My all time favorite stories that I have read through NU. I read a variety of novels so I struggle to truly describe what I like. This list is largely built to give me a chance to give a special nod to stories that have truly blown me out of the water over the years.

I tend to avoid novels that I feel are highly s*xual or too edgy as they just make me cringe too much. I believe the novels I read are generally of a mature tone that treat their audience with respect without being too overbearing or sad. I find that many of the stories that market themselves as "mature" on this site tend to be excessively depressing or just plain violent. I have no problem with depressing truths or violence in my stories if it has a point or some value to the plot but I hate when stories add that type of stuff just to make the story seem more mature. I read books to be happy and for personal enjoyment, so if I don't feel better after reading something, I won't read it. I have also read way too many novels to be able to stand any excessively cliche stories that just reuse plot element from other stories with new gimmicks. 

If it sounds like your preferences match mine, this might be the list for you. 

If you agree with my list, but think I missed a novel, please suggest it to me so that I can add it to my reading list.