Welcome to the Love Bytes 2020 Book of the Year Poll!
This year we have some fantastic books up for your votes! Remember, you can vote for as many as you would like, but you only get one visit! So make it count!
Here they are…in month order. The voting poll is at the very bottom of the page and is in monthly order.
The poll will close at Midnight (Amsterdam time zone) next Friday night, so don’t delay! Happy voting
Blaze (Unbreakable Bonds #5) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliot (Authors) & Kenneth Obi (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Blaze
SERIES: Unbreakable Bonds #5
AUTHOR: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliot
NARRATOR: Kenneth Obi
PUBLISHER: Drake & Elliot Publishing
LENGTH: 7 hours, 50 minutes
RELEASE DATE: December 24, 2020
BLURB:
The rings have been selected.
The champagne placed on ice.
The cake decorated.
And the pre-wedding sex is off the charts….
Lucas Vallois and Andrei Hadeon are finally ready to walk down the aisle. There’s just one small problem.
A ghost from Lucas’ past shows up days before the wedding, desperate for help. Against his better judgement, Lucas and his best friend, Ashton Frost, plan a fast trip back to the one place they swore they’d never go: their hometown in Oklahoma. But the danger is worse than they expected.
Now, they’re in a race to track down a killer, keep a young girl safe, and get Lucas back in time to say, “I do.”
A Dye Hard Holiday (Curl Up and Dye #5) by Aimee Nicole Walker (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: A Dye Hard Holiday
SERIES: Curl Up and Dye #5
AUTHOR: Aimee Nicole Walker
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 5 hours, 10 minutes
RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2020
BLURB:
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year for Gabe and Josh Roman-Wyatt as they celebrate their first holidays as fathers, but someone’s war on St. Nick threatens to ruin their holly jolly Christmas.
The Norman Rockwell holiday they had envisioned implodes and shenanigans ensue in true Josh and Gabe style, but that only makes the couple more determined to rejoice in the love and joy they have found in one another. A Black Friday showdown, two foul-mouthed birds, one lumbersexual, ugly Christmas sweaters aplenty, four invading grandparents, and a sexy twist on an advent calendar lead up to oh, holy nights. Catch up with your favorite characters and meet some new faces in a tale that is sure to make you feel as warm as Josh’s creamy, hot-buttered rum concoction.
A Dye Hard Holiday is a funny story about two fathers trying to hold it all together as they juggle busy careers and family life while planning the perfect holiday season. Will they be rocking around the Christmas tree or will it be a blue Christmas?
FEBRUARY
Wilde Love (Forever Wilde #6) by Lucy Lennox (Author) & Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Wilde Love
SERIES: Forever Wilde #6
AUTHOR: Lucy Lennox
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 7 hours, 20 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 24, 2019
BLURB:
Weston “Major” Marian
After running away at the age of 17, I found a new home in the army. It wasn’t long before my fellow soldiers became my new family, giving purpose to my time in Vietnam.
But everything changes when Doc Wilde joins my medevac crew. A night alone in the jungle after a helicopter crash forces us to rely on each other for survival, the secrets we share cementing a bond between us deeper than any other I’ve known.
Doc begins to play a starring role in my late night fantasies even though I know he can never be anything more than a friend, a brother-in-arms. He’s straight, with a wife and kids back in Texas, and there would be devastating consequences if anyone in the army discovered my secret.
But Doc was never a lifer like me. When our tours end, we go our separate ways. He heads home to his perfect family while I continue to serve. I thought that was the end of our story. Turns out I was wrong.
Liam “Doc” Wilde
When I wind up on the front lines in Vietnam young and afraid, it’s Major Marian who comes to my rescue. He’s tough, brave, and quiet, and he vows to keep me safe. He’s the only reason I make it home to my wife and kids alive.
For some, a friendship like that might have ended once we left the jungle behind, but as time passes, our bond only continues to grow. Years later, when an unexpected illness turns my life upside down, Major is the first person I turn to for help, and he drops everything to rescue me as always.
I soon realize that at every step of my life, Major has been there, by my side, putting me first. All this time he’s been standing in the sidelines, waiting patiently to hand over his heart into my safekeeping.
I never imagined building a life with another man, but seeing Major in this new light is like a revelation. And suddenly I can’t imagine it any other way.
Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton (author) and Joel Leslie (narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Deal Maker
SERIES: Mixed Messages #2
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 11 hours and 8 minutes
BLURB:
Sometimes your mouth makes deals that your heart can’t honour.
Jude is a highly successful model, but a very reluctant one. His life is full of casual hook-ups with pretty men in glamorous locations, but it’s still empty. However, circumstances decreed a long time ago that this was his path, so he’s resolutely stayed on it and accepted his fate with good grace. He made a deal with himself and his hook-ups. Get in, get out and no ties with anyone.
However, an accident at home one night leads to him making a new deal and accepting the offer of help from an unlikely source. It leads to an unexpected summer of falling in love with a larger than life man and his child.
But by the end of the summer his reasons for not staying are still valid. Will he turn away? Can he?
Asa is a talented actor who has spent time away from the scene to look after his son. But now he’s back, and the last thing he needs are complications from the gorgeous man who is staying with him. Scarred from too many betrayals, he has no intention of forming a lasting tie with anyone. However, he can’t resist the beautiful man with secrets, and to his horror he develops feelings.
But a deal’s a deal and they said it was just for the summer. What can Asa do with a man who has forever in his eyes and goodbye on his lips?
From the Amazon bestselling author of ‘Rule Breaker’ comes another scorchingly hot romantic comedy.
MARCH
Fracture (Unbreakable Bonds #6) by Rinda Elliot & Jocelynn Drake (Authors) & Kenneth Obi (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Fracture
SERIES: Unbreakable Bonds #6
AUTHOR: Rinda Elliot & Jocelynn Drake
NARRATOR: Kenneth Obi
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 6 hours, 55 minutes
RELEASE DATE: February 29, 2020
BLURB:
After three years, Snow and Jude’s relationship is still passionate and strong. They’re getting ready for a romantic vacation at home, when Jude receives a horrifying call no one wants to receive. His youngest brother was found barely clinging to life. While Jude’s family is rallying around Jordan, Jude is determined to find out what happened to him.
Snow and Jude follow the clues, investigating a side of Jordan’s life none of them knew about…and is far darker than any would have believed possible. They get pulled deeper into the seedy side of life, while echoes from a past Snow thought he walked away from return to offer an unexpected insight into the cause of Jordan’s injuries.
But someone else has noticed their involvement and is furious, putting them both in danger. The risk is high but so is Jude’s determination to find the truth – though the knowledge could very well fracture his heart.
Trigger warning: This book has a scene that some might find triggering, but the triggers are also spoilers to the plot, so they can be found at the front of the book.
Risk Taker (Mixed Messages #3) by Lily Morton (Author) and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Risk Taker
SERIES: Mixed Messages
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 38 minutes
RELEASE DATE: February 20, 2020
BLURB:
Being in love with your best friend is hard.
Henry’s the odd man out. All his friends are settling down, and his reputation as the Hook-Up King of London seems more like a curse than a blessing these days. Especially when it keeps photojournalist Ivo, his best friend and the brilliant man he’s loved since they were fifteen, at arm’s length. But that’s where Ivo wants him, right? Putting aside his feelings, Henry decides to give up casual sex and look for the real deal. After all, he has no chance with Ivo – or does he?
Henry is everything to Ivo. Best friend, soul mate, the one person who has never let him down. The one person he is loyal to above everything and everyone. But Henry’s in a box marked best friend and that’s where Ivo’s kept him for nearly twenty years, despite steadily falling in love with the gentle man. And besides, why would Henry want to date Ivo? Burned out and injured, he’s the walking embodiment of damaged.
Distance has helped Henry and Ivo keep a lid on their attraction, but when they find themselves in the same city for a change—Ivo hurt and needing assistance, and Henry more than willing to provide it—the two best friends grow closer than ever, forcing a realization, and a decision. Risk their friendship for their hearts? Or can they have both?
From the bestselling author of Rule Breaker and Deal Maker comes a tender love story about two best friends who are perfect for each other, and always have been – if only they knew it.
This is the third book in the Mixed Messages series, but it can be read as a standalone.
APRIL
The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love (Hitman’s Guide, #1) by Alice Winters (Author) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love
SERIES: The Hitman’s Guide #1
AUTHOR: Alice Winters
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 43 minutes
RELEASE DATE: November 16, 2019
BLURB:
What happens when a snarky hit man and a by-the-book PI cross paths?
Leland
Being a hit man has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.
Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll, Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?
Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hit man is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.
But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.
Though one question remains: Why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?
Contains: shenanigans on a swing that you would not find at a playground, a car chase that sadly doesn’t have flips or explosions, a horsey ride sans horse, cuddles, an exuberant mutt, a suspicious chief of police, and lots and lots of laughs.
Audible
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Author) & Daniel Henning
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: The House in the Cerulean Sea
AUTHOR: TJ Klune
NARRATOR: Daniel Henning
PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio
LENGTH: 23 hours, 12 minutes
RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020
BLURB:
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.
Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.
When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.
But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.
An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.
MAY
The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes (The Hitman’s Guide #2) by Alice Winters (Author) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Review by Sadonna
TITLE: The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes
SERIES: The Hitman’s Guide #2
AUTHOR: Alice Winters
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 10 hours and 28 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2020
BLURB:
Jackson
Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine – or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?
Wrong.
We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.
Leland:
I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson -especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.
Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)
This audiobook contains: Disco ball piñata, camping with Sasquatch, an acrobatic housekeeper named “Mr. Cleanyface”, a questionable massage table, weapons everywhere, Jackson’s nemesis – the fence, a turkey showdown, aerial silk antics, a reappearance of Blow-up Randy, over-the-top body armor, too many hitmen, and so many emotions that Leland’s chest might explode. This is the second book in a series – while you could listen and enjoy it on its own, you really should listen to The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love for maximum enjoyment.
Audible
Oz (Finding Home #1) by Lily Morton (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Oz
SERIES: Finding Home #1
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 6 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2020
BLURB:
What happens when temporary becomes forever?
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it.
However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years, Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He’s also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.
Oz banks on the fact that they’re from two very different worlds to stop himself falling for Silas. But what will he do when he realizes that these differences are actually part of the pull to one another? Will falling in love be enough to make him stop moving at last and realize that he’s finally home?
From best-selling author Lily Morton comes a romantic comedy about two very different men and one very dilapidated house.
This is the first book in the Finding Home series but it can be listened to as a standalone.
JUNE
Mastering the Flames (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #4) by SJ Himes (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Mastering the Flames
SERIES: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #4
AUTHOR: SJ Himes
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
LENGTH: 14 hours, 53 minutes
RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020
BLURB:
Guilt-ridden after the massacre of his family, Isaac Salvatore turned to binge drinking to escape the pain. Now 24 years old, Isaac is a recovering alcoholic woefully out of practice in the magical arts, leaving his fire affinity hanging on the edge of disaster. After a month of rehab, he returns to Beacon Hill and his family, determined to remain sober, learn to control his magic, and figure out a plan for his life that doesn’t involve drinking.
Constantine Batiste is the oldest, most powerful vampire in the city. Born in ancient Gaul, the bastard son of a Celtic king, his long life has been shrouded in tragedy and horrors. Recent mistakes have left him wary and determined to guard his clan from all foes. When two of his clan members fall victim to an ancient evil, he summons the Necromancer of Boston for aid. Accompanying his older brother to the Tower is the handsome young fire mage once wounded by Constantine’s arrogance, and their encounter reignites an attraction that burns within both Constantine and Isaac.
Rocket Science (Love Logic # 1) by K.M. Neuhold (Author) & Zachary Zaba (Narrator)
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Rocket Science
SERIES: Love Logic # 1
AUTHOR: K.M. Neuhold
NARRATOR: Zachary Zaba
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: November 29, 2019
LENGTH: 6 hours 17 minutes
BLURB:
Relationships aren’t rocket science. If they were, I might stand a chance of figuring one out.
Elijah
Saying I’ve had a crush on my best friend’s older brother, Pax, most of my life is like saying the big bang was just an explosion. It’s true, but I’m not sure that quite captures the essence of its true enormity.
I know he’s only hanging out with me because I’m new in town and getting my PhD doesn’t leave me with much time to make friends. And even if it did, my strength is mathematics, not friend-making. What I don’t understand is why he kissed me…why he seems to want to keep kissing me. I don’t think my advanced physics knowledge is going to help me figure this one out. But I think for once I’m okay with not knowing, as long as Pax and I don’t know together.
Pax
He’s still the awkward Nerdlet I remember…he’s also probably the cutest, most tempting man I’ve laid eyes on. I know I should keep my hands off him, but this thing between us is like a force of nature. I want to be his first everything. He says we’re nothing more than atoms crashing into each other. I’m no scientist but I don’t think either of us are braced for the explosion.
JULY
Nailed (Four Bears Construction #2) by K.M. Neuhold (Author) and Tim Paige & Liam DiCosimo (Narrators)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Nailed
SERIES: Four Bears Construction #2
AUTHOR: K.M. Neuhold
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 6 hours and 35 minutes
RELEASE DATE: June 3, 2020
BLURB:
My new neighbor is a total tool.
He hated me from the second he laid eyes on me, and I don’t have the first clue why… But, if he wants to hate me, I’m happy to give him a few reasons: mowing the lawn at dawn on the weekend, leaving garbage cans in front of his driveway, renting a petting zoo for my backyard…making a list of ways to drive him crazy is half the fun.
He deserves it with the way he’s driving me crazy right back without even trying— walking around without a shirt on, sweaty rippling muscles on full display, well-worn denim jeans perfectly molded to his…well, you get the idea.
My point is, if he wants a war, I’ll give him one.
***Nailed is an enemies to lovers, neighbors who can’t stand each other, omg the anger banging, drool worthy, low angst story, which happens to be the second in my Four Bears Construction series. It CAN be read as a stand alone. There are NO shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears.
The Extraordinaries (The Extraordinaries #1) by TJ Klune (Author) & Michael Lesley (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: The Extraordinaries
SERIES: The Extraordinaries #1
AUTHOR: TJ Klune
NARRATOR: Michael Lesley
PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio
LENGTH: 12 hours, 56 minutes
RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2020
BLURB:
Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune’s YA debut, The Extraordinaries, is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?
After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
AUGUST
Gideon (Finding Home #3) by Lily Morton (Author) & Joel Leslie (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Gideon
SERIES: Finding Home #3
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 43 minutes
RELEASE DATE: June 22, 2020
BLURB:
Gideon Ramsay is so far in the closet he should be a talking faun.
A talented, mercurial, and often selfish man, Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards – he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years. But it’s starting to get harder to hide, and his increasingly wild behavior is threatening to destroy his career. Then, he’s laid low by a serious illness and into his life comes Eli Jones.
Eli is everything that Gideon can’t understand. He’s sunny tempered, friendly, and optimistic. Even worse, he’s unaffected by grumpiness and sarcasm, which forms 90 percent of Gideon’s body weight. And now, Gideon is trapped with him without any recourse to the drugs and alcohol that have previously eased his way through awkward situations.
However, as Gideon gets to know the other man, he finds himself wildly attracted to his lazy smiles and warm, scruffy charm that seem to fill a hole inside Gideon that’s been empty for a long time. Will he give in to this incomprehensible attraction when it could mean the end of everything that he’s worked for?
From the best-selling author of the Mixed Messages series comes a story about a man who needs to realize that being true to yourself is really just a form of finding home. This is the third book in the Finding Home series, but it can be listened to as a stand-alone.
Audible
Nothing Special VII: EX Meridian (Nothing Special #7) by A.E. Via (Author) & Aiden Snow (Narrator)
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Nothing Special VII: EX Meridian
SERIES: Nothing Special #7
AUTHOR: A. E. Via
NARRATOR: Aiden Snow
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2020
LENGTH: 8 hours and 33 minutes
BLURB:
Take a man and strip him of his ability to feel compassion, empathy, remorse, or any of the emotions that make him human, but leave the ones that ignite rage and aggression and you have the perfect killing machine – now imagine two of them.
Code names Ex and Meridian are synonymous for “guaranteed death” to international terrorists. Two broken men from the same crooked streets, recruited into an unsanctioned government program that few know about. Trained to operate most efficiently – lethally – together.
When Ex returns from an op in Bolivia to learn his little brother has been accidentally killed in a feud between drug gangs, he’s stateside before he can consider the rules he’ll be breaking, and of course Meridian is right beside him. There’s mayhem on the streets of Atlanta and the police are losing control. If Godfrey and his elite team of detectives can’t get the job done, then they’d be happy to lighten their caseloads for them. And neither Ex nor Meridian cares about doing it quietly.
SEPTEMBER
Royally Screwed: A Tale of Two Princes by Lynn Van Dorn (Author) and Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Royally Screwed: A Tale of Two Princes 
AUTHOR: Lynn Van Dorn
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 8 hours and 21 minutes
RELEASE DATE: August 31, 2020
BLURB:
Take one betrothal gone awry…
Prince Angelo is destined to marry Prince Yuri. Never mind that Angelo isn’t gay and didn’t choose to be saddled with a moony-eyed princeling who is determined to ruin Angelo’s life. Then one day Yuri goes too far and Angelo has to take matters into his own hands.
Add one doomed arranged marriage…
Prince Yuri is destined forever to pine after Prince Angelo. Arranged marriages are archaic and awful enough without being stuck for life with someone you want who will never, ever in a million years want you back. Still, for someone who claims to want nothing to do with Yuri, Angelo is surprisingly possessive.
And you just might get one unexpected romance.
Two men, thrown together by fate and scheming parents, shouldn’t have a prayer of finding a happy ever after. But fate can be fickle, and love can exist where you never thought it could.
Royally Screwed is a M/M romance novel featuring royalty, a poorly-thought-out betrothal, one prince in need of a firm hand, a second prince who isn’t as straight as he always thought, drunken texting, bickering, practice kissing, odious British nobility, and falling in love despite all the reasons why you shouldn’t.
AudiblePrin
Pieces of You (Missing Pieces #1) by N.R. Walker (Author) & Glen Lloyd (Narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Pieces of You
SERIES: Missing Pieces #1
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
NARRATOR: Glen Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Bluehart Press
LENGTH: 4 hours, 49 minutes
RELEASE DATE: July 22, 2020
BLURB:
Dallas Muller has everything he never expected he’d have. He owns a successful motorbike mechanic shop in Newcastle, and he’s madly in love with his boyfriend of four years, Justin Keith.
Justin has always struggled to find where he fit in, never realising his true worth or what it means to be loved—until he met Dallas. Living and working together might be too much for some, but Dallas and Justin wouldn’t have it any other way.
When a terrible accident tears their world apart, Justin’s left with no memory of Dallas or their relationship. Trying to put the pieces back together is almost impossible when some pieces are blank and some are missing altogether. Dallas has to let Justin find his own way back to him and just hope that their love will light the way.
OCTOBER
Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker (author), Nick J. Russo (narrator)
Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Sixty Five Hours
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
NARRATOR: Nick J. Russo
PUBLISHER: Blueheart Press
LENGTH: 5 hours, 27 minutes
RELEASE DATE: August 6, 2020
BLURB:
Cameron Fletcher and Lucas Hensley are advertising executives who have Sixty Five Hours to pull together the campaign of their careers.
Sixty Five Hours to get along. Sixty Five Hours to not kill each other. Sixty Five Hours to fall in love.
Bond (Forbidden Desires, #2) by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly (Authors) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Bond
SERIES: Forbidden Desires #2
AUTHORS: Piper Scott & Virginia Kelly
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
LENGTH: 8 hours and 58 minutes
RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2019
BLURB:
Adorably naive and shockingly brilliant Harrison Lessardi only needs two things in life: his pet iguana, Steve, and his undying love of science. That is until he witnesses his best friend lay eggs, and a third must-have strolls into his apartment – the sardonic and mischievous Everard Drake.
Everard Drake, celebrated doctor of the tremendously wealthy Drake family, has one goal in mind when he arrives at the scene of his youngest brother’s latest disaster: incinerate Harrison Lessardi. Unfortunately for Everard, the moment he spots Harry, incineration becomes an impossibility – he must have the gorgeous beta as his own, even if it means holding him captive on his estate.
But something else lurks behind Everard’s interest in Harry – something that tugs at Everard’s soul in impossible ways, and that will send Everard and Harry down a rabbit hole of discovery that will change the world as they know it.
An alpha and a beta can’t share a bond.
Can they?
Bond is a 78,000 word steamy omegaverse mpreg-ish romance that will leave you in stitches. It contains an unexpectedly consensual kidnapping, giant magical lizards, an iguana with a full wardrobe named Steve, never-ending nicknames, and a HEA that may, or may not involve mosquito nets. For maximum enjoyment, Bond is best heard following the events of Clutch.
Audible
NOVEMBER
How to Elude a Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2) by Alice Winters (Author) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Review by Sadonna
TITLE: How to Elude a Vampire
SERIES: VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2
AUTHOR: Alice Winters
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 40 minutes
RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2020
BLURB:
Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life and decide that Marcus and I will move on.
We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it because I’m not going anywhere, even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires.
But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.
Audible
Finch (A Forbidden Desires Spin-off Story) by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly (Authors) & Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)
Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Finch
SERIES: Forbidden Desires
AUTHORS: Piper Scott & Virginia Kelly
NARRATOR: Michael Ferraiuolo
LENGTH: 7 hours and 3 minutes
RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2020
BLURB:
Hugh Drake, the most whimsical member of the Drake family, wants a clutch badly…and despite his sanctioned period to reproduce nearing its end, he just might get his wish.
New information has emerged that suggests Disgraces are dragons and able to bear eggs. All that’s left to do is find one Hugh can tolerate, and who better to help him find his perfect match than his steadfast and faithful secretary, Finch?
If only Finch were a Disgrace, but alas, some things simply aren’t meant to be.
Sensible and straightforward, Finch has served as Hugh Drake’s secretary for more than a decade and secretly loved him for just as long. Hugh is the light of his life, but he’s also entirely too gullible, which is why Finch refuses to believe his claim that Disgraces are dragons. They’re not. Finch would know, since he is one. But that little fact will have to stay a secret because Finch would rather his love go unnoticed than be the one who breaks his dragon’s heart when he fails to produce a clutch.
Finch is a hilarious omegaverse mpreg-ish romance set following the events of the Forbidden Desires series. It contains an adorably clueless dragon, a faithful secretary whose heart is invested in more than just his job, the best Funfetti cake ever, “slippery” situations, and a single amethyst cufflink. For maximum enjoyment, Finch is best listened to following the events of Clutch, Bond, Mate, Swallow, and Magpie.
Audible
Fakers (Licking Thicket #1) by Lucy Lennox & May Archer (Authors) & Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Fakers
SERIES: Licking Thicket Book #1
AUTHOR: Lucy Lennox and May Archer
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 9 hrs and 22 mins
RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2020
BLURB:
Brooks Johnson’s words to live by:
When returning to Licking Thicket, TN, for the first time in 10 years to reunite with your nosy neighbors, heartbroken ex-girlfriend, and matchmaking mama who never quite believed you were gay, it’s best to bring a fake boyfriend as backup.
Just don’t be surprised when your ex-girlfriend does the same. And when her incredibly hot fake boyfriend becomes the one island of calm in a sea of bovine-based insanity, it’s best to exercise caution, especially when he pushes you up against the rough barn wall to check you very thoroughly for splinters.
Just don’t be surprised if you fall head-over-hooves in love with him.
Starting From Here (Starting From #3) by Lane Hayes (Author) & Michael Dean (Narrator)
Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Starting From Here
SERIES: Starting From #3
AUTHOR: Lane Hayes
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 8 hrs and 23 mins
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2020
BLURB:
Two bands, one goal, and a second chance….
Declan:
Everything is finally going well. I have a new band, a new label, and a debut album coming out. And then my drummer breaks his wrists. Just my luck. I need a quick replacement to record one more song, but my options are limited, and of course, the obvious candidate hates my guts. Okay, so I may have given him a few reasons over the years, but isn’t there an expiration date on holding a grudge?
Tegan:
I don’t trust Declan McNamara. Sure, he’s talented, smart, and has more sex appeal than any one person should be allowed. And yeah, he may be a rock star in the making, but beware – he’s trouble. However, our new record label’s survival may depend on a truce and extreme measures…of the fake boyfriend variety. If it’s our best shot at the big time, I’m willing to set the past aside and start over…here and now.
Starting from Here is a M/M bisexual romance rock and roll style…rival bands, fake boyfriends, and a second chance at a new love story. Each book in the Starting From series can be listened to as a stand-alone.
DECEMBER
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings (A Black and Blue Novel #1) by Lily Morton (author) & Joel Leslie (narrator)
Reviewed by Valerie
TITLE: The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
SERIES: A Black and Blue Novel #1
AUTHOR: Lily Morton
NARRATOR: Joel Leslie
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 10 hours, 15 minutes
RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2020
BLURB:
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life.
However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why. Strange noises can be heard at all hours of the day and night, and disturbing and scary things begin to happen to him. He never believed in ghosts before, but when events take a sinister turn, he knows he must look for help. He finds it in the unlikely form of the blue-haired leader of a ghost tour.
Blue Billings is edgy, beautiful, and lost. Utterly lost. He conceals so many secrets that some days it’s a miracle he remembers his own name. He knows that he should ignore Levi because he threatens the tenuous grip Blue has on survival. But there’s something about the kind-eyed man that draws Blue to him. Something that demands he stay and fight for him when he would normally run in the opposite direction.
As the two men investigate the shocking truth behind Levi’s house, they also discover a deep connection that defies the short length of time they’ve known each other. But when events escalate and his life is on the line, Levi has to wonder if it was wise to trust the mysterious and amazing Blue Billings.
Wood (A True Lover’s Story) by A.E. Via (author), Tor Thom (narrator)
Reviewed by Anna Lynn
TITLE: Wood: A True Lover’s Story
AUTHOR: A.E. Via
NARRATOR: Tor Thom
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
RELEASE DATE: October 20, 2020
LENGTH: 10 hours and 14 minutes
BLURB:
It’s been a long 17 years but Herschel Wood, Jr., is finally a free man and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old cellmate, Bishop Stockley, who promised him a place to stay and some help getting back on his feet. Wood had a good life once upon time when he’d owned one of the most successful tattoo shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – until a fatal accident that was his fault cost him everything.
Trent Armstrong has never been considered a catch. He’s a 29-year-old laborer, an ex-con, and not the easiest person to get along with. He’s used to being the one people cast to the side when they’re done with him. Everyone he’s ever cared about has walked out of his life without a backward glance, so he’s used to the loneliness.
From the moment the tattooed, silver-haired man walked into the house there had been nothing but tension, side-eyeing, and sparks between them. Trent has always held back a side of himself that he’s terrified to explore, and without warning Wood’s voice, his maturity, that maddening scent, and even his damaged past all trigger feelings that Trent thought he’d buried deep long ago.
Wow! This is one heck of a competition with amazing audio books. I don’t have a clue which to vote for as I’ve listened to and loved so many of them. They’re all worthy of the win.