Best Books of 2013

These are my favourite books I read in 2013. There are a combination of teen, new adult, adult and romance. This was my first year in blogging and I just want to thank all my followers. I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that your 2014 will be a great year filled with joy and happiness.

Books I love read in 2013: (in no particular order)

Opal (Lux#3) by Jennifer Armentrout

The whole series keeps on getting better and better. You just never know what is going to happen. The characters in this book are addictive which just makes you want more and more and that ending. OMG that ending. It made me want to fling my e-reader against the wall (thank goodness I didn’t) it was such a huge cliff-hanger.

Reckless by S.C. Stephens

This book is just AMAZING. This is the 3^rd and concluding book in the series. I read this book in the beginning of the year and I still can’t stop thinking about it. I laughed, I cried heavy tears and I swooned. This book evoked every emotion possible. Even today, I still go back and read my favourite parts.

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil is enchanting, addictive and downright sinful. I have never read an angel book like this before and I absolutely loved it. The storyline was fast paced and exciting. I couldn’t get enough. The chemistry between the main characters, Anna and Kaiden is explosive.

Tangled by Emma Chase

I was hooked from the very first page of reading this book. This was the first time I read a book from a male’s POV and it was absolutely hilarious. I was laughing so much that people on the bus probably thought I was crazy. I don’t know where this guy comes up with the stuff he says but it is priceless. 

Fading by E.K. Blair

Intense. Raw. Heartbreaking. I don’t even know what to say other than it is AMAZING. It is a beautiful piece of art that left me wanting more even after reading it. This book had me in blubbering tears multiple times. It is utter perfection. Fading is a beautiful story that shows you even through complete darkness, love is extremely powerful.

Lick by Kylie Scott

I loved the description for this book and it is also a unique story. Lick was an addiction for me the 2 days I read it. If I could have blown off work to read it, I would have but unfortunately I couldn’t or else I would have finished the book in 1 day. I was even reading this book all through work because I just could not get enough. It was so good.  Lick is an unconventional love story that will make you swoon.

Own the Wind by Kristen Ashley

While reading I highlighted a quote on almost every page. Every book I read by this author I end up getting lost in the world she creates. You have to read this book to know how good the book is. It is a feel good read with a lot of steam.

Allure (Spiral of Bliss #2) by Nina Lane

One of my favourite book couples. I love love love this book. I read both books, Arouse and Allure in about 3 days. This book has a lot of passion, love and heartache. I cried at the end. I feel like these books deal with a lot of issues normal married couples go through. It was just beautiful.

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

Awaken (Spiral of Bliss #3) by Nina Lane

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

I am so looking forward to this book. I read the first 2 books, Arouse and Allure, in 3 days because I was so invested in the characters Liv and Dean. I am addicted and I am so excited to see how the series will end.

Expected Publication Date: January 7, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

“I love that you love me, professor.”
“I love loving you, beauty.”

Since their intense, passionate beginning, Professor Dean West and his wife Olivia have fought dark secrets and betrayal in order to save their marriage. Now reeling in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Liv and Dean are driven further apart by a vindictive threat to Dean’s career.

Struggling to stand on her own for the first time in years, Liv is determined to defend her husband and prove herself. Then an unexpected letter dredges up old insecurities and endangers Liv’s newfound independence. As Dean fights for his professional life, he is forced to confront his worst fear when he discovers that he can’t protect his beloved wife from her own painful past.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

In My Mailbox (25) & Stacking the Shelves (31)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased for my Kindle:

The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton

Falling Into Us (Falling #2) by Jasinda Wilder

Wounded by Jasinda Wilder

Arouse (Spiral of Bliss #1) by Nina Lane

Allure (Spiral of Bliss #2) by Nina Lane

I got some great books this week. I have already read Arouse and Allure and they are excellent. I honestly cannot stop thinking about them. My review for both books will be out in the next week or so. I am looking forward to reading the other books but not sure when I will get to them. My TBR list is getting longer and longer, lol.

I hope everyone has a good week!

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Beauty from Love by Georgia Cates

Beauty From Love (Beauty, #3)

By Bestselling Author Georgia Cates

Expected release January 28, 2014

An Adult Contemporary Romance

The epic romance between an all-American beauty and her Aussie continues in this final installment of The Beauty Series. Jack McLachlan is fulfilled by more than he dared to dream possible. He finds everything he never knew he wanted—or needed—in Laurelyn Prescott, his last and final companion. Life is beautiful with his beloved by his side but their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her untainted by his previous life proves impossible when yesterday’s sins insist on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in their forever with a past like his? Beauty From Love is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.

   
  About the Author 
 Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

 

In My Mailbox (24) & Stacking the Shelves (30)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

I got a lot of books, probably because I have not gotten anything new in the past 2 weeks. I am excited to share anything everything I got :)

Bought from Amazon

Arsen: A Broken Love Story by Mia Asher

Creed (Unfinished Hero #2) by Kristen Ashley

Axel by Harper Sloan

The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

Penmont Castle by Kristen Ashley

Love Realized by Melanie Codina

The Hart Family Box Set by Ella Fox

Fighting Redemption by Kate McCarthy

Holy Frigging Matrimony: (A Tangled Series Short Story #1.5) by Emma Chase

I hope everyone has a good week!

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: A Fighting Chance by A.J. Sand

New Adult/Adult Romantic Suspense

Releasing February 4, 2014

Cover designed by Cover It! Designs

  Jesse Chance is a bastard. And that’s all he heard his entire life growing up once news got out that he was the illegitimate child of womanizing ex-con, Henry Chance. Stuck in Glory, Texas, a town too small to escape the sins of his parents, Jesse turned into exactly what everyone expected him to be: a lover of liquor and women, and so good with his fists, he became a teenage champion of the secret underground fighting rings that float around the South, while doubting the only people who ever believed he could be more, his ailing mother, and his girlfriend, Drew Hallisay. But determined to make his mother’s dying wish come true, he enrolled in a college on the East Coast, far away from his past. Jesse Chance is reborn into a new life, and set on keeping Glory, Texas--and Henry Chance--in his rear view. Until a visit from his father in the middle of the night changes everything. Forced to return to Glory to prevent a tragedy, Jesse is soon back on the fighting circuit with Drew's help and facing the history he was so desperate to escape, the part of him he would prefer to hide. As he slips back into his old ways--Henry Chance's ways--he finds himself torn between the guy he was and the one he’s been struggling to become. And in a world dead set on betting against you, can you ever really overcome your past… or your destiny?

     
  About the Author A.J. Sand grew up an only child whose parents bought her many, many books to keep her busy, so it was only natural that she would start writing her own stories. She is the author of “Documentary,” “Remake” and “Recklessly.” She lives just outside of Washington, D.C. 

  Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Waiting on Wednesday (32)

Defy (Defy #1) by Sara B. Larson

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

Expected Publication Date: January 7, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

Add To Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Waterfell (The Aquarathi #1) by Amalie Howard

Title: Waterfell

Author: Amalie Howard

Release Date: October 29, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 360

Source: Received egalley for review

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads)

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age.

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

My Thoughts:

I was so excited to read this book especially after I read the description. I hate to say this but the book fell short for me.

Waterfell is about the queen, Nerissa, of an alien race called the Aquarathi. Nerissa is warned to leave Waterfell and go the human world so she can survive after her father is brutally murdered. In the human world, she becomes complacent with her human life and has no wish to ever go back to Waterfell and rule. She does not feel she is good enough to rule because she does not garner the same respect as her father. Nerissa must decide what is important to her; being queen to her kind or pretending to be something she isn’t.

The first half of the book was repetitive for me. I felt like Nerissa was saying the same thing over and over again. Nothing really happened; I was reading a lot of explanations. At about 40% of the book, things started to get more interesting. The author started throwing in some twist and turns I really did not expect. I really liked the magical powers of the Aquarathi. I especially liked Nerissa’s powers. For example, if she comes into contact with another full blood Aquarathi they have to show themselves to her…that’s pretty cool.

I didn’t really like Nerissa, especially in the beginning. I found her character to be a little boring. There was no depth to her. Little by little, as I read, I was able to see a transformation in Nerissa. She started becoming the person she needed to be to rule: strong, independent, caring, making decisions. I also loved the chemistry between Nerissa and Lo. I could feel the sparks coming off the pages. I could physically feel their attraction to one another. I really enjoyed that part!

I really liked Jenna and Soren. They were secondary characters but also very much needed in the book. Jenna was funny and always protective of Nerissa no matter what. I thought she was a great friend. I liked how she accepted Nerissa for who and everything she is.  Soren is also a great character. Even though she is not Nerissa’s mother, she still cared for her safety and well being. I understood where she was coming from. She wanted her to be able to lead their people one day.

If you enjoy a book that is unique with great chemistry, then you will like this book!

My Rating:

3 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

In My Mailbox (23) & Stacking the Shelves (29)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Unfortunately this week I did not receive or get any books (physical or e-books) for IMM/STS. Next week I am planning on buying some books at the book store. Stay tuned to my IMM/STS post next week :)

 I have a busy week with my friend's wedding which I am a bridesmaid for :) and a few other things. I hope everyone has a great week!

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (31)

Control (Control #1) by Lydia Kang

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

Expected Publication Date: December 26, 2013

Synopsis:

An un-putdownable thriller for fans of Uglies

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: A New Adult Romance, Six novellas by The NAturals

Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya

Release: December 23, 2013

Cover designed by Tom Barnes Design

Six romance authors present six very different novellas in this anthology of new stories: Ménage a tango lessons. A bride DYING to say, 'I don't.' A horny college boy at a purity rally. Time-traveling graduate students meet Victorian playboys. A rugby player who's as dirty off the field as on. And kissing under the mistletoe with a Scottish exchange student. Something for everyone, the NAturals present sweet, funny, and erotic tales of new adults meant to be Unwrapped all year long and not just at Christmas. 

 
  About the Authors Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya are the six authors who blog for TheNaturalAuthors.blogspot.com. They each write romance and adore pushing the boundaries of the genre. Above all, they love reading smut, looking at pictures of hot men, and making up names for the band they’re always talking about forming.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter  

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (22) & Stacking the Shelves (28)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by a fellow book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. It features books I have bought or received for review.

Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual. This post is about the books I purchased for the past couple of weeks.

Purchased on Amazon:

Altered by Jennifer Rush

I bought Altered because I have heard great things about the book and I wanted to see what all of the hype is about. From the description, the book looks great though.

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The last book I read in this series is Pure which is book #2. JLA is a good author and I always look forward to when she publishes a new book.

What did you get in IMM/STS???

Raquel 

xoxo

P.S. I am currently having a few giveaways on my site. One is My Birthday Giveaway Celebration and the other is the Gratitude Giveaway. If you like, you can enter.

Gratitude Giveaway Hop

Hosted by: I am A Reader, Not A Writer

This is the 4th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop and I am happy to be apart of it. This is a way to thank all my followers for the wonderful 9 months I have had. 

I am giving away (1) $15 Amazon Gift Card

You can enter below using rafflecopter. 1 entry per person. Follow my blog your favourite way (facebook, twitter, google friend connect {gfc} OR by email). Please enter only using 1 way. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Winner of the Gift Card must have an Amazon account. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.

I am also hosting another personal giveaway: My Birthday Celebration Giveaway. If you like, you can enter for a chance to win more prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (30)

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R. Ward

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

I have been  waiting for this book since the first book, Dark Lover. Wrath and Beth are my favourite couple in this series. I am so excited for Beth to go into her needing period, Wrath will not be able to resist :)

Expected Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

Add to Goodreads

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Love and Cupcakes by Susan Bishop Crispell

Adult Romance

Releasing January 21, 2014

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Book Description:

For Jaclyn “Jack” Pace, sensing what sweets people crave is as easy as breathing. But it’s not enough to keep her cupcake bakery in the black. So, when her estranged sister Harper comes back to town with an affinity for making art out of icing—and a past full of secrets—she reluctantly gives Harper a job and a place to crash. As their sisterly relationship begins to thaw, the one with her business partner Graham starts to heat up. Given the legend that says Hollingsworth men will recognize their soul mates at first touch, Jack’s always been resigned to the fact that she’s not his. But when she starts sensing desires that are decidedly not dessert-related, it’ll take all of her magic to set things right with customers and make her own desires come true. Love and Cupcakes is a delightfully sweet and sensual romance from Susan Bishop Crispell.  

   
  About the Author:

Susan Bishop Crispell is not one of those writers who's been scribbling down stories since she could hold a pencil. She didn't read constantly growing up (blasphemy!), and she can still be found in public without a book tucked into her purse (again with the blasphemy!). She is, however, the kind of writer who lives for the imaginative spark that introduces her to a new character or story idea that pushes her to turn everyday life into something magical. She lives and writes near Wilmington, NC.

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