January Favorites

January 2016 has to be one of the BEST starts to a year of reading I've had in years. There are many novels that we read this month that we will most definitely be reading again because they were that good. Let's take a look, shall we?

(clicking on the image will take you to more info about the books)

God Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo--I read this one at a time in my life when I was circling the drain of grief and all I can say is that this novel held my hand throughout that process. It shaped my days and gave me some much needed perspective. 

Deacon by Kristen Ashley--I love this particular series and especially the heroine in Deacon. Cassie was so strong and focused and clear about who she was and what she wanted; a perfect foil to Deacon. 

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp--This novel was so gripping--as a high school teacher I felt especially connected to what was happening and why. I appreciated the multiple narrators, a cast of characters rich in diverse backgrounds and desires, and an ending that felt like real. I can't wait to read what Nijkamp writes next.

Loud Is How I Love You by Mercy Brown--Dude. Can I be Mercy Brown when I grow up? The coolness factor is OFF THE CHARTS and her debut novel was perfect. Emmy was focused and funny and just such a mess and I couldn't help but love her. The music scene, the setting, the decade--all of those hit the most perfect notes with me; maybe it's because I was in college and caught many of the references or maybe I just liked reliving my glory days? It doesn't matter because what does matter is that Mercy Brown has another novel on the way and I can't wait to read it!

First Touch by Laurelin Paige-- I can't really due the hotness or the ending justice. SERIOUSLY. All I can say is that this novel was a total page turner for me and the end had my jaw on the floor. Hurry up and get book two out, Laurelin Paige, I'm dying here!

Hold On by Kristen Ashley--Is it wrong to hope that all of the characters in this series make a reappearance or that somewhere down the line another book makes its way into this series? I loved Merry and Cher and everything about them and their families and friends. This novel was a fantastic way to end the series, even if I didn't want to see it end, and the epilogue was completely satisfying.

F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher--This was the very first novel I read for 2016 and I truly hope it's a harbinger of things to come. This novel was motivating, insightful, funny, and inspiring. It's top on my list of novels to re-read and if you haven't met Helena you must--she changed me a little and I owe her and Tarryn Fisher a huge thank you for kicking me in the ass to make some much needed changes.

Looking at the reviews coming up in February, I can honestly say that January wasn't a freak of nature--there are a ton of great books coming your way. Until next month, happy reading....