Best I Read in 2017

As the year comes to end it is once again time to reflect on what I've read this year and attempt to pick out my favourites. It's hard every year, and this year is no exception.

I am going to do a Top Fifteen because narrowing it any further was just too hard. I've linked to my reviews where possible (except for books that have not been reviewed yet on the blog). These are in no particular order because that would also be impossible.

1. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

This is the type of book that makes you cry but in a cathartic way. It makes you cry the kind of cry you didn't know you needed. This is a book filled with so much hope. It's a must read for YA contemporary fans.

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

A fun, sexy, and enjoyable romance novel that was a delight to read. It's a banter filled escape that should be on your list for 2018 if you haven't read it already.

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I feel no list of this nature would be complete with this title on it. If you only read one book published in 2017 I would recommend this one. It's an important, well written read. It's an impressive debut that ensures people will want to read whatever Angie Thomas writes next.

4. Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh

I was immediately excited when this book was announced and even more delighted when I got to read the novel and loved it. This well crafted story of how a girl like Bonnelyn Parker becomes half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo. You'll instantly be awaiting the follow up novel, Side By Side, after devouring this one.

5. Midnight At The Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's writing always blows me away. It's magical and captivating. This story of three very different women in three different time periods interconnects in beautiful ways and leaves a lasting impression.

6. Roomies by Christina Lauren

This charming romance read has as smoking hot Irish musician as the love interest, and plenty of witty banter to spare. Christina Lauren's novels are always a delight to read, but this one felt special to me. I felt the story more, and it's a great read for those looking for something lighter in tone.

7. The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

I was so excited when Michelle announced that she would be writing a companion series to her Mara Dyer trilogy and that it would be from Noah's point of view. The first book in this series is dark, and Noah's head is not the more comfortable place to be, but Michelle's writing brings this broken character to life in a way that is breathtaking.

8. Lizzie by Dawn Ius

This doesn't come out until 2018, and I am going to review it closer to release, but I had to include it on this life. This novel follows Lizzie as she spirals into madness and ultimately ends with the death of her parents (it is, after all, inspired by the infamous Lizzie Borden). The twists and turns it takes to get there make the story feel new.

9. The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee gives us both the ridiculously fun romp through Europe that you are expecting going into this novel and so much more. This book has a depth that you may not expect, and a wonderful cast of characters that will remain with you long after the book is finished.

10. The Afterlife Of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

This book surprised me with how much I ended up loving it. The heart and emotion that A Christmas Carol has within it is definitely found within this modern take. It's one that I feel will become part of my Christmas tradition as I continue to read it again every December.

11. Renegades by Marissa Meyer

A fun superhero story that follows some recognizable tropes, but uses them to their best advantage. It's a book that is simply fun to read, and the ending sets up what is sure to be an explosive sequel.

12. There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins writing horror may seem like a surprising combination but only if you haven't followed on her any of her social media. She's a horror movie fan and this is her love letter to the genre. It's also got the classic Stephanie Perkins romance to satisfy fans of her other books.

13. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Becky Albertalli is two for two when it comes to writing books I adore. This book is a joy to read and only cements my desire to read anything she writes. This is a book for all the late bloomers out there, and I loved every minute of reading this one.

14. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

This novel features a bisexual main character discovering her bisexuality. I cannot speak to the depiction of bisexuality within it's pages, but others have praised the representation. I can speak to the emotions I felt while reading it, and the way in which I felt this story while reading it. Julie Murphy creates these amazing characters and Ramona is no exception.

15. The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

This book defies and twists all the tropes you would expect from this genre. It's an action packed novel that also has a wonderful love story within it.

What books made your own end of year list? Anything I missed reading this year that I should make a priority in 2018? Let me know in the comments.