The best books of 2021, picked by the editors of Publishers Weekly. Best books in fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, nonfiction, memoir, children s books, and more.
We rounded up some of the best ones, from modern bestsellers to rom-coms and YA books.
We also included some of the best romance books of all time if classics are more your speed.
I ll admit: I m a relatively new romance convert. I used to alternate between devouring dark, creepy thrillers and gutting, emotional contemporary fiction not exactly sweet and fluffy fare. But when the pandemic hit, I needed the light, optimistic amusement of an engrossing love story, and so many of these romances helped me get through the past year.
Romances are often sexy, wild rides through whirlwind passions but as the genre keeps growing, new niches arise. Right now, the enemies-to-lovers and faking-a-relationship tropes are some of the most popular in new romances. We included so many fan favorites, from bestselling rom-coms to classics that have stood the test of time (and, of course, plenty of beach reads).