Love Bytes Reviewers “Best of 2017” – Day #13 – Sarina

It’s that time of year again people. The time where we, the voracious and obsessive readers of LGBTQ 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 2018 “To Read” list, but first, let’s share some of our favourite books from the year just gone.

Over the next few 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.

One commenter from each of these posts will win a $5 store credit with Dreamspinner Press.

SARINA

 

La Vie en Bleu (Lacuna Chronicles #5) by A.M. Daily

This is probably the most impactful book I’ve read all year. I had eagerly been anticipating Bleu’s full story and the author went above and beyond with the delivery. Poignant yet beautiful I found myself in love with Bleu all over again and will no doubt do so over and over again as I re-read his story in the future.

 

Recovery (Reawakening #3) by Amy Rae Durreson

One of the most enjoyable fantasy series I’ve had the pleasure of reading, each story draws me in with ease and holds my attention to the near exclusion of all else. Filled with political intrigue and a surprise plot twist that I had to re-read at least twice, this latest installment to the Reawakening series was well worth the wait and the near immediate re-read.

Draakenwood (Whyborne & Griffin #9) by Jordan L. Hawk

Everything about this series is amazing and this latest book was no exception. The characters continue to grow and evolve while the stories themselves are so imaginative that I don’t think I’ll ever be bored with them. A definite must read for anyone that enjoys paranormal mysteries.

 

Stolen Ink (Ink Born #1) by Holly Evans

This was a fantastic start to a new series and I loved very nearly everything about it. With a wide variety of characters and species as well as different and unique forms of magic this has everything needed for a great Urban Fantasy novel. Combined with an interesting setting and clever dialogue this one was a win for me.

 

Blood Relations by Zev de Valera

There were so many layers to this story that I never knew just what I’d be reading next. While predominantly told in the present day, I found the journal entries and ability to learn about Simon’s family as he was doing so himself added a nice historic feel to the story that, when added to the ambiance of the setting, made for a unique an enjoyable read. Somewhat convoluted at times, working through the book in order to discover the truth about the Melvilles led to an extremely satisfying read.

 

Ge-Mi: Part One by Mell Eight

A unique take on shifters that once I’d started I couldn’t put down. Far from the fluffy bit of fantasy I’d originally been expecting, I was surprised by the depth of the story and found myself drawn into a conspiracy right alongside the main characters. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the sequel ever since I finished this and have already re-read it a couple of times.

 

Stoker & Bash: The Fangs of Scavo by Selina Kray

There’s something totally amazing about having all of your expectations blown away and this book managed that in spades! The main characters were beautifully written and such a joy to read about while the mystery itself was extremely well crafted and made for a highly entertaining read. This was another one that once started was unbelievably difficult to put down and left me practically aching for a sequel.

 

Regeneration by Louise Lyons

The first great sci-fi of the year for me, Regeneration had a little bit of everything and was entertaining from start to finish. All the characters were well flushed out and the descriptions given made it super easy to envision exactly what was going on with the story. Add in a slow burn romance and an ending that was just flat out perfect and this just had to go on my list of favorites for the year.

The Rending (The Dreamwalkers of Larreta #2) by Carol Holland March

This series has some of the most unique and enjoyable world building I’ve had the pleasure of reading. With an intriguing story line and enjoyable characters I happily lost myself in the story but the real draw for this one was the ending. Completely unexpected and utterly frustrating I was left screeching out my irritation at the author in the best of ways. Certainly one of the more unforgettable reads this year.