Top 10 picks of 2005

Since this is the time of year for reflecting, I thought I’d reflect on my favourite books published in 2005. I always read on message boards how bad a year readers have found it etc. Well, I’m easily pleased I guess because every year I manage to find quite a few that I’ve loved through the year. I think I’ve blogged about most of the following throughout the year but in case I haven’t, here is a second chance to see the books that turned my crank this year. There are other books not on this list that I gave high marks to at the time, but then 3 or 4 months down the line, I don’t really remember them too much. Which considering the number of books I read a year isn’t surprising. What sets these ones apart is I remember each and every one of them quite vividly. They all made a lasting impression. That I think, sets them apart and makes them my top picks of the year.

To Die for by Linda Howard started the year off with a bang with. I was amazed at how much I loved this book considering it’s a first person book. It was LOL funny in many places and cheered me up in those long winter nights.

Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare blew me away. It was dark and it was different and I loved this book. Nicholas the hero is definitely my most tortured hero for the year. And I love a tortured hero

Lips that Touch Mine by Wendy Lindstrom, a new to me author, was one I picked up because of the (what I think) beautiful cover. What a delightful decision that was! It is such an endearing read. Boyd was one of my very favourite heroes this past year.

A Season to be Sinful by Jo Goodman. She continues to be one of the standards by which I judge historical romance. When so many are same old same old, she is like cream that rises to the top with every book.

Black Ice by Anne Stuart has one of the best anti-heroes I’ve ever read. Although I wouldn’t want a steady diet of them, when one is done right – whoa mama! And Ms Stuart - she done it right!

Unmasked by CJ Barry is one heck of a futuristic. They don’t seem to be publishing them as often as they have in the past – at least in print form anyway. It’s nice to find one as good as this one

Carved in Stone by Vickie Taylor was a real surprise. It was a real impulse buy when I saw it on Maili’s blog – speaking of Maili – just where the heck is she? I’m checking every day – but she’s not shown up yet. Anyway, this is a really great paranormal about - gargoyles of all things.

One Night of Sin by Gaelen Foley was another book I was very pleased with. She is a mostly hot but occasionally cold author for me and I’m glad to say this one was a hot one

Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon was a very pleasant surprise. I’ve read most of her other books and this one is the best – so far!

Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen got mixed reviews and not everyone liked it, but it worked just perfectly for me.

Honourable Mentions

Dark Lover by JR Ward. I’m not normally a fan of vampire romance but I made an exception for this one because of all the buzz. Most excellent and I’m looking forward to more in the series from this author.

Falling for Gracie by Susan Mallery was another treat. I’d love to see Ms. Mallery get more exposure since she is a great author

Passion by Lisa Valdez is a truly remarkable book. There’s always lots of discussion on this one of the Hate It/Loved It kind. I’m on the Loved It side of the fence

Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu is a most excellent paranormal. This is one I bought because of the buzz and I have to say, thank goodness for buzz.

His Secondhand Wife by Cheryl St. John is a wonderful story of two very wounded people who find each other. I’ve always loved her books and she will continue to be an auto buy author.

The Cobra and the Concubine by Bonnie Vanak is one that made my best of list because of its unusual locale and setting. I frankly was astounded when I saw the grade this one received at AAR. Of all the books they reviewed that I disagreed with, this one stands out as the most glaring difference of opinion.

So – that’s my top 10 and 6 honourable mention list. I’d love to see what every one else has enjoyed this year. Hopefully others will post their top list for 2005 lists. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to post here. I’ll be checking looking for more good books I might have missed.

I think I’ll keep going with more top ten lists. It’s nice to reflect back on loved or not so loved books and authors.


‘til later