The rom-com revival shows no signs of stopping, and some truly impressive follow-ups defied the sophomore slump in 2021. But one of the biggest takeaways from this year is quite unexpected: Is paranormal romance about to make a comeback in a big way? All we know for sure is that writers like Suleikha Snyder are using the subgenre to craft poignant political statements, and witchy romances are popping up like toadstools.
10. Big Bad Wolf by Suleikha Snyder
This sexy paranormal romance stands out for its first-rate world building, breakneck pace and incisive social commentary.
9. Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Beneath Sally Thorne’s charming prose and irresistible characters lies a tender, deeply felt story of two overlooked people seeing the beauty in each other.
8. Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
This supernatural romance is hilarious, moving and glue-you-to-the-page engrossing, and it has one of the most enviably cozy small-town settings you’ll ever find.
7. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Readers will feel as attached to Tia Williams’ central couple as they are to each other in this meta romance between two authors.
6. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Bursting with heart, banter and a respect for queer history and community, One Last Stop proves that Casey McQuiston has no intention of resting on her laurels after the unprecedented success of Red, White & Royal Blue.
5. Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
This warm, inventive take on You’ve Got Mail swaps bookstores for dueling halal restaurants, using the beloved rom-com as a starting point rather than a template.
4. Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
This is a deeply emotional, rewarding story about a woman finding her true path and true love, surrounded by delicious baked goods.
3. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
In her final Brown Sisters novel, Talia Hibbert exhibits masterful control of plot and character, as well as a wonderful blend of escapist tropes and more difficult truths.
2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This inspired and achingly romantic reimagining of the beloved rom-com When Harry Met Sally firmly establishes Emily Henry as the millennial heir to Nora Ephron.
1. All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Heart-wrenching and wildly sexy, this romance details the difficult work of personal growth while cannily commenting on celebrity in the digital age.
