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.