“Top Ten Tuesday” is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!
This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is the Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition.
As always, these choices are listed in no particular order.
Brigid Kemmerer’s work is just plain fun. It’s really as simple as that. While I knew the second I finished the first novel in her Elementals series, Storm, that Kemmerer’s work would be something I would enjoy, it wasn’t until the release of Spark that I was completely sold. The addictive and enthralling story of a series of brothers who have been blessed with the powers of the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), Kemmerer’s paranormal romance series is vaguely reminiscent of the work of eminently popular and famous romance authors like Nora Roberts. There’s something compulsively readable about Kemmerer’s work that will have you frantically flipping pages until the very last one. With a touching portrayal of the dynamics between the four brothers in addition to stories of young love that will steal your heart and leave you longing for more, Brigid Kemmerer’s work is not to be missed under any circumstance.
Discovering the work of Kristen Callihan was one of the best and most fortuitous literary accidents I’ve ever experienced. Desperate for something to read but not in the mood for anything I owned, I stumbled upon Firelight while searching aimlessly through the Kindle store late one night. Deciding to purchase it on a whim, I began reading it, only expecting to read twenty or thirty pages before I turned in for the night. Cut to me, bleary-eyed and wide awake, frantically turning the pages as the sun began to rise the next morning. While I do suffer from insomnia, this was one of only a handful of times that a book was so well-written and engaging that I stayed up the entirety of the night to read it. And I would do it again in a heartbeat! With a touch of magic, fantasy, and a whole lot of love, Callihan’s Victorian-era paranormal romance series for adults is one of the best I’ve ever read. With a vast range that denies all categorization, Callihan’s work is really something that should be experienced first hand. I don’t feel properly qualified to describe it, as I worry that I would never be able to do it justice. My advice? Go in entirely blind and fall down the rabbit hole – I guarantee you will be delighted and charmed at every turn. I dare you not to fall in love with the headstrong Miranda Ellis, and the mercurial, tormented and charmingly vulnerable Lord Benjamin Archer.
Writing under the pseudonym P.T. Michelle, Patrice Michelle crafted one of my favourite paranormal romance series aimed toward young adults. After purchasing the first novel in the series, Brightest Kind of Darkness, as something of a fluke last year when it was on sale, I was immediately transfixed as I fell head-over-heels in love with Nara, Ethan, and the strange shadowy dream world in which they often reside. Likely drawing upon her wealth of experience writing adult romance, Michelle created a couple that took my breath away and threatened to set the pages alight as they both struggled to overcome their differences and become accustomed to the new and often terrifying world into which they’re thrust. With palpable chemistry, Nara and Ethan were certainly one of the most memorable romantic couples I read about last year, which is certainly saying something given the 200+ novels I read in 2012. While I was less enthused with the apparent love triangle that was introduced in the second novel in the series, Lucid, and the fact that Ethan played a smaller role, I’m still eagerly looking forward to the release of the third novel, Destiny, and have every confidence that Michelle will handle the next chapter in Nara and Ethan’s story with the same depth and sensuality as she has always done. A series that is perfect for those who prefer an emphasis on romance with an undercurrent of the paranormal, in her Brightest Kind of Darkness series P.T. Michelle has proven that mediocrity is not an unavoidable byproduct of self-published work. With searing chemistry, sexual tension and an intriguing paranormal lore, I continue to wish that more people were aware of Michelle’s young adult series.
Much to my immense surprise, during a recent #LitLush discussion on Twitter, it came to light that there was a large number of young adult book bloggers and reviewers who had never read Morgan Matson’s Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour. This came as quite a shock to me as I had always considered Matson’s work a staple within the contemporary young adult genre and had assumed that her work was widely read. While many would argue that Matson’s work is already quite popular, this recent revelation made me wonder if perhaps she’s as well-known as she undeniably ought to be. With a sensitivity and unique talent for touching upon universal issues like the grieving process and the uncertainty of young love, Matson continually writes stories that steal my heart and stay with me for months or years after reading them. I was absolutely blown away by the creativity of Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour and fell in love with the doodles, music mixes and photos that littered the pages. It’s these sort of individual touches that truly make a novel something special, and I have absolutely no doubt that Morgan Matson gave everything she had when writing that particular story. While I’m hesitant to read her other novel, Second Chance Summer, which is an issue I’ve touched upon in a past Top Ten Tuesday post, I have absolutely no doubt that when I finally work up the courage to read it, that it will be just as emotional, inspiring and authentic as her debut novel. Until then, perhaps I should re-visit Amy and Roger once again. A novel that features a boy who adores The Wire as much as I do? I’m sold.
Upon completion of my third novel penned by Jackson Pearce, I was suddenly struck by the realization that I rarely, if ever, am able to find in-depth reviews of Pearce’s work on the book blogs that I regularly frequent. I can’t count the number of times I’ve spoken with a fellow blogger who is aware of her work but has no personal experience with it themselves, or who even owns one of her novels but has yet to read it, even months or years after purchasing it. While Pearce has undoubtedly crafted a large internet presence and received recognition for her now-famous series of Youtube videos (And for good reason – They’re a blast to watch!), her written work seems to be less well-known. Pearce does something in her work which I find admirably brave. In her series of Fairytale Retellings, Pearce has the difficult and unenviable task of putting her own unique spin on beloved and well-known stories that have been passed down for generations. While this literary legacy might prove too much for a less-capable writer, I always find that Pearce manages to bring an aspect of modernity while still retaining the essence of the classic tale. Jackson Pearce has perfected her role in a very specific niche and writes stories that I always find surprisingly evocative and moving.
Myra McEntire’s 2011 debut novel Hourglass had me at ‘hello’. While I was undeniably initially drawn to the novel because of its stunning cover, it was McEntire’s writing that kept me coming back for more. With an intriguing mixture of humour, romance and suspense and an intelligent and thoughtful perspective on the subject of time travel, McEntire has crafted a combination that will delight even the most reluctant reader. While I was originally concerned about the shift in perspective from the first to second novels in the Hourglass series, I should have known better than to doubt McEntire’s abilities or second-guess her choices. While I loved reading the first novel from Emerson’s perspective, McEntire perfectly captured Kaleb’s essence in the second novel of the series, allowing her admittance into the woefully small group of female authors that are able to write from a male perspective with any modicum of success. I’m always shocked and disappointed every time I recommend this series to friends and loved ones only to be met with blank stares. I would argue that McEntire’s work is some of the best that the science fiction and paranormal genre has to offer to a young adult audience and can only hope that she will one day grow to become a household name in the same vein as Lauren Oliver or Beth Revis.
In a genre arguably dominated by authors such as Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Hoyt, I can’t help but desperately wish that more recognition and acclaim was aimed in Jennifer Ashley’s direction. I was first introduced to her work last year, when I began with The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and could not stop until I had read every single novel she had penned. While her numerous series and works varied in success, Ashley’s Highland Pleasures is hands-down my favourite historical romance series of all time. I re-read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie no less than four times last year and have re-read the series in its entirety more than once as well. Ashley has made an art form out of the damaged love interest, and nowhere was this more apparent than in the first novel in her Highland Pleasures series. Her thoughtful, subtle, and sensitive portrayal of a romantic hero suspected of suffering from autism in a time when there was absolutely no understanding about this sort of disorder was simultaneously heart-wrenching and undeniably beautiful. It is a story that has stayed with me for well over a year now and which I constantly return to again and again. Ashley also excels at penning three-dimensional heroines who are both strong and vulnerable and have compelling development and stories independent of their relationship with their respective love interests. No two of Ashley’s stories are alike and I will continue to press her work into the hands of anyone who calls themselves a fan of the historical romance genre. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, I vehemently suggest you remedy this at your earliest opportunity. You won’t regret it.
8) Robin Benway
Robin Benway’s 2008 novel Audrey, Wait! is one of those hidden gems in the young adult genre, strangely overlooked and rarely talked about or featured on book blogs for some inexplicable reason. I myself might never have had the opportunity to read it had I not stumbled upon a copy on one of the sale shelves at my local bookstore earlier this year. And boy, am I ever glad I did! What I most appreciate about Benway’s writing, apart from the sharp, witty prose and her wonderfully nuanced characters, is the attention that she pays both to the familial relationship between parent and child (In a genre that is dominated by the negligent or entirely absent parent) and that of female friendships. Benway pens the sort of book that you can’t help but devour in a matter of hours, writing with a unique insight into the minds of young adults and penning dialogue that inevitably rings true. With exceptionally realistic characters that are allowed to make mistakes and stumble and fall on occasion, Benway writes with an authenticity and irreverent humour that will have you clapping your hands in appreciation. Robin Benway is an oft-forgotten star in the contemporary young adult genre.
9) Trish Doller
A heart-breaking portrayal of a soldier suffering from the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from a tour in Afghanistan, Something Like Normal runs the emotional gamut, effortlessly eliciting every emotion from searing anger and boundless joy to acceptance and hope. Trish Doller perfectly captures the voice of a lost, disillusioned twenty-something boy with an ease that I admired and envied in equal measure. Very few authors are able to accomplish such a feat without straying too far into unrealistic or over-the-top portrayals but Doller navigates the terrain without ever taking a misstep, bringing to life a character that seems eminently real. A novel that made me cry like a baby and grin like a loon, Something Like Normal was one of the best novels I read last year and remains one of my favourite contemporary YA novels of all time. While I have yet to have the opportunity to read Doller’s sophomore novel, Where The Stars Still Shine, I have no doubt that it will be every bit as powerful and poignant as her 2012 debut. I have absolutely no qualms about recommending Trish Doller’s work based on my experience with a single novel, as that one novel was more powerful than any ten others I have red in recent memory. Doller should be recognized and celebrated for her effort in bringing difficult subjects like post-trauamatic stress disorder and parental alienation to the forefront, forcing us to confront issues that we might as soon forget or otherwise choose to ignore. Now, if you’re looking for me on September 24th, 2013, I’ll be the girl bouncing excitedly up and down at the front of the line on the day that Doller’s second novel is released in bookstores everywhere. Join me, won’t you?
10) Cora Carmack
While I think society has made a concerted effort in recent years to celebrate rather than denigrate women who are in control of their sexuality and has become more conscious about misogyny and the injurious effect of practices like slut-shaming, there are times when I fear that the pendulum has swung too far the other way. Literature, particularly the ‘New Adult’ genre, is littered with stories of naive twenty-something virgins desperate to cast off the last vestiges of their innocence. While the ‘loss of virginity’ trope is one I can rarely abide, I was pleasantly surprised when I read Cora Carmack’s 2012 debut novel, Losing It. The story of Bliss Edwards, a looming college graduate who attempts to lose her virginity only to strike up an unexpected and potentially inappropriate relationship with one of her TA’s, Losing It was written with a sensitivity and wit that I admittedly never expected. While I have yet to have the pleasure of reading the sophomore novel in the series, Faking It, from what I’ve seen Cora Carmack is certainly an author to watch, who was able to make much of a relatively simplistic premise and whose work inspires reflection of many important societal issues. I wish more people were able to conquer their initial reservations about the trope this novel employs and read it first before coming to any final conclusions. Carmack’s work perfectly typifies the potential inherent in the ‘New Adult’ genre and emphasizes why stories aimed at this age group are so important.
43 Responses
Robin Benway is on my list this week, too. I absolutely love her books. 🙂
Merin @ Read and Reviewed recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
Hooray! It’s always great to meet a fellow Robin Benway fan 😀 Her work is woefully under-appreciated.
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
Ah! Morgan Matson is a great one!
Sash from Sash and Em recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I hesitated about including her as I wasn’t sure whether she could already be considered ‘popular’ or widely read, but given how lovely her work is, I still think she deserves even more recognition (Particularly outside of the book blogging world) 🙂
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
Brigid Kemmerer! YES! I should have added her to my list! Alas. At least she made yours. Her books are fantastic, especially SPARK IMHO.
Katie recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Authors Who Deserve More Recognition (And Who Should be Read More)
I guess we’re even then, as I’m still kicking myself for forgetting to include Kelly Creagh given how much I adored Nevermore 😉
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I totally agree with Michelle and Benway! Both superb authors! 🙂
Lola @ Reading by Lamplight recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Authors Who Deserve More Recognition!
It’s great to see P.T. Michelle and Robin Benway getting quite a bit of appreciation this week. Frankly, up until today I had never spoken to anyone else who had read Brightest Kind of Darkness. It’s a nice surprise to see I’m in good company! 🙂
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
was looking forward to seeing what you put :D. I have heard of the majority of these but i’ve only had the pleasure of reading Losing it by Cora Carmack. So i will definitely be looking out for the rest x
Georgina Robinson recently posted…TOP 10 TUESDAY: N’9
Aw, thanks Georgina! 🙂 I would highly recommend every author on this list, as eclectic as my choices might be. Hehe.
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I loooooved Morgan’s Second Chance Summer! I haven’t read Amy & Roger yet because I haven’t had time, but it’s on my shelf waiting to be picked up. I always thought that she was one of the more widely known authors within YA contemporary as well. I’m going to have to make it my mission to make everyone read her books.
And yep, I also love Brigid Kemmerer’s books! The first in the series was my favourite, as well as Michael and Nick’s novellas. I can’t wait for more from her 😀
Amber (Books of Amber) recently posted…New Releases: July 16 – 22, 2013
I was really surprised to find that while most people have heard of Morgan Matson, far fewer seem to have actually read one of her novels. And even if she could be considered ‘popular’ within the book blogging community, I still can’t help but wish her name were more widely recognized outside of it as she undoubtedly deserves it! How did you find Second Chance Summer? Was it as heart-breaking as everyone seems to think?
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I know I was being pointed out for being one of those bloggers during #Litlush that had not read Morgan’s books, hehe 😉 BUT I remedied that and OMG I loved Amy & Roger. So thank you all for calling me crazy and making me read it! 😀
Also, I absolutely agree with Trish Doller and Cora Carmack, Something like Normal and Faking It were FABULOUS.
Also, Myra McEntire and Robin Benway are also on my list of TO READ authors!
Great list! And also, your blog design is AMAZING. Just subscribed and wanted you to know it looks great!
Cassie recently posted…TTT: Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
LOL! Guilty as charged. 😳 If it’s any consolation, you were in some really great (and vast) company as I was shocked by the number of people who had never read it before. All that matters is that you read it and enjoyed it now, though 😀
I can’t wait to hear what you think about Myra McEntire’s and Robin Benway’s work! I’ve always enjoyed your reviews.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I can’t tell you how much it means to me! *Hugs*
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I’ve seen Benway & Audrey, Wait! mentioned in both yours and Jamie’s list. Now I’m curious 😀
And I agree about Trish Doller. Her SLN was really good <3
Tirta @ I Prefer Reading recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I honestly can’t understand why Audrey, Wait! isn’t more popular! It’s such a blast to read and Benway really touches on some beautiful relationships within that story. I can’t recommend it highly enough 🙂
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I totally agree with you on Morgan Matson and Trish Doller. They really need more love as I have read both books by both authors and they are truly fantastic!
Andi recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I was so happy to see both authors get some much-deserved love and appreciation this week! 😀 Thankfully, they seemed to be firm staples on many people’s Top Ten Tuesday lists.
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
Totally agree with Myra McEntire. Love her books so much. I haven’t read Faking It by Cora Carmack yet but I agree with this one as well. I want pretty much everyone to read Losing It because it was so amazingly good.
Kimberly @ On the Wings of Books recently posted…15 Day Book Blogger Challenge – Day 8
I’m so excited to see some appreciation for Myra McEntire this week! I hardly ever see her work featured on the book blogs I frequent and it’s such a shame as they’re so unique and such fun to read 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I included Brigid Kemmerer on my list too – I just love her so much. And, I am so happy that Cora Carmack is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Her books are wonderful! Great list.
TTT @ Krista’s Dust Jacket
Krista recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday
I completely agree about Cora Carmack. I feel as though people often judge her work without ever reading it, either based on the “New Adult” label or the loss of virginity trope in the first novel. It’s such a shame as I really think she exemplifies what the New Adult genre potentially has to offer.
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I will always & forever sing Brigid’s praises. Storm took me by surprise & I’ve been hooked ever since. So, so good! Also, she’s a total sweetheart!
I’ll be sure to check out Jennifer Ashley. I’ve been wanting to try the genre for a while now, but there are SO MANY big name authors that I got overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. Re-reading a novel 4+ times in a year is certainly some pretty high praise! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for her stuff.
I keep hearing FANTASTIC things about Doller & Carmack and I think it’s finally time to discover New Adult.
Seriously, Jen, incredible list & I have some new authors to try out!
Leah @ The Pretty Good Gatsby recently posted…Seven Authors who Deserve More Love
I completely understand in regards to your feelings about the historical romance genre. There is such a wealth of books and authors to choose from it can often be overwhelming. I can’t recommend Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series enough, particularly The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to properly express how much I adore that series. Be sure to let me know if and/or when you’ve read it as I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Your reviews are always so thoughtful and well-written 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
oh gosh stop it, thank you so much! 🙂
Haha, I’ve added a reminder in my phone to look for that book tomorrow while I’m at work. You’ve gotten me all pumped up now!
Leah @ The Pretty Good Gatsby recently posted…Starry Nights-inspired Staycation: Pittsburgh’s Museums!
I love Morgan Matson, as well as Epic Detour 😀 Cora Carmack’s pretty cool too! Losing It was quite the thrilling read. Haha! And I love how in depth your opinions are on the books and authors. Great list!
Jasmine @ Flip That Page recently posted…Top Ten Tuesdays: Deserving Authors
Thank you so much! 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I love that you wrote so much about all of these authors because I’m now really interested in all of their works. I haven’t heard of any of them before, so I’m glad I read this list 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Top Five Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I must admit I was a little relieved when I read your comment as I always worry I go overboard with my explanations 😳 I really hope you have an opportunity to read the work of at least a couple of the authors on this list as they are all immensely talented! 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
yay for Morgan Matson, Robin Benway, and Trish Doller. <3 them so much and so excited for the future books!
elena recently posted…top ten tuesday: authors who deserve more recognition
Me too! At this point I worry I’ll spontaneously combust out of excitement and anticipation before the release of Where The Stars Still Shine 😆
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I totally agree with you about Trish Doller, she did such a great job of writing an authentic male in Something Like Normal. I have Audrey, Wait! On my bookshelf and I really can’t wait to read it.
Jenni @ Alluring Reads recently posted…Undercurrent Review
It’s a really rare occurrence when a female author is able to write so convincingly in a male voice without going overboard and that was certainly one of the things I most appreciated about Something Like Normal. It’s such a small club of authors who are able to manage that.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Audrey, Wait!. I always enjoy reading your reviews, Jenni 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I loved Hourglass so much! I completely agree with you about that pick. I’m so excited for Infinityglass to come out 🙂 Also, Something Like Normal sounds great. Awesome picks!
I am so happy that this week seems to have inspired a greater love and appreciation for Myra McEntire! Her work is woefully under-appreciated 🙁 Infinityglass has to be one of my most hotly-anticipated of the upcoming YA releases!
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
Robin Benway, Cora Carmack, Brigid Kemmerer! I should have included them. I had a really hard time with this week’s topic. But I love those guys! Great choices.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted…15 Day Book Blogging Challenge: Day 9
If it’s any consolation, I had a really difficult choice narrowing down my choices as well! While I adore everyone on this list, I could easily have chosen 10-15 more that I didn’t have the space to include. And really, couldn’t all authors use a little more love and recognition for all their hard work? 😉
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
LOVE P.T. Michelle, she was in my top 15! And Myra McEntire made my list as well. Lovely blog 🙂
Thank you so much! 😀
I was so happy to see that many commenters were already familiar with P.T. Michelle’s work as up until today I had never spoken to anyone else who was familiar with her Brightest Kind of Darkness series!
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition
I’m definitely going to add Jennifer Ashley’s books to my to read list. Her books sound like the very thing I love reading.
Jo recently posted…ABC Fall Premiere Dates
Oh, good! I’m so happy that I was able to introduce at least a couple of people to her work this week – It’s absolutely delightful! I would love to hear your thoughts on the series after you’ve read it 😀
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted…Waiting On…The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
P.T. Mitchell is one I still need to check out. Cora Carmack I have read Losing it and recently bought faking it!.
Here was my Top Ten.
Jay@ Vailia’s Page Turner recently posted…Stacking the Shelves 15
I’ve only read 3 and 3/4 of these authors (I am this close to done with a Robin Benway book – haha). However, I do like all of those, so I suppose I need to check out the rest!
Christina (A Reader of Fictions) recently posted…On My New Arrivals Shelf (64)