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.

Blog Tour Review, Playlist and Giveaway: Fading by E.K. Blair

Book Description:

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.

At what point do secrets become lies?

(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.

Author social media links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I don’t even know what to say about this book other than, it is AMAZING. Fading is an intense, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful piece of art that left me wanting more even after reading it. This book had me in blubbering tears multiple times.

We start off with Candace, a dance major, who grew up in a household where she was thought that image is everything. Her parents don’t agree with her choices but she decides to pursue her dreams and become a ballerina anyway. Candace needs things to be a certain way and organized, she needs to have order and control. About to graduate, Candace decides to relax a little and have some fun. After going out a few times with a guy (her parents choice for her), Candace is brutally attacked.

I have never read a book like this before. It is utter perfection. After reading the prologue, I knew the attack was coming but it didn’t take away anything from when it actually happened. I was still left feeling devastated. When Candace is in the hospital and the nurse tells Jase what happened, I was a blubbering mess because I felt all of that pain.

The author, E.K. Blair did an excellent job portraying different emotions throughout her writing. She has this way of making you feel every torment or emotion Candace went through. Ms. Blair did a great job writing about such a taboo subject without compromising the ugliness of the situation. Sometimes I would think, if I were in the same situation, would I shutdown emotionally? Would I blame myself? Would I be scared of doing everything and anything? I found my answer to be yes on all three questions. This is one way I know the author did an amazing job.

I really like the character growth, little by little, in Candace throughout the book. It shows how strong she is. I absolutely loved the other characters: Ryan, Jase and Mark. They were an AMAZING support system. Ryan is by far my favourite character in the book. He pushed himself to the top of my favourite book boys list. He is patient, kind, understanding, supportive, loving, protective and possessive; everything I love in a book boy. The thing that stood out for me about him was the small things he would do to help Candace overcome her fears and grow stronger. He made her come out of her comfort zone like going out in big crowds and surfing.

Fading is a beautiful story that shows you even through complete darkness, love is extremely powerful. I am so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book for review. Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby because you will definitely need it.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Playlist for Fading:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (12) & Stacking the Shelves (7)

Welcome to this week's In My Mailbox. In My Mailbox (IMM) is hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf, 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. I got some great books this week and I am so excited to share it all with you. I recently got an iPad and and have been playing and reading a lot on there. Due to this, the books I got this week are all for my kindle.

Bought:

Received for Review:

Obsession by Jennifer Armentrout

Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates

Beauty from Surrender by Georgia Cates

Glitch (Glitch #1) by Heather Anastasiu

Override (Glitch #2) by Heather Anastasiu

Fading by E.K. Blair

Giving You Forever by Ashley Wilcox

What books did you get???