Our Favorite Reads of 2012

As time ticks down and another year is upon us, the staff of Open Book Society looks back at all the amazing books we’ve read this year.  And, we’ve decided to share some of our favorites with you!!  

We also want to take this time to thank the great authors and publishers that we’ve worked with throughout the year, as we couldn’t run this site without you!!  We look forward to another amazing year in 2013!

And, now without further delay, here are some of our favorite reads of the year!  *Please note* this is a list of favorites we *read* this year as several are oldies, but goodies and were NOT published in 2012.

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Dawn’s favorite reads of 2012

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

I loved the first book and cannot wait for the next one in the series. I’m not usually into books on this subject, but I was very impressed with Banks’ writing.

Underworld Abandon series by Meg Cabot

Another series I must follow. I’ve like Cabot’s writing for a while but Underworld took it to a new level. Again, I don’t usually go for this type of book, demons and the underworld but she made it interesting.

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Loved it! It’s a must read.

I also loved Dark Elite by Chloe Neill, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Delcroix Academy by Inara Scott and Wolf Springs Chronicles by Nancy Holder. These are the book/series I was into in 2012.

Verushka’s favorite reads of 2012.

The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

A MUST read. Books 4 and 5 of this series were released this year continuing the druid Atticus’ adventures. It is as sharp and entertaining as ever and Atticus’ dog Oberon continues to be a standout character in the book. Hearne weaves different mythologies, gods, vampires and werewolves together and takes the reader on the most amazing ride.

The Edie Spence Series by Cassie Alexander

 Amazing debut novels, definitely a must read.  The Edie Spence series is one of those series that has me waiting on pins and needles for the next book. The setting – a hospital for the supernatural – is unique, and Edie is thrust into this environment and holds her own admirably. What stuck with me is how human Edie’s reason’s are for choosing this life.

The Harper Connelly Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

An excellent, creepy series.  What stuck with me in this series is how Harris takes the supernatural and grounds it so firmly in the normal. Here, the human quirks (good and bad) of the characters Harper meets resonated more with me than the nature of Harper’s ability to find dead people. It’s a strong, character-driven series that kept me riveted to each page from beginning to end.

Valerie’s favorite reads of 2012

The Curse Workers series by Holly Black

This series is slick! It’s so clever and amazingly sharp. It’s evil, twisted and utterly addicting. I picked up the first book and finished the rest of the series within a week. I’m not kidding; you absolutely MUST pick this series up!

The Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld

Deryn is my absolute favorite heroine as of now. She’s smart, bold, and cool, not to mention a great airman. I love her and this whole series; it’s incredibly intoxicating. And as for Alek, he’s so crush-worthy! I love everything about this series: the action, the chemistry and the BARKING BRILLIANCY OF IT ALL.

Heidi’s favorite reads of 2012

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

It’s really hard not to love the Night Huntress series!  But the first installment, Halfway to the Grave, was hands down my favorite!  I went into this book not thinking I would like it, but I really enjoyed Cat, and Bones is just damn sexy!  He sent chills down my spine with…”If you run from me, I will chase you, and I’ll find you….”

Storm of Visions by Christina Dodd

I wasn’t sure what to think when I started reading this book, but I quickly got sucked into the story and fell in love!  The war between the Others and the Chosen reminded me a lot of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood.  I really wasn’t sure that I would end up liking Caleb (based on his first couple of scenes in the book), but don’t give up on him!  I ended up loving him and I think you will too!

The Charley Davidson Series by Darynda Jones

I was drawn to the series by the titles of the books, believe it or not!  They reminded me of the titles to Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, which I love!  But once I started reading the first book, First Grave on the Right I was quickly drawn into Charley’s world!  I loved her quirkiness and smart mouth….not to mention I was drooling after the son of Satan right along with her.  Charley reminds me of Stephanie Plum with attitude and anybody who enjoys a funny paranormal read will enjoy these books!

Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)

I’ve read several of these books in 2012 and some of them are pretty good and some are mediocre   But Innocent in Death was by far my favorite of the ones I’ve read during the year.  Why this particular installment you may ask?  It was chuck full of emotion and I will take a book that makes me feel what the lead characters are feeling over gory action any day of the week and this book completely knocked my socks off!

Caro’s favorite reads of 2012

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

Even though this book is almost as old as I am, it is still a good read. I recently got into reading Paulo Coelho’s books and I can’t even describe how much I’ve come to love them. The second you start reading the first pages, you immediately get attached to the story and its characters. These sort of books might not go with our genres at OBS but they still have some fantasy and fiction to share to the readers. We might like living in our wonderful fantasy books, but at a time where we’re finding which path to take as we grow up, The Alchemist leaves us with great words of guidance.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

I really like the covers of these books 🙂 But, not just that, I was also waiting to read what had happened to Jace at the end of City of Fallen Angels. All this waiting is frustrating, but I got into the series and know I really like it. Especially since there’s a movie coming in 2013!  Something that I like about this series are the fighting scenes and Sebastian being the bad guy no matter what happens. Too bad there won’t be another book until 2014!

The Killer Wore Cranberry: A Second Helping Edited by J. Alan Hartman

I don’t recall laughing this much reading a book before. These short murder stories based on Thanksgiving dinners were the best to read before the Holidays! There were some sad ones, but the rest were amazingly fun to read, and then tell to anyone that would let you 🙂 I definitely recommend this anthology book to anyone that enjoys a good laugh.

Autumn’s favorite reads of 2012

Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan

One of the most original books I have read this year.  I loved the angst, the love story and Deuce, of course!

Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde

This one almost killed me!  K.A. Linde will throw your heart in a blender and you will love her for it…

Double Time by Olivia Cunning

No one does rock stars quite like Olivia! Hot and with soul…

The Edge of Never by J.A Redmerski

One of my new favorite authors.  I plan on reading all of her work…

For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton

This was the first book that I read by M. Leighton and it has always stuck with me.  I found it to be rather haunting.  I have now followed her into the New Adult genre with The Bad Boy series and I gotta say she is setting it on fire…

Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

I met Sylvia at Comic Con this year.  She was so gracious and I adore this series!  Having to wait for more Gideon Cross is torture!

Naked by Raine Miller

Ethan Blackstone.  Nothing further needed…

Knight by Kristen Ashley

I had been reading about how great Kristen Ashley was and I can honestly say I agree!  I have now read almost all of her books, but Knight was the one that started it all for me…

Lover Reborn by JR Ward

I loved it even more because he named her Autumn…

The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle 

I agree with Tru.  I would pick Jake all day, every day and twice on Sunday…

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

I could not put this book down!  This one has angst that will make you laugh, cry and pull out your hair.  Kellan Kyle is just the cherry on top…

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L.James

I adore E.L. James and am truly “Greysessed”.  Regardless of what your opinion is of her work, you have to admit that she has changed things.  With two hundred people in line for her signing at Comic Con, she still took the time to embrace me and say “thank you.”  I will always be a fan…

Bitterweet Seraphim by Debra Anastasia

No one could make the Devil swoon worthy like Debra!  Mucho love…

Thanks for taking the time to go down memory lane with us and we greatly look forward to the new memories and loves we will find in our books in the upcoming year, and hope you come along with us for the ride!