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.
Annika’s 2020 Favorites
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
One of my absolute favourite books last year has to be this one. It was not what I expected in anyway – which is par for course with Klune. I loved everything with this book and could easily rave about it for weeks. I love the warm feeling this gave me while reading and for a long time afterward. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Hither, Page (Page & Sommers #1) by Cat Sebastian
This book made me want to dive back into historical romances. I loved that cozy mystery feel of the book. It had loads of great characters, secrets, and not to forget mysteries. This book captivated me from the start and I really hope there will be many more adventures to come.
Lay Your Sleeping Head (Henry Rios Mysteries #1) by Michael Nava
This book, this series really, blew my mind. It was harsh and gritty,and more often than not the books left you with a hole in your heart, cursing the unfairness of the world. But those stories were incredible and Rivera’s narration made them come alive. These books will break your heart, but you’ll love them for it all the same.
Suspicion (Diversion #7) by Eden Winters
This is one of my favourite series and I love each new instalment, being on this journey with Bo and Lucky – Acy Breaky Heart and all. There are so many great characters and wonderful plotlines and I’m having a tough time summarising them in a few short sentences. It’s a must read/listen series.
Deosil (Whyborne & Griffin #11) by JordanL. Hawk
I binged the entire series last year and what an epic adventure it was and this book marks the conclusion for it. It was a somewhat bittersweet feeling, but immensely satisfying. It’s one of those series that’s a must read for every fantasy lover out there.
Pinx Video Mysteries series by Marshall Thornton
This is another gay mystery series that I’ve become addicted to. It’s nostalgic and at times harsh and gritty and I just can’t read or listen to them fast enough. I’ve become invested in Noah’s life and want to learn more, and it’s always fun to take a trip back to the 90’s.
Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case (Jon’s Mysteries #1) by AJ Sherwood
I overlooked this title several times, dismissing it, convinced it was not for me. But it was – in every way. I had so much fun listening to this book and Kenneth Obi made the experience of it that much better. I loved the characters, the setting and the plotline. One of last year’s surprises for sure.
Guardian Angel (Jimmy McSwain Files #4) by Adam Carpenter
The Jimmy McSwain Files was another great mystery series that captured my attention last year. The romance part always plays second fiddle to whatever mystery Jimmy is tasked to solve. Some things are predictable, but others come as a surprise. And I love it when books keep you guessing.
Long Shadow (Hamarsson and Dempsey #2) by Elle Keaton
I dismissed the first book in this series because of the cover, again pre-judging it as not for me. I was very wrong. And after listening to that, I couldn’t wait for Long Shadow to be released. The mystery and characters were engaging and I can’t wait to dive back in to see what happens next.
Gideon ( Finding Home #3) by Lily Morton
This audiobook was so much fun, absolutely hilarious. I loved both Eli and Gideon, they had some serious chemistry – and the banter – I loved it. It’s a book that will make you laugh – and possibly cry from the laughing. It’s one of those feel-good romances that we all need right now.
oh gosh, lots I like on this list!!
I am eagerly awaiting book two from Cat Sebastian, Whyborne & Griffin and Pinx Videos are must buys for me as well as Jimmy McSwain and I have really got into Jon’s stories and Hammarson and Dempsey too