It's (almost) a wrap! I've read 175 books so far this year and there have been so many AMAZING reads! It's been hard to narrow down my list of favorites, but the books on this list are more than just 5-star reads. These books are the ones that gave me the biggest book hangovers. These are the books that I haven't forgotten (and may never forget.) These are the books that made me FEEL and I still remember every emotion now when I think about them. So, here they are -- My Top 20 Reads of 2022:
MAESTRO: A LOVE STORY
by AUDEN DAR
Angsty. Heartbreaking. Infuriating. Beautiful. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of this book.
I always say that I don't just read a five-star book, I feel it. I live it. Well, I could easily give this book 10 stars, because I LIVED it. This is a long book and I didn't skim a single paragraph. It consumed me. I was exhausted from lack of sleep and my eyes were swollen from crying, and I wasn't sure how to move on from this one. I'm still not over it.
I'd never read this author before and I had no idea what to expect when I picked up Maestro. As soon as I read the prologue, I thought to myself "What have I gotten myself into?!", but it was too late to turn back. Because from those very first few pages, I was already invested in Aurelia and Chadwick's story.
Aurelia and Chad meet at just 13 years old as they're both auditioning for the prestigious LaGuardia Arts high school. She's a cellist that needs his encouragement. He's a violinist, a prodigy, and he's destined for greatness. He's always wanted a muse and he finds it in her. They become instant friends and so their relationship begins. From friendship to first love to first heartbreak, their undying love for each other remains, but sometimes love is just not enough. One mistake, secrets, betrayal, tragedy, forgiveness. This is not a story for the weak of heart.
Now, there is a part of this story that will undoubtedly be unpopular with a lot of readers, and we get a hint of it from the very beginning. Some readers may turn away from it, but I beg you...please just give this story a chance. This story is complex. This love story is complicated. It's not all black and white. There were parts of Aurelia and Chad's story that made me cry uncontrollably. There were other parts that made me just want to close my Kindle and walk away. There is not just one victim in this story, and I'm not sure that I've ever disliked a character as much as one particular one here. I felt like I was trapped on a roller coaster and when the ride was over? Well, even knowing what I know now, I'd still get on it all over again.
Maestro truly is a love story and it's not only one of my top reads of this year, it's one of my top reads of all time. Phenomenal. Unforgettable.
JUNE FIRST by JENNIFER HARTMANN
I've always disliked Junebugs. To be honest, they creep me out a bit, but from this day forward, I will probably smile every time that I see one...because of this book. Also, because of this book, I have had my heart broken. I have cried A LOT, and not just some random tears. No, I'm talking full on sobbing, to the point that my husband suggested that I just stop reading it. WHAT?! I couldn't stop reading! I had to see this through to the end. And oh, what an end.
With June First, Jennifer Hartmann has taken a trope that is all too common these days and she has turned it into something that is truly original and heartbreakingly beautiful. She has woven an unforgettable story of unspeakable tragedy and the cruelty of fate; a story of chasing your dreams and believing in destiny; a story that defines true love. I'm not going to go into the story itself, because you just need to read it and I don't want to ruin a single moment.
This is a long book, but from the unique way that this story is written to the emotions that this author pulls from the reader, you cannot skip a single page -- not a single word, because you will feel it all. You live this story right along with these characters and it is brutal at times but so rewarding in the end. Somehow through my tears, I found myself smiling -- even laughing out loud a time or two -- and although I needed to know how this story would end, I didn't want it to be over.
This author gave me one of my top reads of last year with Still Beating and now she's done it this year with June First. This is another story that I will always remember and I'll think of it every single time that I see a Junebug.
SAY YOU SWEAR by MEAGAN BRANDY
This book. Good grief, this book. My head and heart were all over the place. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to be feeling. My head was telling me one thing while my heart was screaming another. This is such an intricately woven story, with so many unexpected moments -- moments that made me cry, made me want to scream -- moments that had my heart hitting the floor.
If you've read any of this author's books, then you know that she's a master at giving us the angst. Well, let me tell you, she's outdone herself with this one. This book isn't just angst though. No, it's so much more than that. This is swoon-worthy romance that will have you falling in love. This is heartbreak that will bring you to your knees. I'm not going into details with this one, because I don't want to risk giving a single spoiler. So, I'll just say that this is an incredible story with ups and downs, twists and turns, that will keep you flipping the pages and will leave you wanting more. And these characters? You'll want to live in the pages with them and never leave.
ENTANGLED and BOUND (A TWISTED TALE) by R. PHILLIPS
If this debut is any indication of what is to come, I've found myself another favorite author.
Entangled is the first book in A Twisted Tale trilogy and it does end on a cliffhanger, and even though I pretty much knew what that cliffy might be, it still left me with my heart racing. I frantically turned a few pages just hoping for a glimpse of more.
Eleonor has found two loves, an ocean apart. She had no idea how their paths would cross and their lives would become entangled. This is a brilliantly told love triangle. From the subtle hints that the author gives us along the way to the bombshells that are just so casually tossed out into the open, this story takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, speculation, assumption and emotion. So many emotions. I felt so anxious while reading this book...just waiting for the implosion, thinking that the story was taking one direction and then having it veer off in another.
At the end of Entangled, there were so many questions left unanswered and new mysteries to be solved and I honestly didn't know how I wanted it to end.
At the end of book two, I spent at least a half-hour bawling my eyes out, and that was after I turned the final page. I was crying way before that too. I was devastated and my heart was broken, all at the hands of these fictional characters that were written so perfectly imperfect that I felt every splinter of their hearts.
Since Bound is the second book in a trilogy, it does end on a MAJOR cliffhanger. Honestly though? I think that I need some time before the next book just to come to grips with all that has happened.
There isn't a lot that I can say about this story without giving spoilers especially if you haven't yet started this twisted tale. I will say that, yes, it is a twisted story. It's also a modern day retelling of Helen of Troy. There are aspects of this story that will not be for every reader. If you're like me, this story will cause you some anxiety. It will have your heart torn in two at times and it will break it (possibly more than once).
It's been awhile since a book has touched me this deeply. It's been even longer since a book had me sobbing in the shower in it's aftermath. I have no idea where this story is headed and how it all will end and I'm honestly not 100% sure what I want to happen.
I'm almost afraid to see where book three takes us. I will be the first one lining up to read it though, because I cannot wait. This is an amazing story that has left me wanting so much more.
OMINOUS: BOOK II by K.V. ROSE
At the beginning of this book, even the author herself questions if this story is really a romance, and I can't honestly say if it is. There were moments in this book that felt romantic, lines that made me swoon a little, but I wouldn't call it a romance. I would call it a love story though, because here's the thing...not all love is romantic. Sometimes love is obsessive, and toxic, and borders on hate. There is a very thin line between love and hate. You can love someone with all of your heart, but hate what they do to you. That's Eli and Eden in a nutshell. I wanted to hate Eli, but I didn't. I couldn't help but forgive his actions, because he's obviously sick and he's been through so much. And as much as I wanted Eden to save herself, I found myself wanting her to save him more.
This is the third book in the Ecstasy series, and you MUST read the books in order. If you have read these books though, you know what is to come (or what you THINK is to come). I don't think that any of us really, truly know what to expect in Sinister which will be the final book. As for this installment though, we dive deeper into Eli's madness and see his vulnerability too. This is a HEAVY read, not because it's dark and twisted, but because it just feels so real. You can feel Eli's obsession for Eden, and you can feel her struggle to want to save him while also trying to save herself. You feel the heartache of a first love, that feeling of being 18 and being obsessed and just wanting to give up everything for this person that you've fallen in love with. You feel the heartache of losing the one that you love, of knowing that forever is not in the cards. You feel the fear of loving someone with mental illness and addiction. You feel it all right along with these characters, and it HURTS.
My heart felt so heavy after finishing this book, and although I know that this story is far from over, I also know that there will probably not be a HEA. Life isn't always about happy endings though, and that's what I love about this author's work. She doesn't try to tie up all of the loose ends and leave everything in a pretty package. She's not afraid to leave it messy, because life is messy. Mental illness is messy. It's messy, and it's heartbreaking, and it's REAL.
There are plenty of triggers in this book so it won't be for every reader, but I can't recommend this series enough if you're not afraid of a dark, disturbing story that will leave you feeling a little dazed and wanting more. I need so much more.
DOUBLE-EDGED by NYLA K.
This banned (by Amazon) book will undoubtedly go down as one of the most controversial books of 2022. The Author herself warns you at the beginning of this book that "This book will absolutely, undoubtedly not be for everyone" and she urges you (BEGS you in fact) to not read it if you're not open to it's themes. I agree with her warning 100%.
Personally, I was worried going into this one. I knew that this is a VERY taboo MMM love story featuring biological twins and their step-dad. I'd only read one other sibling book prior to this (not step-siblings), and I'll admit during that read that I was relieved to find out that one of them was adopted. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. These are identical TWINS, and yes, there are explicit scenes between these two. So...heed the above warning.
Now, if you're still on board for Double-edged, you are in for one emotional, steamy, heartbreaking story. All of my worries were quickly erased as Cyrus and Colson's story began to unfold. This isn't just a taboo/forbidden trope written for shock value. It is so much more than that. These two boys have this unique connection with each other that, in a large part, stems from parental neglect and manipulation. They deal with mental illness and almost debilitating anxiety. They have been brought up in an environment that has taught them that they need to hide who they are. When their step-father Tauren enters the picture, he's the first person who has seen BOTH of these young men as unique and worthy. Yes, the relationship between these three characters becomes complicated and even they know that it's bad. Yes, this entire relationship is morally wrong, but it never once made me truly feel uncomfortable. So many times, I would even forget that Cyrus and Colson were brothers, because they just felt like soul mates. They were two halves of a whole, and the heartbreak and suffering that these boys endured...well, I couldn't feel wrong about what they were doing. They needed each other and they needed Tauren, and my heart broke for all three of them.
All of the issues within this book: mental illness, drug use, bullying, homophobia, parental neglect -- they are all handled respectfully, in my opinion. There is a lot of added drama that really takes the reader on one wild ride, and it's honestly a ride that I didn't want to get off of. There are plenty of messages in this book, but the biggest one is the same message that is in every Nyla K. book: love is love. That sums up this book perfectly, but again, I urge you to proceed with caution and only pick this one up if you can do so with a VERY open mind.
THE WORDS by A. JADE
After seeing this book being recommended again and again, I finally pulled it off of my TBR and read it, and WOW. It definitely lives up to the hype. This book has it all: drama, angst, humor and heartbreak...everything. It has EVERYTHING, and I felt it all. EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
Phoenix was always destined to be a star while Lennon was cast to the shadows. When their worlds collided, Phoenix finally made Lennon believe that she was special. Then, he broke her heart. Now, it's her chance to make him pay.
Now, I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything about this story away, but OMG. First off, Phoenix. I loved him. I hated him. I both loved him and hated him at the same time. Next, Lennon. I loved her. My heart broke for her. I got a little frustrated with her, but still loved her. Their story is a tumultuous relationship that will have you smiling, crying, laughing, and wanting to toss your Kindle. I couldn't get through this book fast enough. It's a pretty long book, and I couldn't think of much else until I got to the end of it. And even then? I still wanted more. I NEEDED more.
NO MATCH FOR HER by STACY TRAVIS
Books like this are the reason that I read romance. It's an opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers, slow burn...and when I say slow burn, I mean sloooooow. That's the beauty of this story though.
After an awkward first date, Cherry asks Charlie to be her date at her brother's wedding. Until then, they decide to set up a series of "friend dates" to get to know each other better. Cherry has clearly put Charlie in the friend zone, and although he secretly hopes for more, he won't risk their friendship. Can this seemingly opposite pair put aside their insecurities and find a HEA together?
Now, let me first talk about Charlie. He could not possibly be any more awkward and adorable, and I absolutely fell in love with him from the very beginning. He is joining my list of favorite book boyfriends. LOVE HIM! The friendship/relationship that unfolds between these two characters kept me glued to the pages, had my heart both racing and breaking. This isn't what I would call an overly angsty book and it's not an ugly-cry read, yet at times, I found tears just falling down my cheeks from the pure emotion. I could feel every insecurity, every frustration, every fear that these characters felt. And the love...I felt so much love in this story. Again, THIS IS ROMANCE.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HELLO AND GOODBYE by AISLING MAGIE
I'd never even heard of this author before, but this book has a cute cover and the blurb caught my attention. So, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that I was about to read one of my favorite romances of 2022 (and of all time.)
Now, a few things to know about this book:
1) This cover is misleading. I thought that I was going to read a fun road-trip story, but I was wrong. I mean, yes, it is a fun road-trip story. It has so many cute, adorable, and funny moments that I absolutely loved. From the beginning though, there was this little dark cloud hanging over this story. I couldn't fully enjoy it at times because I kept waiting for the storm to come. And when it came? It caused a tidal wave that I never saw coming!
2) This story will give you anxiety. I had to stop reading to make breakfast for the family, and the entire time that I was cooking, I felt like I wanted to cry. This story moved me in so many ways, and UGH! I'm still not over it!
3) My Kindle battery died at about 75% and I almost had a stroke before I remembered that I could finish reading on my phone. Once you really get into this story, you will not be able to crawl out of these pages until you get to the end. I could not put it down!
Somewhere Between Hello and Goodbye truly is one of the best romances that I've read. It's fun and flirty, but it's also emotional... not in an ugly cry way, but just in the deep "I feel this in my heart and soul" way.
Somewhere between these pages, I fell in love with both Hansel and Bowie. Although I thought that their story was heading one direction, it took some turns that I didn't see coming...shocking turns that I wasn't prepared for! And just when I thought that this story couldn't get any better, the author throws in a series of texts, and well, I absolutely love letters and texts in books and that just sealed the deal for me. The only downside for me was the ending, only because I didn't want it to end.
TRISTAN & ISABEL: APARTMENT 11F
by ALY STILES
Between my blurred vision from too many hours of staring at my Kindle and the puffiness from my tears, I had a hard time seeing to type a review for this book. That's what this book did to me.
Isabel may have crushed on her best friend's older brother back in high school, but now that he's crashing on her couch after serving 4 years in prison, she's over it. Nowadays, she just hates him, or so she tells herself. Tristan thought that maybe he could get his life back after being released from prison, but he was wrong. No one wants him back, and his past haunts him. There are secrets and lies weighing heavily on him, and to top it all off, his little sister's best friend is his new roommate.
This was such an emotional read for me. Not an ugly cry, but I'd just find tears streaming down my face at random times throughout this story. This story is HEAVY. My heart was absolutely shattered for Tristan. He has been through so much, and although we don't have to live the brutal details of his torment, the implications are there and enough is said to paint the ugly picture of his past. It's a heartbreaking picture.
This is one of those books where I suspected where this story was headed, and I wasn't wrong, but it's just one of those storylines that you can't foresee ending well. I was angst-ridden trying to come up with a solution to everyone's problems, and at times, I couldn't see how this story would have a HEA.
As with all of this author's books, this story is beautifully written with amazing character building and imagery. You don't just read Aly Stiles' books, you live them. You experience every emotion right along with her characters. This story is 5+ stars and is another reminder as to why this author is one of the most under-rated romance authors on the scene today.
VIRTUOUS LIES by HALEY JENNER
I'll be honest and admit that I was a little reluctant to read this book. I really haven't been feeling the whole mafia/forced marriage trope lately, so I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy this one. Of course, this is a Haley Jenner story, so I was worried for nothing and I now have a new favorite mafia/forced married book.
Let me just tell you...THIS. BOOK. This book CONSUMED ME. I didn't even want to put it down for a restroom break. It's that good.
Bianca Rossi is the perfect mafia daughter until she feels the need to save her sister. Now, she's forced to pay for her deceit by marrying the family's enforcer, Vincent. Let me tell you about Vinny...I can see how Bianca would fall for this man, because I seriously fell for him from the first time that he stepped onto the page. This man just gets better and better with every page, every chapter. I could not get enough of him. He's protective, he's commanding, he's a true alpha, but he's oh so much more than that. I absolutely LOVED him with Bianca. And Bianca? I loved her attitude, her sass, and her loyalty to those that she loves.
For me, this book just wasn't the typical mafia romance. Yes, there is angst. There are some twists and turns that I didn't see coming. There is some violence and some possible triggers, but more than anything, this truly is a romance. Again, this is my new favorite forced marriage book, and my only complaint is that I was left wanting more. Luckily, this is just the first book in the Lies of the Underworld series, so hopefully we'll see more of Vincent and Bianca to come. Plus, I can't wait to see how the other stories in this series unfold. AMAZING read! All the stars!
DON'T SPEAK by DYAN LAYNE
It's not often that a book leaves me speechless, and I find it a little ironic that this one did since it's titled Don't Speak. Now, don't get me wrong. I have so many things that I want to say about this book, but I can't, because I went into this story fairly blind and you should do the same.
The heart always knows what it wants.
Molly wants Aidan. Aidan wants Molly. Molly loves Aidan the mostest. Aidan loves her more.
But Aidan's broken, and Molly is his stepsister.
This book is a forbidden romance, but it's so much more than that. It made me feel every emotion. It made me uncomfortable at times. It broke my heart. It made me angry, and sad, and happy. It shocked me in more ways than one.
At times, I did not want to put this book down, because I needed to know how it would end. At other times, I almost wanted to put it down and just walk away, because I was afraid of what was to come and I wasn't sure that my heart could take it.
By the end, this was one journey that I was glad to take and one that I won't soon forget. This is a remarkable, memorable story of true love in it's most innocent (and not-so-innocent) forms, and it's a must-read.
UNEXPECTED by ELIZABETH ATON
Well, this was totally unexpected. I mean, honestly, this is a new author's debut novel so I really wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this. This was supposed to be a single-dad, rock star, one night type romance, which is pretty typical, right? Well, let me tell you: There is nothing typical about this story.
Whit is trying to juggle his life as a single dad with his life as a rock star. Ava is just trying to survive her life, period. It was supposed to be one carefree night, but what happened after was...Unexpected.
This story has so many layers and so many plot twists, and it had me feeling EVERYTHING. I was sad...parts of this story are heartbreakingly sad and so real-to-life. Other parts of this story made me mad...I wanted to just scream at these characters! I knew...just knew...that some things were going to happen while other things just hit me out of nowhere. This is a definite page-turner and I couldn't sleep until I knew how this book would end. Even then, I was left wanting more. I need more and I was relieved to see that this is the first in a series, so hopefully, we'll get more of this couple in upcoming books.
Note: There are some possible triggers in this story (one really big one), so if you have triggers, please read the warning before reading.
I never would have guessed that this is a debut novel, and this author did an amazing job of keeping me invested in this story and keeping me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
DARLING VENOM by
PARKER S. HUNTINGTON
Sometimes, I'm afraid to read a book that is getting all the hype for fear that it won't live up to my heightened expectations (and that does happen...a lot.) Not in this case though. Darling Venom did not disappoint.
This isn't just a romance. I actually felt like the romance here was really the secondary story. This book is so much more than that. It's a heavy read at times and deals with death, depression, suicide, survivor's guilt, and so much more. For me, this wasn't an ugly cry book. I wasn't sobbing and didn't find myself having to put the book down to compose myself. I did cry though. Many times. I'd find tears just silently flowing down my face and I did have to pause more than once to blink away the tears so that I could see the pages. This story hurt my heart. It really did. My heart broke for Kellan. It broke for Charlotte. It broke for Tate. It broke for Terry. It broke for Leah. All for different reasons.
I'd read the blurb, so I didn't exactly go into this book completely blind, but I did do my best to avoid spoilers. I suggest that you try to do the same if it's not too late. There was one part of this story that wasn't a surprise to me at all; I'd figured out that plot twist very early on, but it still didn't take away from it's impact. This book made me feel so many things. It's one of those books that I don't think that I'll easily forget. It really is so much more than just a romance.
KINGDOM OF VILLAINS by ELLA FIELDS
I admittedly do not read a lot of fantasy or paranormal, but when Ella Fields writes a fantasy romance, it's a must read. Kingdom of Villains lived up to every expectation that I had and more. Fia and Colvin's story is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy masterpiece. Having helped the dark Fae Prince escape her family's dungeon, the curious faerie princess finds herself paying the ultimate consequence for her betrayal. The only way to save her life is to marry the monster that has destroyed it. This prince has secrets, but maybe he isn't quite the monster that she's feared. This story is beautifully told, every single word. This author writes with the most amazing imagery. Reading one of her books is like watching a movie. You don't just read the words on the page, but you will see the scenery in this magical world unfold. You will live this story right along with the characters and you will feel EVERYTHING. I fell in love with Colvin from the beginning, both the man and the monster. I felt Fia's betrayal and fear, her desires and need to right all of the wrongs against her. I was intrigued by the mystical creatures and the world that was created in this story. I read until I could no longer keep my eyes open and awoke early just to finish, because I NEEDED to get to the end. I couldn't go about my day without knowing how this story would end, yet at the same time, I didn't want it to be over. I may not read a lot of fantasy, but this book made me want to live in this fantastical world. 5+ stars!
PEN PAL by J.T. GEISSINGER
Wow. I honestly don't even know what to say about this one. I guess I'll start with this: If you are planning to read this book, make sure that you avoid any spoilers. Don't even read a review that might contain one, because you MUST go into this book blind.
I did just that. I went into this book blind, other than reading the blurb. From the blurb, I really didn't know what to expect, but whatever it was that I was expecting? This wasn't it.
For much of this story, I was confused. There were little details that I thought might be hints taking me in the right direction of this story, but then I was surprised at every turn. I was intrigued, anxious, at times overwhelmed with emotions over this story. I was turned on, afraid, angry and sad. This was a nail biting, heart racing drama that I could not read fast enough. I devoured this book, reading until I couldn't keep my eyes open and waking up with this book being the first thing on my mind.
And that's it. I'm not telling you anything else about this book, because I honestly can't. I won't be the person that says too much and gives anything away. You just have to read this one. You just have to trust me that you might need a cold shower and a bottle of wine after this one, and just read it. One thing that I will tell you? This is one story that I'll never forget.
REVERSE by KATE STEWART
The first book in The Bittersweet Symphony Duet (Drive) was published some five years ago, and if you haven't read it yet, you need to do so before reading this one. If you have read Drive, even if it was all those years ago, I can pretty much guarantee that you haven't forgotten it. You won't be able to forget Reverse either.
Reverse is a second generation story which takes place 30 years after book one. Natalie Butler's father was the other half of a broken love story, and when she finds a series of emails unearthing her father's secret love, she can't put it to rest. She needs to know the whole story. Her quest for answers leads her to Easton Crowne and a love of her own that she could have never imagined, but a relationship with Easton would be doomed from the start and could destroy both of their families.
This is a looong book and there were times that I just wanted to hurry it along, but at the same time, that's the beauty of these stories. Just like in real life, you can't rush to the good parts or skip over the painful ones. This book is angsty. It's maddening. It's heartbreaking. I felt every emotion with this one and it definitely brought the tears. I fell in love with Easton Crowne and my love for the men from Drive was rekindled too.
This book's predecessor was not only the first book that I read by Kate Stewart, but it is also one of the most unique stories that I've read. It still remains one of my most memorable reads, but I did do a quick re-read before diving into Reverse just to remind myself of the smaller details. I'm so glad that I did. Reverse is filled with so many memories and answers the many questions that remained from book one. Plus, if you've read this author's other books, you'll find Easter eggs hidden throughout that had me giddy with excitement.
This duet is a must-read, and if you're a music lover (like myself), you'll get the best of both worlds within these pages. I'm adding Reverse to the list of books that I know I'll never forget.
THE GIRL IN THE FRONT ROW
by KELSEY KINGSLEY
In my humble opinion, Kelsey Kingsley is one of the most under-rated romance authors on the planet. Just sayin'. She has proven her talents again with The Girl in the Front Row.
Lennon Jacobs is a visually impaired "nobody" (in her own words) who desperately wants a normal life. Dylan Pierce is the newly-disabled rock star that Lennon has idolized for years. When their paths cross, Dylan finds his muse, but Lennon finds it impossible to believe that she could be a part of his world for more than one night.
Now, I will say that there is an aspect of this book that some readers will not like (it could even be triggering to some), but here's my take: True, honest romance is not always hearts and flowers. Sometimes, it gets a little ugly. Sometimes, love makes you do things that you had sworn that you'd never do. We're human and (in love or not) humans make mistakes. We can't always have what we want, and sometimes, what we THINK we want is not actually what we really want at all. This book deals with all of this in the most honest and heartbreaking way.
I had a lump in my throat within the first few pages. It wasn't an ugly cry for me, but I sat with tears in my eyes (and sometimes streaming down my face) more than once. I felt anxious, angry, sad. At one point, I had chills from just one single line that this author wrote (and I'm honestly not sure that has ever happened before). I don't know how else to explain it...this book just TOUCHED ME.
This isn't your typical rock star romance, because it's just so much more than that. This book made me wish that this was a real band. I want to actually listen to the album that they were recording. I want to be one of those girls standing in the front row.
LIKE GRIM DEATH: PART ONE
by K. V. ROSE
I felt like my family should have thrown me a welcome home party after I finished this story, because for a few days, I lived inside this book. It absolutely consumed me.
Like Grim Death: Part One is a long book, 800+ pages. Typically, when I pick up a book of that length, I expect that I'm going to be skimming a chapter or two, but no. Not with this author. These books are so well written, so detailed, so intense, that I never skip a single word. Some parts, I even read twice just for the impact.
The Unsaints are a brotherhood but they're born of evil, and as new lies and mysteries unfold, it becomes difficult to know who you can really trust.
"A moment of perfect stillness, disloyalty loud in the silence."
Loyalty. These brothers are taught obedience and loyalty. They struggle with the first and they'll die for the last, but who is loyal to whom? Loyalty to one means betrayal of another, and as the lies come to light, the chaos will begin.
This fifth installment of Unsainted is told in multiple POV's and you'd think that might be confusing at times, but it's not. The writer does such an excellent job of defining these characters, their speech, their actions, that you could almost pinpoint each character's POV without a chapter heading naming them. You will live inside these character's heads, and you will feel their torment, their fears, and their love for one another. This entire series lives rent-free in my head, and so many scenes in this particular book will haunt me for some time to come.
If you're a fan of dark romance, then this series is a must-read. Unfortunately, you can't start with this book, because there are four books before this one and you must read them all in order. Trust me though, you will devour every single word.
MORE WITH YOU by ERIN SPENCER
This is one of those books that I had to sit on for awhile before I could attempt to write a review. I want to tell you everything, but I feel like I can tell you almost nothing. This is a book that you just have to experience for yourself.
When Summer meets Ben, she's not looking for love, but Ben changes all of that. With his wealthy family, she doesn't feel worthy of him, and his family will do whatever it takes to keep them apart.
Now, the author tells you from the beginning that this story is inspired by her own life, and it makes me want to sit her down with a cup of coffee and get all of the details. I need more, I want to know it all, but I'll settle for the parts that she's so courageously shared with us. (Make sure to read her personal note at the end of the story.)
I will admit that I almost stopped reading this book early on. For a few chapters, I thought that this plot was going to be one that I personally am getting a little tired of. I'm so glad now that I continued, because I was wrong. Since this book is inspired by a true story, it's not your typical rich boy meets poor girl romance. It's doesn't follow the same storyline as so many other romances out there right now. It's refreshing and romantic, and it's also heartbreaking.
More With You is Erin Spencer's debut solo novel, but you'd never guess that when reading it. This story is beautifully written with wonderful imagery, and there are passages that are almost poetic. The relationship between Ben and Summer is a true romance, and Ben is the perfect book boyfriend. If his real-life inspiration was truly like the Ben on paper, then I can understand how he would quickly steal your heart.
I really can't say much more about this book, because again, you just need to read it for yourself. Trust me when I say that you will feel every emotion with this one: anger, despair, embarrassment, love, grief, heartbreak, hope. It's all there within these pages, and if this author has more of her story to tell, I'd love to read a sequel.
So, there you have it...my top reads of 2022. What were your favorite reads of this year? Did any of my favorites make your list?
Wishing you a Happy New Year and many amazing reads in 2023!!!