Welcome to the Love Bytes Reviewers’ Best of 2021
Another year has passed in which books have brought all of us a much needed escape and sense of comfort. Our Love Bytes team reviewed approximately 1,300 LGBTQ+ books in 2021, from contemporary romance to fantasy, paranormal, historical, adventure, mystery, comedy and everything in between. Each day for the next few weeks, we will feature one of our reviewers’ top picks from books and audiobooks published in 2021. These lists highlight how diverse our tastes in reading are, and offer something for everyone. 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 2021 Favorites
Forbidden: King (The Four #4) by Sloane Kennedy
This is the last book of the series, The Four, by Ms. Sloane Kennedy which is a spinoff from The Protectors series. It is my Top Book for 2021 for the fact that it tells a “sort of” forbidden love between an uncle (though not blood uncle) and his nephew. It has a backstory that will gut you, and I have realized that I have a penchant for “really angsty” love stories. King and Gio have both tried to quell what they are feeling for each other because they know that it will hurt the people they love, especially Gio’s father who King considers a real brother, even though they are not blood-related actually. They have been through so much and he feels that it is inappropriate to feel like how he feels for his “nephew.”
Prophesy Book III: His Righteousness (The King and Alpha Series 3) by A.E. Via
The long-awaited third book in the series, The King and Alpha. I am in love with Adres and Macauley. An Age Gap story between Immortal Warrior/Guardian/Vampire and a Volkov Alpha Werewolf. This series is amazing. It has Vampires and Werewolves. Macauley is so endearing in his determination to let Adres see that he is worthy to be called Good. In his past life, Adres thought that he did something unworthy which resulted to him losing his soul. When Macauley finds out his real scent, he’s determined to let Adres see that he is so much more than he thought he is.
Godstone Saga (Steal the Wind, Breath of Life, Wake the Dead) by Jocelynn Drake
I am in love with this new series from Ms. Jocelynn Drake. I love Prince Caelan, Drayce, Eno and Rayne! They have been running throughout the two books I have read so far. They are on a quest and they are with their Prince for all of it. Their lives have been in danger all this time, but they would rather die with each other than be left behind. It features Princes, best friends/lovers, enemies who became lovers and too many Gods. Gods who have their own agenda. It features secrets and legends, good and bad, and too many enemies. In order to be successful in their quest, they must rely on each other, trust no other and watch out for each other. If you are into action, quests and mysteries, then I will definitely recommend this series.
Blood (Scales ‘N’ Spells Book 4) by AJ Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake
This particular book in the series tells the backstory of Ravi, the only Wind Dragon in the Burkhard Clan. He is mischievous and so endearing that you can’t help but fall in love with him and all his shenanigans. Sora joins the Burkhard Clan hiding his true identity. He has been sent to find out about this Fire Dragon Clan. He never thought that he would fall in love with a certain Wind Dragon and that he, Sora, holds the key to something that has been missing in the clan. He feels the need to be honest, not only to Ravi, but to their King, then he can finally be free to be with Ravi. Sora can help them fight the Jaeggi. His whole Clan can help fight the Jaeggis.
It’s Complicated (A Reservations Story #2) by Kindle Alexander
If we have been following this series/duet so far, this is book two of A Reservations Story. In the first book we learned about Reservations, an exclusive club that caters to Gay Men. It was created as a result of an abduction and abuse suffered by one of the friends of the owner. It is a safe place for men to meet and hookup. Julian Cullen is now the Manager of the Club. When Beckett St. Clair decided to join the club as part of being proactive in living his truth, he never foresaw falling for the most beautiful man he has ever seen. Although he has an inkling why Julian avoids him, he never expected it to be so horrendous that the man has decided to live a new life. It is a tale full of angst and so much love. You would fall in love with both MCs and you will be in awe of their bravery and determination to live a life of truth. Ms. Kindle Alexander writes amazing stories and It’s Complicated is just one of them and their latest bestseller.
Necessary Evils Series (Unhinged, Psycho) by Onley James
Oh My God! This series is one that I never knew I needed. It is just amazing! I love the storyline and the backstory of how these seven psychopaths were molded in order to rid the world of injustices committed by rapists, murderers, child traffickers and other heinous crimes. If you are into gritty action, dark humor and willing to get into the minds of these seven Mulvaney brothers, then you are in for an exciting ride!
Forgiven: Con (The Four #3) by Sloane Kennedy
Forgiven: Con is book three of The Four series from Ms. Sloane Kennedy. It is the story of Con who is a prized fighter. But several years back he did something that will forever haunt him. He has never forgotten the young man who asked him for help, not then, not now. Micah will never forgive the person who injured his brother during a fight. Because of that fight, their lives have become more unstable and chaotic, and now it is just plain miserable. But he has to do what he can in order to protect his niece and nephew. What Con had to do in order to raise the money to save his younger brother’s life also destroyed two other lives. He vows to do what he can in order to save Micah from a life that Con condemned him to. No matter how much Micah hates him, he will do what he can.
Code of Honor Series (Battle It Out, Despite It All, Call It Quits) by Reese Knightley
Ms. Reese Knightley writes amazing stories about men who are brave, full of passion for country, for justice and for the people they love. She has several ongoing series right now, one of which is the Code of Honor; the last three books were published in 2021. These men are Special Forces, they are always ready to defend their country, be there for each other as a team to protect and have each other’s backs. We will meet men who are still operators but also men who they interact with, from another team or another agency. We will see action all throughout and be there to witness what they do best. I am always eagerly awaiting for the next book from Ms. Reese Knightley.
Nothing Special VIII:SWAT Ed: Fox & Bull by A.E. Via
Finally we get to have Fox’s story. Both characters met in the last book, His Hart’s Command, and the attraction was instantaneous but both MCs have issues, personally and professionally. But an opportunity presented itself that allowed Fox to go to the ranch and stay there in order to solve the vandal mystery that has been happening over there. Bull’s reluctance to accept said arrangement comes with reason, he is afraid of losing his heart to someone who will never settle for a life in a ranch, for a city boy to settle with him. Meanwhile, Fox has been struggling with some personal matters as well and thinks it is time for him to make some changes, personally and professionally. Love the story although less in action but still so lovely and amazing.
Down Home Series (Down Low, Down and Dirty, Down and Out) by Parker St. John
This Series was something I never saw coming! I love every book so far. The angst is unbelievable. It made me cry and it made me grit my teeth, wanting to hit something at times, but all worth it! Parker St. John was able to tell the stories of these men with so much conviction that you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them. I will admit there were times when I just want to skip over the “hard and crying parts” because my heart couldn’t take it anymore but I didn’t, that’s how much I love angst (crazy, isn’t it?)! I can’t wait for more.