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.
Becca’s 2021 Favorites
Nautilus Than Perfect (Sucker For Love Mysteries #4) by K.L. Hiers
This series was for me because it’s been so funny & snarky and I’ve had a ball reading it.
A Veiled & Hallowed Eve (Soulbound #7) by Hailey Turner
I loved this series from page 1 of book 1. It kept you captivated, you never quite knew how things were going to go, there were some very close calls, but a sense of family so strong that started with Jono & Patrick. It’s an amazing series 🌟❤️
Pros & Cons of Obsession (Pros & Cons #5) by AE Wasp
This is another series that was a page turner. I loved how each character’s mind worked & how they all worked together. They became the family each other needed and without judgement.
The Gilded Mirror (Treasure Trove Antiques #2) by L.M. Somerton
This has been a great series for me because I love mysteries. Especially murder mysteries or the thriller type and this series takes you on a thrill ride. I can’t wait to see more of these books in the future.
Resurrection (Pillars of Magic: Dark Awakening #1) by Lissa Kasey
This is one hell of a book as well. With two of my favorite genres in the same book, it made it that much better. Paranormal & murders/mysteries. I loved this book so much and am glad I got the chance to read it.
Gideon (Chosen Champions #2) by Macy Blake
Not only is this not the first book of the series, it’s not the first series in this collection. There are, I think, 2 more that intertwine with this book and it’s a whopper. Paranormal is always fascinating for me and to see the way Macy has taken this in the paranormal realm has been beyond fascinating.
Honeypot (The Phisher King #4) by Clancy Nacht and Thursday Euclid
Mad props for this series, because not only was it fun, but it was certainly a thriller. It’s a great series to read, it keeps you on your toes, and you can’t help but laugh at one MC. Whom I adore because even when he’s in trouble, he’s trying to do good.
Falling Awake IV: Retribution (Falling Awake #4) by Kristoffer Gair
This series is not, I repeat, NOT, a romance by any means. Quite frankly, most of this series has major triggers for some and is more horror than anything. But it is so well written. It’s a beautiful set of stories in its way because the tale it tells is essentially one of love.
Year of the Rat (Dom Reilly Mysteries #1) by Marshall Thornton
This book threw me for a HUGE loop, when it all came to a head. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. And you are going to have to read to find out. My one suggestion is to read the Nick Boystown series first. I’m not giving spoilers, but you will understand if you read it. And I hope you will. You’ll be in a ride of your life. This series reminded of another and I’m glad I got a chance to read it.
This year has been off for me. If your book is not on this list, it has nothing to do with your book I’m sure. There were quite a few I read I was very happy with. Like Amy Lane’s Fish series as well. But with it being an off year for me, I wasn’t able to give the books what they needed from me. Whether I loved them or it just wasn’t my style. Never give up your dreams. I’ve read some amazing books, especially of ones that aren’t as well known. Keep it up. Don’t let big names scare you. You’re just as important. And to all of you authors in general, keep doing what you do. You bring a whole new world to MANY who need it.