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 20119 “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.

JESS

And the Next Thing You Know… (Why You? #2) by Chase Taylor Hackett

If you need a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, this is literally the only one you need. There’s so much fire and tension and friction between Jeffrey and Theo that you don’t know if you want them to make our or kill each other throughout the whole book. It’s an absolutely hilarious read full of one-liners and gags that never failed to make me grin. I can’t think of a romance reader who wouldn’t fall in love with this one.

Ánh Sáng by Barry Brennessel

I hesitated to add this one to my list, because it’s certainly more of a tragedy than a romance. But the small, quiet moments between Minh and Thao are poignant enough to make your heart ache until the end. This novella, set in Vietnam during the French colonization of WWI, opened my eyes to a place and time that I didn’t know much about, and it’s so sharp and well-written that it made me seek out more history. Be prepared with a box of tissues before you dive in!

 

Best Lesbian Erotica : From Sweet to Spicy by Janelle Reston

If you’re ever looking for a lesbian erotica collection, this is the only one you need. Reston is such a capable writer that each character in each story is completely unique, even read one after another. It made me give certain kinks and tropes I never liked before a chance. I can’t wait to see what else Reston will cook up in the coming years.

 

Can You Hear Me by Geonn Cannon

Geonn Cannon has kept the hits flowing for years, and this one upped the stakes and drama to fantastic results. It’s a literal star-crossed love story between a woman in space and a woman on the ground, their only connection a crappy old radio. It’s tense, romantic, and completely original. I’m just waiting for the movie at this point!

Dantès Unglued (Ward Security #2) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott

If I need a loud, crash-bang action series to keep me enthralled over an afternoon, I always go back to the “Ward Security” series. This one is the standout so far. The thriller plot is fairly by-the-books, but the plot never stops flowing, and the heat between PI Shane and hacker Quinn scorches each page—in fact, this book contains my favorite M/M love scene on 2018.

 

In the Pines (Charlie Schiffer #1) by Laura Lascarso

I only wanted to pick one book per author, but Laura Lascarso actually had two books out this year I loved. This book came out on top because the setting combined with the gruesome mystery made for a tense, claustrophobic read that had me white-knuckling my Kindle. And the new, exploratory romance between curious Charlie and school superstar Dare provided a wonderful softness amidst a pretty hard story.

Knotted Legacy (The Rowan House Books #3) by Brenda Murphy

I wasn’t a big fan of the first books in this series, so this one caught me completely by surprise. The love scenes are so erotic and intense that I easily got lost in the cat-and-mouse games between equally dominant ladies Martha and Lucia. The thriller plot added to the steam and tension, making it an all-around blood-pounding read. The entire book has a feeling of luxury and elegance that you can sink into like a warm bath.

On the Ice (Stick Side #1) by Amy Aislin

As a girl who can’t even figure out how to play kickball, I used to be completely anti-sports romances of all types. But I’m glad I opened my heart a little this year, because otherwise, I would’ve missed excellent books like this one. Seeing strong, outgoing, and successful men break down each other’s walls will never get old, especially when they’re layered and complex like Mitch and Alex. This book also seeks to second-guess stereotypes about men in professional sports, which is refreshing.

Touch Up (Rose and Thorns #2) by J.A, Rock and Katey Hawthorne

Ever since I read the blurb for this book, I was excited to read it, and it didn’t disappoint. Movie star Dina and photo editor Colleen are both complicated and “difficult” women, battling their own demons while trying to maintain composed in the spotlight, and they’re both total disasters. But they have a unique chemistry, and when they get into bed, the sparks fly.

Undiscovered Affinity by Jane Hardee

This one was a sleeper hit for me. It’s a fairly straightforward romance about two hardworking, successful women who learn to put aside their dominant personalities to venture into a steamy romance, but the characters are so well-written that I instantly fell in love with both of them. It’s a perfect example of how a classic formula can still work if the characters are loveable enough.