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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Faerie Throne

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

I loved this book for its wonderful characters. At the time, my life was not going the way I wanted it to, and being able to get lost in this story and its characters made all the difference for me.

Cadoc’s snarky attitude and how Liserli handled him were the most perfect interactions I think I’ve ever read.

By Belle Manuel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Faerie Throne as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Matched to the Minotaur

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

This was my first monster romance book. I’m not typically into monster romance, but I was on the ARC team for this particular author, and when I was sent this book, I figured, why not?

Long story short, I was not sorry for my choice. This was such a good book.

Luna made the characters so relatable, and it didn’t feel any different than your typical romance book to the point where I found myself forgetting that the main male character was a Minotaur. 

By Luna Joya,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Matched to the Minotaur as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A human, a minotaur, and the contract that binds them.

The Unsuspecting Woman

My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects.

Except magic is real.

So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.

Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.

The Minotaur King

My labyrinth is dying.

For my kingdom to survive, I must convince my fated mate to…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Caitlin Denman Why did I love this book?

This book did my heart so good. It is one of my first reverse harem books, and I haven’t stopped reading them since.

Part of the book deals with reproduction issues in the wolf hierarchy, and as someone who studied reproduction in college, I was in love with this element in the book.

The strong female lead and wonderful and sexy men didn’t hurt either. LOL

By Sam Hall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Plus, check out my book…

Blood Queen

By Caitlin Denman,

Book cover of Blood Queen

What is my book about?

She may be called the Blood Queen, but Layla will do anything for her kingdom's peace. As queen of a kingdom plagued by murders, Layla struggles to live up to the expectations her parents had of her. Whispers of rebellion and dissent grow daily, and a murderer stalks the townspeople.

In agreeing to marry a foreign prince, she hopes to find a way to bring stability back to the land. On the eve of her betrothal's arrival, Layla sneaks away and enjoys one last passionate night with a stranger. But doing so threatens everything her parents laid out for her.

As more lies come to the surface, Layla will do whatever it takes to keep her kingdom safe—even murder.