My Favorite Romance Reads of 2020: Contemporary

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It should come as no surprise that in a year of dumpster fire, I found my solace in romance. I read a lot of romance this year, so much so that I had to break up my list of favorite reads into two parts. Today is the bulk of my list, contemporary, and tomorrow will cover historicals and sci-fi/fantasy. Contemporary romance is really where my heart is and I had a hard time narrowing down this list. And it’s still hella long because this was an amazing year for romance. As usual, these are not necessarily books released in 2020, just books I read in 2020, and some of them don’t come out until 2021 (so make sure you preorder!). Let’s dive in (list is in no particular order)!

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn: Kate has a way with words and that’s putting it mildly. This book is gorgeous. Full review here.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa: I usually have a hard time with wedding planner characters, but this book really worked for me. Full review here.

Mermaid Inn and Paradise Cove by Jenny Holiday: Jenny can do no wrong in my eyes, so of course I was thrilled to start her new series. Mermaid Inn review is here, Paradise Cove review is here.

Headliners by Lucy Parker: I am obsessed with this series and I want it to go on forever. I loved this addition. Full review here.

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai: Alisha’s social media/tech series is right up my alley. I love these heroines and this book really got my heart. Full review here.

Beach Read by Emily Henry: This is one of the few on the list that I actually read more than once this year (rare for me). It’s basically perfect. Full review here.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle: This is another one I’ve already reread because it’s so good. It’s so unexpected and brilliantly executed. Full review here.

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria: This book hit for me on every level. I love a celeb romance and this one was unlike any other I’ve read before. Full review here.

Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert: Talia is the kind of writer that makes me hate my own writing (in the best possible way). I absolutely adored this couple. Full review here.

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon: Sometimes timing is everything and I read this one at just the right time. It really helped pull me out of a serious funk. Full review here.

Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park: Suzanne is my incredible mentor, so of course, I absolutely loved her book. And she’s the only author on my romance list and my YA list! Full review here.

The Roommate by Rosie Danan: I’m still in awe of this book, honestly. It is so well written and unlike anything I’ve read before. So so good. Full review here.

Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez: This is one of the hottest books I’ve ever read, and in addition to falling in love with the characters, I also fell in love with the setting (there’s wine, so much wine). Full review here.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall: One of the funniest books of the year, for sure, I completely fell for the British wit and dry humor. Full review here.

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams: Not only is this a totally swoon worthy romance, but it deals with important issues in an absolutely perfect way. Full review here.

Shipped by Angie Hockman: Shipped is a vacation in book format, something I desperately needed in 2020. Full review here.

Snapped by Alexa Martin: Another incredible book by another incredible mentor! Snapped is the perfect combination of romance and real issues. Full review here.

Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo: This book tugged on my heartstrings more than most. It’s one of those that I could actually feel the chest pains. Full review here.

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade: When you combine fandoms and romance, you get one of my favorite books of the year. I fell in love. Full review here.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon: I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did. So much heart and such an interesting twist on a favorite trope. Full review here.

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur: These characters made me feel all the feels. Loved, loved, loved. (Full review coming soon!)

Hopefully your TBRs are growing by three sizes after reading this post! So many good books and I can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store!