My Favourite Books of 2023

I read over 200 books in 2023, so picking the best ones was difficult. At first I narrowed it down to the books I gave five stars, but it was still too many (I’m generous). So then I decided to just talk about the books that came out in 2023 that I gave five stars. So in no particular order (other than the order I read them in from newest to oldest), let me give you my favourite books I read last year. 

Once More With Feeling: Elissa Sussman (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/169155588)

Katee Rose was a huge Pop Star. That is, until she got caught cheating on her boy band boyfriend with his bandmate, Cal. Now Cal wants her to star in a musical he’s working on. Could this save her career or just complicate things?

This book was so much fun! I loved how it was told in two timelines (then and now) so we can see how she killed her career and then how she brought it back. I’m a huge theatre nerd and a romance lover so this book was perfect for me. 

Check & Mate: Ali Hazelwood (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168458393)

Mallory Greenleaf quit chess after it ruined her life. So she’s more than a little reluctant to play in one last match. When she beats chess bad boy, Nolan Sawyer, things get even more complicated and she’s thrown back in the world of chess. Will it destroy her family again?

This was Ali Hazelwood’s YA debut and it did not disappoint. Do I actually care about chess now? Maybe. As always, Ali’s protagonist is whip smart and very human. Though I did want to strange her sometimes for lack of communication, I guess it’s allowed since she’s a teenager. A delightful read. 

Fragile Threads of Power: V.E. Schwab (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36140857)

Return to the Shades of Magic world. The four Londons have been sealed off to protect themselves and few can go between worlds. Barely anyone has seen Kell Maresh, Delilah Bard, or Holland Vosijk in nearly seven year and they are the ones who can. Can newcomer Tes bring these worlds together again?

V.E. Schwab has done it again. If you love the Shades of Magic  series, you will hopefully love this new installment. I was a little worried about her revisiting the world, but I shouldn’t have worried. As per always, Victoria’s prose is gorgeous and will resonate. 

Business or Pleasure: Rachel Lynn Solomon (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62710608)

After a horrible one night stand Chandler is assigned to ghostwrite actor Finn Walsh’s memoir. Problem is, he’s the man she had the one night stand with. When he enlists her to give him sex lessons as well as write his book, will feelings get in the way?

I will read anything this woman writes and this one was one of her best. I’m a sucker for a book about a writer. Between this and The Dead Romantics by Ash Poston, I’m wondering if I need to become a ghostwriter. 

The Seven Year Slip: Ashley Poston (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181528427)

Falling for a roommate is always tricky, even a temporary roommate. What happens when said roommate lives seven years in the past?

I was sad when Ash switched from writing strictly YA to adult romance, but honestly I hope she never stops. An absolutely gorgeous tale of fate and grief. I want to buy this audiobook so I can listen to it over and over again. 

Love, Theoretically: Ali Hazelwood (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63106730)

Theoretical physicist, Elsie Hannaway, earns spare cash by being a girlfriend for hire. Things get complicated when she falls for her client’s brother, who also turns out to be the man who ruined her mentor’s career. 

I’m a sucker for fake dating, but fake dating mixed with enemies to lovers? Yes please. Ali Hazelwood creates yet another amazing woman in STEM. 

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers: Jesse Q. Sutanto (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61481100)

When a man is killed in Vera Wong’s tea shop, she’ll stop at nothing to find out what happened, since the police are useless aren’t they? 

I loved Dial A for Aunties so when I found out Jesse Q. Sutanto had a new book about a nosey little old lady who solves a murder, I had to read it. And it was so much fun. 

Going Bicoastal: Dahlia Adler (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61885040)

In this Siding Doors type story, Natalya Fox has to choose between staying home in NYC with her Dad for the summer, or trying to rekindle her relationship with her Mom in LA. 

The only thing that made this bi romcom even better is listening to the audiobook which is narrated by Mara Wilson. While slightly predictable, it was so adorable and full of warm fuzzies that I had to give it five stars. 

Camp Sylvania: Julie Murphy (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156736392)

Maggie Hagen isn’t pleased when she’s sent to fat camp instead of theatre camp with her best friend. What happens when she finds out the camp is run by… vampires? 

Julie Murphy is a must-read author for me and this one was an utter delight. This was the second supernatural fat camp novel I read this year, and while the ending of Eat Your Heart Out disappointed me, Murphy’s book full satisfied me. 

Happy Place: Emily Henry (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711359)

A couple that broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their friends’ annual vacation.

While not Emily Henry’s best, a lovely tale about a former couple rekindling. 

Imogen, Obviously: Becky Albertalli (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156736054) 

Imogen is 100% straight. Yup, completely straight. So why does she have feelings for a girl? 

This is Becky Albertalli’s giant fuck you to everyone who forced her out of the closet, and I’m here for it. Imogen was clueless and charming and the whole thing was very Becky Albertalli. 

If I See You Again Tomorrow: Robbie Couch (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61963543) 

Groundhog Day but queer. Clark has been stuck in a time loop for 309 days. Until he meets the boy of his dreams and everything changes. 

For someone who hates Groundhog Day, I’m obsessed with books based on it. 

As You Walk on By: Julian Winters (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60878137)

Theo wants a perfect prom night, but when things turn to disaster he gets stuck with a bunch of misfits and learns what real friendship is. 

A heartwarming tale of friendship. I read a bunch of Julian Winters in early 2023 and this one was by far my favourite. 

Here’s to another year of reading and seeing what 2024 will bring.