I asked the reviewers here at Fiction Vixen to write up their top 5-10 favorites of this year. I limited it to between five and ten just to make it easy on them but told them to do whatever they wanted. I figured I’d do the same. But when I sat down to create my list I was overwhelmed at how many great books I’ve read in 2010. I was originally going to limit my list to books released in 2010. But I challenged myself to read series books that have been sitting on my TBR for far too long this year so I ended up with some favorites that were published before 2010. I didn’t want to leave them out so I grouped series books together to keep my list under control. Here we go with my top picks for books I read in 2010. (They are in no particular order)
Crossroads by Moira Rogers – This book touched me on an emotional level and will remain a favorite forever. I love this series but this book in particular is by far my favorite of the Southern Arcana books.
Pleasure of a Dark Prince and Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole – Sexy, sexy heroes, action packed, fun, exciting – I just don’t get tired of this series. I just don’t.
Dirty, Broken, and Tempted by Megan Hart – These are not 2010 releases but I read these books this year and loved them. Megan Hart writes erotic romance the way it’s meant to be done. I’m a super fan.
Lover Mine by J.R. Ward – I looked forward to this book like crazy and I was not disappointed. J.R. Ward can tell a story. I love J.M. and I am dying for Qhuinn and Blay’s story. Dying.
Stormwalker by Allyson James – This book caught me by surprise. I picked it up and was finished with it before I knew it, I couldn’t put it down.
Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur – I did have a complaint or two with this book but it makes my list because it was a damn good story and it really came through with a long awaited, satisfying happily-ever-after for a character that I really love.
Unholy Ghosts, Unholy Magic, City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts series) by Stacia Kane – This series blew me away. I did not see it coming. This is by far one of the best UF’s I’ve read. Stacia Kane pushed my boundaries, made me uncomfortable but kept me coming back for more. Brilliant. *City Of Ghost is my favorite of the series so far…Chessie Bomb.
Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews – This was the year I discovered Ilona Andrews…hallelujah. What a great series this is. So unique and beautifully written, I feel the need to send crazy stalker emails. (I haven’t but I’m tempted)
Rough Riders Series by Lorelei James – I can’t list all the books here but I assure you, they are all good, dirty, cowboy fun. I devoured this entire series in record time. I neglected the dishes, laundry and I might have forgotten to shower once or twice. Read the series people but remember to shower.
Moon Called, Blood Bound, Iron Kissed, Bone Crossed (Mercedes Thompson Series) by Patricia Briggs – Once again I discovered an UF series that just knocked my socks off. I had heard wonderful things about these books and I had read Patricia Briggs before but this series made me a true fan.
Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom (Elemental Assassin Series) by Jennifer Estep – This is one of those series that makes me jittery. I read these books back to back and I was tense and excited the entire time. Gin is one of my all-time favorite heroines.
Mind Games, Double Cross (The Disillusionists Trilogy) by Carolyn Crane – This is another series that knocked my socks off with its originality and fresh unique take on the Urban Fantasy genre.
Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning – Rock star fun. Big huge rock star fun. I had a few tiny issues with the story but this book was just so much fun to read I had to tell everyone I knew to read it. I intend to read each and every installment of this really fun, dirty, sexy series.
Willing Victim by Cara McKenna – I wasn’t even sure I would like this book; I think I read it more out of curiosity. It’s not your average erotic romance. I was really surprised at how well this story was written and I enjoyed it very much. I love it when a book takes me by surprise the way this one did.
Proof by Seduction, Trial by Desire by Courtney Milan – Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous reads. These are the kind of books that make me sigh and look lovingly at my husband. LOL. They just put me in a good mood and I really love Courtney Milan’s voice.
Seven Nights to Forever by Evangeline Collins – This book really put me in an historical romance groove. After reading this one, I’ve been on a kick and I can’t stop. James Archer is one of my favorite beta heroes ever.
Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh – I had never read Nalini Singh before this series and wow what a mistake. A friend suggested that I read this series and I was fully in love by this second book. I am so excited to read Archangels Consort. (I have a copy sitting on my shelf calling my name *squee*)
There you have my top picks for books I read in 2010. It was an amazing year in books and I look forward to even more in 2011!
About FV Sophia
Okay…I really need to read that Moira Rogers series! And I just bought Stormwalker and I’m very glad it’s on your list. That will help move it up in my to-read pile!
Your picks are great and from the ones I’ve read that are on your list I totally agree with you!
I am sooo happy to see Moon Sworn included to this list
These are ALL MY FAVORITES TOO! The ones that aren’t, I haven’t read yet and I’m moving them all up in priority now!!
Great picks Sophia. Quite a few series and authors I haven’t read before. I will have to give some a try.
Happy Holidays and a Chessiebomb to all!
Lots of good ones there and oh how I loved demon from the dark!
Qhuay… sigh.
@Julie: Yes, the SA series is my favorite of all their works.
@Spaz: Oh Moonsworn. I get melancholy. I loved that series so.
@Samantha: I swear that was the best line of the year. BEST!!
@blodeuedd: I fall for Kreley Coles heroes like no others. She just knows how to write them yummy!
@KB/KT Grant: I know. I was so caught up with their romance in Lover Mine. It almost overshadowed JM’s story for me. There is a quote by Qhuinn in that book that chokes me up every time I think of it.
The scene where Blay sniffs Qhuinn’s T-shirt it me hard.
If these 2 don’t get together and have a shower scene where they give into their love and passion, I will scream.
I’m so glad you discovered Ilona Andrews this year. I absolutely LOVE everything they do! (You wouldn’t be the only one wanting to send crazy fangirl e-mails! I get to meet them in just a few short days, and I think I might pull a fangirl SQUEE or ten!
)
I agree with some, disagree with others, and haven’t read a bunch of them. But now I might have to give them a shot!
@KB/KT Grant: Here is my fav quote from Qhuinn:
*cries*
@Catherine: Ok, I know you didn’t like Stormwalker, what else?
@MinnChica: Oh wow, you’re get to meet them? That’s awesome!
It’s not necessarily that I don’t like them, I just didn’t like them enough for them to be considered any sort of favorite.
Stormwalker, Pleasure of a Dark Prince, Mind Games, and the Kate Daniels series (don’t stone me about that one people).
I think it’s pretty cool to see where our tastes align and diverge.
@Catherine: No stones I promise but I may stare at you suspiciously for a while. LOL.
*sigh* Everyone always does. I guess I missed the “love” boat and had to settle for “okay.”
By the way–how are you doing the @Name thingy?
@Catherine: LOL the “love” boat.
For the @name thing, hover over the comment you want to reply to and a ‘reply’ button will appear. click it and it will insert the @name and a link to that specific comment in the comment box.
@Fiction Vixen:
Well that was simple.
@Catherine: LMAO!!
Thanks for putting this list together now I have a book lost to read. I’ve read a few of the books on your list so I think I can count on your taste.
I would add Feed, because it still has me thinking.
Big Moira Rogers fan here. Crossroads was such a great story and I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Deadlock which I’ll be starting soon. I love me some Alec.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
@Paranormal Haven: Yes Alec is a sexy beast. Moira Rogers writes’em hot, that’s for sure.
So many I have to read but I agree with BDB and Kresley’s I so so loved that book. Can’t wait for her new one.
Have Happy Holiday
So many books, so little time…so many books, so little time…that’s the statement that keeps going through my head! I haven’t read any of these books.
I’m so buying Seven Nights “” I earned it b/c I just came back from Costco *shudders* I need an effing treat!
@Donna (BLHmistress): Oh yes, I get so excited whenever there is a new KC on the horizon!
@Deanna: Oh no! Don’t feel bad though. I always look at other peoples list and get book envy LOL
@KC/Smokinhotbooks: Oh KC you have to read Seven Nights. It’s unusual. Heroine is a prostitute and hero is totally beta.
FV! I know how crazy hard it is to narrow down your favs. Glad you didn’t limit yourself.
Wow! What a list. I have to say that though I’ve certainly heard of many of these authors, I haven’t really read any of the books. *shakes head* I know. I am a sad, sad woman. And I spend way to much time reading YA!
Except for Ward, of course. I can’t wait for Qhuay! And thanks to you, I have Backstage Pass sitting on my shelf, waiting for some loving.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one that feels this way!! Book envy can be such a bitter sweet thing…you find tons of new books to read but you just can’t ever seem to catch up.
I can’t believe that you haven’t read any of Nalini Singh’s books. I love her!!! You should read her Psy/Changeling series too. I can’t believe that you have Archangel’s Consort… I’m so jealous!! I can’t wait to read it.
P.S. Nalini on her blog said that she’s working on Dmitri’s book, which should be really, really interesting!
@Heather F.: Yep, I’ve only read the Archangels series, which I love by the way.
I have Psy/Changeling series on my shelf, just haven’t had the time to get to it. I’ll make that a priority in the new year. 
Great picks, Sophia! Looks like you had a fabulous reading year.
Merry Christmas and I hope you’ll have a wonderful time with your loved ones. xoxo
Nice list! I’ll have to check some of those books out.
We have such similar tastes in books! Did you know that?? ;p
Because of you I read LJ this year…thank you so much for that
Awesome list! I still need to read Megan Hart!!!
We have similiar tastes in books! I found a few new ones that I am going to have read next year!
@Colette @ A Buckeye Girl Reads: It’s never ending isn’t it? LOL
Merry Christmas and Happy New year! I’m behind on the blog hopping!
Great list… I see some of your tops made my list as well… Stormwalker, Kate Daniels. All-in-all a pretty good year for reading! Thanks!
Wow, wonderful list and I agree about so many of them. Love Southern Arcana and MH too.
I love your picks, Sophia. We have very similar tastes in UF! Having said that, I really HAVE to pick up Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series.
Isn’t Megan Hart an amazing writer and story teller? I read Tempted in early 2008 and you know… I STILL think about those characters regularly. Stranger was really good, too. She’s definitely one of my favorite authors.