My Favorite Books of 2023

This year I read 61 books, according to my Goodreads reading challenge. And while I’m a romance author, I love to read books of all kind of genres. This was especially true this year, with genres that include not only romance, but literary fiction and thriller/suspense.

One rule I was very good at following this year was that if a book didn’t grab me, I stopped reading it. Life is too short to stick with a book that just isn’t working, especially when there are so many other great books out there. Because of this, I like all 61 books that landed on my list this year. But these 10 books (plus bonus books), listed in no particular order, topped my reading list this year.

What were your favorite books you read this year? Tell me in the comments, or write your own blog and share a link to it so I can read it!

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Crissi’s Favorite Books of 2023:

Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver
This book had me from the very first sentence: “First, I got myself born.” Let it be known that I absolutely worship Barbara Kingsolver and consider her the queen of prose. Demon Copperhead affected me so profoundly as it told the story of a kid born into a hard family life, his horrifying experience in the foster system, and his struggle with drugs, deep in the Appalachian mountains. Not only was this my favorite book I read all year, but I think it’s within my top 5 of all time. (Literary fiction, a re-telling of David Copperfield, possible triggers include drug use, death, and abuse)

Winter in Paradise, Elin Hilderbrand
This year I discovered the magic of Elin Hilderbrand, and now I’m a fan. This is the first book in a trilogy that all takes place in the Caribbean, and tells a series of love stories involving different members of one family, plus one scandal that bridges connections that never should have been. There was tension and intrigue, but also a lot of feel good moments. I pretty much devoured the series, and I’m ready for more. Not only that, but these books have inspired me to make my own trek to the Caribbean, which I’m doing on a cruise in April. If you’re looking for lighthearted stories with characters you care about, this one has it all. (Women’s Fiction, clean romance, no triggers, but will inspire you to experiment with rum cocktails)

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
I found this book in one of those Little Libraries when I was on a walk, and I’m so glad I did. I honestly thought it was a romance, since rom-coms often have covers like this. It’s definitely not, even though romance is in it. Instead, it’s the kind of book every woman should read if they want to feel empowered and proud to be a woman, along with receiving acknowledgment for some of the struggles we face. This book takes place in the 1950s, when women have less rights, especially unmarried. Elizabeth Zott is an incredibly smart chemist, but in a man’s world, no one takes her seriously – except to steal her work. But when she lands her own cooking show, utilizing science to spread her message, suddenly the world takes notice (and not always positively). I not only loved the book, but I also loved the TV series on Apple TV. (Literary Fiction, possible triggers include indications of sexual assault)

Thorne Princess, by LJ Shen
I’m a huge LJ Shen fan. She has the alpha male, headstrong female roles down pat. Thorne Princess had all the angst, the tension, and the hardened characters with a soft center. And the heat? HOT. (Romance, steamy on the page sex)

Hello Stranger, by Katherine Center
Side note: I absolutely adore Katherine Center, as an author and as a person. Every time I have commented on her social media, or tagged her in a post, she never fails to connect on it – even though she’s somebody and I’m nobody. I just love her! And I really loved her latest book. Hello Stranger is about an artist who suddenly can’t see faces after she experiences head trauma – just when she’s trying to paint fifty portraits for an upcoming contest. As she tries to work this out, she also falls for her pet’s handsome (she assumes) veterinarian. And life is weird when you can’t see the person you’re dating. (Rom-com, no triggers, mild on the page sex)

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrick Backman
I cannot believe I slept on this book! I listened to this one through audiobook, and I can’t tell you how many of my commutes I was wiping away tears and laughing, often on the same drive. This story of a grumpy old widow and his eclectic neighbors is one for the heartstrings. (Literary Fiction, some triggers include mentions of suicide)

Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This was another audiobook treasure, and I swear it’s the way to experience it. I mean, I’m sure a handheld book is great for this story, too, but man, the audiobook! Daisy Jones & The Six is told as a rockumentary of a band that made it big, documenting their rise to the top and all the ways they self-imploded. Told by all the members of the band, and inspired by Fleetwood Mac, it’s just so so so brilliant. And the actors in the audiobook are so incredible. I cannot recommend this book enough. I haven’t watched the series yet, but it’s on my list. (Literary Fiction, triggers include talk of drug use)

The Burnout, by Sophia Kinsella
This book was cute cute cute! I read this with interest, particularly because of my experience with burnout in past jobs. But what I came away with was such a cute and believable love story that was exactly the feel good I needed. It starts with Sasha, who is thoroughly abused as a worker in her marketing position. After a complete breakdown and a failed attempt to join a convent, Sasha escapes on vacation in an attempt to unwind. Unfortunately, she’s lodging at a rundown resort where the other guest is an attractive but completely boorish guy. Of course we know what will happen, but it’s a lot of fun reading it. This was a light read, not too campy with the humor, and I loved how it all came together. (Rom-com, medium but satisfactory steam on the page sex)

Yellowface, by RF Kuang
I’ll admit, the biggest reason I picked up this book is because so much of it is about the publishing industry, and I’m a player. I read this with increasing interest because of that, but was also riveted by the deep hole the main character was digging for herself. My god, what a train wreck! Admittedly, the ending was a bit underwhelming, but not enough to ruin the story, which was sooooo good. If you’re looking for a page turner, this one is definitely it. (Literary Fiction, triggers include some violence and a death)

Before She Finds Me, by Heather Chavez
Fun fact: I worked with Heather Chavez at our local newspaper when she was a copyeditor and I was a digital editor and content provider. Since then, she’s made a name for herself in the Thriller world, and fully deserving of her success. I freaking love her books, especially her latest one, Before She Finds Me. This story is a dual POV between a badass single mom and a pregnant assassin who loves using poison because it’s more intimate. I mean, come on, do I need to tell you more to read this book? Heather was just signed for her next book, and I’m already standing in line for my copy. (Suspense Thriller, triggers include murder)

Not mentioned: Fourth Wing & Iron Flame. You guys, I loved Fourth Wing. It was also way overhyped. And I’m currently slogging through Iron Flame which has some good parts, but has been a struggle. And it’s WAY TOO LONG. It is what it is, and I’ll probably be in line for the 3rd book. But on this list, I’m not going to gush over this series.

But I will gush over…

Masquerade Mistake & Naked Coffee Guy, by yours truly
I mean, I cannot end this list without mentioning my own books. This year I published TWO full-length steamy romance novels in my Sunset Bay series, and I’m currently working on the third, which should come out by next summer. Hopefully you’ve already read these books, but in case you haven’t, here’s a bit about each:
Masquerade Mistake is a story about a single mom who meets the perfect man, but then realizes he’s the same guy she had an anonymous fling with years ago…and is the father of her child.
Naked Coffee Guy is an enemies-to-lovers romance that pits Maren, a rock chick musician, against Mac, the real estate broker who sold her home out from under her. When she lands in her new home, it’s less than ideal with a closet-sized room and her roommate’s clutter…plus a front-row view of Mac’s early morning strolls. Barefoot. Shirtless. Carrying just a cup of coffee while he wraps the whole neighborhood around his finger. And things are about to get steamy.
In all Sunset Bay novels, expect lots of steam. And while this is a series, each of these books can also be read as standalones. Triggers include instances of drug use and addiction.

I hope you had a good 2023 with lots of great books, and I hope your 2023 is filled with even more! HAPPY NEW YEAR!