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Monday, 31 December 2012

Best Books of 2012

Source
This year has come to an end and when I look at all the books I've read in 2012 I realize that there are so many brand new favourite authors and series I have discovered that 2012 has indeed been a great year! Let me share with you my favourite reads of 2012 in no particular order (as you can see most are historical and contemporary romances):

Best Historical Romances

Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow 

As soon as I read the first couple of sentences of Heather Snow's debut novel I knew it would be a terrific read, and it was. I devoured it, loved it, and had withdrawal symptoms once I finished it. Since then Book #2 Sweet Deception has been released as well, and now I'm counting back the days until I can read Book #3, Sweet Madness. If by any chance you haven't read this series yet, do, you'll discover a beautifully written series where romance and intrigue are masterfully interwoven, with loveable and complex characters. 


The Runaway Countess by Leigh LaValle

Another new author I have discovered. Leigh Lavalle's fluent and evocative writing style is enchanting, another HR author to put on your wishlists!


Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett
  
This book reminded me so much of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Not because of the set up but rather due to the same feeling and enjoyment it caused. The hero is swoon-worthy, the writing is romantic and light, a true delight! I loved it and have become a big fan of Alyssa Everett!


Beauty and the Bounty Hunter by Lori Austin

Another big discovery this year: though I have heard Lori Handeland's name in the PNR releases, this was the very first novel I have read from her, and I found it captivating! The Western setting and the unusual hero and heroine were amazing! I became a die hard fan of her Once Upon a Time in the West series!


Best Contemporary Romances

Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox 

And in February I have discovered Ruthie Knox who has since become one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Ride with Me was one of the biggest surprises of 2012, as I was seriously doubtful how enjoyable a romance which is completely set around cycling and athlete characters would be, but Ruthie Knox blew me away! I'm sold, and now I don't even ask what her next book will be about, her name is enough for me to pick it up! :-D


In Bed with the Opposition by Stephanie Draven

This was another book which blew me away. Many blogger friends stayed away from this book as it was set around campaigns and elections, but it was a true gem: funny, sexy and heart.warming, I loved it!


Just for Fun and Just a Kiss by Erin Nicholas
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You know how much I LOVE the Bradfords series (you can read my reviews of Book #1, Book #2, Book #3) and the 4th and 5th books were released in 2012. They were both wonderful, seriously Erin Nicholas just gets better and better! :-D


The Billionaire's Christmas Baby by Victoria James

A perfect Christmas story: emotional, moving and heart.warming, it will leave you with a big happy sigh at the end :-)


Best Erotica Novel

That Filthy Book by Lily Harlem and Natalie Dae

I have read quite some steamy stories but this one stands out: it was scorching hot and the respect and affection between the hero and heroine made it truly memorable. I loved it!


Best Urban Fantasy Novel

Sins of the Son by Linda Poitevin

This was the 2nd book in Linda Poitevin's Grigori Legacy series, and maybe even better than the first one. It was a heart-squeezing, nail-biting and adrenaline inducing rollercoaster ride kind of a story! Terrific! :-D

And what were some of your best reads in 2012?