The Best Books I Read in 2021

(not necessarily published in 2021)

Eighteen books in three categories out of the 74 books I read this year merited 5 stars. Here they are:

Romance

(S) Sapphic [women-loving-women]; (H) Historical

Simply the Best by Karin Kallmaker (S) The Queen of WLW Romance returns with what is likely her longest book to date and an overall tour de force, not only as a romance but as a master class in world building as she describes in the greatest of detail the headquarters campus and culture of Simply the Best.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (S) I love Hollywood romances, and this one is among the best. It’s also one of the few books I’ve read with not just a bisexual main character, but with a real exploration of what it means to be bisexual and how that identity is perceived by others. It is also a searing exploration of stardom, fame and the Hollywood machine, and how it manipulates those who seek to rise to the top.

In the Shadow of the Past by J.E. Leak (S) (H) This is a long book with some very long, detailed scenes. It’s full of intrigue and twists and is a well written historical novel. The main characters are well drawn and make you want to stay with them through the story.