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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,654 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 Ensnared

J.D. Astra Why did I love this book?

Set aside the fact that this book is a romance between a human woman and a spidertaur man, the world-building is incredible. There’s a fully fleshed-out alien civilization whose anatomy and environment were considered when crafting their culture. It was incredibly well done.

The book is beautifully written, with expressive prose and descriptive settings. The smut (if you don’t have arachnophobia) will make you fan yourself, and it doesn’t feel forced as you might expect.

It’s a HEA three-book series that’s complete and definitely binge-worthy. I demolished the series in three days.

There’s promise of expanded universe content coming soon, and I’m here for it. Tiffany Roberts is my favorite author duo right now for good reason.

My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Fourth Wing

J.D. Astra Why did I love this book?

This book has the promise of deeper world-building as the series progresses and doesn’t dump a lot on you all at once.

The unique magic system and pair-bonding with dragons was fun and not often seen in fantasy series. The action scenes were well crafted, and it was obvious the author did her research on military combat strategies.

The smut is mild. There’s a lot of pining and the hint of a love triangle. This is described as enemies to lovers, but it most certainly is not. Adversaries to lovers is a more apt description, but even still, they’re not in opposition for most of the book.

By Rebecca Yarros,

Why should I read it?

12 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 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Birthday Girl

J.D. Astra Why did I love this book?

This is contemporary with a huge age gap and some taboo subjects like dating your son’s ex-girlfriend. Despite all the discomfort I felt while reading this book, I couldn’t stop.

The characters were incredibly well crafted, and the taboo part of the story was not glossed over like in “The Doctor.” The characters feel a wide range of emotions you expect them to as they go through this journey.

Did I mention the smut is impeccable? You will feel things, and those things will make you question yourself morally as this 19-year-old girl consents to the most cheek-heating things from a 48-year-old man. 

I feel a little icky saying I loved this book, but I did. I really did.

By Penelope Douglas,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

True love comes from the most forbidden places in this TikTok smash hit from New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas, now with bonus material!

Jordan has nowhere else to go when her boyfriend offers to let her move in with him and his dad. Working a dead-end job, with her relationship sputtering, she jumps at the opportunity, expecting to help out around the house in exchange.  What she doesn’t anticipate is for her heart to race every time Pike pulls into the driveway, or to burn when their eyes meet over the breakfast table. He’s kind and listens to…


Plus, check out my book…

Brutal Rival

By J.D. Astra,

Book cover of Brutal Rival

What is my book about?

Zane wants his bloodthirsty rival for a wife.

Scarlett only wants the queen's head on a pike.

For fans of Rebecca Yarros, Carissa Broadbent, and Sarah J Maas. The Princesses of Ruin is a four-part, standalone series set in a magic-based world with Victorian-era vibes, possessive men, powerful princesses, and the demons they have to fight to survive in their grim kingdom.