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 Secret Service

J.L. Gribble Why did I love this book?

Bauer’s stunning use of language elevates his work from storytelling to art form, which might explain why I’ve actually read this twice in the past year.

This novel is more like two stories in one as we follow dual storylines that are each worthy of a dedicated book. Themes of service and sacrifice tie these arcs together, and Bauer teaches a master class on both pacing and effective use of flashbacks.

The connection that develops between the two heroes of this romantic suspense is less about the physical and more about emotional and mental intimacy as they cultivate a tentative friendship into a genuine romance.

I laughed, I swooned, and I cried, but most importantly, I couldn’t put this book down (and now I want to reread it).

By Tal Bauer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Secret Service 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 Third Time Lucky

J.L. Gribble Why did I love this book?

Sometimes, I find the grumpy/sunshine trope to be contrived, but Crane layers enough other elements into these men’s personalities that Lake drew me in immediately, and he worked as a delightful foil to Grady’s sharper edges.

Crane spends as much time developing their solid friendship as most authors do for the complete romance, and following Grady as he melted for Lake was compelling. I love stories about someone finding their person, no matter what form that person takes, and I appreciated the representations here of both bisexuality and demisexuality.

This book is hot and emotional in all the right ways without dipping into overwrought territory, proving that initial low heat can also contribute to a delicious slow burn.

By Aurora Crane,

Why should I read it?

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


Want my future book recommendations?

My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Scoreless Game

J.L. Gribble Why did I love this book?

These authors’ shared love of hockey shines through in this book, which is as much about the romance as it is about the heart of this game.

The drama, as a combination of personal and interpersonal conflict for Elias and Nisha, makes a separate external plot superfluous, especially for professional athletes whose lives are wholly entwined with their day jobs. It’s easy to forgive when best friends assume they already know what the other wants, but this book dives head-first into “idiots in love” territory when they proceed to Not-Talk-About-It, elevating the story even more.

These guys don’t have issues; they have volumes, and this isn’t a romance arc; it’s a roller coaster, one I definitely didn’t want to get off.

By Anna Zabo, L.A. Witt,

Why should I read it?

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


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Steel Victory

By J.L. Gribble,

Book cover of Steel Victory

What is my book about?

In most urban fantasy stories, only the chosen few know that the supernatural exists. In the world of Steel Victory, humanity has always known that the supernatural exists, resulting in a setting both familiar and unique in surprising ways.

One hundred years ago, the vampire Victory retired from a centuries-long mercenary career. She settled in Limani, the independent city-state acting as a neutral zone between the British and Roman colonies on the New Continent.

Twenty years ago, Victory adopted a human baby girl, who soon showed signs of magical ability. Today, Victory is a city councilwoman, balancing the human and supernatural populations within Limani. Her daughter Toria is a warrior-mage, balancing life as an apprentice mercenary with college chemistry courses. Tomorrow, the Roman Empire invades.