awesome!
MichelleS: I am SURE I have left off something fantastic. I am only including the genres and titles that I think may interest fellow readers of this blog. If I go way back, I will never get through the list. These are the books I have read more than once – which is kind of my big decider for 5 stars.
- The Tairen Soul by C.L. Wilson. – Read all 5, best Fae series, hands down
- A Hunger Like No Other by Krelsey Cole – best of Immortals After Dark
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – my book husband, Jamie Frasier
- The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons – achingly beautiful WWII in Russia
- The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley – had me at page one
- Transcendence by Shay Savage – who would have guessed?
- Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2) by J.R. Ward – My fave of this series
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan – just stuck with me- On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves – best beach read
- Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan – best MC Club book
- After Hours by Cara McKenna – how is this so hot?
- Surviving Raine by Shay Savage – best gritty beach read
- Real (The REAL series Book 1) by Katy Evans
- Making Faces by Amy Harmon – best coming of age
- Take (Temptation Series Book 2) and Try (Temptation Series Book 1) by Ella Frank – best m/m
- Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy Cherry – best teacher student
- Roam Series by Kimberly Stedronsky
Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning- The Highlander Series – by Karen Marie Moning (Adam Black & Daegus MacKeltar)
- Moon Called by Patricia Briggs – love all of the Mercedes Thompson Books
Oooh! A new goodies list! And, it’s MichelleS!
1 – I’m reading it, really! Number three is just checked out. After that I have to buy them, because the library only has two and three.
2 – Love it too! Love the whole series.
5 – Loved that one too.
7 – *sighs* You know my BDB issues.
10 – That book was insane. I loved every gut clenching moment.
17 – Started the series, then forgot to buy the rest. I love it so far.
18 – I even like the “Book that will not be named”.
19 – I only read Adam’s book so far. I have the first, and just haven’t read it yet. Every time I start, I lose the mood. The beginning is slow. Kinda like that prologue to the Tairen Soul series. It fools you into being bored, when the story is good.
20 – Loved it. I had tor remove it from my favorites because I had to trim, but it was on the 21 book list.
The rest, I haven’t read. The sad thing is, I own a LOT of them, but just haven’t read it. Only one I haven’t really heard mentioned a lot, Making Faces.
Love ur list MichelleS I actually have quite the same taste as you though I haven’t read most on your list so I have to try cram some of them on my tbr lol
Great list MichelleS, love the variety.
I’m not sure I’ll keep up with the BD series, but happy to see Rhage get some love.
I have so many of these sitting to be read. Roam, The Bronze Horseman, Try, and the first Tairen Soul. Just have to knuckle down and read them.
Mercy a thousand times yes. Spring 2016,Whoop!
Oh MichelleS. I’m going to have to go through your list with a fine tooth comb, because I think I’ve read all of them. One, because we have similar tastes and two, because last year I was reading all your RECs that I hadn’t already read.
Seriously Maryse, this weekly blog post immediately became my favorite. Thanks so much.
Grrr, just looked again and I’ve read every one of your twenty. Although I don’t think I’ve read those three you listed in “more”. Should I pick one of those or do you have another suggestion for my personal challenge?
Fabi, that made me laugh. That your upset that you have read all the books. Love that.
It’s MichelleS’s turn!! 😀 *hugs*
Okay, in honor of MichelleS I have to bring up a funny incident with her…I don’t remember *all* of the specifics, but I’m pretty sure it was a Friday or Saturday night and there were a few of us chatting on here all at the same time (we might or might not have been a little tipsy *ahem*), and MichelleS’s hubby was hanging out with his guy friends but trying to get her to sext him. So we told her she should sext him back, and she did…then one of his friends texted her a picture of his bare a$$ in return ’cause obviously the hubby got a little share happy with her text, LOL!!!!!!!! Anyone remember that??
The list…wow, I have read a BUNCH of them and all were wonderful. I have 1, 3, 4, 11, 12 (oh lord, here come the SR peanuts *ducks*) and 14 sitting on my Kindle app waiting TBR, but I don’t have 15, 19 and 20 and haven’t read Sweet Dreams or Knights of Black Swan. Other than all those, I’ve read the remainder on the list and completely agree with your picks! 😀
And of course How To Kill a Rockstar. I cried. I sobbed. I loved it.
A bunch of my favorites are up there!
Great list MichelleS and I’ve read some, have some, and need some!! Haha!
Yes Amy, I remember that chat night with MichelleS! That was great!
Great List! I thought I was reading my fave list actually…
Oh, lookie there! I go and float in an tube all day at the lake and THIS is what happens when I’m gone? heeheehee….
Of course I remember the sexting you all made me do! My hubby still hints when he goes out with his buds that it was something his friends enjoyed immensely. You guys scored me some serious points on that one.
Having said that, I still have not ordered a sex-themed drink. Okay, maybe one little tame one… I keep saying I will, but then I chicken out. You guys are the best crew, I swear.
Now, not to keep badgering Amy, but…. seriously? You never read the Highlander series by Moning? I just devoured those. They got better and better and were my repeat reads so often. They are just fun. And sexy.
Your favorite lists are fantastic, girls. I am reading Acheron now because apparently EVERYONE but me has. It’s amazing so far. I just want to hug him, you know?
Happy belated 4th, BTW.
Fabi – you read that many of the same books? YAY! Can’t wait for your list then. I am actually copying everyone’s and saving them.
Yeah, you’re loving Acheron. Well, so far. Are you still in the first half? That part was painful.
MichelleS, I’ve read some on your list(3,8,11,16,18)and probably would never have read the fever series if it wasn’t rec by you & others on Maryse’s blog. That’s what I love about you guys, you get me to try books I wouldn’t have looked twice at.
MichelleS, love your list! So many great books! I’ve read all but four on your list and three of those four are already on my tbr list. Thanks for sharing your list with us.
So is it Amy,Jean, Tessa, Cheryl and I who haven’t read The Bronze Horseman?
Not sure why I keep putting it off.
I haven’t read it yet bev….I think the length is what is keeping me from reading it.
I keep putting off Bronze Horseman because I despise WWII stories. *shrugs* After years of it being shoved down my throat in classes, I just avoid it.
Bronze Horseman: why I loved it – so well written, and I just connected with these two people. He’s dark and not exactly always nice, but that “protector” you can’t help but fall in love with. She’s such a likable heroine. It spans their lifetime, which I LOVE. And then there’s the angst. It’s 3 books, so I get it why not everyone would jump right in, but when the mood strikes you, it is really well worth it. The WWII aspect didn’t bother me at all… just provided a back drop to their suffering in Leningrad.
MichelleS, I completely agree with you about the Bronze Horseman trilogy. So well written. No matter what stage of their relationship, where they were at as individuals or as a couple, I always felt connected to them. Their story and love was epic. Tessa, I also put off reading this series because of the WWII setting, but I think MichelleS is correct in that it feels like it’s simply the backdrop of events that moves their story and adventure. And it’s only part of it because their story spans decades. Yes, it’s a big commitment to dive into this trilogy, but it’s so worth it!
I didn’t realize it spanned their life time. Hmm, now I’m going to sound like Fabi. 😉
But not sure I want to read about them becoming elderly and everyone dying off. Maybe I’ll just read the first one sometime, lol.
Bev, that’s exactly what I said… “maybe I’ll just read the first one”, but then I was on Amazon buying the second one about two seconds after I finished the first one. They just kept getting better and better! 😀
Yep, haven’t read Bronze Horseman. Think it’s both the era and it’s multiple books.
Yeh Amy I do remember the sexting episode!!!
MichelleS, my fellow soccer fan, we win another World Cup !!!
…and to stay on topic, I’m kind of leaning towards your Knight book rec. What do you think?
Why, why, WHY do we all keep doing this? We *know* a book is going to be great, we keep getting told it is great, we even get excited to read it, but then…we put it off. And put it off some more. Then when we read it, we love it and don’t know why we waited.
Heh, at least we’re consistent. 😉
Fabi – was that not an awesome game??? my poor dog got scared from the screaming the first 14 minutes…. LOL….
Knight recommendation? You mean Knights of the Black Swan? I loved that series. the good part is, you can read each book and enjoy it and get to the rest someday and not feel like you have to read the next one ASAP, since there is a new couple in each book. Having said that, some stories are better than others. The central story keeps moving along and all the characters get lots of book time. I am pretty sure book one is free (My Familiar Stranger). It’s totally classic PNR, so if you are in the mood for that. But it’s also kind of Urban Fantasy. I loved the alternate universe (best of that kind of storyline ever) and the guys are just amazing, and the heroines are all strong. It’s a no brainer for me. And I need another Rammel Hawking fan!!!!
Ah, he!!, I’ve read that one too. 🙁
Fabi…*clears throat* ..notice Sweet Dreams. 😉
But seriously, I didn’t know you read the Mercy books. Next one comes out in the spring. 😀
I love all the Mercy books… Adam Hauptmann is the best werewolf ever written, I think. Bran is a close second. I like the spinoff series too, about Charles & Anna. And I adore the German iron fey… Siebold, right? Remember that court room scene? I’ll never forget that!!
Wait, Bev, Fabi never read Sweet Dreams? That’s been a re-read for me… One of the best KA wrote!! Tate… Yummy…. If you’re in the mood for a nice contemporary romance, Fabi…
I loved Sweet Dreams… A fav of mine too!
MichelleS, you I know love Mercy. And I know we share a love of Bran. 😀
Would love to watch him have a love story. Just tumble head over heels, that’s a triangle I’d love to read.
I was teasing Fabi on another post. I mentioned my love of Sweat Dreams after she mentioned she doesn’t read KA cause of her older H&hs.
Just teasing a bit again. I don’t really want her to read a trope she dislikes.:-)
I’ve read the first few of the Mercy series, but I’m not sure if I’ve read all of it. I guess I could try Sweet Dreams…or I could go to book 2 of Tairon Soul…decisions, decisions. I’ve read the first or the first few of all the series up there but I don’t think I’ve finished any of the longer ones.
Ok we not only the same name but reallllly similar tastes! Half your list would be the same for me. 1,3,5,6,7,8,18 (…books 1-5 *cough*) all favs for me for sure (many others way up there on my list of amazing books too). I love Briggs but Charles and Anna top Adam and Mercy for me and only ones I haven’t read are 4,13,15 – have 4 and 13 and have no idea why I’ve held out because I know I will love them! Oh if you like Undeniable, you need to try Susan Fanetti – 70% through Move the Sun and it has a similar feel.
Closest thing to Undeniable for me has been the recent “King”… Michelle, did you read it?
No I’m horribly behind! Ok King by who? Maybe hold off on the Susan Fanetti books…reading comments I missed and apparently something horrible happens and some hated it…I’m really nervous now because I LOVE Isaac! Actually with the upcoming angst this sounds like it has Amy written all over it! Amy, can you read them and tell me which book I will need to brace myself in like in the End of the World series 😉
It’s by TM Frazier. It was something else! Gritty, for sure. Loved it.
Whoa you are comparing King to Undeniable??? I definitely have to move that up on my list! But major CH right???
I’m interested in King, but I never rooted for the H&h in Undeniable. So, that has me hesitant.
Whoa King has a lot of 5 star reviews and your rec…ok that’s an easy 1-click!
I’m freakinnnnggg out about the Signal Bend series now! I’m almost done with book 1 and want to keep going since it is really good and they are suppose to get better but I’m scared about main characters dying or something that would cause rants and bad feelings from some…there’s angst and then there’s throw your kindle angst and I dunno if I can do it right now…
I’m actually going to brave the CH in King this week…and y’all are gonna take the brunt of my freak-out if I have one. *sigh*
Michelle, I actually started Move the Sun but stopped about halfway through. Nothing to do with the book itself, just me being in a mood and needing something different at that time. If I finish any of the other books before you, I’ll give you the heads up to brace yourself if needed. 😉 It’s definitely not a DNF for me, more like a go-back-later…a GBL. *snort* Look at me trying to make fetch happen. 😛
Signal Bend – Move the Sun – I downloaded that sample months ago, and for some reason it didn’t grab me and I didn’t end up buying it. Please report back, because I hear this series name come up a lot and I am definitely still a fan of MC Club books – haven’t scratched that itch to it’s completion just yet!
Amy – don’t worry about the CH in King. What you get is a great story, that gets to continue…. think of it that way! There’s enough packed in that book to make up for that ending. I compared it to Undeniable because I had the same feelings and many of the same “images” in my head: people, places, etc. And it was definitely the same level of gritty. If it makes sense in the story, then gritty doesn’t bother me.
A GBL haha. I finished it and really did like it a lot (very close to love) but I see room for growth in the writing and story. There are some parts that have amazing insights though and lines. I did connect to Lilly and Isaac (totally see him as Drogo from GoT) more than Eva And Deuce. Book 2 is still focusing on them I think so I want more! Fingers crossed no crazy gore/angst happens yet – not mentally prepared!
Acheron update: man this book is HUGE! I am about to start Part II, finally. I got the audio-book and I just can’t get as much read that way, compared to me reading from my Kindle.
Did she have to make Part I that long? Jeez, I get it – he suffered… and suffered…. and suffered some more….. and then suffered some more. I’m ready for all this to end. What a nightmare. I am seriously going to need something funny after reading this.
I like it: GBL – “go back later” – I am going to make a separate collection for that. I did go back and finish a few this summer that were at the halfway mark. I don’t do it very often, though.
I have a lot of GBL s………that looks a lot like another acronym, lol.
If it’s any consolation, the second part is super awesome and sweet. That’s one of the greats about the book. First it rips your heart to shreds, then it puts it back together.
I currently have four GBLs. I think I will make that a category. Those books that are good, but just not right now types.
I love the new GBL category. I have many of those.
Oooh, yay! I was mentioned on Maryse’s blog, yippee!
I have been out of town for a few days, but so happy to be back and even happier to see a new list of faves!
Thanks MichelleS & Maryse for this list… I’m squirreling like mad right now!