Nancy is our “Facebook book-bud” (she’s been with us for years and is one of my very first book friends, in fact)!!!! She does comment here every once in awhile, and I am so happy she’s sent me her best of list!!
In fact, I’ve read and loved a few, and a few are HUGELY popular here with out crew that I haven’t read yet (though are on my TBR list!!) and now I just noticed a few that are totally new-to-me but that sound great!
But first… a few of Nancy’s comment highlights from 2017. A way to get to know her better. 😉
About her first epic read:
“I have had a love of reading, ever since I learned to read. In high school I read Gone with the Wind. My English teacher was so impressed & told me it was so hard to get students to read any book that long. I had read it more then twice!!! That was my 1st Epic Novel!!”
About one of her TBR lists 😉
“I started a list quite a while ago of Best Books Recommended by Maryse. Kind of an Ode to Maryse List. Someday I will have to finish it!!”
About “Marmy” books (or intense, hard-on-your-heart books!!). She says:
“…I’m not a huge fan of this type book, but doesn’t mean I don’t read them. Katy Regnery’s Ginger’s Heart made me cry ugly and grieve. I love all her books, but this one has the “Marmy” factor that the others don’t. Eminent Love by Leddy Harper was the first book I read by her and again I cried ugly and was full of grief. I always can tell if the book did me in, when I’m crying writing a review and struggle to not give the details of the story away or how emotional I am.”
About judging a book by its cover:
“I admit to having bought lots of books just because of the cover. I also have read books I have loved, which really needed a “new” cover!!”
And about her 20 Best Books of 2017, she says:
“This has been a wonderful year for me as far as reading good books. I may have not read as many as other years, but have been more selective in my choices. I’ve stuck to my “MUST READ AUTHORS” as well as finding wonderful “NEW TO ME” authors.”
Nancy’s 20 Best Books of 2017
1.) Unloved, a love story by Katy Regnery <— (My Top Book Read of 2017)
“Katy Regnery has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read THE VIXEN AND THE VET, back in 2014. I have read many more of her books over the years since, but her new book, UNLOVED, has to be the very best book she has ever written. In my humble opinion it is a gem.
It is at the top of my list of THE BEST READS OF 2017. I got my close friend’s to read it, plus my husband & sister, so I could talk about it with them. Definitely cannot give any of the story away. AND I kept PM Katy, too! (She is one nice person!!)”
2.) It’s You, Book One & It’s You, Book Two by Katy Regnery <— (My Top Paranormal Romance Books)
“It’s You (Book 1) & It’s You (Book 2) are author Katy Regnery’s first books of paranormal romance. Since I like most every book she has written, I couldn’t wait to read the 1st book. Months back I read a teaser scene from Book 1 that I named “The Kiss” and I waited very impatiently to finally read the book.”
3.) Gravity by Lauren Runow <— (My Top Personal Connection)
“Have you ever related to a story on a personal level? I confess that I had this deep, profound connection to Lauren Runow’s Gravity from the very start! I was drawn to want to read Gravity, when I first read the blurb: Lily,
“At eight years old, the boy next door changed my life.”
To say this caught my attention is an understatement.
You see when we were both eight years old, my family moved next door to my now husband, and we begin our first chapter together. When I first started reading the book, I could not believe how their first encounter was so similar to ours.There were so many similarities like their bedrooms face each other, but theirs had forty feet between their houses, and we just had my parent’s driveway. They loved to ride bikes and we loved to ride bikes. But they talked back and forth with walkie talkies, and now I find out my husband had a set and never gave me one. Upset about that!”
4.) Vicious (Sinners of Saint) by L.J. Shen <— (Most “Vicious” of the BAD Boys)
“Emilia was light to his darkness. She was pink to his black. He was the storm to her cherry blossoms. Vicious was vicious. It was too bad that hate was dipped in a thin shell of something that felt a lot like love. Her Grandma had once told her that love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances. The pain is the same. That weird thing that bubbles in your chest? Same.
She didn’t believe her Grandma until she met Baron Spencer and he became her worst nightmare. She didn’t know how her life could get any worse, until he maliciously, out of jealousy, sends her away from her home and her parents and beloved sister.”
5.) Silenced by Leddy Harper <— (New Favorite Book by Leddy Harper)
“The story starts with Killian at age eight. He was an unusual child with photographic memory. He remembered everything he saw, like a picture in his head. But on one horrible night, his life was changed forever, and his words were silenced.
Just when at 11 years old, he felt hopeless that no one in this world would ever want him, two angels entered his life. His very young Aunt Elise who loved him unconditionally, and his ten year old neighbor girl Rylee Anderson who accepted him damaged on the inside and outside.
This is a darker read then some of her other books, but her writing is the same wonder. “
6.) The Gravity of Us by Brittainy Cherry <— (My New Favorite book by Brittainy Cherry)
“Every book I have read by Brittainy Cherry becomes my new favorite. The Gravity of Us is no different and now is my new favorite. I love her writing, her characters,and her wonderful story lines.”
“Despite his frozen heart and my readiness to run, we sometimes shared seconds. Seconds when our eyes locked and we saw each others secrets. Seconds when his lips tasted my fears, and I breathed in his pains. Seconds when we both imagined what it would be like to love one another.“
7.) American Hellhound (Dartmoor Book 6) by Lauren Gilley <— (Best MC Book of 2017)
“Ever since I read FEARLESS by Lauren Gilley, I could not wait to read Ghost & Maggie’s story from the beginning.
This book did not disappoint!”
8.) Tied (Devils Wolves Book 2) by Carian Cole <— (First Book I read by Carian Cole)
“Tied by Carian Cole is the 1st book I have read by this author, but once that I had finished I couldn’t wait to start TORN (Book 1 in the Devils Wolves Series)!! I fell completely in love with her writing from the Prologue. It drew me in and I wanted to read more. I could have read the entire book in one sitting but life got in the way.
Since I read TIED, I have gone on to read Torn (Devils Wolves Book 1) (Forbidden Romance). Then I went back and read the four books in the ASHES & EMBERS SERIES (STORM, VANDAL, LUKAS, TALON) I guess you can tell I’m a big fan now of Carian Cole’s writing!”
9.) Whispered Prayers of a Girl by Alex Grayson <— (Most Tears Cried Book)
“WHISPERED PRAYERS OF A GIRL is the very first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Alex Grayson. It was a very emotional and angst filled read. A slow-burn romance between two very lost and lonely people, and add two children: one a carefree boy and a very broken little girl.
If it’s meant to happen, then it’ll happen whether you try to prevent it or not. People come into your life for a reason, and some will stay and some will not. A young girl’s prayers may be answered in a much different way then asked, but they shall be answered.”
10.) The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent <— (Best Cheating Book of 2017)
“I finished UNREQUITED and just WOW!! It is definitely the kind of book you want to go into blind. So I do not want to say too much about the story. But I cannot believe that this is only the 2nd book by Saffron A. Kent, and I will definitely be looking her Book 1 up.
WARNING: There is cheating! Very, very HOT cheating!!!”
11.) Pitch Dark by Alex Grayson & A.M. Wilson <— (Darkest of the Dark Read)
“PITCH DARK by Alex Grayson (who I have read before) and A.M. Wilson (new to me author) have written an unforgettable, mysterious, suspenseful and very dark book. Once I started I could not put it down.
My only warning would be that the abuse set off my triggers, to the point where I struggled with some scenes. If you have triggers of abuse and molestation, read with caution.”
12.) Dirty (Dive Bar Series Book 1) by Kylie Scott <— ( A Most Delightful Read)
“The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken-hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.
Lydia Green doesn’t know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it’s with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.”
13.) Drive by Kate Stewart <— (Best Musical Book of the Year)
“The average song is three and a half minutes long; those three and a half minutes could lead to a slow blink, a glimpse of the past, or catapult the soul into heart-shattering nostalgia.
You see, my favorite songs had a way of playing simultaneously. I was in love with one man’s beats and another’s lyrics. But when it came to the soundtrack of a life, how could anyone choose a favorite song? So, to erase any doubt, I ditched my first-class ticket and decided to take a drive, fixed on the rearview.”
14.) A Steel Heart by Amie Knight <— (Really Loved this Book)
“A STEEL HEART is the first book I have read by Amie Knight, but I am so blown away by how good it was, that I plan to read her other two books very soon.
Those two books are SEE THROUGH HEART and THE LINE. They both look like they will be good, too.”
15.) Bad Habit (Bad Love Book 1) by Charleigh Rose <— (Hot Forbidden Romance)
“Bad Habit was a surprise for me! New Adult is not my usual Genre, but this book was definitely a more mature New Adult. It kept me reading way later then I usually stay awake.
This is a “forbidden, betrayal,” kind of romance.”
16.) Unexpected Arrivals by Stephie Walls<— (NEW FAVORITE BOOK BY STEPHIE WALLS)
“UNEXPECTED ARRIVALS is a wonderful love story that spans from high school, through college, and after college graduation to present day. The Prologue sucks you into the story when James (Carp) Carpenter, who is happily married to the love of his life Cora Chase, now Cora Carpenter, when he receives a letter. It is a formal request to arrange a paternity test (DNA) for minor child Airy.
He barely remembered Chelsea Airy and they had only gone out once. He hadn’t heard from her since he had gotten engaged to Cora. She had disappeared from his life. He was afraid that Cora, who never wanted children, would leave him.”
17.) Everest by S.L. Scott <— ROMANTIC SUSPENSE by S.L. Scott
“EVEREST is a Romantic, Suspense, Standalone Novel. It starts with a painfully slow-burn romance. But when Ethan Everest takes Singer Davis out of the “friend zone” it is a speedy on to lovers fast and hot. He was protecting her because of his personal and business drama, so reluctantly had kept her as only a friend. Unfortunately they were fooling nobody, friends or enemies, and there were dire consequences.”
18.) Bad Dad by Sloane Howell <— (Best Male Author Book)
“Bad Dad is the first book I have read by Sloane Howell and if any of his other books are this good, then I want to read more. But I don’t understand why it is titled Bad Dad, as Landon Lane was nothing close to being a bad dad. Just his description of first seeing his newborn son:
“I glanced down at it. Down at the same little hand that once wrapped its tiny fingers around mine that day in the hospital a little over seven years ago. My heart erupted at the sight. The same way it did when I heard his voice cry out for the first time, and saw his pudgy cheeks and squinty eyes and tiny pink body. My eyes blurred with tears. I smiled through them. Smiled harder than I ever had in my life. There are few moments you can recall with such clarity. But the first time I saw Logan—I’d never forget that!”
19) Bound by Steel by Connie Lafortune <— (Recluse Saves Female)
“BOUND BY STEEL is my first book that I have read by Connie Lafortune and I can say I really liked it.
It had Romance, Mystery & Suspense!!This story came in three parts and more twist & turns then a roller coaster ride.”
20.) Enigma:What Lies Beneath by Ditter Kellan <— (SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE)
I drastically needed a change in my book selection and picked Enigma (Science Fiction Romance) and it was a good choice for the last book to read of 2017. It was so good that I now am on the 5th book in the series.
Each book is about a different couple, but should be read in order to have the story of their world make sense. You don’t have to be a Science Fiction Fan to enjoy these books, just enjoy reading. Highly Recommend!!
Wanna know more of Nancy’s favorites?
- Reader Favorites – Nancy’s Top 15 Reads for 2015
- Reader Favorites – Nancy’s Top Book Reads for the Year 2016
Pitch Dark is calling to me. Is it a darker read than something along the lines of Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts?
Pitch Dark is calling me, too… and of course ALL of Carian Cole’s books.
Great list Nancy
Thank-you for posting my list. You do such a nice job of editing
Wow Nancy! What a list. I love that you met your husband when you were 8…its like a real life romance novel. 🙂
I forgot about Unexpected Arrivals. That one sounds so good. Add that to Mt. TBR.
Thank you so much Nancy! What an honor to make this list with some of my favorite authors.
Wow! I added so many books to my tbr. I have never heard of half of these!!! Yay!!!!!!
Love this list. I saw on Carian Cole’s Facebook page that there is an epilogue to Tied that was not in the book but that she will email to you. I just found out about it yesterday. Waiting for that email!!
Nancy love your list!!! Truly thought I was the only one who read Unexpected Arrivals and Whispered Prayers of A Girl. Two of my favorites for 2017. Also absolutely adore Carian Cole’s writing. Especially Tied and Torn. Read the extra epilogue on her page from Tied that Kathy P. mentioned. If you haven’t read it please do so. It’s very special to their story. Loving the “book twin” feeling!!! I’ll be keeping an eye on you!!!!
Great list Nancy; I’ve read 6 of them and have several I forgot about, on my tbr- Everest, Bad Dad, Unexpected Arrivals.
Great list Nancy! LOL – one of my top favs of 2017 was Tied by Carian Cole and after I finished it, I too read all her other books. I throughly enjoyed them all and look forward to more from this author.
Thanks to all for all the nice comments. And thanks again to Maryse for posting & arranging a nice format.
Thank you so much for including Everest in your Best of list, Nancy <3
Wonderful list.
It looks like you have had a good reading year. I have only read one, but it gives me lots of new books to look up.
Nancy
You have my all time favorite list because I’ve read about 14 of them and have almost all the rest except the last 2 on my TBR list.
I absolutely loved Bad Dad (horrible title) and am definitely looking into more of his books and The Vixen and The Vet is on my all time favorites list so anything Katy Regnery is a one click for me. Please let us know what you are reading more often. Don’t want to miss out on a good one!!!
I’ve only read three! What gets me is Vicious is on here, which is one of my all time fav last year. (Still no idea why I put four stars at first. I must have been in the doubting I’ve read something that awesome mood).
More, reading the blurbs of those, well, it’s obvious there are quite a few books I’ll love.
I’ve read 7 of your 20 Nancy, but I seriously think we have the same tastes in books!
I was really happy to see A Steel Heart on your list….I loved that book!
Many others on my TBR, but the Carian Cole books have been screaming for me too read them for months!
I’ve only read 5, but there’s several more here that definitely have piqued my interest! Thanks for posting, Nancy and as always, Maryse… you rock the kasbah!