Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward To In 2012

Top 10 of 2011 is a week long event hosted by the awesome Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Patricia and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books where we look back on all the awesome books of 2011 and look forward to all the amazing new releases of 2012.

There are a ton of books that I'm looking forward to next year so this post shall be easy to write up. For some really weird reason though writing this post brings up the saying, "Out with the old and in with the new." Hmm...I don't even know if it has anything to do with this post, but whatever. :)

NOTE: I'm not going to list a why for all ten books because if I did, they would pretty much all conclude to this: Why: Because it sounds freakin' amazeballs. That's why. And then that would be the end of that. I wanna read these ten books because they all just sound like something I would enjoy...based off their summary from goodreads. I can't see the future, hello, so who knows if I will after I read them but as of now, in this very moment, I want to read all ten of these choices.

TOP 10 BOOKS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2012

1. Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Publisher: Harper Collins/Balzer + Bray

Expected publication: January 24, 2012
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Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

2. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Expected publication: January 31, 2012
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NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL

Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART

Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 

3. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publisher: HarperCollins

Expected publication: January 3, 2012
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Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

4. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Expected publication: March 1, 2012
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I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln.

Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

5. Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Expected publication: January 5, 2012
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Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

6. Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Expected publication: September 18, 2012
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Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

7. Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James

Publisher: HarperTeen

Expected publication: January 24, 2012
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She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans. . . .

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

8. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Expected publication: April 24, 2012
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You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

9. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

Expected publication: May 1, 2012
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What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

10. Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Publisher: Straus and Giroux Books for Young

Expected publication: October 16, 2012
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Crewel does not have an official book cover yet.

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

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Man, 2012 is going to be one hell of an awesome book year! I'm so excited for all ten of these and I can't wait to read all of them, hopefully! If you haven't added these books to your to-be-read shelf on Goodreads, I recommend you scroll back up and click on all ten of those links and add 'em now.

So, have you ever heard of these books before? Which one sounds most appealing to you? Have you already read a few of these? If so, what did you think? Leave all your thoughts in the comments section below because I can't wait to see what you think!

Well people, we are at the end of 2011. Minor sad face. Man, I can't...wow, a whole year has gone by again. Unbelievable...well, not really but you know what I mean.

In yesterday's post I said I was going to include some stats and all that but turns out that I didn't really keep track of anything plus I'm really tired right now so no fun stats this year. Maybe next year, I'll actually keep track of everything and then I'll include that into my Top 10 of 2012 post! ;) Just maybe.

AND DON'T FORGET ↓

INSERT YOUR REACTION BELOW ↓

Top 10 Characters In 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is a week long event hosted by the awesome Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Patricia and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books where we look back on all the awesome books of 2011 and look forward to all the amazing new releases of 2012.

This post can be anything related to book characters so I figured why not do a combination of favorite villains, bffs, the other guy in the love triangle, etc. ;) Throughout the year, as I was reading a fews books, these characters stood out to me...besides the leading male and female so here is where they get their spotlight!

TOP 10 CHARACTERS IN 2011

1. Brea from Half Moon by Jordan Deen

Why: If there was a Best Friend Award, Brea would totally get it hands down!

2. Kate from Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Why: Because she was so real and cool and chill and flat out awesome!

3. Toraf from Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Why: Haha, I just love him. :)

4. Caleb from Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Why: If I were to have a guy bff, Caleb would be him, most definitely!

5. Diana from The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Why: Like I stated in my review, she showed the most growth to me and something about her just stood out to me.

6. Cadan from Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

Why: For him and the two fellows below, do you guys even need a why? JUST CAUSE.

7. Seth from Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Why: Like Seth would probably say, "What he ↑ ↑ ↑ said." LOL

8. Adrian Ivashkov from Frost Bite by Richelle Mead

Why: Better question, why NOT?! *wink wink*

9. Kristen from A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Why: She's got so much spunk and attitude! I like. When I think Kristen, I see this:

10. Luke from A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Why: He's the ultimate bad boy...and that's saying a lot because when the character is an obvious villain, I tend to stay away but man...I can't resist. ;)

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I think we have reached the easy posts of Top 10 of 2011 because this post for me was easy peasy! I think these characters will always be my top ten...for a while. But who knows. :)

What do you think? Do you agree with my choices? Have you ever heard of them? I like how I feature six characters from three authors, haha! Yeah, they're just that awesome!

Well, tomorrow is the last day of Top 10 of 2011 and that post is the one where we look back and forward, all at once. It will consist of the Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012 along with a few recaps of total number of books I've read, pages read, etc. I might even include some end of the year stats with any other stats I feel like sharing, haha!

Come back tomorrow, one last time, to look forward with me as we approach 2012.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Top 10 Book Boyfriends In 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is a week long event hosted by the awesome Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Patricia and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books where we look back on all the awesome books of 2011 and look forward to all the amazing new releases of 2012.

When I first saw the topic for today's post, I immediately went, "ONLY TEN?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"  Which was sort of dumb since I knew this whole week is all about the top ten but still, only ten? Choosing these guys was really hard. I think this list was the hardest to write for this whole week, actually. I love all of these guys very much - my husbands. <33 Okay, I'm rambling, let's get to them, in no particular order.

TOP 10 BOYFRIENDS IN 2011

1. Will from Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Why: Because I love his green eyes like crazy and his tattoos pushed me over the cliff.

Holy smokes, look at those eyes! I died.

2. Aiden St. Delphi from Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Why: Because of his thundercloud eyes. That is all.

Mmm-hmm, what that ↑ ↑ ↑ says. <3

3. Ash, the Ice Prince from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

Why: Because he's a prince, duuh! That alone stole my heart.

I totally picture my Ash just like this. :)

4. Luc Cain from Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Why: Because he's hot - literally - and just his character overall, like the things he says.

5. Dimitri Belikov from The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Why: First off, he's Russian - hello! And because he's just a sexy mother trucker!

Oh hot damn, Ben Barnes would be a pretty sexy Dimka too!

And check this out ↓ ↓ ↓

How sexy is that? I love Sophia Bush! <3

6. Haden Black from Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Why: Because he's so mysterious and dangerous.

Doesn't this picture just scream sexy, dangerous, and mysterious?

Totally Haden!

7. Samuel Roth from Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Why: Because he sings, plays the guitar, and he makes paper cranes. :)

I know, the picture says max for some reason, but oh well.

And look at those eyes!

8. Alex Kylar from Angel Burn by L. A. Weatherly

Why: Because he's a regular human but a super hot one at that and his AK tattoo on his arm.

See that tattoo right there? Uh-huh.

9. Renier Laroche from Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Why: Because he's an alpha male and because he's TEH SEXXXXX. <3

This could easily be Ren for me!

10. Patch Cipriano from Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Why: Because he's got so much charisma!

Remember this picture?! UUUUUNNNNFFFF.

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BWAHAHAHAHA, wasn't that a whole lot of sexiness?! Oh boy, I had a lot of fun writing up this post! Okay, to be honest, number nine and ten were cheat-cheats but I mean, who could resist Patch and Ren, for crying out loud! ;)

Who are your top ten boyfriends from this whole entire year?! Did any of your boyfriends make my list?! I would love to hear...or rather, read your thoughts! If you made a post, drop the link to it down there in the comments and I'll be sure to swing by!

Tomorrow's topic will be Top 10 Characters in 2011, such as favorite villains, bffs, the other guy in the love triangle, etc. ;) Come back and check out my top ten; don't miss it!

Top 10 Book Covers Of 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is a week long event hosted by the awesome Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Patricia and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books where we look back on all the awesome books of 2011 and look forward to all the amazing new releases of 2012.

Everyone has heard of the saying: Don't judge a book by its cover. But I think at some point in every bookworm's life, they have judged a book by its cover simply because, it's kind of hard not to do. Today's post will bombard your eyes will lots and lots of prettiness. Like, so much you'll be like this afterwards:

I'm sorry for the cuss words; tried to find one without.

There is no particular order as to how I listed them and also take note that even though I listed them, it doesn't necessarily mean that I have read them. I just like to drool at their amazing beauty. :)

TOP 10 BOOK COVERS OF 2011

1. Exiled by RaShelle Workman
Why: I love it for the little sparkle thingy above the D, the butterflies, and the colors.

Worlds divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them.

An alien princess exiled to Earth. An arrogant boy. One week to get back to her planet or she'll die. And, her only chance for survival? She must help the boy find his soul mate. Piece of cake!

Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become immortal, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family.

Now she wants revenge.

First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Michael find his soul mate.

Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.

Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters--alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her. Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week. Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Michael will fall in love with a human. But time is running out and Michael is falling for the wrong girl--her.

2. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Why: I love how the text/font is scattered throughout the cover, the model, and the coloring.

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape–before her time runs out?

3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Why: Of course, the model is gorgeous, the mysterious feel that the background evokes, and the color of the book.

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

4. Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
Why: I love the font of the title, the violet coloring in contrast with the black, and the model with the umbrella.

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

5. Anew by Chelsea Fine
Why: I absolutely love everything about this cover; the purple background, the model's uber blue eyes, and the arrow coming out of the A.

Two years ago, Scarlet awoke in the forest alone, afraid, and unable to remember anything. Lost and confused, her life was a mystery...until she met a boy with a familiar voice.

Gabriel Archer has a voice from her past, and Scarlet's determined to remember why. She immerses herself in his life only to discover he has a brother he's kept hidden from her: Tristan Archer.

Upon meeting Tristan, Scarlet's world becomes even more muddled. While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan--and confused out of her mind. As she tries to piece together her history Scarlet realizes her past...might just be the death of her. 

6. Wildefire by Karsten Knight
Why: I love how the flame starts out with the orange glow and then it disperses into smoke; also the purple-ish hue around the flame is stunning. If any of you have touched this book in person, you would know that the cover is oh so soft and addicting to the touch, I love it!

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

7. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Why: First of all, it's purple - hello! The outline of the hibiscus flower is so pretty and I love how it's not like a clear image of the flower. It reminds me of the movie Avatar (the blue people) and how everything lights up when someone touches it.

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

8. Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
Why: Obviously the black and white adds this whole different effect to the cover, overall. I also love this one because both Patch and Nora are on there. I love how the clouds are opening up, the wings on Patch's back and the waves.

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

9. Sneak Thievery by Samantha Young
Why: I don't think I even need to ask this! ;) The cover is breathtaking! The model, the horse, the moonlight - straight up mischief and mystery right there! If I saw this cover sitting on a bookshelf in stores, I would pick it up, no questions asked!

SPOILERY: I have not read this book but just to warn everyone, this is book two in The Fade series, so if you haven't read book one, you might want to skim over the summary.

L is surprised by how much she enjoys the transformation from mountain girl to a lady of Silvera. With a strong sense of self, she’s adamant that learning proper conduct, and how to speak and dress well, will provide her with a brighter future. She refuses, however, to give up her practical or straightforward nature. Or her crossbow.

When L meets Fane, a soldier in the Royal Guard, all she sees is a smart-mouthed, straight talking young man who seems to understand her. L thinks nothing of befriending him.

But Fane is not who he appears to be. Fane is a spy. And when war ships arrive on the coast of Silvera carrying Fane’s ruler, a mage more powerful than any of them could ever imagine,
Phaedra is plunged into darkness as an old legend proves true.

Reeling from the betrayal, L shrugs off the new her and pulls on the old.

It seems once more… she and Rogan have a princess to save.

10. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Why: I love how the model's dress turns into flower petals like they're shattering...like the title says. ;) I love how at the top and the bottom of the cover it's green-ish because it really draws my attention to the center of the book where the title and tagline are.

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger.

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

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Omg, I just went back through my list and out of all these ten, I have only read two of them. #MomoFail ;) So, what do you guys think of my top picks? I absolutely love all of them and I had a really fun time choosing and putting together this post, lol! So many pretties!

If you have a post, be sure to leave it in the comments and I will most definitely drop by to check out some more pretties!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for my Top 10 Boyfriends in 2011. Eee! This one should be fun to write up and share with all of you, not to mention how hard it will be to narrow it down. ;) I wouldn't miss it if I were you!

Top 10 Books I’ve Read In 2011

Oh my gosh, here we are - the last week of 2011. I can't believe it, this year seriously flew by. I know, lots of people probably say this at the end of every year but for some reason, this year really flew by in the blink of an eye!


Top 10 of 2011 is a week long event hosted by the awesome Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Patricia and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books where we look back on all the awesome books of 2011 and look forward to all the amazing new releases of 2012.
TOP 10 BOOKS I'VE READ IN 2011
Let me just say that I had a really hard time making this list. Well, it was hard until I took a look at my little scroll box down there on my sidebar where I listed all the books I read this year. And if you take a look, there are only thirty books there, lol. Then my choices were really narrowed down but it helped me out a ton too, so shall we get to it? Also, although I have my list numbered, there really isn't any particular order to them...besides the first three. ;)

1. The Crescent by Jordan Deen - I had read The Crescent way back in March, during the weekend of my birthday, to be exact, and instantly I fell in love with it. I'm not sure if it was because of my sister's constant raving that rubbed off on me or what, but the storyline of this series was unique and really captivating. I don't think many have heard of this series but I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone who can read. And I love it so much that my number two is:

2. Half Moon by Jordan Deen - Yeah, I love this series that much. Jordan Deen did amazing stuff in book two. I can't even express why I love them so much. Of the two though, this one is definitely my most favorite but who knows since book three hasn't been released yet. You know those kind of books where after you finish it you don't even know how to think or function? Yeah, these two stunned me breathless! I am still blown away by them because I still haven't gathered my thoughts completely to write my reviews for them. That amazing!



3. Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton - Aaah, I get so excited when I, or anyone, talks about Wings of the Wicked. It doesn't release until February 1st of 2012 (all of you should go pre-order it right now) so not a lot of people have read it yet but man oh man, this book did things to me. I think it was the emotional turmoil that took me over the edge. This book is action packed but I was hooked by the heart to Ellie and Will's relationship. Courtney Allison Moulton is a genius. A genius, I tell you!



4. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I love this book solely for the leading female, Alex. Man, I feel like I've been raving about this girl for a decade now. ;) She makes the Covenant series what it is and I mean, the guys are a total plus but Alex is what makes this series shine! Also, the mythology behind it is also very interesting and nothing like I've ever read! Total favorite!



5. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead - Any book that can make me bawl my eyes out immediately make the list for me. And man, I cried like a little 5 year old throwing a tantrum at a grocery store. I'm serious. If any of you have read this series, you might be able to understand why I was furious towards the end of this book. I was furious because...it was one those situations where I was like, "YOU CAN'T UNDO SOMETHING LIKE THAT! WHAT THE HECK WAS RICHELLE THINKING?!" Yeah, I was uber sad and pissed at the same time so my tears were full of fury and pain. And this book was totally my favorite from the entire series.

6. Falling Under by Gwen Hayes - Like I mentioned above, I'm a sucker for books that stir my emotions straight to tears and this book was another one of those. Gwen Hayes surely knows how to write a creeptastic novel. I just remember being seriously creeped out by this book but I loved it at the same time. And the ending was intense...hence the tears!

7. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford - This book is definitely a dark and twisty read. Whenever I think about this book, I see darkness, lol! Deep sigh....this book was surely something. I really enjoyed this read because it was different; Leah took angels and demons to a whole new level! And look at that cover - gorgeous!

8. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks - Omg, I know this book is not even out until May of 2012 but the awesome author sent me a copy to read and asdfjkl;asdfjkl;! ;) I can't even...blerugh! It's such a terrific read, maybe because I haven't read anything with mermaids before, but either way, make sure you guys include this into your "Must Read for 2012" pile.

9. Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers - Original Sin was one hot, sizzling read! As most of you probably know, I am a ginormous fan of Lisa Desrochers's books. The guys in this series are to die for, I mean, Luc Cain - humananah humananah and Gabe definitely has his appeal too! The dialogue of the different points of views just flowed off the pages and it was very entertaining to read.

10. Angel Burn by L. A. Weatherly - First off, I absolutely love Weatherly's writing! It was just...beautiful! I was completely blown away by the different take on angels, like they were seriously scary! I am also madly in love with Alex Kylar because he was just the normal human boy but he was oh so very hot and sexy!

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What are some of your top ten books of 2011? Are some of your top ten the same as mine?! Do share in the comments below! I would love to see your top picks! :)

Also, be sure to check back tomorrow for my top ten book covers of 2011! Don't miss it!