My Favorite Romance Books of 2020

[@amandaallen8945]

Love the overlap between your reading and mine. It’s rare to find a Ice Planet Barbarians person who reads classics, vintage crime fiction, YA, and fantasies. Or really all genres.

[@amandap2579]

Look at you, providing solid content for last minute present wrapping 🙌🏻 bless you 🙏🏻 Ohh and happy holidays!!! Thank you for a whole year of solid content, all the positive vibes for you going into the new year 💖💖

[@bookslikewhoa]

Happy holidays!

[@mlibbym]

Take a Hint was my favorite romance this year as well. I am so in love with Talia Hibberts writing is just perfect to me.

[@ShadeTreeReads]

😂😂😂 "the glistening on the man tit" made me wake the cat 💀💀💀

[@bookslikewhoa]

LOL gotta give love to those tireless cover artists!! :D

[@Victoria-pt4io]

I read Take a Hint Dani Brown this week and loved it! And now I have a few more to add to my TBR

[@Wats06071]

You should put convincing me to read "When She Purrs" on your CV lol. On a serious note, I have never been anti-romance, but I have read very few (usually classics) outright romance novels. Watching your channel though I have shifted my stance, and started to venture into this world. Considering that I am in my forties with long established habits, that is not a small achievement. I can't say I liked When She purrs as much as you, but I thought it was decent, and certainly funny. I have to say though I enjoyed reading "Radiance" by Grace Draven (Bethany's rec). The characters are loveable, and the romance is beautiful. At some point next year I will read "Tempest".

[@bookslikewhoa]

Lol, truly a gift of mine... and kudos to you for giving it a try, I think of Ruby Dixon as a "400 level" author :)

[@thelmaviraize2217]

First time viewer here 😅 I have never seen anyone else mention PsyChangeling on booktube before so it made me super happy to see it here! I love that serie!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Welcome aboard! P-C is a top 5 series for me, so I love talking about it :)

[@thelmaviraize2217]

@@bookslikewhoa definitely my favorite romance serie I'd say. I even convinced my best friend to read it. She is ten books in so I think I did well there 😊

[@ashtonreads]

THANK YOU for that mini discussion on Undercover Bromance. I also get so frustrated with people complaining about "unlikable" heroines (but not heroes) in romances because I usually end up loving those characters and then feel a bit uncomfortable when so many other people hate on them. I found the heroine in Undercover Bromance to honestly be relatable (even in book 1 when people couldn't stand her, I found her loyalty to her sister, even tho it was a bit extreme at times, to be hella relatable to how I'd act if that was my own sister dealing with a husband who needs to get his shit together). And in book 2, I also found her relatable because I'm someone who also is very "take down the man! don't let them get away with shit!" and I have to remind myself that not everyone is so outspoken, and that's okay. I want my main characters to show growth, and that includes the heroines. Women don't have to be perfect at the start of romance books, and they're allowed to be wrong at times and still be considered "likable". Lord, I guess I'd be one of those "unlikable" characters if I was fictional, so maybe that's why I love them so much *goes to reevaluate my life*

[@bookslikewhoa]

Oh, I would 100000% be an unlikeable heroine, so I'm sure I'm projecting at least a little bit :D

[@lupaecainis]

This was such a joyful video to watch. Zafir was my favourite romance hero this year too. I haven't read some of your favourites yet, like the Bromances and The Beach Read. I will add them to my TBR for January.

[@lyannastark628]

I really like that you commented on the tone of Undercover Bromance and her other books. I like knowing which reviewers enjoy similar tones as me when I'm making book choices. I've read the first two books and have the next one coming in the mail. Excited now that she has announced the main character for the 4th novel as well!

[@bookslikewhoa]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@vanessahauser1903]

Currently reading Take A Hint, Chloe Brown and plan on Get a Life, Dani Brown next month. I wasn't expecting the level of steam! *fans self* Fun experience, so far! Thanks for your 2020 lists!

[@blazeyface]

I'm realizing how many of your recommendations I've read this year. Thanks!

[@bookslikewhoa]

You're so welcome!

[@NicholaadelaHaye]

My favourite romances I read in 2020 - Untouchable by Sam Mariano, several books in the Morelli and Vegas Morelli series by Sam Mariano, all 3 books by CM Stunich in the Adamson All-Boys Academy series, Kings of Lockdown by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, Chaos at Prescott High and Anarchy at Prescott High by CM Stunich and the Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn. I (re-)read a few coming of age books that feature romance - I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, Invitation to the Waltz and its sequel by Rosamond Lehmann and the Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford. I also loved The Blessing by Nancy Mitford and The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I love your list. I think I might have to check out Ruby Dixon. I need more alien romances... off hand the only ones I think I have read are the first three of the Star series by Susan Grant.

[@monaedoyle3631]

I have heard Untouchable by Sam Mariano is quite good. I will have to check it out.

[@TheGoofy1932]

No one does mafia romance as well as Sam Mariano, imo. Though Kenya Wright I would say is a close second. Her Lion and the Mouse series is really good.

[@kaortega1120]

What a great countdown, Maura! So glad to have kept up with your during the years to know how heartfelt these videos truly are. I have made a notes on all your "year end" videos to place a few on the TBR for 2021! Thank you for all you do and share - Love your content, humor and personality Xx

[@bookslikewhoa]

Thank you so much!

[@WildeBookGarden]

I'm still trying to figure out what I like in romance so I'm excited to have some recommendations to pick from! 😄 I did read and absolutely love The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics this year and I've had a few other hits but I'm excited to hopefully find more

[@gicsome7997]

I read Wrapped by Talia H and it really didn't work for me, so I was cautious abot the Brown sisters series. I'm so glad I took your recommendation though 'cause I just LOVED Get a life Chloe Brown so much!! I'm starting Dani's tonight and can't wait to get to Eve's

[@antonela5979]

Can't wait to read Eve Brown. My favorite of the year is Like lovers do by Tracey Livesay. Merry Christmas Mara!!

[@Jenn-ge9vx]

Would love to see a video on your honorable mentions!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Great suggestion!

[@NovelteaCorner]

So nice to see Alpha Night on your list - I really enjoyed that book this year. Spoiler Alert is on my list of books I want to read early in 2021. And 100% on Take a Hint, Dani Brown. That book was an utter delight to read.

[@darcyreadssometimes3904]

I loved Dani Brown too!!! 🥺 I just read The Bromance Book Club and appreciated it a lot, and now I’m on to How To Catch a Queen. :D

[@thoughtsofkatie5592]

Great video! I have a few of these books on my TBR so I’m excited to see some more positive reviews 💕

[@RoseRamblesYT]

Your enthusiasm and general joy was a delight to watch. I've heard nothing but praise for the Talia Hibbert series and I'm stoked to read them! No idea when I can, but my excitement is definitely there. I think the only romance book I read was a Pride and Prejudice adaptation called Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. I'd honestly say the main focus was on the family and their relationships, and the romance... Um, unfortunately not memorable or particularly well done, at least to me.

[@sephestra.]

I picked up the Ravenswood series from Talia Hibbert to test the waters (they were less expensive than the Brown sister series). I am not sorry. Found myself laughing out loud a lot...even accidently woke up my husband a couple of times because I couldn't contain myself. The Browns are next!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay, enjoy your Hibbert journey!!

[@DaniSInNC]

I’m just about burnt out on IPB and Icehome, but I’m still enjoying the Risdaverse books. I read a couple of them as Ruby Dixon offered them in serial form on her FB page. They gave me something to look forward to every morning during lockdown, which was her intention.

[@amandam9216]

I had a great reading year thanks to finding Booktube back in January. Some of my favorites this year were the Winston Brothers series and the London Celebrities series. I also really loved Take a Hint, Dani Brown but I am scared I won't like Eve's book because I found her character very irritating in the first two books.

[@honeylait]

I don't know if this fully counts as a romance, but the Perilous Gard was definitely one of my favourites by far. I've read a ton of other wonderful romances this year too: P&P, S&S, Widow of Pale harbor & Kissing Tolstoy! thanks for the recs, I wouldn't have found out about the existence of most of these books if it wasn't for you!!

[@aliciaguzman]

Romance is not a genre I read often but I always find great recommendations when I watch your videos. Im hoping I find a romance I love from your top of 2020

[@HappyforNow]

Will I try another lyndsay sand because of you? Probably I read one ages ago that was not good 😂 it was also a much older one. Ruby 💖

[@erinsmith8074]

I’m just getting into the second book that Evie Dunmore put out “A Rogue of One’s Own”. So good so far and I am really digging Sophie Jordan’s historical romances, I have read 3 so far this year and I am officially addicted. She might be my new fav author of the year!

[@heathersumner4766]

Would love a video on romance recommendations for non-romance readers

[@bookslikewhoa]

I've got one from 2019 I think... I want to say it's called something like "recommendations for down low romance readers"

[@nathaliapanesi3474]

Do you have a low angst rec video? Cuz I love romance but it's so difficult for me to find low angst ones... And have you ever read Jamie Bennett? Her romances are on KU and I love them.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Hmm, I don't have that as a specific video, but great suggestion! In general, I recommend subgenres with a lot of external conflict baked in for more low angst books (e.g. romantic suspense or speculative romance)

[@DontHaveaDegreeinReading]

these all sound amazing! i discovered my love of contemporary romance especially those with cinnamon roll love interests. :)

[@bookslikewhoa]

Ugh, ME TOO!!!

[@StephanieMRM]

Can't wait for Eve's book!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Ugh it is SO GOOD! 🥰

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Hope y are well is that like whoa indeed ,? , merry Christmas, happy new year 👌🏾🌷🦹🏾‍♂️💕👼🏿

[@alexandraslibrary]

The Highlander Series is amazing, I cannot wait for Rory’s story! He’s definitely been my favorite of the brothers in the series. 💚

[@neemarafi]

these videos are giving me life, thanks mara!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Glad you like them!

[@TheGoofy1932]

Loved Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews. Loved Annette Marie's entire 4 book Demonized Guild Codex series. Loved When She Purrs and When She Belongs by Ruby Dixon. Also enjoyed both of Talia Hilbert's books though I definitely preferred Dani Brown. Also loved the Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas (Wallflowers children).

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Ohh my fave Bev Jenkins so fat INDIGO that was whoa for me 👌🏾🌷

[@UKLeonie]

I think I need to get over my yuck issue with historical fiction and jump onto a Beverly Jenkins book.

[@barnes-md7mf]

My favorite romance I read this year was The One and Only by Emily Giffin. I didnt like her others and am surprised I liked it and that I would put it in my top 5 books of all time, I think.

[@natasagajic1061]

2020 was a unfruitful year for romance reads for me, sadly. The only notable exceptions were The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (I'm looking forward to reading her next book where grandma and her granddaughter switch apartments) and The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black (and that wasn't about a healthy romantic relationship at all! but it was oh so fun to follow along). Glad that 2020 was a great year for romance reads for you, thought! 😁

[@bookslikewhoa]

Loved The Flatshare!

[@cappuccinocrafts2412]

Between Psy-Changeling and Immortals After Dark, which do you like better overall?

[@bookslikewhoa]

Oh, P-C, hands down no question

[@TheStrawberrysweetca]

Yummy, beefy daddy 😂 damn!

[@moderndaywonder9224]

Adding all most all of these to my tbr. I’m going to start with Spoiler Alert!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Hope you like it!!

[@amelievangyseghem4620]

Your teeth are so beautifully white

[@bookslikewhoa]

Oh my, I'm so glad I'm fooling you! ;) It's that blue based red lipstick

[@monicamerle1417]

Shocking! None of your favorite romance books is the one that won the Goodreads choice awards popularity contest 🤣🤣 FYI: my favorite is BEACH READ & I'm still upset it did not win 😟

[@bookslikewhoa]

LOL truly shocking ;)

[@monaedoyle3631]

Good evening. I didn’t see “Jock Row” or “Jock Rule” by Sara Ney mentioned or “the hook up”, “the friend zone”, “the game plan” by Kristen Callihan mentioned. The Blindfold Club by Nikki Sloane mentioned. Giana Darling’s “Welcome To The Dark Side” or “Inked In Lies” wasn’t mentioned. Helena Hunting wasn’t mentioned.

[@StephanieMRM]

Are these books she even read? Or your favorites?

[@monaedoyle3631]

@@StephanieMRM These are books I’ve read and they are definitely my favorites