Check it out, this is my list of the 10 Best Books Of 2016!
This year may have been a difficult year in many ways but in terms of lesbian fiction, it has been spectacular. Picking only ten great books of 2016 was really difficult because this year has seen some truly spectacular novels being published. I would even go so far as to say that these are some of the top books of all time in the lesfic sector.
But after sweating, and bleeding (metaphorically) I have whittled down my list of the best books of 2016 in fiction and I proudly present to you my top 10 list:
1 Requiem For Immortals by Lee Winter
Published by Ylva Publishing
This book is a: Thriller with a romantic twist
What it’s about
Professional cellist Natalya Tsvetnenko moves seamlessly among the elite where she fills the souls of symphony patrons with beauty even as she takes the lives of the corrupt of Australia’s ruthless underworld. The cold, exacting assassin is hired to kill a woman who seems so innocent that Natalya can’t understand why anyone would want her dead. As she gets to know her target, she can’t work out why she even cares.
Why I love it
It is superbly written. It is so clever and it left me utterly unable to consume any other novel for a good while because nothing was quite as good as this one.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]Requiem For Immortals made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
2 Jane’s World by Paige Braddock
Published by Bold Strokes Books
This book is a: Comedy with a romantic thrust
What it’s about
Jane’s PayBuddy account gets hacked and she inadvertently purchases a mail-order bride from Transnistria. Jane doesn’t realize she’s about to embark on her honeymoon until the bride, Natasha, shows up on her doorstep, with luggage. Jane’s roommate, Ethan, can’t stop drooling over sexy Natasha. Luckily, after the demise of the local newspaper, Jane has just taken a job at the public library where she has lots of coworkers smarter than she is that she enlists to help her figure a way out of this accidental marriage. Natasha believes if she can get Jane to consummate their marriage that, according to California’s new state rulings on same-sex marriage, she’ll be a US citizen. But is that all she’s really after? Or does true romance begin to bloom between Natasha and Jane? If Jane’s part-time girlfriend, Dorothy, has anything to say about it, the answer is no!v
Why I love it
This is such a quirky, sweet novel with a cast of memorable characters. It has laugh out loud moments and will leave you feeling charmed.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]Jane’s World by Paige Braddock made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
3 Poppy Jenkins by Clare Ashton
This book is a: Chicklit romance
What it’s about
Two old friends, one hot summer, a whole load of confusion.
Poppy Jenkins makes everyone smile. She’s the heart of Wells, a beautiful village in mid-Wales, leaving light and laughter in her wake. She has a doting family, an errant dog and a little sister with a nose for mischief. But she’s the only gay in the village and it’s a long time since she kissed a girl: the chance of romance in sleepy Wells is rarer than a barking sheep.
If she doesn’t think too hard, life is cosy, until a smart sports car barrels into town with the last woman Poppy wants to see behind the wheel. Beautiful Rosalyn Thorn was once Poppy’s high school BFF even though she was trouble. Then one day she abandoned Wells and Poppy without explanation. Now the highflier is back and bound to cause fresh havoc in the village and with Poppy’s heart; folk are not happy.
Wells needs to wake up to the 21st century and Rosalyn can help, but old prejudices die hard. If they can be friends it could be the chance to make everyone’s happy ever after. Couldn’t it?
Why I love it
Ashton has a phenomenal ability to pull you into a story and make you feel a range of things. Beautifully written and superb storytelling.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]Poppy Jenkins by Clare Ashton made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
4 Lost In The Starlight by Kiki Archer
This book is a: Funny Chicklit romance
What it’s about
A-list singing superstar, Honey Diamond, has it all – the albums, the talent shows, the upcoming Hollywood film. But it’s her gentle light, endearingly shining through all the glitz and glam, that warms the hearts of so many. A shy girl, who’s only ever known fame, born into a world that’s not true to life. Will Honey ever experience the love she so knowingly sings about? Will the vindictive online gossip sites ever leave her alone?
Lost In The Starlight is the latest heartfelt romance from best-selling, award-winning author, Kiki Archer, peppered with her trademark laugh-out-loud humour and warming observations about falling in love.
Why I love it
This is an absolutely beautiful, happy book that will have you delighted and charmed from the first word. A must-read from 2016.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]Lost In The Starlight by Kiki Archer made this #Top10 list [/tweetthis]
5 Southern Girl Renee J Lukas
Published by Bella Books
This book is a: Coming of age story with a romantic backdrop
What it’s about
Growing up in the 70s and 80s in Tennessee leaves Jesse Aimes confused about pretty much everything. Nothing makes sense to her at all. Not bell-bottoms or crazy teachers and especially not boys. But when she finally wins a spot on the high school basketball team, she begins to feel comfortable in her own skin.
Then her childhood best friend Stephanie comes back to town and stirs feelings in Jesse that leave her even more confused. She knows those feelings must be wrong. She only has to listen to the “you’re going to hell” sermons by her preacher father to know it.
But romance secretly blossoms between the two girls…until their secret is blown wide open by a jealous classmate. As the truth comes out it threatens everything—Jesse’s future in basketball, her family and even her relationship with Stephanie. What can she do when there seems to be no way out?
Why I love it
This is a poignant, beautiful, sad, sweet coming-of-age story about a girl who grows up in a time and place where she is seen as odd and unnatural. It left me feeling like I had just lived her life.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]Southern Girl by Renee J Lukas made this #Top10 list [/tweetthis]
6 Just Jori by Robin Alexander Audiobook
Published by Dog Ear Audio
This book is a: Sweet romance with a sexy narrator
What it’s about
Some believe that special someone is out there just waiting to be found. Jorie Andolini is one of those people and has spent a lot of time envisioning that moment. She bumps into a woman at a grocery store, the woman drops a can of peas, Jorie picks it up, their eyes meet, and two souls connect. But it’s actually a wasted trip to New York, a snowstorm, and a canceled flight home that puts her in the path of Lena Vaughn.
Lena has found fault in every man she’s ever dated. Her dream of finding a husband is dwindling with every year that passes. Despite what her friends say, Lena doesn’t believe she has a fear of commitment, she simply hasn’t found a man she wanted to commit to. It comes as a surprise that in fact it is a woman who stirs those desires. For Lena, it’s not really a matter of sexuality, it’s just Jorie.
Travel the road to happiness with Jorie and Lena. Two crazy old women, meddling friends, and cattitude are just some sights you’ll see along the way.
Why I love it
Not only is the story so sweet and lovely that you can’t help but smile, but the narration and production on this audiobook is terrific.
Get It On Amazon
Check out the full review here
[tweetthis]Just Jori by Robin Alexander made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
7 For A Moment’s Indiscretion by KA Moll Audiobook
Published by Triplicity Publishing
This book is a: Thriller with stalkery side
What it’s about
With ten years of marriage under their belt, Zane and Jaina are coasting. The little things they used to do for one another have fallen by the wayside. They’ve gotten busy with life. They’ve forgotten to nurture their love and relationship. Even soul mates can stumble on hard times and have marital difficulties.
At 47, both are successful professionals. Jaina is an associate professor in a renowned school of social work. Zane is the pastor of a large congregation. They have two kids, one in juvenile detention, and the other anxious. When Zane joins the faculty of a seminary, in addition to her full-time job responsibilities, she’s short on time, and neglects Jaina.
Enter Amelia, a new faculty member in Jaina’s building. She’s new in town, young, and very pretty. She’s also not at all how she seems. Oh, and she’s very interested in Jaina. When an argument with Zane causes Jaina to storm out angry, she reaches out to Amelia. Of course, she seizes the opportunity. And for a moment of indiscretion, Jaina could lose everything.
Why I love it
This is a gripping story with good pacing and a great storytelling technique. The pressure keeps building and puts you right on the edge of your seat.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]For A Moment’s Indiscretion by KA Moll made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
8 A Time Before Now by Missouri Vaun
Published by Bold Strokes Books
This book is a: Sci Fi romance with a self discovery side
What it’s about
More than fifty years have passed since “peak oil” has left the Earth without access to modern technology while great Cloud Cities for the rich float above the oceans.
On the ground below, Vivian Yates leaves Oklahoma on an epic 700-mile journey east to her ancestral home. Early on, she encounters Elizabeth, who preys on Vivian’s inexperience and naivety, luring her into a brief affair that ends in disaster. Betrayed and withdrawn, Vivian sets out again on her eastward trek. Along the way, she meets the beautiful, lighthearted Ida. Together they face obstacles both natural and manmade. Ida brings Vivian, wounded in both body and spirit, back to life. Destiny has thrown them into each other’s arms where they find not only love, but hope, trust, and forever.
Why I love it
It is just so good. Vaun’s character work in this novel is flawless. She told a compelling story about a person so real you could just about reach out and touch her.
Get It On Amazon
[tweetthis]A Time Before Now by Missouri Vaun made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
9 By Mutual Consent by Tracey Richardson
Published by Bella Books
This book is a: Fake girlfriend romance with a rich girl/poor girl side
What it’s about
Dr. Joss McNab needs a wife.
As if juggling surgery and being an instructor isn’t enough, she’s recently taken on a more demanding administrative role at the medical school that was named after her legendary father. To make things worse, she’s now required to attend a growing number of galas, fundraisers and conventions.
Wouldn’t having a wife—a wife of convenience—help ease the burden that’s threatening to overtake her world?
Sarah Young’s heart belongs to painting. Much as she’d like to dismiss Joss’s ridiculous proposal, the art world isn’t paying well and she’s running short on cash. Playing a trophy wife a few hours a week would cover her bills and still leave plenty of time to devote to her artwork.
The deal is struck. But will the convenient pairing turn into disaster or prove to be a stroke of genius? With feelings deepening and attraction undeniable, can two women who have agreed to settle discover that they could actually have it all?
Why I love it
This is such a sweet romance and I loved Richardson’s writing style in this one. An absolute gem.
Get It On Amazon
Check out the full review here
[tweetthis]By Mutual Consent by Tracey Richardson made this #Top10 list [/tweetthis]
10 Paradox Valley by Geri Hill Audiobook
Published by Bella Books/Audible Studios
This book is a: Horror action novel with a side of romance
What it’s about
Was it an earthquake? A meteor? Or something else entirely?
Running from a marriage proposal in Seattle, Dana Ingram returns to her parents’ farm in Western Colorado for a two-week vacation in Paradox Valley. Only a couple of days into it, however, a small earthquake leaves them without power. Cars won’t start, batteries don’t work, and cell phones are useless.
When a Black Hawk helicopter vanishes off of radar, Captain Corey Conaway is sent in to locate it and its crew – all while keeping the disappearance out of the media. When she meets Dana and her cousin, Butch, Corey solicits their help in the search. But as they travel on horseback through the rugged and remote Paradox Valley, what they stumble upon soon has them running for their lives.
Why I love it
I loved how different this story was. The plot was fun and kept me guessing. The pacing was perfect and kept me riveted right until the intensely satisfying end.
Get It On Amazon
Check out the full review here
[tweetthis]Paradox Valley by Gerri Hill made this #Top10 list[/tweetthis]
BONUS It Had To Be You by Clare Lydon
Published by Custard Books
This book is a: Dramatic romance novella
What it’s about
Milly takes her girlfriend, Georgia home for Christmas to meet the family. Georgia was worried about meeting Milly’s mom especially since they were about the same age.
When Milly’s mom opened the door all three worlds came crashing down around them. Who knew that one meeting over Christmas would lead to tough decisions and a lot of angst?
Why I love it
The story construction is so simple that it seems easy and yet, the emotional turmoil is so captivating and done so well that it puts Lydon right up there in camp genius author. In other words, this book is ridiculously good.
And Lydon happens to be giving it away when you sign up to her newsletter, which means you get it FOR FREE. I would happily pay money to read this book, it is that good. In fact it earned three Favorites Badges from our review team – a rare feat.
Get this book
Sign up to Clare Lydon’s newsletter here
[tweetthis]It Had To Be You by Clare Lydon made it as the Bonus book on this top 10 list![/tweetthis]
I hope you enjoyed my list of the 10 Best Books Of 2016. I tried to make sure that there was something for everyone on this list, because I am a reader who enjoys a diverse range of sub genres.
One thing all these books have in common, though, is how satisfying they were as a story. So listen to/read all of them. You will enjoy the ride, guaranteed.
Note about our top 10 lists: These lists are based on the books we have read and our personal reading preferences. As with all things on The Lesbian Review, we try to provide the best list we can. We understand that not everyone will agree with these lists because everyone has a different experience which is why we encourage you to put up your own lists. The more lists out there the more lesbian fiction will benefit.