Wrapping up my 2016 Resolution! Did you accomplish yours?

Posted December 31, 2016 by FMA in Wrap-up

 

As 2016 comes to an end, I took a look back at my resolution. Yes, I said RESOLUTION — singular. I know me too well. I have no problem making resolutions, it is following through where the issue lies. The only goal I made this year was to read from 6 new authors. I realized I tended to stick to my favorites, never venturing too far into the unknown. Let’s face it, we are all busy. For me, between taking care of my family, working and blogging, I have little time left over to read, so that time is precious. I want to pick books that, frankly, won’t waste my time and reading from a new (to me) author is always a gamble.

Not only did I meet my goal, I surpassed it. I read from 29 new to me authors! Overall I was not only pleased, but I found some new favorites.

Review — Unveiling Chaos by Jeannine Allison

Review — Unveiling Chaos by Jeannine Allison

While I didn’t give this 5 stars, I think this author is one to watch.

Review – Four Letter Word by J. Daniels 

Four Letter Word by J. Daniels –> Review, Giveaway, Audible Sample, Excerpt and more

This is the first book I have read by J. Daniels and it won’t be the last! The writing was engaging and often poetic, the story was unique. If you are looking for a hot, sexy read filled with angst, this is your book!

Review – The Bachelor Auction BY RACHEL VAN DYKEN REVIEW 

Happy Release Day: THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken – REVIEW and Giveaway

The Bachelor Auction was a sweet modern day take on Cinderella, complete with the handsome prince, fairy godmother, and horrible sisters. We get the added benefit of sexy twin brothers who are hiding secrets that keep them commitment phobic. Simply put, they are manwhores. And they are hilarious!

Review– The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur

Review – The Man I Love (The Fish Tales #1) by Suanne Laqueur

There have been a few books over my life (including this year) which had a profound effect one me, this was one of them. I recommend this to anyone who loves angst, loves love, and/or loves storytelling at its finest! A Top Favorite Of The Year!

Review — Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

Review — Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

The sign of a good writing for me is when it pulls at my emotions. Nicole Jacquelyn, had me laughing and crying. I loved the way the author wrote about their struggles, pain, and love. I felt it, all. The banter and sexual tension were fabulous! This was the perfect book for me!

Review — All The Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

Review — All The Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

This book took me so far out of my comfort zone, I was in another stratosphere. But you know what? That’s okay. Because it made me think and feel!

Review — The Hook Up by Kristen Callahan [Review] The Hook Up (Game On #1) by Kristen Callihan

‘The Hookup’ wasn’t a superficial N/A book about a football player and a girl who doesn’t want him. It was deep, it was thoughtful, it was angsty and It. Was. Good!

Review — Wanderlust by Roni Loren

Review — Wanderlust

Sex, there’s a lot of it, and I felt it overshadowed the plot. The “insta-love” was a bit much for me. I had trouble connecting with the characters and storyline. I wanted a rocker story. I wanted tension, character development, something that would get me involved in the story. Sadly, I didn’t find those things.

REVIEW — BITTERSWEET BY SARINA BOWEN

Review — Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

A sweet, second chance romance between a grouchy, bearded farmer and an upbeat, ambitious chef. A match made in heaven, right?

Review — The Prime Minister by Ainsley Booth and Sadie Haller

Review — The Prime Minister by Ainsley Booth, Sadie Haller

The writing was terrific, with a solid plot and excellent characters.

Review Ricochet by Keri Lake

★★★★★ Review for Ricochet by Keri Lake

‘Ricochet’ will take your emotions on a rollercoaster ride and your mind on a tilt-a-whirl. With your heart in your throat, your thoughts mixed up, buckle up, because once you start, Lake doesn’t let you off until the VERY. LAST. WORD!

ReviewOne Pink Rose by Julie GarwoodOne Pink Rose by Julie Garwood [Review]

‘One Pink Rose’  is the first book I’ve read by Julie Garwood, and while I am not a huge fan of historical romance, I found I quickly became a fan of Ms. Garwood’s writing style.

Review — Clean Break by Abby Vegas

Clean Break by Abby Vegas Takes Me By Surprise! 4 Stars

‘Clean Break’ takes us on a heartwarming, at times funny, journey of our protagonist, Lane Haviland as she navigates adulthood.

Review — Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

Sample Sunday | Audible Review and Book Review → Cocky Bastard by Ward and Keeland

I needed a feel-good book, and this was it! So not what I expected, but so glad it wasn’t all the same! This was a dual review. One of the story, and one of the audio.

Review — This one Moment by Stina Lindenblatt 

This One Moment (Pushing Limits) by Stina Lindenblatt [Review]

‘This One Moment’ is a story of second chances, with a bit of suspense thrown in.

Review — Felony Ever After
A Social Experiment Gone RIGHT! Felony Ever After Was A Hit!

13 authors participated. Each with their own writing style, each with their own ideas, each having to write their chapter(s) so that they gel with those before them, and set the groundwork for those that follow.

Review — Paper Princess by Erin Watt

5 Stars for Paper Princess by Erin Watt

Fantastic writing, solid, amazing plot, wonderful, well-rounded characters (many of them). This book had it all.

 Review — Love me to Death by Sharlay

Love Me To Death by Sharlay [Review]

Love Me To Death is a sweet, humorous love story.

 Review — Loving the White Liar by Kate Stewart

Loving the White Liar by Kate Stewart

Dealing with a loved one’s mental illness is not easy, living it, is even harder. Kate Stewart showcased the struggle with this novel. She tackled the ugly, the pain, and the heartache and what she found was understanding, acceptance and unconditional love.

Review — Low by Mary Elizabeth

Exquisite Writing! Captivating! Lyrical! Low by Mary Elizabeth

I love when authors use words purposefully. When they don’t just toss a few on a page and call it good. Mary Elizabeth’s word choice was intentional. Her sentences, exquisitely descriptive. Her paragraphs, like poetry. It was a dichotomy really, as the writing was beautiful and lyrical, yet the story was serious and at times, depressing.

Review — The Unwanted Wife by Natasha AndersThe Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders ~ Review

A beautiful love story, The Unwanted Wife sucked me in. If you love angst and second-chance romances, I definitely recommend this one!

Review — Manaconda by Cari Quinn and Taryn ElliottManaconda by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott ~ Review

I really liked Manaconda… despite it having one of my pet-peeves ~ insta-love/attraction – whatever you want to call it, there was insta and it didn’t bother me.

 Review — Sin For Me (The Devil’s Music #1) By Lisa Marie Perry

Review ~ Sin for Me (The Devil’s Music #1) by Lisa Marie Perry

Do yourself a favor and IGNORE THIS COVER. It does NOT do this book justice. If you like intrigue, suspense, sex and a story that reads like a script, then GET THIS BOOK!

Review — The Paper Swan by Lelah Attar

Riveting and Unexpected, The Paper Swan was Stunning

 A story of love, hate, revenge, redemption, guilt, and forgiveness; ‘The Paper Swan’ is raw and gritty and packs emotional punches that hit over and over again.

Review — The Bourbon Kings by J. R. Ward 

Sample Sunday | THE BOURBON KINGS by J.R. Ward | 5 Stars!

There was intrigue, romance, multiple characters with messed up lives, which lead to drama. I am not sure this family could be more of a mess, and I ate it up.

Review —  WTF Am I supposed to Eat? by C.J. English

Review ~ WTF Am I Supposed to Eat?: A Dieter’s Manifesto by C.J. English

 This book is hilarious, smart and talks TO you, not AT you. It helps you decide what is best for you and how to maintain balance in your life.

 

 

DNF’s
Break My Fall (Falling, #2)    by  Jessica Scott
Fly With Me (Wild Aces, #1) by Chanel Cleeton

 

What resolution (s) are you setting for 2017?

 

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2 responses to “Wrapping up my 2016 Resolution! Did you accomplish yours?

  1. I’m so happy to see Clean Break here… Thank you! One of my 2017 goals is to read the entire Survivors series by Mary Balogh. Also to write my next novel.
    Happy New Year!

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