Top 5 Backlist Reads 2021

I started doing this a couple of years ago to really showcase the top books I read of the year. If you missed it, check out the books that made my Top 5 Backlist Reads in 2020. It makes more sense to split it out by backlist books and new releases! I own so many books and so it is always a goal to read the books I own! I read so many great books this year and it was hard narrowing down the list. But here are the Top 5 Backlist Reads 2021!

In no particular order…

The Ravens by Kass Morgan & Danielle Paige

“Even in a houseful of people who were supposed to love her the most in the world, she felt alone”

Dark Academia vibes , a sorority that is a coven of witches, what more could you want? This had me flipping through the pages because I had to know what was happening and to say I was surprise at the ending would be an understatement. I loved the use of tarot and magic that tied into that! Such a fun, dark and engrossing read!

Alice the Dagger by Ashley McLeo

” I blinked as a white rabbit dressed in a cobalt-colored waistcoat, with a pocket watch hanging from the jacket, hopped out from behind a bush.”

Fae inspired Alice in Wonderland Retelling with an interesting magic system and new twists to familiar characters!

If you are new here, I am such a huge fan/lover of Alice in Wonderland. So you can imagine how excited I was to pick up a fae retelling of Alice ! McLeo did a great job taking a beloved story and putting her own spin and sprinkling of elements to it. I really enjoyed Alice’s background and the journey she went on to find herself and learn about her family. She is an assasin, indebted to a vampire, when a white rabbit in a waistcoat, also known as a pooka enlightens Alice to information about her family and where she comes from. Only with her can they take back the Wonderland Court!

Curse of Seduction by C.R Robertson

“Her dishonour will be her ultimate downfall; I feel it in the depths of my soul. You cannot leash a wild animal and think your will alone makes it tame.”

This completely surprised me as to how much I became obsessed with it and still keep thinking about it. I had to read this for a contest I was judging and the few before I picked this one up were so bad and got me in a slump. I read this book so fast and was so enthralled in the story. The world was so unique and had such an interesting backstory. The element of succubus and incubus was so fun as its not been very present in the paranormal books I have read. The romance was dripping in seduction and super HOT!

Lover Revealed by J.R Ward

“But you’ll always be Butch to us,” Rhage cut in. “As well as hard-ass. Smart-ass. Royal pain in the ass. You know, whatever the situation calls for. I think as long as there’s an ASS in there, it’ll be accurate.”

I loved being back in this world and was so excited for Butch’s story! I love how much these characters all care about each other. Also those surprises I did not really see coming! Another installation that was well done, engaging and had me wanting more. I love these world and the black dagger brotherhood!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

“The Darkling slumped back in his chair. “Fine,” he said with a weary shrug. “Make me your villain.”

I don’t know why i waited so long to read this series. It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read, but was fast paced and enjoyable. I liked the magic system a lot. I also kinda hate love the Darkling…is that bad?