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

“You can only give your heart away once, after that, everything else will chase your first love” 

― Tarryn Fisher, The Opportunist

Mind blowing!!!


EMOTIONALLY DRAINED...TOTALLY HEARTBROKEN... tell me how to mend it? (with matching Whitney Houston singing “where do broken hearts go” in the background).




Can someone tell me please which book to read after this one? Cause I can hardly think of anything else!




It took me 2 days to overcome the very emotional roller coaster ride! It’s like having the same effect as Thoughtless and Effortless. You’re just completely stuck!




I had this book for some time now but with all the reviews I’ve read, I never really had the courage to read it until last Friday.




I really love Tarryn Fisher’s strategy. Very unpredictable! She has her unique way of getting people hooked.




The story talks a lot of how love can push us to the limit…secrets, lies, anger, selfishness, acceptance and consequences. The story is very honest and realistic. The characters are so complex, damaged and very intriguing. Yet they made me fall in love and died knowing that they need to let go of each other…but did they just really let it go like that?




Tarryn, please give us more of Caleb and Olivia, I know there is book 2 with Leah’s POV but we need Caleb and Olivia…together! I don’t really care if they are both married (huh, now I’m having the Olivia effect on me) but what they had was true love. I remember what Noah told at the end, "You can only give your heart away once, after that, everything else will chase your first love" so I think they deserve each other more than anything else…I still believe in happy endings!



Rating:

















---watch out for book 2, Dirty Red, with Leah's POV.


I hate her! To the bone! But the series is so addicting


that you can't afford to miss her sickening lies!