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

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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

How can a respected, beautiful man be entirely crazy? 

"So you kidnap me?" You flinch at my words. 

"I'm detaining you until you choose to be here."

―Kelli Maine, Taken & No Take Backs

ABDUCTION.
You steal me away to a deserted island, to the one place I’ve dreamed of being—the one place I can’t go. 

SEDUCTION.
You’re used to buying whatever you want, but you can’t buy me...how do I resist the magnetism of your body, the longing ache deep inside me? I want you to take me—on my terms. 

DESPERATION.
Every attempt you make to love me only hurts me. How can we go on like this? 

This is the story of how I was TAKEN.

How can you resist that?

The moment I saw the covers, I decided I NEED TO READ THIS! Aside from the fact that the woman from her side view looks a lot like ScarJo (Scarlett Johansson who I really love!), the blurb says it all!

A very interesting story that left me flipping pages away till wee hours of the morning.

Yes! Two books in one sitting!!!

A misunderstood abduction that led two broken souls fall deep (when i say deep...its really DEEEEPPP!!!) with each other. A lot of ups and downs, a bundle of crazy scenes (it's killing me), a dose of hot sex, some twisted minds and little dirty secrets. It's everything rolled into one!

I'd say I've got my own level of love with my book boyfriends like Kellan, Travis, Gideon and Christian. But I gotta admit that I developed a different kind of fondness for Merrick! Broken, lost, dangerous but sweet and sexy as hell! What is there not to love about him?

I also like Kelli Maine's strategy. She wrote it as if someone is reading a love letter narrating the complicated love story of Merrick and Rachel. Depicting every single journey they had and how they are still surviving the tough love.

Then the story continues with No Take Backs, a taken novella...this one is short but that doesn't mean worthless. It was a prefect follow up for the first book and I was more than satisfied to see where the story was headed... bringing family and friends together, and understanding more the issues of Merrick with his father. The book only solidifies exactly how Rachel feels for Merrick and how she is bravely willing to overcome anything with him and for him. 

Talking 'bout a cliff hanger? Sure this is! Will only you breathless, desperately longing for the next book! So...

Would you dare to be TAKEN? 

Read the book and see for yourself! 

Rating: 

books to watch out for:

Taken by Storm  ,    expected release end of 2012

Given, by 2013