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 Couples

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 from a book read in 2013

Blay & Qhuinn

Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

because it's about freakin' time!

Hector & Elisa

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

because they would stand by each other through anything!

Cam & Avery

Wait For You by J. Lynn

because these two stood out as a pair I was actually rooting for, among the NA club!

Cath & Levi

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

because they're cute, okay?

Addie & Trevor

Pivot Point by Kasie West

because the ending of Pivot Point broke my heart!

Sybella & Beast

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

because they battled their demons together!

Aiden & Alex

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

because they broke a few rules for love (yes, this was corny but I don't care)!

Anna & St. Clair

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

because love at a french boarding school!

Tod & Kaylee

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

because they got their happy ending!

Cate & Finn

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

because I'm still rooting for them!

Let's share!  Who was your favourite bookish couple this year?  Leave me comment and tell me what your list was about today!

And to those that are celebrating, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!

If you're not celebrating, have a Happy Wednesday!

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.

Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Published April 3rd, 2013
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
385 pages (Hardcover)

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Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for? (From Goodreads)

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I love this book!  I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I love the setting.  15th century Brittany is a nice change for someone who doesn't usually do historical.  The writing is that strong!  I mean, my knowledge of 15th century Brittany is pretty much non-existent, but I was instantly drawn in and embracing it!  I felt like I was there!  The conflict is awesome.  I loved the battle and the strategy and alliances and twists and turns!

I love the characters!  Sybella is a badass who's been through some serious shit.  She has some suicidal tendencies, and it was a joy to see her progression!  Then there is Beast, who is a f**king beast!  Again, badassery.  In Samantha's world, this instantly meant *swoon*!  The character development was amazing.  Every single character has depth and complexity that comes out through the story.

I love the plot!  Dark Triumph starts part way through the events of Grave Mercy (check out my review here), and explains what Sybella was up to during the first book.  Sybella's progression in dealing with her past while battling the political turmoil of the novel intertwined beautifully.  I also like that this book highlights more of a personal side to the series.  Grave Mercy focused more on the politics and history, but this time round we see more romance and personal relationships.  Robin LaFevers actually addresses this in an Author's Note at the end of the novel.  I'm glad that she does, because it was what I was thinking the whole time!  Dark Triumph was a perfect balance.

Dark Triumph is amazing and gorgeous and spectacular.  It will draw you in and tear your soul apart!  So, you know, go buy this book immediately!

June Recap and Happy Canada Day!

To all my fellow Canadians, I just want to wish you all a Happy Canada Day!  Have a drink for me while I work a 9-hour shift!

June has come and gone.  Guys, 2013 is half done!  This just seems like madness to me.  June was another month of summer courses and working.  My hours at work will likely be going down for July, which means more time to spend with you guys!  I hope that excites at least one of you as much as it does me.

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The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey (action-packed awesome)

Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout (excellent adult addition)

Dare You To by Katie McGarry (Bring me Ryan)

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (great character development)

Until I Die by Amy Plum (original, but lacking)

If I Should Die by Amy Plum (felt Breaking Dawn-esque)

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (kind of predictable)

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (too many hormones)

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (F**k you Maura)

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers (tears falling everywhere)

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--- June brought my 21st birthday, filled with good times and delicious waffles.  My coworkers even bought me flowers!

--- June meant lots of working and more summer school.  I finished my first class of the summer, and stared my second (still not exciting).  Goodbye Child Development, Hello Family Development...

--- June actually saw an impressive amount of reading!

--- June rained.  Our real summer can start any time now.

--- June brought good and bad, but I still love you.

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 In all honesty, I have no idea what I'm actually going to read this month...  (More coming about this on Saturday, if you happen to be that curious.)

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That's all for June.  Happy July everyone!

Much love, Samantha