From the Embers is enjoying a sudden surge in popularity, and I'm very happy about that... because it was one of my Top 20 of 2021 picks! In case you missed my review at the time, I'm sharing it again now. I still think back on the book very fondly, and hope many new readers... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Complete List
Everything I loved about 2021 romance novels, all in one place! Looking back, I really did have a fantastic reading year - there were so many great books that ALMOST made my top 20 list, and plenty of others that were just really solid reads. The books on this list represent the absolute BEST romance... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and my final selection is the brother's best friend romance, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby! And you know what? It hasn't even released on Kindle yet! I listened to the audio version (out now), and this light and... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and one of my absolute favorites is The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood! This debut is mega popular for a reason - it's intelligent, playful, and filled with slow burn goodness. I loved this mysterious, grump of a hero,... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: What if You and Me by Roni Loren
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and the emotional What If You & Me by Roni Loren makes the list! It's the story of two broken people who find each other at the right time in their lives. They're both struggling to move forward and... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Forbidden by Karla Sorensen
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes the swoony single dad romance, Forbidden! When I read Forbidden back in May, I was already pretty confident that it'd be making this list. I loved the dynamic between these two, and the book manages to... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Heartbreak for Hire by Sonia Hartl
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and Heartbreak for Hire is one of the more underrated books on the list. Sonia Hartl is a new-to-me author (this is her adult debut), and I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this going in. As... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Falling in Reverse by Julia Wolf
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and the sexual tension in Falling in Reverse earns its spot on the list! Julia Wolf is always excellent at writing tension, angst, and longing. Her books come in a variety of moods and settings, but you can always... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Love Interest by Kayley Loring
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and the quirky, tension-filled The Love Interest is definitely a part of that list! I can rely on Kayley Loring for light and sexy romances with compelling characters and love stories that are one-of-a-kind. The Love Interest is a... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that list would not be complete without the heartbreaking powerhouse, Darling Venom. It's been two years since Parker S. Huntington released a new book, and Venom flew to the top of my favorites list - just like Devious... Continue Reading →
BEST OF 2021: Top Picks by Trope
Who doesn’t love a good trope? Everybody’s got a favorite, from tense enemies to lovers reads to playful fake relationship romances. I’ve always got certain expectations when I start reading a story that plays up a trope, and the books on this list all exceeded those expectations. I’ve selected the two books that I think... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes the swooniest of love stories, Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle! It's been several months since I read this adorable enemies to lovers romance, so I relived the story all over again as I pulled some quotes... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes Kristen Callihan's slow burn treat, Make It Sweet! I've been a big fan of Callihan's work for years, but Make It Sweet is now one of my new favorites from the author. It's got such a... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and no book gutted me quite like The Wrong Heart. If I had to choose my top 5 books of the year, this would easily make the list. It's a dark - often bleak - book, and the transformation... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Call Me Crazy by Melanie Harlow
As 2021 comes to a close, I’m revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes Call Me Crazy by Melanie Harlow! While every book in the Bellamy Creek series was excellent, this marriage of convenience romance is easily my favorite. These childhood frenemies turned spouses have no idea what they're getting... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Hard to Love by K. Bromberg
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and the final book in one of the best sports romance series I've read definitely earns a spot on the list! I've read and loved every book in the Play Hard series by K. Bromberg, and each one has... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that certainly includes the Schitt's Creek-inspired It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey! While I'm a fan of Schitt's Creek, I was skeptical going into this because a superficial, image-obsessed heroine is not usually my preference. But this... Continue Reading →
TOP 20 OF 2021: Savage Hearts by J.T. Geissinger
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and J.T. Geissinger is an author whose work easily made my list. Every book in her steamy and intense mafia romance series, Queens & Monsters, has been excellent, but Savage Hearts might just be my favorite. Read on for my book review, details on the series, a spotlight on the author, and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Perfect Catch by Meghan Quinn
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and Meghan Quinn is a repeat offender. As in, her books often fly to the top of my list - and The Perfect Catch is one of my all-time favorites from her. Read on for my book review and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
TOP 20 OF 2021: From the Embers by Aly Martinez
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and From the Embers by Aly Martinez is one of the more unique books on the list! It's heavy and emotional, but the uplifting tone towards the end made the journey so worth it. Read on for my book review and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes The Hating Game meets Marriage for One, enemies to lovers romance, The Spanish Love Deception, by Elena Armas. Read on for my book review and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
TOP 20 OF 2021: The Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that includes Jodi Ellen Malpas' dark and steamy mafia romance, The Brit. Read on for my book review, details on the series, and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
TOP 20 OF 2021: Ever After Always by Chloe Liese
As 2021 comes to a close, I'm revisiting my 20 favorite romance novels of the year, and that starts with the fantastic Ever After Always by Chloe Liese. Read on for my book review, details on the series, and plenty of quotes to give you a feel for the vibe!
Every 5-Star Romance Novel I Read in 2021
I read some truly outstanding romance novels in 2021, including books by debut authors, new-to-me authors, best sellers, and fan favorites. There were so many incredible contemporary romance novels released in 2021 that putting together my Best of the Year list has been more difficult than ever. So, I'm sharing a list of everything I loved this year! Includes book reviews, blurbs and more!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready 🎧
Anytime I’m up til three in the morning bingeing - straight up DEVOURING - a romance, you know it’s a great one. And I did exactly that with this. Ready is a new-to-me author, but something about the blurb had me really excited for this, so I turned on the audiobook as soon as it... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington 🎧
"It hit like a bullet to the gut, but I smiled through the pain." Phenomenal. There were goosebumps on my arms, tears in my eyes, and a knot in my throat when I turned the final page - and my eyes had been glued to EVERY SINGLE page before that. And there are a lot... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Savage Hearts by J.T. Geissinger
There’s a reason why I’ve been one-clicking J.T.’s books without hesitation for years, and she just keeps getting better and better. I never know where the story will lead, but I’m always eager to hang on for the ride. This series has been blazing hot and immensely compelling, so this had a lot to live... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Enigma by Jodi Ellen Malpas
"She’s toxic. But to me, she’s a balm. And I’m fatal. But to her, I’m life." Whoa boy, this was a lot to handle - and I absolutely LOVED it! I completely ignored real life for two straight days and just dove into this immersive, intense, hot, violent, and exhilarating read. I don't know how... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Pact by Max Monroe
Easily this writing duo's best release of 2021, this green card marriage romance is both hilarious and hot. It's got some sizzling chemistry, and this couple is GREAT together. The further I got into the book, the more I loved it - this leads with the lust before slowly transitioning into the love, and the... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
Don't let that cute cover fool you - this is SMOKIN' HOT, with sexual tension dripping from every page. I was HOOKED from the start, and I devoured it at an alarming rate, even for one of Quinn's rom coms. And this IS a rom com, albeit a very tense and steamy one. I loved... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams
Such a feel good read! After the heavy storyline of How to Fail at Flirting, I really wasn't sure what to expect going into The Fastest Way to Fall - but it was sweet, swoony, slow burn goodness. The hero is ADORABLE, and I absolutely loved the strong, resilient heroine. They have a relationship that... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Wrong Heart by Jennifer Hartmann
This book... destroyed me. It's powerful. It's devastating. It's utterly romantic. And it will stay with me for a very long time. It's incredibly unique and wholly captivating, and I felt my blood pressure rising with every unpredictable scene. I loved it. Even my review has the potential to be triggering, so stop now if... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Out of the 200 romance novels I've read this year, this might be my favorite one. Period. This is what I call a ROMANCE; an intimate read with a torturous slow burn that absolutely captivated me and a hero that every woman needs in her life. It’s incredibly romantic, with page after page of quote-worthy... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Closer by Kristy Marie
There's just something SWOONY about a sweetheart of a hero who shows his fierce, alpha side when his protective instincts kick in. I adored this kind and loving hero; he takes care of everyone but himself, and doesn't hesitate to step in when our heroine is in need. Their marriage of convenience might not have... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: A Deal with the Devil by Elizabeth O’Roark
This was slow burn goodness, with a focus on the emotional connection and plenty of sexual tension. I loved the light, easy banter and the opposites attract vibe, though this new-to-me author does an excellent job of showing the parallels between these two seemingly different people. Our broken, playboy of a hero is selfish and... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Canary by Tijan 🎧
Okay, so this is going to be a weird 5-star review, but just bear with me for a minute, lol. I wasn't sure that I even liked this book for the first 30% or so - I was more fascinated than anything, and it definitely took awhile to wrap my head around the characters. This... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger 🎧
What a WILD ride! Geissinger's books are always addictive, and her mafia romances have been particularly compelling - with this being no exception. These two were FIRE together, and I was absolutely hooked from start to finish. I'll openly admit that I had a little more trouble than usual getting behind this particular couple, not... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Falling in Reverse by Julia Wolf
Is it HOT in here, or is it just this book? WOW, that was an intense and steamy ride! This rock star/bodyguard romance had me HOOKED from the first page, and easily kept my interest until the very end. I stayed up way, way too late reading - and I have zero regrets. This couple... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 🎧
I loved this SO VERY MUCH. It's one of those books that left me smiling like a fool, with a full heart and a strong desire to start reading it all over again. The evolution of these characters from start to finish is intense, and I absolutely loved how everything came full circle by the... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: The Lie by Karla Sorensen
A smitten bad boy? Yes, please! I absolutely LOVED this hero, a guy who listens to the devil on his shoulder too often. He's moody, broody, tattooed, and talented - and he's a total softie on the inside. This one's a little bit enemies to lovers, a little bit friends to lovers, and a whole... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
This hero? One of the BEST I've read about in a long while. I absolutely ADORED this gruff, closed off, alpha fisherman with a heart of gold - he made this opposites attract romance engrossing from the very start, and the steamy scenes were downright combustible because of his intensity. Talk about a slow burn... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW: Hard to Love by K. Bromberg
Crackling chemistry from the very first interaction - this couple is absolutely combustible, and watching their cat and mouse game from the sidelines was totally engrossing. I wasn't sure what to expect from this antihero redeemed romance; Finn has been the "villain" throughout this series of interconnected standalones, and his history is somewhat problematic. But... Continue Reading →
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren 🎧
Everybody loves a sexy, grumpy nerd - right? I certainly do! That made it easy to fall for this slow-burning, science-filled romance. I'd like to make a joke that this book has as much chemistry as a science textbook, but that seems like a step too far, lol. Our couple does have a definite connection... Continue Reading →