I’ve had a pretty good reading year so far. A large majority of the books I read this year were not new releases, but some of them were. My absolute favorite five new releases of 2010 (in no particular order) are:
1. Seven Secrets of Seduction by Anne Mallory. I loved that book. The sexual tension, the characters, the relationship…ah, I just adored it. I wrote a review for it on Goodreads. After reading that book I went and bought the authors whole backlist. I’m trying to pace myself as I read them, but I just want to gorge.
Pg. 95:
“I hardly think myself so witty or pretty to have captured the notorious Viscount Downing’s attention.” He smiled. “Then I have all of the advantage, do I not?”
2. Changes by Jim Butcher. This book destroyed me. It was so awesome and so epic. I watched the world I had come to know crumble before my eyes and I couldn’t get enough of it. Huge events happened and Harry’s life as we had known it has undergone a huge change. I stayed up until 4 am reading this book and I even cried, and I am not a crier at all. I wrote a review for it on Goodreads as well.
Pg. 162:
“They say you can know a man by his enemies, Dresden.” He smiled, and laughter lurked beneath his next words, never quite surfacing. “You defy beings that should cow you into silence. You resist forces that are inevitable for no more reason than that you believe they should be resisted. You bow your head to neither demons nor angels, and you put yourself in harm’s way to defend those who cannot defend themselves.”
3. Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran. I fell in love with this author after reading her first book, The Duke of Shadows. I read her next two books hoping for the same magic, but just couldn’t find it. They were good, but they didn’t captivate me the way the first one did. I was starting to assume that it was just a onetime deal but bought Wicked Becomes You anyway. Oh. My. God. I loved it! It is completely the opposite in tone from The Duke of Shadows, but it had the same magic. The way the author subtly develops the characters and the period feel of the book are awesome. I love the beautiful way she writes and cannot wait for another magical book. Review on Goodreads.
4. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. I thought this book was fabulous. The world, the characters, the history…it was all just perfect. I love the way that the author seems to layer meaning into the characters’ actions and conversation. Also, the actual writing was perfect for my taste. I still love her Guardian series more, but I won’t be quite as upset when it ends now that I’ve found yet another excellent series by her. Review on Goodreads.
Pg. 141:
“And inspector…” He strode forward and stared down at her, his gaze fierce. “You run. Because I am not taking a zombie into my bed.” Mina’s mouth dropped open, and he bent his head as if to kiss her. She jammed her gun barrel under his chin. He grinned.
5. Warrior by Zoe Archer. This book surpassed every single expectation I had about it. It was, quite simply, fabulous! The details about Mongolia and the native people and customs were excellent. Mongolia actually seemed like a character itself. The details were rich, but I never felt that they were awkwardly placed. There were no info dumps and the landscape never overshadowed the romance. The romance was incredibly good. I loved the characters and the honest way that they embraced their feelings for each other. I also love the fact that all four books in the series are being released so close together. Woohoo! Last book comes out in December! Review on Goodreads.
Pg. 51:
The bigger surprise, and one he hadn’t welcomed at all, was how much he’d enjoyed holding her, how good she had felt in his arms. The woman had been in shock, for God’s sake, and there he’d been, stealing her touch like a randy schoolboy. Sometimes, he thought disgustedly, he just wanted to punch his own face in.
About Catherine
Interesting
Must read Iron Duke soon, it is tempting me so much just sitting on my shelf
I need to read Jim Butcher and Anne Mallory!
Great list
I hope you enjoy it, blodeuedd. I liked it a lot, but I know not everyone’s a fan. Even on this very site we have someone less than thrilled by it.
@Mandi Schreiner: I definitely love Anne Mallory. Her next book comes out in March and I am dying to get it. I can’t believe I haven’t heard more about her, because SSoS really rocked.
And I have nothing but love for the Harry Dresden series. It’s one of my absolute favorite series out there.
Another wonderful list of books! I’m just so happy that you limit your guys’ books to so few that way I might actually have a chance to read them instead of feeling so bogged down.
I’m going to make a point of reading that Zoe Archer series next year, as well as Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. I feel like I missed out on so many good books this year. How is that possible when I read at least 150 books? LOL.
I have The Duke of Shadows, The Iron Duke and Zoe Archer’s series waiting for me on my Kindle. Those are “must reads” for me for 2011! Great list!
@@amyt865: Oh good, I’m glad I’m not the only one LOL.
Wonderful list. I want Butcher’s Changes so bad.
Iron Duke and The Warrior were FAB!!!
Wow…I`ve only read two of these! I too really enjoyed Warrior. That series as a whole actually – even if I`m yet to read Stranger. Great list!
*gasp* I need to read Warrior! I’ve heard mucho good things about Zoe Archer.
I totally agreed with you when it comes to Changes by Jim Butcher! OMG, it was *really* awesome and the end was unbelieveable. I literally pulling my hair at that time wondering how can the author do this to me? How can the author ended the book that way and left readers waiting for another year for the next book!?
Deanna – It does get a little overwhelming with all the recommendations, doesn’t it?
Sophia – I really loved Archer’s series. They reminded me of Indiana Jones meets The Mummy with a romance thrown in.
@amyt865 – Ooh, The Duke of Shadows was an excellent book for me. I love Duran’s writing.
tori – I hope you get your hands on Changes soon. It was excellent! I couldn’t wait for the mass market version to come out so I had to get the hardcover from the library. (I don’t buy hardcovers) But I’m excited to get the mass market version so I can read it again. (I love rereading)
Julie – Which have you read other than Warrior?
Shy – I know! I finished the book and just kind of stared at it. I heard there’s a short story from Murphy’s pov immediately following the end of Changes.
Actually, I was at Books a million and got the hardcover of Changes for 60% off. I squeeeed in the store. lol
Excellent deal, tori! Woohoo!