Best Books of 2014

GOODBYE 2014!  And HELLO 2015!

As 2014 comes to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to share my favorite novels I read this year! I know I am missing some because sometime I forget to review on Goodreads...but here goes with those I could remember...

My 2014 Favorites:

 #1: Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward

Mini Review: Sweet sexy amazing!!! This instantly became one of my all time favorite romance books!!! Loved how it was divided into part 1 and 2!! Part 1 was when the characters were 17/18 and then part was 7 years later! And I swear the last 25% my heart was in my throat. 

 #2: Draw by Cora Brent

Mini Review: I love reading love stories where either the guy or the girl is a underdog in some way. So because of his poor, abusive upbringing Cord was the underdog. But he's not the same kid from high school. Sure he's still that rough/rowdy/redneck, especially on the exterior. But he's also tender, thoughtful and protective. And I loved the dynamic between the three brothers as well. Loved every minute. Loved books 2 and 3 in this series as well.

 #3: Decker's Wood by Kirsty Dallas

Mini Review: I've been dying for a porn star read and here it is! I can't praise this one enough. Decker was perfection (and so was his wood...hehe!).

 #4: Price of a Kiss by Linda Kage

Mini Review: Funny. Sexy. Heartfelt. Extremely heartfelt.

I loved every minute of it and never wanted it to end. I'll be reading everything else this author has written immediately! New Adult, College Romance at its best!
Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. As were book 2 and 3 in the series!

#5: He's Come Undone by Theresa Weir

Mini Review: John Tucker Must Die meets New Adult. I absolutely adored this novel!!!! Perfection! I guess when it comes to New Adult I have a particular taste and this fit the NA category perfectly for me.

 #6: Calmly, Carefully, Completely by Tammy Falkner

Mini Review: Wow!!! DOUBLE WOW!!! Tammy Falkner did it again!! I loved Logan and Emily's story and I absolutely loved Pete's story too!! I can't get enough and I'm sure gonna be a die hard fan of Tammy's for life!!!

#7: Foreplay by Sophie Jordan
Mini Review: So, I devoured Sophie Jordan's YA Firelight series a few years back...and when I saw she wrote a NA book, I bought it on the spot!  Then I read it straight through unable to stop myself. Reese was perfect. Hottie bartender. Loved Pepper too. Nice HEA with no cliffhanger.  

#8: Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
Mini Review: Book 5 of this series. And it was my favorite!!! Can't get enough Adrian. Can't get enough of the world and the people Richelle Mead has created. 

#9: Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
Mini Review: The perfect combination of sexy and substance! A 'must-read-right-this-second' novel. Seriously, if you haven't read it already you are missing out! Very romantic in a take-your-breath-away kinda way.

My SPRING 2014 TBR list {Top TEN}

Every Tuesday BROOK AND THE BOOKISH does a top-10 list.  I try to participate on occasion.  The question posed this week is Top Ten Books On My Spring 2014 TBR List. 

SO here is a list of my top-10, SPRING 2014 TBR list:

10. MYSTERY MAN by Kristen Ashley (UP next on my TBR list!)

9. TAKE A CHANCE by Abbi Glines 

8. MAKING FACES by Amy Harmon
7. DEFYING ALL ODDS by Nevaeh Lee (I know nothing about this one yet, but I loved COLLABORATION, so I need this one!!!)
6. IT AIN'T ME, BABE by Tillie Cole (Hands down, best title ever!)
5. BREAK by Vanessa Waltz
4. NASH by Jay Crownover
3. INTO THE STILL BLUE by Veronica Rossi
2. CRESS by Marissa Meyer
1. RUSH TOO FAR by Abbi Glines

Which novels are next on your SPRING 2014 TBR list???  Also, I'm currently hosting a giveaway for my NA novel, He Belongs With Me.  Have you entered yet?  There are only two days left before it ends. :)

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BEACH READS {Top Ten of the Moment}

Summer time.  The sun on your skin.  The wind in your hair.  The sand between your toes.  And the perfect book in your hands.  Nothing's better right?  Every Tuesday BROOK AND THE BOOKISH does a top-10 list.  I try to participate on occasion.  The question posed this week is Top Ten Beach Reads.  My definition of a beach read is something light, quick, fun, and often steamy.  I tend to re-read my favorites in the summer.  So, you'll see some oldies-but-goodies on this list.  

SO here is a list of my top-10, all-time-favorite, beach reads...

10. SOMETHING BORROWED and SOMETHING BLUE by Emily Giffin

9. REAL by Katy Evan

8. DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum
7. SOOKIE STACKHOUSE books by Charlaine Harris
6. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY by E. L. James
5. TANGLED by Emma Chase
4. LEAVING PARADISE and RETURN TO PARADISE by Simone Elkeles
3. TRULY MADLY YOURS by Rachel Gibson (Basically any of Rachel Gibson's books.)
2. TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer
1. FALLEN TOO FAR and NEVER TOO FAR by Abbi Glines

Which novels do you think make for the best BEACH READS?

And for your viewing pleasure: The following are some of my Miami Beach Lifeguard Stand Pics.  I currently live in Miami Beach, but will be moving very soon.  :/

Sitting on my Shelf Unread! {Top Ten of the Moment}

Yesterday the Broke and Bookish asked: What are the Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread?

Here the top ten books sitting unread on my shelf...

10.  VAMPIRE BEACH by Alex Duval
9. MARKED by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

8. SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready

7. CLARITY by Kim Harrington

6. DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

5. SILENCE by Michelle Sagara

4. THE FARM by Emily McKay

3. GONE by Lisa McMann

2. HALO by Amexandra Adornetto

1. THIRST by Christopher Pike

So?  Where should I start?  Which book from my list is a 'must read this very second'?

My Top Literary Crushes #3

Here it is!  This is my favorite post of the year!!  :)

Every year annually I like to post my top ten literary crushes from YA novels!!!  The crushes don't have to come from books I read that year alone...no, they're a mixture of my all-time-favorites!!  The ultimate list. 

Here are my top literary crushes for 2012 (in backwards order)...

10. Astley from the NEED series.  I'm still slightly on the fence with Astley.  Nick was always the main love interest in Carrie Jones' NEED series and somehow Astley just kind of creeped up in the running over the last two novels.  A 4th book in the series comes out this May and I'm curious to see more of Astley's character. 

9. Ren from TIGER's CURSE.  This novel about an ancient Indian prince stuck as a cursed tiger really swept me away.  SO did Ren.  Read it for yourself. 

8. Tamine from WINGS. From the start I was team Tamine all the way and after reading book 3 of this series...I'm even more hooked!  Great character--emotional, reckless, perfectly handsome, and easy to fall for.  He makes reading the WINGS books worth while.  Without him it would just be another book around fairies.   

7. Peeta from HUNGER GAMES. Loyal, sweetheart, and even if I wasn't crazy about the way MOCKINGJAY ended I will still always love Peeta.  Undeniable. 

6. Varen Nethers from NEVERMORE...this goth guy?  Yes!  He's mysterious, a loner, into poetry, and I fell hard for the building romance in this novel.  When will book 2 ever come out??? 

5. Archer Cross from HEX HALL (real appearance in DEMON GLASS).  What an unexpected contender!  Very surprising.  I only sort of liked HEX HALL and almost didn't read the 2nd novel in the Series, DEMON GLASS, but I'm very glad I did.  There's lots of potential in Archer.  We'll see with book 3.

4. Will from the INFERNAL DEVICES series.  Cassandra Clare does it again.  She sure can write the bad boys!  Stubborn, aggressive, outspoking.  Two books into the series and I already can't get enough of Will.

3. Dimitri from the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series.  In the past year I recently discovered this series--an oldie but a goodie--and no one can deny the charm in Dimitri.  He tops lists easily.  

2. Edward from TWILIGHT.  I'll always be a Twilight fan.  I'll always love Edward.  He is, after all, the one who made me love reading Young Adult novels in the first place.

1. Jace from MORTAL INSTRUMENTS Series. Can he ever be knocked off the top of this list?  Three years running and I guess I still haven't found someone who can quite replace him.  If you don't know who Jace is...you're missing out. Everything single moment I spent reading about him and Clare in Cassandra Clare's MORTAL INSTRUMENTS novels (the first 3 books) was like book-crack. I couldn't get enough. He's hot headed and arrogant with this dark past. But underneath he's kind and loves Clare. Every time they share a kiss, my heart beats faster.  Jace makes these books very worth your while.  (Just be sure to stop reading at the end of novel 3, novel 4 was quite the let down.)   

And a few that just almost made my list:  

Patch from HUSH, HUSH

Tucker from UNEARTHLY

Who are your literary crushes?  Am I missing out on anyone?

2010's TOP LITERARY CRUSHES
2011's TOP LITERARY CRUSHES

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.  In addition, Broke and Bookish run similar posts weekly.}

Next month's top ten post: THE PERFECT SET UP
Last month's top ten post : Love Triangles

Love Triangles {Top Ten of the Moment}

This was supposed to be my Valentine's Day post.  But if you haven't noticed, I've been MIA from my blog lately.  I have other big changes going on in my life lately (non-writing related) and I just don't have the same time I used to have.  Not to worry.  (Don't un-follow me yet!) I'll still check back in here from time to time until things get a little more stable in my personal life.  So on to the love triangles!



Here are my favorite all-time love triangles...

10. LUCAS vs. BALTHAZAR from the EVERNIGHT series
9.  ASTLEY vs. NICK from the NEED series

8.  WILL vs. CASSIAN from the FIRELIGHT series

7.  ZANE vs. DAVID from the UGLIES series
6.  DIMITI vs. ADRIAN from the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series
5.  DEMON vs. STEFAN from the VAMPIRE DIARIES series
4.  PEETA vs. GALE from THE HUNGER GAMES series
3.  JEM vs. WILL from the CLOCKWORK PRINCE series

2.  DIMITRI vs. ADRIAN from the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series

1.  TAMANI vs. DAVID from WINGS

And a few that just almost made my list:  

EDWARD vs. JACOB from the TWILIGH series

DANIEL vs. CAM from the FALLEN series

Which YA love-triangles are your favorites?  Did I miss any on my list?

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.  In addition, Broke and Bookish run similar posts weekly.}

Next month's top ten post: TOP LITERARY CRUSHES 
Last month's top ten post : Sequels to Pine Over

This Year's Sequels to Pine Over {Top Ten of the Moment}

My hopes for novels in 2012 are high!  I really haven't been reading at all lately--not much has captured my attention--but it will be these sequels that get me reading again.

Here are the sequels I'm most excited to read in the coming year...

10. TIGER'S DESTINY by Colleen Houck --Book #4; Sequel in the TIGER'S CURSE Series.  These are great, unique novels.  This fourth novel should be the last in the series!  Can't wait!  (I still need to catch up and read book #3!)  Due out September 4, 2012! 
9. UNTITLED NOVEL? by Sophie Jordan --Book #3; Sequel in the FIRELIGHT Series.  Loved the story of the shape-shifting pride of dragons.  Very cool.  Loved the romance and all the twists these novels offered.  And I'm going to guess that the 3rd book in this series will be released around September of 2012 (since the last two were both released in September of the previous two years)!  Just a guess.  We'll see, but I sure hope I'm right!

8. GIRL OF NIGHTMARES by Kendare Blake --Book #2; Sequel to ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD...which was by far the spookiest YA novel I've ever read and that's why I'm interested in book #2.  The mystery, the suspense, the gore!  Can't wait!  I'm unsure when this one's due out?!?

7. HALLOWED by Cynthia Hand --Book #2; Sequel to UNEARTHLY.  Such a unique twist on angels.  Love the un-seen romance and the story.  Next novel due out: January 17, 2012!
6. UNTIL I DIE by Amy Plum --Book #2; Sequel to DIE FOR ME.  The romance in DIE FOR ME was sizzling hot!!!  Vincent is one of the most romantic/swoon-worth literary guys around!  And the paranormal was so unique in this novel.  Loved it! The next in the series is due out: May 8, 2012!
5. SPELL BOUND by Rachel Hawkins --Book #3; Sequel in the HEX HALL Series.  I liked HEX HALL.  It was decent book.  But I loved DEMONGLASS!  I'm going to have to own this one!  Can't wait!  SO excited!  Due out: March 13, 2012!
4. ENDURE by Carrie Jones --Book #4; Sequel in the NEED Series.  Not everyone loves these novels, but I sure do and I can't get enough!  They boast a killer love triangle coupled with great action and a twilight-isk feel.  I'm a big fan!  Due out May 10, 2012!
3. CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare--Book #2; Sequel to CLOCKWORK ANGEL...which was possibly one of Cassandra Clare's best novels yet.  Jem and Will were polar opposites and yet I loved them both.  It had all the greatness of Cassandra Clare's MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series, but with a new twist.  Loved it and I'm dying to read the 2nd novel.  It's already out!

2. DESTINED by Aprilynne Pike --Book #4; Sequel in the WINGS Series.  I've been addicted to this faery vs. troll series from the start.  You should be too!!!!  Due out May 1, 2012!

1. ENSHADOWED by Kelly Creagh --Book #2; Sequel to NEVERMORE.  On edge to read this gothic/dark paranormal-romance.  The romance in book #1 was soooo steamy...I can't wait to own this one!  It was due out in January...but now it's been pushed to September. 

And a few that just almost made my list:  

CITY OF LOST SOULS by Cassandra Clare

FEVER by Lauren DeStefano

Which YA sequels are you most excited to read this year?  Did I miss any on my list?

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.  In addition, Broke and Bookish run similar posts weekly.}

Next month's top ten post: LOVE TRIANGLES
Last month's top ten post : My Favorites Read in 2011

FAVORITE NOVELS READ IN 2011 {Top Ten of the Moment}

GOODBYE 2011!  And HELLO 2012!

As 2011 comes to an end, I thought it would be appropriate to share my list of top ten favorite novels I read in 2011! Enjoy!

Here's my list of favorites read this year...
10. FIRELIGHT and VANISH by Sophie Jordan --I'm lumping these two together since I read them back to back.  Loved the story of the shape-shifting pride of dragons.  Very cool.  Loved the romance and all the twists these novels offered. 
9. DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins --An unlikely addition to this year's list.  I never would have guess this one would make the list, but it did for me.  I liked HEX HALL.  It was decent book.  But I loved DEMONGLASS! 

8. VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Rachelle Mead --Perhaps the greatness of this series was old news to many YA readers out there.  But they were new to me this year!  And I devoured each greedily.  Love this series!  Move over Twilight. 
7. ILLUSION by Aprilynne Pike --Book #3 in the WINGS series.  And all my wishes came true with Tamine this year!  :)  SO good!  I so can't wait for #4 in 2012!
6. TIGER'S CURSE by Colleen Houck --The uniqueness of this story can't be beat.  A 300-year old Indian prince whose stuck in the form of a great white tiger.  I was in awe by this story and how it played out.  Loved Ren!! 
5. ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake --By far the spookiest YA novel I've ever read and that's what make it so great.  The mystery, the suspense, the gore.  Such a surprising read and find!
4. UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand --Such a unique twist on angels.  Love the un-seen romance and the story.  It was slower paced, but had this very tender feel to it.  Amazing. 
3. CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare--Possibly one of Cassandra Clare's best novels yet.  Jem and Will were polar opposites and yet I loved them both.  It had all the greatness of Cassandra Clare's MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series, but with a new twist.  Loved it! 
2. DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum --The romance in DIE FOR ME was sizzling hot!!!  Vincent is one of the most romantic/swoon-worth literary guys around!  And the paranormal was so unique in this novel.  Loved it!
1. NEVERMORE by Kelly Creagh --I still can't get this novel out of my head.  The forbidden romance, the story, the creepiness.  It just blew me away and it was probably the best thing I've read in a couple years!  So good!!!  If you haven't read it yet, you're missing a good one and I can't recommend it more!

And a few that just almost made my list:  

MATCHED by Ally Condie

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins

Which YA novels were your favorites this year?

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.  In addition, this post will be shared on the blog Broke and Bookish where a similar post was run this week.}

Next months top ten post: LOVE TRIANGLES
Check on my favorites from last year: Favorite Novels Read in 2010

ULTIMATE VILLAINS {Top Ten of the Moment}

Don't you just love spooky?  And in honor of Halloween my October 'Top Ten' list is Ultimate Villains!  What are your favorite bad guys?

Here's my all-time favorite villains...
10. KING LECK from GRACELING  --This novel doesn't get enough credit.  It was pretty amazing.  And the antagonist, the evil king, Katsa has to defeat is ruthless and his grace of persuasion--his special power--is what makes him so scary. 
9.  THE GOVERNMENT in any dystopian novel such as HUNGER GAMES, MATCHED, UGLIES, POSSESSION  --Part of why I'm not the biggest dystopian fan.  It's been done.  We know the government with the all-powering dictator is the bad guy.  Yes, they're always spooky, but give me something more original like a vampire.  :)
8.  DAMON from VAMPIRE DIARIES -- Here's the vampire I mean.  I didn't love love this novel.  I mean the show is way better.  But when Damon's character is first introduced he's downright crazy/vicious/menacing.  Very bad boy; very much makes the book (and the show.)
 7.  THE GANG from PERFECT CHEMISTRY  --They beat Alex within inches of his life.  Enough said.
6.  DIMITRI as a STRIGOI from the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series  --I love Dimitri.  Ultimate hero and love interest to Rose, but when he chances to Strigoi at end of book 3...watch out.  His red eyes, obsession, lethality and love letters/kill letters to Rose are just plain creepy.  I must commend Rachelle Mead--it can't be easy to dream up a character so flawlessly wonderful who can turn to villainous. 
5.  VALENTINE from the MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series  --Okay.  He's kinda bad...sorta.  In many ways he's just a weaker version of Lord Voldemort (who is Cassandra Clare kidding, really?), but for his evil plans and the way he tortured poor Jace as a kid he makes the list. 
4.  THE DREAM WORLD from NEVERMORE --This book gave dark paranormal a whole new meaning.  The intensity that grows over the course of this novel is by far the spookiest part.  Varen keeps getting caught in horrible situations and I was desperate to turn each page the whole book through. 
3.  THE HUNGER GAMES from the HUNGER GAMES  --Let's face it; 90% of the time in this book Katniss is just plain trying to stay alive.  She faces countless bad guys and not all of them in human form.  The worst/ most brutal has got to be the Hunger Games arena its self.  Spooky.  I would have died in 5 seconds in that place. 
2.  THE ZOMBIES in FORREST OF HANDS AND TEETH  --This book plain creeped me out!  No seriously, it was so dark/horrify that I never ever want to read it again.  I rated it poorly, simply because the Zombies eat all the characters I loved.  But as for scariness factor: a perfect 5/5.
1.  LORD VOLDEMORT from HARRY POTTER --Wanted for the murder of hundreds of muggles, torture, and just plain evilness.  Not to mention, no evil villain is complete without his band of loyal followers aka Death Eaters.  It doesn't get much badder.

What are your favorite YA villains?
{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.}

Next month's top ten post: Top YA Disappointments
Last month's top ten post: Birthday Wish List (books I currently want most)

BIRTHDAY WISH LIST {Top Ten of the Moment}

It's my birthday month.  And in honor of my birthday here is my ultimate wish list (of both books to come and books already out):

My want list of Sept 2011...
10. CHAIN REACTION by Simone Elkeles --Anything by Simone Elkeles is amazing.  I already own all her other novels.  I should own this one too. 
9. DEAD RECKONING by Charlaine Harris --Not young adult, but I love the Sookie Stackhouse books.  Why haven't I read this yet?
8. HEAVENLY by Jennifer Laurens --This novel came out ages ago.  About a guardian angel.  I've wanted to read this one for awhile and never gotten around to it.  Anyone read it?
7. DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth --I never got this one when it came out.  People rave about it too.  Am I missing out
6. MINDER by Kate Kaynak --Been curious about this one for a while now.  ONLY 2.99 in e-book format.  Hmm...might have to purchase it immediately.
5. DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum --A very very good novel.  I want to own it
4. LAST SACRIFICE (Vampire Academy book 7) by Rachelle Mead --One more to read.  Want it.  I want it on paperback though
3. CLOAKED by Alex Flinn --I own/have read all her other novels.  Author of BEASTLY.  I want this one too.  Waiting for it to come out on paperback though.
2. HARRY POTTER (collection) by J.K. Rowling --I should really own the full set.

1. ENSHADOWED by Kelly Creagh--I loved loved loved NEVERMORE.  It's probably my favorite YA book ever.  I cannot wait for ENSHADOWED. 

ULTIMATE HIGH SCHOOL DRAMAS {Top Ten of the Moment}

High School Drama.  There's nothing better.  It's the whole reason why I love YA.  Sure fantasy, romance, and paranormal all make it great too...but it's those snarky teenagers that always up the drama and antics. 

SO my list below isn't ranked from least favorite to favorite in terms of which novel I over-all liked best.  These novels are ranked by which best utilized the halls of high school and its dynamics best.  Some weren't even at normal high schools but at special academies. 

 Here's my list of all-time favorite in-school novels...
10. UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand
9. FALLEN by Lauren Kate

8. HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins
7. EVERNIGHT by Claudia Gray
6. NEVERMORE by Kelly Creagh
5. WINGS by Aprilynne Pike
4. PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles
3. VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Rachelle Mead
2. TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer
1. HARRY POTTER by J.K. Rowling

Which YA novels do you think make for the best high school dramas?

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf created.  I miss it, so once a month I do a post of my own.  If you make a similar post please feel free to link it in the comments bellow.}

Next month's top ten post: BIRTHDAY WISH LIST
Last month's top ten post: Lazy Summer Reads

LAZY SUMMER READS {Top Ten of the Moment}

I'm always in search of a great beach book.  Something light, fun, and romantic.  Any suggestions?  What are you favorite summertime reads? 

Here's my top beach recommendations for summer 2011...
10. TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer  --I find summer to be the perfect time to re-read old favorites. 
9.  AS YOU WISH  by Jackson Pearce  --This book is about as Disney as they come...perfect for summer.  A girl falls for her genie as she forced to make 3 wishes. 
8.  PEEPS by Scott Westerfeld  --Maybe I'm just including this one because I read it last summer.  But either way it was dark and mysterious, so if you grow tired of the light and fluff, this one is super interesting. 
7.  FORGIVE MY FINS by Tera Lynn Childs  --Light.  Fluffy.  Mermaids.
6.  UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand  --Really a perfect love story.  About angels, but read it for the un-expected summer romance in this one. 
5.  WINGS by Aprilynne Pike  --One of my all-time favorites.  I've read it twice now, but I could read this one over and over. 
4.  SEA CHANGE by Aimee Friedman  --Romantic.  Setting at the beach.  Ideal summer book.
3.  A KISS IN TIME by Alex Flinn  --Spin on the classic SLEEPING BEAUTY.  Romantic and light.
2.  HARRY POTTER (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling  --With the final movie coming out in days, a refresher might be nice. 
1.  LEAVING PARADISE and RETURN TO PARADISE by Simone Elkeles  --By the author of PERFECT CHEMISTRY.  Insanly romantic and tense. 

Next month's top ten post: My Top High School Dramas
Last month's top ten post: Best Covers Ever

BEST COVERS EVER {Top Ten of the Moment}

I love a pretty book. I'm constantly buying books based on their pretty covers and I think more recently publisher have finally caught on to that.  These days just about every Young Adult novel that comes out has a beautiful cover! Here's my top ten best covers list:

Next month's top ten post: My Top Summer Picks

Forbidden Romances {Top Ten of the Moment}

Alright my blogger friends.  Summer's coming and I need me some good forbidden romance books.  Suggestions please?  You know the type:  oh, I'm a Vampire and I might eat you so we can't be together, but just looking at you makes me want to jump your bones so we might have 300+ pages of longing looks ahead of us before we actually kiss in the end.  I'm joking, but not really.  It's probably shallow, but that's exactly what I look for in books. 

My Top Ten Favorite examples of Forbidden Love are: 
10.  LEAVING PARADISE by Simone Elkeles  --One character is crippled by the car accident the other one caused and spent time in jail for.  How will it ever work out between them?
9.  VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Rachelle Mead  --She likes her 25 year old teacher.  Nice. 
8.  MATCHED by Ally Condie  --Dystopian society where people are matched with perfect mate and the Main Character fails for someone she wasn't matched with so they can't be together.
7.  SEA CHANGE by Aimee Friedman  --One where money and social boundaries keeps the the Main Character and the boy she likes apart. She keeps feeling the pressure to date the respectable, sensible choice, and yet then there's the charming local boy.
6.  DEMONGLASS (HEX HALL #2) by Rachel Hawkins  --The forbiddeness to the romance really comes out in the 2nd novel of this series.  In book 1 the Main Character's crush tried to kill her, so, duh, she shouldn't like him still.
5. WINGS by Aprilynne Pike --Only because the main character already has a boyfriend and is already in love with another and then she meet Tam. So her feelings for him are very forbidden.
4.  TWILIGHT by Stephanie Meyer  --Vampire/girl he wants to eat theme going on.
3.  PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles  --A Mexican guy from a gang and a rich white girl, so that keeps them apart and builds up all that sexual chemistry.  I love when they first kiss and Brittany asks Alex to promise it won't mean anything. 
2.  CITY OF BONES (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare  --Jace and Clary's whole relationship is based around forbidden.  It makes for some pretty sweet tension. 
1.  NEVERMORE by Kelly Creigh --Cheerleader and Goth romance, so they're are all those social boundaries keeping them apart and then when you combine that with the paranormal element it makes for a fantastic novel.  I was screaming for them to kiss by the end!

So what are some of your forbidden romanance favorites? 

{Top Ten of the Moment is an adaptation from a meme Swimmer @ Breaking the Bookshelf once ran.  I miss it, so I'm bringing it back!  Except, instead of weekly I'll run this monthly.  Next month's Top Ten post: Best Covers Ever!}

My Top Literary Crushes #2

One year ago I did this post--My Top Literary Crushes--and since it's been a year I felt the need to repost my updated list...Here goes: (This is in backwards order.)
10.  Will from CLOCKWORK ANGEL.  Stubborn, aggressive, outspoking.  Cassandra Clare sure knows how to write the bad boys.  This series is just getting started, but Will might soon be a top contender for Jace. 
9. Daniel from THE DARK DIVINE. He's got the whole childhood crush/bad boy thing going on. Very appealing.
8. Patch from HUSH, HUSH. He's dark, mysterious, and another hot bad-boy. That moment in the kitchen with him was h-o-t.
7. Tucker from UNEARTHLY.  This unseen romance blew me away.  Hold on to your boots!  Hot, country, cowboy! 
6. Varen Nethers from NEVERMORE...this goth guy?  Yes!  He's mysterious, a loner, into poetry, and I fell hard for the building romance in this novel.
5. Alex Fuentes from PERFECT CHEMISTRY. The ultimate handsome, cocky, bad boy type. A modern day Danny Zuko. He'd give up anything for Brittany in the end--and does.
4. Peeta from HUNGER GAMES. Loyal, sweetheart, and I love how he has always loved Katnis. He does everything with her mind. Gale can't even compare.
3. Tamine from WINGS. Boy, was I right about this one!  Move over David, I'm team Tamine all the way!
2. Edward from TWILIGHT. What can I say? I am a twilight fan so I can't forget the one who started it all!

1. Jace from MORTAL INSTRUMENTS Series. Still at the very top of my list!!!  If you don't know who Jace is...you're missing out. Everything single moment I spent reading about him and Clare in the City of Bones books was like book-crack. I couldn't get enough. He's hot headed and arrogant with this dark past. But underneath he's kind and loves Clare. Every time they share a kiss, my heart beats faster.  Jace makes these books very worth your while.
That's my list. Who are your favorites?