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.

 

Kat’s 2021 Favorites

2021 was another “one of those years” for most of us. Thankfully, I had some really amazing and talented authors that created worlds that I could disappear into and shut out the distress of the world this year. This year’s list is in no particular order and is an eclectic mix of worlds. From shifters to mpreg. From drag queens to strippers. And don’t forget my rock stars. I had it all and loved every moment.

 

Rebel Heart  by Ann Lister

Rebel Heart took me through a journey that I didn’t expect. Rebel’s journey was tragic and heartbreaking. The bittersweet of his loss and a second chance at love touched me deeply. I have re-read it a couple times this year when I needed an uplift through these hard days this year.

 

 

 

 

Whiskey Dreams (On the Rocks #1)  by Sam E. Kraemer

Whiskey Dreams truly touched me. Kelso and Tanner’s stories will bran hold of you. The tragedy that Tanner endured gutted me and them finally opening up to years of want was touching.

 

 

 

 

Dual Threat Love  by Lola Noire

Dual Threat Love was a huge, unexpected treat. What a fabulous first book by a new author. I can’t wait for the next book as this ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.

 

 

 

 

 

Prosper Woods Chronicles series  by Patricia Logan

This series had me in stitches some moments and turning the pages as fast as I could the next. The Vampire and the Unicorn…color me shocked how deeply invested in this story. The books must be read in order and you won’t be able to set them down.

 

Not For Sale by Crystal Lacy

Not For Sale was awesome. I loved the mistaken identity meet up that lead to concerned rich uncle and the nephew’s favorite teacher. Both of these men fought the odds to not only be together but to fight a homophobic grandfather for the boys safety and well being. Such a great, uplifting story!

 

 

 

 

Always Eli (Forever Love #1) by Charlie Novak

Always Eli by opened my eyes to the world of drag. It took away the stigma that they are just dumb, feminine guys dressed up as girls. Eli is well educated but doesn’t want what his brother expects of him. I loved how he brought everyone around to the fact that his dream could become a reality. And get forever love in the process.

 

 

 

 

Carousal Lounge series  by Sammi Cee

This series captivated my attention and I couldn’t wait for each book to come out. I loved getting to know each of the omega dancers and watch as they found their true mate. I was intrigued to watch them find Alphas that weren’t the same species of shifter and awaited to see which side the offspring would take after.

 

The Bear Valley series  by Aries France

The Bear Valley series is a must-read for me. This brand new author literally blew me away with her level of writing. You would guess that these books came from a well seasoned author. The books really need to be read in order. Forever Mann introduces us to the four brothers that have been adopted by Ellen and Rita Mann and the treating journey that Perrin and Jack had to traverse to get their HEA. We continue on in Real Mann when Bishop (the FBI agent that helped them) and Quinn bond together. I can’t wait for more.

 

Hope on the Rocks (Rainbow Cove #4)  by Annabeth Albert

This is the conclusion of the Rainbow Cove series. I loved this series and was thrilled to see Adam get his HEA after all his fellow owners of the Rainbow Tavern. The visit back to my beloved Oregon Coast and the gay friendly town that opens its arms to all people regardless of your sexual orientation was refreshing and real.

 

 

 

 

Waiting for Raine (Comet Lake Chronicles #1)  by Layla Dorine

This book really got to me. The tragedy of Raine growing up with a mentally unstable parent that warped his view of his pack and family. Then add in Gabriel, who is permanently disabled after protecting Raine several years earlier and the story grabs you. Add in dear sweet Aiden, an outcast to his pack due to his disability and you have a formula for hard earned growth and love.

 

 

 

Like I said, a truly eclectic list of books that will interest many different readers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.