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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 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 Spellcasting with a Chance of Spirits

Michelle M. Pillow Why did I love this book?

Mandy M. Roth is an amazing author. I love great world-building, and the depth of world-building and time she’s put into the Grimm Cove series is evident.

Though she reimagines favorites from literature (you might recognize the name Van Helsing!), her world is completely original. The humor arising from the opposites attract couple of Bram and Marcy is hilarious. I highly recommend the entire series.

By Mandy M. Roth,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Spellcasting with a Chance of Spirits as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every cloud has a silver lining...even in matters of the heart.I can see and hear the dead. I can also talk to animals. As a natural-born witch and medium, I can do a lot of odd things. In most people's eyes, that makes me a loon. I like to think of it as being unique and eccentric. Plus, now that destiny has brought me back to the town I was born in, I'm not all that different from the supernatural residents of Grimm Cove.When I find myself being hunted by a dark entity, I turn to the only person who…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Reminders of Him

Michelle M. Pillow Why did I love this book?

This was my first read from Colleen Hoover. I can see why fans love her work. She has a host of complex characters dealing with complex emotions and situations. I like books where the characters have flaws and are imperfect because, in real life, none of us are perfect.

By Colleen Hoover,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Reminders of Him as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn't closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Ink: A Love Story on 7th and Main

Michelle M. Pillow Why did I love this book?

This was a fun romantic comedy read by the fantastic author Elizabeth Hunter. Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters, and it would be fun to hang out in their new business. There is also a strong supporting cast. Bookstores and tattoos are the perfect combination for an afternoon of escapism.

By Elizabeth Hunter,

Why should I read it?

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


Plus, check out my book…

The Savage King

By Michelle M. Pillow,

Book cover of The Savage King

What is my book about?

Cat-shifting King Kirill knows he must do his royal duty by his people. When his father unexpectedly dies, it’s his destiny to take the throne and all of the responsibility that entails. What he hadn’t prepared for is the troublesome prisoner that’s now his to deal with.

Undercover Agent Ulyssa is no man’s captive. Trapped in a primitive alien forest awaiting pickup, she’s going to make the best out of a bad situation… which doesn’t include falling for the seductions of an alpha male king.

The cat-shifter princes were raised to not believe in love, especially love for one woman, and they will do everything in their power to live up to their father’s expectations. Oh, how the mighty will fall.