How is 2023 over already? It’s been a busy year for both of us, and it’s gone by so fast! But as always, we’ve had some amazing reads along the way, and we’re so excited to share our favorites with you!
It was so hard to narrow down our top favorites, and it almost seems wrong to leave some of our new fave books out, so be sure to check out our ‘Favorites of 2023‘ page for more epic reads!
One of the best reads (if not THE best) of 2023 for both of us was the incredible Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Like so many readers around the world, this book captivated us and had us both completely obsessed. So this one gets a special shout-out.
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros
Buy: Amazon | B&N | Apple Books | Kobo
6 huge, huge stars!
Holy wow. I’ve been a fan of Rebecca Yarros for a long time, and now she has burst into the world of fantasy romance with an exhilarating, exciting, and heartstopping read that I could not put down. I had seen the reviews and high praise for this book, and I’ve been eagerly waiting its release, and I’m happy to say that it was everything I was hoping for and more, and it’s an instant favourite!
After the Storm (Cottonwood Cove, #5) by Laura Pavlov
Buy: Amazon
5 beautiful, second-chance stars!
Oh wow, this is the most beautiful second-chance-romance! A small-town, single parent romance that is sweet, fun and sexy with no unnecessary drama, this book had me all up in my feels, and I loved every moment of it!
Before Us by Jewel E. Ann
Buy: Amazon
5 phenomenal stars!
Jewel E. Ann has done it again. She has written an unconventional love story that makes you really think about life, love, and the people who forever find a place in your heart. I loved it and it easily joins my favorite list.
Broken Dreams (Whitlock Family, #2) by Corinne Michaels
Buy: Amazon
5 stars!
I loved this book! A fun, emotional, swoony and sexy friends-to-lovers, fake dating romance between two widowed single parents. I was so completely wrapped up in this story, and I loved every moment!
Cruel King (Cruel, #7) by K.A. Linde
Buy: Amazon
5 stars!
Cruel King is the final book in the Cruel series by K.A. Linde and features Whitley and Gavin. I love fake relationship romances so this one was right up my alley and it did not disappoint. Whitley was Gavin’s wingman for years and then one night they crossed the line. Unable to handle the fallout, Whitley left New York for the L.A. with no intention of coming back. But three years later, she finds herself back in the city and back near the man she ran from.
Hopeless (Chestnut Springs, #5) by Elsie Silver
Buy: Amazon
5 stars!
Wow, I loved this book! A dramatic and emotional story for two isolated, tormented people, this is the final book in the Chestnut Springs series, and the much-anticipated book for Beau Eaton, a fake engagement/age gap romance that stole my heart from the very first chapter. I adored every moment of this story, and reveled in the absolutely epic build up and beautiful romance. It’s fun, funny, sexy and heartfelt, and I freaking loved this book!
House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, #2) by Sarah J. Maas
Buy: Amazon | Paperback | Audio
6 incredible stars!
Just damn. I can’t wrap my head around all that I just read, let alone put it into words for a review. I’m gobsmacked. Once again, I am blown away and stunningly impressed by Sarah J. Maas’ storytelling, and love this urban fantasy world that she has created, and more importantly, the fabulously unforgettable characters that inhabit it.
If this is Love by Jewel E. Ann
Buy: Amazon
5 “you have me” stars!
Wow! Jewel E. Ann has delivered another unforgettable read that has given me the biggest book hangover. You never know quite what you’ll get when you pick up one of her books but you do know it will be packed full of all the feels. She throws curve balls and have a way of completely gutting you before finally making you whole. Her stories take you on an emotional rollercoaster and this one is one angsty ride.
In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
Buy: Amazon
5 huge stars!
Oh wow, what a read! An emotional, angsty, heartfelt second-chance military romance, this book completely swept me away with its emotion and intensity, and I adored every moment of Nate and Izzy’s remarkable story.
Someday (Landmark Mountain, #2) by Willow Aster
Buy: Amazon
5 beautiful second-chance stars!
Oh my heart, this is the most beautiful, swoony and emotional second-chance-romance! I was blissfully sucked into Theo and Sofie’s book, and I absolutely loved their heartwrenching story.
Theo and Sofie grew up together and were the best of friends. Their childhood friendship became teenaged sweethearts and they fell in mad, wild, all-consuming love. They were each other’s whole worlds, planning a life together with marriage and kids, knowing that they’d be together forever. And then suddenly it was over. Sofie left town, leaving just a note behind, and there’s been no word from her since. Now, eight years later, the death of her father has brought her back to Landmark and back into Theo’s orbit.
The Coldest Winter by Brittainy C. Cherry
Buy: Amazon | Paperback
5 stars!
We were the greatest mistake that felt so right.
When I pick up a Brittainy Cherry book, I know I am in for a ride, and The Coldest Winter takes you on an emotional one . From grief that feels so real to healing that makes you whole, this book will pull at your heartstrings until you feel every emotion possible. The mixture of light and dark moments will make this story stay with you long after the last page is turned, and I loved it.
The Muse (Angels and Demons, #2) by Emma Scott
Buy: Amazon
5 stars!
The Muse is the second book in the Angels and Demons series and just like with the first book, The Sinner, it was unputdownable. As before, it shows us a different idea of Heaven and Hell and I loved being back in that world. I was completely invested in Cole and Ambri’s love story and didn’t want it to end. It’s emotional, passionate, and so full of heart, and I loved every part of it, even the ones that broke my heart.
The Problem with Dating (The Problem Series, #1) by Brittainy Cherry
Buy: Amazon | Paperback
5 stars!
Alex and Yara’s story takes us to the small town of Honey Creek where everyone knows everyone and everyone is up in everyone’s business. They tend to stand by their own and so, it’s not surprising when newcomer Alex, isn’t welcomed, especially because he has a permanent scowl and is opening a new restaurant that the townspeople think doesn’t belong in their small town but rather in a big city. However, Alex has a promise to keep so nothing is going to stop him.
Thanks for joining us for another fantastic year of reading.
Here’s hoping for big things in 2024!