I can't believe another year has gone by. I read and loved - and was blown away - by so many amazing books in 2021. There were several stories that really stuck with me and gave me a serious book hangover. I love a book that makes me feel like I'm a part of the world created by the author, where everything around me fades away. You know the books, the ones that pull you in and consume you (and dinner doesn't get made). These books made a true impression on me and became instant favorites (and future rereads). I cannot say enough good things about my Favorite Romance Books of 2021. I recommend each and every one, they are definite must-reads.
Favorite Romance Books of 2021
Forever Never by Lucy Score
Forever Never is officially a favorite for 2021! 6 stars! From the amazing characters to the suspense, this was exciting, entertaining, intense, and all kinds of sexy. There was a phenomenal build as everything unfolded. This was a thrilling read that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Lucy Score has previously been on my Favorite Books list for Rock Bottom Girl in 2019 and in 2020 for both By a Thread and Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door.
Still Standing by Kristen Ashley
Still Standing was simply amazing. Beautiful. Raw. Gritty. Passionate. Intense. It was filled with so many incredible moments I couldn't get enough. Clara and Bucks' journey was phenomenal!
Kristen Ashley has previously been on my Favorite Books list for Ride Steady and Walk Through Fire in 2015, Wild Like the Wind in 2018, Quiet Man in 2019, and in 2020 for both Dream Maker and Free. This year, she's on my list for both Still Standing and Dream Keeper (see below).
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
It Happened One Summer was such a fun read! It was entertaining, incredibly sweet, and super sexy. I loved the Schitt’s Creek meets Deadliest Catch vibe in rom-com form. I adored Piper and Brendan and loved the ups and downs of them coming together. This was an absolute delight and I pretty much inhaled it.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
The Happy Ever After Playlist was an exceptional story. It was incredibly entertaining and charming with the best characters. I laughed and cried, and yelled and cheered as Jason and Sloan found their way to happy. This is a new favorite!
Tin Queen by Devney Perry
This story was everything! Tin Queen was filled with so much emotion, passion, and heart, from the very first page I was all in. I loved Nova and Emmett, the chemistry between them, and the amazing build to them coming together. I feel like a broken record but I swear every Devney Perry book I read is a new favorite. The final book in the Clifton Forge series was phenomenal!
Devney Perry has previously been on my Favorite Books list for The Coppersmith Farmhouse in 2017, The Clover Chapel in 2018, and Gypsy King in 2019. In 2020, she was on my list for both Riven Knight and The Bribe (writing as Willa Nash). This year, she's on my list twice for Tin Queen and The Bluff (as Willa Nash, see below).
Note: There are several places on my blog where a different cover for Tin Queen is featured with a skull on the cover. In September of 2021, the Tin Gypsy series (with the skull covers) was rebranded and renamed the Clifton Forge series. Please know the book is the same, only the cover is different.
A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane
A Heart of Blood and Ashes was an epic and intense adventure that was thrilling and exciting to read. I loved the drama and passion and the incredible build to Maddek and Yvenne coming together. From beginning to end I was hooked!
The Bluff by Willa Nash
I loved The Bluff so much and couldn’t put it down! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I can officially say it’s a new favorite. Everly and Hux were everything! Marriage of convenience. Single father. Grumpy artist. I was all about this! I loved the passion, humor, and heart. It was perfection!
Devney Perry, who also writes as Willa Nash, has previously been on my Favorite Books list for The Coppersmith Farmhouse in 2017, The Clover Chapel in 2018, Gypsy King in 2019, and in 2020 for both Riven Knight and The Bribe (as Willa Nash). This year she's on my list twice for Tin Queen (see above) and The Bluff (written as Willa Nash).
Say Goodbye by Karen Rose
Say Goodbye was a gripping and intense story that made for an absolutely epic conclusion to the Sacramento series. I loved the timeline and the different points of view as everything connected. I felt so pulled in and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. A truly thrilling read!
Note: The Sacramento series is technically a standalone series, each book focusing on a different couple. I would personally recommend reading all three books in order, since there is an overall storyline that continues over the series, bringing you to the conclusion in Say Goodbye. The reading order is: Say You're Sorry (book 1), Say No More (book 2), and Say Goodbye (book 3).
Dream Keeper by Kristen Ashley
Loved, loved, loved this so much! Dream Keeper was emotional, sexy, fun, and adventurous and I loved every second. It starts with so much feeling and an amazing prologue that completely pulled me in. I loved seeing so many different people and I was thrilled for what was to come.Kristen Ashley has previously been on my Favorite Books list for Ride Steady and Walk Through Fire in 2015, Wild Like the Wind in 2018, Quiet Man in 2019, and in 2020 for both Dream Maker and Free. This year she's on my list twice for both Dream Keeper and Still Standing. (see above).
Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
Devil in Disguise was an exceptional story. With wonderful characters, rich details, and a strong storyline filled with twists and turns, I was captivated from beginning to end. I feel like this story made me fall in love with Lisa Kleypas all over again.
Lisa Kleypas has previously been on my Favorite Books list for Devil in Winter in 2019 and for Devil's Daughter in 2020.
Thank you for being here. For following, liking, retweeting, and sharing. I have met so many wonderful authors, bloggers, and book friends since I started this journey back in 2013 and I've loved every second. I appreciate you all and am thankful for your support.
Here's to never-ending TBR's, another year of fantastic reads, and an amazing 2022!
xo
Gretchen
What were some of your favorite reads in 2021? What books are you looking forward to in 2022? Let me know!