Monday, January 4, 2010

Favorite reads of 2009



I read a lot of books in 2009. I'm the type that gives myself time to read every day. I have to, if not I go a little crazy. LOL. It's my way to wind down after the day. That one thing that is mine and mine alone after a day spent caring for the hubby and kidlets. I read some great books, some okay books and some books that just didn't do it for me. These are my favorites of the year. They weren't all released in 2009 but that's when I read them :)






He wanted all of her—and did she ever let him have it...

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in—and finds himself greatly rewarded...

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor—when she didn't even know his last name—was the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic—or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's opening to sensual pleasures she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that's in their hearts?


author website


A friend of my recommended this book to me. It's an awesome erotic romance. Hot, hot, hot, but also emotional which is right up my alley! It's the only book I've read by this author, but I plan to get my hands on more!







When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

author website

This is a YA while I know that's not every one's cup of tea, this is a fantastic book. I devoured the whole thing in one day and then promptly brought a copy for my friend and had it mailed to her. It's sweet and takes on some hard issues, like young men in gangs. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance.






In a frozen wilderness steeped in darkness, the lines between good and evil, lover and enemy, are never black or white but drawn in Shades of Midnight.

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt within herself but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear.


author website

This is one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I fell in love with Dante in book too, fell harder for Tegan in book three and loved the books in between. Now I have Kade who is battling Tegan for my heart. Kade is a HOT, hero who wants to take care of his woman, but he doesn't deny the fact that she's a capable woman who can take care of herself too. Gotta love that in a man...err...vampire. LOL. This is a great series and Shades of Midnight was one of my favorite books in it.





Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat


author website

WOW!!!! This was by FAR my very favorite read of the year. In fact, all four books in the series are on my list but I figured I didn't need to post them all here. I picked this book up after it was recommended to my from Stacy. I read all four books that are currently released in one week. I neglected my dinner duties a bit but Cat and Bones were SO worth it. I laughed out loud countless times in the series. Cat and Bones not only have great chemistry but their banter is fantastic. Bones...what can I say about this hero? I think he's probably my number one hero off all time right now. He's sexy, strong, capable, tough, a great sense of humor and he loves Cat so much it made my heart twitter. There's great action in the books and Cat is a wonderful, kick-butt heroine who doesn't sit around and need to be taken care of. Love that about her.

And as a side note...there is one scene, chapter thirty-two in book two that is the hottest vampire love scene I have ever read...I almost need a glass of water just thinking about it.

There you have it. My list of my favorite reads of 2009. Any books you read last year that you want to rave about? Inquiring minds want to know!

11 comments:

Regina Carlysle said...

I'm making it a personal goal to read MORE this year. Just seems I'm always writing and staring down a deadline. YEESH.

Anonymous said...

I read a WONDERFUL book called Killer Curves. The authors name is Rita..Regina...begins with an R anyway (grin)!

And Burn was pretty awesome too, Anne:)

Kelley, hopefully I'll get to your books this year!

Molly Daniels

Anne Rainey said...

I REALLY want to read the first one and the last one! I just got two Sarah McCarty books and can't wait to read them. I'm loving her stuff so far.

Anne Rainey said...

Thanks, Molly! Glad you liked that one! :)

Laurann Dohner said...

I have read a lot of really great books this year, I make the time, but I have to say that one really sticks out in my head. It was Butterfly Unpinned by Bonnie Dee and Laura Bacchi. SUPER great book.

Laurann Dohner said...

Whoops. I guess I meant LAST year!

Kelley Nyrae said...

You must read more, Reg. I would go nuts without it.

Thanks, Molly! Anne and Reg are two of my favs too!

Anne, please, please read the Night Huntress. I just love it.

Laurann, I remember seeing the cover for that one. It intrigued me!

Unknown said...

I am a voracious reader and have read all of the Night Huntress books that have been released. I just finished reading "Shades of Midnight" and loved it as I did all of the Breed Series. I also read "Getting Lucky with Luciano" and "Unexpected Mr Right" and fell madly, irrevocably in love with Nico.

Maria said...

I agree that the books by Jeanine Frost are fantastic! The scene in book 2 that you discussed is uber-hawt! I also enjoyed Chloe Neills Chicagoland Vampire books that came out in 2009. Actually I pretty much loved everything I read, I'm pretty careful about buying books so I make sure to get good ones!

Madison Scott said...

Frost is my favorite now. I just love her books. Mmm, want to read the books over again. LOL. I want to try the Chicagoland books too. How much romance are in those?

Kelley Nyrae/Madison Scott

Kelley Nyrae said...

Andycea,
WOW! Thank you so much. I'm so glad you enjoyed my books. Nico holds a special place in my heart. He's one of my favorite heroes I've written. Thanks again!!