Best Reads of 2013 (So far)

This year has been tough for me writing and reading wise. There were tight deadlines, family matters, and a big move. It’s been crazy around here. Since I’ve been behind schedule with my writing, I haven’t been reading as much as I normally would. That means I’ve been super picky about which books get my money and my attention. These are the books that recharged me while I was writing A Time of Dying and A Breath of Winter. These are my favorites of 2013 (so far).

1. Cold Days by Jim Butcher. I am a longtime Dresden Files fan, and this book made the slower pace of the last two worthwhile. I’m so excited for the Skin Games I could pop.

2. MacRieve by Kresley Cole. I really enjoy the Immortals After Dark series. It’s funny, sexy, and a little crazy. These books always leave me with a smile at the end, and I like that. This book in particular felt more focused on the hero and heroine, with fewer subplots to clutter the romance.

3. Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones. I have a weakness for UF police procedural series. This one isn’t that exactly, but it’s close enough. The heroine is likeable and funny. The hero is smoking and broken (my personal favorite combination). It’s a well-executed twist on a concept that’s seen some heavy play in UF. I really enjoyed it.

4. FROST BURNED by Patricia Briggs! I love this series so hard. It just keeps getting better. This book was awesome. If you haven’t tried the Mercy Thompson series yet, but love vamps, weres and folklore what are you waiting for?

5. Trapped by Kevin Hearne. I have mixed feelings about this series. I enjoy delving into lore and learning about Norse and Celtic mythology, but Atticus often rubs me the wrong way. He’s often compared to Harry Dresden, and I’ll admit I’m enough of a Harry fangirl that could be the root of the issue. But Harry risks his life to save people at great cost to himself, often for no reward other than survival. Atticus risks other people’s lives in the pursuit of what he wants/needs. That’s acceptable IF he shows growth throughout the series. So far that hasn’t happened to my satisfaction. In this book, I began to have a glimmer of hope because Atticus was forced to right some of his wrongs. We’ll see. I may not be one-hundred percent onboard, but I’m still reading, right? That has to say something.