It’s that time of year again people. The time when we, the voracious and obsessive readers of LGBT romance, look back and reflect on what an amazing year of books it’s been. If you’re anything like us then you’re already compiling your 2016 “To Read” list, but first, let’s share some of our favourite books from the year just gone.

During seven days we’ll be posting our top reads of the year. Please feel free to tell us your own favourites, or simply comment on our choices.

Love Bytes is giving away 2 x $10 AllRomance Giftcards to two readers. Just tell us your favourites and why in one of these posts over the next week!

Kat and Cindy are here for

Day Six

 KAT

Muse Me Only by Princess S. O. : Every time I see an amazing dancer in a photo or video my thoughts immediately got to Sreven. When I see an unique and beautiful painting it’s Xheridan thoughts. I figure if a book sticks with me that much it has to be one of my top picks!

Crossroads by Riley Hart: I don’t know if it is just the most wonderful gay-for-you story or that it is the story that “launched” my reviewing but I absolutely love this story and want more. A sign of a great book.

Secret by Kindle Alexander: I was touched by a dad that would give up everything for the sake of his children. Dylan was the most selfless man and I admired him so. The love of Tristan and Dylan was so fabulous.

Hawaiian Lei by Meg Amor: Kulani and Rob. Their stories reached out and grabbed me. Kulani, for reaching out and giving “throw-away” boys, boys that their families tossed out because they were gay was so touching. I had students that suffered this horrible fate and I was so thankful that there are people like Kulani in this world. And so thankful also for Rob and Kulani’s love. Can’t wait for more in the series.

Buttermilk Ranch by Patricia Logan: Seeing Cowboys accept and embrace one of their own that finally comes out was so fabulous. I love a great cowboy book.

A Million Tiny Pieces by Nicole Edwards: My first MMF. A ménage with the two males being bisexual. At least for each other. This book was scorching hot and I loved the protectiveness of Phoenix and Tarik over Mia.

Upending Tad series by Kora Knight: The journey of Scott leading Tad to self-discovery is amazing. This is a BDSM series but it is so important to the journey.

Solitary Man by Shira Anthony and Aisling Mancy: How could I not include a book that impacted me so. Voted Book of the Month because it is a must read! Dark subject that the authors based on real events.

CINDY

The Son’s Series by Shae Connor: Loved how real these characters became to me and how each story built off the last until I was in love with the whole group of friends. Love the smiles they left me with.

The Free Men Series by Kate Aaron: Definitely my biggest addiction of the year. I devoured all three books and was very happy that I got to read them one after the other because I just couldn’t stop thinking about them. Amazing characters and an interesting and compelling plot-line put them at the top of my list.

Sloe Ride by Rhys Ford: Those Morgan boys steal my heart every time and in addition to being a great story on its own, it was a perfect addition to the Sinner series. Quinn is probably my favorite Morgan because he’s just such a unique character who’s just the littlest bit broken but in the most amazing way.

Backbone by Kayleigh Sky: This is a harsh, scary story without a lot of light to it, but it was one that I couldn’t put down and still hadn’t decided how I wanted it to end when it did…and perfectly. If you want sunshine and puppies, this isn’t for you, but if you want a heartbreaking story with a hopeful ending, you will love this like I did.

Shadowing Mace by Cheyenne Meadows: Shifters, intrigue and hot sex. This book had everything a guilty pleasure should and I could read another 5 stories about Shadow and Mace.

Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford: This woman knows how to write excellent fantasy stories and this book proves it. I loved Kai. He’s smart, snarky and sassy. He’s not afraid to take on the impossible to get things done and Ryder is a man who’s loyalty and dedication is more attractive than his fae looks. I growled at people a lot when they tried to interrupt me while reading it.

Cereus Rescue by Julia Talbot, BA Tortuga and Sean Michael: An excellent anthology of connected fantasy stories that made me want a whole lot more. These three authors know how to connect their stories together and it’s not the first time they’ve left me wanting more.

Defined by Deceit by A.E. Via: The characters in this story stole my heart and made me cry and I loved them for it.

Despite the Odds by Chris T. Kat: Two men who need each other but not in the way that either of them think. It’s the perfect story of people who are finding themselves and each other in the best of ways.

Johnnie by Cardeno C.: A lion shifter story with an interesting twist. I liked that the author did something a little different with their shifters and I love stories where one of the characters has life-altering realizations that make them into a better person. I couldn’t put it down.