The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Rowan: The Lochlann Feuds

Cassidy Fitzhenry Why did I love this book?

This year, I took a deep dive into the Romantasy (Romance & Fantasy) genre. Across the dozens I read this book was by far my absolute favourite. Now, this is a hefty book, coming in at 1200 pages, but it is technically four books in one. 

With an intriguing plot from the get-go, immaculate world-building, and a relatable FMC that will have you laughing and rooting for her at every turn, this book is truly one of a kind. Imagine if Throne of Glass and the movie Brave came together to create an enemies-to-lovers masterpiece. 

By Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison,

Why should I read it?

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


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Heartless

Cassidy Fitzhenry Why did I love this book?

Even though this is technically book two in the Chestnut Springs series, I fell for the description and read it before going back and finishing the entire series. I’m an absolute sucker for the grumpy sunshine and an even bigger sucker for the single dad/nanny trope, so what could possibly make it better? Make him a cowboy. 

Willa and Cade are a couple that I absolutely adored reading about. The tension was superb, the plot was interesting, and the spice? Well, the spice was top-tier, in my personal opinion! This book and overall series was a no-brainer for my Top 3 of 2023!

By Elsie Silver,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Heartless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Working as a nanny for the world's grumpiest single dad should be simple…except she can't keep her eyes off him. And he can't keep his hands off her.

Cade Eaton is thirteen years older than Willa Grant, and he barely looks her way, even though she's living in his house for the summer. That is, until she gets him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then, all bets are off―and so are their clothes.

Cade is gruff, a little rough around the edges, but broad-shouldered ranchers with calloused hands and filthy mouths are…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Fourth Wing

Cassidy Fitzhenry Why did I love this book?

I fell for the hype back in May when this book was first released, and I certainly understood the hype surrounding it. In fact, I went on to re-read this book later in October, right before the release of the second book in the series. 

The world-building was incredibly easy to follow, the plot ramped up over the course of the entire book, and did I mention there are dragons? Personally, I would say this book reminds me of a Divergent and Eragon mix in the best way.

Violet, our FMC, has you hooked trying to figure out her past, her present, and what’s to come in the future as she forcibly becomes a dragon rider. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

By Rebecca Yarros,

Why should I read it?

27 authors picked Fourth Wing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book

"Suspenseful, sexy, and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros' Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy." --Booklist, starred review

"Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end... A fantasy like you've never read before." #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history.…


My project is

The #BookTok Journal on TikTok

The #BookTok Journal is a creative platform where I (Cassidy) share romance reviews, feature bookish items, as well as showcase the series of book journals I self-published! The #BookTok Journals are a combination of book journaling and scrapbooking, leading to a beautiful journal you can flip through at the end of the year.

I pride myself on my authentic content and honest reviews! I’ll always share what I’m reading, no matter how spicy or niche it may be, and rate it on both a 5-star rating scale and a 5-flame rating scale for spice. Join my community of romance readers! 

Book cover of Rowan: The Lochlann Feuds
Book cover of Heartless
Book cover of Fourth Wing

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