Lola’s Ramblings is a feature on my blog Lola’s Reviews where I ramble on about a book related or a non-book related topic. These are discussion type of posts where I talk about a topic and readers can weigh in on the topic in the comments. Usually these posts are everything that doesn’t fall under any standard header, like tours, cover reveals, memes, challenges, recaps or reviews. Lola’s Ramblings posts are discussions of a certain topic and my point of view on them. The banner for this feature is designed by Michelle from Limabean Designs.
Every year I read a lot of new to me authors, so last year I started a top ten list of the best new to me authors I discovered in 2014 and I decided to continue that idea this year. Fun fact from the 10 new to me authors I featured last year I have read books again this year by 4 of them, others did make that list, but I haven’t read any new books by them this year.
Today I’ll share my favourite new to me authors that I discovered this year. In total I discovered around 40 or more new to me authors this year (I lost count) and picking only ten of those was quite a challenge. The list is in random order and author pictures link to their website, the book title link to my review.
Top Ten New to Me Authors 2015
Alicia Kat Vancil
Alicia Kat Vancil is the creator of the coming of age paranormal urban fantasy series The Marked Ones Trilogy and a super geek extraordinaire. Kat’s a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and the owner of two very crazy kitty minions (Crash the Stampede and Princess Diyogee), and nine overfull bookcases (she’s really not kidding about the bookcases). When not crafting the impossible and the imaginary, she can usually be found frolicking in her general geekiness.
Books by Alicia Kat Vancil I have read:
- Daemons in the Mist (The Marked Ones #1) – 4 stars
- The Storm Behind Your Eyes (The Marked Ones #2) – 4 stars
- The Other Side of Truth (The Marked Ones #3) – 4 stars
- Bride of the Harvest Wolf: Episode One (Bride of the Harvest Wolf #1) – 4 stars
After receiving a free copy of Daemons in the Mist and falling in love with this author her writing style I continued the binge read all the books she had released by that point. I enjoyed all of them and am eagerly awaiting her new releases. I haven’t read the second Bride of the Harvest Wolf book yet tough, but it is on my wishlist.
K.A. Tucker
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons.
She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit.
Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
Books by KA Tucker I have read:
- Burying Water (Burying Water #1) – 4 stars
- Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2) – 4 stars
- Chasing River (Burying Water #3) – 3 stars
I heard so many things about this author, but never picked up one of her books, after seeing some good reviews of her books on blogs by bloggers who’s opinion I value and then having one of them recommend the book to me, I decided to give it a try and bought the first book in her Burying Water series. Burying Water won in a My To-Be Read List poll and then I read it and enjoyed it so much I had the next 3 books ordered before I even finished the book.
Catherine Mann
USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, and Sourcebooks, with her work reprinted in more than twenty countries. A RITA Award winner, she lives on the Florida coast where she and her military flyboy husband have brought up four children. An active volunteer with her local Humane Society, Catherine enjoys writing while foster puppies nap on her feet.
Books by Catherine Mann:
- One Good Cowboy (Diamonds in the Rough #1) – 4 stars
- Pursued by the Rich Rancher (Diamonds in the Rough #2) – 4 stars
- Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO (Diamonds in the Rough #3) – 4 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – How to Lose a Groom in Ten Days (Runaway Brides #1) – 4 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – The Wedding Audition (Runaway Brides #2) – 4 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – There Goes the Bride (Runaway Brides #3) – 3 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – Bride on the Run (Runaway Brides #4) – 4 stars
After touring a few of Catherine Mann her books last year I had planned on giving her books a try. Having the first book in her Diamonds in the Rough series from netgalley I decided to give it a try. I think this is the new to me author I read most books by in this year. I not only read her whole Diamonds in the Dough trilogy, but also read the Runaway Brides series which she co-authors with Joanne Rock.
Katie Hayoz
Katie grew up in Racine, Wisconsin where she acquired an irreversible nasal twang and an addiction for books with a slightly dark edge. She now lives in Geneva, Switzerland with her husband, two daughters, and a very fuzzy cat. She has been an avid reader of YA fiction for years. While she has a penchant for the paranormal, she devours a range of books — along with popcorn and black licorice. She consumes all three in large quantities. Luckily, the books don’t stay on her hips.
Books by Katie Hayoz I read:
I had seen a good review for Immersed on two blogs I follow, so when I saw it on netgalley I jumped at the chance to read and review this. Immersed has an amazing blend of different genres that worked really well. The sequel is good too, although I liked the first book better.
Erin Hayes
Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books, like the fantasy mystery novel Death is but a Dream, the sci-fi middle grade book Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average, and the Her Wolf paranormal series.
She works as an advertising copywriter during the day, and she moonlights as an author. She has lived in New Zealand, Texas, and now in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.
You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.
Books by Erin Hayes I read:
- How to be a Mermaid – 4 stars
- Damned if I Do (The Harker Trilogy #1) – 4 stars
- I’d Rather be a Witch – 4 stars
I had seen How to be a Mermaid around on the blogosphere thanks to a blitz and the book got my attention. I then got offered a copy for review and also read and reviewed her next books Damned if I Do and I’d Rather be a Witch, both were great and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.
Look for Jill’s latest, ONE IN A MILLION, on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.
Visit Jill’s website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Books by Jill Shalvis I read:
This author has been on my to-read list for a year or two now and I only now got around to reading one of her books which I really enjoyed. So I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Maddie Day
Maddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha-nominated mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. FLIPPED FOR MURDER releases in October, 2015. Edith lived in Bloomington, Indiana and earned a PhD in linguistics from Indiana University. Her roots in the state go back five generations.
Please see Edith Maxwell’s author page for more information about her three other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
Books by Maddie Day I read:
As I wanted to read more cozy mysteries this year I gave this one a try when I saw it on netgalley. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to read more books by this author.
Joanne Rock
Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock turned a passion for writing into a career when imaginary characters kept her awake at night, demanding she tell their stories. An optimist by nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her life outlook perfectly–love is worth fighting for.
Joanne recently discovered a new creative joy in co-authoring, penning a Young Adult series as J.K. Rock with her sister in law, Karen, and– more recently—writing the Runaway Bride series with her long time critique partner Catherine Mann. She is continually excited to find new ways to spark creativity and maintain the fun in writing.
Books by Joanne Rock I read:
- Promises Under the Peach Tree (Heartache #1) – 5 stars
- Nights Under the Tennessee Stars (Heartache #2) – 4 stars
- Last Chance Christmas – 3 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – How to Lose a Groom in Ten Days (Runaway Brides #1) – 4 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – The Wedding Audition (Runaway Brides #2) – 4 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – There Goes the Bride (Runaway Brides #3) – 3 stars
- Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock – Bride on the Run (Runaway Brides #4) – 4 stars
I have read by JK Rock which is the writer duo Karen Rock and Joanne Rock, but it took me till this year to give Joanne her solo written books a try. I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read by her so far and will definitely check out more of her books.
C.J. Matthew
CJ Matthew grew up in an Air Force family that traveled and lived all over the US and around the world. It proved to be the perfect opportunity for gathering ideas and material for future books while developing her imagination.
CJ’s debut paranormal romance series, Dolphin Shore Shifters features dolphins posing as humans, committed to protecting the oceans at any cost while working through their oceanic conservation corporation, Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California.
When CJ isn’t writing or reading romances, she enjoys spending time with her two grown children, her brilliant grandson, and her feisty cat Max. Schedule permitting, CJ also loves to travel and discover new favorite places as well as new friends in both the US and around the world.
Max flatly refuses to travel.
Books by C.J. Matthew I read:
Even though I only rated these 2 books 3 stars, I am hooked on this series and enjoy it enough to keep wanting the next book, this series has an original combination of shifters, suspense and romance and little drama. This is definitely an author I’ll keep an eye on.
Paula Berinstein
Paula Berinstein is nothing like Amanda. For one thing, she’s crazy about Sherlock Holmes. For another, she’s never wanted to be a filmmaker. In addition, compared to Amanda she’s a big chicken! And she wouldn’t mind going to a secret school at all. In fact, she’s hoping that some day she’ll get to build one.
Books by Paula Berinstein I read:
I only read one book by this author so far, but I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more of this author her books! Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy was one of my favourite books I read this year!
You are so sweet, Lola! Thank you so much for mentioning me and my book, Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy!
I read a lot of books this year too. I think my favorite discovery is Diana Gabaldon. I read Outlander #1 and am absolutely captivated. Actually that’s too weak a word. I am ecstatic about that book, as well as the TV series based on it. Wow, wow, wow!
I also discovered the Irish mystery author Tana French. Her first two books, In the Woods and The Likeness, are amazing. She’s a bit literary, which makes getting into the books a bit slow, but once I got going I couldn’t put them down. I can’t wait to read more of her.
While I enjoyed tried and true authors like C.J. Box, Philippa Gregory, Ian Rankin, and Preston and Child, I have to say that Gabaldon and French were my favorites of the year.
I also discovere
You’re welcome :). I wrote this post months in advance and kept the last author over in case I discovered an aweosme new to me author in the last few months. So after I read Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy I knew I had found my tenth author.
I read so many new to me authors this year it was hard narrowing down the list to ten.
btw the orange book arrived today :D. It’s under the christmas tree now.
I have heard of Outlander, but haven’t read it myself, the size of that book is so daunting and I am not a big fan of time travel, which made me hesistant to read it. But who knows maybe I’ll give it a try eventually. It does sound good and lots of people seem to love it.
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Ramblings: Top Ten New to me Authors 2015
I feel especially honored then. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad the orange book arrived. I hope you like it!!!!
Outlander seems to be a book people either love or hate. I must say that some of the negative reviews absolutely astonished me. They were coming from a place I wouldn’t have dreamed of in a million years. We can discuss this more if you want.
BTW, I just finished Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks’ Secret and gave it to my first test reader: Alan. I took some huge risks with this one. I guess we’ll see.
🙂
I hope I can read the orange book early 2016. I am in a mystery book mood, but have a few deadlines books I have to read first.
I heard lots of people who loved Outlander, but I am just not sure if I will like it. I did read a historical time travel romance book this year that I enjoyed, so who knows.
Now I am really curious about what sort of risks you took in that book and what’s going to happen!
My personal feeling about Outlander is that the time travel element quickly burns itself out and you’re left with a romantic historical thriller. Of course I’ve only read the first book and seen the first season of the show, so I don’t know what comes after that. The characters, setting, and story are really captivating though. But it’s not to everyone’s taste, I guess.
I would ask you to test read the fourth book, but you really need the second and third in order for it to have its full impact. So I guess we’ll just have to talk about it all later.
🙂
The time travel historical romance that I read this year was like that as well, the time travel didn’t really play an important role except for epxlaining how he got to the past and from there on it was more a historical romance book. So that makes me think I might enjoy Outlander as well.
Let’s hope I can read the Orange and Purple book soon then :).
I’d give you my copy of the first Outlander so you can take a sneak peek, but it would cost me $25 to send it. 🙂 But you can probably do that using the Kindle sample feature if you want. That way you might be able to tell instantly.
🙂
It’s a shame shipping costs are so expensive. Taking a look at the amazon look inside feature is a good idea. I’ll do that to get a feel for the book.
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Ramblings: Best Books I Read in 2015
I haven’t heard of any of these authors. I’ll have to go look them up and see if any of their books catch my eye.
Jenni Elyse recently posted…Best Books of 2015
They are all great authors and I can’t wait to read more books by them!
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Ramblings: Top Ten New to me Authors 2015
Great list. I found a few new to me authors this year as well. Rebecca Boucher and Kallypso Masters.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Product Review: Idson Retractable Dog Leash
I haven’t heard of those authors before. It’s great to find new to you authors to follow.
Lola recently posted…2015 New Release Challenge: 4rd quarterly recap
I have such a hard time narrowing it down for lists, too. I enjoy a couple authors that you picked.
Let’s see for me:
Erika Kelly and her rockstar romances
Marliss Melton for her romantic suspense/Navy SEALs
Karen Rose’s romantic suspense
Bella Jewel’s modern pirate romances
CS Pascat’s M/M Fantasy series
Clay and Susan Griffiths’ steampunk urban fantasies
Kenneth Graham’s Poldark sagas
Tygati’s M/M sci-fis
Susan Kearsley’s Romantic Suspense
Jean Stubbs’ historical sagas
Leigh Greenwood’s historical western romances
Amie Kauffman’s YA sci-fi
And I could seriously list several more. 🙂 Love finding new to me authors.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon #Review #NeverEndingSeries
I think I’ve treid about 40 new to me authors this year, if I had to list them all, it would be a very long list. I also love finding new to me authors :).
I haven’t heard of most of the authors on your list, although I have read These Broken Stars which is co-written by Amie kaufman. Really enjoyed that one and I own the sequel, which I haven’t read yet.
Lola recently posted…2015 New Release Challenge: 4rd quarterly recap
Some of these authors and their work, I’ve actually heard of but I’ve never had the inclination to reading. Teehee I think you’re one that told me about them in the first place. I always love to stalk authors that are new to me and see where they come from and stuff. 🙂
Probably ;). I reviewed these authors their books on the blog this year, so it’s possible that’s where you heard about them.
Lola recently posted…2015 New Release Challenge: 4rd quarterly recap
I really do want to try out K.A. Tucker! It’s great fun to discover new authors – or you know, new-to-you authors. I finally read books by Marissa Meyer and Laini Taylor in 2015 and they were fantastic. I’d love to read more by them.
Let’s Get Beyond Tolerance recently posted…The Price of Salt becomes…Carol
I have read two book by Laini Taylor and really enjoyed them. Marissa Meyer is an author who’s still on my to-read list. KA Tucker is a great author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
K.A. Tucker is one that I want to try. I had a lot of new-to-me authors, too. Andy Weir, Joe Hill, Mira Grant, Jeffe Kennedy, Paige Tyler, Jennifer Ashley, E.J Stevens, Angie Fox and Celia Kyle. These are all authors that I love and will continue to read. I love finding new authors.
Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons recently posted…The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers Audiobook by Angie Fox (REVIEW)
Same here, I love finding new to me authors. And I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.
Great list. I am new to Jill Shalvis this year too and am now a big fan. There are a couple that I am seeing for the first time, so I will dig deeper.
SDCB Steph recently posted…Ten Anticipated Books Releasing Early 2016
Lots of bloggers recommended Jill Shalvis to me and I am glad I finally got to give one of her books a try this year. I am already a fan of her books even though I only read two of them so far.
Lola recently posted…2015 New Release Challenge: 4rd quarterly recap