Top 10 Books We've Read in 2011

Yay it’s the beginning of our Top 10 week! Today is the top 10 books we’ve read this year. A few of the books are in both of our top 10 lists so we decided to combine those into one and then after we’ll each post our own! All the books are linked to their goodreads page if you want to see a description.

Our Top 10 books of 2011


1.     Divergent- Veronica Roth
2.    Clockwork Prince- Cassandra Clare
3.    Shift- Jeri Smith-Ready
4.    Half Blood- Jennifer L. Armentrout
5.    If I Die- Rachel Vincent
6.    The Iron Knight- Julie Kagawa
7.    A Touch Mortal- Leah Clifford
8.    Obsidian- Jennifer L. Armentrout
9.    The Girl of Fire and Thorns- Rae Carson
10. Unearthly- Cynthia Hand

     Jaime’s Top Books of 2011

    

     1.     Shatter Me- Tahereh Mafi

     2.    Darkest Mercy- Melissa Marr

     3.    Incarnate- Jodi Meadows

     4.    Everneath- Brodi Ashton

     5.    Bloodlines- Richelle Mead

     6.    Touch of Power- Maria V. Snyder

Patricia’s Top 10 of 2011

1.     Touch- Jus Accardo

2.    Fragile Eternity- Melissa Marr

3.    Shadow Kiss- Richelle Mead

4.    The Iron Queen- Julie Kagawa

5.    Carrier of the Mark- Leigh Fallon

6.    Vampire Academy- Richelle Mead

Ready to share your lists? Fill out the linky below and remember you only have to fill out the linky on one of our blogs they’re all liked together!  Also remember to come back tomorrow to post your link for your Top 10 Book Covers of 2011! Contest for the Amazon GC closes January 8^th!

Don’t forget to stop by Fiktshun, A Life Bound By Books, and Confessions of a Bookaholic to see their top 10 posts too!

Heroine Tourney Rose Vs. Alex

Hey peeps! So starting tonight at midnight EST the second round of voting for Rose starts in the YA Sisterhood’s Heroine Tourney! We are  so excited that we made it to the round two and our competitor in this round is fierce and so is her advocate. Our competition is Alex from Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Half Blood series and we think she’s pretty awesome and her advocate Momo from Books Over Boys is a really good friend of ours so this should be an interesting fight! Ready to vote already? Go HERE and vote Rose! Need more look below :)

“What can I do to help Rose?” you ask well that’s pretty simple tweet, post to facebook, convince friends to use their computers, go to the library and vote! Remember to use the #TeamRose hashtag we want to be able to see all of your faces in our timelines. Also direct them back here to tell us they commented some of our friends are having giveaways and we'll post the links below.

Oh yeah and we’re not being anti Alex so if you expected to see a why Rose is better than Alex post you’re not going to get it here this is what we said in our post on the tournament page.

4. Why should we vote for Rose instead of Alex?

This is a tough one we have both read and loved Half Blood and we really love Alex! Also we absolutely adore her advocate Momo.

Alex and Rose are incredibly similar, but we do love Rose more as our heroine because we’ve known her longer. They both fight for what is right and face insurmountable obstacles. They’re both very strong physically and mentally and love with such passion! We actually believe that Rose and Alex would be pretty good friends!

Therefore we’re not going to say why Rose is better than Alex or why she’s a better heroine because (and we think you’ll agree) Rose and Alex would want this to be a fair fight! So we just ask you vote for Rose because you love her. Let’s have our girls fight it out the only way they know how in a head to head battle with the strongest coming out on top!

Ok fun stuff the giveaways our lovely friends Bailey and Mindy are giving away some Richelle Mead goodness.

Bailey @Novel_Nerd on twitter is going to give away a copy of the first book in the series Vampire Academy if Rose wins and each round that she does win Bailey will add another book in the series. Sp go to her blog and check out her post.

And our BFF Mindy @bookluvrmindy who is Sophie’s advocate is battling Katniss tonight. On top of her battle she’s going to give away a signed copy of Richelle’s newest book Bloodlines to a person who uses the hashtag she chooses on twitter so make sure to follow her and also check out her blog for her Team Sophie post!

Thanks ladies we <3333 you!!!!!!!

Now we normally wouldn’t link to a post in the blog of an advocate we were facing but, Momo had a friend who writes fanfic do a little piece on Alex and Rose. It doesn’t favor either it actually shows how badass they both are so go to Books Over Boys and check out the post J

Now go vote for Rose!!!! Ooh and Sophie ;)  Click on the pic below to go vote!

Cover Reveal Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Hey everyone today we have a beautiful new book cover to reveal today it’s called Chosen Ones it’s the first in a new YA Dystopian series by author Tiffany Truitt being published by Entangled Publishing. When you read the synopsis we know you'll be as excited as we are to read this 2012 book!

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Gorgeous right?? The release date is set in April but that is subject to changes but we can’t wait to get out hands on a copy! In the meantime check out Entangled Publishing’s website! There’s tons of great books there to pick up three that we recommend are Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Touch by Jus Accardo, and Radiant Desire by Inara Scott!!

Jaime's Review of Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

From Goodreads.
Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She’s been warned.
Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes, the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.

She’ll be betrayed.
Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.

Jaime’s review….

My very first review on our blog was Angelfire last year so it somehow seems fitting that really close to our1 year blogaversary that I review the sequel in the series! I look back on that review with fond memories it wasn’t the best review I’ve ever written but hey I was just starting out if you want to read it I’ll post a link after my Wings of The Wicked review. On to the review.

Wings of The Wicked is a crazy ride! Ellie is coming in to more of her gifts (or powers) and along with that her memories are also returning she now knows more than ever why it is that her and Will belong together. That being said it isn’t easy and Will pushes her away even though it tortures him, she’s an archangel after all he thinks he can’t be with her. The funny part is I wrote in my first review that there wasn’t a love triangle well I’d still say it’s not but, there is another character that is sure as hell trying to make it one and for that I love him. Cadan has easily become my favorite boy in the series not that I don’t like Will but he seems too stiff for my tastes. Cadan is funny, passionate, and doesn’t put up with crap from anyone including Ellie.

The story continues with so much action that you’re sitting on the edge of your seat as soon as you open the book! Bastian is back along with some horrifying reapers and some very big surprises. I’m pretty sure I said “Oh Crap” a few times and also cried. Answers will be answered but more questions arise. Some pretty terrible stuff happens in this book and the ending will leave you shaking your fist at Miss Moulton because it’s one hell of a cliffhanger! This is a must buy if you loved Angelfire and if you haven’t read it buy them both!!!

I decide to use a scene from the book this time. It’s not spoilery since I mentioned Cadan above ;) I absolutely loved this part!

“I never thought you’d be like this.”

“Like what?”

“I heard stories of you,” he said, “Of your violence and ruthlessness. But you’re just a girl-a very beautiful, vulnerable girl.”

Being called beautiful was one thing, but I couldn’t afford to be weak. “Thanks, but I’m not vulnerable.”

“You are,” he insisted softly. “And I think it may be part of the reason why I’m so drawn to you. I am utterly enthralled. You’re innocent, so unlike the beast you’re said to be. Ellie, you have this softness about you that I could never dream of damaging. It would be like stomping on a flower. What would be the point?”

That’s one of his sweeter moments but there’s plenty of the smart sarcastic Cadan we know and love in there too!

Wings of The Wicked  comes out on February 1st so make sure to pick up your copy. Pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the Book Depository.

Also here’s the link to my very first review I promised! Here’s my Angelfire Review! And be sure to stop by Courtney’s website

A huge thank you to Harper Teen for the Advanced Readers Copy!

Jaime's Review of Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

From Goodreads.
NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

Jaime’s review….

For those of you that read my reviews you all know how much I love a good fantasy book! I welcome the escape into a different world with mystical creatures and magical characters. So when I started Incarnate after reading the synopsis, I was expecting a good read what I did not expect was a fantastic, amazing, awesome, breath-taking book that had my mind going in so many different directions I was dizzy with elation! The world building in Incarnate was so good I could feel the Heartbeat in the walls and temple of Heart and the fire that came from the Sylph’s. What I also liked about this book was the idea of reincarnation where people remember everything from past lives. I sometimes caught myself thinking “Would I want to live like this?” because as awesome as it sounds I felt it would get kind of stale knowing the same things and people just in different bodies. 

Then again knowing every time when you die that you would come back was pretty cool.

Now for Ana the Main Character I loved that even though she was a nosoul (as her awful mother called her) was strong willed and held her own with these people that had lived over and over again. Speaking of those people the love interest Sam *sighs* I think I have found myself another (yep that’s right) book boyfriend. He’s tall dark and handsome but not only that he’s gentle, creative, funny, and protective but he also has a vulnerable side which made me love him even more. The other cast of characters ranged from people I loved to people I vehemently hated and wanted them to suffer. I had so many emotions while reading this book and there was one part that sticks out and I’d like to try and quote it without spoiling too much so here goes! 

Scene: This is during a dance…..

“His fingers brushed my cheek, down my neck. The entire masquerade stretched out before me, but my focus tunneled to the man behind me. Hands eased towards my hips and held tight as we spun; my feet lifted off the ground, but even when I thought the wings might carry me into the breeze, he held me tight.”

Let’s just put it this way this whole chapter had me swooning ;)

Incarnate is a book I can see myself reading over and over again I fell hard for this book and the characters and world inside its pages! I can’t wait for book 2 to see where Ana’s journey takes her and us! Incarnate comes out January 31, 2012 so make sure to pre-order it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the Book Depository. Also make sure to stop by Jodi’s website to find out more info about her and her amazing book and follow her on twitter  where she tweets about everything including making really cute scarves!

Thank you Harper Teen for an ARC to review. As always you too good to us, and to Jodi Meadows for writing this story that I can’t wait to read more of!

Sleepers Cover Reveal

Two Chicks is thrilled to announce a cover reveal! Believe us this cover is amazingly beautiful and we can’t wait to get our hands on a copy!

Introducing the new artwork for Megg Jensen’s bestselling novel SLEEPERS

To celebrate the re-launch of SLEEPERS in January of 2012, Megg is giving it a new cover with artwork from the incredible PhatPuppy.

Ready??? Here’s the new cover and a description!

Synopsis: An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can’t calm the fires raging inside her.
Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy?

I loved this book btw and I can’t wait to read book 2 *Hint, hint* Megg ;) anyhoo check out my review of Sleepers HERE!

Wanna know the best part? It’s on sale now for only 99 cents!

Purchase Sleepers at the iBookstore, Amazon, AmazonUK, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble!

Check out Megg on the web:

Website: http://www.meggjensen.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meggjensenauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/meggjensen

Jaime's Review of Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Goodreads.
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Jaime’s review….

Well one thing I can for sure say about Half Blood is why the hell did it take me so long to read it???? I don’t know why but I’m hitting myself for not reading it sooner.

This book was AWESOME (I said that in a sing-song voice btw) I swear if I didn’t have obligations like sleeping, eating, and work I would have inhaled this book in one sitting! I loved Alex from the very beginning of the first page of Daimon (the prequel) which was amazeballs as well. Her strength and selflessness remind me of what a true heroine is. Don’t get me wrong she’s stubborn, impulsive, and self depreciating too but that makes her more real. Aiden St. Delphi stole my heart even though I didn’t want him to. I normally don’t fall for the strong, silent, noble, stoic type but the passion in him; those few times we actually get to see it made me forget that about him. I normally fall for the guy like Seth who has a hint of danger behind him and is funny and sarcastic and I did love him too just not as much as Aiden. Jennifer has also written a great cast of secondary characters that I either adored or hated the instant I met them.

The story itself was brilliant! I loved her take on the mythology behind the Hematoi and I didn’t find myself searching for my Greek Mythology book once. Yes I’m a dork who has that kind of book. I actually didn’t care about looking up if anything was right or wrong I just enjoyed the story immensely. The idea of the Daimons was a great take on a bad guy and the caste system in which the Pures and Halfs live in IMO is another bad guy it essentially takes away people’s choices. 

There were some things that happened that had me hanging on the edge of my seat especially the steamy moments between Aiden and Alex, and others that had me cringing like I could actually feel the pain Alex was going through.

So here’s the scene I chose to share it’s a little bit of steam from Alex and Aiden ;0

His gaze and fingers followed some unseen path as he rolled me on top. “You’re so beautiful. So Brave, so full of life.” He guided my head down and dropped a sweet kiss against the scar on my neck. “You have no idea, do you? You have so much life in you, so much.”

I tipped my head back and he kissed the tip of my nose.”Really?”

“Yes” He brushed my hair back from my face. “Since the night I saw you in Georgia, you’ve been under my skin. You got inside me, became part of me. I can’t shake it. It’s wrong.” He shifted us, rolling me across the bed until he leaned above me “Agapi mou, I can’t…” He brought his lips down to mine once more.

Want more of that steam? Buy the book! I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to read the next one Pure!

Go get your copies of Daimon (The prequel) at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository.

Buy Half Blood at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Book Depisitory.

Make sure to check out Jennifer’s website and follow her on twitter she always has cool contests going J