Top 10 Books I Loved Reading

As we approach the new year, I want to wrap up this year, look forward to the next, and then look beyond even that - because, yes, I'm a greedy bookslut when it comes to stuffing my shelves!

This year I read 124 books, the shortest being 24 pages and the longest 1,232 pages. During the year I read some stinkers (Tell Me I’m Worthless comes to mind) and some disappointments (The Dragons of Deepwood Fen tops that list), but I also had my hand in proofreading or editing some absolutely amazing titles (but I won't play favorites there).

Anyway, to start things off, here are the Top 10 Books I Loved Reading this year, in reverse order of when I read them:

1. Dragonfall by L.R. Lam - a queer dragon enemies-to-lovers fantasy in a genderfluid world with a surprise twist that hits hard and nails the ending.
2. Phoenix Rising by Ryk E. Spoor - a throwback to late 80s/early 90s that made my heart swell and my imagination squeal like a teenager once again.
3. Eli Series by B.J. Frazier - a fun and fabulous read, often inspiring and sometimes amusing, that gets deep into the rules and ethics of the BDSM power-exchange.
4. Nights of Silk and Sapphire by Amber Jacobs - featuring desert fantasy, erotic romance, a sapphic harem, and a gloriously sensual awakening, this was an absolute gem of a novel.
5. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle - this was exactly what I wanted, and even more what I needed, a feel-good horror novel that delighted me with every twist and turn.
6. Spirit of the Wood by Kristen Britain -  a familiar visit to a favorite place as we await the Karigan’s next adventure.
7. The Night Mother by John Everson - a finale that outdoes the S&M-themed depravities of the first 2 books while delving deeper into the mythology of angels, demons, creation myths, and immortality.
8. Rise of the Battlebitch by Drace Domino - Adorably queer. Beautifully diverse. Uproariously cheeky. Wonderfully heartfelt. Sweetly romantic. Heroic sword-and-sorcery with friendship and romance.
9. The Doors We Open by Donna Jay - a beautiful book about the contrasts of characters, themes, and relationships, with an erotic flair beneath the sweet romance, surrounded by heartfelt family drama.
10. Southern Chastity by L. D. Cub - a character-driven story of camaraderie, friendships, romance, submission, and (yes) chastity kink.