We’ve arrived at my final book review post for 2021! In the past year, I made it a goal to read 24 books. Once it became clear I’d quickly surpass it, I changed it to 52. I’m proud to say I read a total of 58 books in 2021. Woohoo! And thankfully, I happened to enjoy a majority of them!
If you’re struggling to get back into reading, I’d suggest checking out my post from Q1. I share a few tips on how I found joy in picking up a book again after college and grad school. While I might not continue the series of sharing my quarterly book reviews on the blog, I’ll definitely make it a point to share my finds on IG stories. And after a few months of bullying (LOL), I started my own Goodreads account! Of course, I’ve already been told I should share my current reads somewhere else but perhaps I’ll change down the line.
I’ve loved discussing books on social and it made me *almost* want to start a book account. However, I’m trying to stop doing this thing where I monetize all of my hobbies and simply, enjoy. Novel idea, right? (Yes, pun intended.) So without further delay, let’s get into my 12 Books Reviews from Q4!
“The Bride Test” of the Kiss Quotient trilogy and really it might be my favorite of the series! The female protagonist lives in Vietnam with her daughter and works as a bathroom attendant at a swanky hotel. During one of her shifts, she’s scouted as a potential partner for a wealthy woman’s son. The only catch is he lives in the states and how no idea she exists (let alone has a kid). Due to visa laws, she only has 3 months to figure out if they’re a good match and if he’s worth giving up her entire life in Vietnam. I know a few people struggled with the background of this story, but culturally arranged marriages aren’t uncommon. Plus, both the male love interest and the female protagonist had complete autonomy over their choices vs being forced against their will. Regardless, it was VERY cute. And another great example of neurodivergent persons in romantic relationships.
The final book in the series, The Heart Principle is the one story I wouldn’t necessarily classify as a romance novel. Instead, it focuses on Anna Sun, a professional violinist, as she navigates professional burnout and stressful family dynamics while trying to balance a love life. The book sometimes was downright depressing, however, I felt like it was such a unique perspective that we don’t really see in books often. I appreciated what it did and the raw emotional storytelling of it all. I was slightly disappointed because the love interest, Khanh, was one of my favorite characters when he made cameos in the other books and they made him a side plot in this one. Regardless, I really enjoyed this entire series! You can read them individually or the full set, but I’d start with The Kiss Quotient.
This book was quickly recommended to those who are fans of the Kiss Quotient and I can see why. It centers on another make love interest with Autism. The Rosie Project takes place in Australia and follows Don Tillman, a famed geneticist, who decides to approach his love life like a scientific experiment. During his “trials” he meets Rosie, a bartender searching for her biological father. They quickly become friends despite Rosie not meeting any of his criteria. The journey is hilarious and shows love can’t just be a bunch of checkmarks on a piece of paper. While I felt like the author didn’t do as much due diligence to create a non-stereotypical autistic protagonist, it’s still a sweet rom-com that made me laugh out loud multiple times while reading. Definitely a favorite of the year!
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a solid enemies-to-lovers trope. Catalina Martin has an amazing career as an engineering consultant, supportive friends, and a nice place in the city. Unfortunately, her Spanish family only cares if she’s happy…in a relationship. With her sister’s wedding coming up, she has no choice but to find a last-minute date to take with her to Spain. And it just happens to be her insufferable boss, Alex Blackford. Blah blah, romance ensues. Listen, it’s a poor man’s version of The Hating Game but also tragically twice as long. It’s definitely a cute read but given its length, I wouldn’t suggest it since I usually love romance novels for shorter, light reads. Unless you’re in need of a book for a long flight, I’d pass on this one.
“It Happened One Summer” might seem a little familiar. If you like Schitt’s Creek, this book is for you. The author even admitted it was inspired by Alexis from the show! Instead of a desolate town in middle America, Piper Bellinger, and her sister are dumped in the fisherman town of Westport, Washington. After years of being a party girl/influencer in LA, her wealthy stepfather challenges her to fix up her late father’s dive bar in order to get back in his good graces. It was a cute retelling of the show, especially if you were dissatisfied with how Alexis’ storyline ends. I’m only withholding 5/5 because it was very one-dimensional storytelling from character development to plot. It’s still a super cute read, though!
Tragically, I was disappointed in this book that was so hyped up. “If I Never Met You” is a romance novel that follows Laurie as she breaks up with a long-time partner. What ensues is a bit of office romance mixed with fake dating tropes, but what really made me dislike the book was the pacing. I’d say the first 30% of the story focuses on the break-up, her struggles to move on, and the questions she’d have to face being 36 and single. While I can appreciate an accurate depiction of heartbreak after being in a relationship for over a decade, it’s definitely a mystery why the editor kept in so much “fluff”. I’d suggest passing on this read!
I read the back of this book and was immediately intrigued by the premise. Tiffy is a quirky, colorful book editor and Leon is a grumpy, night nurse. In order to save money, they agree to share a 1 bedroom apartment even though they’ve never met. 1) I’m not sure if I would ever be this desperate because switching the sheets daily would be enough to make me insane. But no matter how unfamiliar the premise may be, I loved the story! It was lighthearted and filled with sweet moments. Content warning: ex-bf stalking
Remember when I said I would stop reading Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series because they were tragically average? Pffft. Neither do I! In all seriousness, I’m so happy I was pushed to read Francesca’s story. Similar to my reaction reading Colin and Penelope, it was almost as if it was written by two different authors! There was funny dialogue, upstanding male love interests, and a female protagonist who wasn’t clueless about life. If you’re also a major Bridgerton fan, I’d HIGHLY recommend only Colin and Francesca’s books at this point.
The final British-based novel of my Q4 reads concluded with Royal Holiday. Originally a DNF (did not finish) I decided to pick it back up after Christmas as my last read of 2021 since it was timely. Like all Jasmine Guillory books, it included characters we had been introduced to in previous novels, charismatic love stories, and tons of food. This one just didn’t hit the mark for me at all. It may have been because the two main characters were in their 50s that I didn’t feel as much as a connection to the plot or feel the obvious chemistry. Of all of her works, this was probably my least favorite.
Definitely the least favorite of my books for the end of the year. I truly have no notes. “Ties That Tether” was suggested because it features a Nigerian woman in an interracial relationship in Canada. However, that’s where the similarities ended. You could tell it was the author’s first book by the lack of creativity in the adjectives. It was another sweet, office romance. And of course, I love seeing Nigerian culture featured in literature but it was kind of like a caricature of the experience.
You Got Anything Stronger” was the only autobiography of the year- and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’ve previously read Gabrielle Union’s first book and loved her writing style. I almost wished she would write fiction! In her second book, she gets even more vulnerable. She shares about struggling with her private life in the spotlight and becoming a top go-to talent in Black Hollywood. If you’re a fan of her work, you should definitely add it to your list!
I’m happy to be ending this blog post with my thoughts on “The One” because it’s easily in my top 10 for the year. I initially wanted to read this book after watching the Netflix show and LOVING the premise. It’s about a dating app that’s created by leading scientists that pairs you with your “one perfect match” based on DNA. Shockingly, this book is more of a thriller than a romance novel. Both the show and the book follow different relationships and what happens when people are told that their DNA dictates their love life. If you’ve watched the show and haven’t read the book, I BEG you to do it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a horrible adaptation of previous work since the M. Night Shyamalan: Avatar The Last Airbender movie. I can’t recommend it enough!
Have you read any of the books from my Q4 review? Let me know your thoughts below!
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You Might Also Like… GIFT IDEAS FOR BOOK LOVERS and BEST OF 2021- TOP BLOG POSTS, PRODUCT BESTSELLERS, AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITES
I am SO with you on The Bride Test (and I’m currently reading The Heart Principle and loving it)! I also agree with If I Hadn’t Met you haha. That one was a bit of a fail for me. I’m bummed you didn’t *love* The Flatshare as much as I do but I know some books don’t hit the same for everyone (like how I really disliked It Happened One Summer despite everyone else seeming to adore it haha)! Such fun to see what you thought of these books!
Ok, we have similar tastes, Stephanie! It happened one summer was definitely a bit much but I’m excited to read her sister’s book. I think I’ll like their story even more!