Nowhere is that more feasible than in the pages of romance novels.

Here are our top 10 romance novels of 2021 (in no particular order).

Hockman gives readers a literary vacation of the highest order with all the oomph of her emotionally affective storytelling.

Best Romance of 2021

Grand Central Publishing

The behind-the-scenes story of the making of a biopic about (fictional) forgotten jazz singer Dessi Blue.

But it’s her incisive portrayal of chronic illness Neevah has lupus that makesReelso heartrending.

For those who love (or love to hate)The Bachelor,it’s a winking tribute.

Best Romance of 2021

Simon and Schuster

And we mean that literally.

But romance readers know how silly a goal that is.

The two travel together, investigating matters of the heart and parsing the sacred from the profane.

Best Romance of 2021

Scribechick

And it’s a lesson that will remain etched on our hearts too.

Best Romance of 2021

Simon and Schuster

Best Romance of 2021

Grand Central Publishing

Best Romance of 2021

No Bird Press

Best Romance of 2021

Headline

Best Romance of 2021

Harlequin

Best Romance of 2021

HarperCollins

Best Romance of 2021

HarperCollins