We’re at the end of 2020 and I can hardly believe it! So much has happened this year, (including the start of this book blog!) and it’s crazy to think that it’s already time to say goodbye to 2020. I’ve been looking through the list of all the books I was able to read this year, I realized that I read quite a few books by debut authors. I want to share a few of my favorite books from this year that were written by debut authors!
Keep My Heart in San Francisco by Amelia Diane Coombs
In this debut, our main character, Chuck, must hustle her way through the bowling alleys in the area to try to make enough money to save her family’s failing bowling alley. I really enjoyed reading this one and appreciated that it was an #ownvoices book for bi-polar disorder. Tap the title for my complete review.
More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood
Danyal is out to prove to his family and school that he is more than his looks in this debut about familial expectations, standing up for what you want, and finding yourself. This book was a knockout for me and I’m so glad I ended up giving it a try.
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
While this one didn’t come out in 2020, I only just read it this year and absolutely loved it! This is quite possibly my favorite read of 2020. It goes between the POVs of Keralie, and the four dead that will soon be dead. The thing that most blew me away about this book was the world-building. It’s a must-read!
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams
This one just came out last month and is a must-read for all contemporary romance lovers! It follows the story of Professor Naya Turner as she navigates a new relationship, fights the demons of an old one, and works to protect the education department she’s come to love.
What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter
In this debut we find out what happens when internet crushes meet in real life…except they don’t know they already know each other. This book reminded me of Alex, Approximately and You’ve Got Mail and is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of those two.
They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
Gossip Girl meets One of Us is Lying. That’s what initially drew me in and it stood true as I read the book. Our main character, Jill, must rethink her life and reconcile what happened in the past in order to figure out what really happened to her best friend the night she was murdered.
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
This was Méndez’ YA debut and what a debut it was!! I read this book in one sitting and wished so badly that it would never end. We’re plunged into the world of futbol in Argentina as we follow the life of Camila “Furia” Hassan in her journey to fulfill her dreams of becoming a soccer star. This book has a strong female protagonist and addresses the topic of abuse.
Off the Page by Elizabeth Kenyon
In this lovely debut, we follow the life of Jane as she finds, one day, that the characters in her book have to come to life. This book was fun, flirty, and oh so romantic. This is a must for any new adult romance lovers out there.
Divided Fire by Jennifer San Filippo
Sisterly love and magic meet in this fantasy about doing what it takes to get back to the people you love most. This one is a definite tear-jerker, but also very inspiring one that I would recommend to everyone if I could.
2021 Debuts to read: I’ve had the priviledge of getting advanced copies of some books that are yet to be released. While they won’t be out until 2021, I couldn’t wait until next year to gush about them.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
This debut still has me thinking about it, even days later! I loved the romance, the adventure, and the all the strong characters that were represented in it. It’s follows the story of Henley as she must compete against her office nemesis for the biggest promotion of her career! Of course, that coworker had to be handsome, and secretly sweet, and way to swoony for his own good. This book will be released January 19th.
Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon
For those of you familiar with Sandhya Menon (author of the When Dimple Met Rishi series), she is releasing her first adult novel in February! It’s all about female CEO Anika, who must compete against her biggest threat (and ex-lover) for the opportunity to win a competition that could just save her financially-failing company, Make Up. Can you feel all the enemies-to-lovers tension yet?
I hope this list was helpful to anyone who may be looking for more debut books to read. Comment below any other debuts you enjoyed this year!
We really liked What I Like About You and They Wish They Were Us.
They were both so good! I’m especially excited to see what future books Jessica Goodman publishes
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Four Dead Queens! I’ve had it on my owned tbr since it was released… oops lol
It’s one of my new favorite books! I think it’s definitely worth the read soon