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.
 |
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books written by Abby Jimenez, I fully expected Life’s Too Short to knock my socks off as well. Guess what? It did. This book checked all my boxes. You’ve got a fun-loving heroine, a glum hero in need of rescuing, single parenting, and swooning galore. |
 |
The Heart Principle The Heart Principle is an exceptionally satisfying story about the importance of loving yourself and using your voice. It touches on some serious topics, and while there are romantic aspects, there’s more emphasis on the main character’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance. |
 |
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre 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. I tend to shy away from darker fiction, but I reveled in the delicious darkness of this intricately woven plot. |
 |
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood I loved every single thing about Ali Hazelwood’s debut novel, The Love Hypothesis. It’s a fake dating romance set in the world of STEM academia. I didn’t realize just how badly I needed a 100% feel-good love story. If you’re looking for an antidote for a gloomy day or just a needed break from reality, I highly recommend this delightful and entertaining story. |
 |
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall I was completely charmed by Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake. I loved the British humor, slang, and bantering throughout. I appreciated the way that LGBTQ+ issues as well as single parenting challenges are incorporated into the plot. This book is certain to strike a welcome and familiar chord with fans of The Great British Baking Show. |
 |
For Lucy by Jewel E. Ann There are no words to describe how acutely poignant and profound this book is. Yes, there are romantic and delightfully charming moments—the meet cute is enchanting—but primarily there are difficult subjects to address between two people who love each other deeply. For Lucy had me captivated from Chapter One and lingered with me for days. |
 |
The Lost Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann The Lost Fisherman is book two in the excellent Fisherman Duet. I really enjoyed the first book, and the conclusion is an all-consuming emotional tightrope that I simply could not resist. This second chance romance is supremely satisfying, and the epilogue is pure perfection! |
 |
The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary Kate Canterbary exceeded all my expectations by delivering an irresistibly poignant, witty, and sexy enemies turned lovers story. The Worst Guy features two of the messiest, most complicated characters imaginable, and I fell in love with them both. |
 |
The Mixtape by Brittainy Cherry The Mixtape tugged on every single one of my heartstrings. An unlikely friendship forms between a struggling single mother and a rock star who has been spiraling out of control since the death of his twin brother. The book handles the subject of depression with a compassionate, realistic brush. A nice little slow burn romance rounds out the story. |
 |
A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn Gah! I loved this book so much! A Not So Meet Cute just may be my favorite Meghan Quinn book so far. It’s a hilarious enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship story with a delicious slow burn and an mega hot payoff. I read it straight through. |
You’ve helped reconfirm that I need to get started on The Heart Principle. I love romance novels that emphasize self discovery and acceptance.
It was deeper than I expected in the best way.
Such a great list! I see so many books I loved. I just finished The Worst Guy last night and that enemies to lovers was intense, but so good! Every Last Secret was one of my favorite reads this year as well as The Love Hypothesis. Happy New Year!
I’m so glad you liked The Worst Guy. It was nice rounding out the year with a good read. Happy New Year!