This year I focused my energy on reading whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. There were a lot of review books, but I also finally tackled some of my TBR and dove into the Kindle Unlimited world. Fantasy and Science Fiction romance seemed to be what I kept picking up over and over. Looking back over my Goodreads shelves I read a whopping 46 ‘aliens have abducted me, now what do I do?’ books. I basically blazed a trail through the sub-genre and kept going back for more.
Here are some of the series that I glommed:
Voxeran Fated Mates Series by Presley Hall
Mates of the Kaluma by Ella Maven
Warriors of Luxiria by Zoey Draven
Prime Mating Agency Series by Regine Abel
I’m not done reading yet this year, (I’m writing this on 12/1) so hopefully I’ll find some more books to add to this list by the time 2021 is over.
Contemporary:
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry– I’ve loved both books I’ve read by this author. This was a friends to lovers romance and I absolutely loved it. I swear this couple and their chemistry and when will they finally give in relationship was so damn good. See my review here.
Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher– I think this book is more Women’s Fiction than Romance, but I couldn’t help but love it anyway. I CRIED. My husband kept asking me if I was okay, but I kept blubbering and clutching my chest anyway. If you want a good grief book that has a lovely, soft romance this is for you. See my review here.
Neon Gods by Katee Robert– This book was so damn hot. I mean it’s Katee Robert so I’m not sure what I was expecting, but HOT DAMN. A very good start to a series that seems to be setting Olympus on its head and on fire at the same time. See my review here.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey– This author is hit or miss for me, but she absolutely hit it hard with this opposites-attract romance. And it’s scorching hot. Tessa Bailey is still the queen of the dirty talking hero and I don’t see that ending any time soon. See my review here.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren– I wasn’t sure going into this romance, mainly because the premise of matching soulmates through DNA left me a little… cold. But if there is one thing Christina Lauren does great it’s family and friend relationships and writing chemistry. This book had both of those things in spades. See my review here.
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker– This enemies to lovers, opposites attract against the backdrop of a baking competition (where both MCs are judges) romance was so good. While there is a great love story with wonderful grumpy vs. sunshine energy, there is also the undertone of two people getting over loss and coming together. See my review here.
Historical:
The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George- This is a marriage of convenience romance with two fabulous main characters. I LOVED the strength of August and I adored the honesty between her and her groom-to-be, Evan. I’m excited about this new to me author and look forward to her upcoming releases. See my review here.
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles– I’ve admitted to being a KJ Charles fangirl. This is an enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with some hot as hell love scenes and a lovely cast of characters. See my review here.
The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen– I didn’t know what I was getting into when I requested this for review. I just knew that it was by Kelly Bowen and I was all in. Turned out The Paris Apartment took me on a journey through Nazi-occupied Paris and told the story of three strong women. See my review here.
After Dark with the Duke by Julie Anne Long- THIS BOOK IS SO ROMANTIC. Like OMG I died from the sexiness, and chemistry, and angst. Seriously, if you haven’t started this series yet, you really should. IT’S SO GOOD. See my review here.
Bombshell (Hell’s Belles #1) by Sarah MacLean- The first book in a new series by one of my favorite historical romance authors. As with all this author’s books, there is hella sexy good times, a great cast of secondary characters (soon to get their own books), and smart, competent heroines who kick ass and take names. See my review here.
Fantasy/PNR:
The One and Only Crystal Druid (Guild Codex: Unveiled) by Annette Marie- I’ve loved all this author’s Guild Codex books, but when I tell you that I squeed when I found out Zak would FINALLY be getting his spin-off, I mean I squeed HARD. And it was excellent. That cliffhanger though… I’m so glad the next book in the series releases in January.
Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter #14) by Nalini Singh– I’ve been all-in on the Bluebell and Sparkle forever train since book seven and I kept my finger crossed all these years that Nalini Singh would give them their own book. AND SHE DID. I loved the beginning of their story so much; it was everything I hoped it would be. From the dropped hints by Berkley, I’m thinking the heat between them will come in next year’s book and my body and mind are ready! See the Smexy joint review here.
Fated Blades (Kinsmen #3) by Ilona Andrews– My best-of list for the year wouldn’t be complete without an Ilona Andrews book on it and lucky for everyone one was realeased right at the end of the year. Kinsmen is one of this author duo’s lesser-known series, but the world-building is fabulous and I’m excited for readers to get to know this world. See my review here.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker Chan- This quote from the blurb says it all:
Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.
It was amazing. See my review here.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune- Another fabulous, sweet, soft, fantastical book from TJ Klune. Reading one of his books is like putting on a fuzzy, warm sweater or getting a gentle hug. Happy sigh. See my review here.
Reading Year Recap:
I read a ton of science fiction/fantasy this year and don’t regret a thing. Found a couple of new authors that will stay on my radar in the future, and was able to read my most anticipated book for the last couple of years (hello, Bluebell and Sparkle). All in all, it was a great year bookwise and I’m excited for all the new releases in 2022.
Although it didn’t make my Top Ten of 2021, I really enjoyed IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER. Like you, I find Bailey is hit-or-miss for me, but IHOS really hit my sweet spot—it’s replaced HEAT STROKE as my favorite Bailey book and I’m really looking forward to the sister’s story.
I’ve read Hannah’s book and I really loved it. I’m hoping she writes more books in this world.
I really love year end lists – lots here in your list for me to investigate.
My favorite reads this year involved my discovery of T. Kingfisher. I loved The Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking, which is a YA. Then I found her World of the White Rat books and glommed all of them. The Paladin books were all five star reads for me.
I love T Kingfisher! If you haven’t read her horror, it’s good too. I’ve devoured all her fantasy. I purchased The Wizard’s Guide, but it’s still sitting on my Kindle. I need to move it up.
I see a number of books on your list that I also enjoyed, Angela.
I can’t recall if you’ve read Michelle Diener’s Class 5 series; they are a fun science fiction romance series. If you’re willing to read science fiction with only the barest hint of romance over a three book series, I’ll recommend one of my favorite series: Linesman by SK Dunstall.
KUDOS to you on a killer reading year! I feel like I read sooo many excellent contemporary romance novels this past year. I am so happy I found this post because now I have about 10 more I need to check out – lol. My #1 recommendation is “Dark Truths” by Tess Thompson. It was my favorite read of 2021 and it’s a whole series too (each book can be read on it’s own though).
It follows Sheriff Jonas Clearwater and a chance encounter he has with the beautiful writer Peyton Patel. Even though there was an undeniable connection they go their separate ways until the murder of a mutual friend brings them back together again. Their friend, Cecil, a true crime author, was researching the murder of three women in New Mexico and soon after was found dead. Jonas is heading the investigation and soon begins to believe that Peyton might be in danger too. It’s an exciting whodunnit for sure and the will they won’t they energy between Peyton and Jonas is fun too. Love love love this book! All should read. Happy 2022!
I see that it is a series, do I need to start at the beginning or can this book be read as a stand alone?
All the books in the series can be read on their own :)