My Best Reads of 2014

According to my 2014 Goodreads Challenge, I read 237 books in 2014. At least half of these were romance titles and about 40 were picture books. I've gone through and selected my 5 star ratings from the year. Some weren't published in 2014, but that is when I read them so I counted them. I picked my favorite book of 2014 at the bottom.

Young Adult:

 
 
  

Nonfiction/Biography

Romance

 
 
  
  

Urban Fantasy

 

Picture Book

         

Erotica

  

So which book was the best read from 2014?

It was actually a tie!

                                               

What were your favorite books that you read from 2014?

Cover Reveal: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Last month I posted a review of The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski. I loved this book...except for the cover. 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

I had issues with the vertical text and the font. Turns out I wasn't the only one. Several of you agreed with me. I'm also glad to report that the cover for The Winner's Crime, which is set to be released in March 2015, is much better. 

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them

Gone is the vertical text (thank you!) and I'm much more impressed with the blue dress vs the pink scheme. Not only does it stand out more, I think the deeper color fits more with the character of Kestrel. I'm very excited about The Winner's Crime and if you haven't given The Winner's Curse a chance yet then you are missing out!

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

As the daughter of the top military general in the Valorian Empire, Kestrel knows what is expected of her. She must either join the military or marry. There are both pros and cons to each option, but neither would make her truly happy. As Kestrel weighs the right choice for herself, a new figure enters into her life. A mistaken visit to the slave auction results in Kestrel purchasing Arin, a Herrani slave. Sickened at the mere thought of the auction, Kestrel is completely shocked by her purchase … and her attraction to Arin. As their friendship grows, the plot thickens.  Kestrel has no idea how one impulsive decision could alter the entire course of her country.

As part of my September  YA/NA Challenge, I went searching for some new books that have yet to come across my radar. I’m not exactly sure how I came across The Winner’s Curse, but I was definitely intrigued by the plot. I have several friends on Goodreads who gave it 5 stars, which only cemented the book more for me.

The first 100 pages or so, introduces us to Kestrel, Arin, their empire, and the history of how Kestrel’s people conquered and enslaved Arin’s country. Though it is a little slow during the initial setup, author Marie Rutkoski does a wonderful job of still keeping it interesting. All the characters have depth and are essential to the storyline. Arin and Kestrel are both brilliant and have great minds for strategy. Though they are pitted against each other, Arin and Kestrel cannot deny the connection between them. As the intrigue and betrayals deepen, The Winner’s Curse takes the reader on a whirlwind of excitement.  Filled with duels, ballrooms, and blackmail, The Winner’s Curse holds nothing back.

I don't think I can recommend The Winner's Curse enough. I know tons of patrons who are going to devour it and I can't wait to put it in their hands. The next installment in The Winner’s Trilogy, The Winner’s Crime is set to be released in March 2015. You definitely will want to get your hands on it immediately. 

Fans of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson will love The Winner's Curse. 

Sidenote: Not that this matters, but I found that the cover was one of my least favorites for a YA book. The composition of the girl, plus the vertical text and thin font are all disastrous in my opinion. Anyone agree or disagree?