MY TOP READS IN 2021

Hey there,

I am an emotional reader; I get caught up in the world, the plot, and I generally feel an array of emotions just like the characters do. These books are a mixture of genres, but they all had me laughing, crying, and swooning over the love tropes in them. My enjoyment of the story will correlate to the connection I had with them. So, here is my list but they are in no particular order:

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don't know how you ever lived without them.”

The characters in this book were great. Garrett was funny and he always had me laughing. You also knew where you stood with him—there were no mind games, and it was honestly very refreshing. Hannah was a smart-ass whose personality traits of being vulnerable, but she perfectly balanced it with her strength. Considering nothing major really happens in this book, and it has the ins and outs of a day-to-day life, the book was well paced but ended too quickly for me. I was left wanting more.

From Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer Armentrout

“You're an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature.”

I was drawn into this series from the first page and after that, all I did was read. Food was forgotten. House duties were forgotten. The family had to fend for themselves. This book sucked me in, and I just couldn’t—didn’t—want to leave their world. This book really puts you through the ringer. One minute I am biting my nails, next I am belly laughing, ugly crying, on edge, to finishing the book and then quickly going to the kindle store to purchase the next book. Yes, I binge read the next book as well.

Hawke is dreamy. His character is swoon worthy—and not in a good way. What I mean by that is, it isn’t healthy to love a character so much because it sets such high expectation in the real world. I find myself wishing my fiancé was a royal guard with a teasing nature, who was a weapons expert, had powers of compulsion and healing properties and, has a bonded Wolven protector. I am seriously not asking for much—clearly.

I probably should mention something about Poppy. Poppy has multiple sides to her personality—she is quick-witted and sarcastic but also thoughtful, loving, and fierce. If she finds you worthy of her love, she will fight and protect you until her dying breath.

The world building, plots and character development is phenomenal. But then again, Jennifer Armentrout has never disappointed me before.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

“Because it was all you were willing to give me. And I’d rather have you hating me than not have you at all.”

Enemies to lovers
Fake dating
Romantic comedy

This is a nice comfort read that has a slow burn but mild enemies to lover’s trope. I personally found it started off slow and it doesn’t have a big premise, but it is a nice comforting book that leaves you with a smile and a light heart. Aaron is charming and delicious with his heated stares, where Catalina has a big personality and is passionate in everything she does. This was a nice light read and I will be reading it again in the future.

The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

“Whiskey and flame. Sleepless nights. Tattooed skin, white t-shirts, and rough hands. Love and lust and happiness. He was everything.”

Arranged marriage
Mafia romance
Enemies to lovers

I ate this book up. It is easy to become obsessed with this book and the characters in it. Danielle’s style of writing is exceptional. It captivates you and doesn’t let you go. The mafia romance isn’t particularly believable but let’s be honest, we aren’t reading it for the mafia aspect. There is a well-executed plot, with a dominant alpha and a sweet heroine who is trying to grow some wings.

The Abelli family is funny—especially Nonna. I loved her character and playfulness. Nico is someone who is unpredictable but would burn down the world for you. He would eliminate competition without remorse, threaten bodily harm to anyone who dares touches what is his, and finds loopholes in contracts just to have you. The sexual tension is believable and when it finally becomes physical, it lived up to my expectations—it was hot. Then there is “The Sweet Abelli”. She comes across as weak at first, but Nico brings out her rebellious side. She is trying to grow some wings and not remain a mold of what her father created. As you work your way through, her layers start peeling away and before you know it, she is this complex character with the ability to think before she leaps, knows when to push and when to leave it be, and knows how to navigate her way around the mafia world.

There is suspense, comedy, sweet moments that will make you swoon, and enough intimacy to always leave you needing more.

Nico can push me in a pool any day.

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

“I am not made for dreams. I am made to rule.”
“I think you’re made for whatever you want to be.”

Arranged marriage
Elves, Fae and Humans
Wild Magic

This book was a fun and an enjoyable introduction to the Author. Plus, I am slightly obsessed with the cover! It is beautiful. The world building intrigued me, and I really liked how a Human Queen is bound to the Elven lands. Luella is not your normal—get whisked away from my homeland and be submissive—no, she demands respect and stands her ground when it comes to something she believes in. Luella is smart, brave, curious, and wiser beyond her years. Whereas Eldas is a dark and brooding character, which is something I have never been able to resist. I also like how Luella had an animal sidekick that fade walks. How can you not like that? I found as escape in the pages of Eldas and Luella and I was happily wrapped up in their story.

Bully by Penelope Douglas

“Are you mine?” I asked as I wiped my tears.
He kissed the corners of my mouth softly, and I felt heat rise up my neck.
“Always have been,” he whispered against my mouth.

Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers. I couldn’t get enough of the beauty and cruelty of their relationship. Jared is magnetic and mysterious but a TOTAL ASSHOLE. You just can’t get enough of him. Jared is a hero that you love to hate but you keep reading because you need to know what is buried below the surface to make him act the way he did. The push and pull of their relationship are quite realistic and the miscommunications throughout this book will just break your heart. Tate’s character wasn’t your typical heroine. She had a backbone, but it wasn’t overboard. She stood up for herself, but she wasn’t intentionally cruel. She was a genuine character who had a genuine heart. This isn’t a light read. It is full of angst, pain, tears, fights, and all other feelings in between.

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me – Mariana Zapata

“Touch my wife again, and I’ll break every bone in your goddamn body.”

I just read the most wonderful story, again. As I started writing this review, I just had to read it again. Which now makes it my third time reading this book, and I still get gushy over it. Between Aiden’s quite and curt personality and Vanessa’s quirky ways, it just makes for a perfect but realistic blend of love and friendship. Vanessa’s bond with Zac made me laugh and personally, I wish they had more time together in the book because I always enjoyed their scenes together. There are two things I really liked about this book. The first one is that it doesn’t focus on past events but the effects of the past surface occasionally and Zapata, very subtly, inserts strong survivor lessons and advice. Secondly, there isn’t your typical obstacle, where the two main characters can’t/shouldn’t be together which result in them fighting their way back together—no, this book was just simply a nice slow burn where they eventually fell in love and didn’t let it pass them by.

I am Team Graves, all the way.

In conclusion, I have nothing but admiration for all the authors mentioned above because they all created a memorable story that all involved love, friendship, and adventure. I enjoyed them immensely because they swallowed me up, heart and soul.

Are you a reader? If so, have you read any of these books and did you love them as much as I did? If not, I'd love for you to comment with some recommendations and why you loved them. That way I can read them, too.

Bye for now,

Emmylou