MOST ANTICIPATED 2021 BOOK RELEASES // apologies in advance for the 60 books I added to your tbr that all sound amazing

I am manifesting that 2021 is going to be a better year for all of us. It has to be. Ruby’s manifested so it shall come true.

Hi friends, today we’re kicking off with the first of a thousand end-of-year posts, of which I have quite the few planned and don’t know where I’m going to find the time to do them but oh well.

I didn’t realise before doing research for this post that there are SO MANY AMAZING BOOKS COMING OUT NEXT YEAR!! It’s insane. So many of my favourite authors have books coming out and there are some stunner debuts too. Let it be a good year my friends.

Anyways, without further let’s increase our insufferable tbrs and you can observe Ruby making terrible attempts at pitching books…

JANUARY

Lore by Alexandra Bracken (5 January 2021): The cover gods (wow fitting) really blessed us with this one. I honestly have no idea what this is about apart from the fact that it involves Greek mythology but I would sell my soul for Alexandra Bracken and that’s all that matters.

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant (5 January 2021): Let’s hope this book isn’t too cute for it’s own good because did you see the cover?!?! And the laptop?!?! GOALS!! We love to see it.

The Meet-Cute Project by Rhiannon Richardson (12 January 2021): Honestly I had no idea this book existed and idk it could be a failure but IT SOUNDS SO COOL AND I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED! It’s apparently got Save The Date vibes, which I really enjoyed, and it has crazy bridezilla sisters and by the looks of things a last-minute date. And I ADORE this cover’s colour scheme therefore about everything I needed to want to read this book *wink wink*

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas (12 January 2021): indeed I have not yet read On The Come Up (need to asap) but like I’M HERE FOR MAV’S STORY!!!! I’m very interested to see what Angie is going to do with this story also so.

Chlorine Sky by Mahogony L. Browne (12 January 2021): I haven’t heard all that much about this book but I saw it was written in verse and I immediately added it to my tbr. I haven’t read that many verse novels but from the few I have, I am OBSESSED AND NEED THEM ALL.

You Have A Match by Emma Lord (12 January 2021): I mean OF COURSE I’m excited to read this. I LOVE Emma Lord and her debut so much. And I’m very intrigued to see what she does with this one. I have an eARC and I need to read it nowwwww. Also, the cover is super cute. There’s a summer camp and sisters and friends to lovers maybe? Very keen to read it.

Clues To The Universe by Christina Li (12 January 2021): I read that this was set in the 1980s and I was already sold. Then I read it was a middle grade about dealing with grief and yes I am a goner. See you on the other side.

Shipped by Angie Hockman (19 January 2021): I’ve actually already read this one just last month and it was so so so fun. So I’m excited for it to come out and if you were interested in reading it, I’m here to make you excited hehe. It’s an adult romance set (mostly) on a cruise ship and it’s funny and cute and all you could want.

Amari and The Night Brothers by B. B. Alston (19 January 2021): whoever made the cover this cool deserves rights!! Okay I don’t know too much about this and I don’t really have a lot of middle grade on this list, but I’ve heard that this is going to be THE new series of 2021. And that there’s spies or secret agents or something. And the protagonist on the cover is amazing. I need not know more.

We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen (26 January 2021): I didn’t know this book existed until just now but I read the synopsis and idk possibly screamed. All I needed to know was superheroes and I was in. From the looks of things, this is adult fiction which is also exciting. Also, love the David Bowie reference there.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (26 January 2021): I haven’t ever read a book from this author before, I really want to, BUT THIS BOOK SOUNDS AMAZING AND I NEED IT YESTERDAY!! It sounds so up my alley and exactly my kind of adult romance. I know there’s a radio show and it’s about these two rival hosts and like!!!! IM SO READY!!!! Like I would give someone my kidney to read it right now and I’m not exaggerating.

FEBRUARY

Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas (February 2021): Ahhhh @thebibliotheque is releasing an adult romance and by the things Elena has shared, it sounds like SO MUCH fun.

A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen (2 February 2021): Inserting myself into this book because I’d like my grandma to set me up via a baking competition please and thank you.

A Pho Love Story Loan Le (9 February 2021): Can illustrated covers never not wreck me? Methinks not. We got more food and I’m so here for the restaurant rivals to lovers dynamic going on *makes grabby hands*

Reaper of Souls by Rena Barron (16 February 2021): I’m putting this here as a reminder that I still need to get to book one and to say that I’m still super excited to read this series eeeppp

Serena Singh Flips The Script (16 February 2021): I mean LOOK at her, we love illustrated covers in this household. I honestly know like nothing about this, just that it’s an adult romance and is about a Desi family. And idk maybe screenwriting or films because of the “script” part. I should have come more prepared welp.

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher (16 February 2021): first of all, whoever designed this cover is extremely talented. Second of all, this is probably one of the most interesting sounding YA mysteries. It’s about these two friends who get into a fight over this book that means a lot to them, and they find this rare edition to something. Plus there’s lots of drama??? I don’t understand either but I would like to find out *wink wink*

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth (23 February 2021): yes I am ready for this queer YA fae fantasy. This cover is ready to step on me, look how badass it is omgggg. Okay but also this book sounds AMAZING! It’s an urban fantasy which is my ultimate favourite and it also involves mystery-solving of some kind. READY!!!

MARCH

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare (2 March 2021): no I have still not recovered from Chain of Gold and have yet to actually give you all of my thoughts. Shall definitely be rereading before this one. But also I NEED IT NOW. Like THAT ENDING!!! Also, some people don’t but I really like this cover, like those bees (idk?) are so pretty.

Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi (2 March 2021): welp I actually haven’t read this author’s previous two books but I’ve SO been wanting to. And I wasn’t going to add this one to the list but I read the synopsis and it sounds AMAZING. It’s about these two estranged sisters who switch places? One is struggling in the city and the other is super rich and I just,,, that sounds brilliant.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre (2 March 20201): yo two girls enter a film festival but maybe fall in love. Sounds pretty great to me, gimme rivals to lovers ANYDAY. Also the colours of this cover?!?!?!?!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (9 March 2021): I just can’t resist Talia Hibbert anymore, I HAVE to read them when they come out. I’m like a moth to a flame. Even though I don’t think they’re my favourite kind of adult romance (I’m a picky bish), I’m still so excited to read about Eve. I actually think I’ll love it most because I’m closer to Eve in age? If that makes any rational sense. Also love that it involves music and the love interest seems great.

Anna K: Away by Jenny Lee (9 March 2021): I’m so excited to get to book one and I know I’ll definitely want to read the sequel and I’m ready for the drama lmao <3<3

Can’t Take That Away by Stephen Salvatore (9 March 2021): I’m a broken record but like this cover could also step on me. This one is about a genderqueer teen who loves to sing and it cast as the lead female in the school play. We can’t not stan.

Five Ways To Fall Out Of Love by Emily Martin (16 March 2021): I got approved this one on Edelweiss (!!!!) and I honestly know little about it apart from it being a YA contemporary and that the MC is very cynical and heartbroken. Sounds like a fun time amirite

Lost In The Never Woods by Aiden Thomas (23 March 2021):  I am still dying to read Cemetery Boys and need it to come out in my country. But I also NEED THIS BOOK NOW. By the looks of the things, it’s a queer Peter Pan retelling but with a LOT of twists. It seems like the author has made this story very unique and I’m always up for books with a hint of magic.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo (30 March 2021): you know, you can stop judging me because yes I know I was supposed to great the Grisha trilogy this year and then read King of Scars. But it just didn’t happen okay. But it will. I’m leaving now.

APRIL

The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman (6 April 2020): I have not read from this author before but I have no doubt in my mind that I will adore their books. I’ve put off reading Starfish for ages and am planning on reading asap so of course, I want to read this. It’s a sci-fi novel (different from their usual contemporary) that involves dying and then entering a spiritual plane?? Which sounds SO COOL omgggg

What’s Not To Love by Emilly Wibberly & Austin Siegemund-Broka (20 April 2021): I haven’t managed to read this duo’s work before as it’s not easily available in my country. And even though that man definitely does not look like a teenager, I can’t resist academic enemies to lovers. Like, gimme all the high school rivals, please. Also, we love the pastel books in this background.

Witches Steeped In Gold by Ciannon Smart (20 April 2021): oh my gosh I am SO excited about this book its not even funny!?!? I literally need it now, I am so ready for the Jamaican fantasy gloriousness that it shall be. From what I gather, it’s about a witch alliance. And I hear the writing is amazing and just ugh *chefs kiss* GIMME GIMME GIMME

Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli (20 April 2021): hello to all the sapphic 2021 releases, it’s nice to meet you. I literally know nothing about this, and I intend to keep it that way.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen (20 April 2021): okay but I see you two holding hands over there. Again, I know next to nothing except obviously, by the cover, it involves basketball and cheerleading and it enemies to lovers. We have a mighty need.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar (25 April 2021): *slams hand on table* I still need to get to The Henna Wars, also waiting for it to come out in my country. But I know it’s going to be a great time and LOOK AT THOSE CUTIES. Also, fake dating is always a ride and I’m super excited to read.

MAY

Counting Down With You by Tashie Bhuyian (4 May 2021): excuse me but I all I needed to hear was “bod boy who agrees to buy a dozen books”. Like where do I get one? This book sounds so adorable ahhhh. We also have fake dating, as well as own-voices anxiety rep, which,,, *grabby hands* Also Chloe Gong has high praise so like!!!!

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter (4 May 2021): honestly had no idea this book existed and I almost skipped over it but then I read the synopsis!!!! And hello to this YA rom-com that involves recreating iconic romantic movie moments with MC’s boy next door love interest. Ma’am, I have a mighty need.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (6 May 2021): I honestly can’t believe that I have an eARC of this one and STILL haven’t read it. Hmm hi hello Red, White & Royal Blue was my favourite read of last year and now this book is going to slay me. THE COVER! All I know is that it’s inspired by Kate & Leopold, which I haven’t seen yet but am definitely now going to. And that it’s sapphic and kinda has some sci-fi time-bending elements mayhaps? I want to go in fairly blind so I don’t want to know anything else. Ahhh I’M SOOOOO READY!!!! Buddy reading this with the lovely Marta too <3

People We Meet On Vacation / You and Me On Vacation by Emily Henry (11 May 2021): so many great authors have books out eeeeppp. Agh I ADORED Beach Read when I read it earlier this year and I’m ready to turn yet again into a sobbing mess by Mrs Henry. From the looks of things, this one has friends to lovers and I AM ALREADY SCREAMING. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but that’s kinda become my kryptonite as of late. It also involves writing and like ah READY TO SELL MY SOUL. Also idk why there was a UK name change but anyways.

Cool For The Summer by Dahlia Adler (11 May 2021): I don’t know who gave this book the rights but… oof. One word: bisexual love triangle. That is all. See ya’ll on the other side.

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman (13 May 2021): no I have not read volume 3 yet, still need to get my hands on it, but this cover is absolutely lovely and I shall be catching up ASAP. Ready for the cuteness.

The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent (18 May 2021): the publisher reached out to me to offer an eARC and it’s being deemed one of the most anticipated adult romances of the year so,,, who am I to argue? I think this involves a Scottish hotel so ~intrigued~ I am.

Made in Korea by Sarah Suki (18 May 2021): yeah okay cute cover and book about rival highschool teens selling Korean beauty products on the down low that might fall in love, I see you!!

Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater (18 May 2021): this entire post is just me saying I haven’t read book one or something similar but yelp again I haven’t. But I did reread TRC in preparation for it and my excuse is that I didn’t survive and haven’t plucked up the courage to read Call Down The Hawk yet whoops.

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey (18 May 2021): The way I’m already simping after this book SEND HELP. I am ready to give my heart to the YA version of You’ve Got Mail. It could be a disaster but like I NEED THIS BOOK YESTERDAY. It sounds so good eeeeppp. It’s literally about rival book store employees. Also, just this: “all’s fair in love and (book) wars.” Idk man, it sounds like some good shiz.

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson (21 May 2021): no cover yet and it might not even be out yet but we love Morgan Matson in this household. I’ve been following her on Instagram and it seems like this is heavily inspired by Adventures in Babysitting (excellent 80s movie btw) as well as there being a strong female friendship. And I’m sold.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean (25 May 2021): I won’t even say it because you guessed right. But come on Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries??? ALREADY ICONIC. We love a secret princess plotline, my friends. Shush you who knows I haven’t read from Jean before.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth (25 May 2021): Is it possible to be in love with an illustrated girl on a cover?!? This designer has skills. I know I know, 2020 was a terrible reading year for me and I haven’t read any of the books I’d wanted to. But I’ve heard such great things about this author and this synopsis is super cute. I also literally just found The Falling In Love Montage at the bookstore the other day and I can’t wait to read so definitely going to try and get my hands on this when it comes out.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (27 May 2021): TJR IS DROPPING A NEW BOOK AND WE CAN ALL SCREAM TOGETHER!!! I don’t care all that much about surfing, possibly because well,,, I can’t. But I am excited nonetheless. This one sounds different from Evelyn and Daisy, as I think it involves siblings a lot more. But it’s set in the 80s aka the cherry on top for me. Will I love all of Mick Reeva’s siblings? I guess we’ll find out. I also JUST got approved an eARC a couple days ago and I may still be in shock. Call an ambulance if I have a heart attack or something I guess.

JUNE

An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi (1 June 2021): indeed it is embarrassing that I forgot that Tahereh has a new book coming out but I will read anything she writes. Though I’m slightly behind and haven’t technically read AVLEOS yet but moving on. I know they’ll both destroy me. It be a fun time.

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo (1 June 2021): who gave this cover the RIGHTS?!?!? And then these three words convinced me: “Immigrant. Socialite. Magician.” I heard queer magicians and was IN YES PLEASE!!!

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June (1 June 2021): Ruby is currently suffering a cuteness overload. Please try again later. (shhh also I would like to know what Jay’s gay agenda is, please and thank you)

Love & Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiara (8 June 2021): the year keeps getting better with all this fake dating. We love to see it.

Better Together by Christine Riccio (1 June 2021): Though I had many issues with Again, but Better, I’m still so intrigued by this and am interested to see where it goes. These covers are 1000x prettier than ABB and it’s about sisters. Which I always love, so let’s cross fingers.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (10 June 2021): THIS BOOK SOUNDS AMAZING AND I WANT IT NOW. It’s a mystery set a prestigious private academy, secret photos are leaked and chaos ensues. And it’s exactly the kind of YA mystery that I LOVE. It also has dark academic vibes and EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta (29 June 2021): this book sounds like the most amazing book ever and I AM READY. It’s a queer YA sci-fi with star-crossed enemies to lovers fighting a space war. Could it get any cooler? I think not.

JULY

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson (6 July 2021): again, waiting for the author’s first book but this book said music festival and I was in. K bye.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (6 July 2021): I wasn’t going to add this one because I hadn’t read the author’s other series yet (though I’ve heard great things and it sounds super good) but then I read the synopsis and it sounds spectacular. It involves princesses and magic and has all the fairytale vibes. And the cover is just,,, I don’t think I have the words *heart eyes*

This Poison Heart by Kaylynn Bayron (6 July 2021): I only recently managed to get my hands on Cinderella Is Dead but I mean how could I not want to sell my soul for a cover AS GORGEOUS AS THIS PLEASE STEP ON ME.

AUGUST

Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin (3 August 2021): I’ve heard that book two isn’t great which is unfortunate. And I’ve been wanting to try it out for myself but welp shipping delays. Anyways, shall definitely also be reading this one when it’s out.

The Dead and The Dark by Courtney Gould (3 August 2021): This debut looks super interesting omg. It’s a YA paranormal mystery with ghosts and creepy shiz happening in a small town. Definitely up my alley.

Like A Love Song by Gabriela Martins (3 August 2021): this book has no business sounding as amazing as it does and I AM READY. Only just heard about it the other on Twitter and just listen: fake dating between a pop icon and a British indie film star??? Ma’am SIGN ME UP

A Lesson In Vengeance by Victoria Lee (3 August 2021): I’m so excited because I just got the Feverwake duo in the mail for my birthday the other day and I can’t wait read them. Ready to cry for days. And if Victoria has a gay dark academic coming out next, then I guess I’m also ready to cry for days.

NOVEMBER

These Violent Delights #2 (Our Violent Ends) by Chloe Gong (16 November 2021): we literally have no synopsis or cover and I AM NOT READY. I WANT IT NOW BUT I’M NOT READY. Chloe has said we can expect more romance but also stabbiness and tears. I also don’t want this to be book two because then it’ll be over and I LOVE IT TOO MUCH. Also, I’m not 100% ~sure~ if that title is correct since I saw something on Twitter the other day about it being leaked so possible we’re not supposed to know it yet whoops. But I also just read the Christmas special and I’m sorry if you missed my funeral on Christmas Eve but Ruby did recently die a brutal death. Pray for me.

UNKNOWN 2021

Tidesong by Wendy Xu (2021): Hi yes this time I have read from this author before, and Mooncakes was adorable. This is a middle grade about a young girl who moves to a seaside town and becomes a magician’s apprentice. Sounds so adorable.

The Shaadi Scam by Lilli Vale (2021): I’m sure when this cover does get announced that it shall be glorious! But also hello I need an online dating match up in my life, please.

And there we have it, my friends. I have to apologise for the pain I just put on you and your tbrs. What can I say… Actually nothing, I have nothing to say.

Before I go, I shall just leave you with some other lists because I’m not done with handing out suffering:

• Marie’s list
• Sophie’s list
• Meredith’s list
• Nyx’s five-star predictions 2021 releases list
• Cielo’s five-star predictions 2021 releases list

WHAT IS YOUR MOST ANTICIPATED READ OF NEXT YEAR? ANY ON MY LIST? OR ON YOUR LIST THAT IS NOT ON MINE? HAVE YOU READ OF THESE YET? LET ME KNOW!

Happy reading!

xo

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