The Best Romance Novels of 2021 that Every Romance Book Lover Must Read

Discover the best romance novels of 2021 that stand out as the best of the best of the year, and which every romance book lover must read.

Check out which new romance book releases in 2021 made the cut for this book list and which books earned my elusive 5 star rating!

*Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program so if you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

With the year coming to a close, it’s time to take stock of the best romance novels of 2021.

As a romance book lover, it’s my mission to find the best romance books worth reading each and every year. There is no shortage of new romance book releases to choose from but I want to only read the best of the best.

And lucky for you, I pass along my recommendations for the best romance novels so you too can read the best and skip the worst in my monthly booklist posts and my year end best romance novels lists.

*Don’t miss my list of the best romance novels of 2020!

This year there has been a steady trickle of AMAZING romance novels for 2021 with a few even garnering my elusive 5 star rating that I rarely give to books.

These books are MUST reads for any fellow romance book lover. I know you’ll love them as much as I do.

Though these are solely MY top picks of the year, you can also check out what readers considered the best romance novels of 2021 with the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards.

Variety in the Best Romance Novels of 2021

I’m a romance book reader who loves many sub-genres and romance book tropes. The romance books that made this best of list span a wide variety of tropes and categories as well so I’m sure there’s something for everyone to love.

The best romance novels of 2021 to make my list include the following categories and tropes:

• enemies to lovers
• opposites attract
• friends to lovers
• second chance romance
• fake relationship
• historical romance
• sports romance
• fantasy romance
• MM romance

If you’re a fan of any of these tropes, there’s a book for you!

Ready to check out which books are the best romance novels of 2021 so far?

Add these to your must read lists and then share in the comments below which romance book you’d nominate for the best romance books of 2021.

The Best Romance Novels of 2021 That Earned 5 Stars

My life has been full of secrets and lies for one purpose—revenge. To enact my revenge I had to deny my heart – until her.

Giving in, we exploded together but we’ve both paid the price. I tried living without her but now I’m back to claim her once again and hope that my past doesn’t get us both in the end.

THIS BOOK. OMG, it’s hands down one of Stewart’s best and definitely earns its spot as one of the best romance novels of 2021. It also made my best romance novels of all time list it’s that good!

Originally set to be an extended epilogue, Stewart expanded The Finish Line to be a third and final book to her Ravenhood series and it is everything I didn’t realize I needed to cap off this amazing series.

You must read Flock and Exodus first, then bask in this amazing conclusion. I can’t recommend it enough.

Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books, Best Romance Novels of All Time

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, things always seem to go wrong. Case in point when she accidentally hits the owner of the bed and breakfast with her car, breaking his arm.

Jacob may have turned her down for the head chef position during her interview, but with him laid up and understaffed Eve is everywhere he turns trying to help.

Eve’s chaotic nature is the complete opposite to Jacob’s need to control everything, so why is he starting to get used to her being around and liking it?

This is definitely one of the best romance books of 2021 so far and totally deserved its spot on my list of Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2021. It’s so good that I added it to my best romance novels of all time list as well!

I adore Eve and Jacob. Like, love, love, love these diverse characters and I was completely surprised that this book had some HOT moments which I totally didn’t expect. It’s an opposites attract romance at its finest.

Related: Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2021, Best Romance Novels

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Alex and Poppy have been the best of friends ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago. Despite being complete opposites and living far apart, every summer they have vacationed for a week together until two years ago when things were ruined.

Not having spoken since, Poppy realizes she needs to fix things and asks Alex to take one more vacation with her so that they can lay everything out on the table and make it right.

This romance novel totally deserves all the attention it’s been receiving this year because it’s just that good.

It also deserves a spot on all best romance novels of 2021 book lists and has already been selected as one the 48 best books of the year so far according to Goodreads readers and was selected as Best Romance Book in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards! (It was my pick in the awards!)

I loved it so much that I added it to my best romance novels of all time list and am now a huge Emily Henry fan.

Her writing was incredible, completely sucking me in from the start and keeping me glued to the page and these characters.

I can’t describe how much I love Poppy and Alex. I loved their humor and just how real they are with each other. Despite being total opposites, they are each others’ person.

This book made me legit ball my eyes out. I kept wanting to read faster to get to that fateful summer and yet I also wanted to slow down so this book would never end.

A must read, friends-to-lovers romance that is all that and more making this truly one of the best romance novels of 2021. Stay tuned for the People We Meet on Vacation movie!

Related: Best Summer Reads of 2021, Best Friends to Lovers Books

Amazon | Goodreads

Exposed
by Kristen Callihan

Best Book Boyfriend

Published July 2021
Friends to Lovers, Rock Star Romance
5 stars

Rye, the bassist for Kill John, the biggest rock band in the world, and Brenna, his publicist are like oil and water. But everything changes when he overhears something he shouldn’t: a confession made in a moment of weakness.

Now the man Brenna’s tried so hard to ignore is offering her the greatest temptation of all—him.

It had been over 2 years since the last release in the VIP rock star romance series and it totally delivered. To say that I loved this book is an understatement.

I just loved Ryland and Brenna’s back and forth that set their chemistry on fire. The fact that they’ve known each other for 10+ years made their connection so believable and real. I loved them together and the with just one conversation I was in tears.

Callihan’s writing is superb making this one of the best romance novels of 2021 and one of my most favorite.

Amazon | Goodreads

Related: Best Rock Star Romance Book Series

The Charm Offensive
by Alison Cochrun

Best MM Romance

Published September 2021
MM Romance
5 stars

Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales, which is why he loves working on the reality dating show Ever After. But this season may be his toughest yet, when disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw is cast as its star.

Charlie doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess with no idea how to date twenty women on national television.

Behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off.

As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars.

But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.

The Charm Offensive was just that – so completely charming and definitely one of the best books I’ve read in 2021!

A book that weaves a sweet, slow burn romance with beautiful writing and exquisite character development with a much needed look at mental health.

The amazing relationship development between Dev and Charlie behind the scenes of the reality TV show made this book. They were two struggling men who are finally and truly seen for who they are and finally believe themselves deserving and worth of love. I loved it.

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Related: Best MM Romance Books

The Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood

Best Fake Relationship Romance

Published September 2021
Fake Relationship, Office Romance
5 stars

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation.

Trying to convince Anh that she is indeed dating, Olive kisses the first man she sees – Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass.

Adam surprisingly agrees to keep her dating charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend.

But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.

This Goodreads Choice Awards runner-up was the perfect fake relationship romance of 2021. It weaved adorkable characters with the sweetest slow burn with one of the best book boyfriends.

This book had just enough run-ins forcing these two together for feelings to develop and blur the lines between fake and real.

Definitely one of the best books of 2021 that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to read more from Hazelwood.

Amazon | Goodreads

Related: Best Fake Relationship Romance Books, Office Romance Books

Kiss and Don’t Tell
by Meghan Quinn

Best Cast of Characters

Published September 2021
Forced Proximity, Hockey Sports Romance
5 stars

Winnie Berlin is in need of a break but her road trip to Banff veers off course thanks to a rain storm landing her car in a ditch and her hiking through the woods to the closest cabin.

Despite the fear of falling into the hands of a psychopath, she knocks on the door and finds herself instead facing five professional hockey players.

The surprises keep coming when she finds herself falling for the Vancouver Agitators’ goalie, Pacey Lawes.

What she didn’t see coming was that Pacey is her ex-boyfriend’s half-brother. But maybe as long as they kiss and don’t tell, everything will be okay.

Just when I think Meghan Quinn couldn’t possibly give me another book boyfriend to love, she gives me Pacey!

But honestly, after finishing this book I instantly wanted books about all of Pacey’s teammates and stat.

This book has everything I love about Quinn’s books – fantastic characters, amazing, laugh out loud banter and a book boyfriend who gives all the feels.

I don’t know how she keeps writing such fresh, amazing stories but she does and I love it. This is a fantastic book which is just book of one of what’s to be a wonderful series.

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Related: Best Hockey Romance Books

It Happened One Summer
by Tessa Bailey

Best Opposites Attract Romance

Published July 2021
Opposites Attract Romance
5 stars

Piper Bellinger may be a fashionable influencer, but when her wild child reputation goes a bit too far and lands her in the slammer, her stepfather cuts her off.

Hoping to teach her a lesson, he sends her off to Washington to run her late father’s dive bar where she meets a big surly sea captain who instantly knows she doesn’t belong in their small town.

Brendan figures Piper won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills even if there is an undeniable attraction between the two opposites.

Piper is determined to prove everyone wrong and can’t risk any distractions, including the feelings she’s beginning to have for the sailor.

This surly boat captain is set in his routines and with one glance totally dismisses Piper as the ditzy, city girl. And yet it’s her “Piperness” that he totally falls for in such a genuine way.

I loved seeing him fall under her spell and become captivated by who she is. He doesn’t want to change her in the slightest which is what endeared me to him the most.

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Related: Best Summer Reads of 2021

Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the reviewer of New Orleans nightlife, but no one knows Hollyn, the real face behind the media star.

When her boss tells her she needs to add video to her blog, she’s forced to seek help with her fear or lose her job.

Enter aspiring actor Jasper Deares, who realizes he has a perfect opportunity to help his acting career while helping the shy reviewer come out of her shell.

This was my first Loren book and I could not put it down. This book has it all from fantastic writing to unique, diverse characters struggling with social anxiety, Tourettes and ADHD to fantastic dialogue and an engaging storyline that hooked me from start to finish.

I have a feeling the entire series is going to make this list of best romance novels of 2021.

Related: Fake Relationship Romance Books, Relationship Coach Romance Books, Romance Books Featuring Mental Illness

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

As the most hated player in baseball, I had two options: either clean up my image or pack my bags. That’s why I’m now working with Kate Chapman, the Chicago Bobbies newest PR Manager.

It was supposed to be simple. Book some PR events and be done, but this woman has me opening up to her unlike any other.

Now I want her and I know she wants me but neither of us can afford to lose our jobs. Too bad we also can’t seem to keep our hands off each other either. 

Oh Walker…be still my heart with your grumpiness but it’s your dirty talking mouth that I’ll never forget and which earned you a spot on this list of best romance novels of 2021.

Meghan Quinn continually amazes me how she keeps this baseball romance series so fresh with each unique story, but it’s her signature hilarious banter that comes through in every one.

I loved it and highly recommend this forbidden, office romance with a sports twist.

Related: Best Sports Romance Books, Best Series to Binge Read, Best Office Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads

Coll MacTaggert, is not a happy man. The Highlander is being forced to find a wife or lose his family’s land. The trouble is the one woman he wants has no interest in marriage.

But when Persephone’s life is threatened, Coll will do anything for his lady.

This book made my list of Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2021 and it did not disappoint!

I totally fell for Coll who is this big burly Scot who is not happy about his predicament to marry.

There were so many lines he spoke that just gave me all the feels which is honestly why I gave this historical romance 5 stars.

This historical romance is a standout of the year, earning its spot as one of the best romance novels of 2021.

Related: Best Historical Romance Novels, Historical Romance Series to Devour, Best Scottish Romance Novels

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Chase Kincaid is thrown when she receives a letter sent to her family’s sports agency that was sent five years earlier from a baseball prospect that never came to be because he enlisted in the army.

Something about that letter pulls on Chase so she’s off to find the mystery ball player – and possibly pull some good PR from him for her company. She just didn’t expect to fall for him.

Just when I think this series can’t get any better, Bromberg does it again – and I think this is now my new favorite!

Let me just say that this book had me from the first moment Chase and Gunner meet. Their flirting was so much fun to read and the sparks were jumping off the page.

Honestly this entire series is one to binge read but this book is a clear winner as one of the best romance novels of 2021.

Related: Best Sports Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Tate Adler and Maggie Todd were never meant to be anything more than sworn enemies given the longstanding feud between their neighboring family farms.

Yet when Maggie discovers Tate’s secret, a side hustle that could jeopardize his hockey scholarship, their face offs give off sparks that could blow everything a part.

I absolutely loved this book and can’t recommend it enough! I adore enemies to lovers romance books and this one hit the spot.

It has a Romeo and Juliet vibe where two families are at odds with one another with a hate that passes from generation to generation.

Tate and Maggie were the best characters to root for with some highly combustible chemistry! A must read and a book that clearly deserves to be named as one of the best romance novels of 2021.

Related: Enemies to Lovers Books, College Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

The Plight Before Christmas
by Kate Stewart

Best Christmas Romance

Published December 2021
Second Chance, Christmas Romance
5 stars

Whitney Collins has had it rough the last month but she’s on her way to her grandparent’s cabin to spend the Christmas holiday with her family.

She did not plan on also spending it with her ex whom her brother happens to bring along.

Now she’s stuck with Eli for the week, the man who broke her heart nearly two decades ago. Between memories that resurface and the way he’s looking at her, Whitney’s not sure her heart is going to survive the holiday.

I just LOVE Kate Stewart’s writing and she delivers the best Christmas romance book that I couldn’t put down.

This book made me laugh so hard but it also pulled on my heart strings as only Stewart can.

Whitney and Eli had the best second chance romance arc and the Collins family is AMAZING. I want to spend my next holiday with them. A great holiday romance I will reread every year!

Related: New Christmas Romance Books of 2021, Best Christmas Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

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Best Romance Novels of 2021 to Add to Your TBR List

Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her.

By right the crown and the kingdom are hers and now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire.

But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat to her and Casteel. 

I fell hard for Poppy and Casteel in the first two books of this series which were AMAZING. This continuation is just as good and is definitely deserving as one of the best romance novels of 2021.

The standouts in this book were the many great conversations between Poppy and Cas, plus I never get tired of Kiernan’s interactions with them.

I have no doubt that this entire series will be one of the best of all time if the first three books are any indication!

Be sure to read From Blood and Ash (book one) and A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (book two) and then definitely pick up this one.

Related: Best Fantasy Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads

When Gracie Cooper’s father passed away, she put aside her own dreams to take over the family-owned Midtown Manhattan champagne shop.

But Gracie has her hands full trying to keep the shop in the black out and warding off Sebastian Andrews and his big corporate proposal for a buyout.

Not wanting to admit her troubles to friends or family, she turns to “Sir” whom she’s connected with on the blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages before exchanging real names or photos.

Although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life.

This book is Lauren Layne at her best earning it a spot on my list of best romance novels of 2021.

It is such a lovely, slow burn romance that I devoured in one sitting. Layne’s story was the perfect, modern twist on the iconic romantic comedy, You’ve Got Mail.

I loved the instant connection between Sir and Lady in their email exchanges because they were so honest and open with one another.

But it was the growing connection between Gracie and Sebastian that tugged on my heart strings.

This is definitely one of the best romance novels of 2021 and may just be my most favorite Layne book yet.

Related: Best Summer Reads of 2021

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Jesse is tired of being friend-zoned so he’s ready to take on senior year with a bang – or at least a lot of hookups.

But when his straight, football-playing roommate asks him for a favor to film some adult videos, he’s in and can’t help catching feelings.

Sam is just trying to make some extra cash with his videos but he needs to change things up a bit. He’s comfortable with his roommate Jesse so why not have him shoot his videos and maybe perhaps even star in some?

Turns out maybe Sam isn’t so straight after all but is this all just an experiment and for fun or is it turning into something more?

As someone who loves MM romance books, I can’t get enough of this series by Wilder. Show Me is similar to the other two (Want Me and Try Me) in that it surrounds two college guys – one gay and one not so straight.

I loved the take on this story – a look into voyeurism and exhibitionism – and how it brought Jesse and Sam together.

It was a sweet love story with great writing and with just the right amount of steam earning it a spot on my list of best romance novels of 2021.

Related: Best Erotic Romance Novels, Best MM Romance Books, Best College Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads

Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade. She loves her job but lately it’s one big headache due to her newest colleague, Dominic Yun.

Now she’s paired with him as her co-host for the new show, The Ex Talk, posing as exes, and sharing relationship advice live on the air.

The show is an instant hit but as the show’s popularity grows, so does their deception as the two start to fall for one another.

It’s such an incredible feeling to check out a new author and fall absolutely in love with the book.

I took a risk adding this to my list of most anticipated romance books of 2021 but man did it pan out.

Fantastic story, amazingly diverse cast of characters and great writing made this one of the best romance novels of 2021.

I loved how these two opposites start to fall for one another, but I also enjoyed a look into the world of public radio as well as the themes of love and loss that were explored.

I highly recommend this one.

Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Neon Gods
by Katee Robert

Best Retelling

Published June 2021
Greek Mythology Retelling
4.5 stars

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over, but her plans are ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus.

With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth. Hades has spent his life in the shadows, planning his revenge against Zeus.

When Persephone drops into his lap and offers an opportunity to grab his revenge, he takes it.

Only the more days and nights he spends with Persephone, the more he’s willing to go to war with Olympus itself to keep her his.

I totally LOVE Greek mythology and couldn’t pass up this steamy, modern retelling of Hades and Persephone.

Robert’s twist on their story was fantastic (and HOT!) and a great launch to her new Neon Gods series. Both characters were really strong and totally fit each other.

Amazon | Goodreads

The Spanish Love Deception
by Elena Armas

Best Slow Burn Romance

Published February 2021
Office Romance
4 stars

Catalina Martin is in a bind. She does NOT want to show up single at her sister’s wedding with her ex in attendance and his new fiancé.

Nor does she want to take up her infuriating co-worker’s offer to travel to Spain and be her fake boyfriend. Yet she really has no choice but to take up the charade.

This book had all of my favorite tropes: Enemies to lovers, office romance, fake relationship, but it was the slow burn that made this so perfect.

Congrats to Armas for winning best debut novel in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards!

Amazon | Goodreads

Related: Best Enemies to Lovers Books, Best Office Romance Books, Best Fake Relationship Romance Books

Carnal Urges
by J.T. Geissinger

Best Dirty Talker

Published June 2021
Mafia Romance
4 stars

Declan blames me for starting a war. Consorting with his enemies. Though I’m innocent on all charges, he wants his pound of flesh and makes me his captive.

But as we’ll both soon discover, there are more powerful urges than sticking it to your enemies.

Woah, give me an alpha man with an Irish brogue who likes to say what he wants in explicit detail and I’m a happy woman.

Declan definitely earned this award for best dirty talker but I loved Sloane just as much as his perfect match.

Amazon | Goodreads

Seven Days in June
by Tia Williams

Best Second Chance Romance

Published June 2021
Second Chance Romance
4.5 stars

Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides.

Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning literary author who, to everyone’s surprise, shows up in New York.

When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their past buried traumas, but the eyebrows of New York’s Black literati.

What no one knows is that twenty years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love.

Over the next seven days in the middle of a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect, but Eva’s not sure how she can trust the man who broke her heart.

I really enjoyed this and found the writing fabulous and the characters amazing. The use of flashbacks worked really well to build their chemistry and relationship in this second chance romance.

I highly recommend it and found it deserving of its 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards nomination!

Amazon | Goodreads

Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books

Which romance books would you bestow the title of best romance novels of 2021? Share in the comments below!

As I take stock at the end of the year, you’ll also want to check out my Top 10 most popular book lists of 2021.

These lists are chalk full of book recommendations of the best romance books worth reading.

Related Book Lists:

• 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance Book
• Best Romance Novels of 2022
• Best Romance Novels of 2020
• Best Romance Books of 2019
• Best Romance Novels of All Time
• Best Romance Books According to Top Romance Book Bloggers