10 Best Reads in 2023
There’s nothing I love more than flipping through my reading journal to collect my best books read in 2023. I definitely had a very thorough list to go through, with 140 total books read. I know that seems like a lot, but really I just buckled down and made it one of my priorities. You can find my 2023 reading list on Goodreads, but if you want the highlights, here are my top reads 2023.
10. A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L Armentrout
From the start, we knew that this book was going to do very little for the plot of the Blood and Ash series. It was explicitly stated upfront, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. The first and last chapters are really the only things driving the current plot, but the middle was so important. We not only get to reread the story of From Blood and Ash from Hawke/Casteel’s perspective, it’s also a really good reminder of the worldbuilding in case you were as confused about it as I am. This world is so massive, there are so many terms and gods and all manner of creatures, so getting a little refresher was really nice. That, plus Casteel’s very obvious obsession with Poppy, was a top reason that A Soul of Ash and Blood made it onto my best books of 2023 list.
9. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Listen, this was the year of sports romances for me. What I really appreciated here was the communication skills of our two main characters. It really showed a healthy relationship, where the drama happened in the plot, rather than the drama happening between the characters. I think that’s a really big reason why Icebreaker was such a top read for me.
8. The Memory Puller by Kris K Haines
If you want an awesome indie romantasy read in a series that continues to improve, The Memory Puller should be top on your list. The characters are absolutely delightful, and while the plot is strong, the characters drive this story and bring it to another level. The MMC is cheeky, our FMC is feisty, and there’s such an incredible grumpy/sunshine vibe going that you’ll fall in love with everyone almost immediately. This is absolutely a must-read author and book!
7. Order of Scorpions by Ivy Asher
My list would not be complete without an assassin FMC and a why-choose/reverse harem novel. This fantasy is pretty long, very steamy, but keeps you engaged the entire time. I think the entire mystery and plot kept me excited for the next chapter, and even better we have multiple POV characters which is a huge plus in my book. Absolutely add this standalone novel to your reading list.
6. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Ah, she’s done it again. Ali Hazelwood delivers a swoon-worthy and nerdy MMC. I will never get over the rise of the nerd romance in books lately. Entirely for it, and when you add in the he falls first trope? I’m a goner. Definitely Hazelwood’s best work that I’ve read, and her new releases in 2024 are looking to add a few more top reads to my list.
5. Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager
I am a sucker for a shadow daddy, and Kiss of Iron delivers. Sager is the absolute master of writing a large and unique cast. I swear, even characters who get a passing mention likely have an entire history to them that we don’t see on page. Kiss of Iron is utterly brilliant, offering us a FMC who might not be a ‘fighter’ in the physical sense, but is absolutely one of (if not the) strongest female leads I’ve read all year. If you haven’t read Clare’s work, I recommend starting with the Beneath Black Sails series and going from there. You’re going to be hooked!
4. A Rival Most Vial by R.K. Ashwick
Ashwick’s sophomore novel says to all other second books out there, “hold my beer”. Honestly, this is the coziest, most fabulous MM fantasy romance I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The grumpy/sunshine trope is just magnified as we get rival potion shops being forced to work together to deliver a potion to the Mayor’s daughter. It’s hilarious, it’s precious, and it will melt your cold, dead heart. Keep an eye on R.K. Ashwick’s work, because I guarantee you are going to really fall head over heels for her characters and worlds. The perfect cozy read that will tug at your heartstrings.
Book Review
3. Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
I am not sure what Caggiano injects into her writing, but it is pure magic. From the first paragraph of this book, I fell in love with her writing style. She’s witty, her characters are utterly precious, and the world she’s created here is just so thorough, you feel as if you are there with them. It’s the grumpiest grump and sunshiniest sunshine, and you will not be able to tear your gaze away from these pages. Damien and Amma have perfected the slowest of slow burns, but damn if you aren’t just squealing and laughing and aching right alongside them. I absolutely inhaled this series, and once you’re finished, there’s even more waiting for you. Bound to Fall, set in this same universe, and The Elven Days of Christmas, set in the universe of her other series, were both released this year and just continue to impress me. These two books are honestly also on my list this year for top reads, but I was forced to only list ten. Here’s me sneaking in another few for you.
2. The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
Ryan freaking Shay. That’s it, that’s the review. Next.
But in all seriousness, I respect the hell out of sports romances that actually take some of the sport side seriously. Indy and Ryan were absolutely stunning on page, and even better, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you aren’t missing anything! There’s something so wonderful about writing a series of standalones and not needing the reader to have read the previous book to understand what is going on. Well done on this one, and to add another to your list, Caught Up is also fabulous and should be on your reading list.
1. Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Finally, the sports why choose romance that has taken the book world by storm. If you’re deterred by length, don’t worry about it here. It’s needed, because there’s not one but three love interests. Those pages are absolutely needed to bring this MFMM hockey romance to life. We get depth from each character, and none of it really feels wasted. The boys are absolutely the highlight of this book. And don’t get me wrong, Rachel has her moments, but this is all about those book boyfriends and honestly I loved reading about them more. If you really want a treat, the audiobook is also spectacular. So, Pucking Around makes it to the top of my list as the best book of 2023 for me.
So, what will your 2024 reading list look like? Have any predictions for the best books? Any must-read authors stick out for you?
