




I don’t read too much high fantasy, but this one is definitely my favourite of the genre. It’s intense, humourous, and full of action. It’s also beautifully written, and I’m desperately awaiting the next book.



Best Standalone
Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
How I wish this wasn’t a standalone! This is one book where I could really connect with the main character, so it made me love the book all the more. Both protagonists are incredibly well-written, and I think all contemporary lovers need to read this one!







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Kait Rose
Bloggers’ Best of 2013: City of Books!





I don’t read too much high fantasy, but this one is definitely my favourite of the genre. It’s intense, humourous, and full of action. It’s also beautifully written, and I’m desperately awaiting the next book.



Best Standalone
Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
How I wish this wasn’t a standalone! This is one book where I could really connect with the main character, so it made me love the book all the more. Both protagonists are incredibly well-written, and I think all contemporary lovers need to read this one!

















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2 comments
I completely agree with you on These Broken Stars– SO GOOD! and I still need to read Clockwork Princess, gahhh. Great picks! 😀
Out of Play was excellent! Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry and favorite authors of mine and I’m so happy bloggers are bringing this book to readers’ attention!