As the pandemic raged on in 2021, I found myself turning to books as an escape. In addition to contemporary romance, I read a variety of other genres: historical romance, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and women’s fiction. While the first half of the year produced some lackluster reading experiences, the latter half made up for it. Here are some of my favorite books both read and published in 2021, in no particular order.
In writing The Worst Guy, I truly think Kate Canterbary said, “I’m going to give you two of the most complicated, messiest characters I can imagine and make you fall in love with them.” If so, mission accomplished. I could not get enough of Sara and Sebastian.
Looking for a holiday romance that is impossible to put down and guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit? Look no further. The Plight Before Christmas, the utterly delightful holiday rom com by Kate Stewart, has you covered.
Penny Reid flexes her sports romance muscles with Homecoming King. Featuring her signature wit, simmering romance, and holiday setting—we’re talking Halloween through Christmas, people!—this book is a winning combination of naughty and nice.
Given all the 5-star reviews, I’m clearly in the minority here. At least the first third of Rock Paper Scissors is painfully slow, making this thriller less thrilling than I’d hoped. I found the anniversary letters to be rather dull and wanted to fast forward through the flashbacks.
It Happened One Summer is reminiscent of the tv show Schitt’s Creek, only this book is more heartwarming in my humble opinion.
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is the first book I’ve read by Alexis Hall, and I must say that I was completely charmed. The audiobook really enhanced my enjoyment, but more on that in a moment.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books written by Abby Jimenez, The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, I fully expected Life’s Too Short to knock my socks off as well. Guess what? It did. This book checked off all my boxes. You’ve got a fun-loving heroine, a glum hero in need of rescuing, single parenting, and swooning galore.
I was pleasantly surprised by this absorbing new adult romance.
From the very beginning, I knew that Every Last Secret would be one twisted, complex thriller. The plot is addictive, and it kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
The Heart Principle is an exceptional story that is far deeper than I anticipated. It’s about the importance of loving yourself and using your voice.
It’s that time of year again. Time to vote for your favorite books of the year in the Goodreads Choice Awards. You have until November 28th to let your voice be heard in the opening round. If you’re like me, you’ll run to the list of Best Romance Opening Round Nominees for 2021 to see what books you’ve read and try to squeeze in as many books that you haven’t read as possible. How many nominated books have you read? Which one is your favorite? I’m trying to decide between The Love Hypothesis and The Heart Principle, and I’m about to start Life’s Too Short. Vote for books in all categories!