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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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

“She deserved a man who could take care of her. But fuck if I was just going to leave her. I couldn't do that. I may not be good enough for her but I was gonna damn well try my hardest to become worthy.” 
― Abbi Glines, While It Lasts

WARNING and SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:

• frequent display of some uber sexy, shirtless body of Cage York. 
• a very brave, witty but can sometimes be naughty girl named Eva.
• over the edge turns at the barn
• super hot, steamy, passionate scenes at the lake
• some hilarious dialogues that will give you the chills, put you to tears, and fix a smile on your face. 

Think you can handle that all at the same time? Then brace yourself for the latest craze to book addiction. A story of two broken souls who found love unexpectedly in an unexpected place. Total opposites, the ultimate bad boy of Sea Breeze Series and the very preserved Eva, put them together and you've got one of the most best reads for summer.

We have been introduced to Cage in Because of Low (Sea Breeze Series #2) as the "chick boy" who gets A+ for screwing women. He was so bad, he makes me want to wish he was real! (I love Abbi Glines bad boys) But there was something about him that let's you know there is more to this guy than just pretty face, hot body and undeniable sexual skills. He grew up in a house with a battered mom and a reckless dad who left them both at the end. Growing up, he considers Low as his only family as she was the only person who never left his side despite of everything that he's been through. Due to his some irresponsible actions, Cage ended up with a DUI and was sent by his baseball coach to the farm to bail hay and chase cows...this was exactly how he sees it. Little did he know that his so called "punishment" will turn out to be one God's heaven sent. 

Eva is the daughter of the farm's owner. She's not your typical girl to start with. It's been nearly two years since one of the tragic moments of her life happened, and she hasn't moved on...well, more of her personal choice (enough with the spoilers). But there's something about Cage's charm that apparently allowed her to be attracted to him.

Cage and Eva's love story was a perfect match. Abbi's choice to write it  from each other's point of view is absolutely the only way to go. It was simple but allows just enough drama to compliment with the sweetness and roughness both the characters had brought to the table. I loved how her innocence tamed the bad boy in him, almost that he begins to trust his heart and genuinely cares for someone apart from Low, for the very first time. Just as how Eva started to go out of her comfort zone and see the good things in life again and it only took someone as irresistible as Cage to make it happen.

Overall, I would say that this is by far, my most favorite Abbi Glines book. She knows her readers well that she always creates characters and stories with just enough sexual tensions but with lots of hearts and depth, too. So if you're a fan of great love story, hot guys, kick ass girls and sucker for a happy ending, then this book is definitely a hard one to miss!

Rating: 

another bad boy to watch out for,

4th book in the Sea Breeze series

Just for Now