Let's Talk: Books that Defied Your Expectations

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What are your favourite books that defied your expectations/reservations?

Ah yes, I have great questions, even if I do say so myself. Honestly, this list could be so very, very long, but I'm going to simplify and do my favourite book that blew my way in 2012 and defied my expectations. It was utterly original. Entirely convincing. I was enraptured by the characters (mostly the male MC, let's be honest), and I find myself telling people daily to pick. this book up...like yesterday because if they don't, they're sorely missing out. What book is that, you ask?

Why, it's Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins, of course! Guys, I swear to you that when I saw this cover, I had absolutely no intention of reviewing it. In fact, I was certain it was going to be yet another paranormal instalove that couple double as a coaster on my coffee table (if I had one...I digress). The point is, I was pretty much positive that this one just wasn't worth my time. At all. Yet, despite my reservations, I kept seeing good advanced reviews. And then, my friends, I saw Jenny post an excellent review, and I knew if she loved it, there had to be something to it.

So, despite my infinite reservations, I cracked open the book, and boy am I glad that I did. Anna was a soaring, empowering, brilliant female MC, matched perfectly by the pure, unadulterated hotness that is Kaiden. I swoon. Packed to the brim with action, lust, anger and betrayal, Sweet Evil is a contrast of lights and darks with simple touches of gray area where you try to find a safe haven. Yet, it takes the angel and demon story and turns it on its head every where you turn, spinning you into an alluring web. Honestly, this book took everything I hate about YA paranormal and made me love it. That's power. Pure power. I bow down to your epic prowess, Wendy.