The Best of 2021 – Rachel’s List
I have been in need of both comfort and distraction this year, and romance meets those needs for me. I read a little bit of everything, and I’ve been delighted to read so many amazing stories this year! These are some of my favorites, though there have been far too many to confine to a list.
Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas
I love the Lady Sherlock series, I think all of them are excellent. As the story progresses, Charlotte’s adventures have only become more compelling and exciting. I am interested to see how things continue to develop, and how the relationships between the principal characters will change following the events of this volume. Unfortunately, now I have to wait for more!
Buy it at Amazon, Audible or your local independent retailer
All the Feels by Olivia Dade
If you loved Spoiler Alert, you’ll also be a fan of All the Feels, which follows chaotic darling Alex and his withdrawn minder Lauren. Alex is still lovely, but we do get to see more dimensions of his character, which gives excellent insight into who he is and why he makes decisions. Lauren is the rare lady grump to a sunshine gentleman, which I love. She is in a transitional stage, and finding the next right thing for her, while Alex is trying to keep himself out of hot water but does not easily suffer fools. This book is great, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Buy it at Amazon, Audible or your local independent retailer
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
I was particularly impressed by this as it’s Cochrun’s debut. The Charm Offensive is relentlessly charming, sweet and hopeful. Dev and Charlie are deeply flawed but intensely loving people who are confused about what they want, and sadly used not having their needs met. I loved their story, it’s super romantic and beautifully written.
Buy it at: Amazon, Audible, or your local independent retailer
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
This book was the first Hibbert I read, and once I finished it I hastily found all of her other books and devoured them. All of the Brown Sisters books are delightful, but Eve has a special place in my heart. She’s charming, and brash, and just so lovable. While I loved Eve, I adored Jacob. He’s such a grump with a squishy center, and that’s my catnip. I love everything about this book.
