I had hoped to read 125 books this year, but I only made it to 122.

Here are some of my favourite reads of 2013 in chronological order:

1) Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (urban fantasy)

I just love the Mercy Thompson stories. Each book gets better and better. I love Mercy and Adam together and the way she is finding her place in the wolf pack.

2) Loki’s Wolves by Kelley Armstrong & Melissa Marr (middle grade fiction)

In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok, that only the gods can stop. The gods are dead so it is up to Thor’s and Loki’s descendants Matthew, Fen and Laurie to save the world. This action-packed adventure is the first in the epic Blackwell Pages series filled with larger-than-life legends, gripping battles, and an engaging cast of characters who bring the myths to life. I cannot wait for Odin’s Ravens.

3) Rush by Eve Silver (teen)

Rush is the best alien-invading-earth sci-fi story this year. When Miki is left bloody and broken in the road she is pulled into a game beyond her wildest imagination. A game where she has to fight for her life and defend her planet against the invasion of the Drau.

4) Island of Fire by Lisa McMann (middle grade fiction)

This is book 3 in the Unwanteds series. The series gets better with each book and I cannot wait to see what else the characters have to survive and overcome.

5) The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson (teen)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its unique world and fabulous characters. The concept of having chalk creatures come to life to either kill you or protect you is amazing. I am very much looking forward to book 2.

6) Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh (romance)

Nalini could write a phone book and I would read it. I LOVE her writing and the Psy/Changeling series in particular. This story brings one major story arch to conclusion.

7) Bare it All by Lori Foster (contemp Romance)

Sexy cop, mysterious young woman and fabulous side characters. What more do you need?;)

8) Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman (early reader age 6-8)

I am not a big fan of Neil Gaiman, but Fortunately the Milk is absolutely fabulous. Dad didn’t listen when mum told him to make sure there’s milk. He goes out to get more and then doesn’t come back for hours. When he does come back he has the wildest story for being late involving aliens, pirates and a time-travelling dinosaur in a hot-air balloon.

9) Counting by 7s by Holly Sloan Goldberg (middle grade)

This book was quite a surprise. It reminded me of Forest Gump because every time the main character makes a decision or meets a new person something amazing is just around the corner.

10) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (teen)

I sat down and read this book in one sitting. Fabulous characters, issues and experiences dealt with beautifully and a great story around fandom. A must-read for everyone!

11) Fever and Burn by Maya Banks (contemp romance)

I love Maya’s books. Great story, well-developed characters and scorching hot sex. Makes for fabulous reads;).

12) Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse by Chris Riddell (middle grade)

Chris Riddell is one of my favourite illustrators. Goth Girl is the first in a new series and filled with the most amazing illustrations. It also has a lot of little jokes hidden in the pictures. If you’re looking for a chapter book to share with a 7-9 year old Goth Girl is the perfect match.

13) Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks (urban fantasy)

OMG, this is such a fabulous series filled with werewolves (and other paranormal people) and a heroine who cannot be touched by magic. Amazing worldbuilding and characters you want as friends. If you haven’t tried the series run to the store and get book 1;).

14) The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas (teen)

This is a fabulous start to a new series which mixes historic fiction and fantasy. Great worldbuilding, intriguing characters and cool story with the mandatory prophecy puts this on my favourite books of the year list.

15) Colter’s Gift by Maya Banks (romance)

The final book in the Colter series and a great conclusion. One damaged heroin and two super-sexy bodyguards…you can imagine the rest;).

16) Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh (romance)

Angels and vampires like you have never seen them before. Elena and Raphael face a battle they had not expected and learn more about their relationship. Run to the store and get book 1 if you haven’t tried the series yet;).

17) The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johanson (fantasy)

O.M.G. This is one of the best books I have read in a while. It comes out July 2014. It starts on a somewhat predictable note with a young woman who grew up in hiding having to take up the throne of her kingdom. She expects assassination attempts every day. What grabbed me by the throat was the unpredictability of the characters. I had no idea how they would respond to the obstacles thrown in their way, which kept me on the edge of my seat and made the read the book in 2 days.

18) Laid Bare and Inside Out by Lauren Dane (contemp romance)

I love Lauren’s books. She has a way of merging amazing characters with interesting story, and a well-developed and believable romance.

So here are some of my favourite reads of 2013. What have you really enjoyed this year?

Happy New Year and may 2014 be the best year yet!