Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to 2015!!
I thought I'd usher in the new year with a nod to some of my favorite reads from 2014.
I read and listened to over 150 books last year so it was quite difficult to narrow down a list of favorites, but I had to put a limit on the list or we'd be here all day.
I'm including the buy links and the link to my review with each book synopsis so you can grab a copy for yourself, if you've missed out on these great reads.
A Solid Core of Alpha by Amy Lane
Science Fiction/ MM Romance/ Light BDSM
In an act of heroism and self-sacrifice, Anderson Rawn's sister saved him from the destruction of their tiny mining colony, but her actions condemned the thirteen-year-old to ten years of crushing loneliness on the hyperspace journey to a new home. Using electronics and desperation, Anderson creates a family to keep him company, but family isn't always a blessing.
When Anderson finally arrives, C.J. Poulson greets him with curiosity and awe, because anyone who can survive a holocaust and reinvent holo-science is going to be a legend and right up C.J.'s alley. But the more C.J. investigates how Anderson endured the last ten years, the deeper he is drawn into a truly dangerous fantasy, one that offers the key to Anderson's salvation—and his destruction.
In spite of his best intentions, C.J. can’t resist the terribly seductive Anderson. Their attraction threatens to destroy them, because the heart of a man who can survive the destruction of his people and retain his sense of self holds a solid core of alpha male that will not be denied.
When Anderson finally arrives, C.J. Poulson greets him with curiosity and awe, because anyone who can survive a holocaust and reinvent holo-science is going to be a legend and right up C.J.'s alley. But the more C.J. investigates how Anderson endured the last ten years, the deeper he is drawn into a truly dangerous fantasy, one that offers the key to Anderson's salvation—and his destruction.
In spite of his best intentions, C.J. can’t resist the terribly seductive Anderson. Their attraction threatens to destroy them, because the heart of a man who can survive the destruction of his people and retain his sense of self holds a solid core of alpha male that will not be denied.
City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Claire
The sixth and final book in The Mortal Instruments series
YA/ Fantasy/ PNR
In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.
The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?
When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...
Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.
The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?
When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...
Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!
All the Colors of Love by Jessica Freely
YA LGBT/ Romance/ Fantasy
It sucks being the son of a super villain. At home, Harry spends half of his time getting medical treatments and the other half tied up in his father's underwater lair. It was different when his mother was alive, but she disappeared when Harry was six. He can't seem to stay out of trouble at school, and his new roommate, Antonin, thinks he’s a spaz, but somehow Harry has to find a way to stop his father's evil plans.
Antonin Karganilla wants to become a comic book artist, but other than that, being gay is the most normal thing about him. His uncle is an aquatic plant man, his aunt is a molecular biologist back from the dead, and his mom is an overprotective pain in the butt. Antonin's in boarding school and it's starting to look like he and this Harry kid might have a lot in common... and that means a whole new set of problems.
Antonin Karganilla wants to become a comic book artist, but other than that, being gay is the most normal thing about him. His uncle is an aquatic plant man, his aunt is a molecular biologist back from the dead, and his mom is an overprotective pain in the butt. Antonin's in boarding school and it's starting to look like he and this Harry kid might have a lot in common... and that means a whole new set of problems.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Adult Fiction/ Mystery/ Thriller
Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars.
Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back?
She begins to realise that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find.
Who did massacre the Day family?
Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back?
She begins to realise that everyone in her family had something to hide that day... especially Ben. Now, twenty-four years later, the truth is going to be even harder to find.
Who did massacre the Day family?
Gabriel's Fall by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
the sequel to Second Time Around
MM Fantasy/ PNR
This book is a short love story about the power of love. It is preceded by Second Time Around but can be read as a standalone. It contains homosexual relationships.
Gabriel is a keeper of souls. He has been watching over them for millenniums. But one soul is different -- the first time Gabriel holds it in his hands, he knows it is remarkable. For this soul causes something inexplicable.
Gabriel feels.
Falling for a human isn't possible; but when that soul grows into Luke Lawson, Gabriel can't contain his growing feelings. Not knowing where to turn or what to do, Gabriel keeps vigilant over Luke and is surprised repeatedly when Luke knows he's there.
It isn't possible. But it's happening.
As time passes, Gabriel's feelings for Luke intensify, and Luke's heart reciprocates. Can love overcome everything?
Can Gabriel truly fall?
Gabriel is a keeper of souls. He has been watching over them for millenniums. But one soul is different -- the first time Gabriel holds it in his hands, he knows it is remarkable. For this soul causes something inexplicable.
Gabriel feels.
Falling for a human isn't possible; but when that soul grows into Luke Lawson, Gabriel can't contain his growing feelings. Not knowing where to turn or what to do, Gabriel keeps vigilant over Luke and is surprised repeatedly when Luke knows he's there.
It isn't possible. But it's happening.
As time passes, Gabriel's feelings for Luke intensify, and Luke's heart reciprocates. Can love overcome everything?
Can Gabriel truly fall?
Buy link: Amazon
Girl on a Wire by Gwenda Bond
YA Fantasy/ Romance
A ballerina, twirling on a wire high above the crowd. Horses, prancing like salsa dancers. Trapeze artists, flying like somersaulting falcons. And magic crackling through the air. Welcome to the Cirque American!
Sixteen-year-old Jules Maroni’s dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps as a high-wire walker. When her family is offered a prestigious role in the new Cirque American, it seems that Jules and the Amazing Maronis will finally get the spotlight they deserve. But the presence of the Flying Garcias may derail her plans. For decades, the two rival families have avoided each other as sworn enemies.
Jules ignores the drama and focuses on the wire, skyrocketing to fame as the girl in a red tutu who dances across the wire at death-defying heights. But when she discovers a peacock feather—an infamous object of bad luck—planted on her costume, Jules nearly loses her footing. She has no choice but to seek help from the unlikeliest of people: Remy Garcia, son of the Garcia clan matriarch and the best trapeze artist in the Cirque.
As more mysterious talismans believed to possess unlucky magic appear, Jules and Remy unite to find the culprit. And if they don’t figure out what’s going on soon, Jules may be the first Maroni to do the unthinkable: fall.
Sixteen-year-old Jules Maroni’s dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps as a high-wire walker. When her family is offered a prestigious role in the new Cirque American, it seems that Jules and the Amazing Maronis will finally get the spotlight they deserve. But the presence of the Flying Garcias may derail her plans. For decades, the two rival families have avoided each other as sworn enemies.
Jules ignores the drama and focuses on the wire, skyrocketing to fame as the girl in a red tutu who dances across the wire at death-defying heights. But when she discovers a peacock feather—an infamous object of bad luck—planted on her costume, Jules nearly loses her footing. She has no choice but to seek help from the unlikeliest of people: Remy Garcia, son of the Garcia clan matriarch and the best trapeze artist in the Cirque.
As more mysterious talismans believed to possess unlucky magic appear, Jules and Remy unite to find the culprit. And if they don’t figure out what’s going on soon, Jules may be the first Maroni to do the unthinkable: fall.
A Heart For Robbie by JP Barnaby
MM Contemporary Romance
Waiting for someone else's child to die so yours can live is the worst kind of Hell
Celebrated Young Adult author Julian Holmes pits the heroic characters in his Black Heart series against all different kinds of monsters. But when a critical heart defect threatens his son’s life, he finds he has no champion. No amount of books, classes, or practice can prepare Julian for the fight to save his beautiful son’s life.
Suddenly there are hospitals, transplant lists, and the nightmare of insurance red tape to navigate. In the midst of his trouble, Julian meets Simon Phelps, the insurance coordinator for Robbie’s case. Simon lives so deep in the closet he might never find his way out, but he dreams of exactly what Julian has. Then one night, drunken need and desperation brings them together, and a new fight begins.
Celebrated Young Adult author Julian Holmes pits the heroic characters in his Black Heart series against all different kinds of monsters. But when a critical heart defect threatens his son’s life, he finds he has no champion. No amount of books, classes, or practice can prepare Julian for the fight to save his beautiful son’s life.
Suddenly there are hospitals, transplant lists, and the nightmare of insurance red tape to navigate. In the midst of his trouble, Julian meets Simon Phelps, the insurance coordinator for Robbie’s case. Simon lives so deep in the closet he might never find his way out, but he dreams of exactly what Julian has. Then one night, drunken need and desperation brings them together, and a new fight begins.
Buy link: Amazon | Dreamspinner
The River Leith by Leta Blake
MM Contemporary Romance
Memory is everything.
After an injury in the ring, amateur boxer Leith Wenz wakes to discover his most recent memories are three years out of date. Unmoored and struggling to face his new reality, Leith must cope anew with painful revelations about his family. His brother is there to support him, but it’s the unfamiliar face of Zach, a man introduced as his best friend, that provides the calm he craves. Until Zach’s presence begins to stir up feelings Leith can’t explain.
For Zach, being forgotten by his lover is excruciating. He carefully hides the truth from Leith to protect them both from additional pain. His bottled-up turmoil finds release through vlogging, where he confesses his fears and grief to the faceless Internet. But after Leith begins to open up to him, Zach's choices may come back to haunt him.
Ultimately, Leith must ask his heart the questions memory can no longer answer.
After an injury in the ring, amateur boxer Leith Wenz wakes to discover his most recent memories are three years out of date. Unmoored and struggling to face his new reality, Leith must cope anew with painful revelations about his family. His brother is there to support him, but it’s the unfamiliar face of Zach, a man introduced as his best friend, that provides the calm he craves. Until Zach’s presence begins to stir up feelings Leith can’t explain.
For Zach, being forgotten by his lover is excruciating. He carefully hides the truth from Leith to protect them both from additional pain. His bottled-up turmoil finds release through vlogging, where he confesses his fears and grief to the faceless Internet. But after Leith begins to open up to him, Zach's choices may come back to haunt him.
Ultimately, Leith must ask his heart the questions memory can no longer answer.
Buy link: Amazon
Names Can Never Hurt Me by Wade Kelly
MM Contemporary Romance
What if sexuality wasn’t a definable thing and labels merely got in the way?
Nick Jones can’t remember a time when he wasn’t part of the in crowd. Everywhere he goes, he stands out as the best looking guy in the room, and women practically fall into bed with him. Then, after kissing Corey on a dare led to much more and on many occasions, Nick’s “screw anything” reputation escalated, but he didn’t care.
When Nick meets RC at the restaurant where he works, it throws his whole life out of whack. Overweight, always sweaty, gay, and hairy like a bear, RC lives up to his dubbed nickname “Scruffy Dude.” He seems Nick’s complete opposite, but Nick can’t get him out of his head.
Because of peer-pressure and his fears about defining his sexuality, Nick struggles with stepping out of his comfort zone and caring about someone different than himself. If he’s lucky, somewhere between arrogance and ignorance, Nick might find out what it means to be an adult, but if he’s wrong, he could lose everything.
Nick Jones can’t remember a time when he wasn’t part of the in crowd. Everywhere he goes, he stands out as the best looking guy in the room, and women practically fall into bed with him. Then, after kissing Corey on a dare led to much more and on many occasions, Nick’s “screw anything” reputation escalated, but he didn’t care.
When Nick meets RC at the restaurant where he works, it throws his whole life out of whack. Overweight, always sweaty, gay, and hairy like a bear, RC lives up to his dubbed nickname “Scruffy Dude.” He seems Nick’s complete opposite, but Nick can’t get him out of his head.
Because of peer-pressure and his fears about defining his sexuality, Nick struggles with stepping out of his comfort zone and caring about someone different than himself. If he’s lucky, somewhere between arrogance and ignorance, Nick might find out what it means to be an adult, but if he’s wrong, he could lose everything.
Buy links: Amazon | Dreamspinner
Bear, Otter and The Kid by TJ Klune
Contemporary Gay Romance
Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living—with a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that. Until Otter comes home.
Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world... something or someone.
Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world... something or someone.
So there you have it folks, in no particular order, my favorite reads from 2014.
I reached out to a few of the Authors and they offered up an e-book copy of their book for giveaway, so be sure to enter the giveaway below. A huge thank you to those Authors that contributed, and thank you all for your continued support, I look forward to a great 2015 with many old and new friends here at TTC Books and more.
** Prize List **
1 winner ~ e-book copy of Gabriel's Fall
1 winner ~ e-book copy of The River Leith
1 winner ~ e-book copy of Names Can Never Hurt Me
1 winner ~ e-book copy of A Heart For Robbie
1 winner ~ Audible copy of Girl on a Wire
{this winner will need to have an audible account}
1 winner ~ Surprise Swag pack including swag from Authors on this list
{US shipping only}
** Please leave a comment and list which books you'd like if you win and I'll do my best to match you up with one of the books you list in your comment **
i really would like to read any of these books but my fav this year was always by kindle alexander
ReplyDeleteGreat list wish I had time to actually choose a book now...lol not complaining u gave me ideas for tbr list. Anyway if for some reason raffelcopter has gotten over its extreme dislike for me im game for anything except. River Leith (have the arc)or kid,,otter... (i own that one) actually. Ill help ill narrow it for you since we all know im difficult. ..lol. Amy Lanes, Sandrine's , Barnaby' s or Kelly's. 😘
ReplyDeleteGreat list. I'd love a copy of Names Can Never Hurt Me.
ReplyDeleteI'd love The River Leith by Leta Blake. Actually, one of my top favorite reads for this year is another book by her, Smoky Mountain Dreams. Another I loved to bits is Stay with Me by S.E. Harmon. <3
ReplyDeleteI love a copy of Gabriel's Fall or A Heart For Robbie. My favorite reads this year...so many good books this year. I would say Beyond Duty and Pony by SJD Peterson, Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan, Caged Sanctuary by Tempeste O'Reily to name a few. I have a ton of books I need to catch up on as well.
ReplyDeleteSince I have read them all, I guess it is all about the swag :). I loved them all, especially Gabriel's Fall, and The River Leith. My favorites of the year...so many..but Wild Onions by Sarah Black, Here Comes Trouble by AE Via, No Flag by Liz Borino and Pulp Fiction 2014. Just too many to name.
ReplyDeleteAny of the e-books would be fabulous thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have several of them, but would love to win Names Can Never Hurt Me. Thanks and Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I would pick All the Colors of Love by Jessica Freely. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteNames Can Never Hurt Me looks great! TY! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I have read several of them. I would like to read Names can never hurt me by Wade Kelly and Loving Jay was one of my top picks for 2014! Thank you for the chance at the giveaway.
ReplyDeletejuliesmall2016 @ gmail dot com
A Heart For Robbie would be my choice
ReplyDeleteTake by Ella Frank was my best book of 2014
I'd like to win A Heart For Robbie by JP Barnaby.
ReplyDeleteI want to give All the Colors of Love by Jessica Freely a read. I've read a lot of books this year so it's hard to narrow down my favorite so I'll go I'll just tell you the most recent one that just was a favorite and that was The King's Men by Nora Sakavic.
ReplyDeleteAmazing choices! My favorite read was probably the Charm of Magpie series by KJ Charles; I read and loved all of them this year. As for the giveaway, my choices would be River Leith, Names Can Never Hurt Me, or A Heart For Robbie. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win Gabriel's fall or a heart for Robbie. Vicki. dale.earnhardt03@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh I'd love the chance to win: Audible copy of Girl on a Wire !!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the chance!! Crystal Marie
I've heard so many good things about A Heart For Robbie by JP Barnaby and it does sound like a heart touching story. I AM looking forward to reading it. JP is quite a fantastic story teller.
ReplyDeletetaina1959 @ yahoo.com
Thank you for a wonderful choice of books to possibly win a copy of. I have read so many books this year that are amazing and that I have enjoyed its pretty hard to name just one. For instance I really enjoyed Matt Ortiz's 'Avaritia: The Oswald Witches', Rain Carrington's Turquoise (any many more), Ranae Kaye's Safe in His Arms and the wonderful Opposites series... :)
ReplyDeleteIf I was lucky enough to be a winner then I would love a copy of Names Can Never Hurt Me, A Heart for Robbie, The River Leith or Gabriel's Fall, as I am international so do not qualify for swag sadly, but if any little bit of swag could find it way to a grateful reader.... :D
This giveaway has ended and the winners emailed. Thank you to everyone that stopped by, shared and commented. here is to a GREAT 2015 and some more amazing reads!!
ReplyDelete