Best Books of 2021
Hey Babes!
I have loved reading books since the summer of 2010, when I chose to read Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock for my Sophomore year English class. During the last decade my taste in books has changed and evolved just as I have and with BookTok taking over, I wanted to share my favorite books I read last year.
When Stars Burn Out by Carrie Aarons
Imagine running into a boy you consistently hooked up with in college, years later as an adult? Not just any boy, but one you were desperately in love with and one who in the end, really did not give a shit about you. YIKES!
There is quite a lot of emotional growth and maturity in this story, which we love to see! I experienced a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book, but I enjoyed the plot immensely.
Riot House by Callie Hart
This book was dark, surprising and kept me hooked until the very end. It’s set in a fictional boarding school for wealthy wayward teens, but it doesn’t read as a YA novel. The author achieves what Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars show-runners failed to do. Really good, a little cringy at times, but overall a story I’d actually like to see turn into a television series. trigger warning - the plot involves rape, physical abuse and murder.
Kings Of Rittenhouse Series by Maya Hughes
Okay, so I am cheating because there are five books in this series, but I loved every story. The stories center around a group of five guys - Declan, Heath, Emmett, Ford and Colm, who played hockey together in high school and have remained friends since then. Each book tells a different love story and while the books could be considered stand alone, I recommend reading them in order. I have developed a real soft spot for college, post grad hockey romance stories. Thank you Book Tok!
The Chase by Elle Kennedy
Another hockey romance book? Yes, but it’s different I swear. Elle Kennedy is praised for her Off Campus series, which I am reading now, and The Chase is the first book in the spin off series called Briar U. I love a forbidden romance/ enemies to lovers trope and I look forward to diving back into this world very soon.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
I watched Bridgerton numerous times on Netflix last year, so I knew I had to read the rest of the books in the historical fiction series. Anthony’s book is the second one in the series and while I detested him in the show, this book made me love him and empathize with him. Hopefully he will be redeemed in the upcoming season.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
THIS IS THE STORY WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR! Romancing Mister Bridgerton is the fourth book in the series and it centers on Colin and Penelope. SWOON!
The Wrong Game by Kandi Steiner
Another sports romance story, are we even surprised? But, this time the sport is football. So, it’s actually different. This book popped up on my TikTok For You page this summer and I devoured it. Steamy, but there was also substance which I appreciate. Also, if you’re opposed to a collegiate romance, the main characters are both adults, one is even a widow.
Make Me Hate You by Kandi Steiner
Not a love story focused on sports? Woo! She likes variety. Make Me Hate You is a forbidden love story filled with secrets, desire and a slow burn romance that started when the two main characters were teenagers. Now, they are reunited years later and they are forced to confront a secret they share. Tell me that doesn’t sound like a good book!
Have you read any of these books? Let me know!
xoxo,
Kelly