Top 15 of 2015

Guys, it's here, the list I know you've all been holding your breath for; my top 15 of 2015. After reading 257 books in 2015 one would think that this list be near impossible to narrow down to just 15. But surprisingly it wasn't that hard(well it was but I managed to do it). I read a lot of fantastic books, but I have some very clear favourites of them. Of course there's some that had to be cut, but that's why I do quarterly favourites posts, I want to showcase all my top reads throughout the year.
Let's just get into this. We'll start with some honorable mentions and than onto the countdown.

Honorable Mentions

15. Wicked by Jennifer L Armentrout

Well it's not a best of list without my drug of choice. Wicked is exactly that, wicked. It has JLA's signature humour and snappy writing. Of course the banter and swoon is at a 100%. I love Ivy's kick ass and sassy personality. Ren is super hot. And Tink. Tink is Tink. Although I wasn't surprised by the twist, I still loved the take on the fae world.

14. Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

This book was so adorable and hot. You may have noticed I'm getting more into M/M romance and I have to say that this one is my favourite. It has hockey(Toronto hockey even), best friends falling for each other, cuteness, swoon, very LGBT positive, and just a great story.

13. The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

The Last Time We Say Goodbye hits its readers right where it counts. I think Hand did a superb job of realistically portraying Lex's struggles with her brothers suicide. As well as the effects of Tyler's(Lex's brothers) depression and possibly misdiagnosed mental illness. The Last Time We Say Goodbye is an absolute beautiful story about loss and the struggles to over come it well trying to move forward in life. It's about learning that letting go doesn't mean forgetting and that it's alright to continue living your life.

12. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

All it took was reading Emery Lord's debut, Open Road Summer last year to know that she was only going to write amazing books. The Start of Me and You is one of those happy medium YA contemps; not all fluff and not all dark. Paige goes through a great story arc where she finds herself after a tragic accident. 

11. Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Challenger Deep is strong and honest portrayal of mental illness. I was able to see how someone like, Caden starts to spiral downward. How his mind is blurring the lines between reality and make believe. This is a hard book to read, but very powerful and one that should be read. Challenger Deep is very unique and vivid in the narrative. Very clever.

10. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Ah, what a wonderfully fantastic book. It just felt so effortlessly written. The relationship was perfection. And the characters, just so much personality. Also a very sex positive book, which is hard to find in YA.

9. Addicted & Calloway Sisters series by Krista & Becca Ritchie

The twin goddesses. I devoured the Addicted series this year. So I really can't just pick a book from that series to say is the absolute best. I always say I'm a character driven reader and the Ritchie twins have given me my dream books with these six characters. Everything is so real and consuming. The series is truly addicting. I chose Fuel the Fire to showcase because it is my favourite of the series and Rose and Connor are everything.

8. Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

It's impossible to not think of these as one book. The angst really pulled me in, but Cassie and Ethan's story and love kept me needing to turn every page. The love, attraction, heart break; it's all very real feeling and hit me hard in the feels.

7. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

This is the most beautiful book. The writing and the story is stunning. I am so in love and cannot wait to see what happens to Shahrzad.

6. The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian surprised me like hell. I thought it was going to be dull. Which is not even close to the case. It;s one the funniest and smartest books I've read. Mark Watney has the best sense of humor. And even with all the science I never was once lost. It was always explained without being dumb downed.

5. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Cool. Awesome. Unique, Thrilling. Funny. Kick ass heroine. All the things.

4. Winter by Marissa Meyer

Best series ender. Ever. The Lunar Chronicles is just all around amazing series. But Winter is just that much more because of all the amazing characters that come together. 

3. I'll Meet You There and Something Real by Heather Demetrios

If any author flew into my life and showed me how books are to be written in 2015, it's Heather Demetrios. Both I'll Meet You There and Something Real offer so much story, emotion and fantastic characters(and book boyfriends). I'm still not over them.

2. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

My bae. I read this book three times this year. Simon and Blue but the biggest smile on my face. And I just feel all wonderful and lovely and craving Oreos every time I read or think about this book.

1. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

2015, the year of the Simons. Carry On is just life. A few months later and I'm still thinking about how bloody brilliant this book is. Rowell's take on the "chosen one"trope is on point. Add in my absolute devotion to Simon and Baz and there is no way Carry On wasn't going to get the number one spot.

What's your guys favourite books from 2015?

Happy reading!

Brittany