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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,639 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 Soar High

Karen Nappa Why did I love this book?

I love Soar High because it took me on an emotional journey with its well-developed characters I’ve come to love in the previous books.

One moment, I’m on the edge of my chair with the suspense; the next moment, I’m laughing out loud, and the next, I’m crying genuine tears. Both Kit and Hawk have such (emotional) scars and insecurities. I love how they slowly open up and heal.

Combined with the setting and atmosphere of a small Alaskan town and the amazing side characters like Lilian and Felix, the other books in the Sons of the Survivalist series will be stories I return to and reread over and over again.

By Cherise Sinclair,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

She survived.

Kit survived her abusive husband. Survived imprisonment and beatings from the Patriot Zealots. Now free and healing, she can make a new life for herself and her son…except he has attached himself to a terrifying, scarred, tattooed ex-mercenary.

Women take one look at him and flee.

An ugly childhood and combat left Hawk with scars, a rasping voice, and an aversion to talking. So, why in hell does the four-year-old stick to him like glue?

The kid’s pretty mother is smarter. There’s fear in her eyes when she looks at Hawk. That hurts. The sweet woman is everything…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Wicked In Me

Karen Nappa Why did I love this book?

I highly recommend this book for its sizzling chemistry between the main characters and the sassy heroine. Wynter’s ‘clan’ is absolutely crazy and dysfunctional, but they still make it work.

Cain and the other Ancients are crazy strong and powerful and really speak to the imagination. The witty and intense attraction between Cain and Wynter creates an irresistible dynamic that kept me interested in the story from start to finish.

Suzanne Wright’s world-building skills are exceptional (like she demonstrated with The Dark in You series), making the supernatural elements feel both believable and exciting. It makes her my favorite paranormal romance author.

By Suzanne Wright,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wicked In Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'This wonderfully wicked lady never fails to deliver the absolute best always . . . I'm equal parts envious and in awe of her mind' Netgalley review

'Please Suzanne don't ever stop writing' Netgalley review

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No one really knows what they are. Only that they're the first civilization. Aeons, they call themselves. They're immortal. Powerful. Secretive.

And they'll come for her.

Witch Wynter Dellavale knows that for certain. Because in unfairly trying to execute her, they started a chain of events they're struggling to stop. Needing safety, she flees to Devil's Cradle, the home of monsters. A place for…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Daddy's Little

Karen Nappa Why did I love this book?

Daddy's Little offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the BDSM lifestyle, skillfully weaving her own experiences as a Little into the narrative. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the story that sets it apart from most BDSM Romance books available.

Smith skillfully develops the romance in the story. The progression from a fake date to something genuine and heartfelt is beautifully portrayed, making it easy to root for Lacey and Eric. Three days will never be enough!

By Maren Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Daddy's Little as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

His ad read: Submissive wanted – 3 Days Only!

For Eric, dominant tendencies ran in the family. But God help him, if he had to sit through another holiday dungeon party matched to the worst submissive his mother could find, he was going to choke somebody… and not in a good way. Still, never in his wildest dreams did he expect that ad to work. He certainly didn’t expect to find a submissive like Lacey—shy, reserved, unbelievably eager to please, and best of all, a preferential Little that fit perfectly with his Daddy Dom desires.

The only fly in the…


Plus, check out my book…

Daddying Daphne

By Karen Nappa,

Book cover of Daddying Daphne

What is my book about?

In Daddying Daphne, the first installment of the Doms in Uniform series, love, suspense, and desire intertwine. 

Cole Blaese, a uniformed hero, finds himself on a rescue mission when he discovers Daphne, a young woman on the precipice between life and oblivion in an institution for the mentally ill. The magnetic pull between them reveals a world of unexplored desires, with Cole's dominant nature finding a perfect match in Daphne's untamed spirit. 

As Cole vows to keep her safe from the dangers that threaten her existence, their blossoming relationship transports them to Club Thorns & Roses, where love and dominance play the sweetest tune. Yet, their bond is fragile. Will Cole be able to save her again, or will he lose her forever?