It's no secret I've read my fair share of books this year. YA, NA. romance, paranormal, fantasy, contemporary. I was blown away from all of the books I read this year and the talent that is out there. Here is my top ten standalone novels and my top five series. This is no certain order, it was hard enough to pick the books let alone rank them! Just know all of these books stayed with me throughout the year.
Top Ten Standalone books of 2013
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I picked up this book after reading the highly acclaimed Eleanor and Park, and I found that I fell in love with this book. I might go as far as to say this was my favorite book this year. Cath and Levi were perfect in all of their flaws. The writing was amazing, making me laugh out loud and really fall into this story, head first.
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson This was a sweet tale of a girl trying to find herself after the loss of her sister. She has help with two different boys, quirky in their own ways and her strange family. This book was amazing, a story of living your life in the face of loss.
My Review
Amazon
Lost and Found by Nicole Williams
Jesse Walker. Nicole Williams created on of my favorite male leads with Jesse Walker. Add on a snarky heroine as a fish out of water and this book was a bit hit for me! This is actually the first book in a series, but the other books, while really good, were no where close to as amazing as this one.
Amazon (and on sale for 99 cents!)
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
This was by far the funniest book I read this year. The story was fun, kept your attention, and made you smile with the witty banter as you watched Simon and Caroline fall in love. Their journey was perfect. and I was so sad when I finished this book, I didn't want it to end! Amazon My Review
Sweet Thing by Renee Carlino
Like the title suggest, this was such a sweet read. I fell in love with these characters and their story. There were scenes in this book that were perfection. The music element is always a big plus for me and Will was the absolute sweetest. Loved this book! My Review Amazon
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
This is actually the second book in the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi but holy crap this book blew me away!! The writing is suberb and different and unique. I applaud Mafi for writing this book in this style, how she gets into Juliette's very confused head and portrays it so well! and Warner and Adam and Kenji! If you haven't read this series yet, you need too! My Review Amazon 
Falling Into Us by Jasinda Wilder You're probably asking yourself, you mean Falling Into You, Jasina Wilder's huge hit, right? That book was good, but this follow up that centers around side characters in Falling Into You was the story that really captured my heart. To me, it was a true love story, one that showed the strength in their relationship. Both are wonderful books! My Review Amazon
Vain by Fisher Amelie
This book was a breath of fresh air in the NA world! Great setting, lovable characters and a wonderful message! I loved this book!! My Review Amazon
Wide Awake by Shelly Crane
This NA book was such a treat! I'm a sucker for the god guys and Mason is that and more! He is so tender and kind to Emma as she tries to get life back together. My Review Amazon 
I had a hard time deciding between Harmon's A Different Blue and Making Faces. They both were phenomenal reads but Making Faces really was a truly beautiful tale. My Review Amazon
Top Series of 2013
The Fate Series by Heather Lyons
The Fate Series.....This series gave me so much anxiety and feelings!!! Heather Lyons pulls at my heart strings for all the characters involved! I couldn't get enough! The last book of this series will be out in 2014. Check out my reviews of the books. Amazon links should be in the reviews.
The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan
Sometimes I feel like I read this series so long ago but it's crazy I read all three books this year. This is a dark story but there is much hope laced in the pages. Hope and love. A beautiful series!!
The Experiment in Terror Series by Karina Halle
Dex and Perry! Never have a couple and their story kept me as interested as Dex and Perry. This is one of my ALL time favorite series and these books have everything. Suspense, scary as hell ghosts and demons, love, humor. Anytime I pick up one of these books I feel like I'm catching up with an old friend.
The Bronze Horseman Trilogy by Paulina Simons
Fun Fact: Even though I am a huge history nerd, I usually don't read historical fiction. Reasons abound why but after all the talk about these I had to pick them up. And I am so glad I did! Historical Fiction can be a bit of a drag.....but while this book has drama and darkness...there is also hope and love and for me, that was what moved to keep going on with the EPIC love story. Pick these up, you won't regret it.
The Lost and Found Series by Lori L. Otto
I recently read these and wow. I couldn't believe how fast I fell in love with these books, even when my heart was being torn into a million pieces and I was sitting ugly crying (which I never do) and then in the next moment my heart is full of love. This book taught me that your life can be full of great loves, more than one, and while it's not easy it can be done. Each person that comes into your life has something special to give to you. Embrace it, even if it's the hardest thing you do. This story will always stay with me.
What's been your favorite reads this year?
Love your list!!! The Bronze Horseman is just epic!!! I am due to read FANGIRL and I can't wait...I love Rainbow Rowell! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Caitlin!
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