Kris & Vik’s Top 10 Reads of 2017

Posted January 21, 2018 by Kris and Vik in Author & Series Spotlight, Book Love, Coffee & Books, Events, Home, Joint Reviews, Our Reviews, Special Content & Excerpts, ♡ Reviews by Kris ❤, ❤ Reviews by Vik ♡ / 0 Comments

Kris & Vik's Top 10 Reads of 2017

Happy New Year Book Friends! With the new year means it’s time for Kris and Vik to review with you guys our most favorite reads of 2017. This past year had a great deal of change, productivity and busy for us. We would like to send the biggest THANK YOU to our team of reviewers who work hard to keep the ever-increasing ARC’s read and presented to you because we could not do this without them. Kris would like to thank Vik for her tireless efforts to make sure that the blog stays beautifully organized and new content posted at least weekly. And Vik would like to thank Kris for keeping her sane and grounded.

Without further ado here is our list… 

 

Kris's Top 10 Reads of 2017

**10**

Bombshell by CD Reiss

My 2017 reading history was full of wonderful single father romances. It was honestly difficult to choose which ones were my favorite as thankfully so many were done so well. Christine Reiss is one of my MOST favorite authors and I was not disappointed at all with this contribution to the single father pool. It had some humor, drama and some very smoking hot scenes. One in particular causes me to fan myself even now when I think about. It also has an adorable and lovable little girl who really rounds out the story. I call CD Reiss the Shakespeare of Smut because when you read one of her books you don’t just get smoking hot sex you also get very well written complex characters and plot lines that lead you on a beautifully written journey. I listened to this one on Audible as was the case with most of my books read for 2017. This one was narrated by two of my favorites, Andi Arndt and Christian Fox. If you are into audio or want to get into it this is a perfect read to cut your teeth on. 

Get your e-book *here

Get your audio book *here*

 

**9**

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Click Image Above to Read My Review of A Court of Wings and Ruin 

After the awesomeness that was A Court of Mist and Fury I did not expect ACOWAR to be able to top that epicness and I do think going in with that in mind did make this a far more enjoyable read. There were so many questions, plotlines and mysteries left to be undiscovered and though Maas said that we would get an ending to Feyre’s story it was hard to see how that would all come about in one book. This book is a beast both in content and size. Maas did a wonderful job wrapping everything up. There are still several more books that will be in this series but if you are someone that needs to have a complete story you can start reading these now as this part of the story is done. I again listened to the audio of this book. With the change of narrator from the first two books Amanda Leigh Cobb was very dynamic and enjoyable. 

Get your e-book *here*

Get your audio book *here*

 

**8**

Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle

2017 was also the year of so many Karina Halle reads. A great deal of her books are available for audio and there were a ton of really good sales so I definitely took advantage. I had been waiting with baited breath for this book ever since she posted teasers for it and compared our dashing, handsome, distinguished gentleman hero of the story to be like Jon Hamm. Since I had already begun reading her work I knew that this one was sure to titillate and be very enjoyable. I was not disappointed at all. We had a single mother who was much younger than our hero. She had a rocky relationship with her ex as well as with her family. She was doing her best to take care of her son but also feeling very alone and not understood. Our hero has been through his own relationship issues in the past and is not ready for all the feels to hit him when he is reintroduced to our heroine. It was very well written. It had so much good toe curling sexy times and it was really overall an encouraging story that reminds us that love is not always wrapped up in a cute little package for us but it is totally worth the journey. The audiobook narrators Alexander Cendese and Jillian Macie did a great job, I would definitely recommend the audiobook for those that like them. 

Get your e-book copy *here*

Get your audio book copy *here*

 

**7**

Beard In Mind by Penny Reid

Penny Reid has quickly climbed her super nerdy lovable goodness into my heart especially with the Winston Brothers Series. This book was no different. What I loved, loved, loved about this one is that one of the characters has issues with mental health and instead of making an unstable caricature of what some people think it means to have certain mental illness issues Reid did an excellent job of painting this person as a human first. You would think common sense would make this an easy thing to accomplish but it does not. As a professional counselor I don’t always read fictional books with a mental health aspect because I’m often left wanting and angry. The character of Shelly was so well written and whether you have experience as a counselor or not you will want to reach out to her and tell her she can do it and you are routing for her throughout the entirety of this book. Beau is a wonderful match for her! He is patient, kind and genuinely concerned for her happiness and well being. I did the audio of this book as well and Chris Brinkley and Angela Dawe did a wonderful job with these characters!!!

Get your e-book **here**

Get your audiobook **here** 

 

**6**

Karina Halle The Offer 

Hot guy with an accent  ☑

Single mother with an adorable kid  ☑

Hottest mother f-in masturbation scene EVER  ☑

Now that I have your attention this book is EVERYTHING!!! I know this one was not released this year as is the case with several of my favorites this year. However, these are my favorite reads of the year and I could not make a list without adding this one. It was extremely well written. The plotline draws you in and keeps you turning the pages to find out what will happen next and the romance is deep and beautiful! This book totally sealed my love for Karina Halle and I’m glad that Vik and I made a deal to begin reading each others favorites this past year. Nicole Poole and Antony Ferguson were super hot and awesome in the audio book of this one. It is definitely a must listen!!!

Get your e-book **here**

Get your audiobook **here**

 

**5**

To Love Jason Thorn and To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise

To Love Jason Thorn and To Hate Adam Connor can be read as Standalones. I would read them in succession. These two books were my introduction to Ella Maise and I’m so glad that I listened to them. Jason Thorn was a more complex read with a lot of history between the characters and a very long journey that finally led to the happily ever after you will be wanting. It had some delightfully hot scenes, great sexual tension and a dose of humor to round it all off. Adam Connor had a much bigger dose of humor and falls into that category of single dad books that I read quite a few of this year. I loved the heroine in this one. She is strong and funny and just a little bit of crazy. The narrators were the beloved SEBASTIAN YORK and Lidia Dornet. I really enjoyed the narration they did for each book. If you’re looking for well rounded reads that you won’t be able to put down until you finish these are the books for you. 

Get your Jason e-book **here**

Get your Jason audiobook **here**

Get your Adam e-book **here**

Get your Adam audiobook **here**

 

**4**

The Billionaire Bad Boys Series by Max Monroe

Tapping the Billionaire, Banking the Billionaire and Scoring the Billionaire

Max Monroe is a writing duo that you can totally get behind. The Billionaire Bad Boys Series is full of rom-com gold!!! I could not put these down or rather I could not put my ear buds down listening to these. The characters are well thought out and smartly written. In some rom coms the characters fall into these really obvious traps and I will say with this series that did not play out or happen the way you thought it was going to. I’m so thankful that Vik and I were able to score tickets to Book Bonanza because I seriously cannot wait to meet these two authors and hopefully get tons of pictures and all the books signed. I honestly haven’t read a writing duo this good since starting Christina Lauren’s first series. If you did not tell me two people were writing I never would have thought it. The first book in this series is still my favorite. Tap the link above to read my review on it. The second book in this series was definitely the funniest and the most outrageous. If you are having a bad week and need a pick me up this is the one for you. The third book was so heartfelt and had a single mother. I enjoyed the more broody tone at times in it. I think that is why all of these were 5 bean reads. They did not just recycle the same story or revamp it a little and call it something different. It was not super predictable and formulaic. You won’t regret this series. There are also novellas if you love these characters as much as I did and want more of that rom com fun that you can pick up. I listened to the audio of these books and they were all really great. I like that they used different narrators for each. Eric Michael Summerer and CJ Bloom narrate Tapping, Elizabeth Hart and Jeremy York narrate Banking and Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden narrate Scoring. They all made really great teams in their performances and fit the characters spectacularly!

Grab the full series boxset **here**

(Novellas included all for less than $5 at time of posting.)

 

**3**

Ashes and Embers Series by Carian Cole

Storm, Vandal, Lukas, and Talon 

I started reading this series after I discovered Carian Cole’s Devil’s Wolves series. I am absolutely in love with this authors work. I am such a sucker for rockstar romance which is weird cause I only like this in fictional stories lol. I’m not really into rock music or the looks or lifestyles of most rock stars in real life… but hey that is part of the awesome joy of reading. Being able to be a part of a world in fantasy that you would not encounter in real life. My favorite of this series so far is Storm! It had humor and one of my favorite tropes when a woman is strong and a hard worker but also has been through some really rough times and could use a break and real love in her life. The way these two meet all the way to how they eventually get together is page turning and fun while also mixing in the perfect amount of drama. The other books follow a different member of the Ashes & Embers Series. Each one is different and has their own issues and trials to get through. Once you start you will not be able to put these downs, so go ahead and purchase them all and save yourself some time! LOL! I have not read Loving Storm yet but it is a novella that catches up with those two and needs to be read after reading Storm. Also, I think we can easily anticipate a book for Asher as well. A story that we learn about to an extent in Carian’s other series (Devil’s Wolves). I do suggest that you read these in order as there are things that happen that you may spoil for yourself if you read them out of order. I did the audio of all of these books as well. There are again various narrators and they all did an excellent job! You won’t regret doing these on audio.

Get the series **here** 

 

**2**

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass Series) by Sarah J. Maas

This book was an epic surprise and obviously really good as it is number two on my list this year. I always laugh at the memes that are done for the ToG fandom versus Sarah’s ACOTAR fandom and how the ACOTAR fandom often reads the books and walks away at the end with the warm and fuzzies and the lovers of ToG are sitting and rocking in a corner and tearing the room apart in anger. It’s very true and I’m thankful to be a part of both fandoms for this reason. I need the balance! LOL! This novel was originally intended to be a novella. As Sarah began to write it she apparently had far more story about Chaol and his journey than a novella could handle. I did not know what to expect especially after reading Empire of Storms. You are literally left feeling all the feels after that one and I was not sure how something that took you away from the direct story there would feel. It was epic in its own right. The revelations, the new characters, the super strong females and how it all tied back into the main story was AMAZING!!!! Having to wait for the next book in this serious is glorious torture as I am torn between wanting to know how it is all going to end and never wanting it to end. I did this one as an audiobook as well. Elizabeth Evans is the narrator and I believe she has narrated all of these books. SHE is fantastic especially with the sassy strong female characters that Sarah J. Maas is known for creating. A must-read for sure!!!

Get your e-book copy **here**

Get your audiobook copy **here**

 

**1**

The Devil’s Wolves Series by Carian Cole

Torn & Tied

Torn and Tied are my number reads of the year for different reasons. If I had to pick which one was number one I would say Tied. I have not read a story that was so moving and sad and dramatic and wonderful in quite some time. It is in a league of its own. Torn was so wrong that it was right. I found myself questioning if I should like what was happening and knowing that it made sense and the way that it was written was done so well that I was justifying it to myself as I read. If there were more beans to give both of these books would have gotten them from me, lol. I listened to both of these books and enjoyed the narration of both. I would definitely recommend listening if you are an audiobook person. I do not want to go into any details in these books because as things are found out and revealed is really part of the magic of Carian’s writing.

Get the series **here**

 

Vik's Top 10 Reads of 2017

**10**

The Fortune Teller by Gwendolyn Womack

What’s better than reading books about books? This is the second book published by Gwendolyn Womack and she has become my insta-favorite author since The Memory Painter (review).

What I most enjoyed about the book is the twists and turns the story takes its readers on, not only through events but time itself. Gwendolyn has a way with words where you get lost in fiction that is rooted in historically accurate facts. Essentially this gem is a love story.

 Get your e-book *here* 

Get your audiobook *here*

 

**9**

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

ACOTAR, ACOMAF, & ACOWAR

Kris worked so hard in getting me to read this series. Apparently this is the year that I listened to her… and was hooked on the storylines. There were many nights where I was texting her wanting details and spoilers that she just would not give me. So I read.. and read… and read… and 1,756 pages later I was done.

There is a reason why this series is so popular (and no it’s not because of Rhys and all hi sexy, smirking, bad boy, panty melting ways) it’s all about SJM’s writing a super elaborate universe reminiscent of JK Rowling. Yes! I’m going to go there.

Get the series *here* 

 

**8**

Rocked Up by Karina Halle & Scott Mackenzie

Standalone, rockstar romance with my favorite trope by my favorite author writing with her husband. Together they basically wrote a ‘What If’ fantasy of 2 rock stars falling in lust, love, and deeply madly into each other. The story was a blend of drama, steam, and humor. With a heavy dose of 2 music lovers/professionals geeking out in a story.

Read my FULL 5-Bean review *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**7**

The Embraced Series by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Embraced Series by Kerrelyn Sparks

How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days & So I Married a Sorcerer

This series was a huge hit with me. It was like Fairytale gone Game Of Thrones. It had all kinds of fun things set in this imaginary fantasy world with kings, queens, betrayal, magic, and destiny. Have I mentioned hunky men who are all alpha??? No? Well sorry, I didn’t mention this sooner.

In How To Tame a Beast in Seven Days, sheltered Luciana meets her husband to be, the Beast aka Leo. Along with that, she meets the life she would have led if she was not born under the magical moon that gave her magical powers at birth. The story snatches you in from the first page.

In So I Married a Sorcerer, we get the story of two star-crossed lovers, Luciana’s embraced “sister”, Brigitta and pirate, Rupert. While I was completely in love with the first book’s couple, this one did win a big chunk of my heart. The pirate, treasure, and secret revenge plan, what could be better?

… and I’m really hoping the answer is book 3 in the Embraced Series – Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, which is set to release March 27, 2018.

Read my FULL 5-Bean review of How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

Read my FULL 5-Bean review of So I Married a Sorcerer *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**6**

Trust by Kylie Scott

Trust by Kylie Scott

Favorite author Kylie Scott wrote an amazing YA book for adults. It was everything you love about Kylie’s writing and more. I enjoyed the story so much because I saw myself in it. Not the getting held up at gunpoint in a grocery store and getting saved by a hot buy. No, definitely not that, but the awkward teen stage where you need that love and understanding. Essentially finding your person who understands you at your core.

Read my FULL 5-Bean review *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**5**

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Roomies by Christina Lauren

A marriage of convenience… results in an epic love story. A love story that made me sob big, fat tears. 

In this story ever lost Holland helps her uncle by finding subway talent, and a man who she has a huge crush on, for his Broadway show. While Calvin’s life did not go as planned in his musical career, Holland gives him a second chance in so many ways. While trying to be altruistic for her uncle she ends up changing the course of her own life and love life. I mean come on its romance!

Read my FULL 5-Bean review *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**4**

Wild Card by Karina Halle

Wild Card by Karina Halle

Another amazing hit by Karina Halle. This one was a trilogy that starts with Wild Card as a standalone about second chances in love. This story was also beautifully heartbreaking and tragic.

The series is set on ranch/farm in Canada and written beautifully as only a lover of nature can. 

Read my FULL 5-Bean review *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**3**

Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino

Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino

I can’t even think of this book and not wanting to break down into tears yet again. This book messed me up so bad! Ugly cry of the year for me. I really need to give out an award to Renee Carlino for making me feel all those feelings.

The book is an emotional ride that I HIGHLY recommend that anyone and everyone embarks on.

Read my FULL 5-Bean review *here*

 Get your e-book *here* 

 

**2 & 1**

Dartmoor Series & Lean Dogs Legacy Series by Lauren Gilley

Dartmoor Series by Lauren Gilley

Lean Dogs Series by Lauren Gilley

The Dartmoor Series is the original series that gives a spin-off to Lean Dogs Legacy. I have discovered this new to me author earlier this year thanks to a recommendation from a fellow reader. To say I binged most of the published books by this author would be an understatement.

Lauren Gilley has a way with words. She is a poet. She is an artist. She is a genius. Magician of complex characters. She likes to think she doesn’t write romance… but I would like to call bs ON that statement. There is plenty of romance in this series. There is plenty of badass men who live in MC world and live by their rules. There is plenty of darkness in their world, but also plenty of kickass women and feel good feelings reserved only for those kickass women. 

Both series are not standalone and while they focus on 2 different chapters there is a whole lot of interlap between the two series. Learn from my mistakes read in order that things were published. It is VERY important!

Get your e-books of Dartmoor Series *here* 

Get your e-book of Lean Dogs Legacy Series *here* 

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