Top 10 of 2012: Best Book Boyfriends

Top 10 of 2012 is a meme hosted by these wonderful blogs: Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks of Books, andMagical Urban Fantasy Reads

Today's topic is a bit harder for me.  I have to choose ten book boyfriends (and only 10!) of books released in 2012 that I've read.  Here is my list of crushes:

Check out these amazing paper dolls at the author's website (click on her name below) 

1.  Phillip from Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson - To illustrate Phillip's awesomeness let me share this quote:

"When I look into your eyes, I lose all sense of time and place. Reason robbed, clear thought erased, I am lost in the paradise I find within your gaze."  (*I'm fanning myself right now*)

Picture is from book #4, I wanted to leave you with Ash's handsome face though

2.  Ash from The Iron's Prophesy by Julie Kagawa - If you have ever stoped by my blog before you know this is one of my favorite characters ever!

3.  Nicholas from The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst - This is an adult book, but one of the best contemporary romances I've read in a while.  Although Nicholas we a bit pigheaded, he saw the light at the end.  

4.  Tamani from Destined by Aprilynne Pike - Another fairy after my own heart!  Tamini was so dedicated to Laurel, completely loyal and handsome too boot (even if he has green hair :) 

5.  Vincent from Until I Die by Amy Plum - Vincent is the perfect boyfriend!  He spoils Kate rotten, he is strong, loyal, handsome and more.  If you had the chance to read Until I Die, you know I'm dying to get my hands on book #3, right? (btw, that was a mean cliffhanger!)

6.  Kaidan from Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins - Oh my!  I cannot tell how fast I fell in love with this character!  Kaidan is supposed to be evil, but he is so sweet and considerate, I cannot help but hope to see him happy with Anna.

7.  Chase from Social Suicide by Gemma - The typical 'bad boy' has a really soft spot, namely Hartley.  I just love how he tries to protect her and keeps her on her toes all the time.  Get on it Chase!

8.  Gavriel from Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers  - He is so considerate, tender and sweet with Ismae that I can't help but love him for it!

"Ah” Duval says. “So this is what you didn't want me to see. Poor Ismae”…”There is no shame is scar, Ismae”

9.  The Merrick brothers from the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer - Sorry if I cheated a bit, but these are four to-die-for brothers!  I've read the first two books in the series and I can't decide who I like the best yet :) 

10.  Lord Hector from The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson - Although, I'm halfway through the book, I just adore Lord Hector.  He is so loyal to Elisa and even a blind man could tell he loves her (I don't know the ending yet, so don't tell me!) 

This was so much fun! I can't wait to see other lists!

Review: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst (Marriage to a Billionaire #1)

*********Adult Book**********

Title: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

Published: February 14, 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Source: Provided by the publisher for review

Format: PDF (read on my Kindle)

Challenge(s):

Grade rate: B+

A marriage in name only...

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.

Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he’s offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right?

Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans…

My Review

The Marriage Bargain was such a good book!  After I read the synopsis I thought that it would be a very predictable story, instead I found myself savoring every word.

The plot of the story is somewhat predictable and you have probably read a book with this story line before, what make The Marriage Bargain a great book is the writing and the characterization.  The writing is funny, realistic, and quirky and I appreciate that Alexa and Nick were not in ‘agony’ for eleven months before realizing that they were in love.  I really dislike that type of book because it becomes repetitive. 

When the need to get married arrives for both Nick and Alexa they come up with a list of attributes that their partner should have.  This ‘rational’ approach to marriage is hilarious, especially since the lists are almost the complete opposite of each other :).  Alexa was a great character.  She is loyal, loving, fun, tender hearted, but also has her feet firmly set on the ground.  She would to anything for her family, including marrying Nick to save her parent’s home.  Alexa is best friends with Nick’s sister and they knew each other when they were children, so at least she is not marrying a complete stranger.

As I said, this is a great story, steamy love scenes, funny situations, and amazing characters.  I truly enjoyed the story and I can’t wait to read about Maggie and Michael in book # 2 of the series!

About the cover:  Steamy, but tasteful.

Have you read this book?  What do you think of the cover?