Top Ten Book Boyfriends of 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is an event going on all week long hosted by Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie and Patricia from Two Chicks on Books. It's a feature where we are talking about our favorites of this year and next year for an entire week!

1) Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth- Four pretty much personified the perfect man for me. Strong, rugged and with just the right amount of tenderness, he was absolutely one of the best guys I've ever encountered in fiction. I love him because he respects Tris and wants them to be on equal footing. He is brave, willingly conquering his fears, and he's not so sweet he's going to rot my teeth out with the things he says. If Veronica Roth had given him an Irish accent, I don't think I'd have recovered from this book ever.

2) Noah Shaw from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- Noah can essentially charm the clothes right off you. Devilishly wicked with a sharp tongue and quick wit, he's one of a kind in fiction. There are novels that go through great lengths to tell you how hot a lead male is and then there are novels that let the leading guy show you. Noah is the second category. I was so determined not to like him in the beginning because I just wanted to roll my eyes but by god, when he is driving Mara with a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips (a habit I can't stand and love him for anyway) and his unruly hair catching in the sunlight I was literally drooling. Pretty much every word out of Noah's mouth makes me love him more.

3) Cas from Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake- It's pretty easy to figure out why I fell in love with Cas. He's funny, sarcastic and the best of both of the Supernatural boys. I'd hang with him any day! Plus, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, he's kind of a romantic.

4) Beck from The Demon Trapper's Daughter series by Jana Oliver- Beck is definitely rough around the edges but when it comes to being loyal to someone, he's absolutely the guy you want in your corner. Plus, you just know that he'd love you forever and probably piss you the heck off but it would definitely be passionate.

5) Logan from Touch of Frost series by Jennifer Estep- Logan is the guy all the girl's want. I think there is a lot more to him than we know about and he just sound smoking. There is something really sexy about a guy who can pick up anything and know how to kill someone with it. I'd always feel safe!

6) Adam from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- I really like a guy in uniform and Adam is totally that. He's dangerous, passionate and completely loyal. But on top of that, he's really sweet with his brother and so tender to Juliette because she's so damaged. Easy to see why he makes my heart race.

7) Jay from The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting- I love that Jay is a regular guy and can only do things that regular guys can. He isn't some super strong, super smart kid but he does everything in his power to make Violet safe. Plus, he's so stinking sweet to her. Derting did an awesome job of making him desirable but also just a regular guy.

8) Luc from Personal Demons series by Lisa Desrochers- Hello, sexy sexy demon. Heck, through the intense love he had for Frannie, he was able to withstand the tortures of Hell. If that is devotion, I'm not sure what is. I love that Luc is always striving to make himself better. Plus, you know he's passionate. I've read all about those spine-tingling kisses.

9) Bridger from Shifting by Bethany Wiggins- Bridger is just this enigma. I can't ever tell what he's thinking and I loved how he was so manly. He liked odd sports and was really into his heritage. Plus, he was witty, knew exactly the right things to say and was really patient with Maggie Mae.

10) Xander from Matched series by Ally Condie- I could easily choose Ky here too. I'm team undecided because they are both good choices but I feel like Xander is such a true friend and I respect his loyalty. I love that he is willing to be unhappy so Cassia can be happy but he makes it clear that he isn't giving up. He's thoughtful and kind, everything I could fall for!

Those are my book boyfriends this year. It was really hard to narrow down the list but I feel like there are plenty of guys to fall in love with here! Who did you add?

Character Interview: Mia from The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Today I've got Mia on the blog from The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams and she's answering some of my burning questions. Check out what she has to say about her favorite kissing scenes and see a playlist that describes her trip to China.

Around the World in 80 Kisses Smooch Stop #30

Mei, thanks so much for stopping by on the blog today!

Thanks so much for having me today . I’m a big fan of your blog!

1) Is there a particular movie, book or comic kissing scene that is your favorite?

I’m a huge fan of movie kisses, so yes, there are a few. For movies, the good-bye kiss at the end of I am Number Four. For book kisses, I love both of the kisses between Cricket and Lola at the end of Lola and the Boy Next Door.

2) What does going to China mean for you? Is there one place you feel like you have to go and visit?

This visit to China means so much. I’m really nervous because I feel like I’m betraying my adoptive parents, but I just want to know where I came from. Who gave me up for adoption? Did they ever regret it? Is being born in China why I always feel like I don’t quite fit in? I want to go to the orphanage I was adopted from.

3) Looking at your suitcase, what are three things you can't live without?

My guitar, my Chinese-English dictionary, my laptop.

4) What is the least text message in your phone?

911! Emergency Meeting at Yogurt Worxx stat. (from Piper, of course).

5) Can you give me a playlist of about five songs that describe your trip to China?

• Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran (I starved for the first half of my trip. Literally, starved)
• Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix (You have to read the story to figure this one out)
• Skater Boy by Avril Lavigne (Ode to Guiran)
• Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper (Self-explanatory, I think ;)
• Learning To Fly by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (I think this fits my whole trip to China)

6) What's your motto to live by?

Study Hard, Play Harder.

Thanks so much for having me!

Pleasure was all mine! So I want to know from the readers, what are three things you must pack when going on a trip?

Thanks to:

Teaser Tuesday(67) and Top Ten Tuesday (13)

TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

"Si," Raniero confirmed. "I am fortunate that those who witnessed my act did not destroy me that night."

--Pg. 136 of "Jessica Rules the Dark Side" by Beth Fantaskey

I've got to say I'm not as wild about this one I was hoping I'd be. I've still got about half the book left so I'm really hoping it picks up and leaves me breathless like the first!

What's your teaser?

Top Ten Tuesday is a 10's list meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. There is a different question every week and all you have to do is answer their question with your top ten results!

Top Ten Books of 2011

I've actually just recently done a post like this. For full details, go here. But here are the books I included in my top 10 (these are not in order).

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
5. Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
6. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
7. Shifting by Bethany Wiggins
8. Across The Universe by Beth Revis
9. Matched by Ally Condie
10. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

What books made your top 10?

Top Ten Book Covers of 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is an event going on all week long hosted by Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie and Patricia from Two Chicks on Books. It's a feature where we are talking about our favorites of this year and next year for an entire week!

Top Ten Covers of 2011

These are in no particular order, I like all of the Top 10 equally!

1) Wither by Lauren DeStefano- We've all noticed and bragged about it but this was the year of pretty dresses and I think Wither has one of the prettiest I've seen. I love everything about this cover from the deep blue color to the bird trapped in a small cage.

2) Nightshade by Andrea Cremer- This old cover is wild and fierce and gorgeous. I see what Shay saw when he talks about Calla and I really like that. Plus, the blood spattered lilies are wonderful!

3) The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- Mara is one heck of a dark novel and I feel like this cover represents that. Something dark is dragging Mara down, threatening to drown her. So stinking pretty!

4) Die for Me by Amy Plum- Though I own this novel, I haven't gotten a chance to read it yet. I fell in love with the deep wine color of this dress and the Eiffel tower peeking out in the background.

5) Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick- I was so excited when I saw this cover because Patch and Nora were finally featured together. I love the dramatic pose with the water in the background.

6) Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma- I'm pretty sure this cover should be on everyone's list. When I go into a bookstore that color blue still jumps out at me on the shelves. I love everything about this one!

7) Shatter Souls by Mary Lindsey- Oh my goodness, this cover is just breathtaking. Another dress cover but with the gorgeous twist of making it fade into flowers. I love the model's pose too.

8) Hereafter by Tara Hudson- This is an almost dress cover. Everything from the coloring to the background makes this cover stunning. I'd have loved to see what the dress actually looked like.

9) Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison- Sadly, I've heard this novel doesn't match up to it's amazing cover but man, this cover is beyond beautiful. I want to live on that lake!

10) Unearthly by Cynthia Hand- This cover is just so graceful which fits since it's an angel novel. The picture does it no justice because in person there is silver foil on the lettering.

Honorable Mentions:

11) The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter- This chick makes laying in lush green forest oh so fab! I love the Greek like design around the novel and the model's pose.

12) Fury by Elizabeth Miles- The burning orange hair mixed with the yellow lettering and deep but muted green bow make this cover completely captivating.

13) The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff- This looks so lush and dark like a fairytale go wrong which is perfect for a Yovanoff story since that's what she writes!

14) Juliet Immortal by Stacy Jay- I love the girl on the edge of the cliff with the bright pink/red dress. It's so beautiful and represents Juliet's plight.

These are most definitely some of my favorite covers of this year. I'm sure when I pop around, I'll see a bunch that I missed but as of right now I'm very happy with these choices! What covers did you love in 2011?

Top Ten Books I've Read in 2011

Top 10 of 2011 is an event going on all week long hosted by Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie and Patricia from Two Chicks on Books. It's a feature where we are talking about our favorites of this year and next year for an entire week!

Top Books I've Read in 2011

1) Divergent by Veronica Roth- There have been some incredible novels out this year but nothing swept me away as much as Divergent did. From the strong and courageous heroine to the swoon-worthy and respectable love interest, Divergent was a winner. I loved being plunged into Divergent's world and fell in love with Roth's prose.

2) The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- This is a very close second. Sincerely, it's like a sneeze away from being first. I wanted to be friends with all these characters. Mara, Noah and Jamie had me laughing out loud and trying to figure out if Mara really was going crazy had me staying up way, way past my bedtime.

3) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- Ms. Mafi's gorgeous prose, so like poetry and so different than anything I've ever read before, makes this read a must on my list of favorites. I feel in love with Juliette and Adam and rooted for them from the beginning.

4) Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs- Wacky, a little strange and beautifully written, Miss Peregrine's captured my imagination. Combined with the super creepy photos, I fall in love with this novel!

5) Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake- I've always been a fan of books that are told with male narrators in YA and this horror is no different! Cas was everything I liked about both Supernatural brothers rolled into one and his adventures with Anna are awesome!

6) Wither by Lauren DeStefano- Sad, inspiring and beautifully written, Wither shocked and surprised me with its sincerity. I loved how vivacious and alive Rhine was for someone who had so little life left.

7) Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey- I cracked this novel open expected a cute, light read and what I got was something so much more. At times light, this novel is all about loss and healing. I loved every moment!

8) Across The Universe by Beth Revis- As Beth Revis says "murder mystery in space". Need I say more? Being serious though, this novel is about a lot more than catching a killer. It's a story of a girl in a completely foreign place and all alone. It's beautiful and sad and touching.

9) Matched by Ally Condie- The novel had the potential to go huge with loads of action. And yet, it's quiet. The rebellion happens in the main character in a way that is so quiet and moving.

10) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting- I wasn't expecting to like this novel nearly half as much as I did. Violet and Jay made me so happy because they are adorable together and I fell in love with Kimberly Derting's prose.

Honorable Mentions:

1) The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver- This is another novel I wasn't expecting to fall head over heels for. But Riley and Beck are too easy to fall in love with and the world is too well thought out not to be transported there.

2) Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs- I loved this story of mythology turned on its head with three amazing sisters.The fact the Ms. Childs could look at mythology an entirely new way than her other series really impressed me.

3) Stork by Wendy Delsol- The blend of Norse mythology, a spunky main character and an anything goes plot made this one heck of an amazing read!

4) Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers- I couldn't help but love Frannie, Luc and Gab in this vivid world that Lisa Desrochers created. Heaven, hell and everything in between hasn't been this fun in a long time!

5) From Bad To Cursed by Katie Alender- It's rare when sequels are just as good as first novels so I was pleasantly surprised to find that From Bad To Cursed brought me all the things I liked about the first novel but in a surprising and new way. Creepy and amazing, this is one novel not to be missed!

Those are my picks for 2011. What are yours?

Merry Christmas!

Thus begins the obligatory Christmas post. I'm taking a break from blogging for this one day to spend some time with my family and friends (though I'll also be working today too). That means that no one is home (on this here webpage) though.

I hope you all have a happy holidays and treasure each moment with your loved ones.

What can you expect next year from Down The Rabbit Hole?

• More reviews
• More interviews
• More giveaways

New feature:

• The Write Facts- An interview every Monday talking with a different author each week about their journey to publication filled with fun facts and advice for aspiring authors! We're talking Kendare Blake, Lauren DeStefano, Jill Hathaway and many, many more!

Coming Soon:

• I'm going to be holding a massive giveaway the entire month of January where I'll be giving away 12 books (some ARCs, some finished titles, some pre-orders)

As you can see, there is going to be plenty to look forward to. 

But for today, rest and have a very happy holidays!

Thus ends the obligatory Christmas post.

Saturday Discussions: Books as Christmas Gifts?

Since Christmas is right around the corner, my little sister and I thought it might be a good idea to keep things light this week. Thus, we decided to talk about something fun and Christmas themed. This week, we are talking about whether or not we buy books as Christmas gifts for people around the holidays. My answer might surprise you!

As a general rule of thumb, I do not buy books for Christmases or birthdays. I know, I know, it's a perfect excuse to support your favorite author or series and I am all for that. But most of the people I know don't read. It's a horrible world I live in but it's mine nonetheless. Pretty much my entire family, with the exception of my grandma and a really cool aunt who I found out likes to read YA, my family is not likely to crack open a book or appreciate if I got them one.

This year I bought books for two people because I knew each of them would like it. See, I'm actually a really picky reader (or I used to be) and I have a lot of books so it's difficult for people to buy books for me. And I don't like forcing the things I love on other people either.

So what I am saying is, I LIKE buying books for people but I like getting them what they will love more. If that happens to be a book than that just makes everything a little sweeter.

On the other hand, I do like receiving books. My mother has no idea what type of stuff I read so she lets me shop for books and wrap them so she can give me something I really want. I know I'll be receiving a bunch of great titles this year.

So fear not blogger friends, though I may not have a lot of people in my life that read, I still have you guys. I enjoy every single second of sharing what I thought about what I read with you and will continue to all next year.

Hope all your holidays are merry and bright!

Do you buy books as gifts?