Favorite Books Of 2011

With just days left in 2011, we decided to go back and pick our 6 favorite books (or series) that we read this year.  They weren't all published in 2011 but we still enjoyed them.  I know 6 seems like an odd number but I couldn't narrow my list down to 5 and with there being three of us, 10 books each were too many. 

Stephanie's Picks

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison - I kept hearing how wonderful this was and I finally understood all the hype as soon as I opened the book.  I've gone back at least a half a dozen times to reread my favorite scenes.   Dragos is my dream alpha male and if it doesn't work out between him and Pia, I totally call dibs!!

The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon - This isn't my favorite book from the series (I know it's technically a Dream Hunter book but I consider it part of the Dark Hunter series) but it was still a great read.  What I loved most about it and why I put it on my list is that it had the feel of the earlier Dark Hunter books, which in my opinion are the best books from the series.  Seth's story is heartbreaking and I found his relationship with Lydia to be very sweet.  This book renewed my faith in a series that's been lacking lately.  Plus meeting Sherrilyn Kenyon at Comic Con TWICE really made my year. 

Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione - There are certain things I know I'll always find in a Larissa Ione book.  Kick ass heroines, demonically sexy heroes, hot sex and a good story.  Immortal Rider has all this and more.  I loved the plot and I was thrilled to see so many familiar Demonica characters.  The next book in the series is on my must have list for 2012. 

Duncan by D.B. Reynolds - I've said it before and I'll say it again, PNR fans must give this series a try.  It has a 'real' feel to it and the writing is fantastic.  Duncan has been one of my favorite characters since book one and I was very happy with how his story was told.  One of the best installments and again, I highly recommend this series!

Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep -  I started and finished this entire series this year and loved it all.  Gin is all kinds of awesome and Finn is one of my favorite supporting characters.  The action, suspense, romance and all the yummy food put this entire series at the top of my favorite urban fantasy list.

Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews - I was told many times how great this series is.  After reading the 3rd book in the series, Magic Strikes, I was hooked.  Kate is bad ass on all levels and Curran is in a class of his own.  Their relationship is anything but ordinary and I loved that.  Really, really awesome series. 

Athenna's Picks

The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter - As always Gena Showalter had me glued to my book. Once I picked it up I was hooked, I was annoyed when life made me put it down to do other things. There is heat and actions dripping form every page.I just loved Strider. He was sarcastic, fun, determined and bad ass. I loved his humor; he cracked me up all through the book. The relationship between Strider and Kaia they fit well together. This book had me cracking up to my self very often.

Fated and Claimed by Rebecca Zanetti - Both Books are magnetic. The males in the royal family are barbaric, sexy, and all alpha male. Each one has his own powers and important positions in the royal family. They are strong warriors and lovable men. The story sucks you in from page one. There is action, heat and sexual energy is on every page. Some scenes are hot enough to melt off the pages.

Dark Awakening by Kendra Leigh Castle - As soon as I got into it, which was like page twenty, I was hooked I couldn't read it fast enough I wanted to know what would happen. They are not your conventional vampires, the world that has been created in this series is unique and Intriguing. Each character has a life of there own. Ty is strong, sexy, and wants to do what's right for his people even if it conflicts with what his heart wants.Lily is not your normal stupid heroine, she is strong, tender and carries the blood of the ancients to back her ass up.

Black Heart Loa by Adrian Phoenix - This was a great addition to the series I loved the introduction to the new characters wail still learning about the old ones more. This series has the potential to branch off in other directions with so many strong side characters. There is not a slow point to this book once you open the book your engaged. Be prepared to be up late because you will not want to put it down.

Changeling Dream by Dani Harper - I love this community that is built in these books. The Macleod family is tight and fun loving. The connection between Jillian and James is so magnetic, you can feel the energy flow between them every time they come near one another.The whole book was good, no dry moments. Changeling dream keeps you engaged the entire book.

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison - I enjoyed this story, this is a refreshingly new idea it was like Gena Showalter's Lords of the underworld meets Legend the old 80’s movie with Tom Cruz. The warriors who work for Dragos are strong sexy and have a great comradely that makes them all a great team and intrigues you to want to know each of their stories. The whole world that Thea created is so imaginative and immense that it blows you away. At first I was like really Goblins and Fae, I’m not sure but it worked in well. It is not like the old fairy tales of Goblins and Fairies this is a new well put together world.

Beth's Picks

The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams - An urban fantasy done right! It is exciting, page turning, and utter joy to read. A fae civil war, and a human woman that is pulled between rebels and the Fae court.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle - A favorite cartoon as a child, and now is a favorite book. Right for almost any age, it is full of magic, wizards, and mystical creatures. A bitter-sweet story about finding the Unicorn's, and rescuing them.

The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter - Usually story collections wouldn't rate so high. Though I think, I was blown away by Carter. These fairy tale stories, such as Bluebeard are dark, frightening and beautiful. I can't wait to read more of her books.

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews - Kate is by far one of my all time favorite heroines!

Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi - Science Fiction is usually not my first choice in reading, but I ended up loving this. Scalzi retells H. Beam Piper's story, updating it. The story is about little cute fuzzy creatures that endlessly pull on the readers heart strings.

Just Kids by Patti Smith - I usually don't read Memoirs, but I am so glad I picked this one up! Smith's voice, descriptions, and all around experiences were amazing to read. It was like looking out a window in time.