Favorite 20 in 2005

I'm well past the point of looking for positive things about being sick. Now, I'm just praying for death. I'm not sure if my aching head is an indication that I am moving through the stages of this bug or if it means I need to go to the doctor. We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning, I suppose. I should mention that I have been incredibly blessed with family support. Several siblings have stopped by with food, flavored water (I'm so sick of regular water I could scream), and (the latest offering) a humidifier.

Now, if my keys would turn up, I could go back to being only sick instead of sick and worried.

On to other things. Last year I did a long post about the books I read in 2004. I plan to do the same this year, but while I'm compiling it, I thought I'd join many others who are posting their favorite books of the current year. So here they are, my top 20 books with a 2005 copyright date. They are in alphabetical order. I've provided links to my reviews or blog entries.

Melani Blazer: Hot Rod Heaven

Pamela Clare: Ride the Fire
Apparently I didn't write a review for this book. It's quite good--a historical romance with a tortured hero and a strong heroine.

Sylvia Day: Catching Caroline, Kiss of the Night, Wish List
Technically, she should get three spots on the list, since I'm listing three books, but I'm going to use the flimsy excuse that they are all novellas. That way, I can count them as one and make room for others on this list. That doesn't diminish how much I liked them, though. Day is very much a comfort read for me.

Amy Garvey: Murder in the Hamptons

Lori Handeland: Hunter's Moon

Emma Holly, Lora Leigh, Meljean Brook, and Shiloh Walker: Hot Spell

Linda Howard: To Die For
Although I hadn't picked up Linda Howard in years, I decided to try To Die For, and I'm so glad I did.

Deanna Lee: Blood Moon
I was intrigued by Still Waters, the first book in Lee's Kyra Moray series, but I really liked the second one. Sadly, it looks like there will be a bit of a wait for the third. I'm planning to buy her next book (unrelated to the Moray series), Undressing Mercy, which has an artistically beautiful cover, even if it's not one I would be comfortable reading in public.

Marjorie M. Liu: Tiger Eye

Sarah Mayberry: Can't Get Enough

Erin McCarthy: "Fuzzy Logic" and The Pregnancy Test

Patti O'Shea: Through a Crimson Veil

J.D. Robb: Origin in Death

Jill Shalvis: Get a Clue

Gena Showalter: Awaken Me Darkly and Heart of the Dragon

Carrie Vaughn: Kitty & The Midnight Hour

Evelyn Vaughn: Contact

J.R. Ward: Dark Lover

Nancy Warren: Private Relations

Sasha White: The Devil Inside
I can't find a review in my archives; I suppose I didn't review it. Don't let that stop you from giving it a try. It's a fun and intense contemporary romance with a little paranormal element to give it some zing.

There you have it--my favorite 20 reads from 2005. Watch for a more detailed year-in-review in the next few days. Feel free to send healthy vibes my way.