Bel's Top 10 of 2014

Oh boy! I always have a tough time with narrowing down which ones to include. I realized in putting my Top 10 together that the books on this list are ones that my mind always travels back to. I figure if these books come to my mind as often as they do, then they must be it, right?

Winger by Andrew Smith

When I first picked up this book, I never suspected that it would affect me as much as it did. It wrenched my heart and the aftermath left me gutted for days. I’d do it all over again.

Play by Kylie Scott

One word: Mal. The second in the Stage Dive series delivered the funniest, hottest, most ridiculous scenarios. Mal's character made me laugh hard. He is the class clown who happens to be a freaking hot drummer, mischievous to the core and one of my top 5 fictional boyfriends. 

This Is Falling (Falling #2) by Ginger Scott

What a delightfully gradual fall! I fell head over heels for this one about a girl suffering from PTSD and the sensitive co-ed who befriends her. I'll repeat what I said in my review in that I wish I could experience this book for the first time over and over.

Breakable by Tammara Webber

I so loved Easy which is an all-time favourite and an obvious go-to choice for me. This sequel, Webber's solid writing shows us events told from Lucas’ POV, revisits his painful past and how he came to be the man he is today.

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

It was a difficult choice between this and Jordan's other NA title, Wild, which I loved also. I eventually went with this because its dark, gritty premise explored many thought-provoking questions about who has the potential for violence, if it can be accurately predicted and how to stave off that threat. Do potential offenders deserve humane treatment? And what if you could fight it?

The Geography of Me and You by Jennifer E. Smith

This was the ultimate in sweetness. Two strangers trapped in an elevator during a blackout in NYC. Their connection spans several states and even continents. And my favourite part about this book? The many lovely quotes to choose from.

Sway by Kat Spears

This one surprised me big time. The premise had me thinking it would be pretty funny, and it was. But it was also uncomfortable and wrong in places due to the main character's lack of a social filter. What caught me off guard was how much I ended up liking the at times loathsome, sarcastic and opportunistic protagonist.

The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

This follow-up to The Edge of Never was so wonderful. The title alone eludes to hope. Camryn and Andrew create their own happiness and adventure, making it hard not to love them for it! 

How To Get Ainsley Bishop To Fall In Love With You by T.M. Franklin

So much awesome here! I have a special fondness for this one as I’ll always remember laughing out loud, reading it on the beach in the Bahamas. It’s smart, funny and witty. Honestly, you’ll fall in love with Oliver because he's the “forever boy”.

The Tyrant’s Daughter by J.C. Carleson

This is a very gripping story about a girl who’s transplanted to America from her war torn country that was once ruled by her dictator-father. Through her eyes, the reader gets to see life from a different cultural perspective. It’s an eye-opening and consuming read.

 


Okay, in some circles this may considered as "cheating" but I would be remiss if I didn't include some honorable mentions. Please forgive me but I just had to throw some more love out there...

Undone by Cat Clarke
A young girl dealing with her best friend's suicide seeks revenge on the popular group of high school kids she blames for his death. You'd think it would be all serious but it's sometimes charming tone and surprisingly funny moments help to offset the somber mood. The ending leaves plenty of room for interpretation.

 

The Summer I Wasn't Me by Jessica Verdi
You've read books about people coming to terms with being gay. In this, the main character has already accepted that fact but feels she must "fix" herself in order to help her mother heal emotionally from her father's death.

The Hook Up (Game On #1) by Kristen Callihan
Ms. Callihan doesn't know this but she almost owed me a brand new tablet because holy cow, this book is freaking hot!!

Beneath The Stain by Amy Lane
Two words: Amy Lane. She describes love in all its extremes so perfectly that it's hard not to be affected. Imagine if she did greeting cards! 










All right then. I've shown you mine, now let's see yours!  

~ Bel

The Edge of Always (The Edge of Never #2) by J.A. Redmerski

* * * * 

Five months ago, Camryn and Andrew, both dealing with personal hardships, met on a Greyhound bus. They fell in love and proved that when two people are meant to be together, fate will find a way to make it happen.

Now, in the highly anticipated sequel to The Edge of Never, Camryn and Andrew are pursuing their love for music and living life to the fullest as they always swore to do. But when tragedy befalls them, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. As Camryn tries to numb her pain, Andrew makes a bold decision: To get their life back on track, they'll set out on another cross-country road trip. Together they find excitement, passion, adventure-and challenges they never could have anticipated.

Reading The Edge of Never made for a great start to my new year. They may have only been words but I felt just as much as if I was on the open road as Camryn and Andrew and it made me that much more anxious for Always. 

Camryn and Andrew are blissfully, ridiculously, nauseatingly in love. They’re living in Galveston, Andrew healthy and Camryn glowing, content with where they are in life for the most part. Camryn is missing North Carolina so they return for a brief visit where they experience an unfortunate event. This time the devastation is so personal for Camryn that she resorts to a dangerous way to ease her pain. When Andrew sees her potential downward spiral, he decides the best medicine is to remove themselves from their surroundings and go on another roadtrip.

It’s amazing how much Andrew loves and adores Camryn completely. He notices all the little things about her, knows when something is off, understands her body language and anticipates her every move. And he’s ever so patient with her as the fog slowly lifts  from her head.

Despite the tragedy that happens at the beginning, this roadtrip is even better than the previous one. They’re so at ease with each other now that they’re even more fun. Their destinations and activities speak to who they are and they are a unit. They’re growing up, realizing that they need to find a balance to sustain their wanderlust lifestyle. Whatever they decide to do, they refuse to compromise who they are and what they love.  My favorite passages are when they come up with promises they make to each other that come into play later. These vows they make are unique and true to them.

Even with how much I loved the premise of Never, I still approached Always with a teeny tiny sliver of skepticism. I mean as exciting as it is to just take off, it also feels so reckless. But that’s what’s compelling about this series – breaking free, exploring and not worrying about having it all mapped out in front of you. They enjoy every moment they have together and immerse themselves in whatever surroundings they're in. (It's fun when we skip a few years into the future and see how their lives have panned out. I was all smiles by this point.) Their dreams may be idealistic but they’re making them happen. 

I am in love The Edge of Always and even think it surpasses its predecessor. Better yet, I have found a new fictional boyfriend in Andrew. He's all grown up and has eyes for just one lady in his life. Andrew sets the bar very high and when you read it too you’ll understand why!

~ Bel

A Peek In The BiblioBin #83

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


For Review:

The Edge of Always (The Edge of Never #2) by J.A. Redmerski

Pretty Sly (Pretty Crooked #2) by Elisa Ludwig

Once In A Lifetime (Lucky Harbor #9) by Jill Shalvis


Purchased:

Wait For You (Wait For You #1) by J. Lyn

The Edge of Never (The Edge of Never #1) by J.A. Redmerski

Going Up by Amy Lane

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion