2018 Reading Year in Review: Casee

Posted January 23, 2019 by Casee in Features | 2 Comments

I started 2018 with absolutely no expectations for myself except to try to read. I had no idea how many books I was going to read, I just wanted to read. I wasn’t planning on reading new authors, new genres, new anything really. If I did, that was great. 2018 turned out to be much better than I anticipated, especially toward the end (December notwithstanding).

I found a lot of new authors. I ~~highly enjoyed~~ loved loved our Summer Reading Challenge because I was introduced to Ilona Andrews. Although Sarina Bowen didn’t take at that time, I decided to give her another try and am glad I did. I loved Patricia Briggs. Those aren’t the only new-to-me authors. Nalini Singh didn’t make my Best Of lists which hasn’t happened since, well, since she first burst onto the romance scene. That has seriously affected me.

I got over my allergy of first person! I’m so glad I did because I am really liking alternating first person. It’s really just like third but a little better actually. Most of the books I read in the second half of the year were in first person. I’m actually very proud of myself for that. There was a lot that I was missing by not reading first person.

Quick Stats for the Year

The Breakdown

For some reason, my books by month don’t match my GR stats. I’m stymied.

By Month

By Genre

Contemporary (33)
Historical (0)
New Adult (0)
Paranormal (20)
Romantic Suspense (5)
Urban Fantasy (13)
Young Adult (2)

By Format

Hardcover (0)
Paperback (0)
Audiobook (16)
eBook (57)

Monthly Breakdown

January

Books Reviewed

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5) by Kresley Cole

Books Read

Year One by Nora Roberts
Judgement Road by Christine Feehan

Favorite and Least Favorite

I was really excited to read Year One by Nora Roberts, but I was also disappointed. My favorite book of the two was Judgement Road by Christine Feehan. I loved the characters and although it had a few things I didn’t care for, overall I really enjoyed it.

February

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward
Blood Fury by J.R. Ward
Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh

Favorite and Least Favorite

I was disappointed by both Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward and Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh. By default by favorite of the month is Blood Fury by J.R. Ward.

March

Books Reviewed

Judgment Road by Christine Feehan

Books Read

Covert Game by Christine Feehan
Shadow Keeper by Christine Feehan

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite book was Covert Game. It bums me out that there is only one GhostWalker book per year.

April

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan
Storm Gathering by Rebecca Zanetti
Winter Igniting by Rebecca Zanetti
The Thief by J.R. Ward

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite reads were definitely the Rebecca Zanetti books. I was surprised that Winter Igniting came in before Storm Gathering.

May

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

Favorite and Least Favorite

Is there really anything to say here? ONE book.

June

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Claimed by Rebecca Zanetti
Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti
Ocean Light by Nalini Singh
The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter
Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti
Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti
Shadowed by Rebecca Zanetti

Favorite and Least Favorite

I can’t choose a favorite out of all the amazing books I read. There is just no way.

July

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Shadowed by Rebecca Zanetti
Marked by Rebecca Zanetti
Vampire’s Faith by Rebecca Zanetti
The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen
The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was definitely The Deal by Elle Kennedy. Loved, loved, loved it.

August

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan
Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Cross Breed by Lora Leigh
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (audio)
Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

Favorite and Least Favorite
I loved every book except for the Feehan. That one was just meh. I am also so happy that I finally “read” Harry Potter. The narrator was really good and the eight hours flew by while I was listening. My favorite book of the month is a cross between Cry Wolf and Cross Breed with Hidden coming in next.

September

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Order of Protection by Lexi Blake
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (audio)
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard (audio)
Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose (audio)
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne (audio)
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne (audio)
Someone Like You by Lauren Layne
Consumed by J.R. Ward
Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen (audio)
Us by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh

Favorite and Least Favorite

I can easily say that my very least favorite read of the month was Consumed by J.R. Ward. I wish I didn’t care, but I wasted precious time reading that book. My favorite reads were definitely all the Ilona Andrews & the two Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy reads. Those two are an ace team. I heart them. Here’s to hoping that October is as good as September!

October

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter
Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh
Rock Hard by Nalini Singh
Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh
Rock Wedding by Nalini Singh
Steadfast by Sarina Bowen (audio)
Keepsake by Sarina Bowen (audio)
Scandal Never Sleeps by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
Seduction in Session by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
Bountiful by Sarina Bowen (audio)
Big Easy Temptation by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (audio)
Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen (audio)
Smoke and Sin by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake

Favorite and Least Favorite

My very, very, very favorite book of the month was Seduction in Session by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake. Wow. This writing team is dynamite. Surprisingly, one of my least favorite books was Bountiful by Sarina Bowen. I was really looking forward to reading Zara’s book, but it just didn’t do it for me. I was highly disappointed by Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter because I’ve come to expect only the very best from her.

November

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven (audiobook)
Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen (audiobook)
Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh (reread on audio)
Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh (audiobook)

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite book in November was Archangel’s Heart and I don’t even care that it was a reread. I adore that book. Love it. I would marry it if I could. My least favorite, hands down, was Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen. Holy hell, the heroine of that book was horrific. I loved the hero which honestly made the whole thing worse.

December

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan
Hate Note by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (audiobook)
Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland (audiobook)
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren (audiobook)
Too Far Gone by Christy Reece
Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts
Demon’s Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was definitely Demon’s Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti. I just adore the Dark Protectors series. My least favorite was Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland. I’m not really sure if it was because the audio was so horrific or because it was actually a bad story. I’ve thought about reading it, but I don’t really care that much about it.

Do you track your reading each year? How did your year in books look? Share in the comments!

2 Comments

Tagged: 2018 Reading Year in Review, Casee Says, Casee's Year in Review, Year in Review

2018 Reading Year in Review: Holly

Posted January 16, 2019 by Holly in Features | 7 Comments

I track all my reading on Goodreads. I set up shelves for the info I want to track. When I finish a book, I add it to the relevant shelves and bam, done.

I may try to keep a more detailed log this year, but we’ll see if that lasts. I’m pretty lazy when it comes to tracking, and Goodreads makes it pretty easy.

2018 was a pretty good reading year for me. I set a Goodreads reading goal of 200 Books in 2018, which I managed to meet in November. I include new-to-me and re-reads in that, as well as DNF’s if I read at least half the book before quitting. I averaged about 18 books per month. I also set a personal goal to read more new-to-me authors. I tend to get into a funk and read a lot of the same authors. I didn’t do quite as well with that as I’d have liked, but I did a lot better than the previous two years.

Quick Stats for the Year

The Breakdown

By Month

January (17)
February (15)
March (11)
April (14)
May (19)
June (30)
July (8)
August (19)
September (26)
October (18)
November (25)
December (14)

I tried 39 new-to-me authors. Of those, I went on to read multiple books by Anne Bishop, Molly Harper, J.T. Geissinger, Lauren Blakely and Lorraine Heath. I DNF’d 7 books. Which isn’t too bad, considering how many I read throughout the year. I averaged about 18 books per month.

By Genre

I read a lot of UF/F in 2018. I took a long break from UF, so I had a lot of great series to catch up on. Contemporary remains my favorite sub-genre, but I’m determined to read more historicals in 2019. I really like Sci-Fi, but I rarely read it. I need to work on that. Romantic Suspense remains the bain of my existence. I doubt I’ll ever come to love it.

By Format

Hardcover (0)
Paperback (0)
Audio (110)
eBook (100)

I’ll be honest, I didn’t start keeping track of format until late in the year. I kept track of how many audiobooks I listened to, but otherwise didn’t pay attention. I know I didn’t read any hardcovers this year, but it’s possible I read a couple paperbacks. I just don’t remember which ones or how many. Generally speaking, I only read in digital or listen to audiobooks, and audiobooks are new for me. I plan to keep better track in the coming year of eArc vs Purchase, so I may track format better as well.

Monthly Breakdown

January

Books Reviewed

Books Read

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Pretty Girls Dancing by Kylie Brant
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Binti: Home by Nnedi Okorafor
Binti: The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor
Happiness for Humans by P.Z. Reizin
Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath
Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood
The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen
The Gamble by Kristen Ashley
The Wedding by Julie Garwood
The Secret by Julie Garwood
The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood
Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was probably Pretty Girls Dancing by Kylie Brant. It wasn’t a romance, but I enjoyed the ebb and flow of the story. I also really enjoyed Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen, A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet and the Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor. My least favorite read was Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet. That book was a hot mess.

February

Books Reviewed

Cherish Hard (Hard Play, #1) by Nalini Singh

Books Read

Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Written in Red by Anne Bishop
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop
Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop
Lake Silence by Anne Bishop
Natural Witch by K.F. Breene
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews
One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Rough Ride by Kristen Ashley

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite reads of the month were the Anne Bishop books. I’m not sure I have a favorite from the series, so I’m just including them all. Hello Stranger was also wonderful. I adored Ethan.

My least favorite was Rough Ride by Kristen Ashley. I liked Snapper, but overall the novella was slow moving and kind of boring. It wasn’t a bad read, it just didn’t hold up against the other books I read this month.

March

Books Reviewed

Books Read

The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard
Dark Desires by Eve Silver
Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt
Complicated by Kristen Ashley
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley
For You by Kristen Ashley
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks
Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken
Flames and Chains by G.A. Aiken
About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken, with Duke of Sin a close second. My least favorite was Flames and Chains, a short story included with Dragon Actually. It was originally written for her newsletter and it showed. I also really struggled with the audiobook of Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley. That was horrible. I love that book like whoa, but the audio was junk.

April

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Dragon’s Oath by Sophie Stern
Snowfall and Secrets by Kimberly Loth
Natural Mage by K.F. Breene
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Prince in Leather by Holley Trent
The Hellion by Christi Caldwell
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Sweep in Peace
One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Hour of Need by Melinda Leigh
Ocean Light by Nalini Singh
Crimes Against Magic by Steve McHugh

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was Natural Mage by K.F. Breene. I’m really loving that series. My Least favorite was probably Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid. I didn’t hate the book, but I had high expectations based on recommendations from those in my trust circle and it didn’t live up to them.

May

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Planet Dragos by Thea Harrison
The Hookup by Erin McCarthy
Rock Chick Reborn by Kristne Ashley
Not Quite Crazy by Catherine Bybee
Burn for You by J.T. Geissinger
Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger
Chosen by K.F. Breene
Hunted by K.F. Breene
Shadow Lands by K.F. Breene
Invasion by K.F. Breene
Siege by K.F. Breene
Overtaken by K.F. Breene
Overtaken: Bonus Epilogue by K.F. Breene
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley
Diamond Bay by Linda Howard
White Lies by Linda Howard

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was Burn for You by J.T. Geissinger. It’s a modern-day Beauty and the Beast retelling. I ended up reading it 3 times it was so good. My least favorite read was Rock Chick Reborn by Kristen Ashley. I was so looking forward to Shirleen’s story, but she acted so unlike herself it killed the story for me.

June

Books Reviewed

Books Read

A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Unicorn Lane by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Fernandos by Ilona Andrews
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Soup by Ilona Andrews
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Midnight Games by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Hot Tub by Ilona Andrews
Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Kate’s Origin by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Naked Dinner by Ilona Andrews
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Conclave by Ilona Andrews
Curran POV Collection: Awake by Ilona Andrews
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Retribution Clause by Ilona Andrews
An Ill-Advised Rescue by Ilona Andrews
Curran Twitter, The Wilson Building by Ilona Andrews
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
Dabwaha, Curran Twitter by Ilona Andrews
Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews
Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews
Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews
In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks
Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks
Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks
The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon
Giving Chase by Lauren Dane
Taking Chase by Lauren Dane
Shadow’s Edge by J.T. Geissinger
Edge of Oblivion by J.T. Geissinger
Hot Single Dad by Claire Kingsley
Her Best Friend by Claire Kingsley

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite non-reread of the month was probably Hot Single Dad by Claire Kingsley. There were some issues, but overall it was a cute read. My least favorite was Shadow’s Edge by J.T. Geissinger. I kept anticipating some major event to happen, and it never came to be. I enjoyed book 2 quite a bit more.

July

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Wild Like the Wind by Kristen Ashley
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Trouble with Love by Lauren Layne
Midnight Valentine by J.T. Geissinger
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was The Kiss Quotient. I really loved the reverse Pretty Woman storyline and both the hero and heroine. My least favorite was Midnight Valentine by J.T. Geissinger. It started out really strong but went downhill at the end.

August

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Complicated by Kristen Ashley
The Secret (Highland Lairds #1) by Julie Garwood
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
Ransom (Highland Lairds #2) by Julie Garwood
Herons Landing (Honeymoon Harbor #1) by JoAnn Ross
Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane (Honeymoon Harbor #2) by JoAnn Ross
When a Duke Loves a Woman (Sins for All Seasons #2) by Lorraine Heath
Lumberjack Werebear (Saw Bears #1) by T.S. Joyce
Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely
The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo (Victorian Rebels #6) by Kerrigan Byrne
The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings #1) by J.R. Ward
The Hookup (Game On #1) by Kristen Callihan
The Chase (Briar U #1) by Elle Kennedy
The Time in Between (Magdalene #3) by Kristen Ashley
Play it Safe by Kristen Ashley
Duke Most Wanted (Heiress Brides #3) by Celeste Bradley
Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews
Wild Like the Wind (Chaos #5) by Kristen Ashley
Getting Schooled (Getting Some #1) by Emma Chase

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was a tie between Getting Schooled by Emma Chase and When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath. Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely gets an honorable mention. I loved the story, but Richard Armitage as narrator really put it over the top. That might actually be my favorite. Or maybe just my favorite audiobook. My least favorite was The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward. I know I DNF’d it, but trust me, it was bad.

September

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven
Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks
Hot Dad by Whitley Cox
Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone
The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
The Only One by Lauren Blakely
Trophy Husband by Lauren Blakely
Light My Fire by Christie Ridgway
Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens
Fairytale Come Alive by Kristen Ashley
Touch the Sky by Kari Cole
The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely
For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove
Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely
The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley
The Will by Kristen Ashley
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Lover by Jennifer Ashley
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Satisfaction by Lexi Blake
Complicated by Kristen Ashley
Getting Schooled by Emma Chase
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill
Nights with Him by Lauren Blakely
The Hot One by Lauren Blakely

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite read of the month was Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely, with an honorable mention to Getting Schooled by Emma Chase. I also really liked Phoenix Unbound, but the beginning was a little slow. My least favorite read was Hot Dad by Whitley Cox. That book was a mess from start to finish.

October

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Fantastical by Kristen Ashley
Broken Dove by Kristen Ashley
Midnight Soul by Kristen Ashley
Soaring by Kristen Ashley
How to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper
Love and Other Wild Things by Molly Harper
Lionheart by Thea Harrison
The Scribe by Elizabeth Hunter
The Singer by Elizabeth Hunter
Archangel’s Heart by Nalini Singh
Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh
Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter
Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen
If He’s Daring by Hannah Howell
Steadfast by Sarina Bowen
Once Upon a Sure Thing by Lauren Blakely
On the Surface by Kate Willoughby
Red Wolf by Jennifer Ashley
Natural Dual-Mage by K.F. Breene

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite reads of the month were Lionheart by Thea Harrison and Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh. I’m still not recovered from AP. I need the next book SO BAD! My least favorite reads were The Scribe and The Singer (which I DNF’d) by Elizabeth Hunter. The premise was really interesting, but I’m annoyed The Scribe ended in a cliffhanger and The Singer was basically just a recap of The Scribe for the 35% I read.

November

Books Reviewed

Books Read

One More Time by Laurelin Page
Goddess with a Blade
Royally Hung by Anne Marsh
Coming Undone by Lauren Dane
Ache for You by J.T. Geissinger
Sin and Chocolate by K.F. Breene
Ain’t She a Peach by Molly Harper
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck by Molly Harper
Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase
Taking Chase by Lauren Dane
Making Chase by Lauren Dane
Chased by Lauren Dane
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
Sleepover by Serena Bell
Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
Raven’s Shadow by Patricia Briggs
Mornings on Main by Jodi Thomas
A Little Night Magic by Lucy March
Complicated by Kristen Ashley
Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley
The Gamble by Kristen Ashley

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite new read of the month was probably Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck. I actually really enjoyed the entire Southern Eclectic series by Molly Harper, but that was my favorite of them. My least favorite read was Ache for You by J.T. Geissinger. I haven’t hated a heroine that much in..maybe ever. You know things are bad when the idea of her falling down the stairs and breaking all her bones makes you giddy inside.

December

Books Reviewed

Books Read

Spiral of Need by Suzanne Wright
Force of Temptation
Lure of Oblivion
Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright
Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright
Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright
Carnal Secrets by Suzanne Wright
Wild Hunger by Suzanne Wright
Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Inside Out by Lauren Dane
Never Enough by Lauren Dane
Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley
Fairytale Come Alive by Kristen Ashley
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren

Favorite and Least Favorite

My favorite reads of the month were Echoes of Fire and Wild Hunger by Suzanne Wright. I really enjoyed both. My least favorite was Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t good, either.

Do you track your reading each year? How did your year in books look? Share in the comments!

7 Comments

Tagged: 2018 Reading Year in Review, Holly Says, Holly's Year in Review, Year in Review

2018 Reading Year in Review: Rowena

Posted January 9, 2019 by Rowena in Features | 3 Comments

I went into 2018 not wanting to pressure myself with reading challenges and I definitely felt no pressure this year but I was also pretty bored with not having goals outside of reading 100 books. Reading 100 books in a year is not a challenge for me so I’ll be challenging myself in my reading for 2019.

I tracked the hell out of my reads this year with the help of Sarah over at Sarah’s Bookshelves. She has an amazing reading tracking spreadsheet that makes my inner nerd swoon in delight.

I read quite a bit of books written by female authors. In fact, all of the books that I read in 2018 were written by women. 18% of the books I logged were diverse reads that featured main characters that were POC and 31% of the books I read were by new to me authors. I’m hoping that in 2019, my percentage of diverse reads goes up. Brown people like myself need love too! =) Another percentage that I thought was interesting is that 82% of the books I read were part of a series. Not a lot of standalones in there so I’m hoping to up that number next year as well.

Let’s break this year down, shall we?

Quick Stats for the Year

The Breakdown

2018 was the year that I wanted to focus on reading books that I already have. Sure, it’s a goal of mine every year and this was the first year that I actually accomplished that. I read 55 books from my TBR pile, books that were sitting on my bookshelf for months and months and months. That’s a huge accomplishment for me.

January 2018 (12)
February 2018 (10)
March 2018 (12)
April 2018 (6)
May 2018 (6)
June 2018 (16)
July 2018 (8)
August 2018 (23)
September 2018 (20)
October 2018 (10)
November 2018 (12)
December 2018 (6)

That brings me to 141 total books read for the year and that’s counting the DNF’s that I read far enough into to count. I averaged about 12 books a month and that included first time reads as well as re-reads. Now, let’s break it down some more.

By Genres

Contemporary (63)
Historical (19)
New Adult (13)
Paranormal (9)
Romantic Suspense (2)
Urban Fantasy (13)
Young Adult (14)

It is not a surprise to me that most of the books I read last year were contemporary romances. I know what I like and I tend to stick with that but I’m super happy with the number of books that I read outside of my comfort zone. I don’t read very many paranormal, urban fantasy books but I read a lot of those in 2018 and I enjoyed the heck out of a lot of them so I’m hoping to read more from those genres in 2019.

By Format

Hardcover (0)
Paperback (0)
eBook (117)
Audiobook (16)

I read zero print books. Haha, I’m a total digital girl now. I also discovered that I don’t mind audiobooks if I speed up the reading to 1.5X the normal speed and they’re a good thing to listen to while I’m at work doing things that I don’t have to have complete focus on. Makes the work day go by so fast.

By Source

Purchased (52)
Library (0)
Gift/Personal Loan (21)
ARC (57)

Yippy skippy, I read a huge chunk of books that I purchased myself and that makes me super happy since most of my reads in the last few years have been ARC’s. I’ve been trying to balance my ARC pile with my TBR pile and I’m finally seeing some results in that. Yay!

My Favorites and Least Favorites Breakdown

January

My favorite read of the month goes to Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen because holy cow, Nate and Becca’s story rocked my socks. I adored pretty much everything about it and cannot wait for more…we’re getting more, right? I love that series.

My least favorite read of the month goes to Love Between Enemies by Molly E. Lee. That book just wasn’t for me. The heroine got on my hot damn nerves at every turn, even in the end when all is well again, I still didn’t like her but what saved that book from being a complete bust was the hero. What a fantastic kid Gordon was. Love, love, loved him. Another book that I couldn’t get into was Man Hands by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby. I gave up at about a little more than a third through the book because I wasn’t connecting with anything, the characters, the humor so I quit it. That’s the very first book by Bowen that I’ve ever quit. That makes me sad.

February

My favorite reads of the month go to Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne, Sweep in Peace and One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews. All three of those books were fantastic reads and I’m thirsty for more from both authors.

My least favorite read of the month goes to The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. The very first time that I read that book, I zipped right through it and glossed over a lot of things that I didn’t think were a big deal until I was writing down my thoughts for my review. I realized that those things that bothered me, bothered me a great deal more than I originally thought so I read the book again from cover to cover and…I didn’t like a lot of things that went on in the book so my enjoyment of the book suffered. The heroine got on my nerves and the hero treated his friends poorly so he got on my nerves too.

March

My favorite read of the month goes to Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (anyone surprised?) and my least favorite read of the month goes to Over Us, Over You by Whitney G. Burn for Me was just so freaking good. I loved the world, the magic, Nevada and Mad Rogan and everyone else we meet in that book. As for Over Us, Over You, it was too immature for me and I stayed annoyed with the main characters so I DNF’d that one. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to break up with Whitney G. soon. I haven’t cared for her last few releases that I read. Hmm.

April

My favorite read of the month goes to Hot Asset by Lauren Layne. It had everything that I love in a Lauren Layne novel but also in a romance. Strong characters, a sizzling romance with hella chemistry and supporting characters that keep me thirsty for more. I’m looking forward to the other books that Layne releases for these characters. Kennedy and Kate are going to be great, same with Matt and Sabrina. Woot!

My least favorite read of the month goes to If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say by Leila Sales. The message had the potential to be really good but the delivery didn’t work for me at all. I closed that book with so much rage that I just might give up the author because I’m too scared that I’d get another one of those. Just, no.

May

My favorite read of the month is a two-way tie between Hooked on You by Kate Meader and Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen. Both books were wonderful and I connected with both couples and their romance so much. I adored both Bren and Violet and Alec and May. So much goodness there.

My least favorite read of the month goes to Regrets Only by Erin Duffy. I had such high hopes and while I didn’t hate the book, the main character disappointed a bit with things I wished she was above but wasn’t.

June

My favorite read of the month goes to The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang because it was everything that I wanted and everything that I hoped it would be. Hoang did not disappoint and I’m super anxious for the next book in the series. Special shout out to Lauren Layne too who delivered a bunch of goodness that I devoured in June. I adored both I Think I Love You and Hard Sell. Such great stories.

My least favorite read of the month was my lone DNF. I just couldn’t continue, it was slow, I didn’t connect with the heroine so I gave up. That book was More than Words by Mia Sheridan.

July

My favorite reads of the month go to all of the Jenny Han books. I read each of them like three times and I still haven’t fully moved on from them. I just adored the books, Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky so much. I’m super ready for the Netflix release of the movie on August 17th.

My least favorite read goes to Every Time You Go Away by Beth Harbison. It was too slow to pick up and in the end, it was just okay.

August

My favorite read of the month goes to Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren. It was such a fun book and I loved both Josh and Hazel because they were a lot of fun. They didn’t make sense on their own but together, they were such a fun couple that I loved getting to know. I laughed a lot during the book and I can even see how Hazel would be too much for people (hell, even Hazel knew she was too much) but I loved that Josh loved Hazel just as she was and did’t want her to change or hide her personality from the public.

My least favorite read of the month goes to the lone book that I didn’t finish at all. It just wasn’t for me. I was bored and the hero was getting on my nerves and the writing style didn’t really engage me so I dumped it and moved on. That book was My Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau.

September

My favorite reads of the month are Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan and Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks. Both books rocked my socks, made me cry buckets and I just enjoyed those books so much.

My least favorite reads of the month go to Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels and Hot Dad by Whitley Cox. Both of those books were a mess and I didn’t enjoy them at all.

October

My favorite read of the month goes to Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks. I read this book for my book club and I ugly cried my way through it. The heroine turns out to be such a strong woman that I couldn’t help but root for throughout the entire book. She went through so much and when the hero comes along to become her champion, grows to love her more than he hates his enemies? Gah, it hit me all up in my feels and I just adored it to pieces. My book club and I enjoyed it so much that our book discussion book for next month, is the next book in the series. I can’t wait to jump back into that world.

My least favorite read of the month goes to Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter. I’ve never read anything by Showalter and I don’t think that this was the best book for me to begin my reading adventure through her books. I just wasn’t invested in what was going on and it took me a long time to connect with the hero because he was so cold and deadly and the heroine drove me batty with how crazy she was.

November

My favorite read of the month goes to Wait for It by Mariana Zapata. I thought that book was well written and so much fun. I loved seeing Dallas fall in love with Diana and I adored Diana and her nephews. It was good to see all of the other characters from Zapata’s other books, especially Kulti. swoon

My least favorite read of the month goes to my last read, Ache for You by J.T. Geissinger. Holy cow, I wanted to throat punch the shit out of the heroine from beginning to end. She found every wrong conclusion to jump to and jumped. She jumped to so many conclusions that I was surprised she didn’t just jump right off a cliff. She completely ruined the book for me. I need a long break before I ever jump into another Geissinger book.

December

My favorite read of the month goes to The One You Fight For by Roni Loren. Taryn and Shaw’s romance was heartbreaking and emotional and just all around good. I adored both of them and loved reading their romantic journey.

My least favorite read of the month goes to Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley because I freaking hated that book. Hawk did nothing for me and Gwen was annoying so yeah, seriously, this book was just bad all over for me.

Do you track your reading each year? How did your year in books look? Share in the comments!