Fave Books of 2013

As we near the end of the year I feel the need to celebrate the ‘Best of’ 2013. For me, that means BOOKS!

Yummi yummi books. I don’t care if they are Adult books, Middle Grade books, Young Adult books, or even New Adult books. Add in a little SFF, a touch of paranormal and a lot of HEA or HFN and I’m one happy camper.

So no year-end celebration is complete without a ‘Best Of’ book list. Here are some of my favorites.

Note, not all of these books were released in 2013. This is a list of my 10 favorite books read this year (in no particular order):

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MG Fantasy: Exile (book two in the Keeper series) by Shannon Messenger

The KEEPER series is a fun, MG Fantasy with elves who travel by light and take care of rare animals like T-rex and Sasquatch. I loved the first book and I couldn’t wait for Exile.

EXILE picks up where KEEPER left off. EXILE is fun, light, and glitters with new animals, like an Alicorn (think unicorn + Pegasus but with lots of sparkles), and new challenges for the young friends.


NA Romance: A little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers

The first few pages grabbed me tight and I couldn't put it down. The book is not trashy lit-porn. It is, instead, a hot steamy love story that pushes A LOT of boundaries.

It's the first in a series of three companion novels. The first two are out now and I loved them both but A Little Too Far was such a surprise it definitely belongs on this list. Loved it!


A Paranormal Romance: Wicked as They Come by Delilah S Dawson

WICKED AS THEY COME by the dazzling Delilah S Dawson. She’s very active on Twitter and has recently become my hero when she blogged awesomeness about Sexism in SFF. If you haven't read it yet you should check it out.

I did’t know what to expect from WICKED AS THEY COME. The novel is two parts romance, one part steampunk, and one part paranormal. I wasn’t sure if I’d like the paranormal elements but Dawson did a fantastic job making blud sucking fun again.

The world building is fabulous – I mean, come on, bludbunnies – and the dialogue is snappy. One of the best elements of this book was the romance. The scenes were steamy without being trashy. The sex served a purpose and wasn’t just ‘sex for the sake of sex’ - which I hate in fiction (IRL...that's another story).

YA Sci-Fi: Taken by Erin Bowman

TAKEN is Erin Bowman’s debut. She’s an active blogger and you can follow her on twitter.

TAKEN is a YA dystopian novel that weaves a dark, thrilling, tale about a boy who’s life changes when his brother is taken on his eighteenth birthday. I love stories like this and I loved TAKEN.

YA Fantasy Paranormal: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Transparent is a story about what happens when super powers happen to real people. Unlike so many stories out there, Transparent feels real. The characters remind me of my own family and I loved them, imperfections and all. It's a wild tale with adventure, crime, and greed beautifully told. I highly recommend Transparent. And it's sequel comes out in a few months *does happy dance*.

YA Fantasy Paranormal: One by Leigh Ann Kopans

I’m sure you’ve heard of ONE by Leigh Ann Kopans. Her book, and journey to publication, has made some waves throughout the twitterverse. I’ve been a long time follower of Leigh Ann and was really looking forward to ONE, her debut YA SciFi/Paranormal Romance Adventure of Awesome. Think X-Men, but cooler and more vulnerable.

The book is a fun, fast read. I loved Merrin and Elias. When I started reading ONE I couldn’t stop. I think I finished this book in less than 20 hrs. So when I say it’s fun, I mean it.


YA Romance: Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

If you couldn’t tell, I’m a nerd. A band-o, comic book reading, super hero loving, book loving nerd. But like most people, I think I am also cool. Cool and nerdy. So I immediately connected with the characters in this book.

I really enjoyed THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD. Four out of five Kitties of SUMMER. It’s a fun, light-hearted fling that won’t leave you disappointed.


YA Fantasy: Of Triton by Anna Banks

The ‘Serena’ trilogy by Anna Banks. Currently published through book two (Of Poseidon and Of Triton). A tale of mermaids, shark attacks, love and loss. It’s been great so far. I can’t wait for the third installment.


YA Paranormal: Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

The ‘Sweet’ Trilogy by Wendy Higgins. Currently published through book two (Sweet Peril and Sweet Evil). The love interest in this series will get you hot – it’s his job. This is a tale of demons and their struggle to do right (and wrong) to their human counterparts. Love love love this!


On Craft: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

This books is not just for screenwriters. This masterful guide breaks down stories and storytelling in ways that opened in my eyes. I had more 'ah-ha' moments while reading this book than I have in a long time. It's absolutely a 'must-read' for any serious writer.

Did you read any of these books this year? What did you think?

What were some of your favorite books of 2013?