My favorites for 2010

I kind of had a rough year when it came to reading. Whether it was due to the obligation to read for the blog or maybe I was reading too many of the same style of books or something else, I fell into a few reading slumps this year. But I still managed to find some fantastic books! 
The key to making a book a favorite to me are characters that make me feel and stay with me long after, sometimes keeping me up at night wondering where they are.

So here are a few in no particular order that fit that criteria for me.

BOOKS:

  Split by Swati Avasthi
A powerful story about the cycle of abuse. I read Split at the beginning of 2010 and the characters have stayed with me ever since. To this day I worry how Jace is doing and where he is now, even though in my head I know he's a completely fictional character. For those of you staying away from this book because of the subject matter - don't - while it is an unflinching look at abuse, it is also filled with hope and yes, some humor. I also met the author, Swati Avasthi, and was part of her blog tour to raise awareness & money for domestic violence month. She's an amazing author and an amazing woman. An author to watch - I can't wait to read what she writes next.

 Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The best YA paranormal book of the year and one the best werewolf books I've ever read. Strong characters, an engaging plot with a touch of romance this book blew the others away as far as I'm concerned. Barnes got back to basics with rules of the wolf pack while putting an original spin on the whole thing that has left me wanting more.

 Unbroken Connection by Angela Morrison
Book two in Morrison's Taken by Storm trilogy, Unbroken Connection does something most books in a series never attain - it improved on book one. Beautiful story about true love, and the sacrifices one has to make for those they love. A blend of romance, religion and epic drama without ever being preachy.


 Unholy Ghosts, Unholy Magic, City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane
My favorite UF series of the year. Uncompromising in it's intensity with surprisingly lovable characters considering all their flaws. Kane's Downside Ghosts series made me frustrated, had me crying my eyes out, made me think and had me gripped for three days straight. Oh yeah - it also gave me Terrible fever.


 Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Nice twist on the paranormal genre. No love triangle (bonus points for that one), an original premise and a fun heroine had me grinning from ear to ear while reading this one.


 Scoundrel by Zoe Archer
The second book in Zoe Archer's action packed Blades of the Rose series was a blast to read. Sexy Bennett, a smart heroine, Bennett, great locations, Bennett. Old fashioned swash buckling fun! Loved it!(and Bennett.)


 Vampire Empire (The Greyfriar: Book 1) by Clay and Susan Griffith
Back to the evil vampires! It was nice to read about vampires that are actually scary again. There are a few great twists to the story that kept me guessing, great fight scenes and the set up for a great/epic romance. AND I love that cover.


 Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels Book 4)
I'm new to this series but I am chomping at the bit after the ending of Magic Bleeds. Must. Read. Magic. Slays. Curran - RAWR!


 The Duff by Kody Keplinger
I'm surprised how much I loved this one - again with unlikable characters - or at least they should have been but I loved Bianca and Wesley! Refreshingly honest for YA and pretty darn sexy too.

A few more worth mentioning: Jane by April Lindner (YA) Beautiful update on the classic, Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready (UF) - nice twist to this 4th book in her WVMP series, Eternal kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost (PNR) - shocked! I now like Mencheres, Mentally Incontinent by Joe Peacock - (non-fiction) hysterically funny, Mistwood by Leah Cypress (YA-paranormal/fantasy) - beautiful, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (YA) - the book that sparked all the censorship controversy - well written and not the least bit pornographic! Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (YA) Adorable! The Dead Tossed Waves (YA - Dystopian) - big fat tears! Party by Tom Leveen (YA) great multi-POV book.

**I don't like to be negative but my worst book is: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Oh Mockingjay - how you crushed my soul.
It was a good book - if it were a stand alone anti-war novel but as a conclusion to my favorite dystopian series of all time....not so much. I know many disagree and that's fine - this is just my opinion.

MUSIC:

It was a big year for music for me. I never listened to music very much so almost everything is new to me! I also finally started going to concerts. The last one I had been to was Prince in the 80's. Showing my age there......

 The National - High Violet


 Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More


I listened to these two CD's so much I'm surprised I didn't break my iPod. I also got to see both of them in concert and they were AMAZING!!

Other groups I loved and saw in concert this year..........The Black Keys, Metric, Vampire Weekend, Silversun Pickups

MY FAVORITE THING OF 2010??

My iPad!! <3 <3 <3!!!!

Here are my favorite books for 2009 if your interested.

So what were your favorites?