A closet readers take on: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Erotica, YA Fiction & Audiobooks

Saturday, December 31, 2011

TOP BOOKS OF 2011: Authors' Edition



Hope everyone had an amazing New Year's Eve! Today, I'm honored and very grateful to bring you: Carly Phillips, Nicole Peeler, Dakota Cassidy, Michelle Rowen, Shiloh Walker, Kelly Meding, Laurie London, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Tammy Kaehler, and Sang Kromah! These spectacular authors have stopped by the Nice Girls Blog to share their Top Books of 2011.




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Author: Karen Drogin/Carly Phillips
Website: www.carlyphillips.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

I want you to know I read over 400 books this year and going back on through wasn't easy! Thanks to my Kindle, I've read genres that are new to me as well this year. I've dug into authors and backlists like never before. This was NOT easy! :) For me, this wasn't about "best written" as I went through all the books I read - it was all about pure emotional reaction.

Top Books of 2011

#1 Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks - because any book that can make a jaded romance author/reader who's been reading for years, read with a painful lump in my throat for 3/4 of the book and then cry (literally) must take my # 1 spot.

#2 Wife by Wednesday - Catherine Bybee - recommended by someone on Twitter - a new author to me - and a good "old fashioned" marriage of convenience plot that read anything like an old fashioned book. Modern, strong heroine, lovable hero - really made me smile and stuck with me long after I finished!

#3 Can't Help Falling in Love - Bella Andre - I fell in love with Gabe Sullivan. Period. That and the story just held me captive from page 1!

#4 Laid Bare - Lauren Dane - A new genre for me this year - scorching erotica - but the heroine has a heart wrenching backstory - and I just fell in love with Erin. It's unusual for me to fall so in love with a heroine when I read - but I liked her so much - I wanted her happy and I wanted to be her friend! Or should I say I wanted her to be mine? And let me add Erin's "men" are something else as well. The other thing I loved about this book extends through the rest of the series - we revisit Erin, Todd and Ben in subsequent books and watch their unorthodox relationship grow as they deal with their families and reality.

#5 A Table for Three - Lainey Reese - Again scorching hot - to be honest, the way the heroine meets the heroes (yes plural) stretches the bounds of reality - but that's what I liked about this book - pure fantasy - Kade and Trevor are the yummiest heroes I've come across and when they decide that yes, they are "keeping" Riley, I just about melted.


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Author:
Nicole Peeler
Blog Address: http://nicolepeeler.com
Twitter Address: @NicolePeeler




Top Books of 2011

#1 Bad Day for Scandal by Sophie Littlefield / Mystery - Suspense / I just adore this series!

#2 Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell / Mystery - Suspense / Because I couldn't wait to see what happened with Mel.

#3 How To Knit A Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron / Romance / She's made me a fan of knit-lit.

#4 Silver Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells / Urban Fantasy / Because I can't believe it's the last one.

#5 Ocean's Touch by Denise Townsend / Romance / Because it's smexy!


Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Diana Rowland's My Life as a White Trash Zombie. God I love that cover.


Favorite Series of 2011


I ate up Richelle Mead's two adult series this year. I absolutely went ape shit for them and read them like they were going to burn a hole through my hands if I slowed down. I loved them!


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Name:
Dakota Cassidy
Website: www.dakotacassidy.net/
Twitter Name: @DakotaCassidy






Top Books of 2011

#1 Darynda Jones-- First Grave On The Right. I adore Darynda--she's snarky and clever and I've developed a huge fangirl crush on her this year!

#2 Susan Elizabeth Phillips-Call Me Irresistible--I love Susan's crazy concepts and her madcap comedy. I most especially love her hunky heroes and feisty heroine's :)

#3 Dead Undead Or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare -- I met J.A. at a conference this year, and fell in love with her, and I was thrilled she gave me one of her books to read because she's a fantastic writer! And seriously, who can resist a book with a vampire named Disco? Love it, love her!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

I don't really have a favorite cover--I know, my bad! But I've been reading on the Kindle, so I haven't as much looked at the covers as I have the authors names when I choose a book. And because it's been a crazy year, I haven't done nearly the kind of reading I'm used to. :(


Favorite Series of 2011


My favorite series would have to be Darynda Jones Grave series!


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Name: Michelle Rowen
Blog Address: www.michellerowen.com/blog
Twitter Address: www.twitter.com/michellerowen





Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / A fantastically epic ending to my favorite series (but happily there are more books coming in this world).

#2 Delirium by Lauren Oliver / YA-Dystopian / Beautifully written love story set in a dystopian world where "love" has been deemed a curable disease. I seem to enjoy books that tear my heart into pieces. Looking forward to book two.

#3 Bloodlines by Richelle Mead / YA-Urban Fantasy / The first book in the new series, which is a spin-off from Vampire Academy. I just love Adrian Ivashkov far too much.

#4 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa / YA Fantasy/ Such a fun twist on fae lore, great set up for a love triangle, and who doesn't love a talking cat? (Yes, this was a 2010 book but I only read it this year!)

#5 That Old Black Magic / Paranormal Romance/ Yes, I picked my own book. Sexy, funny demon, troubled witch, the final book in a trilogy. What's not to love? ;)

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff. This cover is absolutely stunning in person.


Favorite Series of 2011


The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.


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Name:
Shiloh Walker
Website: http://www.shilohwalker.com/website/
Twitter Address: @shilohwalker






Top Books of 2011

#1 Once and Again by Lauren Dane / Contemporary Romance / I loved the heroine. She was just plain fun.

#2 Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance - Dragons / Need I say more?

#3 Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh / Paranormal Romance / It's Nalini. It's one of her Archangel books, and it was awesome.

#4 Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / I hadn't read this one until a few weeks ago, although it's been out a while. But I loved it. I also have developed a mad love for Teddy Jo.

#5 Alphas by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / Because I loved her twist on angels... :-)

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

Ahhh... that one is hard. I don't tend to remember that very well. I'm blanking


Favorite Series of 2011


Stacia Kane's Downside series, Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels' series or the Stardoc books by SL Viehl. I can't narrow it down more than that...


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Name: Kelly Meding
Website: http://kellymeding.com/
Book Blog Address: http://chaostitan.blogspot.com
Twitter Address: http://twitter.com/KellyMeding





Top Books of 2011


These aren't exactly in order (I don't think), and one of them wasn't published this year (I read it for the first time this year, though), but here is my list!

#1 Soft Apocalypse, by Will McIntosh / Science Fiction / This is the only book I read this year that gave me actual nightmares. I thought about it for days after the final pages, because it's the kind of SF novel that really could happen--sooner, rather than later. Riveting and dramatic, it has one of the most brutal death scenes I've ever read.

#2 Sweet as Sin, by Inez Kelley / Contemporary Romance / A beautifully written love story about two damaged people who find each other. I loved the way the author used the book-within-a-book method to further illustrate the emotional battle waged by the hero, as he comes to terms with his past in order to find a happy future.

#3 Deadline, by Chris Crutcher / Contemporary YA / Even though the description of the book makes the ending a gimme, I still sobbed, because I loved the main character that much. A wonderful story about making the best of the time you have left.

#4 Precious and Fragile Things, by Megan Hart / Contemporary Fiction / I'm a huge fan of Hart's erotic contemporaries, and this book was a super departure for her. It was the first book I read in 2011, and it's still one of the best, with its nail-biting story line and a heartbreaking conclusion.

#5 Across the Universe, by Beth Revis / YA Science Fiction / Lovely writing, a fresh premise, and a tense mystery all wrapped up in a spaceship-shaped package, with a dash of teen love story. I loved everything about this book, and I can't wait for the sequel coming in 2012.


Favorite Book Cover for 2011


This is a tough one, because I read so much and in so many different genres. But one cover that I do keep going back to and staring at is SHINE, by Lauren Myracle. It's just so haunting and striking. It makes me want to open the jacket and see what the book is about.


Favorite Series of 2011


Hands down, it's the Donovan Brothers Brewery Trilogy, by Victoria Dahl (Good Girls Don't, Bad Boys Do, Real Men Will). Smart, fun, sexy--I gobbled them up in three days!


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Author:
Laurie London
Blog: www.LaurieLondonBooks.com
Twitter: @LaurieBLondon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor




Top Books of 2011


Since I've been on a zombie kick lately, here are some of my favorite reads this year.

#1 Feed by Mira Grant / Science Fiction & Fantasy / Decades after the zombie apocalypse happens, bloggers play a huge part in how news is disseminated in a world where people have cocooned themselves, rarely leaving their homes and neighborhoods. It's very fast paced and nail-bitingly scary. The world-building is fantastic and I loved her writing style.

#2 The Passage by Justin Cronin / The Passage by Justin Cronin / Okay, so this is a vampire story but they're zombie-like vampires. Can you imagine packs of them glowing in the trees then dropping down to suck your blood and kill you? There's even a scene at an abandoned shopping mall! Not only do you find out what happened that caused the apocalypse, but the story is epic-like in that it jumps forward about 100 years. Plus, how can you not want to read it when you learn the author came up with the story premise when his 8 year old daughter said she wanted him to write a book about a girl who saves the world.

And, last but not least, this isn't a zombie book, but I enjoyed it very much.

#3 A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin / Science Fiction & Fantasy / I started watching the HBO series first then quickly read the book. I need to read the second book before the new season starts up.


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Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Blog Address: http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/
Twitter Address: @JLArmentrout





Top Books of 2011


#1 Soul Screamers Books by Rachel Vincent / YA Paranormal / I read them all this year. Todd. Need I say more?

#2 Lover Eternal JR Ward / Adult Paranormal / I like the godzilla like beast. What can I say?

#3 Touch by Jus Accardo / YA Paranormal / I really love the whole killer touch thing.

#4 Unearthly by Cynthia Hand / YA Paranormal / This angel story really stuck with me.

#5 Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon / YA Paranormal / The whole elemental thing is fascinating.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


The Space Between by Brenna Yomanoff / I haven't read the book yet, but my God, that cover is gorgeous.


Favorite Series of 2011


Ah, that's an easy one. Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent


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Name: Tammy Kaehler
Website: www.tammykaehler.com
Blog: tammykaehler.blogspot.com & twofortheroadblog.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tkaehler
Facebook: facebook.com/Tammy



Top Books of 2011

(I’ll apologize in advance, because my recommendations will all be mysteries. They’re what I read, write, and love the most!)

#1 Trick of the Light by Louise Penny / Mystery / The first chapter of this book is quite simply magic. It’s one of the best descriptions I’ve ever read of the peculiar mix of bone-deep terror and transcendent joy that is the sharing of something one has created with the world. And the story just gets better from there. Read Penny’s entire Inspector Gamache/Three Pines series. Every book is beautifully written, and though the characters aren’t always good or true or just, you’ll still wish yourself in the village with them.

#2 One Was a Soldier by Julia Spencer-Fleming / mystery / I love this book. Her writing is warm, evocative, and intelligent, and somehow manages to be comforting and educational in the midst of exploring murder, other crime, and the aftermath of soldiers gone to war. She devastatingly illustrates how war doesn't just exist “over there,” but is brought home too, existing here in the people who've had to live it. I was moved.

#3 Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger / Mystery / This is the latest in Krueger’s series (which I just discovered this year) featuring Cork O'Conner, a part Irish-American, part Ojibwe former county sheriff in Northern Minnesota. Cork’s no superhero, but he's good and just, and you want him to be your friend and champion. Northwest Angle is a gripping story that starts with a natural disaster and ends with a man-made one. It'll have you short of breath and appreciating how Krueger makes you feel part of the action.

#4 The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle / Mystery / I found Tina’s book because we share a publisher, and the minute I finished the first chapter, I started running around making people read it … because it was just that compelling. Her writing sucks you into the story immediately, entertains you, and leaves you puzzling (in a good way) over the plot. It’s a great read.

#5 Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen / Mystery / This is the latest in a really fun series about Lady Georgiana, who is 34th in line to the British throne, yet penniless, and trying to survive in 1930s London. In Naughty in Nice, Georgie ends up in France discharging a task for Her Majesty, solving a nasty murder, and modeling clothes for Coco Chanel. Bowen’s books are always entertaining romps, and I enjoyed this one every bit as much as her others.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


I’m horribly biased, but nothing will ever compare to my own first book cover! Dead Man’s Switch, Tammy Kaehler


Favorite Series of 2011


Sophie Littlefield’s “A Bad Day for …” series about Stella Hardesty, avenger of wronged women. It’s hilarious.


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Name: Sang Kromah
Book Blog Address: http://sangkromah.com/author-blog/
Twitter Address: www.twitter.com/SangWrites





Top Books of 2011


#1 Concealed by Sang Kromah / Young Adult Fiction / I'm thinking my opinion would be biased since I am the author. But I wanted to tell a story that hasn't been told before...a story that defies the laws of storytelling yet endears itself to every reader. I made up the back story as a child...almost as an escape from reality. It's a story like nothing else in today's YA genre. Concealed is a modern-day cautionary tale, set in Sykesville, Maryland, about finding the courage to choose your own destiny, while paying tribute to lore of foreign lands.

#2 The Seventh Blessing by Melissa Buell / Young Adult Fiction / Melissa Buell's world building was what drew me into this novel. Imagine believing one thing about yourself, only to discover it’s all been a lie. That’s the situation Samantha, Princess of Mittra, finds herself in when she realizes the gifts given to her by the fairies weren’t truly hers at all. So if you're a fan of fairies, this tale is an original take on fairy lore.

#3 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi / Young Adult Fiction / This was one of those books that a lot of my friends pushed me into reading, and I must say, I'm glad I did. At the end of every chapter, I was very reluctant to stop. I must say that if you're an X-Men and Hunger Games fan, you'll enjoy Shatter Me.

#4 Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick / Young Adult Fiction / The Hush, Hush series was the first series that got me into the angels. This series prompted me to read Fallen as well, but Crescendo is the best I've read so far. It's a definite must-read!

#5 Passion by Lauren Kate / Young Adult Fiction / I loved this third installment of the Fallen series for the simple fact that Luce, the main character, gets to see first hand, why everything is happening to her. It answers so many questions. So even though it wasn't my favorite book of the year, I was satisfied.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Wither by Lauren DeStefano


Favorite Series of 2011


The Hallowmere Series by Tiffany Trent. I read them all and then found out that the author just stopped writing the series. I was very disappointed, because I fell in love with this series.


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I wanna thank all of the authors for helping me with this post! All of the authors involved were amazing and very helpful. I appreciate them taking the time out of their busy holiday schedules.

Check back tomorrow for my Top Audiobooks of 2011 post!


TOP BOOKS OF 2011 - Blogger Edition


It’s just about time for the party hats, noise makers, and countdowns to begin. I may not have a big shiny ball or Dick Clark, excuse me, I mean Ryan Seacrest, but I’m having my very own countdown. This has been a great year of book! I watched one of my most beloved series come to a heartbreaking end, as well as picked some new spectacular series as well.

With 2012 just around the corner, I decided to get together with my favorite book bloggers, authors and audiobook narrators to ask them about their favorite books of 2011. This blog is part one of three in my Top Books of 2011 series (Book Bloggers, Authors, & Audibooks).





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Name :
Samantha
Book Blog Address: http://chicklitplus.com
Twitter Address: @chicklitplus



Top Books of 2011

#1 A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess / Chick Lit / A laugh out loud comedy that will have you relating, laughing, and cringing with the main character!

#2 Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Roud / Women’s Fiction / A book that will inspire women to always be their best and work hard at their goals.

#3 Girl in a Spin by Clodagh Murphy / Chick Lit / A novel that will make you think, laugh and cry. An all around total package.

#4 Stay by Allie Larkin / Women’s Fiction / Super cute cover, and a book for animal lovers. I almost bought a dog solely because of this book.

#5 Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank / Women’s Fiction / My first book from one of my new favorite authors. Will pull you in at the first page.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011

The Whole Package by Cynthia Erlangen / Elegant and classy!


Favorite Series of 2011


Mysteries A La Mode by Wendy Lyn Watson / I love her cozy mysteries!


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Name: Sophia (Fiction Vixen):
Book Blog Address: http://www.fictionvixen.com
Twitter Address: https://twitter.com/#!/fictionvxn/




Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / This series is my most favorite UF series of all time and this final book in the series was awesome. Mac and Barrons had an amazing journey.

#2 Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews / Urban Fantasy / Another fabulous UF series that just keeps getting better and better. The Andrew's team write such engaging characters.

#3 Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep / Urban Fantasy / I feel like I've waited so long for Gin to get her final revenge and Jennifer Estep did not let Gin down. Amazing action in this one.

#4 Sweet as Sin Inez Kelley / Contemporary Romance / This was an emotionally powerful story. One of my favorite Inez Kelley titles.

#5 Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt / Historical Romance / I adore this series and couldn't wait for Charmin' Mickey's story. He was horrible but I loved him.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


I don't really go crazy for covers so this is a hard one for me. I really like historical romance covers because I'm a sucker for a pretty dress. But on the other hand I like gritty UF covers too. If I had to pick a favorite cover I'd say the original cover for Enclave by Ann Aguirre, when it was called Razorland

Favorite Series of 2011


The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning hands down.


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Name: Mandi
Book Blog: www.smexybooks.com
Twitter Name: @smexybooks



Top Books of 2011

#1 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / The fifth and final book of the fever series blew me away. An amazing ending to my favorite urban fantasy series. We finally got answers to this very intense, dark and sexy series. I'm sad it is over, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

#2 Unraveled by Courtney Milan / Historical Romance / I was so looking forward to this book, after we meet the hero in a previous book in this series. Smite exceeded all my expectations. He was so tortured, and the heroine was a perfect match for him. My favorite historical of the year.

#3 Divide and Conquer by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux / Mystery - Romance / This series as a whole is one of my favorite romance series out there. Ty and Zane, both FBI agents are so intense and emotional together. Their books leave me wrecked for days, and I can barely stand the wait for the next one.

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Name: Fiktshun
Book Blog Address: http://www.fiktshun.com
Twitter Name: @fiktshun



Top Books of 2011

#1 A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / I am obsessed with this book. I re-read it so many times. I love how dark it is, how twisty-turny. I love that no punches were pulled and nothing was held back. It was dark. Brutal. Awesome.

#2 If I Die by Rachel Vincent / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / It was the ultimate roller-coaster of emotions. My heart was crushed, it was lifted, I lived in torment from beginning to end. It was merciless. It was amazing.

#3 Wildefire by Karsten Knight / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / Another one of my obsessions. I loved how kick-a this book and the MC is. I loved the beautiful writing. And I loved its originality and the knock you into yesterday cliffhanger ending.

#4 Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey / YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy / The book that made me fall in love with witches. The writing blew my mind. The creativity and imagination that kept me riveted. The promise of so many amazing things to come.

#5 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi /YA Paranormal - Urban Fantasy -Dystopian /It left me breathless. It broke my heart. It took me weeks to recover. It was beautiful. Fragile. It was everything.


Just have to say that I’m so sad that this is not top 10, because it was painful to cut books I desperately wanted to include. I cheated the system a little by putting two of my top tens reads into the cover and series categories though!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey / (Also one of my top ten reads of the year, but I was only allowed to choose 5.) / The most beautiful cover I’ve seen this year. The first one that pops into my mind. The artwork is stunning. The dress shattering into petals is beautiful. The colors are rich yet subtle and simply beautiful. The cover is totally pet-able.

Favorite Series of 2011


Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout from her new Covenant series. / This series is already a favorite of mine. Having only read the first novel and the novella, I’m a fan for life. The heroine is totally fierce. The demons are even fiercer. Deity Island is a place even I want to be. The boys are yummy. And the action doesn’t’t let up.

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Names: Julie, Leisha, and Jennifer of A Tale of Many Reviews
Book Blog Address: http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com
Twitter Address: @Tale_of_Reviews

Top Books of 2011

These are a mix of picks from me, Leisha, and Jennifer. We all review for the blog. They are not in a particular order.

#1 Ashfall by Mike Mullin - Julie / YA Mystery - Suspense
#2 Where She Went by Gayle Foreman - Jennifer / YA Romance
#3 Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard - Julie & Leisha / Contemporary Romance
#4 The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines - Julie / YA Romance
#5 The Rift Walker by Cay & Susan Griffith - Jennifer / Urban Fantasy

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Destined by Jessie Harrell

Favorite Series of 2011


Elemental Mysteries Series by Elizabeth Hunter - Leisha

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Name:
Parajunkee
Book Blog Address: www.parajunkee.com
Twitter Name: @parajunkee




Top Books of 2011


#1 Enclave (Razorland, #1) by Ann Aguirre / Urban Fantasy / I thought Aguirre blended the dystopian genre with the zombie myth so well and her established writing pattern showed so fantastically in this book. She proved that an adult writer could pen a phenomenal young adult book.

#2 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning / Urban Fantasy / Shadowfever was the end of an era for me. For years I had been left with cliff hangar after cliff hangar via the evil (j/k!!) Karen Marie Moning. Shadowfever was the conclusion that I desperately wanted and even opened up with more questions. A book that you finish and then you have to page right back to the first page to star again.

#3 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern / Science Fiction & Fantasy / This one was so beautifully written and imagined that if I taught an English class I would assign it immediately. I can't wait to see what will become of this movie but I know it will never compare to the book, there is just no way it can be interpreted to film.

#4 Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, #1) by Lisa J. Bick / YA Fantasy / I was blown away with Bick's writing style and the desperate situation of this apocalypse novel. From page one this book grips you and doesn't let you go - not even after you finish it.

#5 The First Days (As The World Dies: A Zombie Trilogy #1) by Frater, Rhiannon / Science Fiction & Fantasy / I've taken on a new obsession as of late and that one just happens to be zombies. The First Days did more than just feed my obsession it raised the standards that I will measure all other zombie novels. It's a great book.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Favorite Series of 2011


The Fever series ended for me this year and remains one of my favorite series of all time.


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Name: Kelly @ Reading With Martinis
Book Blog Address: http://readingwithmartinis.com
Twitter Address: @MartiniReading


Top Books of 2011

#1 Divergent by Veronica Roth / YA Dystopian / I loved this book because it was made of so much awesome! Fabulous characters, action-packed, I loved the world that Roth created, it was just amazing! I can't wait for the sequel, Insurgent!

#2 The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson / YA Dystopian-Speculative fiction / I had so many people recommend this book to me. I kept putting off reading it, and then it ended up being one of the best books I read this year. Jenna Fox is an amazing character. She grapples with an unfathomable situation and that situation left me breathless! I couldn't put this book down! It is so well-written, so engrossing, I would totally recommend it to everyone!

#3 Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult / Contemporary Fiction / I am a huge Picoult fan and I always enjoy her work. But she managed to completely blow me away with this book! It was such an emotional read for me. I laughed along with the characters, and I cried at the novel's ending. It was absolutely tremendous!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (the one with the girl in the white dress. I have seen several covers for this book).

Favorite Series of 2011


The Hunger Games trilogy

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Name: Katie Bartow
Mundie Moms: http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MundieMoms



Top Books of 2011

#1 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare / YA-Paranormal / I absolutely LOVE this Victorian London era Shadowhunter world. What Cassie does in Clockwork Prince is brilliant. That's the best way to describe this book. I loved every moment of it, even the parts where she broke my heart into a million pieces and then picked it back up again. Cassie also has a talent for her surprises, and there's a few things that happened in CP that I didn't even see coming. Not to mention she has written the best love triangle ever. I know that sounds fan girly, but the Jem-Tessa-Will love triangle is my all time favorite one. I can not wait for Clockwork Princess.

#2 The Iron Queen by The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa / YA-Paranormal /A broken fey Prince, a hilarious side kick who loves to make jabs at him any time he can and a forbidden romance...... SOLD! I love this series for those reasons alone, and then some. Julie's writing is so addicting, I can't ever seem to get enough of it. Though this series has ended, it will forever be one of my all time favorite fey and YA series. If you haven't yet, go pick it up!

#3 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi / YA - Romance / Can I just say brilliant!?! I'm completely blown away that this is her debut book! Tahereh's writing is brilliant, flawless and completely captivating. This dystopian is a MUST READ! I don't even know what else to say about this book other than the fact I am totally in love with this story line. There's a fantastic heroine, two well written love interests, though one of them is a little twisted and the love is not reciprocated back, plenty of plot twists, action and that shocking ending that leaves me wishing I had the sequel now. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

Favorite Book Cover from 2011

This is a hard one, as there were a lot of fabulous covers released this year. I'm going to say that Clockwork Prince was my all time favorite. I love what Simon & Schuster has done with the Infernal Device covers and Clockwork Prince with Jem on the front was their best one yet.

Favorite Series from 2011


This will be no surprised, The Infernal Devices. Again, I love the Victorian Era Shadowhunter world Cassie's created and the entire cast of characters. That's not saying I don't love The Mortal Instrument Series any more, because I do, it's just that the Infernal Devices series is my all time favorite of Cassie's. When you meet Will, Jem and Tessa you'll understand why ;)


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First: The Lit Bitch
Book Blog Address: http://www.thelitbitch.com
Twitter Address: @thelitbitch



Top Books of 2011

#1 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon / historic fiction - romance / I loved it's originality, I have not read anything like it. The characters are bewitching and play to each others weaknesses and stregnths beautifully. I loved that the book has something for everyone...action, adventure, fantasy, romance, humor, history....everything! I can't say enough good things about this book and series as a whole. I could easily put every single one of the books on this list but then it wouldn't be much of a variation now would it :).

#2 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig / historic fiction - romance / It was hilarious! A spy paradoy but yet belivable adventure mixed with some romance. I loved this book, I haven't had a book make me laugh out loud, literatlly till I had tears...in a long time!

#3 Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare / YA - steam punk -fantasy / A nice break from vampire infused romance YA novels! This book balanced adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, and young romance in a steampunk Victorian world. It was AWESOME I was so anxious to read the next book. I loved Will, the dark, brooding gothic hero and who could not love the passionate Jem? It is the first in a trilogy which promises to be a great series!

#4 Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare / YA - steampunk - fantasy / I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. I was so anxious to find out what happened next in the series that I simply HAD to read this one ASAP! Clockwork Angel left a huge cliff hanger so I was biting my nails till this one came out. The adventure, love triangle, and mysteriousness only thickens as this book progresses....I can't wait to see how everything works out in the next book! Who will Tessa pick is the big question!

#5 Soulless by Gail Carriger / fantasy- sci-fi - steam punk / Who could not love the spunky and witty Alexia Tarabotti? She is a great heroine and reading about her adventures with the paranormal sect living in London was second to none. I read the novel in 1 day, finally someone made Victorian London seem positively ravishing and exciting!

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare or Outlander (the first book) by Diana Gabaldon.

Favorite Series of 2011:


The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

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Name: Stacey O'Neale
Book Blog Address: http://www.staceyoneale.com & http://www.yafantasyguide.com
Twitter Address: @StaceyONeale

Top Books of 2011

#1 Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare / YA Fantasy / This story is so rich with both it's characters and setting. I am so torn between my love for Will and Jem that I can actually argue a case for both. Seriously, I am in love with this series and will cry when it ends.

#2 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead / YA Fantasy / I am so late, I know. I have avoided this series for years because most books don't live up to the hype, but THIS ONE DOES. It's so fantastic on every level. I read the first one in two days and requested the rest of the series immediately after. I'm such a junkie now for this series.

#3 City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare / YA Fantasy / Anyone who follows me on twitter knows that I am so nutty for all things shadowhunter. This book is the best in the series thus far. I was literally laughing out loud, and then ten pages later, crying. Not many authors can get me teary-eyed.

#4 Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins / YA Fantasy / I am absolutely in love with her protagonist. I want to be her or at least be her best friend. She cracked me up on nearly every page. I'm reading the second book of the series now.

#5 Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr / YA Fantasy / This was the conclusion to her bestseller series, Wicked Lovely. I thought I had this series all figured out, but Melissa is so creative that she managed to come up with an ending that I didn't expect. All the storylines tied together seamlessly and I was pleased when it was over. I'll miss the characters especially Seth & Niall. I've heard it's being made into a movie and I'm really looking forward to it.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - It's underwater and you can't see their faces but you know it's a boy and a girl. I actually bought it without reading the description which I almost never do. I haven't read it yet, but I've heard it's really good!

Favorite *NEW* Series of 2011


I didn't want to pick from the list I already created so I changed mine to read NEW series of 2011. My favorite NEW series is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. The first book in the series came out in November and it rocked me from page one. It was unputdownable. I literally carried it with me around the house until I finished it in one day. I cannot wait to see where this story goes!

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Name: Stephanie
Book Blog Address: http://www.readinasinglesitting.com
Twitter Address: @readinasitting



Top Books of 2011

#1 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery / young adult / 2011 was the year in which I discovered Librivox, and I've had a wonderful time catching up on or revisiting many notable classics. Having for some reason skipped by Anne of Green Gables as a child, I decided it was time to make amends, and promptly found myself zipping through the entire series in audiobook format. Warm, loving and full of good humour, Anne is the kind of heroine you'd love as your best friend (so long as she's not cooking dinner for you), and her antics and surprising wisdom are an utter delight--it's no surprise that this series has continued to enchant readers for generations.

#2 Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper / young adult / Award-winning young adult author Mary Hooper has rocketed to the top of my must-read list as a result of her recent novels Fallen Grace and Velvet, both of which are elegant, enchanting novels set in Victorian London. In Fallen Grace, Hooper examines the culture of death and mourning in London in this era, and artfully blends the horror of life in the Big Smoke with small whimsies and Dickensian characters who'll stay with you long after the book is done.

#3 Tantony by Ananda Braxton-Smith / young adult/ Ananda Braxton-Smith's Tantony is proof that a book should not be judged by appearances alone. Set aside largely due to its less than appealing cover, this one languished in my review pile for months before I finally picked it up. All I can say is that I'm glad that I did: the book is utterly exquisite from start to finish. An historical YA, Tantony examines mental illness in a time where neuroatypicality was thought to be the stuff of evil spirits, and it's a deeply moving, heart-wrenching read. Braxton-Smith's prose is lilting and musical, taking its inspiration from the Celtic poets, and her characters complex and painfully real.

#4 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett / middle grade / Hodgson Burnett's famous novel was a favourite during my childhood, and I tortured my parents by watching it over and over. Revisiting it as an adult, however, I found that this novel resonated on so many levels: the focus on emotional renaissance through nature and relationships; the importance of engaging with and dealing with one's demons in order to grow as an individual; and even the fascinating (if admittedly objectionable) depictions of class and race during these times.

#5 Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett / literary / Favel Parrett's debut has received wide critical acclaim since publication, and deservingly so, too. Past the Shallows is a laconic, subtle examination of live in small-town Tasmania, where the ocean looms large and the future prospects of the town's residents are quickly dwindling. The book is told from the viewpoints of two young boys whose family has been torn apart by death and depression, and who look set to follow the same desultory path. It's a magnificent, moving read, and one that you won't be able to put down.

Favorite Book Cover for 2011


I adored this collection of Art Deco-inspired F Scott Fitzgerald covers by Coralie Bickford. Certainly proof that great covers can sell books!

Favorite Series of 2011


I've thoroughly enjoyed Michael Grant's young adult "Gone" series, in which all of the adults in a small Californian town abruptly vanish, leaving their children to fend for themselves. It's part Stephen King, part Lord of the Flies, and it's wonderful gory fun. The books may look action-oriented and slight on the surface, but there's a lot going on thematically in these--politics, economics, and philosophy all get a thorough working out.

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Name: Laurie
Book Blog Address: www.dangerousromance.com
Twitter Address: @dangerromance



Top Books of 2011


#1 Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance / I'm usually more of an Urban Fantasy then Paranormal Romance kinda girl. This book was such a wonderful surprise, the writing was witty, sexy, exciting, hilarious and addictive. The couple could not be more different, not only were they not like eachother...they weren't like any other couple out there in PNR. The story of Dragos Culebre and the secret his love interest was hiding, the chase she leads him on...just great stuff. This book spurred more comments at my blog then just about any other, and we kept going back and re-reading our favorite parts over and over. The world Harrison has created is refreshing and creative and there are 3 sequels so far. Which brings me to my 2nd favorite book of the year...

#2 Oracle Moon by Thea Harrison / Paranormal Romance / Books two and three in the series were good, very good. But the recently released book 4, took me back to what I loved so much about book one. Characters we've gotten to know through the other books make appearances, and the love story was incredibly touching, and has great scenes that can go from hilarious to heartbreaking. Harrison's world is filled with so many different interconnected stories I can't wait to read what else she throws at us, but the story of the Oracle and the Djinn will always be one of my favorites.

#3 Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews / Paranormal Romance / Ilona and her husband Gordon write fantastic, nail biting, nerve wracking Urban Fantasy. The sexual chemistry between Kate Daniels and the King of all the shifters, Curran is sizzling hot. No "Moonlighting Curse" here, this book is even better now that they have finally gotten together. If you haven't read any of this series you have to start with book one, and read slowly...Ilona Andrews has started writing another series, it will be a solid two years before another Kate Daniels story comes out, so savor them.

#4 The Bitter Seed of Magic by Suzanne McCleod / Urban Fantasy / I wish I could put my finger on what it is that makes this series so great. Written by a British author and set in London, it is refreshing to read something not set in America, but what shines for me is the great chemistry between the characters and how complex the plots are. Genny is a Spellcracker, she can not only unwork a spell, she can usually tell who crafted it. She is a sympathetic character who through no fault of her own is walking the line between the worlds of the Vampires, The Fae and the Witches. McLeod's spellcracker series also features one of the hottest Vampires I've ever read. Malik gives Eric Northman a run for his money.

#5 The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss / Epic Fantasy / This was the most anticipated book I read this year. I fell head over heels in love with Rothfuss' writing in his debut, "The Name of the Wind" which came out about 4 years ago, and I never thought the sequel would come out. When book two finally came out this year, I was afraid it might disappoint, but it was even better then book one. Rothfuss took the Fantasy Fiction world by storm with book one, and having received so many comparison's to the greatest writers of Fantasy, there was a lot riding on the sequel, but it did not disappoint. No sophomore slump here, brilliant prose, deeply textured and layered plots upon plots, a character that is a hero for the ages. If you love fantasy and haven't read The Name of the Wind, you are in for a wonderful ride, and lucky you...you won't have to wait 4 years for the sequel like I did. However, you will have to wait about two more years to read book 3. That's just how Rothfuss rolls.

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I really wanna thank all of the book bloggers who helped me with this post! I really appreciate your help. Check back over next couple days to see your favorite authors Top Books of 2011 and favorite narrators Top Audiobooks of 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S