Top 13 5-Star Reads of 2019 ...
These are listed in reverse order (that I read them). All are 5-star reads, and I indicate their genre at the end.
The Mystery of the Bones, by CS Poe -- I love this series, I love Poe's style, and I love the quirky characters and the rich romance. Male/Male Romance/Mystery
Wolfsong, by TJ Klune -- I'm so glad I finally gave in and read this (despite my lack of love for shifter tales); it's truly remarkable in so many ways, and although I don't love Joe, Ox is amazing (one of my favorite characters of all time). Male/male New Adult/Urban Fantasy (Shifters)
Little White Lies, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes -- this is a delightful YA, and I love the Southern aspects, the plucky girls, and the hints of romance (book two, which I read in November, is also very good, even if not quite as strong). YA Contemporary/Mystery
Check Please, by Ngozi Ukazu -- I just loved this graphic novel, and I've read the online strip numerous times (plus, I now enjoy the fanfic too, LOL) -- the characters, the hockey, and the acceptance of this world is awesome. Male/male New Adult/Graphic Novel
Stone Cold Heart, by Laura Griffin -- as with all Griffin's books, I found this one delightful (I really enjoyed her love for Texas and the way she portrays her settings). I liked the mystery, the characters, and (as mentioned) the setting -- can't wait for the next one! Adult Mystery/Suspense/Romance
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz -- this is just a fantastic book! I loved it from start to finish (and my daughter did too -- so much so that she's already purchased it and reread it), everything from the 'historical' setting ('80s) to the sweet romance between the two boys to the lyrical writing style. YA Historical/LGBT
City of the Lost (and the rest of the series), by Kelley Armstrong -- these were a delightful discovery this year, and I enjoyed the setting, the unique premise, the mystery within each, the romance, and the characters -- just wonderful! Adult Mystery/Thriller/Romance
Made for You, by Anyta Sunday -- this is a charming romance with a unique (and intriguing) setting -- I really enjoyed it. Male/male Romance
The Deceivers, by Kiersten Simmons -- this is a solid and engaging book about teen con artists and their world (I'm hoping it's truly the beginning of a series, and I will definitely look for more). YA Thriller/Adventure
A Merciful Fate, by Kendra Elliot -- I love this series! I'm bummed that she's done now, but I so enjoyed my time with Mercy Kilpatrick, her family members, and her love (Truman). Adult Mystery/Romance
Off the Ice, by Piper Vaughn and Avon Gale -- these two make a great writing team, and I really like this new series (though the first book is my favorite so far); the romance between Tristan and Sebastian is realistic and intriguing, and I liked the hockey aspects too. Male/Male Romance
Two Can Keep a Secret, by Karen McManus -- just like her first book, this is well written, engaging, and filled with intriguing teens and situations. I'm already looking forward to her next book (coming next month). YA Mystery
Beartown, by Fredrik Backman -- I still love this book! For anyone who loves hockey and small towns, this is a must read (imo). Adult Contemporary/Literary
The Mystery of the Bones, by CS Poe -- I love this series, I love Poe's style, and I love the quirky characters and the rich romance. Male/Male Romance/Mystery
Wolfsong, by TJ Klune -- I'm so glad I finally gave in and read this (despite my lack of love for shifter tales); it's truly remarkable in so many ways, and although I don't love Joe, Ox is amazing (one of my favorite characters of all time). Male/male New Adult/Urban Fantasy (Shifters)
Little White Lies, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes -- this is a delightful YA, and I love the Southern aspects, the plucky girls, and the hints of romance (book two, which I read in November, is also very good, even if not quite as strong). YA Contemporary/Mystery
Check Please, by Ngozi Ukazu -- I just loved this graphic novel, and I've read the online strip numerous times (plus, I now enjoy the fanfic too, LOL) -- the characters, the hockey, and the acceptance of this world is awesome. Male/male New Adult/Graphic Novel
Stone Cold Heart, by Laura Griffin -- as with all Griffin's books, I found this one delightful (I really enjoyed her love for Texas and the way she portrays her settings). I liked the mystery, the characters, and (as mentioned) the setting -- can't wait for the next one! Adult Mystery/Suspense/Romance
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz -- this is just a fantastic book! I loved it from start to finish (and my daughter did too -- so much so that she's already purchased it and reread it), everything from the 'historical' setting ('80s) to the sweet romance between the two boys to the lyrical writing style. YA Historical/LGBT
City of the Lost (and the rest of the series), by Kelley Armstrong -- these were a delightful discovery this year, and I enjoyed the setting, the unique premise, the mystery within each, the romance, and the characters -- just wonderful! Adult Mystery/Thriller/Romance
Made for You, by Anyta Sunday -- this is a charming romance with a unique (and intriguing) setting -- I really enjoyed it. Male/male Romance
The Deceivers, by Kiersten Simmons -- this is a solid and engaging book about teen con artists and their world (I'm hoping it's truly the beginning of a series, and I will definitely look for more). YA Thriller/Adventure
A Merciful Fate, by Kendra Elliot -- I love this series! I'm bummed that she's done now, but I so enjoyed my time with Mercy Kilpatrick, her family members, and her love (Truman). Adult Mystery/Romance
Off the Ice, by Piper Vaughn and Avon Gale -- these two make a great writing team, and I really like this new series (though the first book is my favorite so far); the romance between Tristan and Sebastian is realistic and intriguing, and I liked the hockey aspects too. Male/Male Romance
Two Can Keep a Secret, by Karen McManus -- just like her first book, this is well written, engaging, and filled with intriguing teens and situations. I'm already looking forward to her next book (coming next month). YA Mystery
Beartown, by Fredrik Backman -- I still love this book! For anyone who loves hockey and small towns, this is a must read (imo). Adult Contemporary/Literary