Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Loved More Than I Thought I Would

This Top Ten Tuesday is all about books that I enjoyed way more than I thought I would and by the way, I love when this happens. It's one of my favorite things about reading and trying things outside of your comfort zone. Also, if you are interested, my reviews for most of these novels can be found here. 

 

1.  Cinder by Marissa Meyer - I put off reading this book for quite sometime, because the fact that it was a Cinderella sci-fi retelling made me sort of cringe. But I was wrong.  This book and the series is stellar.  

2.  Pushing the Limits   by Katie McGarry - I thought this book was going to be a bit too gritty for me (I like my contemporary reads to be a bit more fluffy), but I really enjoyed this opposites-attract story.

3.  Embrace by Jessica Shirvington - Another series about angels? Not again! However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this series.

4.  Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles - Here's another gritty realistic fiction that features an opposites-attract storyline that sucked me in completely. A very compelling read!

5.  The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki - I wasn't sure I would be interested in the Habsburgs or the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, but Sisi's story is just as compelling as England's Tudor Court.

6.  Lady Catherine, the Earl, and The Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon - I adore Downton Abbey, but would I enjoy a biography about the real-life former residents of Highclere Castle?  Yes. Definitely, yes.

7.  The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith - I tend to have to be in the mood for a darker contemporary read, especially if it deals with tough subjects, but I'm glad I picked up this book. It was powerful and important!

8.  Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean - I have, surprisingly, never really read a traditional romance novel before reading this book. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved it! I have yet to read another one, but I think if I do, I would pick up another by MacLean. Any recommendations for me? 

9.   Georgina: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman - Can nonfiction be as compelling as a historical fiction novel? In this case, yes. I was obsessed with this book and was pleasantly surprised by all of the drama and ups and downs in Georgina's life.

10.  The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I thought I was over dystopias, but I was thoroughly impressed when I read this book a few years back. One of my favorites for sure and it kept me on the edge of my seat.


So, what books have you recently read that you thought were going to be boring or simply not for you, but instead ended up being an enjoyable read or, better yet, one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments.  This meme is hosted by  The Broke and The Bookish.