🎉⭐ Top TEN Books Read in 2021!!! ⭐🎉

What a read it has been! Full of ups and downs, another year has concluded and it's time to look back at what we've read and today I'm rounding up my top ten books that I've read 2021. 

Let me know what were some of your favorite books of 2021.Wishing everyone a happy New Year filled happiness, health and lots of books! May 2022 be the better than 2021. 🎉

Here are my top ten books that I read in 2021 {In no particular order!} 

1.

The Defender by Gina Azzi

This was the first book that I read from Gina Azzi and it won't be the last! The Defender is a deeply emotional sports romance totally worth checking out. 😊

→ My Review ←

2.

Harvest of Love by M Moreland

Harvest of Love was such a beautifully written and heartwarming story. This instant love story had me hooked from beginning to end! 💕

→ My Review ←

3.

Alpha CEO by M. Robinson

Swoon worthy and steamy! Alpha CEO took me by surprise and I cannot wait read any other books by the author in the future. 🔥

→ My Review ←

4.

Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson

A.L. Jackson knows how to capture raw characters and deliver great stories that will never let go. A good reason to check out her works. 💓

→ My Review ←

5.

Loved by Liam by Melanie Moreland

Melanie Moreland has quickly become one my favorite authors. I'm never disappointed with any of her books and Loved by Liam was no exception, this swoon worthy read will leave you wanting for more!

→ My Review ←

6.

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

I'm a huge Twilight fan and of course, I had to include Midnight Sun in my list. I had so much fun visiting Forks this fall and I cannot visit again! 😊

7.

Stroke of Midnight by K Webster

Stroke of Midnight was such an explosive read from the year, I truly loved this dark and addicting retelling of Cinderella. 🔥

→ My Review ←

8.

Serves Me Wright by K.A. Linde

I love the Wright Series and K.A. Linde delivers an emotional and steamy friends-to-lovers romance that will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end! 

→ My Review ←

9.

Only One Touch by Natasha Madison

This is by far the best book in the entire Only One Series! I fell in love wit the characters right away, especially Nico, he is protective and incredibly romantic. 

→ My Review ←

10.

Just One Night by Carly Phillips

This is the first book in The Kingston Family Series and it did not disappoint at all. Carly Phillips has a way of delivering strong stories in short books and I would highly recommend checking out her work. 

→ My Review ←

🔖  Hope you guys check out any of the books that I've featured in this post. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from these authors in the future!

*Don't forget to check out my Top Ten Most Anticipated Books of 2022 list!*

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 RELEASE BLAST 🔖 Just One Night by Carly Phillips {REVIEW}

Just One Night by Carly Phillips

Release Date: April 20th 2021 by CP Publishing

Series: The Kingston Family #1

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

She’s the woman he can’t live without.

The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her.

Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Not in his billion-dollar business or in his personal life. He has it all. Except one thing. His personal assistant and best friend in his bed, moaning his name. No matter how much Linc wants her, she’s completely off-limits.

Jordan Greene grew up the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, where she met and bonded with Linc at a young age, despite their economic differences. But no matter how close they are now or how much their attraction simmers beneath the surface, they’re still from two different worlds. Besides, Jordan isn’t about to risk losing her best friend for one sensual night.

Jordan might be the only woman who can handle Linc and his domineering, bossy attitude, but beneath that gruff exterior is a vulnerable man who, despite his wealth, has had a less-than-charmed life. And when Linc’s father dies, she’s there for him—unwavering in her friendship.

Until one night of passion and a positive pregnancy test changes everything. 

Kindle, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Google Play, Amazon Print

AUDIO - Connor Crais and Mckenzie Cartwright! 

Audible, Amazon Audio

My Review:

Carly Phillips delivers a great friends-to-lovers romance in Just One Night, the first book in The Kingston Family series. It’s heartwarming, emotional, steamy and a great start to the series.

Linc Kingston had the best upbringing his parents could have given him, full of wealth and opportunities at his finger tips. As the oldest of his siblings he is used to taking care of them, but now that his dad recently passed away, Linc is expected to run the family business, Kingston Enterprises. But just as he is starting to take over, Linc finds out that his dad fathered an illegitimate daughter, one who was raised in foster homes growing up. Horrified at his dad’s decision for not brining his daughter to his family, Linc vows to make things better for her now that he is able to so. Yet, he isn’t sure how his sister is going to react and that’s when he enlists the help of his best friend and assistant to go with him to meet Aurora.

Jordan Greene grew up with him at the Kingston estate and they’ve always had a strong bond despite their economic differences. It’s throughout the years that Linc has developed feelings for her, but he is very aware of his father’s indiscretions with his assistants and he doesn’t want to repeat that. Needless to say, seeing Jordan interact with Aurora makes him see Jordan in a new light. He realizes that he doesn’t want to lose her and it’ll would take a turn of events to put their friendship on the line as well as a possible future together.

Growing up as the daughter of the housekeeper at the Kingston estate, Jordan Green was able to create a strong bond with Linc. He always had her back and she is grateful to him for giving her a job where she earns more than she’d ever dreamed when growing up. When they meet Aurora, Jordan is able to relate to how she reacts to the Kingston wealth and the fear of not fitting in. Jordan has always had feelings for Linc, but she will always be the housekeeper’s daughter to everyone around them and for that she has always had her guard up. But it’s while helping Aurora transition into her new life that Jordan begins to wonder if maybe she can fit with the family and tell Linc that they might actually belong together. Little did they know that their lives were about to change forever.

I loved reading Just One Night, it’s evident from the start that the characters have chemistry and an undeniable bond. They have to work through obstacles in order to be together, but when they do the story takes a twist of events to keep you at the edge of your seat. I loved the interactions with the rest of the Kingston siblings and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. If you love a good steamy friends-to-lovers story then I would highly recommend checking out the book and any other books by the author. You will not regret it! :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**

My Rating:

Meet Carly Phillips:

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com. 

BookBub, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon Author Page

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

✯RELEASE DAY LAUNCH:✯ Just One Night by Jami Wagner {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Just One Night by Jami Wagner

Release Date: February 16th 2016 by Jami Wagner

Series: Black Alcove #2

Pages: 180

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Sara and Logan have always known their relationship was different because they were never very good at the “just friends” thing. They’re finally ready to embrace a deeper side—but are they ready for big-time problems?

Sara Connelly has a drive for success. She hasn’t made time for men because the way she sees it, a career she can control but a relationship she can’t. Just one night was all it took to send her running on a trip to collect her thoughts and re-group back to her career-focused life. But when she comes home, she quickly learns there might be more important things in life than owning her own business, and that’s Logan Parker.

Logan Parker coasts through life day by day, and as long as Sara is a part of that life, he’s happy. One night has left Logan with the impression that more than friends is an option. But when Sara leaves without an explanation, he vows to show her how important she is to him. When an opportunity gives him the chance to be someone he thinks Sara would be proud of, he doesn’t pass on the offer. Her moving across state lines, however, wasn’t in his plans.

Living in two states is going to be hard. Holding a long-distance relationship is going to be harder. They’ve made it this far, but can they make it work or will distance finally tear them apart?

Purchase: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Smashwords, Kobo

{EXCERPT}

Sara

“What kind of person does it make me that I want to go to Colorado to open this new bar, but I also want you to stay here and take the opportunity my dad is giving you?”

Logan licks his lips as his head nods. “I’d say that makes you human, strong, and smart for knowing what you want in life.”

A small smile tugs at my lips. “But it also means that I’m a horrible girlfriend and I haven’t even had that title for twenty-four hours.”

“Don’t even think that. I think it’s great we aren’t letting this get in the way of success. You will do your thing there, I’ll do mine here, and we can make it work until you get back.”

“Yeah, but this was supposed to be it, the perfect time for us to be a couple. Now it’s the exact opposite. We may as well wait until I get back before we give this a real shot,” I say. I’m already using the bar as an excuse because I’m scared, but I don’t want to admit it. 

He shakes his head no.

“You know what, we can do this. We can handle distance. Look at everything we’ve been through. Rockland, Colorado, is what—three hours from here? I’ll come down every weekend if I have to. I’ll do anything and everything if it means seeing you.”

Jami Wagner Bio:

JAMI WAGNER was born in Wyoming. Still living in the Cowboy State, Jami and her boyfriend are currently writing their own love story with their yellow lab.

Jami enjoys writing New Adult and published her debut novella Date in the Dark in 2015. The first book in her Black Alcove series, Just One Kiss, released in October 2015.

Visit and connect with Jami at www.jami-wagner.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorJamiWagner, on Twitter at @Jami_Wagner, or on Instagram at @JAMIWAGNER_. 

{GIVEAWAY!}

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✯BOOK BLITZ✯: Just One Night by Elle Casey {EXCERPT & Q&A}

Just One Night by Elle Casey

Release Date: February 27th 2014 by Elle Casey

Series: Just One Night #1

Pages: 82

Genres: Adult, Romance

Jennifer is sexually frustrated and disillusioned with love, a very dangerous combination. Convinced there's no such thing as Prince Charming, and against her best friend's better judgment, she places a personal ad seeking a one-night stand. No strings, no commitments, no second dates. Her goal? To restore her faith in men by setting up a single night of fantasy that can never be tainted by reality.

William is a busy executive, newly arrived in the United States from England. Life for him is all about minimizing complications. He doesn't have the time nor the inclination to share his life with anyone, to have obligations outside of work, or to become entangled in a relationship with an emotional basket case of a woman who’s desperately seeking her Prince Charming. But he does see the value in having an attractive woman on his arm for networking purposes ...

**This ebook is Part 1 of the serial romance novel, JUST ONE NIGHT, approximately 25,000 words or 100 paper pages long. The story continues with Parts 2-6.

DUE TO SEXY SITUATIONS AND CONTENT, THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY
NOT APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNGER READERS.**

Purchase: Amazon, B&N

AUTHOR BIO:

Elle Casey is a prolific, NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling American writer who lives in Southern France with her husband, three kids, and several furry friends. She writes in several genres and publishes an average of one full-length novel per month. 

Website, Twitter, Facebook. Goodreads

{EXCERPT}

Jennifer

I have this plan. It’s not exactly your run-of-the-mill kind of situation, but to be honest, neither is my life. Sure, I could sit around and wait for things to happen to me, but I’ve been doing that for years and I’ve got nothing to show for it but disappointment.

It’s time to take the bull by the horns and make some big changes. I’m so sexually frustrated right now it’s not even funny. And yes, I’ll admit … this pent-up sexual energy may be adding fuel to the fire for this hare-brained idea that sprouted up in my mind last weekend, but I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway.

I ignore the call coming through from my best friend Mia. She’ll tell me it’s a terrible idea and talk me out of it, and I don’t want her to do that. I can make my own decisions … good ones, as a matter of fact. The lecture she gave me last week about considering some therapy made me really cranky. I don’t need a shrink; I need some seriously hot sex with a ridiculously hot guy. I’m totally taking the responsibility for my happiness into my own hands, and no one’s going to stop me.

My computer screen is glowing, lighting up my face in the dark bedroom, the tiny corner of which hosts my laptop sitting on a piece of plywood balanced on two piles of books. It’s the middle of the night and I’m hiding. From whom? No one. Myself, maybe.

I live alone in a tiny apartment, the new home sweet home I had to sign on the dotted line for with very little notice. Why did I do this when I was happily ensconced in a fifteen hundred square foot, fully-loaded condo in the trendy part of town? Well, when I found out my fiancé of way too many years was sleeping with a girl who looks like she should still be carrying textbooks in a backpack, I took that as a sign that I should move on. Cheating rat bastard that he is, Hank left me no choice but to start all over at age thirty-five. I wasted the best years of my life on that asshole. The man I used to love with all of my heart is now el numero uno on my shit list.

I’m still weighing the pros and cons of running him over with my car. I don’t need to totally flatten him to get satisfaction. Maybe just a tap would be okay. How much trouble could I get into over just a tap? I could make it look like an accident. Oh, hi, fancy meeting you here, Hank, in the middle of the road … with the grill of my car. Did that hurt? Muahahahahaaaaa… I’m pretty sure if a jury heard my story, they wouldn’t convict, especially if it had any women on it. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and we’ve all been scorned at some point in our lives, haven’t we, ladies?

Ugh, I cannot think about him anymore. At least not right now. I’m on a mission to take back my life. No more pity parties allowed.

My phone beeps. Mia has left a voicemail. Against my better judgment, I play it out on the speakerphone.

“Jennifer, I know you’re there. Why didn’t you pick up? You better call me back, ho-bag. Are you doing that personal ad thingy you talked about after your third martini last weekend? Because if you are, just stop, okay?”

I don’t remember telling her my plan. Dammit. I can’t even keep secrets from myself.

Her message keeps playing, much to my chagrin. “You aren’t cut out for one-night stands, you never were. Remember Mike? Remember Jake? Remember that guy … the one with prematurely gray hair and the flat butt? Shit, I can’t remember his name. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. You fell apart. You liked them right away and then your heart broke when they didn’t call a second time.”

Yeah, that’s helpful, Mia. Thanks for reminding me what a loser I am. I could stop the message from coming out over the speaker to fill my room, but I don’t. I wallow in the unpleasant memories she’s dredging up.

“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with you, so don’t even go there. They weren’t the right kind of guy for you. Seriously. Call me. You’d better not be doing that ad. I’m going to come over there and mess you up.” The message ends there.

I laugh at my friend’s fake bravado. She’s always threatening bodily harm, but as far as I know she’s never even hurt a fly. She says all of God’s creatures have value, even the ones that start out as maggots.

Of course I’m going to ignore her every word. The old Jennifer would hesitate and worry, but the old Jennifer would also date a turd like Hank and that’s not going to happen anymore. My life is about to change … like, right now.

Okay, back to business. My brilliant plan is to restore my faith in men by setting up a single night of fantasy that can never be tainted by reality. I have the whole thing figured out; now I just need a willing partner.

My fingers hover over the keyboard and I wiggle them around to get them warmed up. Magic will be flowing from these babies in about five seconds. My approach has to be short and sweet, clear and up front. I’m not interested in frills. No flowers, no candy, no diamond rings, thank you very much. I just want one amazing night with an amazing guy who I can walk away from and never see again.

I click on the ‘New Listing’ button to start my ad. Chewing on my lip, I consider my options. How much do I really want to expose of myself? Do I want this mystery man to know I was recently dumped in a very embarrassing way? No, that would make me pitiful. That would bring in the vultures. Vultures do not make sexy dreams come true. I should know, seeing as how I lived with one for six years.

I start typing. ‘Single, attractive, successful woman …’ Stopping there, I chew my lip some more. Should I say I’m successful or should I be more circumspect about that part of my life? It’s not like I’m a millionaire or anything, but I do okay in the real estate business. Well enough that I can support myself, anyway, and every year my client list gets longer. I try not to be bitter over the fact that I had to change brokers. Wanting to kill one’s boss is never conducive to a good working environment. Hank took more than my self-esteem and my heart from me.

Typing once more, I force myself to have more confidence. This is easy. Why am I over-thinking it? Just make it happen, Jennifer, make it happen.

My fingers fly over the keyboard. ‘Single, attractive and successful businesswoman seeks very short-term, intimate and discrete affair. No strings, no commitments, no second dates.’ I sit back and read the ad over and over about ten times. Is it too cold? Too short? Not short enough? Misleading in any way? Ridiculous? Pitiful? Sassy-awesome? I vote for sassy-awesome.

Huffing out a breath of frustrated air, I put my hands back over the keys. It’s not like anyone who reads it will know who I am, right? I have a throw-away cell phone that I bought today just for this project, and I’ve used a post office box for my address to set up the online account. I’m untraceable. Anyone I meet will be checked out in advance by me anyway via telephone so I can conduct a psycho test on them. Plus, we’ll meet for the first time in a very public place, so it’s all good. Safety first, I always say.

My finger floats over the enter button. The angel on my shoulder is crying over the fact that I’ve given up on love. The devil is doing a tap dance telling me to go for it … life is too short to wait around for a Prince Charming who doesn’t even exist.

I tend to agree with that little devil more and more these days. I press the button with only a slight twinge of fear in my chest. Now all that’s left to me is the waiting game.

{Q&A}

1. What made you start writing? How long have you been an author?

I've been writing for about three and a half years now. I saw some articles online about publishing books for Kindle, and I thought if other people could do it, maybe I could do it to. People have told me all my life I should write a book, and I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying, so why not? The risk of spending a month or two writing a novel that someone might never read seemed worth the possible reward of finding a reader who might like my work. I've been a bookworm my whole life, and I have a huge amount of admiration for authors who can create a world for me to get lost in. To think I could be one of those people was very exciting for me.

2. What is your advice to writers who are new to self-publishing?

My advice is to make contact with other like-minded authors who write in your genre and use them as sounding boards and partners in promotions. Always be genuine and be yourself when using social media to promote your work and your brand; readers don't want to meet a fake persona, they want to meet the real author behind the words. And finally, always keep the readers in mind when you're running your business; it's not just about writing books, it’s also about the business of selling books, and the readers are not only your clients but they’re your bosses too. Keep ‘em happy.

3. What specifically inspired you to write Just One Night?

I was looking to write something a little steamier than I have in the past, and I liked the idea of a one night stand that turns into something more. I also have a real soft spot in my heart for Hugh Grant, so having a character who is a charming Englishman really appealed to me.

4. How would you describe the characters in Just One Night?

I would describe the two main characters, Jennifer and William, as business-minded people who are disillusioned with love or don't feel like they have time for love, but still have a yearning to be with someone. And they both have a pretty good sense of humor.

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