Top 5 Wednesday: Authors I Discovered This Year

Top 5 Wednesday was created by Lainey at GingerReadsLainey.

Click HERE for a complete list of participants and future topics.

This week's topic is Top 5 Authors You Discovered This Year. While I've read a whole lot from my favorites this year (Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Jennifer Armentrout, K.A. Tucker), it's also been a good year for me trying out new (to me) authors. Some were so impressive that I've already read more from them - or added more of their books to my TBR. So here are my Top 5 favorite new discoveries this year:

1. MIRANDA KENNEALLY

  

I picked up Breathe, Annie, Breathe on a whim and was prepared for a light, fluffy YA contemporary. It was so much more than I expected. It dealt with some serious themes and I was so invested in Annie and her story. Kenneally managed to develop YA characters that felt completely realistic and the dialogue always rang true.

2. SARAH DARLINGTON

 

  

I can't even remember how I came across Kill Devil Hills by Sarah Darlington but I am *so* glad I did. I was in the mood for a new adult contemporary and this one blew me away. Sarah's writing style pulled me in right away and I fell in love with Georgie and Noah's story.  I have to say I didn't enjoy the second book quite as much but I'm definitely sticking with the series. 

3. KRISTEN CALLIHAN

  

I can't believe I almost missed out on Kristen Callihan because of this cheesy cover. (I mean, seriously, it's pretty cringe-worthy.) This one had so much more substance than the cover and title suggests. Callihan's writing is smart and sexy and funny and I thoroughly enjoyed this one (and may have even got a little teary at one scene. I hear the next book in this companion series is just as good if not better and I will definitely be reading more.

4. MIA SHERIDAN

 

Oh, what this book did to my emotions! Mia Sheridan managed to make me fall in love with this story by *PAGE TWO.* She created a story that captivated me and characters that I absolutely loved. I was an instant fan. I've read once other by Sheridan since Leo and I won't stop there. This woman is amazing at piling on All The Feels and I'll be reading everything she writes.

5. J.A. REDMERSKI

I've had several J.A. Redmerski books sitting on my shelves for quite a while... unread. Then I was sent an ARC for The Moment of Letting Go in preparation for the blog tour/release date. Wow. Just WOW. Redmerski crafted a story that was unforgettable. Well-developed, realistically flawed characters and a story that was equal parts heart breaking and uplifting. Loved it. It immediately became one of my favorites of 2015 and I know I'll be reading those other Redmerski books on my shelves soon.

What authors have you discovered this year? 
Share with me below so I can check them out, too!