Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I’ve Read the Most Books From

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

~Top Ten Authors I've Read the Most Books From~

JK Rowling: 9

HARRY POTTER HARRY POTTER HARRY POTTER

Maddy Hunter: 9

The Passport to Peril series is one of my favourite series ever. These cozy mysteries are each set in a different place (Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Hawaii, Australia, Norway, Holland, Scotland, and France, respectively), and not only are they hilarious, but even after 9 books, I've never been able to figure out the mystery. Plus they stir up my never-ending wanderlust, and I get to live vicariously through Emily.

Cecelia Ahern: 8

Ahern is best known for PS I Love You (gaaah my feels), but she also writes fantastic magical realism. I haven't loved her newer books as much, and I even DNF'd One Hundred Names (it just about killed me to do it because I loved her older books so much, but I was bored senseless). She has a few newer ones I haven't read, and I'm going to take a chance and give them a try sometime soon. If you haven't read any of hers but want to, I'd recommend starting with Where Rainbows End (also known as Rosie Dunne or Love, Rosie), If You Could See Me Now (also known as A Silver Lining) or A Place Called Here (also known as There's No Place Like Here). PS I Love You and The Gift are also personal favourites, but be prepared to be punched in the feels.

 

Sarah Dessen: 6

One of my favourite authors since I was about 15. I hate to admit that despite owning all but two of her books, I still haven't read them all!

Sarah Addison Allen: 5

Another author who writes incredible magical realism. The Sugar Queen is one of my all-time favourite books, and I absolutely love Garden Spells. I re-read it recently, and loved it even more than I did the first time.

Veronica Rossi: 5

THIS SERIES. Gah. Perry, Aria, and Roar are characters that will never, ever leave me.

Lilly Avalon: 5

Lilly is a good friend of mine, plus one of my critique partners (and I happen to design her book covers), so I've read pretty much everything she's written!

Stephanie Perkins: 4

Anna and the French Kiss is another of my all-time favourite books. I adore this whole series, plus Stephanie's contribution to the My True Love Gave to Me anthology was adorable and lovely. 

 

Lia Riley: 4

The Off the Map series is amazing beyond description. I adore Talia and Bran, and Lia's writing is fantastic. These books are honest, bold, sexy, emotional, and totally swoonworthy.

AC Gaughen: 3

ROBIN HOOD. These books turn the Robin Hood legend on its head, with "Will Scarlet" actually being a girl in Robin's band. Tons of action, adventure, heartache, swoons, and feels.

Who are some of the authors you've read the most books from? If you did this week's TTT, feel free to leave your link and I'll visit you in return!

Blog reminders: the cover reveal for my 7th book, Something in the Air, is August 20th, and sign-ups are currently open. I also have 3 giveaways open right now: a wishlist giveaway to celebrate the new design of my blog, plus 2 giveaways from Lilly Avalon!

 {Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Instagram || Pinterest || Author blog}

Review: Lion Heart by AC Gaughen

Lion Heart by AC Gaughen 
Series: Scarlet #3
Published: May 19th, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury
348 pages (eARC)
Genre: Young Adult Historic Fiction
Acquired this book: Via NetGalley for honest consideration
Warning: May contain spoilers
{GoodReads || Buy this book: Amazon || Chapters/Indigo}

{Read my review of Scarlet || Read my review of Lady Thief}

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

My love of all things Robin Hood began when I was a very little girl who fell in love with the Disney version of the classic legend. I’ve always loved the idea of this charming, heroic outlaw who outwitted the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham and wannabe king, Prince John, and swept Maid Marian off her feet. So when I discovered Scarlet a few years ago and found out it was a completely new twist to the Robin Hood legend, I was intrigued...and as I read it, I fell in love with AC Gaughen’s tale of Robin, still a clever, swoonworthy figure, but also so much more, and I also fell in love with Scarlet, a strong, kick-ass, determined heroine we don’t see enough of in books. There were familiar elements of the Robin Hood legend, but it was also twisted it in many ways, turning it on its head and making it something completely, wonderfully new and magical.

I loved Scarlet and Lady Thief, and I was equal parts excited and sad to read Lion Heart. I was eager to see how things would turn out (and worried, too, after the events of Lady Thief) and sad because I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters I’d grown to love so much. Lady Thief was one of the most painful books I’ve ever read. I basically cried my way through the entire book and had to stop reading a few times because it hurt so much and made me so uncomfortable (not in a bad way, which I know sounds weird...I gave the book 5 stars). It was beautiful and brutal and heartbreaking, and I was afraid of what Ms Gaughen would put these characters through before the end.

Lion Heart had all the elements I loved about the first two books: action, romance, intrigue, friendship, humour, and yes, even those moments that make your heart ache. I laughed and cried and fell even more in love with the characters. And what an amazing cast of characters! Besides Scarlet and Robin, I adored Much, Allan, David, Bess, and Eleanor. Even the detestable Prince John makes a great character in his own sick, evil, power-hungry way. He’s always the villain in Robin Hood, but we’re often just told he’s the villain and we see bits and pieces of his evilness, but in this series, he’s a true villain, completely unredeemable and horrible. As for Eleanor, I think Ms Gaughen made a brilliant choice by adding her as a character in the second and third books. I’ve always been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine, and I think Scarlet needed someone wise and steady, but also someone who wouldn’t be oppressed, who wouldn’t back down, and who fought for what she believed in and the people she loved. Eleanor and Scarlet were two fierce, brave, kick-ass ladies, and I admired them so much. 

There’s not a whole lot I can say about the plot without getting into spoiler territory, but I loved this book so, so much. I loved that Scarlet didn’t wait around to be saved, she didn’t sit around wringing her hands and feeling sorry for herself, she leapt into the action, and used her intelligence and her physical abilities to help herself and those around her. She and Robin made my heart ache in the best possible ways, and together, they were unstoppable.

Lion Heart was the perfect end to a fantastic trilogy. Scarlet is one of the books I recommend the most, and now I’ll be recommending the entire trilogy...often and loudly. ;-) I've read countless versions of the Robin Hood legend, but the Scarlet trilogy is hands down my favourite, and certainly the most memorable. Scarlet, Robin, and their band of Nottingham residents will always have a special place in my heart.

*Please note, all quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof of Lion Heart.  No copyright infringement intended*

"Rob's and my love had always been made in the cracks, the jagged little edges that came from the ruin of something else. It were a place that weren't supposed to be filled with love, but that's how it had always been. Our love filled the broken bits and made us whole again. There weren't no perfect time to love him, not ever, and it had always been with the threat of death and hurt hovering round us. And we'd love each other anyway. Sure, and true."

"Scars never left, even when you couldn't see them." 

"His grin grew broader, wider, fuller, like he were pulling stars down from Heaven and tucking them into his smile."

"I think life becomes a fabric of choices, interwoven, all related." 

"My heart holds my love, my hope, and my faith. My heart is unyielding, my heart is stalwart, and my heart is true."

"There's a funny thing about light and darkness - like hope, you can never blot out either one completely. They always exist, side by side, bright light making shadows darker, darkness making the light more beautiful, a tempting siren call. I can't hate the darkest parts of myself. They are the things that showed me how special and rare the bright flames of trust, loyalty, friendship, and love were. My darkness showed me how to love Rob. But now I choose light and fire and love. Now I choose freedom."

  

Have you read any of the books in the Scarlet trilogy? What did you think? If you haven't read them, do you plan to? What's your favourite Robin Hood incarnation? Let's talk here or on Twitter! 

   
{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Instagram || Pinterest || Author blog}

Review: Lady Thief by AC Gaughen

Lady Thief by AC Gaughen

Series: Scarlet #2

Published: February 11th, 2014

Publisher: Walker Childrens

308 pages (ARC)

Genre: Young adult historic fiction/retelling

Acquired this book: As a gift from the author

Warning: May contain spoilers

{GoodReads || Buy this book: Amazon || Book Depository || Chapters/Indigo}

{Read my review of Scarlet}

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

 

Scarlet is one of my favourite books ever. I’ve always loved the legend of Robin Hood, and the idea of Will Scarlet being a girl…and not just any girl…blew my mind. It was a brilliant twist, and the entire book tugged at my heartstrings, made me laugh, made me cry, and made me fall in love with Rob, Scar, and the band.

I was so excited when AC Gaughen announced that Scarlet's story was going to be a trilogy. Scarlet and Robin’s story didn’t feel like it was complete, so I waited anxiously for Lady Thief, wondering what would happen to this couple. Within a few minutes of finally having the book in my hot little hands, I knew my heart was going to break, and I was right. Lady Thief was much darker than Scarlet - at times, so much so that it was hard to read. I kept catching myself rubbing my chest as if there were an actual ache in my heart.

But don’t let that put you off. Obviously I loved this book since I’m giving it 5 stars - it’s just one of those books that you love even though it rips out your heart and tramples it.

Whether I’m dense or whether it really was that brilliant of a plot twist (I’m going to go with the latter), I didn’t see the big twist coming in Scarlet. The same thing happened in Lady Thief, but I feel like I should have guessed this one, especially since I grew up watching the Disney version of Robin Hood (and still watch it regularly with my nephews). There were so many unexpected twists in this story. Even though I’ve loved anything to do with Robin Hood my whole life, I don’t actually know the legend all that well, so whether things will be predictable for Robin Hood buffs, I’m not sure, but I was stunned in all the best ways at the turns this book took.

Then there were the characters. I loved Scarlet in the first book, and I loved her even more in this book. She’s strong, loyal, fierce, cunning, and so much more than she gives herself credit for. Even when things got dark and twisty, she never gave up and she never lost hope, and that was what I loved most about her. Even as I was a sobbing wreck at the things that were happening to her, I felt this hope and faith emanating from her that just amazed me. Robin was as swoony as ever, loving Scarlet with his whole heart, and wanting to protect her. I think it was their relationship that made my heart ache the most; things between them at the beginning of the book were difficult, and I kept putting the book aside because it was hard to read. The little moments between them were among my favourite - you could really see and feel how much they love each other.

There were other familiar faces, like John and Much, and some new faces. I absolutely loved Much in Lady Thief. I wanted to squeeze him so many times. He was an amazing friend to Scarlet, and like her, he’s worth so much more than he gives himself credit for. The new characters…I don’t know how much I can say without getting into spoiler territory. There’s a familiar face from Robin Hood legend (I actually squealed out loud when he made his appearance), and a few other people, some of who were horrible and evil, and two in particular that were incredible and added so much to the story. I really want to talk more about them and give them the credit they deserve since they were so memorable, but just know that even though Scarlet seems to be surrounded by evil, there are people on her side, fighting for her and watching out for her.

Sequels can often be a letdown, especially when the first book was so epic, but Lady Thief is action-packed, suspenseful, and full of amazing twists. It’s a book that will leave you breathless, speechless, aching, and yearning for more. It’s heartbreaking but also uplifting, sad but hopeful. It made me laugh, cry, rage, and swoon.

Now begins the painful wait for the final book in Scarlet and Robin’s story…*sigh*

 

"Your power, your great gift, is that you never give up. When something fails you make a new plan, and another, and another. You never accept defeat. You never give up." ~ Much, page 61

 

"They can have your name. I know who you are, with or without it. And I won't ever let you lose that. My love. My Scarlet." ~ Robin, page 92

 

"We've always been good at causing a bit of chaos." ~ Robin, page 93

 

I stared at him, drinking him in till I felt tipsy with the sight of him, and pulled him closer to me, wanting to touch him. His arms came round me and I pressed my face to the crook of his neck. "We'd never be happy without adventure," I murmured to him. "But we'll be happy with each other. We will have that chance. I promise." ~ Scarlet, page 169

 

 "I only feel like a hero when you're with me, Scarlet. I feel like I have destiny greater than pain and hurt when you're in my arms." ~ Robin, page 261

 

*All quotes taken from the ARC of Lady Thief by AC Gaughen.I know you're not necessarily supposed to quote from ARCs but these are just too damn good not to share*

 

Have you read Scarlet or Lady Thief? What did you think? If you haven't read them, do you plan to? Do you like Robin Hood stories? Historic fiction?

{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest || YouTube || Author blog}
{Subscribe to my author newsletter}

Epic Recs: February

Epic Recs is hosted by Judith at Paper Riot and Amber at Books of Amber. It's where you pair up with a reader friend and recommend (*cough*force*cough*) a book to them. As Judith says, it's like truth or dare without the truth. 

 

I'm pairing up with my brain twin Molli from Books and Whimsy. We’re always recommending books to each other but rarely actually read them for whatever reason. We’ve made a goal/promise to ourselves and each other to read more ‘me’ books in 2014. We both got bogged down with review books in 2013 and need to get back to reading more for pleasure, so we thought Epic Recs would help...plus then we don't have to constantly listen to each other saying "Read this book. When are you going to read this book? Have you read this book yet?"

 

In January, Molli made me read If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, and I made her read Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. And? Our first month was a huge success. We both loved the books the other recommended...so much so that we each gave them 5 stars. See? Brain twins. Neither of us has posted our reviews yet, but be on the lookout for them soon.

 

 For February, Molli is making me read Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (because she likes to make me cry), and I'm making her read Scarlet by AC Gaughen (because it's one of the BEST BOOKS EVER).

 

 

 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

 

{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest || YouTube || Author blog}
{Subscribe to my author newsletter}

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can't Wait to Read This Winter

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

  

I have a ton of books on my winter TBR - review books, books I've bought, books I've won, books I've been given as gifts. It took some doing (as always) but I finally narrowed it down to the ten books I'm most excited to read this winter.

1. Unhinged by AG Howard {GoodReads}

I LOVED Splintered when I read it late last year and I can’t wait read Unhinged. I’m actually planning to reread Splintered in the next week or two (I rarely do rereads but I'll make an exception for the awesomeness that is Splintered) and then read The Moth in the Mirror and finally Unhinged.

2. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi {GoodReads}

Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night are among my favourite books ever. I’m excited and also a little sad to finally get to read the last book.

3. Lady Thief by AC Gaughen {GoodReads}

Scarlet is another of my all-time favourite books, and when AC announced it was the first in a trilogy, I was over the moon. I can’t wait to dive back into Scarlet’s story and see what happens next. 

4. That One Summer by CJ Duggan {GoodReads}

I’ve read and loved CJ’s The Boys of Summer and An Endless Summer and I’m SO psyched to get the chance to read That One Summer as part of the blog tour. Winter’s just beginning here so it’ll be nice to immerse myself in a book about summer and forget all that snow outside!

5. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge {GoodReads}

Beauty and the Beast…need I say more?

6. Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough {GoodReads}

JACK THE RIPPER. THAT COVER. That is all.

7. Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman {GoodReads}

I’ve really gotten into historic fiction this year, and this one sounds fantastic.

8. Vicious by VE Schwab {GoodReads}

I’ll read anything Victoria Schwab writes. Period. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Vicious and I won a copy so hopefully I can get to it soon!

9. The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow {GoodReads}

I’ve followed Michelle’s career since the beginning, and I’m so happy for her that she got a publishing deal with Harlequin Teen, and I’m excited to be part of her street team and have the opportunity to read an ARC.

10. Angelfall by Susan Ee {GoodReads}

I actually hadn’t paid much attention to this book until Pajama Press sent me the sequel last month. When I looked it up on GoodReads and saw that the reviews were amazing, I immediately bought a copy and now I’m hoping to read it and World After very soon.

What are some of the books you're looking forward to reading this winter (or summer if you're in the southern hemisphere)?

{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest || YouTube || Author blog || Personal/photography blog}
{Subscribe to my author newsletter}

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Recommend The Most

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books I Spend a Lot of Time Pimping

 
The Harry Potter series
The Harry Potter books are pretty much my favourite books ever. I talk about them a lot and I’m always stunned when I find out there are people left in the world who haven’t read them. My ten-year-old nephew loves the movies but doesn’t like to read, but I’m thinking of trying him on Harry Potter and seeing if I can make a bibliophile out of him yet!

Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

I’m not a die hard fan of post-apocalyptic books (I’ve enjoyed the ones I’ve read but they’re not usually my first choice), but Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night are not just my favorite post-apocalyptic books, they’re among my favourite books ever.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

An incredible, beautiful, swoonworthy contemporary YA. Books like this are the reason YA contemp is my favourite genre.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Another example of YA contemporary at its finest.

Scarlet by AC Gaughen

Robin Hood. Need I say more? This is told from the perspective of Robin’s friend Will Scarlet, except that Scarlet is a girl. Full of twists and turns, romance, and action, this book is just plain amazing.

Splintered by AG Howard

A brilliant spin on Alice in Wonderland. This is up there with my favourite books ever.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Do I really need to say why this book is worth recommending? There’s just something magical about it - maybe it’s Paris, maybe it’s Etienne St. Clair, maybe it’s the fact that Stephanie Perkins has the ability to make me giggle harder than my 3-year-old nephew. It’s just amazing. AND if you haven’t read it yet or if you’ve read it and want to reread it, my friend Molli from Once Upon a Prologue is co-hosting an ANNA Read-Along starting April 1st!

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

This is a classic for a reason. Funny, charming, quirky - Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian staple, and I grew up with her. To me this is one of those books that everyone should read at least once in their life.

The Passport to Peril series by Maddy Hunter

This is a series I discovered before I started book blogging. It’s cozy mystery and it satisfies both my funny bone and my travel bug since each book is set in a different country. This is a series that, unfortunately, most of the people I know haven’t even heard of, let alone read, so I’m always trying to pimp it.

Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Another example of why contemporary YA is my favourite genre. Road trip + music + cute boy + relatable girl + amazing secondary characters + surprisingly emotional = one of the best books ever.

Honourable mentions

Most of the time I have trouble coming up with 10 but this time I had trouble narrowing it down, so I'm cheating a little. A few other books I’m constantly telling people they should read: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, and Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally. 

And of course I spend quite a bit of time pimping my own books. Does that count? *cough* WAITING FOR THE STORM comes out two weeks from today *cough*

What are some of the books you recommend the most? Tell me below or leave a comment to your TTT and I'll come visit!

{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest || YouTube || Author blog || Personal/photography blog}
{Subscribe to my author newsletter}

2012 End of Year Book Survey

The End of Year Book Survey is brought to us by Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner

1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)

Contemporary (YA): Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick, Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Post-apocalyptic (YA): Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Paranormal (YA): Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Historical Fiction (YA): Scarlet by AC Gaughen

Fairytale retelling (YA): Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Fantasy (YA): Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Contemporary romance (Adult): A Scottish Ferry Tale by Nancy Volkers

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Everyone was raving about this one but I gave up after 115 pages because I was almost bored to tears. I might attempt to go back to it someday, but it’s not high on my list of priorities. 

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes and Don’t You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire. I was expecting light, maybe kinda fluffy reads, but they both had surprising depth, and quickly grabbed hold of my heart.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - I feel like I’ve talked endlessly about these three books.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

By this point I doubt anyone will be surprised to hear me say the Under the Never Sky trilogy (I’ve read books 1 and 2, plus the novella).

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Veronica Rossi, Katie McGarry, Huntley Fitzpatrick, AG Howard, Miranda Kenneally, Abbi Glines, AC Gaughen, Laini Taylor

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. I’m still not exactly comfortable with post-apocalyptic books, and I’d never read a zombie book before (and really had no desire to), but I’d heard such good things about it (plus Courtney is Canadian, and I just found out recently that we’re actually from the same town, which is crazy awesome), but I loved it. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all, and it shattered my heart into a million pieces. 

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Splintered by AG Howard

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

Splintered by AG Howard. I loved this book so much I wanted to reread it as soon as I was finished and that hasn’t happened to me for years (I think it’s only ever happened with Harry Potter, and if you know me at all, you’ll know that’s saying A LOT). I got an egalley of it but I’ve preordered it (another first) because I know I’ll read it again.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Splintered by AG Howard, Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood, Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock, Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard, Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

This is probably the only no-brainer question for me: Roar from Under the Never Sky, Roar and Liv, and Through the Ever Night. I’ve never loved a secondary character so much. Without a doubt, he’s one of my favourite characters EVER. Complex, loyal, funny, sweet, sexy - I absolutely adore him.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, and Splintered by AG Howard

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

There were quite a few books this year that shattered my heart and made me think about life, family, love, etc. The first that comes to mind is Tiger Lily - it gave me such a bittersweet feeling between the unique POV, the behaviour of the characters, and the things that happened...it was beautiful and heartbreaking and haunting. 

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. It came out in 2009 and I’d heard of it before but just read it this year. It was amazing...another book that shattered my heart (that seemed to be a theme this year).

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

"To love someone was not what she had expected. It was like falling from somewhere high up and breaking in half, and only one person having the secret to the puzzle of putting her back together." ~ Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, page 169

"She knew how to put one foot in front of the other even when every step hurt. And she knew there was pain in the journey, but there was also great beauty." ~ Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, page 350

  

"I knew my heart weren't never too sure 'bout many things, but if I ever could, I wanted it to be sure for Rob. That way when his heart stumbled, I could be sure for both of us." ~ Scarlet by AC Gaughen, page 113

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Shortest: Roar and Liv by Veronica Rossi (62 pages)

Longest: 50 Shades of Grey by EL James (514 pages)

7. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Scarlet by AC Gaughen. I literally gasped, then started to laugh and cry at the same time. Thank god I was reading the book as part of a read-along and could email my co-host/one of my best online friends and talk to her about it!

 

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Aria and Perry (romance), Aria and Roar (friendship), and Perry and Roar (friendship/bromance) from Under the Never Sky, Roar and Liv, and Through the Ever Night. They are three of my favourite characters ever, and the interactions between them made me laugh, cry, swoon, fall in love, etc. 

Runners-up: Jase and Samantha from My Life Next Door and Noah and Echo from Pushing the Limits. AMAZING romances. *swoons*

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - I just read this one and I can’t believe I waited so long (although I explain why I did wait so long in my review).

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard, recommended to me by my awesome friend Molli from Once Upon a Prologue

~Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor - I had to have it as soon as it came out, but it’s so huge I knew I wouldn’t have time to read it if I wanted to complete my GoodReads challenge!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins, Hemlock #2 by Kathleen Peacock (these first two don't have covers yet), The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen, Dare You To by Katie McGarry,  A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard, and This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

I hope to have even more fun than I did in 2012 (hard to believe that’s possible!). I want to keep reading great books, discovering new authors, talking about those books and authors with all of you, meeting fantastic people, and interacting with authors and publishers. I want to come up with fun, fresh content, new features, and lots of reviews, and hopefully keep people coming back for more. I'm really, really excited about 2013! :-)

Thank you all for making 2012 such an awesome year! <3

What are some of your favourite books of 2012? If you did this survey or any sort of wrap-up post, feel free to leave links in the comments, and I'll be sure to visit you back! 

{Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest || YouTube || Author blog || Personal/photography blog}