Twelve books made my year’s best list for 2012, and what most moved me is how genuinely good all of them are. Usually my list contains four or five books that I regard as first-rate along with perhaps a half-dozen that earn honorable mentions but aren’t at the same level. This year wasn't easy though, I really had a hard time picking the finalists, and to keep the list to manageable length, a handful of worthy books had to be eliminated. These are the books that gave me chills, made me swooned, nervous,  infuriated, heartbroken, and had me cried like a rainstorm. In behalf of The Book Avenue, we thank all the these authors for sharing with us such beautiful and inspiring stories.

1.  Thoughtless & Effortless by S.C. Stephens

2.  Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Mcguire
3.  Taken by Kelli Maine
4.  Tidal by Emily Snow
5.  The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher
6.  Rock the Heart by Michelle Valentine
7.  Fight With Me by Kristen Proby (exception, ARC given)
8.  Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley
9   On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
10. While It Lasts by Abbi Glines
11. The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towles
12. Fallen Eden by Nicole Williams


Special Awards:


Most Remarkable Author:
       Colleen Hoover

Most Inspirational Love Story:
       Slammed by Colleen Hoover


Kiss of the Year:
       Anastacia Steele & Christian Grey

Best Make Out Scene:
        Kellan & Keira from Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens (Espresso Stand Scene)

Most Phenomenal Book Love Team
        Kellan & Keira

Best Book Series
        Dream Man Series by Kristen Ashley


Most Promising Author/ Book
        The Valentine's Arrangement by Kelsie Leverich




TOP 3 Book Boyfriends:                                             TOP 3 Book Chicas:
1. Kellan Kyle                                                              1. Emma Harrison
2. Aidan Fitzgerald                                                       2. Olivia Kaspen
3. Christian Grey & Gideon Cross                                   3. Jules Montgomery

So everyone might be thinking where did "The Proposition" stand? Since I'm known to be an Aidan obsesser, shouldn't it be in the Big 12 list?

Well,  there are actually 2 books which I did not include in the list. Fifty Shades of Grey and The Proposition and let me tell you the reasons. These 2 books I considered super, extra special. Fifty Shades being the very reason why I was able to revive my book addiction so I will always be grateful for that.

However, I give the "Exemplary Award" to The Proposition. This book has affected me so much in ways I didn't think possible. Its not just about the steamy scenes or even the physical attraction I had with Aidan (yes, I lust over him). But its the totality of the book; how it became so relevant in my personal life and how it made me hoped for things I have almost given up wishing!

So I'm more than honored to award to The Proposition by Katie Ashley the first ever slot for The Book Avenue's Shelf of Fame.

Congrats and Thank you Katie!

To all the followers, we hope that you will continue to support our book blog. See you again next year for our Big 13 of 2013! 

You may reach us through the following links:

Blogsite:
www.thebookavenuereview.blogspot.com

FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/thebookavenuereview

Email:
thebookavenue@gmail.com

As for the giveaway, we will randomly pick 2 winners tomorrow for the $25 Amazon Gift Card, so keep your entries coming. leave a comment to this link:

http://thebookavenuereview.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-of-best-2012.html

“To douchebags! he said, gesturing to Brad.  And to girls that break your heart, he bowed his head to me. His eyes lost focus.  And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her.” 
― Jamie McGuire, Beautiful Disaster

“You know why I want you? I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn't know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.” 

Now tell me, how can you resist a guy like that? I can't remember how many times I have read this book. I have even lost count the times I have marked the pages so I can easily review my favorite scenes, highlighted every crazy lines that Travis and Abby have sweetly thrown to each other.

Meet the Characters:

Abby Abernathy: a girl who was trying to leave outside the shadow of her dark past. She moved town and changed college with America, her best friend and the only person aware of her past. Not only did she witness  it, but countless times she helped Abby escaped from it.

Travis Maddox: the bare knuckle fighter who tends to sleep around with almost every woman in the campus. His irresistible charm makes them hard to say no! But he has some issues... a lot of them! He is possessive and overprotective! He had his fair share of life misfortunes and had never figured out how to cope with them. But he was the perfect match for Abby!!!

The Love - Hate Story:

Can Travis Maddox finally be tamed and be perfect enough to deserve Abby's love? 

Can Abby manage to get through the ugly things that came between them? 

Can they both hold on to what they believed in despite the damaged pasts that have shaken them?

Crazy, exciting and insanely addictive!  The intensity and passion that Jamie McGuire has created between Travis and Abby will definitely gets right under your skin, with all those emotional and tremendous "push and pull" scenes...it will surely make your head spin!

Their relationship may not be a prime example of what most people would want to be involved with, but i found it certainly unique and inspirational. I love the idea that  LOVE can make someone want to change. It isn't easy to change! Changing a behavior or a habit takes a lot of time, consistency and recognition. We are who we are because of how we were raised and the experiences we've had. So changing a person would mean a lot of compromise and negotiation.

But my lingering question was...

"how much of yourself should you change for the one you love?"

Well I guess, it's really not about the ups and downs, its about who you ride it with that makes the whole journey worthwhile.


Rating:

...watch out for the second book , with Travis' pov!

more exciting things to come for Walking Disaster , April 2013!!!