It’s that time of year again people. The time where 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 2017 “To Read” list, but first, let’s share some of our favourite books from the year just gone.
Over the two weeks 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.
There is a wonderful giveaway attached to these Best Of posts!
One winner will win a $25 DSP credit.
One winner will win a $10 Amazon giftcard
One winner wins a month of free advertising on Love Bytes (this prize is allowed to be gifted)
CHRISTIE
A Kind Of series (audio) by Lane Hayes & Narrated by Seth Clayton
Book 1 (A Kind of Romance) Book 2 (A Kind of Truth) really stayed with me after listening to Seth Clayton’s narration. There is a reason why I decided to call the team of Lane Hayes and Seth Clayton “The Perfection Coalition”. The stories evoked such visceral reactions from me, and honestly (see what I did there? *waggles eyebrows* The next book in the series is titled A Kind of Honesty) rocked me to the core.
Gambling Men (audio) by Amy Lane & Narrated by Gomez Pugh
This book hit me in the feels so hard. I love a good friends to lovers story, and this is one of the very best, in my opinion. The push and pull between the two best friends who turn lovers is palpable and simply lovely.
Love in Laguna series (audio) by Tara Lain & Narrated by K.C. Kelly
Books 3 (Prince of the Playhouse) and 4 (Lord of a Thousand Steps) were absolutely brilliant. I laughed, I cried, I even yelled at the stupid decisions some of the MC’s were making. Ultimately tho, Tara Lain knows how to masterfully weave a tale so engaging, so very real, that you get completely sucked into that world and never want to leave it.
Whiskers of a Chance (audio) by Tempeste O’Riley & Narrated by Craig Beck
This is a steamy gay romance that revolves around a shifter lynx who finds out he has a human mate out there, after moving from his tribe’s lands. Chock full of action, intrigue, Romance, and some very naughty bedroom antics that are sure to make your temperature skyrocket.
Absinthe of Malice (audio) by Rhys Ford & Narrated by Tristan James
In true Rhys Ford form, Absinthe of Malice is packed full of action, romance, and a bit of comedy. There is even a surprise or two along the way. The combination of Rhys’ magnificent writing, and Tristan’s fantastic narration make me a very happy camper indeed.
![Death Dancer (Dangerous Dancers Book 2) by [Lain, Tara]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51UFqhUbrhL._SY346_.jpg)
Tara Lain totally knocked it out of the park with this book. Honestly, Death Dancer was fantastic! I simply could not get enough of this book and found it exceedingly difficult to put down.
![Hanging the Stars (Half Moon Bay Book 2) by [Ford, Rhys]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51N59--klIL._SY346_.jpg)
Hanging The Stars by Rhys Ford
Hnnnngh, right in the feels with this one. It is a second chances book, masterfully written. I felt the pain they felt, the joy and elation they experienced, and the utter sadness at the prospect of potentially losing your rekindled heart after all these years due to outside forces. Again. It just got to me.
![Cowboys Don't Come Out by [Lain, Tara]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51v3JIOqj3L._SY346_.jpg)
Cowboys Don’t Come Out by Tara Lain
Sexy cowboys, set in Hawaii, super hot and steamy bedroom scenes. This book is fantastic, and I have already read it twice since its December 7, 2016 release. It’s too good not to read and reread many times over.
Beauty Inc. (audio) by Tara Lain & Narrated by Kale Williams
Yes, I know, the market is quite saturated as of late with modern day retellings of well known and loved fairy tales. But, Tara Lain’s modern day take on the well loved fairy tale that is Beauty and the Beast is wonderful!
![Borrowing Blue: A Made Marian Novel by [Lennox, Lucy]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51eVL34h02L._SY346_.jpg)
This debut book by Lucy Lennox is phenomenal. Sexy beyond belief, well written, highly engaging, and at times makes you want to throw your ereader across the room and against a wall because the characters drive you crazy. Yep, the whole package. I am now an instant fan of Lucy Lennox.
Other books written by Tara Lain in 2016
Okay, so it is very hard for me to narrow down my list of favorite reads to be under even 15 books. From Spell Cat, to Tackling the Tight End, to Taylor Maid, my library has been full of spectacular reads by Tara Lain that absolutely deserve to be in the spotlight as well.
Thank your for your list. I am not a fan of audio books. I prefer to read them myself. The authors you picked though are top of my list as well. Tara Lain, Rhys Ford and Lucy Lennox, the wonderful surprise of 2016.
Thank you for sharing your opinion. A friend of mine is dyslexic yet a book addict, and got me hooked on audiobooks so we could dish about our favorote titles. She would L O V E to read a book for herself, but it is excruciatingly hard for her. I also like them because I can go from reading the ebook to listening to it while working or cleaning, having to stop and wait to find out what happens next. I totally get why you would rather not have a book read to you, and feel you do have a valid point.
YES!! Lucy Lennox was a HUGE surprise. Have you read Taming Teddy and Jumping Jude yet?
I have read Taming Teddy and Jumping Jyde. Loved them. The fourth book is coming in about a week. Can’t wait.
Oh yes! I am super excited about Griff’s book. And, Keller’s short story is now live. I just downloaded it. Super excited to read it!!
Thank you for your list. I can’t do audio books at the moment, but I enjoyed a number of books on your list as ebooks. The ones I haven’t read I have on my e-reader except for one. I really need to check out the book by Amy Lane that you had on your list. I haven’t seen that one before.
No worries if you can’t do audio at the moment. The books are fantastic regardless. 😉 You won’t be disappointed by Gambling Men by Amy Lane when you read it. It is fantastic!!
I admit that I’ve yet to read/listen those books you mentioned but I know that those authors are well known in the MM world so it’s no wonder that you loved them.
I didn’t know that Disney themes are incorporated to Pennymaker Tales series by Tara Lain. It took me by surprise. It just went on my TBR list. =)
Thanks, Christie! <3
No worries, dear. I’m sure your to read list is probably just as long as mine, which makes it pretty difficult to read a lot of new releases in the year. 🙂 But, if you get around to reading the above books, please do let me know what you think of them!!!!
Oh yes, the Pennymaker series is based off of popular fairy tales and children’s stories. They’re pretty brilliant actually. I have to say that Beauty Inc is my favorite of the series so far. But Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. 😉 PLEASE let me know what you think of them!
Rhys Ford and Tara Lain are sido favourites of mine. Thank you for sharing your great list with us, Christie
Thanks! Yes, Rhys Ford and Tara Lain are on my immediate read list for any time a new book by them comes out.
You’ve made my day, week, month and year! I’m so honored that you’ve enjoyed my books! I’ll go happy dance and happy cry! HUGS.. : )
*huge breathtaking hugs back* You are most welcome, Tara. It was truly a pleasure reading your books. ♡ Thank YOU for sharing your talent and passion with all of us.
Thanks for sharing your list, I’m not much of an audiobook listener, so far managed only book I had read before though it’s an interesting experience.
Thank YOU for reading my list. The books really are worth a read, if you’re able to get them. No need to listen to them in audio if you’re not comfortable with that format. I do know that it is not for everyone.
Hi Christie what a great list I have all the books and I loved them too and don’t you think they all have fab covers.
Thank you, Shirley. Yes! I love the covers. 🙂
So much Tara Lain so much awesome.
*chuckles* Yes, I must agree.
Great list with wonderful authors. I haven’t read Lucy Lennox yet, though. So, will have to check out her books. And, appreciate the audio recs. Last year I really starting getting into them.
Thanks!
Ooh! Borrowing Blue is now on audiobook. ♡ *whispers* So is Taming Teddy, book 2. I truly hope you thoroughly enjoy Lucy Lennox’s books. They have been a delight for me. And, I am so glad you have gotten into audiobooks! I’m a huge audiobook addict myself. If you ever want to dish about your faves, please feel free to do so with me. 🙂
I’m a big fan of Rhys Ford and Tara Lain. 🙂
As am I. 😉 Glad you are!
Thanks for the list. I just started getting into audiobooks and appreciate reviews.
Glad you like it, dear. Audiobooks are all I listen to anymore. What are some of your favorite listens?
I’m not that familiar with audio books, since I prefer to read a book myself. But it’s interesting to see that except for two books I’ve read all of your choices or have them on my to-read list. “Knight of Ocean Avenue” is probably one of my all-time favs. Really loved that book.
So glad that you have read most of the books on my list. Hopefully you liked them as much as I did. And yes! Knight of Ocean Avenue is one of my all-time favs as well. *sighs dreamily* Such a wonderful book!
So many good books listed, I loved them too (not audio, but still lol)
Glad you liked the books.
I love audio-books and really enjoyed Gambling Men, Gomez Pugh is a great narrator. Loved all the narration he did in the PysCops series.
Same here! Tho I haven’t listened to the Psy Cop series yet.
Thanks for the list! I’m a big fan of Tara Lain, Lane Hayes and Rhys Ford, their books are superb. I’ve heard wonderul things about Lucy Lennox, I got the first book and plan to read it this week.
They really are talented authors, aren’t they? And YAY!! Hope you like Borrowing Blue as much as I did.
another great list although I’ve only read a couple
leetee2007(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you, glad you like it. 🙂
Great list! I have listed to a lot of audio books this last year and you’ve his some of my favorites here 🙂 My best audio of this year was Spencer Goss with Out of Nowhere. Spectacular job and I hope he gets the time to do more audios in future.
Thanks so much! Glad you like my list. I am such a H U G E audio addict that my audible library is out of control gigantic. *chuckles* if you’d like to dish about audio, please feel free to contact me! Ooh, I have not listened to Out of Nowhere yet, but will make sure to put it on my list. Spencer Goss is quite talented, and I look forward to his performance.
A great list of books. I’ve recently picked up and read Lucy Lennox books too and I love the Made Marian series so far.
Thank you! Oh yes, the Made Marian books are all fantastic!! And Lucy Lennox is one of the sweetest persons ever. You should find her on facebook & twitter (LucyLennoxMM) and let her know how much you like them. 🙂
Love the Tara Lain choices, and the others sound great!
Thanks bunches! Obviously I am a gigantic fan of Tara Lain. 😉 And, if you are able to read the other books in the list, I’d love to hear what you thought of them!
Great list!! I have read (not audio) some of your favorites and i enjoyed them very much. There are also some on my tbr list so i’m looking forward to checking them out. I really enjoyed Knight of Ocean Avenue by Tara Lain. One of my favorite reads in 2016 is September by Robert Winter.
Oh yes, Knight of Ocean Avenue simply floored me the first time I read it. Hopefully Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox is on your tbr list. It. Is. So. Good!!! And, September by Robert Winter? Haven’t read it yet. Will certainly make sure to do so tho. Thank you for telling me!
Thank you for sharing your list. Looks like you get your favorite authors there *lol*
*chuckles* Well, I must admit that a couple of my favorite authors did make it on the list. Tho some did not. Who are some of your favorite authors?
KJ Charles, Kaje Harper, Josh Lanyon, among others. I know the books/authors you put on your list there, but I’m not particularly clicked with their writing/stories 🙂
I love Josh Lanyon & Kaje Harper! In fact, Kaje lives near me here in Minnesota and is one of the swwetest persons I have ever had the honor of meeting in person. Not familiar with KJ Charles tho. Will have to look them up. Thank you so much for the reccs!!! ♡