Authors celebrate their favorite romances of 2013, part 2
This is HEA's favorite time of year — because we get to share romance authors' favorite books of 2013. Be sure to stop in often over the next several days to see more of authors' favorites, including Thursday's part 1.
LORI FOSTER, author of Getting Rowdy and Turn Up the Heat
• Dare You To by Katie McGarry gave us Beth, a street tough heroine that really got to me, with Ryan, her polar opposite who stole her heart - and mine. Phenomenal dialogue and realism at its best! One of my favorite couples ever!
• Crash Into You by Katie McGarry — *oh, Isaiah* — featured such an amazing young man that no one will read that book and be untouched. It'll change your views of the world, and love.
• Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis is one of the funniest, sexiest books ever. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments with a most awesome broken-wing Alpha hunk. I adored Griff! I love everything by Jill, but Griff broke the mold.
JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT, aka J. LYNN, author of Be With Me
• Picking just three of my favorite romance reads of the year is a hard, hard thing to do. One of my favorite reads of the year is Foreplay by Sophie Jordan. It's a New Adult romance that's a really light, sexy and fun read.
• Another huge favorite was Lover At Last by J.R. Ward. Qhuinn and Blay. Need I say more?
• And finally, I loved Rome by Jay Crownover. Yes, I'm cheating. The third book in the Marked Men series doesn't come out until February, but it also made my favorites of 2013.
Honorable mentions: Turning Point and Out of Turn by Tiffany Snow, How to Lose a Bride in One Night by Sophie Jordan, Bound by Night by Larissa Ione and many, many more.
RACHEL VAN DYKEN, author of Elect
• The Wicked Wallflower by Maya Rodale. This book was such a hilariously delightful surprise that I'm cursing the fact that the next book isn't out for another six months! Wonderful writing, funny dialogue, and a great historical romance. I'd been in a slump with historicals lately and this pulled me out of it. ;)
JENNIFER ESTEP, author of The Spider
• Also Known As by Robin Benway. A fun book about a teenage spy who goes undercover and discovers that there's room for more than just missions in her life.
• Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. A dark, emotional story that will have you rooting for the teenage heroine and hero to find their happy ever afters with each other and their families.
• Poison by Bridget Zinn. A charming epic fantasy about one girl's quest to save her kingdom and the friends that she discovers along the way.
BEC McMASTER, author of My Lady Quicksilver
• Redemption by Erica Hayes. One smokin' hot angel with his own set of tarnished wings, a fiery vampire out to kill all angels; all set in a dark apocalyptic world. Supernatural meets The Walking Dead.
• Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin. One word: Arek. A sexy-as-sin Lightblade warrior in a fantasy world beyond imagining, and the fiery heroine who tames him.
• Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan. Adore this series! Steamy deliciousness set in a dark, paranormal Victorian world.
Honorable mention: Too many to list, but I have to add Lick by Kylie Scott. Anyone who has not met super-hot rock star David Ferris needs to get to a bookstore, stat.
SUSAN VAUGHAN, author of Twice a Target
• In the Arms of the Heiress by Maggie Robinson. Emotional and sensual, hero to die for, strong conflict, a keeper.
• Against the Edge by Kat Martin. Great romantic suspense with unexpected twists and a sexy romance. Loved this Raines of Wind Canyon series installment.
• Take Me Home by Nancy Herkness. Beautiful and evocative, touching and sensual romance, deep characterization.
Others I loved: His Enemy's Daughter by Terri Brisbin, Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas.
KATHLEEN BROOKS, author of Final Vow
• Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman. Peterman mixes comedy with hot vampires and mystery to form the perfect laugh out loud book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Astrid is unknowingly turned into a vampire while trying to quit smoking. Then she faces a foul-mouthed guardian angel and a fairy who thinks he's Arnold Schwarzenegger. This books never lets up as the main character is charged with saving the whole vampire race, a sexy prince, and more Prada than a vamp can stand. This was my favorite book of the year and I can't wait for the next in the series.
• The Cop Who Stole Christmas by Christie Craig. Savanna, a sassy Southern woman with a dead ex-husband wrapped in a bow, plus one hot detective makes for the perfect Christmas cheer. Now Savanna and Mark must find the murderer that is leaving naked ex-husbands tied up with bows. I love the way this book makes you laugh—I mean what woman hasn't had Santa repo their car, been embarrassed wearing a blue facial mask, or thrown up on the hot detective next door?
• Dare to Love by Carly Phillips. Carly's hot new series is fantastic! Alpha men, strong women, and smoking chemistry is abound. When Ian falls for Riley, the best friend of his half-brother, the tense unspoken rivalry explodes with his brother as passion ignites between him and Riley. I enjoyed the drama of the imperfect families mixed with the characters trying to find themselves while learning to let their love to grow. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Honorable mentions: One Sweet Summer by Cali MacKay, The Marriage Merger by Jennifer Probst, The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest by Mary Campisi, The Devil's Heart by Cathy Maxwell.
LOUANN CARROLL, author of The Light and the Flame
Searching for my favorite romance novels of 2013 was quite the journey since I review so many books. But there were a few that grabbed my attention, forced me to hang a Do Not Disturb sign on my bedroom door, where I hung out with a bottle of wine, chocolate, and some amazing novels.
• My first choice is Resurrecting Harry by Constance Phillips. First off, this is a book about Harry Houdini. Not my style at all. Yet, from the first page I was hooked. The novel is told with such candor you can't help but fall in love with the characters. Like the title, Constance resurrected a winner with this novel.
• My second choice is The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski. I just loved this quote: "He was taking the long road. She was taking the road to nowhere. It just so happened they led to the same place..." Tragedy enters all our lives at some point in time, but it entered theirs too soon. You might want to keep a hanky handy.
• Lastly, Surviving Raine by Shay Savage. So reminiscent of Rosemary Rogers. A captain, a maid, a schooner, and a life raft. What more could a romance reader desire?
Runners-up: Here are some Young Adult reads that caught my attention and my heart — Speak of the Devil by Shawna Romkey, Tainted by Lynn Rush, One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker. Great books all ...
CLAY AND SUSAN GRIFFITH, authors of The Kingmakers
• My Lady Quicksilver (London Steampunk, #3) by Bec McMaster. Can't get enough of this world and the characters!
• A Study in Silks (The Baskerville Affair, #1) by Emma Jane Holloway. Fabulous world of Sherlock Holmes!
• Kick Start by Caren Crane. A warm fuzzy read about starting over!
MARY KENNEDY, author of Nightmares Can Be Murder
• Just Like Other Daughters by Colleen Faulkner. A beautiful, bittersweet tale about finding love in unexpected places.
LORI AUSTIN, author of The Lone Warrior
• Beach House #9 by Christie Ridgway. The perfect book to take away the chill of winter. This is the first book in Christie's trilogy, all of which take place in and around beach houses on the California coast. I also have a thing about books with writers as the hero or heroine. Can't get enough of them.
• The Best Man by Kristan Higgins. This is the first book in Kristan's Blue Heron series and the first book I've ever read by her. I laughed and laughed and went right out and bought most of her backlist. I've become a Kristan Higgins fangirl.
• Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. From the opening scene in ancient Ireland, I was hooked. I just returned from a trip to Ireland, so going back to visit in Nora's book was fantastic. The descriptions of both ancient Ireland and modern Ireland made me nostalgic. The magic gave me a shiver. Add horses and dogs and hawks and an evil sorcerer and I couldn't put it down.
R.T. WOLFE, author of Savage Deception
• Bound by Brenda Rothert. Loss. Love. Grief. And moving on. A heavily emotional read.
• Ghost by Genevieve Jack. An unsuspecting witch. The shapeshifting caregiver set to protect her. Loads of creatures who want to end her. Fun, suspenseful read!
• A Good Draw by Laurie Bradach. Bull-riding cowboy. A woman who knows how to survive. A twist that had me palming my forehead. Loved it!
TIGRIS EDEN, author of The Genesis Project
• Bound by Night by Larissa Ione. I don't just love this book because one of the characters has my namesake! Nope, this book is action packed and puts the P in Paranormal Romance! LOVED IT!
• Reaver by Larissa Ione. What Can I say, I'd been waiting for this book since I learned there was going to be a book about the sexy angel! Ione does not disappoint!
• Raid by Kristen Ashley. I love all of Kristen Ashley books, ALL OF THEM! Thanks to my Girls Bells for hooking me up with this author but OMG! Raid's book was just raw alphaness at its finest! Pick up the Unfinished Hero's series you will not be disappointed!
Honorable mentions:Safe With Me Kristen Proby. I love the With Me In Seattle Series!
The Chronicles of Katrina's Series books 1-3 by Karin Tabke. Who doesn't like Hot COPS! Simon can lock me up anytime! I can't wait for the final book Consequences to come out, Karin Tabke is amazing!
Bedding the Bad Boy by Virna DePaul. You cannot go wrong with this book!
Nice Girl to Love Series by Violet Duke. Emotional ride of just YES! I loved the angle on these books and loved every minute of it! Gotta choose the right guy to love, right!
DEBORAH O'NEILL CORDES, author of Dragon Dawn
• Unattainable and Wildflower Redemption by Leslie P. Garcia. Texas tales to steal your heart. I must include both of Ms. Garcia's novels, because I can't decide which one is my favorite!
• Shadow Beneath the Sea by Joanna Lloyd. The Lusitania disaster looms as a man and woman must overcome great conflict to find everlasting love. James Cameron, here's your next Titanic!
• In Love and War by Tara Mills. I was swept away by Ms. Mills' ability to weave a sensual romance in small-town America with a gripping tale of a hero-journalist investigating harrowing conditions in Iraq.
BRYNNA CURRY, author of Claiming Ana
• Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon. A scarred, unexpected hero; brave, strong heroine, timeless love (literally) and all set in the Dark-Hunter world. I absolutely loved this book even when I was heartbroken for its hero.
• Breathe You In by Lily Harlem. Harlem never fails to heat things up quickly, which I love, but proves she can bank the fire with this sizzling mainstream romance. Breathe You In was an emotional, powerful read that left me wishing for more pages.
• The Stark Trilogy: Release Me, Claim Me, Complete Me (because I couldn't choose just one) by J. Kenner. What can I say about Damien? Rich, dangerous, wounded but so patient, and Nikki is his perfect balance.
Don't forget to check out Thursday's post of authors' 2013 faves.