Welcome to the Love Bytes Reviewers’ Best of 2020
Here at Love Bytes, we reviewed everything from contemporary romance to fantasy, paranormal, historical, adventure, mystery, comedy and everything in between in 2020. Each day for the next few weeks, we will feature one of our reviewer’s top picks from books and audio books published in 2020. With thousands of fantastic new books each year, written by hundreds of creative and talented authors, it’s so difficult to narrow our lists down. We all have many favorite authors not featured here and wish we could acknowledge them all.
Anna Lynn’s 2020 Favorites
(in no particular order)
Above and Beyond (Twist of Fate #4) by Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox
This was a long-awaited book for most of the followers of both authors. Characters in this story were already part of the previous three books in the series. It was amazing to finally have the story of Lucky and Zach. It was everything I hoped for and so much more. When these two amazing authors collaborate, you can expect angst and lighthearted moments at the same time. An amazing read!
Forgotten: Luca (Audio) by Sloane Kennedy, narrated by Michael Dean
For me, Ms. Sloane Kennedy’s books are simply out-of-this-world not only for the level of angst that you feel within your bones but also her unique style of writing just shows so much talent. This spinoff series was long-awaited and those who have read and listened to it were not disappointed. Remy and Luca finally got their story and their HEA!
Atonement: The Protectors Book 6 (Audio) by Sloane Kennedy, narrated by Michael Dean
The Protectors series by Ms. Sloane Kennedy is an absolute favourite of mine, but book 6, Atonement will always have a special place in my heart. Listening to the voice of Mr. Michael Dean has even made it more so. Dante is so special to me and when he fell for Magnus, it just blew me away!
The Lords of Discord Series by Jocelynn Drake
My God, this series was so amazing that I am heartbroken that it is finish. I love all 5 books but I think my most favourite are Embracing Winter and Healing Aiden. They both had a level of angst that were slightly higher than the other 3 books although they all books brought something special to the whole series. It was unexpected but so much wanted that Aiden got his HEA because who knew that all those feelings were hidden inside!
Bishop: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via, narrated by Tor Thom
Wood: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via, narrated by Tor Thom
I knew that these new books were going to make me fall in love more with Ms. Adrienne! What I love about these books are the characters. They are your regular guys, but I think it is for that fact alone that you will fall in love with them. Their struggles are something that we can relate to, their day-to-day lives are something that we know. Bishop and Edison both had their fair share of challenges and although Edison had his father who loved him so much, he still had to struggle with bullies because of his size and because he occupies a higher position so naturally people get jealous of him. Bishop’s challenge is not uncommon but for each person who faces it, it is unique to that person. While reading his story, I also struggled with him, I wanted him to take action towards his betterment, not for other people but for himself. He deserves it!
Wood’s and Trent’s story are heartbreaking! I have cried while reading their stories and you can’t help but fall in love with them and struggle with them while they are going through their different personal trials. Feelings of loss, abandonment and insecurities are some of the feelings you will read about in this stories and you can’t help but relate to them in various parts. I love them!
Prophesy: Book II – The Bringer of Wrath (Audio) by A.E. Via
I seldom read paranormal stories but this series from Ms. Via just got me hooked! Ms. Via is one amazing author. Her books are something that you can devour again and again. I am in love with all her series – Nothing Special, Promises, Blue Moon and her True Lover’s Stories and Prophesy! The Bringer of Wrath was angsty for me but I absolutely love it!
The Four Bears Construction Series by K.M. Neuhold
The four books in the series was an amazing rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was fun, sexy and the level of angst was something I didn’t expect especially Ollie’s story. He is the joker of the group but the pain inside him was unexpected although I should have because there is a saying that states that the people who laugh the most have the most pain inside of them.
Auckland Med Series by Jay Hogan
Ms. Jay Hogan was a new author to me late last year but ever since I read Crossing the Touchline, I was hooked. I love her style of writing and the fact that her stories are based in New Zealand is another draw. Her characters bring their own unique personalities on page and you will fall in love with each of them. I love Cameron and Reuben’s story. I adore how her characters are fearless but still possess that vulnerability that we can’t help but fall in love with!
Endangered Species (Time Served Book 1) by Onley James
I thought this was something that I would find hard to read because of the location, in prison. But the back story and the way the characters were created made a big impression on me. The way the story was written tugged at my heart and now I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
I read a lot of good books this year but the ones listed above are the ones that readily come to mind when I think of the books that highly impressed me in 2020!
I loved the Lords of Discord series as well. Thank you for sharing, Anna
I’ve enjoyed discovering Jay Hogan last year too
The Lords of Discord is going to be worth a look at too