This Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following:
As we close the book on another year, I'm thrilled to share my 23 favorite literary gems from 2023. From heartwarming stories that tug at your heartstrings to brain bending narratives that defy conventional storytelling, this list covers a diverse range of tales.
So, whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, fantasy, or anything in between, there's a little something for everyone in this collection. Join me on a journey through the pages, as we explore my favorites that the literary world offered and I indulged over the past year.
The Idea of You
by Robinne Lee
The build up in the relationship in this book was everything! The ending was like nothing I have read before and I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. I immediately looked up this author to see if I could find other books by them to read. I definitely understand why this was chosen to be made into an Amazon Prime movie.
Firekeeper's Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
Months after I finished reading this book I would find myself thinking about it. About the characters and what transpired and how if one character had done one thing differently this wouldn't have been the story that it was.
Evidence of the Affair
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
There is just something about TJR's writing that gets me every time and this short story/novella is no different. The chemistry she creates between characters on page is palpable, and we all know I love me a good epistolary novel. Check this one out for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
The Woman in Me
by Britney Spears
I think pretty much the entire female population over the age of 25 has a Britney moment. Some point in time when they related to her, one of her songs, or her family life. I basically grew up watching Britney grow up. This book invokes sadness and frustration that will leave you breathless. It makes you look at the entertainment industry through a different lens.
Masters of Death
by Olivie Blake
This is the book I read for my first ever traveling book club (each person reads a book and annotates it then passes it on to the next person to do the same until it returns back to you filled with everyones thoughts). Originally I stayed away from this book after reading some reviews and I will never do that again. I don't remember the last time that I felt so immersed in the world and characters of a book. As soon as I turned the last page I wanted to go back and start all over.
Red, White and Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
Everyone and their mom recommended this book to me but I had read some books that were overhyped and fell flat and I was worried this would be more of the same. I was so wrong. This is laugh out loud hilarious and Casey McQuiston has a reader for life if she can pull off this balance of chemistry, plot and humor every time.
A Shot in the Dark
by Victoria Lee
Since putting this book down I thought it was going to be my favorite book of the year. It touches on so many important themes like healing, self forgiveness, knowing your worth, and religion. I grew up in a family not too different from Ely and think that may be why it resonated so much with me. Months later thinking about it still evokes a visceral reaction.
Business or Pleasure
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Want sex positive done right? Look no further than Business or Pleasure. This book feels so true to life that it could be one of your best friends telling it to you. I loved the realistic one night stand and laughed almost the whole book through.
Say You Swear
by Meagan Brandy
This book is the epitome of the he fell first and harder trope. If you feel like diving into this college romance, check your trigger warnings and have your tissues ready. You will love to hate almost every character in this book except for Noah. From the start he will capture your heart and you will find yourself rooting for his happy ending.
Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo
This audiobook slayed! The way the narrator read the lyrical writing felt like someone was singing to me. Every single word hits in such a way you can't help loving every moment of it. Camino and Yahaira bend for everyone around them but they do not break.
Just Like Home
by Sarah Gailey
I am not a horror reader. I try it here and there, but it definitely isn't one of my favorite genres. Sarah Gailey may have changed that. Hailey Edwards was the first author to make me fall for a sentient house but Sarah Gailey made me fall harder. I can't wait to read more of her books.
The True Love Experiment
by Christina Lauren
This is the second book in the DNA Duo and if you are wondering if you get a peek at Jess and River, you do. Fizzy was the highlight of The Soulmate Equation for me and Christina Lauren kept true to the character she first introduced as Jess' best friend. We love a quirky gal who knows her worth, even if she sometimes forgets it. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll swoon for Fizzy and her prince.
The No-Show
by Beth O'Leary
I have ADHD so one of my super powers is pattern recognition. I love it when an author leaves me scratching my head wondering WTF is going on, as long as I get to unwind the puzzle in the end and it doesn't have to be spelled out for me to understand. That is the No-Show. It's a slow unwinding of one mans complicated life puzzle and it is beautiful. You can't help but care about every single one of the characters Beth O'Leary creates, even when you think you're supposed to hate them.
Poster Girl
by Veronica Roth
I love dystopian novels, they really make me think "what if". Poster Girl is no different. What if Katniss wound up on the wrong side of history? Would the people still root for her? That's Sonya's story in this dystopian mystery. She was everything they wanted to be and now she is everything they abhor. Except for the boy from her past who may not have the answers but who is willing to help her find them.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt
This book is about the many ways of grieving and accepting loss. Marcellus is my new favorite octopus. I love the way that the lives of those around Marcellus and Tova are all interwoven without them knowing. Shelby Van Pelt does a miraculous job of tying together every single moment in the book to make it matter.
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
If you haven't heard of or read this book yet, you may have been living under a rock. Fourth Wing has to have been the most hyped book of 2023 which is probably why it took me a while to read it. I was afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype. It definitely did with just the dialogue alone. I love the sassy and snarky dragons but I will be waiting until the series is complete before I read any further.. I hate having to wait after a cliffhanger.
Vampires, Hearts & Other Dead Things
by Margie Fuston
Do you want to ugly cry? If so this is the book for you, because vampires are real and who wouldn't want to find one to save the person they love most in the world from death? I knew what this book would be going into it, but I was still completely unprepared for it. While Victoria is at times selfish as can be, we know her heart is in the right place. Add in a little friends to lovers with that tearjerker and you've got yourself gold.
Killers of a Certain Age
by Deanna Raybourn
Watch your back Ian Fleming cause Deanna Raybourn is coming for that secret agent crown with some kick ass octogenarian ladies. I did not expect this to be the riot that it was. Equal parts funny and emotional it shows the bond between women who have been through all of life's ups and downs together, even if their day job was different from ours, they're still human.
Fate of the Fallen
by Kel Kade
This book took me by complete surprise. I had no idea what to expect and I am so glad for that. If I went into this with any expectations I don't know if I would have loved it as much. So I won't tell you anything and let you judge it for yourself.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
by Sangu Mandanna
If you are looking for something comfy and cozy to get you through the winter months, this is the book for you. It has light fantasy, romance, and a witch who just wants to be who she is without everyone else telling her who she should be.
Legends & Lattes
by Travis Baldree
Legends and Lattes is another one of those comfy reads to get you through the winter months. It's like being cocooned in a plush velvety heated blanket and handed a cup of cocoa. If you are hoping for some epic sapphic romance, you wont find it here. Instead you will find two friends who gradually fall in love over the course of running a business together. It's beautiful and joyful and I can't wait to read Bookshops and Bonedust.
The First to Die at the End
by Adam Silvera
Have you read They Both Die at the End? It's great, but The First to Die is incredible. It feels very slice of life, like this could be tomorrow in NYC. Will you be able to figure out one of the main plot points almost from the start? Yes. Does that have any bearing on the remainder of the book? Not at all. I hope you fall in love with Orion and Valentino just like I did.
Wrong Place Wrong Time
by Gillian McAllister
Wrong Place Wrong Time reminds me of Groundhogs Day. You have the ending, but you are trying to sort out how you go to that point to begin with. I am going to be honest, Reese's Book Club and I don't usually have the same taste in books. I am glad I read this one anyway. Gillian McAllister is a brilliant writer and I will definitely be picking up more from her after reading this.
That's a wrap on my top 23 reads of 2023. I hope you found at least one book on this list that you haven't read yet to add to your TBR. Here's to 2024 and all the books it has in store!