Book Savvy Babe’s Best Books of 2012

2012 is coming to a close, and so I am taking a look back at the books I have read and reviewed this past year.  According to Goodreads, I read over 150 books, so I have plenty to choose from. I don’t think I can narrow the top 10 exactly, so I am just going to go through the most memorable books for me, by category:

Paranormal & Urban Fantasy

This genre is one of the primary genres I read here at Book Savvy Babe, and there have been some amazing reads this year.

Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane- (my review) book 4 in the Downside Ghosts series, this book was gut-wrenching and had me captivated.  It is my favorite book of the series so far.  Book 5, Chasing Magic also released, and it was an excellent book as well.  But, Sacrificial Magic had that “extra” something, I think it was the emotionality that Chess and Terrible had, that made this book stand out for me.

Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster- (my review) This is the debut novel by Bec McMaster, and I am an immediate fan.  Kiss of Steel is a steampunk paranormal, which had me intrigued from the blurb.  The book combines vampires, steampunk, and a different version of historical England with excellent writing and intriguing characters.  I loved this book and can not wait for more from Bec McMaster.

The Reckoning by Alma Katsu- (my review) The Reckoning is book 2 of the Taker Trilogy.  You do have to read book 1 to understand the story.  While I really enjoyed book 1, The Reckoning delved much deeper into the villain’s motivations.  The Taker Trilogy is much different from other paranormal books, it is alchemy based, and the immortals are quite unique.  It is more of a gothic novel, but I absolutely loved this book, and the cover of The Reckoning is one of my favorite covers of the year.

Other Notable paranormal reads:

• Moon Rising Series by L.M Pruitt- book 1- New Moon Rising (5 Stars) & Harvest Moon Rising- (my review) Werewolf/shapeshifter books, excellent reads!
• Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson- (my review) Excellent shifter/werewolf series, can not wait for book 2!

Historical Romance:

When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen- (my review) I loved this historical romance.  The Duke needs to unbend from his strict rules, and a “courtesan”, one of the Jewels of the Ton, must lean on the Duke for help.  I fell in love with the story and can’t wait to read about the next jewels of the Ton!

The Rake and the Recluse: Redux by Jenn LeBlanc- (my review) This entire series blew me away.  The story is told in 6 serials, but they have been put into one big PINK book!  Photographic illustrations are included throughout the book, and the pictures are really, really pretty.  This makes for a unique reading experience, and the story is amazing.

Other Notable Historicals

• The Devil DeVere Series by Victoria Vane- (review) series is 4 novellas, each a fun, erotically charged romantic romp.  I am looking forward to the spin-ff series the author has planned
• The Devil’s Thief by Samantha Kane- (my review) This was a very fun read.  A young lady tries her hand at thievery, which doesn’t turn out as she expected.  Well-written, and highly enjoyable, The Devil’s Thief earned a mention in my most memorable books of the year.

Contemporary Romance:

There have been SO MANY new contemporary romances that I have fallen in love with this year.  You will NOT find 50 Shades on this list.  While I enjoyed 50 Shades, after reading quite a few other book in the genre, I found other contemporary erotic books that topped it.

Reflected in You by Sylvia Day: (my review) This book may be my favorite book of 2012 (it’s tied with Sacrificial Magic, I think).  Reflected is book 2 in the Crossfire series, and this book was an emotional roller coaster that had me crying with the characters, yelling at them, and then cheering for them as well.  It is important to read the series in order, book 1 must be read first to understand and appreciate the series.

If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones: (my review) This book took me by surprise.  There is much more suspense built into this contemporary romance than what I had bargained for.  The sexual nature is not over-played in this book at all.  Compared to other books in the genre, it’s down right tame.  But, the mystery and the chemistry between the characters is compelling.  I am anxiously awaiting book 2…

The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers by Dr. Ivan Rusilko and Everly Drummond.  (my review) This contemporary romance is different than some of the others.  The characters are not emotionally damaged.  They are people who fall in love and have obstacles in their relationships.  There is an added element of glitz to the book that I loved, and I loved reading the book.  Book 2 has recently released, but I have not been able to read it yet.  It’s high on my to-read list though.

Love is a Battlefield by Tamara Morgan: (my review) This book is completely different than my other choices.  Love is a Battlefield is a romantic comedy.  I was laughing out loud throughout this book.  The men are highland games dudes, and the girls dress in regency English attire.  The two sides clash, and the results are hilarious.  I wanted to get dressed up right along with the characters and let my geek flag fly!  I loved this book, and I recommend it to anyone who needs a light-hearted, fun romance.

Other Notable Contemporary:

Naked and All In by Raine Miller: The Blackstone Affair- (All In review) Raine Miller has written more characters to fall in love with an follow their tumultuous relationship.  Naked was a shorter story, but gave an introduction to the characters.  All In really did go all in to the characters and the development of their relationship.  I loved it and am excited for the third book.

I realize that my memorable books list is kind of long… but, what can I say?  I love books and there have been amazing reads this past year.  I am very excited to see what comes in 2013.