That’s right I said eight reads. Why 8? Because I did 8 last year and why not keep that going eh? These are the books and graphic novels that stuck with me throughout the year and yeah you may be surprised by some that are (or are not) included…

**PLEASE NOTE: my reviews may contain spoilers. Review links lead to Goodreads and Amazon links lead to my Amazon affiliated account**

Book: The Luckless

Author: A.M. Sohma

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Series: Book 2 // Book 3

Why? I had gone into this expecting something similar to A.M. Sohma’s other works (under KM Shea) and to my extreme pleasure found this to be everything I could want in a “Oh no I’m trapped in a different world” sort of scenario. Kit is the best, and Sohma does such a good job of illustrating the difference in approach from what Kit was used to (large scale, multi-Guild/class raids) and what was a more popular approach now (smaller scale, intra-guild raids).

Book: A Princess in Theory

Author: Alyssa Cole

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Series: Book 2 // Book 3 // Novella 1

Why? Ok so Likotsi (who is getting her own novella, Once Ghosted, Twice Shy) is the best. This was also a genuine, warm and romantic book with chemistry between the leads and a build up worth waiting for. Plus come on with a premise like it (an African Prince wants to marry you!), who wouldn’t have mad fun with it?

 

Book: Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox

Author: forthright.

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Series: Book 2 // Novella 1 // Ficlets

Why? Born from the writing talents of a fan author that I’ve adored for over a decade, Forthy’s writing is a calming balm to my stressed out nerves. Aside from that, this is a world that while echoes of inspiration run through it, is so thought out and immersive I’m often sad its not real. The sequel  

 

Book: Hot & Badgered

Author: Shelly Laurenston

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Why? Honey. Badgers. Come on I shouldn’t have to say more! Ok but I will – we were introduced to the cousin of the Honey Badgers in this book back in BITE ME, and she makes a violent, but affectionate (kind of) return here. I loooovvvvveeeeeed all three of the girls and am looking forward to Stevie’s book next. 

 

Book: A Study in Honor

Author: Claire O’Dell

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Why? I adore O’Dell’s fantasies (under her open pseudonym Beth Bernobich) and I’m always up for a rollicking Holmes retelling (even if the source material leaves a lot to be desired for me). While at times I found it hard to engage with the text because it felt real and fed some of my fears for this nation, I enjoyed Watson a great deal and found the fact Holmes would do anything she wanted her own way, with little need for apologies to Watson, true to her character quite a bit.

 

Book: A Choice of Secrets

Author: Barb Hendee

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Series: Book 1 // Book 2 // Book 3

Why? I enjoy this series – its a “Sliding Doors” type situation in a quasi-medieval Europe/France fantasy locale with heroines who (aside from Book 3) strive to do better for those around themselves. this has been my favorite so since I think Nicole and I have a very similar outlook on what it means to sacrifice vs rewards. 

 

Book: Deadline

Author: Stephanie Ahn

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Why? Harrietta is a fuck up. Not like a dangerous one (necessarily) or even a bad one, just…her life is very messy and kind of dysfunctional. But its her life and she accepts the consequences of her choices (for the most part). While the bad guy is standard noir fodder, the secondary characters are a stand out here. 

 

Book: Mr. Hotshot CEO

Author: Jackie Lau

Links: Goodreads // Amazon // Review

Series: Book 1

Related to: Chin-Williams Series

Why? I enjoyed the first book a lot (it lived up to its title, Grumpy Fake Boyfriend), but CEO felt much more relatable for me. I don’t suffer from the same type of depression as Courtney, but I do have my own depressive episodes that echo elements of hers. Some of the problems she faced when considering a long term relationship with Julian were things I thought about myself often. While it was hard at times, I found myself…relieved to see that HEAs are not just for those without depression.

 

There’s my top 8 list – what’s everyone else still thinking about/raving about?