The Best of Books {2016}

This week I'm going to be doing The Best of 2016. Today is books! I'm going to highlight my favorite reads of 2016! I read a lot of great books this year but not too many made a long-lasting impression but the ones that did were worth it. I'm talking about the books you keep thinking about long after you finish reading them, the books that you complete and the thought of starting another book fills you with lackluster eh emotion. These are my books. These books gave me light, made me remember why I love reading, and why I will always believe that reading is magic made real.

Fantasyland by Kristen Ashley

(Note: This is also probably my favorite review I've written of the year!)

"We all know I read a lot, I'm sure if you're reading this you read a lot too so you know...you KNOW and understand that special moment when a book or series hits you right in the face and heart and feels and soul and you didn't expect it. This is how I feel about this series."

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The Merridew Sisters by Anne Gracie

"On par with the Wallflowers and Hathaways, the Merridew sisters will steal your heart...and their men aren't so bad themselves."

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The Chance Sisters by Anne Gracie

"After reading and absolutely loving the Merridew Sister series by Anne Gracie, I knew I wanted to read her Chance sisters series ASAP. I was not disappointed!! I am convinced Anne Gracie is historical romance's best kept secret." 

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Neighbors from Hell by RL Matthewson

"Omg this was so freaking good!!!! HILARIOUS, sweet, sexy, perfect travel read! I looked forward to my train rides because this was so fun and easy to get into!"

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

"It's so pure and deep and real and selfless. It's...something beautiful and truly unique in it's essence. I have rarely read a story with so much...I don't know, I can't describe it! It's got its own special je ne sais quoi. I have actually no words to describe how much I felt while reading this book and how much I loved it. It just is!"

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Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas

"These characters and this story is so incredibly inspiring. Every time I read one of Sarah's books I feel like I can do anything. I can conquer the world. I can do anything my heart desires. It is a unique and beautiful skill to be able to write such beautiful words that they can inspire me that much. I cannot say enough about how much I love these books and how much these books affect me in the most positive way."

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Blood Vow by JR Ward

"Wow. So it's legitimately incredible to me that every book I read by JR Ward is 5 star level of amazing. I had no idea what to expect going into this book with Axe and a brand new female but what I got was, yet again, incredible. Add to that the deeply emotional component of Mary and Rhage and Bitty and you've got yourself one amazing book."

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The Beast by JR Ward

"I love how JR Ward has evolved this series from paranormal romance to so much more. These books aren't just about the "main" couple getting their happy ending. There is real plot going on that has nothing to do with romance and so many storylines that she weaves in that I read for way more than "just" the romance. They are so much more than "just" anything. I have said this for years, since I started reading, there is something infinitely special to me about this series and these characters. They are my family."
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The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

"Very few books, usually historical fiction to be honest, give me the feeling of coming home. That welcoming feeling after being gone for a long time like be wrapped up in a warm blanket. It's a rare and beautiful thing and this book made me feel this way. The writing and setting and storytelling all played a major role in making me feel this way."

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The Virgin's War by Laura Andersen

"The plot weaves and turns, bobs and ducks around all impending obstacles. There were moments when I thought all was lost and moments when I thought, there is no way they can get out of this. The answer? When you're dealing with the Tudor women, don't ever count them out."

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Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman

"One of my favorite things about reading is starting a book you have zero expectations of and that book grabbing you by the proverbial balls and heart strings. Wildflower Hill was that book. I fell down the historical fiction rabbit hole and had this book not been on of Hannah's top recs, I would have never picked it up. Australian historical fiction? What in the actual hell interesting could have happened there? This is when I put my foot in my mouth."

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All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

"Everything that is right in the world of historical fiction. Poignant, thought-provoking, emotional. It is haunting, horrific, and very relevant to our world today. I love the theme of asking yourself if you would do the right thing in the face of oppression and discrimination. Mostly we just do the best we can." 

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It's Not Me It's You by Mhairi McFarlane
"It's Not Me, It's You was a complete breath of fresh air. Highly rec'd by Hannah, this book was a fantastic example of contemporary adult fiction done oh so right. The emotions this book brought out in me were strong."
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Who's That Girl by Mhairi McFarlane
"The journey she takes her heroines on is one every reader needs to experience. She really puts them through the ringer but within those struggles, the heroine always comes out learning more about herself and I think the reader does, too. I love that McFarlane's book opens up an internal dialogue with myself. I find myself being extremely introspective and self-reflecting while reading and thinking a lot about my own life choices. I also really appreciate that her heroines' arcs aren't just about a romantic happy ending, that's only a mere part of her characters' journey."
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One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

"Her interpersonal journey really spoke to me. She has traveled and been being a gypsy for a long and is just recently feeling like she wants to go home. I loved this aspect of realizing that extraordinary things are all around us, especially in the ordinary."
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What are you favorite reads of 2016?
Have you read any of my favorites?
Have I convinced you to read any of mine?
Don't forget to check out my best travel moments and year wrap-up post!