That's What HE Said Thursday #50

Image courtesy of Kei at The Lovely Pages Review

That's What HE Said is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies at Chapter Break. It's a chance for us to spotlight and gush over a quote from our current book crush to the object of his desire. We like to pretend he's speaking to us ;)

What better way to celebrate our book boyfriends?

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Shel picked today's quote and it comes from an author who is a permanent guest on our BFF Island, Jill Shalvis. It just so happens that today is National Cat Day, so how fitting that our book boyfriend, Dell is a successful vet. And look - there's even an adorable cat on the cover! 

“I just wanted you to never be afraid again.  To believe in yourself.  And then, when that started happening, when you started gaining confidence, I realized the truth.  It was happening, exactly what I wanted – you were learning to live without fear and getting strong… so that you could leave.  I was helping you leave.”  

Letting out a low laugh, he pressed his forehead to hers.  “Christ, that sucked.”  He tilted his head and kissed her gently, eyes open, locked on hers.  “I love you,” he breathed.  “I love you so goddamn much it hurts.”

~ Dell to Jade

Animal Attraction (Animal Magnetism #2)

by Jill Shalvis

   

     

   

Shel's Top 10 of 2012

Hi all!  Sorry I've been a little absent on the blog.  The holidays are always a busy time, but this year has been absolutely nuts.  Throw in a promotion at work and I'm doing a vanishing act.  I promise to be better, mostly because I miss you all!

 

I had such a problem this year narrowing down my choices for my top 10 reads for 2012.  What a great year for book lovers, and if my TBR pile gets any bigger it's going to take over my entire house.  I only got in about 100 books this year and there were so many more great books I wanted to read.  So, without further adieu and in no particular order...

 

 

The Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer

 

 

The first two books, Storm and Spark, just knocked my socks off.  I love this series.

 

The Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep (Dark Frost and Crimson Frost)

 

This has been one of my favorite series since we started the blog (as I'm sure you can tell by my frequent ramblings on the subject).  This year brought us Dark Frost and Crimson Frost.  Both are freaking amazing.  Kudos Jennifer!
 

 

The Mephisto Covenant: The Redemption of Ajax by Trinity Faegen

 

 

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis  (And Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis and let's face it, pretty much anything by Jill Shalvis)

 

Ok, ok.  I know, but seriously, if you haven't picked up a Jill Shalvis book you NEED to.  She's supposed to be at the RT convention this year and it is very likely that I will go all fan-girl crazy when I meet her!  Her books are hilarious AND steamy.

 

Much Ado About Magic by Shanna Swendson

 

I was so happy that Shanna decided to self-publish the rest of the Enchanted, Inc series and she has not disappointed.

 

The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter

 

I soooo want to be a Gallagher Girl!

 

 

Shadows In The Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton

 

Wow, just wow.  That's all I can say for now.  You will have to check out my review in February.

 

Alex Van Helsing: The Triumph of Death by Jason Henderson

 

The finale of this great series.  I love Alex so much and am sad to see him go!  If HarperCollins or Harper Teen is reading this, please give us more of this seriously fun series!

 

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

 

 Oh Jem!  Oh Will!  I think you both need hugs!

Well, that's the best I could do to narrow down my Top Ten.  I know, I know, I cheated a little bit, but seriously, it's tough to pick just 10!  So, what are your favorites from 2012?

~Shel

 

 

A Peek in the Biblio-Bin (38)

Welcome to our Stacking the Shelves post! Stacking the Shelves (or as we like to call it, A Peek in the Biblio-Bin) has been created by the lovely ladies at Tynga Reviews.

Stacking the Shelves is a way for bloggers to share what books they have won, received for review, bought from the bookstore, borrowed from the library or friend, etc.

This is what we have in our bin this week. Tell us what's in your Biblio-bin!

Easy by Tammara Webber
Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis - 18+

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From Penguin:

Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there's nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade's strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

I love Jill Shalvis.  Her books and blog have given me countless hours of entertainment over the years (I first discovered her books back in 2006 or 2007 and never looked back).  No offense to Bel and Nat, but if Jill would agree, she would definitely be my new BFF!  She is the queen of the embarrassing, everyday situations.

Animal Attraction is the second in the Animal series.  I picked this up without having read the first book, Animal Magnetism (though I have it now).  While reading a series from the beginning is always my recommendation, you do not need to read Magnetism to enjoy Attraction. 

Animal Attraction is the story of Jade and Dell.  While Jade's story is a little more serious and intense than many of Jill's heroines, the story is still sexy, engrossing and fun.  If you like Lori Foster, Janet Evanovich or similar authors, you will love Jill Shalvis.

Check out her blog here:  http://jillshalvis.com/blog/

Also, if you friend her on Facebook you will get to enjoy her "Man Wars" with Kristin Higgins, which is a great reason to get out of bed on a given day.  I won't give away the surprise, just trust me, if you love hot boys, you will love Man Wars!

~Shel