My Favorite Books Of 2014

So in checking out Goodreads, I discover I have read 102 books this year.

I know. I know.

*Waves.* "Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a bookaholic."

I stay up late, huddled under my covers, desperate to find out what happens. I know I should be sleeping but...those amazing books keep me hooked until the wee hours of the morning! I JUST HAVE TO SEE HOW IT ENDS!

Who needs sleep anyway? AMIRITE?!

*Ahem.*

Sorry. I just get a little passionate when it comes to books and reading.

I have really some really good books, some okay books, a few not-so-good books and a handful of amazing ones.

So, if you are looking for a good book to read when your holed up inside due to winter weather (or just because), then pull up a chair and get comfy. I'm going to give you my two cents.

The Ward


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

This is the author's debut novel and I think she knocked it out of the park. I liked the main character, Ren. Ren is no nonsense and does what needs to be done. But there is also a sensitive side to her that not many people see because she has to be tough to survive.
Ms. Frankel does a great job describing the world where Ren lives. Awesome! Fast paced, gritty, unique premise. Couldn't put it down. If you like a fast paced dystopian read, this one is for you.

Ignite Me


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Let me first day that this is one of my favorite series of all time. If you have never read this series, start with Shatter Me (book 1).
I love the character of Juliette. I love seeing how she changes from a scared, lonely, insecure girl in book 1 to a strong, confident, determined woman in book 3.
Oh yeah, she does have superpowers too which is pretty much bad ass.
Of course, there is also a love triangle which I am always a sucker for. This one is done quite well and has a lot of surprises.
The prose is beautiful. Ms. Mafi really has a way with words. She really gets to your emotions and makes you feel things. Oh, the feels in this book!
If you like superheroes, romance or dystopia, you will love this series.

White Hot Kiss


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a master of paranormal romance. She is one of my favorite authors. If you get one of her books, you know you are in for a good read.
The way she develops these characters and their relationship. The way she adds a paranormal element and creates a whole new mythology surrounding it. The way she creates the snarky dialogue and the way she amps up the sexual tension between the main characters. Whew! It is scorchingly hot.
Get this one. Like yesterday.


Ex-Heroes


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

If you are a fan of zombies and/or superheroes, you will love this book. I liked the tone of this book which was no nonsense-simply stating the facts-kind of voice. The book is told in present day but there is some flashing back to events prior to the collapse of civilization. I really liked the character of St. George and seeing all of the different super powers that ordinary people ended up with.
There are kick-butt male and female heroes which I think it awesome. I love me some female superheroes.
And the idea of turning a movie set into a safe haven, brilliant! Love the concept.
I've already got the next book on my library "Read Request" list.

Fire and Flood


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

It's no secret that I enjoy dystopia books and series. So guess what?! This is both! 
*Squee!* 
This is dystopia done right. It has "America but not really America because there something traumatic has happened to change everyone'e lives". It has characters that we care so much about, Chimeras (Chimeras!), romance, action, adventure and a magical race with thousands of participants with only one winner who will receive the cure for the disease that ails their loved one. Sounds good right?!
The next one in this series is at the top of my "To Read" list.

In A Handful Of Dust


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

When I read Ms. McGinnis' "Not A Drop To Drink", I was floored. It was unlike anything I had ever read. It was brutal, barren, harsh yet tender and innocent. The characters and the premise were so unique.
I just knew I would have to read any other book she wrote because it would be awesome. And it was was.
This book did not disappoint.
This book could be considered a second book in the series but you could read it as a stand alone.
I highly recommend reading "Not A Drop To Drink" first. And be sure you have lots of time because you won't want to put it down.

Wild


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Ah, Sophie. Sophie. Sophie. Sophie. You, my dear, are a delight to read. 
Ms. Jordan has a way with contemporary romance that will pull you in, make you laugh, get your heart racing, reduce you to tears and envelope you in a hug to make everything all right. She is a master at romance. 
This entire series, The Ivy Chronicles, focuses on a group of close female friends who go to college together as well as their romantic relationships.
This book is such a fun read as well as the others in this series. I always enjoy her books.

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

First off, if you do not love Veronica Mars, we cannot be friends.
I mean Veronica Mars! How can you not love her?!
This book is the first book by the brilliant Rob Thomas about Veronica. It picks up where we left off after the movie.
I love Veronica because she is snarky, smart and doesn't take anybody's crap. She has had a rough life but she still is a good person and does the right thing. If you ask her to solve a mystery, there is no doubt she will.
And Veronica and Logan - *swoon* - I love them. It is like they are bad for each other but they feel this pull towards each other and find it hard to stay away.
Looking forward to the next one.

The Falconer


(Courtesy of Goodreads)

It's 1844. Aileana is supposed to be a proper lady during the day and hunt faeries by night. And steampunk! Sounds good, does it not?
I especially loved her relationship with her trainor/mentor Kiaran.
I am not usually a fan of faerie books but this one was awesomesauce.
Really enjoyed this series. Interesting premise and strong female lead. 
And steampunk! Did I mention steampunk?

The Fault In Our Stars


(Courtesy of Goodreads)


I heard a lot about this book. There was so much hype surrounding this book. Plus the movie that came out last year.
So I finally gave in and read this book. I'll admit this is not my sort of book but I was curious to see if it was really as good as everyone was said.
And let me just tell you that it is. It is a really great read. It's emotional, brutal, sassy, cold and caring. I seriously laughed out loud reading this book and was also reduced to snotty, sobbing hot mess.
For anyone who thinks YA fiction is subpar, I challenge you to read this book.
This book deals with some very serious topics and it is written as good as some of the best adult books out there.
Looking forward to reading other books by Mr. Green.


Have you read any of these books? Did you love them like I did?

Which books were your favorites from last year?