Welcome to 2015 at Love Bytes Reviews! Before we start the new year we wanted to look back at the old year…
The Reviewers at Love Bytes read a lot of books. And we do mean a LOT of books! Both ones we read for reviewing, and for our own personal enjoyment. We thought it would be fun to share with our readers some of our favorite books of the year. These books were released or re-released in 2014, and are our personal favorites. We have included the buy link for Amazon just in case you might be tempted to pick one up!
What are your favorite books of the year?? Leave a comment with your best find of the year and we’ll draw a name for a $10 gift certificate to All Romance eBooks!
In no particular order, our favorite books of 2014!
♥♥♥♥♥Donna’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Queens of the Apocalypse by Rob Rosen
The most unique road trip story I have ever read. It features zombies, gun toting drag queens and copious quantities of sequins and liquor. Its biting humor suited me to a T.
The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick
This book convinced me, the queen of holding grudges against fictional characters, that forgiveness is always possible. Plus there’s a flash mob – who doesn’t love a flash mob?
The Family We Make by Kaje Harper
Aside from the brilliant writing there’s one very important reason I included this book on my list. It had the option to take the easy out, but instead it took the harder to accept path.
Objects in the Rearview Mirror by F.E. Feeley Jr.
When I was about halfway through I peeked at the end of this story and as a result I cried over the same part twice. I was laughing and crying and snorting and snotting and that to me is an indicator of a brilliant book.
Loving Jay by Renae Kaye
I honestly don’t think I could choose a favorite Renae Kaye story but for the purposes of this list, this is one of the best debut books that I’ve come across. And maybe I have a weakness for pretty twinks.
John & Jackie by T.J. Klune
This is probably the saddest but most beautiful story I’ve ever read. For days after I’d read it I would think about it and get a sick feeling in my stomach. I swear I mourned.
♥♥♥♥♥Jenn Taylor’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Wave Goodbye to Charlie by Eric Arvin
Dreamlike, hopeful and beautiful.
Rock by Anyta Sunday
I’ve been waiting for a book like this for a long time. Love that was a gift; love that meant more than other possibly breakable things; love that was family and friendship and longstanding.
Stories Beneath Our Skin by Veronica Sloane
A quiet story that beneath the surface has much deeper meaning and strength. Beautiful and lovely.
The Dangerous Seduction by A.N. Bond
This could have been cheesy or just another mystery or just another lot of things…but it wasn’t. It was seductive, murky, tense, sneaky, and while mashing the premises of two stories together managed to become something unique and intriguing. Really looking forward from more from this author.
Meatworks by Jordan Castillo Price
I shouldn’t have enjoyed this; probably because Desmond reminds me so much of several people I know who frustrate the living HELL out of me. This isn’t some trope filled book that will hit all your romance buttons, this isn’t a smiling and happy place book. BUT it is a book with one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve ever read. It’s a book with complicated relationships, complicated pasts, complicated presents, and unsure and confusing futures. It’s a story of loss, disappointment, failed expectations, lack of communication, bitterness…but also hope, determination, small memories, and letting go. Meatworks is a special book, with writing and guts I hope to see more from in the genre.
♥♥♥♥♥Carissa’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Another Time in Place by Aleksandr Voinov, K.J. Charles, Kaje Harper, Jordan L. Hawk, Joanna Chambers, and Tamara Allen
I was seriously impressed by the stories in this anthology…and that is saying something because normally anthologies are something I have to force myself to get through. But every single one of these stories was just great, and that was not something I’ve ever expected to say.
Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities by Lyn Gala
What can I say about this book other than I adore it? The way that language is used and manipulated to show the differences in societies between the Rownt and humanity is something I can’t get enough of.
The Family We Make by Kaje Harper
I was floored by how much I loved this book. The topics, the characters, everything in this book came together to create something that really touched me.
Mark Cooper versus America by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock
I fell off my bed because this book make me laugh so hard (and when I wasn’t laughing I was watching the temperature in my kindle skyrocket). This book was just pure fun to read (and reread!).
Summoner of Storms by Jordan L. Hawk
This one was in a tight race for the last spot on my list with another book, (Blood on the Ice by Katriena Knights–hockey, vampires…how is that not awesome?) but when it came down to the wire, this is the one that I know I’m going to reread…probably more than once. The culmination of the SPECTR series was just awesome, and I was thrilled to hear that we have not seen the last of this world.
♥♥♥♥♥Amber’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Running Wild by SE Jakes
I’ve re-read this book so many times that I’ve lost count. The passion and care that Ryker and Sean have always leaves me breathless.
(Watch Me) Break You by Avril Ashton
This book is the perfect start to this series. It was hot, passionate and so wonderful.
Stay With Me by SE Harmon
MacKenzie is by far one of the best characters I’ve read all year. Then you add GFY Jordan into the mix and FIREWORKS happen!!!
Fall Apart by SE Culpepper
This is my favorite tearjerker, heart breaking pick. SE Culpepper is such an amazing author that her books always seem to top my lists.
Strain by Amelia C. Gormley
The end of the world never felt so good. Throw in zombies and an amazing love story made this book EPIC!
Strength of the Mate by Kendall McKenna
There is nothing I love more than strong Alpha males and the military and there is no one that does it better than Kendall McKenna. This is one of my most favorite series, ever.
♥♥♥♥♥Lily’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Pray the Gay Away by Sara York
The whole “a Southern thing” series is fantastic because they are not only romantic but also touch a significant social issue involving gay community. I read the series several times and got tearful and then later happy at each time.
Saving Kane by Michele Rakes
This book is written in a way I felt like Kane…Kane is my ultimate wounded lovable hero.
Curling Iron by Nya Rawlyns
Each story in the Bad Boyfriend series is filled with romance, sensuality and suspense. The heroes are absolutely wonderful yet imperfect….they are awesome guys.
The Gasman Cometh by T.J. Masters
This story is written in an absolute masculine yet elegant tone but so sensuous.
Demons within by Rhiannon Ayers
The two heroes simply took my breath away.
Sol’s Soltice by Leona Windwalker
That one made the hair stand up on my neck because after it was released there was a news about a gay guy….Leona wrote this story with great insight.
♥♥♥♥♥Roberta’s List♥♥♥♥♥
(Watch Me) Break You by Avril Ashton
I was so impressed with this book. Just the grittiness and anger and the way these guys LOVED AND LOVED HARD, just had me wrapped into this book from the first moment to the very last one.
No Boundaries by SE Jakes
This story just had me with favorite old characters with the new guys had such wonderful chemistry together, I loved every hot moment with a mystery/suspense theme that just WOWed me.
Blood & Thunder by Charlie Cochet
The second part in this series that just kept such a wonderful continuation from the first book, the way that you get to know more about Sloane and his and Ash’s past.
Rack & Ruin by Charlie Cochet
This story just grabbed me from the first moment to the very last gasp (i.e. word) and it didn’t let go.
Fighting Instinct (L’Ange Book 2) by Mary Calmes
I was mesmerized with Arman de Soto from the first moment I read his character and I just KNEW he’d be a great ALPHA character, I was right!!
Fallocaust by Quil Carter
This dystopian story was so enthralling in its brutality. This book is dark and really not for the faint of heart, however, this book is fully engaging and will hold your attention and suck you into this thrilling series that you will not want to end.
♥♥♥♥♥Marieke’s list♥♥♥♥♥
Walk with me by Cardeno C
Loving Jay by Renae Kaye
Upside Down by Andrew Grey
The Choosing by Violet Joicey-Cowen
In your eyes by Cardeno C
♥♥♥♥♥Vicki’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Beneath the Stain by Amy Lane
I picked this one just for the epic drama and angst…. It made me laugh, ache, scream and cry. To the point that I messaged Amy a picture of my tear stained pillow, and slightly freaked her out! The serial release format was very unique as well.
A Forbidden Rumspringa by Kiera Andrews
This was one of the best coming out stories I’ve read. Forbidden love, drama, and sweet new sex. Lots of details about the Amish life I wasn’t familiar with, and great characters.
Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan
I’d share the first one in this series, Love Lessons, as well but it came out in 2013. They are both fantastic college age (New Adult) stories with deep plots. Usually not my thing, but I LOVED both of them!
The Mating of Michael by Eli Easton
This story so surprised me… The first two in the series are good, but lighter. This one was so deep and dramatic! Read them all, but this one will knock your socks off.
No Fae is an Island by Angel Martinez
Angel Martinez is a new to me author, I “discovered” her this year. The whole Endangered Fae series is amazing, this one in particular because she redeemed a character damaged in the book before. Gay fantasy at its best.
Player vs Player by Amelia Gromley
This one had such a unique and incredible story about a segment of life I was not very familiar with.
♥♥♥♥♥Tara’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Shift In Time by Mercy Celeste
And Manny Makes Seven by Sean Michael
Damian’s Discipline by K.C. Wells
♥♥♥♥♥Cindy’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Fight Instinct by Mary Calmes
I love shifter stories and she does them so amazingly well. Plus I know that the writing is always excellent and I love how they leave me feeling.
The Free Men Series by Kate Aaron
Extremely well written with an amazing world that’s been created to explore. I’m not usually so enthralled by threesome stories but this one held me enchanted.
The Slave Amazon The Soldier Amazon The Master Amazon
All Kinds of Tied Down by Mary Calmes
Two big, strong men who are so tender with each other? The stuff dreams are made of. Plus, they kick ass and save people. I love it.
In Your Eyes by C. Cardeno
Another well done shifter story with characters that aren’t perfect by any means but who find something amazing with each other. So amazing and made me smile so much.
Tequila Mockingbird by Rhys Ford
I can’t get enough of the young men of this series. Strong and tender Irish men who fall hard for men who are a little bent but never broken. Witty and smart, it’s everything a reader could ask for.
Homecoming: Midnight Rodeo Anthology
I’m including this one because it’s three intertwined stories written by three authors. The writing is seamless and I loved how they twisted together into one long story. If you love the supernatural and shifters, you will adore this.
♥♥♥♥♥Dan’s List♥♥♥♥♥
The View From a Rusty Train Car by DeeJay Arens
The characters were written so well in this book that I truly came to care for them. Enough so that I literally cried at one point during the book. Something I rarely do.
Grif’s Toy by Joseph Lance Tonlet
At first it horrified me, and then I loved it. It definitely made me step outside my vanilla world.
Favorite Son by Will Freshwater
I love the escapism of the story, particularly when the MC jumps on a ferry in Boston and runs away to P-Town and reinvents himself.
Violence Begets by P.T. Denys
This book left me totally devastated. But I will reread it again and again.
One, Two, Three, Shatter by Joey James Hook
A hard to read book, but one that really made me feel the pain of the MC’s life. Awesome book.
Names Can Never Hurt Me by Wade Kelly
I loved Nick, the really pretty, but dumber than a box of rocks narrator and how he matured over the course of this beauty and the beast type of story.
♥♥♥♥♥Kimberley’s list♥♥♥♥♥
Here Comes Trouble by AE Via
Embracing His Syn by AE Via
Going Home by Max Vos
Acting Out Scotty Cade
Morticia Knight’s All Fired Up
The Superstar by Patricia Logan
♥♥♥♥♥Danielle’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Final Exam by K.C. Wells
This is a wonderful series in total, and are the first books I have read from author K.C Wells. I have been a fan ever since. This part is the perfect ending and gave me everything I could wish for as a reader and fan of this series.
Going Home by Max Vos
Controversial, different, intense, and phenomenal. This book left an impression that will not fade.
Love Means Patience by Andrew Grey
My old time favorite series by the man who for me is king in this genre. I adore his works and this book was a fantastic amazing addition to this already immortal series.
Better than Change by Lane Hayes
New author Lane Hayes got me by surprise when she release the first part of the Better Than Series. This second part is perhaps even better.
Special Delivery (re-released in 2014) by Heidi Cullinan
Great book, sexy , hot , emotiona ,one of my old time favorites re released this year and still top of the bill.
The V unit by Max Vos
I don’t like vampires, I do love shifters, but not Vampires! Max Vos promised me I would like this… Damn was he right!
♥♥♥♥♥Paul’s list♥♥♥♥♥
Stuck in OZ by Andrew Grey
Maybe This Time by AM Arthur
It’s Like This by A O’Gleadra
♥♥♥♥♥Dennis’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Love and Salvage: Halestorm by Mathew Ortiz
Then the Stars Fall by Brandon Witt
Gabriel’s Fall by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Going Home by Max Vos
Embracing His Syn by A.E. Via
Strange Addiction by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
♥♥♥♥♥Pamela-Mae’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Sheep’s Clothing by Elin Gregory
No Worries Mate by E S Skipper
Bite Me, Too by Jana Downs
♥♥♥♥♥Rhonda’s List♥♥♥♥♥
Handsome Men Bite Back by James Cox
The Barbarian by Kelex
Enslaved by Five by April Andrews
Enslaved is part of a series called Mating Season, an excellent series of m/m ménage
Wolf Howl by Isabel Dare
Zhengs Heart by Amber Kell
Another series called Vampires kiss, Amber never fails to deliver in one of her books.
Mannies Incorporated by Sean Micheal
Who doesn’t love a book about men doing what women have been doing since forever?
Leave a comment naming you favorite book of 2014 to enter the giveaway 🙂
Take by Ella Frank was my favourite read of 2014
Thank you LoveBytes and Kimberley! “The Superstar” was a fun book to write <3
Undeclared by Maris Black was my favorite book of 2014.
There have been some really good books this year. Some that stick out to me are:
Whispers – Emmett Skipper (made me ugly cry)
It’s Christmas Everywhere but Here – Liam Grey ( the story felt so real)
Lifting Techniques – Charlie Richards
Caged Sanctuary – Tempeste O’Riley
There are many more but these came to mind. Thanks for posting your favorites. Happy New Year
Thank you hun. I’m glad you liked the book. I’m sorry I made you ugly cry as well Denise! (kinda) 😉
It felt like I sent the month of december bullying everyone i know into reading It’s Christmas Everywhere But Here, so I am really happy to see when other people say they loved it as well.
This is always so hard to answer. There were so many good books.
Loving Jay by Renae Kaye was very enjoyable. Out of all of your favorites I’ve only read about 5 of them. That means I have a HUGE list to choose from. Thanks! 🙂
Temper Sanguine by Lou Harper, The Art of Breathing by TJ Klune, Charm of Magpies books by KJ Harper, Faith and Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities by Lyn Gala.
Oops I meant KJ Charles not KJ Harper. Although I read Kaje Harper’s The Rebuilding Year which was another favorite top read this year but it was not published in 2014
Harper, Klune, and Charles made my short list for my favorites, though they lost out for top six. Cutting down the list from my top ten was almost physically painful since they were all really great books.
Beneath the Stain by Amy Lane & Take by Ella Frank are probably my top 2 reads of the year.
I am pretty new to the M/M genre, but I have read so many awesome books this year! My favs are Hell or High Water series by SE Jakes, THIRDS by Charlie Cochet, Cut and Run by Abi Roux and Try/Take by Ella Frank. All I know is there is a lot to look forward to in 2015!
My favorite read this year was Beyond Duty by SJD Peterson.
Thanks so much, Dan and Love Bytes!
Peace,
JLT =)
#pleasurethroughdenial
My favourite book this year has to be The Mating of Michael by Eli Easton. I totally agree with Vicki. It moved me and found it make me think. I love books that do that. I have now become a huge fan of Eli’s.
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you so much! I try not to play favorites, but Carissa’s review of Summoner of Storms is one of my favorite reviews of the book and series, because it really made me feel like I’d achieved what I set out to with the series. <3
*hugs*
I had a lot of fun writing those reviews. Mostly because the books were great.
Beneath The Stain was so wonderful I promised myself to read it again when I recover from it!
Thank you Roberta. Fallocaust making your list made my day!
Thank you so much, Rhonda! Thank you Love Bytes! This was a great surprise.
These are all my 5 stars for 2014 from my GR list:
Someone To Keep Me (Collars and Cuffs #3) K.C. Wells, Parker Williams
Educating Simon Reardon, Robin
Base Over Apex (Kinky Cupid, #2) Dare, Kim
Trouble & the Wallflower Boehme, Kade
The Cove Peterson, D.T.
On The Dock Boehme, Kade
Bird Meets Cage Sunday, Anyta
The Slave (Free Men, #1) Aaron, Kate
The Soldier (Free Men, #2) Aaron, Kate
Project X Nephylim
Breath of the Feathered Serpent Pelaam
Billie Jean Claire Davis
Metronomy Suki Fleet
Kept Tears Jana Denardo
Joined by Blood Renee Stevens
A Threefold Cord Julie Bozza
The First Three Rules (My Brother’s Keeper #1) Adrienne Wilder
Objects in the Rearview Mirror (Memoirs of the Human Wraiths #2) F.E. Feeley Jr.
Thank you for so many wonderful reviews you guys share with us readers and for all you do as well. Happy New Years to you all!
taina1959 @ yahoo.com
Congrats to Rod B I will get in contact with you about your GC 🙂