2013. Another year come and almost gone. And with 2013 came lots of ups and downs in the m/m world – some misunderstandings, some offensive conversations, and some great times. But above all, the one consistency has been the books – good ones, bad ones, and great ones. I’m here to tell you about the great ones that I read.
I love a good book. We all do. That’s why we’re here. But what I love most is sharing those books with you. Letting you guys know what it is about a book that I adore. Sometimes it’s the great characters. Sometimes it’s a plot that is so engrossing I would rather read than sleep. Sometimes it’s a world so big, so imaginative that when I close my eyes, I’m transported to another place. And sometimes, when I’m lucky, it’s all of the above.
In 2013, here at Joyfully Jay we’ve presented you with Jock Week – a week of sports-themed books and the sexy jocks (and sometimes geeks) that are a big part of those books. We’ve given you guys some of our favorite of all times lists – cross-dressers, wolf/vampire couples, and enemies-to-lovers. My favorite, of which, is the cross-dresser list. Jay also started a segment spotlighting the talent behind the art of some of our favorite books, allowing readers to get to know cover artists and why they do what they do. In my list, I made sure to highlight my favorite of those books themes as well.
So, without further ado, may I present you with my favorites list of 2013 (in no particular order, because it was hard enough to pick favorites as it is)?
Authors of All Time
- Mercy Celeste
- Megan Derr
- Cardeno C.
- S.E. Jakes
- Mary Calmes
New-to-Me Authors
- A.M. Arthur
- Avril Ashton
- Garrett Leigh
Contemporary
- Power Exchange by A.J. Rose
- Cost of Repairs by A.M. Arthur
- Slide by Garrett Leigh
- Whiskey and Wry by Rhys Ford
Paranormal
- Strength of the Pack by Kendall McKenna
- Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C.
- Soulless by T. Baggins
Fantasy
- An Unexpected Magick by M.L. Rhodes
- The Engineered Throne by Megan Derr
- Pawn takes Rook by Lex Chase
Sci-fi
- Alpha Trine by Lexi Ander
- Dark Space by Lisa Henry
Series
- Brooklyn Sinners series by Avril Ashton
- Southern Scrimage series by Mercy Celeste
- Family series by Cardeno C.
Young Adult
- Pitch by Will Parkinson
- A Broken Kind of Life by Jamie Mayfield
Sports-themed
- Six Ways from Sunday by Mercy Celeste
- Double Full by Kindle Alexander
Cross Dressers
- A Sinner Born by Avril Ashton
- Sidelined by Mercy Celeste
Overall
- Behind Iron Lace by Mercy Celeste
- More than Everything by Cardeno C.
Cover Art
- Pawn Takes Rook cover art by Paul Richmond
- The Engineered Throne cover art by Megan Derr
- Something in the Way He Needs cover art by Reese Dante
- Safeword cover art by Theo Fenraven
- Strength of the Pack cover art by Jared Rackler
I would also like to give a shout out to Jared Rackler for quickly becoming one of my favorite cover artists. This year was the first I’ve seen of his work and I look forward to what this young genius has for readers of the m/m world.
As you can see, it was a wonderful year in reading. And now I’m looking forward to what is coming up in 2014. So, until next time…
Thank you for adding me to your list! I’m totally honored and you just made a bad day, totally good. Thank you!
You are very welcome! I heart Double Full…I can’t wait for more in this series 🙂
OMG, thank you!!!! & what awesome company I’m in :):):)
& I seriously just finished Slide like 10 minutes ago – I was just about to talk about it over on Facebook when I saw your post 🙂
I know, right! It’s just…the feels of that book…they’re so much…*sigh* I love it.
I love that you are part of my list…you know how much I love your books…and thanks…for everything.
Aw. Thank you so much. It’s been a hell of a yeah. Thank you so much for the support and love ????????
Thank you, Crissy. I’m honored to be on you list! <3
<3 I do love Alpha Trine, you know…so cannot wait for Striker!