Top Ten of 2013: Best Book Boyfriends

From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014.  Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from [Fikt]shun, Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads & Jamie from Two Chicks on Books)!

Rules: Must be a book released and read in 2013

Cam

Wait For You by J. Lynn

Because he freakin' waited.  From my experience, they just don't wait for you to get your shit together.

Adam

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

I don't care what you say, I'm still rooting for Adam because he is just amazing.

Hector

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

I may have a thing for the gruff, protective, badass type.

Aiden

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Again, badass.  How do you not love Aiden, who is strong and courageous and goes after what he wants?

Isaiah

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

He can fix my car any day.  We can connect over our love for speed.

Kaiden

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

Drummer.  That's really all I have to say here.  Read the book.  He brings the heat.

Finn

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Because he loves books and wears glasses and is unique and I like that.

Ryan

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

I like baseball, but I cheer for the Jays and I'm sorry but none of them are *that* attractive (except Rasmus, who I will forever love).  I like athletic types who will play/watch sports with me and drink beer and listen to country music.

Beast

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Again, strong manly man.  I have no issues with that.

Ben

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I'm not entirely sure why.  I just felt a connection to this character throughout the book.

Question time!  Who was your book boyfriend of 2013?  Share them with me!

Top Ten of 2013: Best Covers

From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014.  Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from [Fikt]shun, Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads & Jamie from Two Chicks on Books)!

Rules: Must have been released in 2013, should have been read in 2013 as well

These are all books that I had to have on my shelf.  These are the ones that I want to "show off".  So tell me, what was your favourite cover of 2013?  Share in the comments below!

Top Ten of 2013: Best Books

From December 23rd through 27th, we celebrate our favourite books of 2013 and look ahead to those of 2014.  Be sure to check back each day, and check out our gracious hosts (Rachel from [Fikt]shun, Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads & Jamie from Two Chicks on Books)!

Rules: has to be read in 2013, does not have to be published in 2013

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (review)

Why it is the best: Etienne St.Clair.  Enough said.  This book transports the reader to a beautiful Paris and a lovely romance.  I had a serious case of wanderlust after this read.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (review)

Why it is the best: It's original and honest and awesome.  I may not write fanfic, but I truly connected with Cate and her transition to college life.

Wait for You by J. Lynn

Why it is the best: OMG J. Lynn writes sexual tension like no other.  Cam and Avery had me from the first page, and the companion novel Trust In Me could just as easily made this list!

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson (review)

Why it is the best: The world needs a few more Hector-types.  On top of that, the evolution of Elisa is beyond amazing and I just love the whole world and story!

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout (review)

Why it is the best: I dub thee the most painful and heart-wrenching conclusion of the year.  I cannot wait for Seth's turn in the spotlight in 2015 (which, btw, is too far away...).

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers (review)

Why it is the best: I cried, like, six times.  My copy is seriously tear-stained.  Beast and Sybella get a slow clap from me.  Historical isn't my thing, but this book had me from start to finish.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi (review)

Why it is the best: Tahereh is a downright amazing author.  This story is spectacular.  The conclusion will likely destroy me (haha) in 2014, but I remain 100% Team Adam!

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (review)

Why it is the best: It's original and engaging and heartbreaking.  Best worst ending ever.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi (review)

Why it is the best: You can't not love these characters.  When the secondary characters steal your heart as much as these ones do, you have a winner.  TTEN also stands out in a genre where everything is starting to feel the same.

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia (review)

Why it is the best: The world building.  The praise from Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson (you've never watched Ghost Hunters?!?!) backs this up.  I'm not an expert by any means, but I know a fair bit about the paranormal and much of this book is solid.  Unbreakable also had one of my favourite beginnings to a book this year!

And I leave you with a question: What was your favourite read of 2013?  If I had to choose one of these, I don't think I could!  I just can't commit.

Book Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published February 5th, 2013
HarperCollins
469 pages (International Paperback)

Juliette's world is beginning to unravel.
Everything is falling apart changing.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point-the headquarters of the rebel resistance. There she discovers other people with abilities. Abilities they have learned to control. And for the first time in her life, Juliette has hope. Hope that she can have a life with Adam. Hope that her touch can be used to save instead of destroy.

But Juliette is only just beginning to understand the depth of her power, and she's struggling to fight the desire to use it. She's still haunted by her past, terrified by her future, and too tempted by Warner, who still wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart-and Adam's life. (From Goodreads)

I must start by saying that I am 100% Team Adam.  Yes, you read that right.

I must also say that I did not read Destroy Me, the novella set between Shatter Me and Unravel Me, but intend to do so soon.

But holy crap, Tahereh Mafi writes a good book.   Non-stop action and a love triangle that didn't irritate the crap out of me!

When I say non-stop action, I mean it.  There was always some sort of drama going on, which made it impossible to set this book down.  The story would calm down and take off again right away.

At one point, Kenji (who is pure awesome) criticizes Juliette for living in her land of perpetual self-pity, which is pretty much what I kept thinking up to that point and through to the end.  It does start to get a little old, even though it's essential to her character.  The spin at the end suggest that we may get a little less of this with book three.

As far as all our other characters go, I have no complaints.  There are some good twists that I didn't see coming.  Like I said, I much prefer Adam and his self-brooding.  Warner hasn't won me over yet, but I like the contrast to Adam.

For a series I though I was going to dislike when I read Shatter Me last year, I'm hooked.  This dystopian setting is simple, yet complex, while being different from the rest of the pack.  Add Mafi's lyrical writing, and you've got a winner!

Much love, Samantha

February Favourites!

No intro today, because it's Sunday and I'm feeling quite lazy...

Favourite Read: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Plus, the cover is awesome.  And I'm always pleased by an
international paperback!

Favourite Song: The Only Way I Know - Jason Aldean feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church

(aka The Eye Candy trio/ Bad Boys of Country...)

Favourite TV Show: Destination Truth reruns.  YETI!

Favourite Thing To Procrastinate On: I had 4 papers and a midterm due in the two weeks before reading break...

Favourite Caffeinated Beverage: Caramel Machiatto with an extra shot

(because everything is better after three shots of espresso)

Favourite Thing to Look Forward to About March: Free Leafs tickets?  Yes, please!

Much love, Samantha