Top 12 Books for 2021 January 6, 2022
I can’t really remember the reason I stopped reading…I used to be an avid reader, and then maybe life just got in the way and I put it aside for years. I’m talking, YEARS. I cannot remember the last time I read as much as I have been the past few months. In fact, I always joked that I only came to book club for the wine. But something clicked in me this year, and I’m so incredibly grateful to have picked up reading again. It’s become a way to escape into someone else’s world for a bit and calm my mind. I cannot even stress how much it’s helped with my anxiety this past year. I’ve read about 60 books this year, and I’m listing my top 10 favorite of 2021 below! Also, please know how hard this was for me to choose….there are so many others I would add to this list, I feel 12 is an unfair number haha! Also this is in no specific order…that’s asking way too much of me, I can’t even choose favorites!
#1 It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
This book is what got me back into reading, and for that it will always be my favorite. But it touched me in a way I didn’t expect. Trigger warning: it involves domestic abuse, but this story is one of hope and I think it’s one every woman should read. My emotions were so up and down through the whole book, but in true Colleen Hoover fashion (as I’ve now learned) the ending is always perfect. It might not be wrapped up in a pretty bow, but it’s perfect. I would love a second story to Lily and Atlas (PLEASE, COLLEEN!!!!!). Also – I cannot wait to see the movie that’s in the works!
#2 Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
This was so hard for me to narrow down because I loved all three of The Friend Zone books, but this one spoke to me personally the most. This story was just so sweet, I loved the main characters so much! Such a feel good book with beautiful messaging – one I think we all need! Definitely some steamy scenes, but they aren’t the focus of the story. I highly, highly recommend reading ALL THREE, in order, because Abby brings characters from the previous books forward a bit!
#3 The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
I was unsure of this one at first because of the age difference between the characters but hot DAMN was it good. The story was SO incredibly well written and I was so unprepared for the ending and immediately wanted more (PLEASE ROBINNE!!!!!!!!!). Another one that will stick with me forever. If you like steamy romances, this one TAKES THE CAKE. Trust 😉
#4 It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Holy moly this was good. Think Schitt’s Creek but sexier – socialite girl means a fisherman in a small town. An unlikely pair, a lot of sexual tension, and a great character arc. These scenes are steeeeaaammmmyyyyyyy, but the plot is so great! I remember getting to one certain scene and being like OH HOT DAMN. 😉 Tessa Bailey might be the queen of those scenes! I loved the ending, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series (like I’m counting down the days!!!).
#5 Beach Read by Emily Henry
I just loved this book so, so much. Emily Henry is witty in her writing, and creates these relationships between characters that’s just so perfect. I loved every single thing about this story and I wish I could read it again for the first time! Some steamy scenes in this one, too, that don’t disappoint!! I also highly recommend People We Meet on Vacation by her as well – I could totally see that one being a Netflix series. She has a new book coming out that I CANNOT WAIT to read! Emily Henry quickly became one of my favorite authors this year!
#6 Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Probably my second favorite Colleen Hoover book! Miles and Tate are one of my favorite book couples, and their story (and Mile’s back story) was just so heart wrenching and perfect in every way. I loved watching Miles let his walls down and letting Tate in…it’s just such a special story. Highly, highly, highly recommend!
#7 The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
If you need a great rom-com, this book is laugh out loud funny! I loved the story line, the romance was hot, and it was flat out hilarious. Give it a few chapters to get to the really good stuff, but I promise you won’t be disappointed. There were so many times I was legitimately cracking up and my husband was looking at me like I was crazy! A great beach or vacation read, or if you need something light and fun!
#8 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Another hilarious book (that was just made a movie!) that was laugh out loud funny! Enemies to lovers with so much in between. I loved the banter between Lucy and Josh, and absolutely loved how this book ended. A feel good read, and then you must watch the new movie after!
#9 Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover
Another favorite by Colleen Hoover. I think this book is underrated and deserves more praise. I read it in one sitting, I was so hooked! There’s a big twist in this book, but the ending is just so perfect. If you’re looking for a good CoHo recommendation, DEFINITELY pick this one up!
#10 The Deal by Elle Kennedy
This book started my obsession with sports romance. Hot damn! The entire Off Campus series is a must-read (Tucker in particular is my favorite…the 4th book!)! This series is about college hockey players who go from “players” to lovers. So so good, but The Deal is my favorite because it sparked my love for this series. Also, Graham is a total winner 😉 There’s 5 books total, all of them steamy and amazing.
#11 To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise
If I could pick a book boyfriend, it would be Adam Connor. Oh. My. Gosh. I was so in love with this story and wish I could read it for the first time again and again. Lucy and Adam are one of my favorite book couples EVER, and more people need to experience their love. Read the fist book, To Love Jason Thorne (also freakin amazing), first for some insight, and then quickly move to this one! If you think you love Jason, just wait until you meet Adam. All the heart eyes. And definitely steamy scenes!
#12 The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
I’ve read a couple of books by Sarah Adams now and I just love her writing. It feels like I’m reading someone’s journal or talking to a friend – playful, funny, enticing, and so so fun. This was my first book by her and I freakin LOVED IT. It’s a romantic comedy that’s laugh out loud funny. I loved Bree and Nathan’s banter, and I felt like Bree could easily be my friend. Highly recommend!!!!
There were so many other books I want to include but I had to cap it here! Again, these are in NO particular order! Have you read any of them? What are your thoughts?! If you have any recommendations for me that are similar, drop them in a comment below!! Happy reading!
Love Emily Henry as well. I started reading CoHo books from your recommendations and have loved all of them. Excited to read more on your list!
Also, 60 books is so impressive.
Please read The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker! It’s probably my favorite book of 2021 (but I also enjoyed all the books you listed!). I also really enjoyed All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata (and then ended up reading all of her books this year too!).
After not reading much over the last few years I read It Ends With Us and holy moly! My favorite book this year! And it got me back to reading for fun!
The Idea of You is my absolute favorite read from last year. I NEED a sequel. Please please please, Robinne!
Love love love! There are a handful I haven’t read just yet but are on my list.
I already recommended to you
The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
But here are a couple more that I loved!
Easy by Tammera Weber
F*ck Marriage by Tarryn Fisher
I’ve read almost all of these all thanks to your recommendations! I’ve loved them all. Please, keep sharing! ❤️
I was never a big reader! Never could have a peaceful moment to read. But I gave it a go with one of the first books you recommended (It ends with us) and I never looked back. I will happily trade couple hours of sleep after kids in bed to read. I probably covered 90% of all your recommendations, so please keep them coming. Thank you!!!
Thank you for helping me get back into reading! I started with Un-Honeymooners and have loved every Christina Lauren book since. I read To Love Jason Thorn and just started To hate Adam Connor. Next up are some Colleen Hoover books. Can’t wait to read this whole list!!
It Ends With Us also got me back into reading.. I had previously read the Slammed series and knew I loved CoHo but I also got away from reading because life 🤷🏼♀️ Her books make it so easy to jump into the story and I LOVE the not perfect but perfect endings. But thank you so much for all of the recommendations! There’s a few on here I have added to my way too long “to be read” list 😂
How is Verity not on this list? 😂
I’ve been inspired by you to read more this year! Just finished To Love Jason Thorne (holy hotness), and have quickly started on to To Hate Adam Connor. Probably will end up reading all on this list! Thank you for the suggestions!
I was so looking forward to this post ! I’ve read a few of these already based on your recommendations and can’t wait to read them all , thanks so much for sharing.
Aaaaahhhhh…It Ends with Us and The Idea of You are still with me. I think about those characters a lot and you’re right…I need more of The Idea of You… I was NOT ready for that ending! I also love the lighter reads. Your recs are 😘👌🏼 Thank you!
I started reading again in 2021 thanks to you! It’s been the best stress reducer and has helped me reduce my screen time greatly!! CoHo is the MVP but I love all the books you recommend!
Love so many of these! Thanks for being the push to get me back into reading! I’ve read 26 books since mid October! Love It Happened One Summer and The Friend Zone series – so good! I am looking forward to the release of Hook Line and Sinker in March! I just finished The Hardest Fall and To Love Jason Thorn and I am starting To Hate Adam Connor today! 🤍
Love so many of these! Thanks for being the push to get me back into reading! I’ve read 26 books since mid October! Love It Happened One Summer and The Friend Zone series – so good! I am looking forward to the release of Hook Line and Sinker in March! I just finished The Hardest Fall and To Love Jason Thorn and I am starting To Hate Adam Connor today!
Love so many of these! Thanks for being the push to get me back into reading! I’ve read 26 books since mid October! Love It Happened One Summer and The Friend Zone series – so good! I am looking forward to the release of Hook Line and Sinker in March! I just finished The Hardest Fall and To Love Jason Thorn and I am starting To Hate Adam Connor today! 🤍
Stayed up WAY too late last night to finish November 9 by Colleen Hoover with tears in my eyes.
Thank you for re-sparking my love of reading.
I just want to say I appreciate you sharing your book recommendations, and your excitement for reading got me back into reading too, so thank you! I used to love to read and I think since college I felt I should only read ‘productive’ books that helped me learn more about myself, work, etc, and just wasn’t enjoying it so I stopped. You helped push be to just read for pleasure and it’s been so enjoyable! Thank you again!
What a fun year of books! Thanks for all of your recommendations…. The Idea of you has been one of my favorites!!!
A few books I think you’ll love : Fight or Flight by Samantha Young (so steamy but a great story)
The Simple Wild by KA Tucker ( and her Five Ways to Fall book is another favorite!)
Happy reading