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 2020 “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.

 

TAYLIN

 

Rat Park by Marina Vivancos

Rat Park doesn’t shy away from the, sometimes ugly, realism of circumstance. It also provides hope and shows what can happen when someone believes in you and won’t give up. Elements of the story were uncomfortable to read, and rightly so. A thrown together childhood that should have included more play than alcohol, drugs, jail, and feeling helpless, shouldn’t be easy. Similarly, to beat addiction is a daily uphill struggle.

From the blurb, I expected a slightly different story. What I got was a more humbling experience, told in a way that kept me glued to the page. Dominic is a victim of circumstance needing what many take for granted – the safety and love of a family. Rat Park is a story, simple in conception, yet difficult to achieve. I found myself shedding the odd stray tear and willing Dominic to succeed and finally believe himself worthy.

 

Daring Duke (Love Letters #4) by Anyta Sunday

I liked this story for several reasons. It tackles a type of relationship that many authors won’t – cousins. Daring Duke is a modern tale of the wealthy falling in love with the forbidden.

The short length makes for a punchy ditty with a small cast of delightfully flawed characters. Rohan more so than Duke is conscious that he shouldn’t want his cousin – but the heart wants what the heart wants. A game of cat and cat is played, one acting like a cocky brat and being thwarted by experience and patience. Tension increased with each turn of the page, and the more I read, the more I liked it and the more I wanted them to be together.

 

Healing Glass (Healing Guilds) by Jackie Keswick

What is not to love when faced with a city, that is dying, an evil Regent, and two men so much in love, they are prepared to face death together. The wider cast are a combination of good, evil and some are a bit of both. Characters build political alliances and try to outmaneuver each other. Falcon shows Minel that love, and affection Warrior Style is something to be cherished and not feared. I also adored Falcon’s no-nonsense approach to protecting Minel, along with his acerbic tongue. Their relationship is heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Also, I utterly fell in love with the Warrior Guild. They are tough men who are there for each other, in an assortment of ways. Sometimes it’s providing emotional support, others a kick up the arse, but what caught my heart was the way they, when needed, magically give strength to any in their Guild. They are a band of brothers who go above and beyond. I loved the world created and the people within. The story held my rapt attention, and I didn’t want to put it down.

 

 

Anthony, Earl of Crofton by Rebecca Cohen

Anthony, Earl of Crofton is an historical story of drama and intrigue where hearts and lives are on the line. Sebastian and Anthony put on the display of their lives in order to protect their king. In some historical tales, I find the conversational language disjointed from the modern language I’m used to hearing. It is not the case here, which allowed me to connect with the story quicker.

There is jealousy, scheming, acerbic tongues, a king to save, and a relationship that two men are determined will survive. The investigation, and flawed characters provided drama, angst and plenty of anxious page-turning.

 

Honeythorn  by Marina Vivancos

Gotta gravitate towards a story involving a dark and brooding Alpha. Add in a significant dose of angst and I’m hooked. Raphael shows compassion towards everyone except Milan. Despite being repeatedly knocked back, Milan refuses to be knocked down and attempts to make a life in a place he doesn’t know, with a husband who doesn’t want him.

The cast is small and varied. Whereas Raphael can be cold, Milan is vibrant, open and friendly. But, Raphael had his moments that totally melted me, and some of Milan’s scenes had my heart in my mouth. I also liked that there were no miracle cures for the issues between the two.

Honeythorn was a well-paced Alpha/Omega story that had me riveted to the page.

 

The Low Road by Eleanor Harkstead

For a story that is only ten thousand words, it melted my heart and managed to have a couple of twists in it. Rarely does a short affect me so much. Hence why it’s a fav.

Eleanor Harkstead took one element in time, and give it life, and depth. Other characters are brought in as and when necessary and not one of them is surplus to the plot. I could imagine myself on Gallows Hill and as a passenger in Alex’s car. Yet, it has that little Halloween creepy vibe too.

 

 

We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer

We Still Live, sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. The subjects tackled are University shootings, terrorism, suicide, and abortion. There are other’s too – all of which are current and hit close to everyone’s heart. The story is on my fav list because the author brought everything to a forum that ensured nothing was swept under the carpet. It skillfully includes a range of characters who bring levity, protectiveness, heartbreak and reality to the story. Coping methods are also dealt with. So, while this story tackles some deeply moving subject matters, it is also one of hope. And that makes it an educational, entertaining, and emotional story to read. Its legacy me more aware and thinking about the people who have been involved in such horrendous events.

 

 

Sinister Shadows by Brittany Cournoyer

This was a story where my gut told me one thing, but little nuggets of information kept me guessing. The concept of the arc was simple, but the execution was exquisite. The inclusion of more than one viewpoint gave the story a different dimension.

The story retained a disturbing quality because all the situations were plausible. Emotions varied from scene to scene, and they ranged from gut-churning, sympathy, anger, like, chilled, excited, relief. The journey Duncan and Pierce traverse, as individuals and as a couple, is what made this story so gripping. Once started reading – I had to finish asap because I had to know if my gut was right, and what the fate of the characters would be.