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:

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www.thebookavenuereview.blogspot.com

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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

“I’ve only ever loved one girl, Tru –
and that’s you. It’s always been you.
 I loved you from the moment I knew how to love.” 
― Samantha Towle, The Mighty Storm

Jake Wethers, you just rocked my world!

To be honest, I never really expected anything big from this book. I thought it was just my normal young adult love story with the usual happy ever after. But it turned out to be so much more! There is so much to love in this book. The main characters Jake and Tru, even the supporting ones like Vicky and Simone! There was a definite depth and growth within its pages and its more serious than your typical YA contemporary. There was passion, emotional gripping and some infidelity issues, which will challenge you to question your own values and conviction...but if I'll be in Trudy's shoes, I would still choose Jake...it has to be, it has always been him!

I love the dialogues, too! All witty and very creative. 

“Trudy Bennett, I love you beyond any lyrics I could ever write, or any words I could ever say. I always have, and I always will. Marry me?”

“...I’m not going anywhere. Remember, I promised. I’m yours now, forever.”

Heart pounding and goosebumps just re-reading that! The ending was so "butterflyingly" (a term used in point of retreat) good, it will leave you breathless and wanting more!

The book simply proves that TRUE LOVE keeps no record of wrongs. It is patient and forgiving. Love protects, always trust, always hopes, always preserves...

Rating: 

--a perfect birthday  present!

sequel will be released on 21st Dec 2012!