Best of 2014

I have returned!!! And with my list of best books of 2014. Let me know what books you enjoyed last year. Here's to a great 2015 reading year! There are already so many books I am looking forward to. :)

Honorary #1: Cress by Marissa Meyer

(I read this book in 2013/2014, thanks to Macmillian for sending an ARC my way. And I LOVED it. The romance was spot on, the action was spot on, and CAPTAIN THRONE. He's my new ultimate book boyfriend now.)

1. Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

(I had to fortune of meeting Sue Monk Kidd briefly, but I honestly didn't have too high of expectations. Maybe it was my low expectations, or perhaps it was the phenomenal audio book narration. This book topped my list for many reasons, but it also managed to ignite my love for audiobooks. I've been trying to listen to more ever since).

2. Clockwork Princess & CoHF 

(I can't choose between either finale, because Cassandra Clare has weaved both stories together so effortlessly. It took some time to get into Cassandra Clare's books, because I wasn't a huge fan of City of Bones, but I stuck with it and I am so happy I did!)

3. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

(This was probably one of the best conclusions to a dystopian trilogy that I've read in a long time. There were tears of heartache and tears and joy. I can't remember being THIS satisfied with a dystopian conclusion).

4. Never Fade By Alexandra Bracken

(I admit, it took some time to get into this book. I was confused for the first 50 or so pages, but then things started kicking into gear and I LOVED this book. The new characters introduced (specifically Vida) had me howling with laughter. By the end, I was nearly in tears and desperate for book three. Why haven't I picked up book three yet?!)

5. The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

(Victoria's writing is absolutely stunning. And the premise for this series was killer. Imagine a world where the dead rest on shelves? Yes, please! This sequel delivers, and really shows Mackenzie's struggle with the events of the first. And then there's guy liner, who's stole my heart. I can't wait to read the short story, so I can finally know his real name.

6. Iron Queen by Julia Kagawa

(This is another series that had a slow start for me, but this book was a game changer! I really connected to Megan and I admired her choices and her strength by the end of the book. It had me in tears.)

7. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

(This is a book that "grew" on me as months passed. It's not as compelling as Crown of Midnight, but I really appreciate the book's character development--for both old and new characters. And how can I NOT love Rowan? I might love him more than Chaol, but don't tell him that.)

8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

(I was conflicted about the ending, at first, but I added this book to my list because it still sticks with me to this day. And I can't deny how much I identified with Lousia. Is it a perfect book? Perhaps not. But there was something about the story that rang true for me, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of Jojo's work.)

9. Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard

(I liked Susan's first two books in this series, but THIS BOOK. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. She took a risk with the ending, but I think it paid off. Again, I cried and I was left in shock. How could Susan do that? The more I think about it though, the more I appreciate her boldness. If you haven't picked up this series, do it now!)

10. Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

(Some people had issues with this book, but I found it to be a thrilling adventure. It was a roller coster ride, and while I would have done things differently, I was satisfied with the ending. This isn't true for everyone, so I would approach this final book with 'lower' expectations.)

Honorary Mention: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

(I mainly included this because of the fantastic TV series. I enjoyed the book, and the TV show has only heightened my love for the first book. I plan on continuing this amazing series in 2015.)