Becca the Bibliophile: Blogoversary Giveaway Plus Part 2 in my Top 25 of 2013

Part 2

So today - we have part 2 of my favorite reads. Numbers 13-2. Make sure to come back Thursday for my #1 of 2013. And don't forget to enter the giveaway and share it with your friends!

13. Inky by J.B. Hartnett

This book was stunning, in both good and bad ways. I was speechless after reading it. Andd It just so happened that as I was finishing up this book, I became friends with Julie through Goodreads. We had a convo going back and forth, mostly of me begging her to let me be a beta so I could get the next book in my hands ASAP. WARNING: this book has a major cliff hanger. And thankfully you won't have to wait to see what happens because Book 2 - Cole is already out.

I can't really say too much more that what is in the synopsis without giving away key parts to the story. Just know that I could not put this book down and anytime someone asks me about an emotional read, this is one of those books I go to. The characters are well written, sucking you into their world. I felt like I was there in the bar with them, or at their house and was a part of their group. That's when you know the book is good. This a roller coaster of a ride that will have you screaming for more. Cole is so....sigh....but he has his own demons to contend with. All I have to say is BRILLIANT! Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE. You can also see my interview with Cole HERE.

12. Grounded by R.K. Lilley

Even though Grounded is the third book in the series, it was the book that moved me the most. This is one of those books that you HAVE to read books 1 and 2 otherwise you will be lost. Grounded has the supense, drama, steamy fan yourself OMG scenes and I think personally one of the best epilogues ever written for a series.

This book really focuses on James and Bianca and their new found abilities to learn to trust each other. Their fears are still there. Will they be able to let go of both of their pasts in order to latch onto a future with trust? I loved in this book we got both Bianca and James' POVs (although James' POV is only a small part). We also get a little more background on Stephan and Bianca's background too. Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE

11. Driven by K. Bromberg

I totally kicked myself for not reading this book sooner!! WOW! WOW! Some like biker, some like celebrities, others cowboys - I a SUCKER for Race Car Drivers. Colton Donovan does not disappoint. And Rylee Thomas is his perfect spotter. The dialogue between these two is witty, sexy and downright hot. Rylee is the real deal. She has a past that won't let go of her.

Colton is the womanizing celebrity Indy racer who has the world at his finger tips. He can have whomever he wants but it ruined by the sweet Rylee.

Their story is magnetic, fun, explosive and pulls you in all different directions. Its a full speed ride that you want screaming to slow down. I was so happy that book #2- Fueled was in my hands, because there is a MAJOR cliffhanger in this book. Lucky for you - you can go right into book 2 too. Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE

10. Demon at My Door by Michelle A. Valentine

I'm not going to lie. I wasn't all gung-ho about reading Demon At My Door. When my friend Christine suggested it, I told her I just didn't know if I would enjoy it. I am not a big paranormal reader. I've tried before, time and time again, only having ever gotten through one paranormal series (and not the one you are thinking of, but R.L. Mathewson's Pyte/Sentinal Series). Christine told me that I just needed to give it a chance. I had read Rock the Band by Michelle, so I knew that I really liked her work. So I started to read. And then I read some more. By the time I got to Chapter Two, I was hooked! It was intriguing, funny, suspenseful and I didn't want to put the book down! I was totally drawn into Natalie and her conflict between choosing the two guys she was so drawn to. By the time I finished the book, I was craving more of Natalie, Rick and even Stewart! And later this fall maybe, we will get Demon in My Bed - Book #2 in the series! I would so recommend this book to EVERYONE! Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE

9. Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

Trace wins the lottery for a Scholarship to the Ultra Elite - Eagle Elite University. The college to celebrity, political and world leader's kids. It's not your typical university and you thought cliques were bad at a public school. The cliques here are insane. And the one that stands out the most is THE ELECT. A group of powerful kids who rule the school.

They have three rules and if you follow them, then you survive.

1. Do not touch The Elect

2. Do not look at The Elect

3. Do not speak to The Elect.

The only problem is Nixon, the leader of the Elect. There is something about this man that drives Trace totally batty. He's hot and cold to her and has her going in every other direction trying to figure things out. Nixon seems to have the same problem. One moment he is flirting with Trace and the next he is humiliating her in front of the entire school. One night changes everything and the truth comes out to why Trace was accepted at Eagle Elite and its one of those OMG moments. Elite is a different kind of read/love story. It's funny and frustrating all at the same time. Strong characters keeping you entertained and on point. Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE

8. His Perfect Passion by Raine Miller

Back in April, I was still new to the blogging thing. I was put on bed rest for 3 weeks and I was in serious need of some books to read. Eyes Wide Open was about to release and Raine asked me if I had read the historicals she wrote because they had some tie ins with Eyes Wide Open. I had the books, but I had never read a historical romance before. I would slide them over and renumber them in my TBR (Sorry Raine <3) But to say the least I was scaaarrred! Well what do you know. I love love love His Perfect Passion. I adored Darius *faning myself* - Dominant yet loving and sensitive and charming. As always with any Raine Miller book, I was not left disappointed. So if you are looking for a great Historical Romance to jump into head first. His Perfect Passion is a great choice. Add to your TBR HERE and buy a copy HERE

7. One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

Drew and Fable were two souls living through a torturous existence, thinking they could take on the whole without the help of others. What they really needed was each other to finally find the freedom they needed from their agony and despair. Drew needing someone to help through a week home and through an anniversary that was tearing his already bitter family apart, he finds the perfect one week girlfriend in Fable. Fable needed an escape from her reality and she needed the money too. With a mother who was more concerned herself than her two children at home, Fable steps up to take care of her brother Owen and be the parent she never had. One week can be only seven days or the beginning of forever. Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE

6. Bound by Brenda Rothert

This was a distinctly different kind of read. Although it has its moments of light-hearted fun. It is a heavy book about grief and being the survivor of it. It was an overly emotional book for me, because I have lived through the grief that Kate goes through. I can say that Brenda was spot on with the emotions of a person going through this type of grief and I was honored by the way she brought the issue to light.

Kate and Ryke are not the perfect couple. There is a lot of back and forth between them with emotions and not knowing the next steps. But that is what makes this book special. It is what makes this a 5 star book for me. Bound will be a book that will stay with me for a while. And that's what we want in our books. Books that give us a particular perspective and sheds light on subjects that aren't always talked about. Love Love Love this book!!! Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE

5. Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

There will always be a few things that you will come away with after reading a book by Rachel Van Dyken.

#1. You are going to laugh
#2. There will be a sexy leading male that will melt your heart.
#3. You may need tissues for the amount of crying you will have (either from laughter or sorrow).

And Ruin did not disappoint. When Kiersten "falls" into Weston's life, he isn't quite sure what to think about it. He likes her. There is a pull. But he has a secret that could not only ruin their friendship but also end up ruining Kiersten. Kiersten is trying to break out of the depression and the shell that she has been living under for the past two years. Starting her freshman year of college at the University of Washington, she never imagined that the quarterback of the football team and the guy with the entourage, would find anything interesting in her. The two form a friendship that eventually turns into more. Wes tries to hide his secret from Kiersten, knowing once it comes to light that it could mean the end for both of them. Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE

4. When it Rains by Lisa De Jong

This book had me in a wreck of emotions. I had so much emotion for all of the characters in this book. I felt all of their joy, sorrow, pain and suffering. I had to take breaks from this book to pull myself back together. It was that good.

One night changed everything between Kate and her best friend Beau. The boy that she grew up next door to, the boy she had the forever crush and dreams of marrying one day. What happened to Kate was not Beau's fault. Beau had finally come around to noticing Kate, but his love was a little too late.

Then walks in Asher. Beau is off to college, while Kate is in her own world of hurt at home. Asher has a troubled background himself, but there is this connection between Kate and Asher that can not be denied. I can't say more, because I don't want to give anything away. Fasten your seat belt and keep all hands and legs inside the car. Get ready for a ride you will not soon forget. Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE

3. Eyes Wide Open by Raine Miller

Raine Miller takes her characters and makes them real, impassioned, sensual beings, leaving you to crave more. In Eyes Wide Open we get to see Ethan and Brynne deal with their real emotions and learn to work through their fears to help conquer all. A tragic event along with unexpected joys help to bring to life the true love they have for each other. It's not an easy road, but they work through it.

I loved the new glimpse of Ethan that we get in Eyes Wide Open. I didn't think it was possible to fall more in love with Ethan, but he stole my heart in this book. Brynne proves to persevere through her fears when it comes to her relationship with Ethan. Ethan proves that he really is All In by giving Brynne what she needs, even when he doesn't agree with her. They grow so much in this book and it was incredible to see. Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE

2. Fear of Falling by S.L. Jennings

Now to begin with, this book is a heavy book. It's not all sunshine and roses (which I tend to read 75% of the time) but there was something about this book that I just could not put it down.

Kami is unloveable, unworthy and crazy (in her own words). She is running. Running from fear, running from friendships, running from life and most importantly running from love. Then something happened. She actually felt something for the first time in her life and she didn't know how to handle it. Even with the support of her best friends Angel and Dom, she was on a spiral spin to despair and loneliness. Blaine, he wanted to change all of that. The electricity and the connection he had with Kami was palpable. He had to be with her, no matter the cost. But Blaine had his own demons to work on, ones that would end up flaming the fires of disbelief for Kami. Was Blaine with her for the right reason or was he trying to use her to make up for the failures of his past.

I was fixated with Kami and her problems. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and tell her she would be ok. I so wanted to be in her inner circle of friends and help her through the worst parts of her life. I understood her and her demons but wanted to shake her to wake her up. Blaine was...sigh...so desirable. His love unwavering for Kami. Persistent, understanding, gentle and unyielding in his devotion and love for Kami. But how long can one be pushed? Is there anyway to get over the pains of our past.

Kami's friend Angel and Dom plus Blaine's cousin CJ give comic relief at times to this heavy story. And all though it takes on subjects that are painful and hard to talk about Syreeta takes you on a journey of self discovery, unwavering love and friendship and shows you that love can conquer all when you open yourself up to it.

Add to your TBR HERE or buy a copy HERE