books of 2013 – Z. Elizabeth

Top 13 books of 2013

My top 13 Books of 2013

Posted on December 31, 2013December 31, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

I hope you have all enjoyed everyone’s Top 13 books of 2013. It’s the last day now before we are in 2014, and it’s my turn to let you know which books were my favourite this year!

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So this was really hard…I had read so amazing books this year and to narrow them down to just 13….it was hard! And although i have picked these 13, there are waaay more other books that i wanted on the list, but these were the ones that touched me when i read them.

They are in no order either as i went backwards on my GR list hahah :-

1. Poughkeepsie – Debra Anatasia

I cant tell you how much i loved this book. I could not put it down. It’s about Blake – a homeless man and Olivia – the girl who smiles every morning at Blake. We also meet Blake’s brothers and Oliva’s sister and their stories entwine within Blake and Olivia’s. This book has a little bit of everything wrapped into it. It has romance, banter, murders, kidnapping, jealousy, revenge, love, steamy moments, friendship, bonds, midnight mass but most of it, it’s about finding love and protecting those you love. It truly is a beautiful book to read and you would be mad not to give it a read.

2. Losing Hope – Colleen Hoover

As much as I LOVED Hopeless (and it was going to be on this list) I had to pick Losing Hope instead. Holder just stole my heart even more in this book. We find out his back story, his pain from losing Hope and Les. It’s his story on how he learned to love, how he learned to breath again and live, with the help of Sky and the help of his sister Les. We find out so much that it’s a punch in the stomach. It is an emotional read, but we see Holder forgive himself and know that now he has Sky, he is never going to let her go.

3. Falling into Us – Jasinda Wilder

I loved Falling into You, but Falling into Us stole my heart so much more. It;s the story of Nell’s BFF Becca and Jason – the guy who liked Nell. I love reading about high school sweethearts and my god, Becca and Jason go through so much in this book. You watch Becca and Jason grow from insecure teenagers to confident adults, who know exactly what to do, what to say, how to love and how to help each other. You watch them talk things through, complement one another and talk about their future, always including the other. Their relationship and their bond is so strong, nothing can part them. Both go through painful scenarios that will have you sobbing, but the end, god the ending is perfect and despite all the tribulations, you can see just how strong their love is for one another.

4. Real – Katy Evans

I loveeee Real so hard. God, Remy….he stole my heart. He is such a Alpha male yet hes got a soft centre. He is a quiet guy, speaking his feelings through song lyrics to Brooke and each song is important to him…it speaks what he cant say. Never knowing love, he is falling for Brooke, but he wants to know she can handle him, handle him when he goes black. He knows he cant let her go and it will kill him if she walks away. We see him protect Brooke, be attentive to her but most of all he is REAL. He wants Brooke to see the real him, not Riptide, but Remy. Remy has found the one he wants forever and you can truly see just how much he loves Brooke.

5. Bitter Angel – Megan Hand

This book isnt one that i would normally read, its so different from the NA ones i read. It made me sick to my stomach, made me shake, cry, pulled at my heartstrings but by god, i loved it so much. Lila has two separate dreams, both seem as real as real life and it scares the crap out of her. But she knows it’s got to be real, at least one of them. We see her delve to discover the shocking reality of something so sick that actually happens in today’s society. We see her try to save other people from going through what she went through in her ‘dream’ and you are on tenterhooks throughout the whole book, wondering what is going to happen and what the hell Lila is doing to do. It was out of my comfort zone, but i was so glad i read it!

6. Down London Road – Samantha Young

I absolutely loved Jo and Cam. They don’t start off on the best of feet but we watch them grow as friends, as lovers and we see Cam find out about Jo’s family situation, how much he wants to help out, how much he loves Jo and her brother Cole and we see him be there for her throughout her struggles. Although there are misunderstanding, we see Cam peel away Jo insecurities, her fears and he understands why she doesn’t want any help, how strong she is for dealing with the crap thrown at her and it makes him love and protect her even more. We watch Jo grow from this woman who doesnt want help, who doesnt open up to a woman who blossoms, who finds love, who has this person to lean on when times get tough and it was beautiful to watch her grow, and it grafts her into the person we love in Down London Road.

7. Twisted Perfection – Abbi Glines

I love Woods….plain and simple. Twisted Perfection really is different from the Too Far series. It delves deeper into emotional and mental issues, darker pasts and fears. You watch two people who are seemingly lost, find one another, help one another and find love together. They find their purpose in their life. It doesnt hurt that Woods has a dirty mouth and knows exactly what to do with his words 😉

8. Everything for Us – M. Leighton

I love this series but there was just something about Everything for Us that stole my heart.I fell for Nash hard in this book. He is a strong character, having to grow up pretty damn fast. He’s seen and done things he’s had no choice in and that has made him rid of any emotional attachments to anyone or anything. He’s numb and all he feels is anger. Anger for the people who killed his mother and fucked up his life. He wants revenge. But enter Marrissa and although he starts as sex, Nash is slowly dropping his armour, we see him falter, see him begin to care. I loved watching them both fall for each other, despite neither telling the other until it was too late. They both pushed each other; Nash made Marrissa stronger and Marrissa showed Nash, really, how to care, how to love and how to live again. Nash and Marrissa are amazing.

9. One Tiny Lie – K. A Tucker

One Tiny Lie is about breathing again, freedom, finding who you truly are and being okay with that, with the changes in your life and falling in love and being loved back. Livie and Ashton complete each other. They show each other how to love and how to live and how to free themselves from everything holding them back. They both stole a piece of my heart and although it took a while for them both to truly be together, they both pushed, both had to figure out their own lives before they could really be together and that;s okay. That is what made them them. It hurt, there were tears from me, my heart ached for them both but in the end, the end is what saw them be real and open up and Livie and Ashton were truly meant to be.

10. The Time Until – Casey Ford

I had the pleasure of Beta reading this book and can i say, SHIT i cried my bloody eyes out throughout the whole book. Then when i re-read and Beta’ed it a second time, the tears were still there. As a debut, it has such an emotional impact on me that it was all i could think about for days after. It’s a beautiful book about childhood friend, love, the journey both Sam and Alan have made from their 5 year old selfs to now, at 20 years old….but its also a goddamn emotional book, from Alan praying to the gods that he wont lose Sam and he revisits the first time they met, to now, to the present, to the accident and how in gods name he will live if he loses Sam. You will need so many tissues to get through this book, but it is so worth every tear you shed.

11. Asking For Trouble – Tessa Bailey

I LOVE TESSA! Just putting that out there. Her Line of Duty series is one of my favourites and Asking For Trouble is book 4. I’m so sorry Daniel, but Brent just pipped you at the post for this spot. Asking For Trouble is about Brent, Daniels best mate and Hayden, Story’s BFF (Daniel and Story are in Officer Off Limits). They both dislike each other but one game leads to everything changing between them. Both have led different lives but together, they seem to bring out the best in one another and the hate is starting to blur into love but with a secret Hayden is habouring, will Brent stop her making the biggest mistake of her life? Asking For Trouble is about journey for both characters, from hating each other to wanting each other to falling in love, with obstacles along the way, until they can finally sort through the crap and be together at the end. It also helps that THE SEX IS FREAKING HOT!!!

12. April Showers – Karli Perrin

I can’t have a list without my twinnie’s book (Buy April Fools too!)! I absolutely love this series but as someone who got inside things into this book (no, she didnt tell me about you-know-what) but i did get Isaac before everyone and a bit of Lukas too, which is why i hold this book close to my heart too, because Karli is the first author to actually send me teasers to her book. April Showers is focused around uni and boys and awesome friends and banter and sarcasm and heartache and i think we can all associate with that. You become invested in April, Isaac and Lukas’ lives and want to see who April is going to pick!! ISAAC IS MY BOYFRIEND! so everyone needs to back off.

13. The Art of Letting Go – Anna Bloom

Scrap the fact i know Anna, The Art of Letting Go is a book that deserves a place on your kindle. Lilah is 25 and unhappy. So much so she quits her job and signs up to uni. There is meets a gorgeous guy name Ben who has been looking for her for 9 months after a brief encounter. She cant remember him but this starts the beginning of everything. Set in diary entries, we delve into the life of Lilah and her friends. It’s a great British debut (There are 2 novellas out and another 2 years of the series left); it has sarcasm, British humour, you will cry, laugh, get annoyed but most of all, this book is realistic and you will not want to put it down once you start. Also Ben ❤ DEAR GOD I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.

IM SORRY BUT I CANT JUST HAVE 13…i know, i know, i made you all pick 13, but i cant leave this book out at all! PFFT i’m allowed to add in an extra! 😉 It was my rules hahaha.

14. Five Exotic Fantasies – Serenity Woods

Along with Tessa, you should know how much I love Serenity Woods and her Love in Reverse series. When i read the third book in the series – Five Exotic Fantasies, i was hooked. Both Coco and Felix took my heart, especially Felix. He is the epitome of sexy and suave rolled into one, but also he is a sweetheart, he is cute and caring and does whatever he can to make Coco smile, to see her happy, and make her own her body, make her see that her fantasies arent weird, they are normal. Everything he does with the fantasies, he thinks hard about how to make a lasting impression of them. He is a alpha yet hes not. He has the dirty words, knows what to do with them, yet he is sensual, he likes the cuddles and hand holding and he stole my heart.

Top 13 books of 2013

Top 13 Books of 2013 by Emma Hart

Posted on December 30, 2013December 29, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

Today telling us her Top 13 books of 2013 is Author and awesome friend Emma Hart.
Are any of her books on your list?

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Hi everyone!

Zoe asked me to share my top 13 books from 2013 with her, and you all know I can’t say no to her. It’s like an illness. Anyway, it’s been a crazy year so I haven’t had as much time to read as I’d have liked. This list is quite varied as I don’t read New Adult Contemp when I’m writing, lest any sneaky bits creep into my own work. There is a bit of NA here I’ve had the pleasure to read early and snuck in between books. (And baby-having.)

Due to above reasons I found this one kinda hard because I’m not allowed to put my own books. (Wait, am I?)

So, here they are! In no particular order:

Subject to Change, by Alessandra Thomas : Um, Hawk. That’s all. Kidding. I love the way Joey grew throughout the story into the person she wanted to be, not the person she was expected to be. This is a beautiful NA story.

Fixed On You, by Laurelin Paige: Um, Hudson. Again, that’s all. This is such a sexy yet sweet story that totally steps outside the box of the usual Billionaire trait. Alayna is one of my favourite heroines because she refuses to take Hudson’s crap. (His very hot, very sexy, panty-melting crap.) Ahem.

The Long Game, by J.L Fynn: I had the pleasure to read this early and blurb it – if you read another NA book, make this your next one. It’s so different to anything you’ve ever read, stepping into the world of gypsys with real Irish culture interwoven. Fantastic read.

The Accidental Demon Slayer, by Angie Fox: And the rest of the series (so far.) I went on a total reading binge with this Urban Fantasy series and read them all in about 3 days. Fantasy and Paranormal is my go-to genre when I’m writing, and Fox’s series fit the bill perfect. I love love love Dimitri. (And, it’s free!)

Wallbanger, by Alice Clayton: I don’t think I need to say any more on this, do I? So excited for the continuation of Caroline and Simon’s story next year!

Unbreak Me, by Lexi Ryan: Mmm, Asher. (Just me that’s starting to see a problem here?) I love how Maggie’s opinion of herself completely changed throughout the story, and I won’t lie, Lexi Ryan Tore. Me. Apart. At points in this book. I have some time off over Christmas, and Will’s story, Wish I May, is on my to-read list!

How Not to Kiss a Toad, by Elizabeth A. Reeves: (And series.) Eeeehehehe. I love Cindy Eller. (Yes, you read her name right.) I also love that every guy she falls in love with turns into a toad because they’re not her true love… I finished #5 not long ago and now I’m dying for the next book because OMG. She really shocked me with that one.

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Spells, by Rose Pressey: I won’t lie, I love Rose Pressey’s books, but this series could just edge my favourite. Elly is a hilarious heroine and Pressey keeps me guessing the whole time. She’s my first go-to author for fantasy books – hers have a great chick-lit element almost.

Naked, by Raine Miller: Love. I read both Naked and All In in one night – hello, my name is Emma Hart and I’m a binge reader – but haven’t got around to Eyes Wide Open. (Another Christmas to-read.) If you’re going to the Edinburgh signing next year, you have to read these books before you go.

Up to Me, by M. Leighton: Oh, Cash. Cash Cash Cash. I’m done here.

High Heels Mysteries series, by Gemma Halliday: I’m a bit of a mystery junkie, and thanks to this series, a GH junkie. I picked it up on impulse thinking I’d never read it, but I did. Yes. I binged. Twice. I rarely get to read anything once, so twice is something. This series has just the right mix of everything – mystery, suspense, love, sexy – and I adore it.

Luck Be A Lady, by Gemma Halliday: This is her newest novel and aside from the fact I NEED #2 RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I LOVE TESSIE I wanted to read something different, and I know GH will always give me different but keeping inside my comfort zone. I totally love quirky, witty heroines, and this fit the bill perfectly. *Dives back to Amazon to fill up Kindle with more GH*

Trophy Husband, by Lauren Blakely: Finishing up my here, there and everywhere 2013 fave book list is McKenna and Chris. I love the way their relationship developed throughout the book and may have blushed more than once at Chris’ runaway mouth.

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Chat with Emma:

Twitter || Facebook || Website || Goodreads

Top 13 books of 2013

Top 13 Books of 2013 by Abigail Brown

Posted on December 30, 2013December 29, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

Today’s turn on telling us her Top 13 books of 2013 is the lovely Abigail!!

Are any of her choices yours?

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Hi, my name is Abigail and I have loved books ever since I was a little girl. When I’m reading I’m in a zone and often don’t hear people when they talk to me, I’m not ignoring anyone, I’m just so caught up in the story I don’t notice what is going on around me. Haha, this often annoys my family members but oh well. My love of books is why I do book reviews on my own blog (http://abigailrobynbrown.wordpress.com/), however, I have not done as many blog posts as I would like recently as I have so busy.

When Zoe first asked me to do this post and write about my favourite 13 books of 2013, I thought it was going to be a bit of an impossible mission. I have read so many books this year, but what did help it narrow it down was the date of publication being they had to be published this year, I still struggled. Without further due, here is my 13 favourite books of 2013.

Into the Deep – Samantha Young

“If I don’t believe I’m worth the effort, why the hell would you?” – Charley

It is one of my favourite books that I have read this year and I could not put it down once I started reading it. I was addicted and wanted to know how it ended, it does end on a “to be continued”, so you do have to wait for the second one is released but it I worth it. Charley and Jakes story was a heart breaking one, they first fell in love in High School then a tragic event made Jake leave town and break every promise he made to Charley. Four years later Charley still feels the pain of their break up and has not had a successful relationship since. On her year of studying abroad in Scotland she bumps into none other than Jake at a party. Soon all those old feelings and unresolved feeling come rushing back and so does the drama as Jake has a girlfriend Melissa. It is a love story not to be missed and you will be hooked the whole way through.

Reckless – S.C Stephens

“You want me to whatbook? And Tweet? Like a bird? Are you serious?” – Kellan

I love Kiera and Kellan’s story and was so happy there was a third book, I love to see how far they have come and their relationship as it evolves. It is interesting to see how the fame has affected their lives as the band hits big and Kiera goes on tour with them. I’m a little bit sad that this is the end of the road for Kiera and Kellan, I have re-read the book so many times and still love it. They are a cute couple and I love reading about of all of the characters, even Griffin. Kellan is my all-time favourite book boyfriend and if he were real that would be great, he loves Kiera so much and it is endearing to see them grow from strength to strength.

Wide Awake – Shelly Crane

“It doesn’t matter who you were or what you’ve done in the past. The only thing that matters is who you are right now” – Mason

Wide Awake has such a captivating storyline that keeps you hooked. You feel heartbroken for Emma when she wakes up from her coma and does not remember who she is. You feel sad when she struggles to fit back in with her friends and family. You feel happy and kind of excited when she and Mason grow closer. You feel her confusion when she struggles with her identity. It was like riding an emotional rollercoaster and when I was near the end of the book I kept wishing that more pages would appear.

Ten Tiny Breaths – K.A Tucker

“Just breathe. Ten tiny breaths … Seize them. Feel them. Love them.” – Kacey’s mum

I know I have quite a few emotional and sad books on my list, but what I admire about those stories and authors is how they show their characters overcoming their problems and dealing with them. Kacey lost her parents, boyfriend and best friend in a tragic car accident of which she was the only survivor and she has never dealt with it. Many people grieve in different way and Kacey’s way was ignoring it and shoving the memories and pain into a box and not thinking about it. All this changes when Trent comes along and breaks down her walls, she goes through the different stages of grief and begins to heal. Kacey and Trent’s relationship was not an easy one but they are perfect together, and I was rooting for them from the start.

Out of Breath – Rebecca Donovan

“Remember there is always a choice. I chose to live. I chose to love. I chose to breathe.”- Emma

This is the third and final instalment of the Breathing series by Rebecca Donovan and I was so excited to read it, especially with the way that the second book ended. I absolutely love the breathing series, I loved Emma and Evan and was hoping that they would find their way back to each other. Emma had been through so much pain and what was heart breaking, is that she walked away from Evan to protect him from herself but ended up hurting the both of them even more. Evan is perfect and has to be on the top of most people’s book boyfriend lists, he’s so sweet, caring, loveable and understanding.

In this moment – Autumn Houghton

“All we get are moments, Cole. One at a time, like heartbeats. Once all of them is gone, that’s it. No do-overs. No repeats. Every moment possesses its down kind of magic and what we do with it counts. It counts.” – Aimee

It is a very emotional book that pulls your heart strings and makes you thankful that your loved ones are safe. Aimee feels lost without her best friend and her death makes her feel guilty to be alive and wonder why she survived. Then comes in Cole, he slowly brakes down her walls and they are so cute together. Cole is swoon worthy and I love how he didn’t have a clue at dating, he made me laugh so much. I love this book and how they begin to heal from their pasts together.

Frigid – J. Lynn

“I would’ve given her more if she had wanted that.
I would’ve given her everything if she had asked.” – Kyler

Sydney is in love with her best friend, Kyler and the only trouble is that he is a player. Sydney won’t risk not having Kyler in her life so she has kept her feelings to herself. What she doesn’t know is that Kyler feels the same way, he just hides it by being with other women as he believes he isn’t good enough for her. When they end up snowed in at a ski resort, the truth slowly comes out and I was on the edge of the seat anticipating them admitting their feelings. It’s sweet how Kyler thinks so much of Sydney and the storm makes him think he has a shot with her, as they grow even closer.

Don’t hate the player… hate the game – Katie Ashley

“Sometimes we just have two sides to us, Noah. One that we’re willing to let the world see, and then the other that we hide deep within ourselves.” – Maddie

I always find it interesting to read book from a male perspective and especially in this case a very emotional storyline. I cried so much that I struggled to read some of the book. Noah is on a mission to find out who was the girl that his best friend was in love with. You see Noah’s best friend, Jake tragically dies shortly before graduation and when sorting out his room finds an engagement ring. Jake was a player, so his mum begs him to find out who her son loved and it leads to Noah meeting Maddie. Maddie is the Valedictorian and very religious who was tutoring Jake. I love that Maddie shows Noah a different side that existed to Jake, the more Noah discovers about Jake on his mission. It is a sad story and a beautiful one.

Four seconds to loose – K.A Tucker

“I believe some people are inherently evil.
I believe guilt is a powerful motivator.
I believe redemption is something you can strive for but never fully achieve.
I believe second chances exist only in dreams, never in reality.
I believe you don’t have years, or months, or weeks to impact a person’s life.
You have seconds.
Seconds to win them over, And seconds to lose them.”

Oh my god I love Charlie and Cain, they are amazing together!! Cain is great and has been through so much, yet he has still managed to turn out to be a decent guy who cares about those around him. They both have such complicated pasts and especially Charlie, she is petrified that Cain will be disgusted by her if he ever finds out the truth about her. It’s meant to be that they meet and are exactly what one and the other needs. Cain’s protectiveness towards Charlie is so sweet and he truly does care for her.

Wallbanger – Alice Clayton

“The right woman for you wouldn’t want you to change anything about your life. She wouldn’t rock your boat, she’d jump right in and sail it with you.” – Caroline

This is hands down one of the funniest books I have ever read, I was in fits of laughter from the start to end. It is simply hilarious, so funny and entertaining. Caroline and Simon are quite a pair! Caroline moves into her new apartment and on the first night she has to endure listening to her next door neighbour having very loud sex, it’s the same the next night but with a different girl and the same the night after that. Caroline cracks one night and interrupts him, from then on begins a love/hate relationship that is beyond entertaining. They have lots of chemistry which results in a dynamic relationship.

Rush Me – Alison Parr

“You only get hurt that badly when you’re doing something that matters. Something impossible. Taking a risk. Investing yourself. And ball’s worth it, the rush you get, the exhilaration…”

When Rachael gate-crashes a party, she meets Ryan Carter, the NFL’s most beloved quarterback and she instantly dislikes him. He is everything she doesn’t want, he is arrogant and she believes him to be a stereotypical dumb jock. It’s hilarious that what they both assume about each other is wrong and when they really get to know each other, they see eye to eye. They are both so stubborn though and that is part of what makes the book so great and why it has to be on my list.

The Love Game – Emma Hart

“When life gets hard, ask Google. Google knows everything”- Braden

I love The Love Game, it is a fantastic book and Maddie and Braden are great characters. This is a must read book of 2013. Maddie and Braden are playing each other at their own games, they have both made bets but along the way they begin to fall for each other. Braden cracks me up, his approach to dating is one of the funniest things I have read, the whole Google solution is comical.

The Game Changer – J. Sterling

“Love is life. If you miss out on love, you miss out on life” –Gramps

Cassie and Jack are one of my favourite book couples, they are so cute. Jack made a mistake in the first book, that almost ruined Cassie and his relationship for good, but she somehow found it in her heart to forgive him. They both struggle when their pasts keep catching up with them and threaten their future. What I love is it isn’t an easy love story, it shows you have to work to maintain your relationship and true love is worth fighting for.

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Chat with Abigail:

@Abigail__Brown

Top 13 books of 2013

Top 13 books of 2013 by Jassie Dela Cruz

Posted on December 28, 2013December 23, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

Today telling us her Top 13 books of 2013 is my babycakes, Jassie.

Are any of her books on your list?

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Top 13 Books for 2013

“ART AND BOOKS

Without a doubt,

I must read,

all the books

I’ve read about.

See the artworks

hung on hooks,

that I have only,

seen in books.”

–
Love & Misadventure, Lang Leav

This was absolutely the toughest thing one could ask me. Honestly, this was torture, Babycakes!

I’ve weighed this books on how much I could think about it immediately and how it
created an impact to me, sweet! Here you go:

1. Making Faces – Amy Harmon

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18301124-making-faces

HANDS DOWN! Whenever someone asks me what is my favorite read for 2013, it has become a knee-jerk reaction to say: Making Faces. This book was the total grandslam for me – I shed every ugly cry I could have managed. The story was so captivating, the plot was well-thought and honestly, the characters were so real and inspiring. Every emotions and feelings were ineffable and most definitely the book that MUST be read!

2. Falling: Falling Into You / Falling Into Us – Jasinda Wilder

To this I’m torn. I loved these two books. SUPER! Both were so heartfelt but really dealt on the acceptance and of romance. Falling Into You was about forgiving one’s self and being able to love again. Then in Falling Into Us, it dealt on family problems – strict parents and broken family but then it also
portrayed the romantic ‘one true love’. So really, I could not just pick one, they were both a different side of moving on, independence and of course, love.

3. The Edge of Always – J.A. Redmerski

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899696-the-edge-of-always

The Edge of Never was my BEST READ for 2012 and the book wherein I met Zoe (Hi
Babycakes!). One thing that enticed me about this book? Roadtrip. I am a sucker for those types of stories and would meet the love of your life alongside of it. The discovery of places without worrying what your destination would be.
Those were not lost at The Edge of Always, now, Andrew and Cam were very much together and they would encounter several bumps along the way. It still managed to capture what it had at the previous book and made me seat back, relax and just travel.

4. One to Hold – Tia Louise

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18306388-one-to-hold

BRILLIANT.
That was the first thing that popped my head. I was consumed by this book and I
read it at one-sitting. It was short yet it was jammed-pack with details and
its story. I loved the protagonist, Melissa, as she fought what was her right,
the depiction of vulnerability and of strength that was awesome. But that aside, the romance aspect was just steamy and the sexual tension was so powerful, it was about to combust right there and then. And the writing, it was crisp, clear and real – it was written to be felt.

5. Tangled – Emma Chase

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18297707-tangled

What can I say about this one? The POV won me and I was able to delve into the Wicked mind of a man. Then the humor was totally there. I had my fair share of laughter, swear words and of course, the jerk-ness of a guy who needed to feel superior, strong and non-caring. It was a story about a guy who fell in love and he just did not know what to do. This was such a breath of fresh air and for ladies who wanted to read what was in a guy’s mind.

6. Cinderella Screwed Me Over – Cindi Madsen

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17254466-cinderella-screwed-me-over

I just love this story! It had humor and detailed story about it. What literally
won me over: The Case Studies. Oh don’t get me wrong these case studies were
about Darby’s exes whom she compared with the Princes on the fairytales we grew up with. She had two-thumbs up proofs! But then she met this one guy whom she almost lost because she kept on finding a fault about him that she was not able to see the real him. It was a fun read and for those hopeless romantic; or for anyone looking for an enjoyable read.

7. The Blackstone Affair: Eyes Wide Open – Raine Miller

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16122643-eyes-wide-open

ETHAN BLACKSTONE. Would that be enough? It should be. He was like this ultimate megalomaniac ever but at Eyes Wide Open, I saw the real Ethan and how he was under Brynne’s spell. That was why I could not wait for their baby (2014. 2014. 2014. Last book)! Refer back to the quote I used, it made me feel that here.
Brynne was like this art – precious and treasured. I was completely fixated with
the drama, bad guys and all intense romance. And art also have its special place in me, the feeling to appreciate it even with the perplexing thought of what the piece of art was.

8. The Bad Boys Series: Everything for Us – M. Leighton

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17228519-everything-for-us

CASH AND NASH. Oh my heart, I love Cash. And Nash. Both. Okay, Cash. Okay, first things first: they were twins. In the first book we knew there were two but
during the whole Book it was only one person; in the second, the twin showed
up. I love Cash, he was this perfect man – flexible, powerful, intelligent and
strategic. I loved a Lawyer in a book (I am bias with my background). But I
should not be side-tracked. The last book, about Nash (yes, I loved Cash but Nash has some things on his sleeve) was just like a constant bomb-dropping moment. Marissa was a great lawyer but it was just not how she was. She did that to prove herself to her father, please him and all that. But with Nash, she was able to let go and their happily-ever after was the perfect conclusion to the series. With the fire of their passion and love never wavering from the very start ‘til the end.

9. Breathe Series: Breathless – Rachel Brookes

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18458487-breathless

I love Rachel’s writing style – detailed and entrancing. That was why I loved Breathless more; it showed Tate’s character without it being less of a man. It showed a strong, confused yet fragile man who loves unconditionally. Actually, Unconditionally by Katy Perry kept on messing with my head whenever I remember Breathless. I loved Just Breathe, it was just that, Breathless was thoroughly focused on Tate and his emotions and I was greedy for every moment in it. I felt the character, the story; with the feeling of being dazed (in a good way, like hypnotized to read it all) while reading.

10. Losing It Series: Finding It – Cora Carmack

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16172638-finding-it

I did mention I was a sucker for roadtrips, right? Well, traveling in particular.
I love different destinations and in this book, I was given the chance to country-hop. As much as I loved the awkwardness at Losing It and the somehow
seriousness at Faking it; Finding It showed me a book where I could totally
relate. I just finished college and I do am taking a year off though I am a bum
and not as productive as Kelsey in the story, I felt her as a character. Lost and waiting for that path where I could be passionate about. The whole travelling really was enthralling and the love that brewed with connection and time. Worth a read, I swear.

11. Cancer-themed books: What’s Left of
Me – Amanda Maxlyn / No Attachments – Tiffany King

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18480026-what-s-left-of-me

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17667168-no-attachments

I think I am a masochist of sorts, cancer-themed novel, really? Yet these books were inspiring and luminous. Did I just write that? Luminous? Yeah, I did. It really was. Both the heroines on the books had cancer and they were seeking normalcy in their life. Even for just a bit. I loved how What’s Left of Me showed all the procedures and effects of the intakes a cancer patient feels but also depicted a true and blissful romance (constant swoon over Parker). Then at No Attachments, the bucketlist of Ash and how she had fallen for Nathan. As much as both craved for normality, the romance it had was downright real, raw and genuine (both guys did not know about the girls’s cancer).

12. YA reads: Eleanor & Park – Rainbow
Rowell / How to Love – Katie Cotugno

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15745753-eleanor-park

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332564-how-to-love

Again, with the torn feeling. Both dealt on first love. Eleanor & Park was just in nostalgia side and of course, in its high school setting; though I liked how it worked on friendship and to falling in love. Then at How to Love, it was much deeper – faced with issues of teen pregnancy, family (and sort of community – since they lived in a small community) with the look of disappointment and humiliation towards you, then the father of your unborn child left – no goodbyes (or that was what she thought). How to Love also had that nostalgia but there was alternate past and present happenings but all in all it showed how a person could accept, forgive, learn to be independent but mostly, to love again. Still, both were a standalone and had the feeling of wonder: “What happens next?” without the cliffhanger.

13. Love & Misadventure – Lang Leav

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18003300-love-misadventure

I thought it was obvious by the way I used the quote above. I did save the best
for last. Sometimes I write poetry and sometimes you just don’t know what it
meant because you wrote it when you were overwhelmed by an emotion of some
sorts. But in this book, it was a collection of poetry one could relate; it was
sort of a journey in its way and very enjoyable. Short, indirect or direct, emotions on the go.

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Chat with Jassie:
@clapstompjump

Top 13 books of 2013

Top 13 books of 2013 by Zili Robins

Posted on December 27, 2013December 27, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

Today telling us her Top 13 books of 2013 is the awesome Zili!

Are any of her books on your 2013 list?

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The lovely Miss Zoe asked me to write a guest post about my favourite books of 2013 and how can you say no to the gal who gave us ManCandy Monday?!

I may have slightly cheated in places, as I’m sure a couple of my entries were published earlier and one isn’t technically out yet BUT I read all of these in 2013!

Walking Disaster – Jamie McGuire
I’m not sure this one needs much explanation BUT…I couldn’t resist the opportunity to experience more Travis. I liked Beautiful Disaster but Abby annoyed me a lot and I enjoyed getting Travis’s POV in Walking Disaster.

Obsession – Jennifer L. Armentrout
I love paranormal and fantasy books and had to sneak one on the list. Obsession is a one-time adult spin-off novella set in the same world as JLA’s YA Lux series. It focuses on aliens secretly living amongst us on Earth. Hunter is an Arum (a bad alien) but he’s also hot, fierce and an arse! Thankfully human gal Serena totally holds her own and teaches him a thing or two. It’s also one of the few books I gave 5 stars this year!

Only For You – Genna Rulon
This is without a doubt one of my fav books of the year (even though I ugly cried reading it). On the surface it’s your average NA college story; Everleigh meets Hunter and they build a relationship, but underneath it’s SO much more. The secondary characters are fab (Sam is getting her own book). It’s such a devastating story with some really traumatic issues.

Wait For You – Jennifer L. Armentrout as her naughty alter ego J. Lynn
I tried hard to limit the amount of Jennifer’s books I included in my list because I’m a huge JLA fan girl. Wait For You is beautifully written and sensitively handled. Avery is a great female MC and Cam Hamilton is currently sitting in poll position on my book boyfriend list! JLA writes snark so well and creates some great sexy scenes!

A Little too Far – Lisa Desrochers
Think about a breakup, alcohol, a hot stepbrother, oh and a nearly-priest. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing!! This book is awesome and don’t let the quasi-incest or trainee priest put you off. This is the first book in the series but I also enjoyed #2 (book 3 is out next year)!

Recklessly (Documentary #3) A.J. Sands
I still haven’t read the first two books but you don’t need to. I think I enjoyed Recklessly so much because it switches with the norm! The common plot of the clingy girl and playa guy is turned on its head. Don’t worry there’s way more to the story though and it’s actually really sad (I nearly threw my kindle out the window at one point)!

Wallbanger – Alice Clayton
I laughed from start to finish with this one!! The idea behind Wallbanger was brilliant. Think of the ultimate neighbour from hell where instead of loud parties, it’s late night bedroom antics keeping Caroline awake (an not her own). Her neighbour’s bedroom is only a very thin wall away from hers. My fav part is when Caroline comes up with nicknames for Simon the wallbanger’s ‘visitors’ depending on the noises they make.

Call Me Crazy – Quinn Loftis
Call Me Crazy focuses on teenage mental health and the stigma surrounding it. It’s a fab mixture of lighthearted and funny, yet manages to cover some really serious and upsetting issues without ever sensationalizing anything.

Jet (Marked Men #2) – Jay Crownover
I read Jet purely because I loved Rule (the first book in the series) but I’m glad I did. Jet’s a hot tattooed rocker with a huge (get your minds outta the gutter) heart! Jet and Ayden’s story is sweet, dramatic and all kinds of hot!

Mine (Real #2) – Katy Evans
I liked Real but wasn’t convinced by Remy and Brooke’s relationship. I found them hot but kinda toxic together. Mine totally changed my mind!! I now love them together. Brooke also massively redeemed herself. Don’t get me started on the epic hotness of this book!

Bully – Penelope Douglas
Think childhood friendship gone wrong, then throw in some extreme bullying and a female MC finally having enough and you’ve found Bully! I expected and sorta wanted to hate Bully (who could want a guy who made your life hell for years?) but I really didn’t. I ended up giving Jared a chance and getting sucked in by him.

Losing It – Cora Carmack
I was late to the party with Losing It as I read it months after release, but I like to think I more than made up for it with enthusiasm! Bliss and Garrick’s story is sweet, dramatic and downright hilarious! Who wouldn’t want a hot teacher with a sexy accent?

Rome – Jay Crownover
I’m sort of cheating with this one because I read an ARC (it’s not out until next year) but as I read it this year and loved it Rome made my list. I’m not allowed to post my review yet so can’t really explain why I loved Rome but if you’ve read Rule or Jet you’ll know how great the Marked Men series is.

Which books made your top 13 books you read in 2013?

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Chat with Zili:

@ziliinthesky

Top 13 books of 2013

Top 13 books of 2013 by Laura Delve

Posted on December 27, 2013December 27, 2013 by Z. Elizabeth

Today, Laura Delve will be telling us her Top 13 Books of 2013!

Are any of them on your list?

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These are in no particular order, as it was difficult enough choosing my top 13, I couldn’t possibly rank them 

1. The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman
I honestly think everyone should read this. It makes you look at life a little differently. It shows you how you shouldn’t be afraid to do what you really want to. Don’t just do something or stay with something because you think it’s the safe or correct thing to do. It is definitely a feel good book.

2. Fractured by Dani Atkins
This debut novel has caused quite a stir in the blogging community and I was so glad I got a chance to read it. I don’t even want to say anymore as don’t want to give a single thing away, just that this should definitely be on your TBR pile!

3. The Keepers:Archer by Rae Rivers
I absolutely love fantasy novels and this was one of the first review copies I got the chance to read when I started by blog. It is about one witch, her three keepers (protectors) and two warlocks that want to ruin everything good that magic stands for. This is the first in a three-part series, with a prequella and cannot wait for the next one!

4. The Memory Box by Sarah Webb
This was the first book I have ever read by Sarah Webb and needless to say I loved it. Sarah’s writing style is really lovely and she just makes you love all the characters in her story.

5. The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester
I love fairytales with a modern day twist and this one was just that. I was completely swept away by this tale. The way Jennifer describes every scene has you truly feeling like you are there in the story with the characters. At one point we are whisked away to Paris and I am now craving a visit purely from reading this!

6. Wish Upon A Star by Trisha Ashley
Trisha Ashley is one of my favourite authors. I have read nearly all her books and I was waiting for this one to come out for practically a whole year. I enjoy how some of her novels take us back to the town of Sticklepond and we get to meet up with old characters again, but the novel is still stand-alone. This one introduces us to Cally and her daughter Stella and was just another great story from Trisha.

7. A Cinderella Christmas by Holly Kingston
I was so excited that I was asked to be a part of the blog tour for this wonderful novella. Not only is the cover great, but it completely matches the story. It had me laughing in places, but wanting things to turn out OK for the main character Lucy. A definite read around Christmas time.

8. Perfect Ruin by Lauren Defestano
Having read The Chemical Garden series by Lauren, I was extremely keen to get my hands on her new series The Internment Chronicles. Lauren did not disappoint! This series tells us of a world where the people live in the sky and they are told they must never go towards the edge. But the people of Internment are beginning to question this; what is it that the rulers are hiding from them.

9. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
This was an incredibly festive read and has gone up there with my favourite Christmas books of ALL time! The pretext of this was about a family all coming home for Christmas to the lovely Huntersbrook House. Emma writes beautifully and I fell hopelessly in love with all the characters. I was also especially pleased as quite a few books I have picked up this year with Christmas covers have not been Christmassy at all! But this one was not hiding anything unchristmassy 

10. Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan
This was another fantasy series that had a brilliantly unique story. This one was about the Afterlife and focused on Maggie who was a soul collector. She had had her memories taken away from her when she died as the people of the Afterlife did not want her to remember what she had done in her previous life. Maggie wants to be promoted to The Guard but her wish won’t be granted. However she is soon sent on a mission where more truths come to light. This is the first in a trilogy and recently finished the second books and now cannot wait for the final in the series!

11. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
I thought this was an absolutely beautiful book. It is about a man called Harold who goes out to post a letter to his old friend Queenie who is dying of cancer. He ends up walking from one end of the country to the other in a bid to save her life. Harold meets all sorts of people on the way, each with their own troubles and we learn a few truths about Harold’s life as well.

12. Party Games by Joe Carnegie

This was brilliant! So much happens in this story that you just cannot put it down as I was desperate to find out what would happen next. This story focuses on three very different women and how their lives interlink and everything that goes on in their small knit community. There is lots of scandal and drama with some brilliant twists and turns.

13. The Language of Spells by Sarah Painter
When I started my blog this year, this was the first ever request I had to review a book from an author and I was incredibly excited. Magical Realism in stories is my absolutely favourite focus in a story. It’s where magic happens but it blends in with the goings on in the village. There was also an element of mystery in this and I genuinely loved it 

So there’s my Top 13 Books of 2013! Phew what a year! Thank you very much to Zoe for having me 

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Chat with Laura:

@Midnightstar3