Top Ten Favourite Authors New-To-Me In 2015

1. Roxanne Gay – I read more non-fiction than I normally do this year, which I really enjoyed. This was kick-started by splurging on Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay at the start of 2015. I ADORED this book and plan to reread it many times. I recently got my hands on Gay’s debut novel, An Untamed State, and I can’t wait to read it!

2. Colleen Oakley – Oakley’s debut, Before I Go, was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2015, and it didn’t let me down. A second novel titled, Close Enough To Touch, is listed on Goodreads, but there’s no release date. Bonus: check out my interview with Colleen Oakley!

3. Lisa Brown Roberts – I was introduced to this YA author through a blog tour for How (Not) To Fall In Love. I find these can be hit or miss when it comes to the quality of the writing, and Roberts was definitely a hit!

4. Heather Demetrios – I’ll Meet You There is definitely one of my stand out reads from 2015, yet I haven’t picked up anything else up by this author! I’ve heard some mixed reviews for her other titles, but the one I’m most looking forward to is her 2017 release, Bad Romance.

5. Harper Lee – I read To Kill A Mockingbird for the very first time in 2015, and I am completely and utterly in love with the story. Like Sex and the City 2, I choose to pretend Go Set A Watchman never happened. I need to write a full review for that yet but basically, as a fan of Lee’s novel, I appreciate the insight GSAW gives you, as you can see how TKAMB was developed off the back of the original story, and you can see how Lee’s writing improved, but I can see why Lee didn’t want to release it, and think you should look at GSAW as a released rough manuscript, rather than a novel in its own right.

6. Kristin Hannah – I read The Nightingale this year and I LOVED it. I gave it 5*. I think it could be my favourite book of the year. I’m now equally super excited and absolutely petrified to read anything else by Hannah. I also deserve brownie points because my Dad is currently reading (and loving) it. Remember my non-reader Dad who is now a bookworm? This is an even bigger achievement because it’s so far from his reading comfort bubble, and because he was reluctant to pick it up due to the title/cover/female author. I’m on a one woman crusade to end prejudice towards “women’s fiction”. I haven’t blogged about it yet, but I will. In the meantime check out Belinda’s post on “Women’s Fiction”, and why it is a problem.

7. Louise O’Neill – O’Neill is bae. First up, I read Asking For It, which was so wonderful, and so hard-hitting, that I was inspired to write a completely ranty response I aptly named #NotAskingForIt. Then I picked up O’Neill’s debut, Only Ever Yours, in which the feminist themes were equally poignant in its dystopian setting, as they were in the contemporary setting of Asking For It. I need more now, please and thanks.

8. Jenn Bennett – Bennett is an adult paranormal romance author, who released her first YA contemporary romance in 2015 (Night Owls). I read it (have yet to review it on the blog), and really enjoyed it. It was a cute contemporary romance, with some grittier themes. I’m debating trying her adult reads, or holding out for more YA – opinions?

9. Tasmina Perry– I picked up The Proposal on a whim when I was doing my grocery shop. Something about the cover called to me, and the blurb mentioned débutantes. I envisioned an authentic and drama-filled fifties version of Gossip Girl, and was obviously sold. I loved this historical romance read. It really blew me away, and would make an excellent YA/Adult crossover. I want to try more from Perry, and I have to say most of the “chicklit” style covers are putting me off. Kudos to the designer of The Proposal, as it’s much more appealing. Hidden gem of the year.

10. Unknown! I’m hoping to fit in lots more reading before the end of 2015, so like last year, I’m leaving this spot open. Perhaps for a male author? Two years in a row now my lists have been female-only. I need to work on that.

What new and fabulous authors have you come across this year? Based on my Top Ten picks are there any you would recommend to me? Link me up to your list or let me know in the comments! Happy reading, Book Geeks!