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 Shield of Winter

Elizabeth Maxim Why did I love this book?

Setting aside that which frightens for the greater good is the very definition of an empath, which makes seeing one as a heroine so refreshing. Time and again she turns vulnerabilities into strengths as she falls back on core beliefs to help others.

The story's hero is so much more than a stoic sidekick to the more emotional Ivy. The story beautifully illustrates the depth and complexity of souls on opposite sides of a philosophy who are, in reality, fighting for the same thing.

By Nalini Singh,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he's done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch - if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake ...

Having rebuilt her life after medical 'treatment' that violated her mind…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Till There Was You

Elizabeth Maxim Why did I love this book?

This historical romance is refreshingly contemporary in its scope, with characters who understand the social limits of Medieval society even as they do their best to break free of them. 

Humor breaks up what might otherwise be too dramatic making for a well-balanced tale. This book is perfect for curling up on a beach or in front of a fire. 

By Lynn Kurland,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Till There Was You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Zachary Smith is finished with high-maintenance women, impossible clients, and paranormal adventures. He wants an ordinary life for happily-ever-after with a fresh-faced girl next door. Then he walks through a doorway into a different century, and things don't turn out quite the way he planned.


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The Enchanted Garden Cafe

Elizabeth Maxim Why did I love this book?

Books that weave humor into the story are a gift, and this story is no exception.

With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters caught in a series of escapades too zany to be considered a dark comedy, the reader is taken on a journey of joy and humor to the very end. It's a fun read.

By Abigail Drake,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Enchanted Garden Cafe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She knew trouble when she saw it, and he was definitely trouble.

After spending years dealing with her flighty mother, a café on the edge of ruin, a misbehaving backyard fountain, and tea that may or may not be increasing the libido of her elderly neighbors, Fiona Campbell has had enough. She’s ready to move out, get away from her mother and all the craziness that accompanies her, and start a life of her own. The last thing she needs is another complication, especially one like Matthew Monroe.

When he walks through their door with a guitar on his back…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Port in a Storm

By Elizabeth Maxim,

Book cover of Port in a Storm

What is my book about?

Psychic Shellia Hamilton likes her privacy, but when a sexy rocker moves in next door, she wonders what else he can do with those fingers besides play guitar. With the help of ghostly roommates, she just might find out. 

Out of rehab and out of his band, Clint Malek is looking for a fresh start but not a relationship. When his beautiful neighbor shows up in the middle of the night, her rain-soaked pajamas all but see-through, he decides a fresh start can include his love life. 

Between a houseful of mischievous spirits and a stream of uninvited guests, one would think someone didn’t want them having sex! Patience might be a virtue, but perseverance will win the day.