Best Books of 2016

This was a little tougher than I thought it was going to be! There were so many amazing books that came out this past year. Originally I was only going to pick 10 books for my list but then I realized how impossible that was. So instead, I went through Goodreads and picked out all my five-star reads.

Young Adult & Middle Grade

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo • What an ending to the Six of Crows duology! I've said before that it's hard to pull off multiple POVs, let alone six, and Bardugo made me care deeply for every character!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas • I pretty much expect to have all the feels while reading Sarah's books but ACOMAF seriously blew my mind. She is an expert storyteller.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas • Each book in Throne of Glass just gets more and more amazing and EOS was no exception. But as someone who was shipping Rowan & Aelin since Heir of Fire, this book made my heart explode.

Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson • It's funny because I wasn't a big fan of The Kiss of Deception (the twist was lost on me!) but then Heart of Betrayal completely changed my mind. And Beauty of Darkness? Well, it solidified this series as being a favorite.

The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows • Jaw-dropping conclusion to the Orphan Queen. I had to text Alexa multiple times while reading!

This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills • If you're in the mood for a feel-good book that focuses on friendship and family (and a little romance), this is a must-read.

Shuffle, Repeat by Jen Klein • I read this book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down! It's one of my favorite YA contemporary romances.

The Long Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes • I was nervous as to how The Long Game would live up to The Fixer but no worries were necessary because it was just as good, if not better.

The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski • I remember thinking that if Kestrel and Arin didn't actually use their words and communicate in this book, I would throw a fit. Luckily, I got what I wanted and more! Another series ender that totally met my expectations.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner • I read this only because everyone was talking about it and while that can be a recipe for failure, that wasn't the case here. I'm glad I listened to the hype and read this incredible book.

The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin • Only Estelle could convince me to read middle grade. It's not a genre I gravitate towards so you can imagine my surprise when I found myself crying over this book on the bus. So moving!

Upcoming in 2017: Frostblood by Elly Blake • This comes out in a few weeks and friends, if you love fantasy you'll want to read this.

New Adult, Adult & Non-Fiction

The Deal by Elle Kennedy • I never would've expected to give a NA book 5 stars but oh man, The Deal was something else. Funny, sweet, sexy and with surprising depth.

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn • I'm so glad Alexa and I read this for Flights of Fantasy! I ended up bingeing the entire series because I enjoyed it so much. Troubled Waters is my fave though!

The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes • I want everyone to read this book. It was inspiring and made me laugh out loud. Anyone who's a fan of Grey's Anatomy (or any of her shows) will enjoy this immensely.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid • I love all of TJR's books but as of right now, I think this one is my favorite. She continually amazes me with the way she explores love, life and relationships.

The Choices We Make by Karma Brown • Powerful book that will make you think (and think and think), get angry, cry and just feel. I was already a fan of Brown's but this sealed the deal.

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What were your favorite books of 2016?