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)

CINDY

Strong Enough by Cardeno C.

                This was an audiobook review and not only did I love the story, I loved how the narrator told it. I’ve always had a thing for big strong men taking care of the man they love and this book pushed all my buttons.

Never Lose Your Flames by Francis Gideon

                Dragons and wizards and magic abounds. A unique story from a different point of view and I still love that I can picture this world so clearly, it being set in my area of the world.

Limitless by SJD Peterson

                My second favorite genre, the world of BDSM. This wonderful story portrayed that world particularly well and had characters that I just couldn’t love more if I tried.

Chosen Pride by Mary Calmes

                My last book of the year and the third book in a wonderful series. Mary Calmes creates amazing worlds for her characters to live in and I had no problem falling heart first into it.

Pushing the Envelope by Kim Dare

          A smartly written BDSM story. It won’t appeal to everyone, especially the soft-hearted but the author did a great job of portraying the sub/Dom lifestyle.

Broken Collared and Ready for Revenge by James Cox

           Part of a series that I haven’t read yet, but worked well as a stand alone. The author created a richly detailed world for his characters to live in. Kept me entranced from beginning to end.

MARTE

Beyond the Sea by Keira Andrews 

The main characters finding their unforeseen romance stranded on a deserted island. The description of how they were surviving, the struggles and their bubbling feelings. I loved it. I also loved that the romance came a good portion into the book, so I was along for their discovery of their feelings towards each other. I felt like I was on the island with them.

The Scoring Chances series by Avon Gale

I loved all of Gale’s series about hockey players. The series was my most surprising enjoyable read this year. I feel I came upon this series by chance, and I’m so happy I gave them a chance, because they all turned out awesome.

Adulting 101 by Lisa Henry 

Lisa Henry writing humor was a total win. Her writing is always captivating. I loved how she was able to capture and show the main character’s between young-and-adult mindset, his panicking about his life changing. The want to be a grown up, but at the same time not wanting to let go, or change anything to actually be a grown up. I had such a laugh reading this book!

Morning Star by Pierce Brown 

Wow, the Red Rising series took me totally by surprise in 2016. This epic story in a trilogy blew my mind, and it was one of 2016 most memorable read. This is not gay romance, but more of a scifi/fantasy/epic drama. Don’t be scared of with the scifi lable. This is an amazing story equal to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and JK Rowling’s Harry Potter. That’s a tall order, but no less true. I absolutely loved it.

Strong Signal, Cyberlove #1 by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell 

My love of gaming and gay romance was mixed together in this book. Sprinkled with a military man, and I was snug as a bug in a rub. I loved reading about “gaymer” Kai and his famous stream channel catching the attention of Staff Sergeant Garrett, who’s deployed in Afhanistan, and how they got their happily ever after.

Ollie Always by John Wiltshire

This book was something special, and it stood out in the sea of mm books. It was kind of a quirky book, beautifully written by the John Wiltshire. The setting is in New Zealand, and features two men finding themselves and each other, while making mistakes along the way.

Power Bottom by Rowan McAllister

Just the title spiked my interest, but also the funny blurb. What really stood out in this story was the main character, Adrian. He was just adorable. His inner dialogue was hilarious, and he was clumsy and awkward. The plot went a bit farfetched towards the end, but I didn’t mind one bit. I had a great time reading this story.

    Dirty Heart by Rhys Ford

Finally the closing chapter to one of my favorite couples, Cole and Jae-Min. While the book might not be my favorite in the series, the series as a whole is very dear to me. The combination of Rhys Ford’s captivating writing and storytelling, and Greg Tremblay’s fabulous narration is a winner. Listening to this last book about all the characters I love was both great and sad.