Author Retired Musician Contemporary romance lover History buff
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,627 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 One Little Lie

DeDe Ramey Why did I love this book?

This book was part of Avery Maxwell’s Westbrook series, and the entire series is one of my favorites. One Little Lie deals with a kind of bro-code situation where two brothers are friends with the same girl. The thing is, one brother has feelings for the heroine, whereas the other brother is strictly friends.

This is a common trope for romance books, but the thing about this story is the hero, who is in love with the heroine, is extremely talented. Still, he has panic attacks when he has to deal with the public, so he is forced to be vulnerable, and that is what captured my soul with the story.

I have dealt with stage fright all my life and feel awkward when meeting new people, so this hit very close to home. The main character is not your typical hero, and the way the author layered the characters and developed this beautiful love story absolutely blew me away.

It’s a book I want to read over and over, even though I know it will make me cry every time.

By Avery Maxwell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

She's the only one I'll ever love, but I had to let her go.
Rylan Maroney is the biggest lie I've ever told, and it nearly destroyed everyone in my life. No matter how much it hurts, I can never have her again.

He broke my heart and walked away, but he hasn't let me go.
Halton Westbrook has haunted my life from four thousand miles away for the last eight years. I've tried to move on, but he makes it impossible.

No one knows about us or why I ran away, but he's gone too far this time, and…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Fragile Lives

DeDe Ramey Why did I love this book?

This book deals with how easily people can put on masks of happiness when, in all reality, they're battling to stay alive.

The character of Archie/Stephen in this story has so many layers and comes off as a worldly voice of reason to his friends, solving all their problems, but within his own life, he battles with thoughts of suicide.

The author is a master at bringing characters to life and showing all their flaws. Her characters feel so real, and the love story that develops and the way the healing of life ensues is just breathtaking.

By Ariana Cane,

Why should I read it?

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


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

DeDe Ramey Why did I love this book?

This book needs to be read by everyone.

It’s a true story about how the Osage Indians were taken advantage of, and many were killed by guardians that the National government assigned to them to help them manage the money that they received when oil was found on their land.

I was infuriated and devastated reading the accounts that had been documented.

By David Grann,

Why should I read it?

17 authors picked Killers of the Flower Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, they rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions and sent their children to study in Europe.

Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. As the death toll climbed, the FBI took up the case. But the bureau badly bungled the investigation. In desperation, its young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to unravel the mystery. Together with the Osage he and his undercover…


Plus, check out my book…

24 to Life

By DeDe Ramey,

Book cover of 24 to Life

What is my book about?

When Jenna Corbett goes for her morning run, she revels in the knowledge that her dad's protective grip has finally been broken, and the world is on her doorstep. But a brutal attack that leaves her bloodied and broken threatens to take away her new-found freedom.

Cody Spencer is working an early shift at the gym. A woman's screams propel him outside in search of a victim. The plight of the injured auburn-haired woman touches his heart in a way he didn't think possible.

As their relationship heats up, so does the danger. Jenna and Cody embark on a search for answers behind the attack. But will what they find tear their love apart?