My Top Ten Books of 2012

The end of 2012 is just around the corner, and with that comes a bunch of "Best" list. I offer my own best list today. The top ten books I read in 2012.

These are in no particular order, because asking me to select my favourite from this list would really be torture. It was hard enough to keep this list to ten choices.

1. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Steamy, sexy, and filled with Noah Shaw deliciousness. A creepy and brilliant look at a potential descent into madness. Wonderfully written with humour, scares, and STEAMY romance. 

My love affair with this series is well known. I adore Mara, Noah, and of course, the amazing Michelle for writing them.

2. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

 Yes I am teasing, but Oh My Swoon! Willem and Allyson's story had me feeling every emotion, and left me aching for more. This is easily 2013's MUST READ and more than meets expectations.

The beautiful writing, the connection I felt to Allyson, and the utter romance of this fantastic contemporary left me wanting to read Just One Year...immediately.

3. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

One of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It made my heart hurt, and yet was filled with so much wonder. 

Getting to know the girl with the crow feather and her Peter was one of the highlights of my reading year, made all the more poignant because my love for this novel caught me by surprise. 

4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

If I were to choose one word to describe Gone Girl that word would be twisted. Stunning reveals, an inciting game, and an uncomfortable look at falling out of love (just in the most extremely twisted way).  

Flawed characters that seem disturbingly real, and writing that makes you fly through the pages faster that you are capable of turning them. This one will keep you up late into the night, and leave you gasping at it's sad, yet unavoidable, ending.  

5.  Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

A darkly decadent read where even the air you breath can kill you. Swoon worthy guys, a flawed heroine, and the seductive Debauchery Club are all stand outs in this amazingly written novel.

The dual notion of glitz and glamour back dropped against a stark decimated city make for a compelling dynamic. I fell for this one in chapter one, and couldn't stop reading.

6. Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Tudor court glamour meets high school mean girls in this engrossing historical novel. Catherine Howard paid the ultimate price for her youthful mistakes. This portrayal paints her in a much different, and more realistic feeling light. This novel feels relevant because it shows friendships, and their complexity haven't changed over the years.

7 The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Magic meets realism in this heart grabbing novel. Blue, and her Raven Boys will work their way into your heart until you care deeply about each of them.

Maggie's writing is fantastic, but her characters draw you in and that is why it's on my list. 

8 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Another must read when it comes out. I adored Cinder, but Scarlet surpassed all my expectations. Ruggedly swoon worthy Wolf grabbed my attention immediately, and  I adored the feisty Scarlet. The mixing of Cinder's story with Scarlet's journey is done flawlessly, and the fairytale elements I loved in Cinder are just as present in Scarlet. 

9 Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

One of the best witch stories I've ever read. A mixture of romance, suspense, and a hint of the magical storm to come leaves you under this novel's spell.

The writing flows quickly, and the characters are captivating. The witchcraft mythology that is being built has be eager to learn more. With all of this going for it, it's the bond between the sister's that shines the most. A story of sisterly love, sacrifice, jealously, and perhaps betrayal. 

10 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This novel left me a crying mess on my couch by the end. I believe that this will make many lists this year, and it really is one of the best of the year.

Hazel and Augustus' story stays with you long after you've finished. With humour, heart, and tears it's an emotional reminder to love as deeply as possible, and to live each second to the fullest

I do have a few others that I REALLY enjoyed this year as well, and this list was seriously torture to whittle down, but those are the ones that I think impacted me the most. What novels made your Best List this year? Let me know in the comments.

In My Mailbox....

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

My mailbox was pretty awesome this week...ok so pretty awesome is an understatement. SO many amazing books.

These are books I was gifted or received for review

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (goodreads)
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (goodreads)

The amazing Kristina from LadyBug Storytime got me a copy of Masque. I literally squealed when it came in the mail. It's been really high on my wish list and I can't wait to finish it (already started and LOVING it). The cover is so stunning, even in ARC form.

The amazing and lovely Christy from The Reader Bee sent me a belated Christmas gift and it was A Million Suns. I have heard nothing but amazing things about it.

Thank you so much to both Christy and Kristina. You ladies are amazing!

I helped Marissa Meyer celebrate the release of her fantastic novel Cinder. She was sweet and offered swag to people who helped her and it is awesome! Thank you so much Marissa.

Here are some books I purchased this week

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Cinder by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I also have two copies of Entertainment Weekly with the cast of the Vampire Diaries on them. I have the Paul Wesley/Nina Dobrev cover as well, but my friend has it as she had to pick it up for me (none of the stores near me had it). They are even hotter than this picture shows. Scorching!!

Happy reading everyone!

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date –  Feb 7, 2012
Publisher Website –  Penguin/Putnam Juvenile
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  326 pages
My Rating- 10/10
**Obtained from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."  

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave. 

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.

Cate and her two sisters are not what you would consider proper ladies. Cate likes to garden, Maura likes to read books that are considered unsuitable and Tess is too perceptive. Never mind the fact that they are in fact witches.

I was drawn into this world Jessica Spotswood has created. It’s engrossing and she captures the time period wonderfully.  It is a novel that I consider historical with a delicious witch twist. The class system, the place of a women in society and what was expected of her, and even the writing all seem very fitting of the era. It would appeal to fans of historical fiction as well as those looking for a good paranormal tale.

The characters are wonderful. I love Cate! She isn’t afraid to go against what is expected of her. She’s loyal, and would do anything for her sisters. I do like that she was determined to do what she felt was best, regardless of what others thought. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She also is quite willing to sacrifice what she wants in order to protect her sisters. Her sisters Maura, and Tess are equally likable and complex. All three girls are wise beyond their years, have been schooled so they are quite smart, and I really liked all of them.

One of the things I enjoyed about this novel was that the consequences for Cate, Maura and Tess are real. Girls are being taken away, and I was holding my breath waiting to see if The Cahill sisters would be found out. I like that the stakes are high, and that the punishment is real and tangible to the characters. The Brotherhood is scary in it’s single mindedness. They are not above using people to get what they want, and I relished disliking them.

The romance in the novel is quite steamy. Cate has two suitors interested in her - Paul, a young gentleman who is completely suitable and Finn who is the opposite. I liked both Paul and Finn, but it is quite apparent whom holds Cate’s heart. I will say that feathers have never been hotter! Cate literally makes feathers appear during a particularly steamy make out.

The secret that Cate reads in her mothers diary could change everything for the sisters. I love the direction the story is going in with this “secret” and how it will directly impact the girls; if indeed it is about them. I was shocked by part of the secret, and I am excited to see where it is going to lead. Sadly, I cant give anything else away about the secret because it’s a pretty big spoiler, but it was one of the most intriguing parts of the story for me.

After a slower start the novel starts to pick up the pace while barrelling towards the ending. The spells we see cast aren’t plentiful, however, we do get some impressive showcases of power near the end.  I am curious which Cahill sister is the strongest witch as each of them is shown to be quite capable.

Family secrets, forbidden romances, steamy scenes, and an fantastic main character all make Born Wicked a refreshing, addicting read. I am already practicing spells to make book two magically appear…just don’t tell the Brotherhood on me.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

Born Wicked

I just finished reading this and the only word that comes to mind is  - WOW! This book has me dying for book two and I can't wait to share my review. You'll want to pick this one up when it's released in February.


TV

Ferris Bueller 2012

I LOVE Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It's one of my go to movies when I am sick and don't want to get out ofbed. I literally squealed when I saw this preview for a TV commercial (YES, a preview for a commercial) that shows Matthew Broderick saying a twist on one of  his iconic lines from the movie which is followed by the even more iconic music. The full ad will air during the SuperBowl and is apparently for Honda.



Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Ok, my nostalgia factor is high today. I spent the day watching Buffy videos on Youtube and especially videos of the musical episode. Also, let's not forget the mostly SILENT episode that still gives me chills. It reminded me of how amazing, ground breaking, and well written it was. Joss Whedon is nothing short of genius and Sarah Michelle Gellar remains my idol and girl crush.

If you haven't watched Buffy ever, PLEASE do. You are missing out on one of the greatest TV shows EVER! Season 2 is my favourite - heartbreaking, romantic, and filled with jaw droppings twists.

And I've just made myself want to watch the entire series AGAIN...

OTHER

My Blogiversary

This happens to be today! My little blog is a whole year old. It feels like I just started (but some days it really does feel like I've been a blogger for years). I am having a little giveaway to celebrate, and I just wanted to thank you all again for following, and basically being awesome.

A special shout out to Brodie, Christy, Kelly, and Evie for being amazing and so welcoming in my first year.

In My Mailbox!

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I had an amazing book week this week.

First I have a Netgalley book to show

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (goodreads)

I LOVED The Goddess Test and am so excited to start this one. Thank you Harlequin Teen and Netgalley.

In the mail I received quite a few goodies this week.

Mercy by Rebecca Lim (goodreads)
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Who is Mara Dyer t-shirt
Gilt Door Hangers

Huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada, Penguin Canada, Katherine Longshore and Michelle Hodkin for the lovely goodies.

I had won the Mara Dyer t-shirt in contest held during a chat Michelle did and was thrilled to get it. Can not wait to wear it at BEA!

Happy reading everyone!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK


Born Wicked Trailer

This trailer is awesome. It's made me want to read the book even more. What is it with witches and feathers though?! 

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

I loved this novel. LOVED! It's full of action, angst, and a well done love triangle. I am dying to read Such Wicked Intent when it comes out this summer. If you missed it I have reviewed this one on the blog already.

Covers and synopsis for Between the Lines and Kill Me Softly

First up is Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer.

This not only has a pretty cover, but the  premise sounds amazing - hot guy from a book turns out to be a real teenage guy trapped in the book! Awesome right?! If you want to learn more, check out Goodreads for the details.

My fairytale obsession really is at an all time high right now. Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross could not have come at a better time! I am officially dying of want, and can't wait to read it. A young girl goes to find her parents graves only to find out she's Sleeping Beauty! The cover is stunning too! Again, Goodreads will give you more information if you wish.

OTHER


Book Expo America

You can pretty much expect me to have this on her quite a few times between now and the actual event. I purchased my pass and am all set to go! It feels much more "real" now that I have something purchased and confirmed.

Westjet Airlines

If you read my little "about me" blurb you know that I work as a travel agent. I recently won some tickets on Westjet Airlines to go anywhere they travel within North America. I am super excited as I have always wanted to go visit California. I have a friend who lives there, and there is quite a bit I want to see. Needless to say I am already planning it, even though it's not until the fall sometime.

Waiting on Wednesday...Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

I love the sound of this. The cover is quite eye catching as well.

Expected release date - Feb 7, 2012