Another year has come and (almost) gone, so it’s time to look back on the reading year and give extra shout outs to the stand out books I read this year! I love doing these lists, mostly because it gives me a chance to take a look and remember fondly which books made an impact on me in the past twelve months. But I also love to give the books an extra boost, and give all the other readers out there a chance to pick them up if they haven’t had the chance. What I noticed, in the looking back, was that I was fortunate to read some outstanding series this year, or at least begin some or get the conclusion to some. While that may sound confusing, just read on to see what’s made the top of my list this year!

Metahuman Files series by Hailey Turner—Okay, I’m saying the whole series because I read three of the books in the past twelve months, and really, it’s an absolutely outstanding series. The action is fast paced and heart pounding, the characters are so very well drawn, and the world building is unbelievable. The final two books in the series were five-star reads for me. With every book I was blown away by the characters, the drama, the action, and the romance. Truly an outstanding read, especially the finale.

Studies in Demonology series by T.J. Nichols—This series drew me in an captured my attention from the get-go. While I read the first one early last year, the second two books in the trilogy came out this year. The world building…man, I don’t even have words. This is magic like you’ve never seen it, with complex consequences that affect the entire world. The characters are engaging and enthralling, and the twist and turns this series takes are riveting. I was wholly invested in Angus’s story from word one, and I am beyond thrilled with the way the series ended, including a HEA for Angus, Saka, and Terrance. Well done on so many levels.

Mind + Machine series by Hanna Dare—The author had me at the space opera feel of this series, and I loved the first book. I couldn’t wait to dive into the second one, and see what the crew of The Wayward Prince was up to. Dare manages to seamlessly weave together the action and drama of a crew who engages in sometimes illegal activity with romance and emotion. And also space and technology and complex world building. I loved both the books, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

College of United Monsters series by CB Archer—Okay, so this one is…different. And by that I mean the sheer fun and ridiculousness of it elevates this series to a whole other level. This is paranormal satire, witty dialogue, insane fun, and with the occasional breaking of the fourth wall. I can’t even begin to describe just how happy these books make me. I laughed out loud and enjoyed myself so thoroughly when reading these stories. I am waiting eagerly for more from this series!

Grilled Cheese and Goblins by Nicole Kimberling—This anthology chronicles the adventures of Agent Keith Curry and his transgoblin lover, Gunther Heartman. Not only does the author have a great writing style, which makes for an enjoyable read, but it’s also poetic and lyrical at times, which fits well with the paranormal background. The world building is great, the characters are fantastic, and the anthology style gives different cases that are engaging and intriguing, while also showing the reader the progressing relationship. It’s a great balance, and a fantastic read

Aftershock by Tanya Chris—And my one contemporary on the list is…well, also a part of a series. The first book introduced us to Syed and Dashiell, but this book is its own thing. It’s about healing and learning to live again. It’s about the power of BDSM, and trust. It’s about two men finding each other at the right time in their lives and helping each other overcome some big things. I loved this book so completely.

So there you have it, my top reads of the year! If you haven’t gotten a chance to check them out, give yourself a holiday gift and do so!