I’m so happy to say goodbye to 2020. I want to thank the 100+ authors who helped me get through that mess of a year. Every time I thought I couldn’t take one more news story, I let myself get lost in a book that took me away from all the despair and insanity. I’m so grateful to all the authors on this list. I’m starting my list with my favorite book of the year. The rest will be listed in alphabetical order by author’s surname. I felt compelled to do it this way because each book touched me in its own unique manner during a very turbulent year.
Book of The Year: The Book of Promises by Tammy Bird
Published by Flashpoint Publications
This book is a: psychological thriller.
What it’s about
Spencer Price is a typical teenager trying to keep her head down and get through her last year of high school. The best thing in her life is Molly Blackstone. They’ve been besties since they were nine years old, and they’re inseparable. Spencer’s a little bit in love with Molly, and Molly capitalizes on that by manipulating Spencer for sex.
When Spencer tries to distance herself from Molly, Molly’s behavior becomes more and more malevolent and unhinged. Pursuing her independence could bring death not only to Spencer but to the other people in her life.
Why I love it
Bird’s writing is magnificent. There’s not a wasted word to be found, and the character development is incomparable. It’s not the warm and cozy romance most of us were looking for in 2020, but this thriller still resonates with me. The tense mood Bird creates escalates to a palpable terror. I loved every minute of it. I read the last third of the book several times because the plot twists are so intricate and unexpected. I think Molly Blackstone is the most interesting and layered villain I’ve encountered recently because despite her cruel nature, I sometimes felt sorry for her. This will be a yearly reread for sure.
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Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton
This book is a: celebrity, age gap romance
What it’s about
Jessica Lambert is the hottest starlet in England, and she’s dangerously close to burning out and throwing in the towel. During a panic attack on the London Underground, she’s rescued from prying eyes by the private and reclusive Anna Mayhew. Despite their considerable age difference, each is exactly what the other needs to navigate their complicated personal and career lives. Jessica and Anna share a surprising and magical love. Is there a happily ever after? (It’s a romance so chances are good.)
Why I love it
I love Ashton’s writing style. It’s unique, allowing me to get lost in her stories. Both Jessica and Anna are original characters – not your typical celebrity actors. Ashton’s subtle character work kept me captivated. There’s a level of intimacy Ashton brings to their relationship that’s so touching. I was surprised by where the plot took me, and I adore reading about a neurodivergent leading lady. If one book made me believe in a forever love this year, it would be this one. Such a beautiful story!
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Nottingham by Anna Burke
This book is a: queer reimagining of the Robin Hood legend
What it’s about
After Robyn Fletcher’s brother is hung by the sadistic sheriff of Nottingham, she has to provide for his wife and child. She is forced to start poaching live game, an act punishable by death. After a tragic hunting accident, she finds herself a fugitive from the law. When she meets the sheriff’s daughter, she is immediately smitten. Marian of Basford doesn’t feel like the other women at court. She’s not happy about her father’s determination to find her a husband to enhance his own political standing. After a riding accident, Robyn comes to Marian’s aide. She reveals she’s the fugitive her father is hunting, but she doesn’t tell Marian she’s a woman. After Marian is returned to safety, she can’t get the magnetic archer out of her head or heart. When the sheriff levies the highest tax in history, Robyn decides to take matters into her own hands. With her band of merry women and men, she decides to take down the sheriff. Can she kill the father of the woman she loves, or is there another way?
Why I love it
First of all, representation matters! Burke populated this book with lesbian, bisexual, trans, and nonbinary characters. I ate this up. A world populated with folks living their most authentic selves is an honest to goodness utopia. There are swords, bows and arrows, great action scenes, suspense, and a lovely romance all wrapped up in one riveting story. When I pick up one of Burke’s books, I know I’m guaranteed excellent writing and entrancing storytelling. As always, her world building is superb. Nottingham is the complete package.
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Spindrift by Anna Burke
This book is a: small town romance
What it’s about
Emilia Russo has had enough of the emotional toll brought on from working as a shelter veterinarian. That combined with her father’s sudden death brings on a mental breakdown, landing her in the hospital. To help herself heal, she returns to her father’s house in Seal Cove, Maine to do renovations needed to put the house on the market. One of the first people she runs into is her childhood crush, Morgan Donovan. Despite Morgan being as close to perfection as a woman can get, Emilia’s determined not to become emotionally attached to anyone or anything in Seal Cove. The two women agree that friendship is something they can both enjoy. Over the course of the summer, Emilia and Morgan give up on fighting their attraction. They decide to give casual a try. Once Emilia finishes the renovations on the house and puts it on the market, the idea of leaving Seal Cove suddenly feels wrong. Is there a way Emilia and Morgan can create a life together without giving up the things they need as individuals?
Why I love it
Like I said, Burke never lets me down. Spindrift is terrific. I loved Emilia and Morgan. Emilia’s carrying around a dynamite amount of angst which is a great juxtaposition with Morgan’s mostly upbeat nature. They have an unusual butch/femme dynamic, and the sex scenes aren’t only super-hot, they’re magnificently sex positive. The story features a quirky and likeable group of side characters who’ll be getting their own stories in the future. I’m waiting with bated breath, and I can’t think of a better way to start 2021.
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Following Chance by Baxter Brown
This book is a: second chance romance set in a small town
What it’s about
Kate and Lauren met in college and were drawn to each other from the moment they met. Kate had two rules, no dating straight women, and no dating married women. That meant Lauren was off limits. One night, Lauren presses a little too hard and Kate can’t help herself. Their affair is emotionally tumultuous from the moment it starts. Lauren finally decides to leave her husband to spend her life with Kate, but when it comes time, she’s nowhere to be found. Fifteen years later, Kate returns to the small town with her little girl. On the walk to school, the first person she comes across is Lauren with her little girl. The girls are the same age and in the same class. Before Kate and Lauren know it, the girls are best friends, which means the women have to navigate playdates, sleepovers, and vacations. This time, Lauren is not only single, but she knows exactly what she wants. She sets her sights on winning Kate’s heart, but this time around Kate is determined to keep Lauren at a safe distance. There’s no place in her heart for a second chance, until there is.
Why I love it
This is by far the angstiest book on my list, so if that’s your thing, this book is for you. Oh, the bad decisions, the hurt feelings, the resentments; they make the happily ever after even sweeter. I love it when an author can put me through the emotional wringer, and Brown really did me in. Kate and Lauren have great chemistry in the past, and in the present, it’s even stronger. Piecing together why Lauren never showed up the night she was supposed to leave her husband is a nice element to the story. Added bonus: I’m a huge fan of single moms with adorable children, and I got two for the price of one in this story.
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Brooklyn Summer by Maggie Cummings
Published by Bold Strokes Books
This book is a: friends to lovers romance
Check out the full review here
What it’s about
Ashleigh McAllister has decided to spend her summer exploring New York City. Keeping to her Brooklyn neighborhood only puts her in the awkward position of running into her ex-wife at every turn. When her friend, Liam’s best friend, Kellen comes to New York for the summer, Ashleigh agrees to play tour guide. While in New York, Kellen plans to repair a relationship with an old army buddy. The two women strike up an easy friendship while they discover the wonders of the city. Soon, their feelings become more intense than friendship, and their friends with benefits relationship quickly turns to love. When Ashleigh finds out the true nature of Kellen’s relationship with her old army buddy, she ends things with Kellen. Kellen returns to Colorado with a broken heart. It seems what she had with Ashleigh was simply a summer fling, or was it?
Why I love it
Cummings’ character development is fantastic. I loved watching Ashleigh bloom into a confident woman. She’s determined to rid herself of beliefs that keep her from moving forward to claim the life she’s been longing for. Kellen is just, wow. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be Kellen or date her. Their innocent and awkward first meetings are sweet, and when they find themselves in bed, it practically melted my Kindle. There’s a plot twist in this story I never saw coming, and that’s rarely the case. Bravo.
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Call to Me by Helena Harte
Published by Butterworth Books
This book is an: age gap romance
What it’s about
Dr. Evie Jackson is a psychiatrist working at a secure hospital. She spends her Friday lunch breaks volunteering at a local shelter walking dogs. Ashlyn Smith works in an after-school program with young children. She’s boarding her rescue dog at the same shelter while it’s in quarantine. They strike up a casual acquaintance, and eventually, they agree to go out on a proper date. The date turns into a night of out of this world sex, and both women think they’ve met their perfect match. On their second date, Ash reveals she has no desire to be a parent at that point in her life, and Evie discloses her number one priority is her young son, Izad. The two women seem to be at an impasse. They try to remain friends, but Ash finds it impossible to squash her deeper feelings for Evie. Evie decides to cut ties with Ash altogether. When Izad is rushed to the hospital after an accident at the youth center he attends, Evie and Ash discover they are connected by more than just their mutual feelings.
Why I love it
The dynamic between Evie and Ash is the best thing about this story. Ash is attracted to older women. I got the feeling this was more than just the standard – mature women know what they want. She grew up in the foster care system and missed out on having stable and loving relationships. Evie’s a delight. She’s a devoted mother, consummate professional, and passionate lover. Watching them tap dance around their feelings was fun. Harte does a great job bringing Izad to life. There’re just as many layers to his character as there are for the adults in the story.
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Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae
This book is a: friends to lovers romance
What it’s about
Denny quietly lives her life, working in the local grocery store, helping to support her younger sister and niece. She’d love to find her forever person, but her shyness has kept her from jumping into the dating scene. One day, she gets a text from a stranger asking her for fashion advice before going on a blind date. Denny gives the pictured yellow sneakers her approval but explains to the woman she’s texted the wrong number. Eliza is tired of using dating apps. She can’t figure out why it’s so hard to find her own prince charming. Her accidental friendship with Denny brings her enough happiness, she wants to meet Denny in person. Denny is completely taken aback. First of all, Eliza doesn’t know Denny is a woman, and secondly, she doesn’t know Denny is a lesbian. When they finally meet face to face, both of them are amazed at how natural their friendship feels. In fact, it feels so natural, Eliza begins to wonder if her feelings for Denny are more than platonic. They’re open with each other and acknowledge they both feel a romantic connection, but can their friendship survive if a romance between them fails?
Why I love it
This is the sweetest romance I read this year. That doesn’t mean it’s a simple or light weight story. It’s endearing, and it warmed my heart. The plot unfolds at a natural pace, and there’s no contrived conflict for conflict’s sake. Jae writes truly unique characters, and Denny and Eliza are perfect examples. I appreciate that they don’t look or dress like runway models. I love that Eliza isn’t concerned about figuring out how to label her sexuality. Most of all, Denny gets my hero of the year award because she’s got a quiet strength, is kind beyond measure, and learns to love herself unconditionally.
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Before You Say I Do by Clare Lydon
This book is a: friends to lovers romance
What it’s about
Jorden Cohen has a thriving business as a professional bridesmaid. She expertly executes the traditional duties involved in wedding planning while subtly fitting in as part of the wedding party. Abby Porter is set to marry her perfect fiancé, Marcus, in six weeks, but her future mother-in-law is prepared to take over the whole production. Marcus hires Jordan to work with Abby to help run interference between her and his mother. Jorden and Abby immediately click. The more time they spend together, Abby’s forced to look at her lack of enthusiasm about her impending wedding. Why doesn’t Marcus make her feel the way Abby does?
Why I love it
Lydon unfailingly gives me stories that are witty, smart, slightly angsty, and they always include toe-curling first kisses. (The other sexy bits are just as yummy.) Abby and Jordan have great chemistry, and I was chanting, “Kiss her, kiss her,” almost from the moment they met. I love the unique premise of the story, and it might be my favorite Lydon book to date. I reread it twice during the course of the year. There’s a magic to this romance that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.
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Bet Against Me by Fiona Riley
Published by Bold Strokes Books
This book is an: enemies to lovers, workplace romance
What it’s about
When industry leader Trina Lee loses the coveted Realtor of the Year award to newcomer Kendall Yates, she’s shocked and furious. Without hesitation, she accuses Kendall of being a no-talent fraud. This inspires their bosses to set up a contest to determine which woman is the best in the business. They are given a high-end condominium complex, and whichever woman sells the most units gets the title. Trina and Kendall start out as bitter rivals, but their blinding attraction gets the better of them. They establish an “enemies with benefits” relationship, thinking they can keep it from influencing their competition. They also agree to leave their emotions at the bedroom door. When the competition comes to a dramatic end, Trina and Kendall have to examine their feelings because somehow love crept into their hearts.
Why I love it
Enemies to lovers/workplace romance is my absolute favorite trope mash-up. It’s so ripe for drama and sexual tension, and those are my middle names. In my experience, Riley always comes through on both fronts. The dialogue in this book is so smart and sassy. Some of the barbs Trina and Kendall hurl at each other sting in all the best ways. I think Trina is terribly misunderstood. At first glance, she looks like a cut-throat, ego driven businessperson, but there’s so much more to her character that’s revealed with each turn of the page. Bonus points: The sex scenes are absolute scorchers. I see you, Ms. Riley. I see you.
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If you enjoyed Victoria’s 10 Best Books of 2020 and want more then take a look at all her favourite books here