Top 3 Favourite Books of 2013!

Hi guys, so it's the nearly the end of 2013 (how quick has this year gone?) and we here at Book Passion for Life thought it would be good to share our favourite reads for 2013 and we hope you will join us with your picks too.

Donna's Top 3!

      

Number 3: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward:
I'd been wanting to read this series FOREVER and this year, I finally got the chance...and I loved them. There were a couple that weren't my favourite but most of them that I loved. I devoured the series within a few weeks and I can't wait to see what comes next.

 

Number 2: Through the Looking Glass by Gena Showalter

I adored Alice in Zombieland but the sequel really look me by surprise. It was a heart-wrenching read, just because you had no idea what the outcome was going to be. I loved it! 

 

Number 1: Champion by Marie Lu 

What can I say about this series that already hasn't been said? It's amazing, heart-pounding, enthralling...well you get the picture. Champion is really my favourite read of they year. It was a read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, filled with dread, hope and love. When I look back on the year, this is the book that stands out for me the most. 

Jess's Top 3!

        

Number 3:  Dead Jealous by Sharon Jones
Dead Jealous was great. Not only is it set in England, but it was something totally out of my normal reading. But I loved it, I thought it was a really great read and it truly stuck with me. It's  great YA mystery/thriller book that will leave you reeling.

 

Number 2: Simple Perfection by Abbi Glines
I guess you were thinking an Abbi book would be at number one? Well no, it was a fantastic read, and I don't think I'll ever get bored of Abbi or her books. But one other book (or series) pipped it to the number one spot.

Number 1: The Cut & Run Series books 1-6 by Abigail Roux
Ok. Firstly, the Cut & Run number one spot goes to the entire series (I know it's cheating, but I don't care). I'd read plenty of M/M romances before this one. But this, this series truly stuck with me. Through the 6 books that are published, I was on the edge all the time. It was fabulous. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and maybe dip into some M/M romace, I suggest you start with book one of this series as it eases you into that particular romance. I guarantee if you enjoy it, you won't regret it. 

Melanie's Top 3!

           

Number 3: Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout/ Crest (Ondine Quartet #3) by Emma Raveling

Ok, a joint 3^rd because they are both from my favourite series’, Sentinel, I chose because it is the last in the Covenant series and it was awesome, all of us here at BPfL are huge Aiden fans and have been from the very beginning so it was great to see Alex & Aiden get their HEA. 

Crest I chose because again, this is an awesome series, (Donna & I will champion this series forever because we love it so much and also the leading man Tristan) and this book really steps it up a notch and takes on a more serious feel, we only have one more book to go so everything has been set up, we get lots of reveals and I’m sooooo excited for the finale.

 

Number 2: Rock Chick Series by Kristen Ashley

Ok, so I know they were out before 2013 but I was only introduced to them this year and they have definitely made it into my all time favourite series ever, every time I finished one of the books, the main man was my fave only to be replaced when I read the next book but to be honest, I love them all! I go back to these time and time again and I defy anyone not to fall in love with each and every one of the Hot Bunch.

 

Number 1: The Broken Tomb (The War for Inisfail #2) by Kaiya Hart

This is without doubt my top book of the year, it blew me away and I couldn’t even find the words to review it other than to say it was EPIC! It truly was and I only wish that this series had more recognition because it is breathtaking, its high fantasy with a dash of romance and would appeal to so many fantasy readers if they took a chance on it so please, read it! You have no idea what you’re missing.

 

There are so many other books that I have loved over the year and I wish I could list them all but alas I am only allowed 3.

So that's it from us in 2013! We hope you've had just as much fun as us and we hope to see you all in 2014! Happy New Years!!

Love Donna, Jess & Mel.

Top 5 Reads of 2012!

It's that time again! To choose our top reads of 2012. Because it's far too difficult to choose 10, we've decided to just narrow it down to 5 this year! So all three of us (yes that includes Mel), have chosen our top 5 reads of 2012 and listed them below! 

Donna's top 5 reads of 2012! 

      

Number 5 - Spark: I loved Amy's first book Glow and Spark was nothing short of amazing. Your going to hear me say this over a number of these books in my post, but it was one of the best sequels I've read! 

Number 4 - Undeniable: Where to even start with this book? When I wrote my review I just remember having so much to say, it's so bad but it's so good too. I loved it and to self-published author Madeline, GIRL YOU ROCK!!!
 

Number 3 - Article 5: A fantastic debut by Kristen and I just. want. more. now! I'm dying for the sequel and yes I'm nervous but I'm praying it's going to be good. P.S  I heart Chase!

Number 2 - Unravel Me: TEAM ADAM! I know some of you guys haven't read this one yet but I have awesome blogging friends like Jasprit from The Readers Den that borrow me awesome books. Lol. It was amazing! Heart-pounding, intense, frustrating, lovable, EVERYTHING! I need to re-read this again.

My top number 1 is.......

Deity: Deity, Deity, Deity....Aiden, Aiden, Aiden! Sigh! A-MAZ-ING! Can not put into words how I feel about this book. Jennifer out did herself with it and I just couldn't put it down. I'm waiting for the next two books before I allow myself to re-read this series, because I want to read them all together and I'm excited!! Well done Jen!!! 

Jess's top 5 reads of 2012! 

    

Number 5 - Obsidian: It's just so different to anything that I'd read before. It's a gripping story with a hot alien boy called Daemon. It's an awesome start to a great series so far. Mostly definitely deserving of a top 5 spot.

 

Number 4 - Easy: Another one that I simply couldn't put down. It's a great story and it nearly didn't make it at all in my list, but then I thought better of it.

Number 3 - Bared to You: Gritty, naughty, un-putdownable. Need I say more? It was a great read and I just couldn't get enough of it. It's not enough to beat my number 2, but it was very close. 

Number 2 - Beautiful Disaster: It's an amazing book, simple as that. It's incredibly gritty and addictive. I couldn't actually put it down, so that's at number 2. Quite a good spot :)

 

My top number 1 is.......

 

Pushing the Limits & Undeniable: This was a hard decision, I honestly couldn't pick between the two, so they've come in a joint 1st (I hope that's not cheating). Couldn't choose between the two, so I've made them my joint number 1 this year. I loved them both so much. Both have equally great stories. Both include troubled protagonists, both of them help each other through everything. They are most definitely both deserving of the number 1 spot.

Mel's Top 5 reads of 2012!

   

Number 5 - 

It’s definitely a toss-up between

Cornerstone: Cornerstone was really unique and so unexpected, I was really impressed with Misty’s debut.
The Mayfair Moon: The Mayfair Moon put the sinister back into werewolves, definitely no cute overgrown dogs here but an amazing world and back story filled with epic love.
Dead Radiance: Dead Radiance, again, just great and introduced me to the Valkyrie & Norse Mythology leading the way and so accurate – a LOT of research must have went into it and it showed.

Number 4 - Full Blooded: This read like a blend of two of my all-time favourite series, a new supernatural world, the main characters species are werewolves, our female lead being the only female werewolf and there is some fated love thrown into this awesome new UF and I’m desperate for book two.

Top 3, 2 & 1.........
   

Ok I can’t choose which I like best so I’m going for an author tie… I’m choosing the actual author because every one of their books are amazing and I’m more or less guaranteed a 5* book every single time, plus the writing is awesome too and some serious talent going on…
Emma Raveling’s  - Ondine Quartet – Whirl and Billow, I just LOVE this series, I wish it had more recognition because it’s beautifully written and has all the elements I love in a book plus it’s the first time I have read about water elementals/ondine and I’m patiently *cough* awaiting book 3.
Jennifer L. Armentrout – Need I say more? I’m in love with her Covenant Series (and Aiden) – Deity was just,WOW but again, every single book is brilliant and she’s had a few out this year, I even love her contemporaries and I avoid those like the plague as a rule. Time & time again she steps up and blows us away with her mad writing skills - <3 her!
H.D. Gordon -The Alexa Montgomery Saga & Joe – another author that hits the spot every time, I LOVE the Alexa Montgomery books, there is nothing about them that I don’t like.. I was a bit sceptical about Joe but my goodness what a book that was, I was gripped and it shows me that she is definitely an author to watch out for as all of them are.

Donna's Top 5 Self Published Books of 2011

Happy New Year all! 

Seems as I've done my top 10 books of 2011, if anyone noticed there wasn't any self published books in there (here's my list so you can see). Well, I didn't include them because I felt they needed their own post because lets face it, sometimes self published books don't always get the praise they deserve. So today I'm going to show you my top 5 for self published books. All the books I'm going to show you are the ones that really stand out to me today, the ones I'm dying to re-read and the ones I really love, so lets get started. 

5: Madly & Wolfhardt 
by M Leighton

Why I chose Madly & Wolfhardt: This is a book I have only recently read but wow was it good. I've never read any of M Leighton's books before so I never knew what to expect but she really blew me away with her writing. Madly is a novella and the Wolfhardt is a full novel and I assure you, you will love it just as much as me. The main thing that stood out for me was the characters, I loved Madly and I adored Jackson. I'm still thinking about them now even though it's been a few weeks since I read the book, so I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Mermaids + Werewolves? What's not to love! 

4: Brightest Kind of Darkness
by P.T Michelle 
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Why I chose Brightest kind of Darkness: I loved this book! Absolutely loved it!  PT Michelle really created something different for us readers and for me it took me out of my normal reading zone, so the fact that it was fantastic left me a very happy girl. The story was completely captivating and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And I LOVE Ethan! We all need an Ethan. ;)

3. Significance 

by Shelly Crane

Why I  chose Significance:  I only read this book within the last few days and boy am I kicking myself for not reading it sooner. AMAZING! Honestly. AMAZING! If your looking for a love story that will truly touch your heart and leave you wanting more than this is the book for you. Highly recommend it! And I've just finished the second book in the series and OMG was it even better than the first. Read this series guys! 

2.Unlovable 

by Sherry Gammon

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Why I chose Unlovable: This was one of the first self published books that I completely fell in love with. I have to admit I wasn't even sure it was my cup of tea before I started it because I was never really a contemp romance fan but Sherry Gammon sure did surprise me and honestly helped me love contemp romance books that much more. Unloveable is a heart-breaking, heart-touching, spine-tingly novel that will leave you  wanting more of Sherry's work. I loved everything about this novel and I think any fans of Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles will love it too.

1. The Fallen Star 

by Jessica Sorensen

Why I chose The Fallen Star: Anyone who hasn't read this series, you need to read it! This series has just about everything, vampires, werewolves, witches and of course fallen stars. Its completely unique from anything else I've ever read and I completely fell in love with the authors work. I loved the characters, the setting and of course the romance, talk about a tense romance. I adore it! I cannot wait to read the final book and I will be sad to see it end. 

So there you have it, my top 5 of self published books. I personally will be trying to read more self published books this year because I love it when authors like the ones listed above completely surprise me! So go and support some of these awesome authors today by purchasing their books and writing a small review on your thoughts! I can't wait to see what books I read in 2012! 

Jess's Top 10 Reads for 2011

So the end of 2011 is fast approaching and we thought it would be a good idea to show you what we thought were our favourite reads of 2011 were. 

As you might have seen already Donna has already given her top 10, if not here's the link so now I'm going to be showing you my top 10. It's been a tough one to decide, because I've read a lot of awesome books this year so hopefully this list will do it justice.


Number 10
Hushed by Kelley York

Why I chose Hushed: This had to make my top 10. I was given this to review by the publisher for Kelley's blog tour. And my God! Did this book turn out to be incredible. I didn't think I would enjoy it. It's a YA Thriller (ages 17+), so something totally not me, but it was fantastic, it had me on edge all the way through, and I read it in one sitting! 

See my review for Hushed

Number 9

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Why I chose Daughter of Smoke and Bone: This was another review book, and one that I wasn't expecting to like, and ended up absolutely loving. Very different from other books I'd read before, a lot of information to take in at some points, but in the end it was one of the best books I'd read in the year and I anxiously await the sequel.

See my review for Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Number 8

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Why I chose Delirium: At number 8 we have Delirium by Lauren Oliver. I was given this for review (with the creepy UK cover) but I ended up buying the US special edition and reading it from that cover. It was an amazing read, although a little slow to start, it does really pick up, and I loved the whole concept of the story. Eagerly anticipating Pandemonium (book 2)

See my review for Delirium

Number 7

The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa

Why I chose the Iron Fey Series: I couldn't choose just ONE from this series, although if I had to, it would have been The Iron Knight. Anyway, this series was completely spellbinding, and I was hooked from page 1 of The Iron King. I even featured both Puck and Ash as Book Boyfriends a couple of weeks after finishing book 3. Wonderful series, and definitely deserving of a spot on my top 10.

See my reviews for The Iron Fey Series

Number 6

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Why I chose the Mortal Instruments Series: Again another series I couldn't just pick one book from. They were all amazing, and I can't wait to continue along with this series along with Cassie's Infernal Devices Trilogy, definitely a deserving number 6. 

See my review for The Mortal Instruments Series

Right! On to the top 5. Who's made the list I hear you ask? Well keep reading and you'll find out :D

Number 5

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Why I chose The Hunger Games Trilogy: Another awesome series that I read this year. It was my first Dystopian set of books that I had ever read, and I ended up loving them. Although there is a slow start and a lot of information to take in, it does get incredible as you read on, and Catching Fire and Mockingjay will leave you speechless. I can't wait for the movie! :D 

See my review for The Hunger Games Trilogy

Number 4

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Why I chose Hunting Lila: Number 4 was really hard, I had two other books in mind when it came to this position, but ultimately Hunting Lila won. It was one of the BEST books I had read this year. I couldn't get enough of it. As a YA thriller, it had everything; including humans with special powers and a sexy army man named Alex. Definitely top 5.

See my for review Hunting Lila

Number 3

Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost

Why I chose The Night Huntress Series: Ahh the Night Huntress Series. This was recommended to me by Donna before we started the blog. Everyone was talking about this man 'Bones', how insanely amazing he was, how gorgeous he was and how great in the sack he was *ahem*. So, naturally I had to read for myself, and I'm so glad I did! I couldn't get enough. I still have to read book 6, and I've read one of the books in-between this series, but this became very quickly one of my favourite reads of 2011.

See my review for The Night Huntress Series

Number 2

The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

Why I chose the Fever Series: This series was incredible. It was recommended to me by two Goodreads members, actually I was BULLIED into reading them. But I'm glad I did. I do believe Donna wanted to add this to her top 10, but she had too many others that she read that thought were better. Fair enough. I'm so glad I've managed to fit this into my top 5, and at number 2! I thought I was going to make it number 1, but no. This was an intense series all the way through. I was hooked from Bloodfever (book 2) and couldn't put them down. My favourite of them all was number 5, Shadowfever (which I sadly couldn't picture here). Anyway it had sex faes, Barrons, a kick ass heroine, Barrons, sex fae...oops...did I already mention those? Anyway, it has everything, and it became on of my favourites.

See my review for The Fever Series

Right, so I bet you're wondering what my number one is? This was extremely hard, and I didn't think I was going to place it as my top read of 2011, I thought I was going to put it further down my list (whichever way you look at it), but after going through all the best books I've read, the others books didn't really compare for me. It took me around 24 hours to finish it. It's written by a British author, and it's based on a very taboo subject. Incest. Yup...you guessed it. Although this book had me crying like a little baby, it was extremely powerful and completely heartbreaking to read. I won't read it again, I'm just going to leave it as a single read in the memory of 2011. The reason being, there isn't any way I can put myself through that kind of heartache again. I couldn't stop crying for almost a week. *sniffle*. Right so, without further a due...my top read of 2011 is....:-

Number 1

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Why I chose Forbidden: That's right. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma. I know it's crazy isn't it? A book that had me bawling like a baby is my top read of 2011. I cease to amaze myself sometimes. I won't write much more on this as I explained a lot of my reasons before announcing it. But I hope you all get to read this one day, try to look past the concept of the book being about incest. It isn't about that, it's a about a love so strong and so (excuse the pun) Forbidden, that the characters you learn about you begin to love, and want them to have the happiest of endings. Just please, read it everyone, try to move past your 'ICK' factor and give this wonderful, compelling and powerful read a go. Make it your top read of 2012.

See my review for Forbidden

That's it from me. Probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in a while (except take down and throw my Twilight posters away). I think I've made the right 10 choices, they all stood out in their own way; but they were all amazing in their own way too. I hope this helps you to choose some of your next reads if you haven't already read them. I have a feeling I will need to add another two here, but it wouldn't make sense having a top 12, so I'll stick with this list, and I'll just keep a note that The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, and Fifty Shades of Grey have also come onto my top reads of 2011!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Happy Reading! :D

Donna's Top Reads of 2011

So the end of 2011 is fast approaching and we thought it would be a good idea to show you what we thought were our favourite reads of 2011 were.  We're going to be doing to separate posts because Jess and I have read different books this year, so I will be starting and Jess will feature later on in the week. 


Now when you look at my list you may see there is more than one book listed by a certain number. I know this may be cheating but these are all books that I read in 2011 and are apart of the same series. I tried to break them down to my favourite one but....I couldn't. I felt guilty for not picking all of them so I have picked them all! Yay! 
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So let's get started! 
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Number 10: 
Starcrossed by Joesphine Angelini

Why I chose Starcrossed: Starcrossed was one of those novels that I just knew I was going to love and when I read it, I was left with that wow feeling. Greek Mythology is fast becoming my favourite and I think Josephine did an awesome job with it. Not only that but the Starcrossed lovers was just epic and I'm dying to see what happens next. 

See my review for Starcrossed.

Number 9: 
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Why I chose Silence: Ahhh Silence. Where to start? This book being my top 9 is mainly because of Patch. When I read Hush Hush I fell in love with him but Crescendo kind of fell flat for me....I lost that spark for him. Now I know a lot of people had mixed reviews for Silence but I still feel now that it was by far the best. Patch is back and better than ever. You see a totally different side to him and it makes you fall in love with him even more. Becca did a fantastic job with this book and I'm dying to read book four. 

See my review for Silence. 

Number 8: 
Firelight / Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Why I chose Firelight/Vanish: This for me was a totally unique series. I remember reading Firelight and I was just totally amazing at the amount of creativity that had gone into the story. The Draki's felt so real to me that it was easy to picture their world. And of course, Vanish was a great sequel. 

See my review for Firelight / Vanish

Number 7: 
Nightshade / Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Why I chose Nightshade / Wolfsbane: Nightshade was my very first read for 2011 and it started  bang! Ren and Shay? Do I need to say more? Lol. It wasn't just the hot guys that made this book for me but the story that Andrea created was just so intense...it amazed me. I'd seriously recommend these books to any wolf fans. 

See my review for Wolfsbane 

Number 6: 
Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles 

Why I chose the Perfect Chemistry Series: It pains me to put these books at number 6 but I couldn't do it any other way. Simone Elkeles work is what converted me to love young adult contemporary. I mean after reading her work how could you NOT love it? It's raw, it's intense and full of passion. It just makes your heart melt. I picked the whole series as my number 6 because even though I love Rules of Attraction more....I think they were all awesome in there own way. But yeah...Carlos is my favourite brother. 

See my review for Perfect Chemistry / Rules of Attraction / Chain Reaction

So yes....here is where I get to hard parts....my top 5! 

Number 5: 
Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson 

Why I chose Hunting Lila: Hunting Lila was Sarah Alderson's debut novel and boy was it a great novel. From page one your captivated into Lila's world and I just wanted more and more. Lila was one of the best female leads I've read about this year and the secondary characters were second to none. Alex? Jack? Need I say more? Even after finishing this novel it stuck with me for days and even now I'm still thinking of that quote from Alex.....“When you came down the stairs, and fell into me, that was the moment.” OMG!!! Talk about taking your breath away. Pure awesomeness! 

See my review for Hunting Lila.

Number 4: 
The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare

Why I choseThe Mortal Instrument Series: So I want to admit something right now...before I started this series...I DID NOT WANT TO READ IT!!! Shocking! I know right? I ended up reading this as a buddy with a friend and my god did I get one hell of a shock. I could have smacked myself for not starting this series so yeah, it's safe to say this series took me by surprise and left me utterly speechless. Cassandra Clare is a pure genesis and her work just keeps getting better and better. I love all her characters that now when I read her books I feel like there friends. I miss them when I'm not reading about them and book 5 in the series can not come soon enough. 

See my reviews for City of Fallen Angels.

Number 3: 
Angel Fire by LA Weatherly

Why I chose Angel Fire: Ahhhh I'm so sad I couldn't put this as my number two because I absolutely adored this book! LA Weatherly totally out did herself with Angel Fire because I loved her Angel the first book in the series but to love this one even more was fantastic. For 700 pages I was in love every single part of this book and I even after finishing it, I wanted more. I felt every emotion possible during this book, I cried,  I laughed and I loved it! Fantastic job to the author!!
See my review for Angel Fire.

Number 2: 
Half-Blood/Pure by Jennifer L Armentrout

Why I chose The Covenant series: I honestly had a tough time not putting these two books as my number one. I really wanted to because there are just PURE AWESOME! Jennifer L Armentour has taken the writing world by a storm this year and I seriously hope she's here to stay. Her writing is like nothing I've ever read before, she knows how to give that little bit that keeps us interested and she is especially well known for creating hot characters. Aiden...I love him! Seriously...how could you not? I need book three and four like now because I'm dying to know what happens next....I just adore this series and I know only good things can come next. 

See my review for Half-Blood.

Number 1: 
The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa

Why I chose The Iron Fey Series: Yay!!!! My number one is this awesome series. It was a close call between number two and this but how could I turn my back on my beloved Ash! I'm so pleased I read this series this year because mainly I was never a fan of Fae...but Julie Kagawa soon changed my mind with her awesome and intense series that honestly took my breath away. I adore everything about this series, the characters and the Faerie world. I don't think Julie could of created such a perfect set of books that just complete each other and adding The Iron Knight was just the PURE AWESOME! Ash! I do seriously love him!!!! I highly recommend you read this series if you haven't already! 

See my review for The Iron King / The Iron Daughter / The Iron Queen / The Iron Knight 


So that's it! My top reads of 2011. I'm really sad I couldn't fit some many other awesome books in like The Fever Series, The Night Huntress Series and of course The Hunger Games. These books will all be my favourite but I've based my top reads on how I feel about the books now and the ones that made it are the ones I'm dying to read again! 


I hope you've enjoyed my top reads, if you have something similar please send me your links so I can look. Otherwise, Happy Reading & Happy Holidays!!!!