Top 10 Romances I Read in 2021
I fell back in love with romance books this year. I used to read them, almost exclusively, until a few years ago when suddenly I was only reading a handful a year. But this year? More than half the books I read were romances and I'm thrilled with that. I also write romance books, so it makes sense that I've been reading more of them.
This list includes both indie and traditional authors! I hope if any of these sound good to you, you'll pick them up and support these authors!
I am so excited to share this list with you! If they have a * by them, that means you can read it for free on Kindle Unlimited.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Sweet or Closed Door Romances
The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams* // Sarah Adams quickly became one of my favorite authors this year. I LOVED The Off Limits Rule so much. Brother's best friend? Sign me up!
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams* // The Cheat Sheet will be re-published in early 2022 by a publisher, so it will not be on KU anymore. BUT if you read any Sarah Adams book, it should be this one. The sweetest friends-to-lovers story with a tiny bit of (closed door) steam. I love Bree and Nathan so much.
A Cross Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh* // Looking for a Christmas romcom full of witty banter and a road trip? Look no further. This is perfect for the holiday season, and super swoony.
That Fine Line by Cindy Steel* // Small town. Farm. An old enemy is working there for the summer while she is too. What could go wrong (or right?)
Falling for your Fake Fiance by Emma St. Clair* // book 3 in the love cliches series, this one was my fave. There's forced proximity. Fake dating. Definitely no feelings... er... well maybe a few feelings.
Open Door (steamy) Romances
I know not everyone likes to read steamy novels. I think there are a lot of great romances that do have steam. These all have scenes that definitely steamy, but those chapters or parts are easy to skip if you still want to read them!
The Bergman Brothers Series by Chloe Liese // I'm in the middle of book 4 right now, but I had to include this series on my list. I LOVE the Bergman brothers. Each of these books IS SO STINKING GOOD! I read the first two while I had covid and they were the best distraction.
The Strings that Hold Us Together by Kendra Mase* // A debut by one of my internet friends! Gah. This book's premise was different than any I've ever read, and I flew through it. I love Jack so much.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Ray Adams // I haven't read a ton of romances where the couple is already married, this one was awesome. A marriage on the verge of falling apart. What do his friends do? Invite them into their bromance book club, where all they read is romance. I've got to read the rest of the books in this series asap.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry // AHHHH. I have been a fan of Emily Henry since I read her debut YA novel about 6 years ago. This is by far my favorite of hers. Alex and Poppy have been friends for years, they've vacationed every summer together for ten years, but 2 years ago something went really wrong. This year is their last chance to save their friendship and possibly something more.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas // What could go wrong when you tell all of your family you've got a boyfriend when you actually don't? Then your nemesis at work volunteers to be your fake boyfriend for a family wedding.
Honorable Mentions
Float Plan by Trish Doller // Almost a year after the death of her fiance, Anna sets sail on his boat for a trip they planned together. She hires an Irish man to help her make the trip. (check trigger warnings before reading this one)
The Wedding Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman // An artist. A fireman. Their parents are getting married. Dating, or even just sleeping together is definitely off-limits. (Steamy)
The Enemy by Sarah Adams* // Yup. Another Sarah Adams book. The Enemy is so good. Gah. I need to read it again.
What romance books made the top of your list this year?
