So...HERE GOES.
1. Colleen Hoover
(No big surprise there.) Hoover released Without Merit in 2017 and I have to admit, this one has been stuck with me sense I read it. It may be bumping Hoover's Confess out of my number one spot for my favorites.
2. Kandi Steiner
If you haven't picked up Steiner yet, I have no idea what you're waiting for. Seriously! There are a few of her books that I have not read yet (older ones), but I will get to them. I am going to sign up for less new releases this year so I can enjoy some of the books sitting on my TBR. Pick up Palm South University: Seasons 1-3 (I seriously hope she's writing more of this), Weightless, On the Way to You, and Revelry... Sure, I want you to get all of her books, but these are a few of my favorites. Steiner gives it to you real and raw. I'm not sure how she does it, but I am in awe of her writing. On the Way to You left me feeling so raw and open, that I wanted to reread it just to make sure that it was real.
3. Marie Skye
I am not sure how I came in contact with Skye, but boy am I glad I did. She has a knack for writing great character development that catapults you into the storyline wishing you had someone speak beautiful words to you. The Incapable Series...whew. But, you want to know something strange? Her short stories in the Anthologies she's participated in were my favorites, thus far. So check out Fourteen Shades of F*cked Up and Six: A Men of the Strip Anthology. Hot reads! So good.
4. Brittainy C. Cherry
All I have to say is Behind the Bars. If you haven't read it, you need to get off of my blog right now and go read it. Like now. I am still working on her Elements Series, but I am loving those too. Cherry is so very talented and I can't wait to read more of her work.
5. Whitney Barbetti
I guess I am just a sucker for a good romance. I was introduced to Barbetti after posting in the Cohort's group that I was in labor and it would be a long night. A nice woman offered to gift me a book and she sent me Into the Tomorrows to give me something to do while I waited for the birth of my beautiful baby boy in June of 2016. After I read this one, I gobbled up each and every one of Barbetti's books. I was a goner. Barbetti writes like she loves words. Like they are the only thing that matters. I remember highlighting things and simply being in awe, saying things like "whoa" or "wow" in the notes sections because the words just spoke to me.
6. Cassie Graham
I stumbled upon Graham through a promo site that I subscribe to. I remember just saying, "Why not," when I clicked yes to Who Needs Air. It was a rerelease of it, I believe. But it was so beautifully written that I was glad I took a chance on it. More people should read it. And let's not forget to mention the Wilder Boys...umm..yes!
7. Staci Hart
She captured my heart in 2017 (officially) with A Little Too Late. I don't know what it was about this story, but I was officially a fan after that. I mean, I loved her clever take on the Greek Gods in her Hearts and Arrows series, but A Little Too Late put that all to shame.
8. S.L. Scott
She's clever and witty and everything you would want in an author. Everest is a must read.
9. Meghan Quinn
Twisted Twosome was funny and exciting. She has a lot more books that I have yet to read, but they are on my TBR waiting for me.
10. Max Monroe
Now, don't you think that because they are number 10 on my list is in any way a depiction of them being at the bottom of the barrel. Save the best for last, ya know? If you like a great love story that makes you laugh out loud?? Max Monore is the duo for you! Even their emails are freaking hilarious! Billionaire Bad Boys, Alex in Wonderland.... THATCH! And word around the street is Quinn is next. Yum...yes..and yum.
Honorable Mentions:
Stylo Fantome (Twin Estates series is bomb)
Annita L. Jackson (New Urban Author with great potential in storytelling)
B. Love (Beautifully written stories)
Latoya Nicole (Her storytelling is good, potential to make the list for 2018 if she works on editing a bit)
There are plenty more, but I hope to have a bigger list for next year!
That's it folks! Happy 2018.
My first read for the year will be The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
