Sweet Spot Book Blog: 2013

Happy New Year!!

2013 was a great year for books. With so many candidates to choose from, I decided to make two lists. So now I present to you my Crack Books & Favorite Reads of 2013.

CRACK BOOKS
This is the crème-de-la-crème. These books are addicting. They either tore me up, left me an emotional wreck or just made me outright swoon. I was always in a severe book funk afterwards & I will never tire of pimping out these books.

(In no particular order)

Making Faces by Amy Harmon

If God makes all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?

I have no appropriate words to describe how I feel about this book. It’s one of favorite reads of ALL-TIME. This was such a beautiful and emotional story. All I wanted to do when it ended was to start it all over again. I had a major book funk after this one. (Full Review)

Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin

Dare to be vulnerable with me

Jay & Charlee’s story wasn’t easy to read, but man was it fucking good. I could not put this story down; I only had two hours of sleep, but it was so worth it. It was dark, explicit and got pretty graphic at times, but I can’t deny how excellent it was. (Full Review)

Sweet Home (Sweet Home #1) by Tillie Cole

For never was a truer story of love conquering woe than this of Molly Juliet and her Romeo.

Tillie Cole has become a go-to author for me. This book was un-putdownable. I love my Romeo. He was full of Alpha, possessive, protective sexiness. Such a sweet story! (Full Review)

Sex Love Repeat by Alessandra Torre

They both own my heart now, an equal division fought over by two sets of blue eyes.

Fantasy escapism. I’m all for monogamy and all its swoony glory, but seriously…this story, as fucked up as the situation was, I wanted it; I wanted the fantasy that was Madison’s life. She has a relationship with two drop dead gorgeous men, a sex life to fucking die for, but never once was she ever cheating on the other. Both Stewart and Paul knew about each other; accepted and even embraced this unique situation. They both loved her, too, and she loved them both equally. Seriously. This book had me in a lustful fantasy-filled haze for days. (Full Review)

Eternally North (Eternally North #1) by Tillie Cole

I couldn’t deny that he was all muscle and pure gorgeousness. Bad attitude though. What a bloody shame.

This was the first book by Tillie that I fell in love with. Tills has pure talent when it comes to making Alpha Heroes. Here, we have Tudor North: Bad-boy, brooding Hollywood actor. And like my Romeo, inside that tough-ass exterior lies a big-ole teddy bear. This story also had a great cast of characters: Tash (loved this heroine and her Geordie accent), Tink & Tate. Such a entertaining read. (Full Review)

There is No Light in Darkness (Darkness #1) by Claire Contreras

I love you to the moon and back.

The writing was flawless, the characters were all unforgettable and the story was very moving. Plus this story had Cole Murphy. He is AMAZING. He’s everything I love in my Heroes: Super sexy, smart, protective, possessive, persistent, and so full of love. He made this story great. (Full Review)

Beauty From Pain (Beauty #1) by Georgia Cates

“No. I can’t love a lie and that’s all we were.”

A strong Alpha male Hero, sizzling sex and just a touch of angst…how could I not love this story. This had so many little things that made the story so unique. I was just happy that book two came out when I read this because this, my friends, ends in a big cliffhanger. (Full Review)

Dangerous to Know & Love by Jane Harvey-Berrick

“I heard you. Oh, God, I heard you.” His head dropped to his chest and he blew out a shaky breath. “I love you, baby doll. So much.”

This author’s Education of… series is also a huge favorite of mine this year. However, this was story made my list simply because I’m so in love with the story’s Hero, Daniel. I couldn’t get enough of him. This story was full of drama, angst and steam. I wanted to read it all over again when I finished. (Full Review)

Unbeautifully (Undeniable #2) by Madeline Sheehan

“I wanna rip you the fuck open,” he said, breathing harder as his thrusts became brutal. “I want all of me inside all of you, not just my fuckin’ cock, baby, but all of me. All of you.”

“Yes,” she whimpered. “I want all of you.”

I fucking love Madeline Sheehan. This second book in her Undeniable Series was fucking awesome. Just. Fucking. Awesome. This wasn’t pretty; no candy, chocolate-covered hearts nor flowers made any appearances. This was raw, unapologetic and just downright addictive. (Full Review)

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

Maybe if I can solve him and he can solve me, we can explain each other.

I had this book on my TBR since September 2012, but it wasn’t until this year that I finally picked it up. And when I did…WOW!! Just. Wow. This book kept my interest wondering what drew the damaged Nastya & Josh together. They were real and beautiful, just like this story. (Full Review)

Wanderlust by Skye Warren

And I was helpless to resist, too weak to fight the mounting pleasure, too relieved to find myself spread and held and wanted, oh finally, someone did want me, and even if it was perverted and dirty, at least it was new.

Skye is one of my go-to Dark Erotica authors. There’s just something about her stories. Mind you, they are not for everyone. This one contained dubious consent, kidnapping, captivity and psychological tug of war. What astonishes me is that I always end up liking the supposed bad guy. Another excellent example of this is Skye’s most current release: Don’t Let Go, which was also another favorite of mine this year. (Full Review)

Falling Into You (Falling #1) by Jasinda Wilder

Fermented grief is far more potent.

It’s emotional stories like this that make reading so much fun. Don’t get me wrong, I was a blubbering hot mess reading this, but I loved it. Kyle, Nell & Colton…their story is just one big emotional story. This was intense and I loved every single moment. (Full Review)

True Love Story by Willow Aster

We Belong Together

This book consumed me and when I was finished, I was left in a huge haze. This love story between Sparrow and Ian isn’t pretty. There were times where I was smiling and laughing one minute, then angry and extremely hurt the next. My heart was put through the blender reading this, but it made me feel alive… Crazed almost. (Full Review)

Truth (Consequences #2) by Aleatha Romig

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. ~ Confucius

This sequel wasn’t as much of a mind fuck as book one was, but some parts did have my mind spinning. I don’t know how Aleatha does it. Her writing is flawless, complicated, but the story smoothly fabricated. Who knew I could love Tony after his actions in book one. Only a handful of authors can sway my emotions like this and Aleatha definitely surprised me when my feelings were swayed. (Full Review)

Running Barefoot by Amy Harmon

“I did my best to be a man you could be proud of.”

“You were the bar I measured everything by.” ~ Samuel

This is the second book that made my list by the talented Ms. Harmon. I swear, this author has a way of telling a story. This was a very deep, spiritual & emotional love story. (Full Review)

Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway

He really is a beautiful mess. A beautiful mess that sucks you in and messes you up too.

To be quite honest, when I first read the synopsis, I was a bit hesitant. I wasn’t sure how I would like my Hero dressing in women’s clothing. I like my men as men, like all rugged and pure Alpha male. But let me tell you something: Nicholas isn’t character to be written off quite quickly. My reluctance was very short lived. I think it all came down to the writing and storytelling. Seeing Nicholas/Viv in Fred’s eyes was so…I don’t know…entrancing. I’m honestly left speechless as to how I can describe my feelings towards Nicholas. One thing is for sure, like Fred, you can’t help but love him. (Full Review)

FAVORITES

Though these books didn't make my crack-book list, doesn't mean I didn't love them. The books featured here have also made an impact. There’s a mix of Alpha possessive Heroes, as well as sweet, swoon-worthy ones. But what these books have in common is that they all kick-ass and have also earned the right to be pimped out by me.

(In no particular order. Click title for my full review.)