2020 brought us many, many challenges. But the one thing that remained a constant reprieve for me from the challenges were books. I didn’t read as many as I hoped. I didn’t love as many as I usually do, but still the books were there when I needed them. I had a hard time coming up with this list for many reasons. The list doesn’t represent the “best” books but rather the ones I loved the most because they brought me joy and happiness while I read them. 

In no particular order. 

The Roommate by Rosie Danan– Danan introduced us to characters (sex workers) that might be seen as unworthy/unlovable by some and created a super hot story. I had to read it twice to make sure I wasn’t just falling to the hype. I loved it both times. If you loved this book, be sure to pre-order The Intimacy Experiment. I’ve already read it and it is better than The Roommate. 

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle– This is by far my favorite book of 2020. I’ve read it twice with my eyes and once with my ears. I own the print version, the digital finished copy, the e-arc, as well as the audio. Hogle takes a broken relationship and puts it back together, petty brick by petty brick. I was there for every single moment of it. 

You Had Me at Hola by Alexia Daria– Jasmine and Ashton were great. I didn’t love part of the conflict, but the dynamic between the leads was amazing and I loved it. 2021 is going to be full of #jefamoves 

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa– Funny and sexy. I read this early in the year and declared that it would be on my list of best books of 2020. And here we are. :)

Paradise Cove by Jenny Holiday– Y’all know I love Jenny Holiday’s books and this was no different. I read it twice. This is firmly a grief book. Which is one of my favorites. Jake is a top notch caretaker who made me swoon. 

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Beach Read by Emily Henry– What do you know, another grief book. This one veers closer to be “women’s fiction”. I loved the back and forth between January and Gus. There is even an epistolary component as they write notes and put them in the window for each other to see.

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers– This is a cheat because it doesn’t release until 2021 but this is my list and I do what I want. This book is Sad Girl Energy at its best. Filled with superb writing and absolutely amazing found family, this is a must read. 

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall– A must read for anyone who considers themselves a feminist. Y’all we must do better to be intersectional. I read this via audio and I recommend that.

Fearless by Katie Golding– A mix of cowboys who do roping and cowboys who ride motorbikes. This is a relationship in trouble book that is not correctly billed as such. LOL. It has a slow start but the pain these characters are in was so emotional to me. There’s a scene centered around Christmas Eve service that I will never forget. It made me cry and my chest ache. 

Cara Bastone– Castone had a stellar year. She pubbed 1 novella (When We First Met), 2 full length novels (Just a Heartbeat Away and Can’t Help Falling), and an audiobook (Call Me Maybe). I loved all four and Bastone secured a place on my must read/buy with her great depictions of found family. 

Dream Maker (Dream Team Book 1) by Kristen Ashley– Is my list even a list without mention of a KA book. This was the most “old-school” KA book I’ve read of her recent books. A spin-off of Rock Chick and Dream Men had me all in my feelings for every previous KA book that I have loved. Added bonus was a hero who spoke in full sentences and talked about feelings. 

For reference here are my lists from previous years. 

Kini’s Favorite Reads for 2016…..So far

Kini’s Favorite Books of 2016

Kini’s Favorite Books for 2017 & Giveaway

Kini’s Favorite Reads of 2018

Kini’s Romance Wrap Up 2019

Mid Year Update: Kini’s Favorites of 2020 So Far