Hello!

Welcome to my Best Reads of 2011 list, just in time for filling up your eReader of choice after the holidays. Because my reading tastes are broad, I’m picking one book for each genre I’ve read this year. I’ll link to the book on Goodreads and give a quick reason you need to pick it up.

Horror

Burden Kansas by Alan Ryker

It’s bloody and exciting, a definite must read if you’re into the horror vampire scene. The main character is a cowboy vampire hunter, that’s all I’ve got to say. The sequel to this thrilling read, Blood Tells True, just came out, so you could pick up both on the same day!
 

Urban Fantasy

This is a hard category for me to pick, because most of what I read falls in here. There are so many books I really love, so it was difficult to pick just one.

Secrets of the Demon by Diana Rowland

I love Kara Gillian, she’s my favorite UF heroine right now. A no-nonsense cop and demon summoner, she’s got just the right mix of sassy and smart. There’s a lot of action, and some pretty steamy demon lovin’ going on too. What more could you ask for? Definitely start with Mark of the Demon, the first book.
 
 

Honorable mention in this category goes to:

These Hellish Happenings by Jennifer Rainey

The only reason this didn’t win the category is there’s a bit too much humor for what I consider UF. Still, I love the book and recommend it highly. Jack is my favorite vampire of the year, hands down.
 

Paranormal Romance

Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian

I love the entire Midnight Breed series, and to be honest I picked this one pretty much at random, although I do love this story because it features the redemption of Rio, who is one of my favorites. Definitely start at the beginning with Kiss of Midnight if you’re just getting started, because there’s an over-arching plot to the series.
 

Science Fiction

The Many Colored Land by Julian May

Now, I suppose this pick is a little unfair, because I haven’t actually finished it. I’ve been listening to it on audio book and should get to the end over the holiday. However, I’m so impressed by what I’ve read so far, and I’ve read so few pure SciFi this year, that this one gets the nod even though I’m not done. One of the most robust and vivid SciFi worlds I’ve ever encountered.
 

Romance

Butterfly Tattoo by Deidre Knight

This is not only my favorite book in this category, but I think my favorite of the year overall. If you’re into Contemporary Romance, and even if you aren’t, you should give this one a shot. It’s a beautiful story, with deep, wonderful characters that will make you cry, guaranteed.
 

Thriller

The Righteous by Michael Wallace

Great characterization and lots of intrigue make this a really interesting, exciting read. Though the book features religion prominently, it’s not trying to sway you one way or the other on the merits or detriments of a polygamist society. Eliza might be my favorite female character I’ve read this year. In fact, writing this little paragraph reminded me that I never bought the next two and I had to go get them right away!
 

Erotic

The Breaker’s Concubine by Ann Mayburn

A strange and interesting SciFi backdrop makes this more than your usual erotic story. Don’t worry, there’s tons of hot action but there’s also a good story. I’ve picked up two more by Ann Mayburn and can’t wait to read them!
 

Looking forward to reading most in 2012:

Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

 

Would love to read if only the publishers would get a clue and lower their prices

This is the official raspberry category. These are eBooks I would love to read, but their ridiculous prices mean I will not. These two losers are priced higher than their corresponding paperbacks. Yes, you read that right, higher than the paperbacks. Ridiculous, and I won’t abide it. You hear me Penguin and Random House? Yeah, I know they don’t, but it’s my blog and I can say what I want.

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin

 

That’s all there is my fine friends. I hope you’ve found something in my list that’s new to you and looks interesting. Feel free to share some of your favorites in the comments, I love to find new books to read!

-Coral