Author Librarian Caledonophile Stargazer Science nerd History buff
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,608 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 The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

Rose Prendeville Why did I love this book?

Described as Bridgerton meets Poldark, what more do you need, honestly? Everything about it was perfect.

I loved Joss Doomsday as the capable but vulnerable hero carrying his entire family on his back, and Gareth, the unexpected noble with a lifetime of daddy issues, was his perfect counter-balance. The story was delightful and mysterious, heartfelt and engaging, but most of all, the writing hooked me—the words. I can only describe it as delicious.

The dialogue was so on point I couldn’t help reading the whole thing aloud to myself. I was transfixed and never wanted it to end. It’s rare for me to auto-buy anything, but I clicked pre-order on book 2 minutes after finishing book 1, and my goodness, I hope we get a book 3. 

By KJ Charles,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles.

Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely, prickly, and well-used to disappointment. Still, he longs for a connection. When he meets a charming man in a London molly house, he falls head over heels-until everything goes wrong and he's left alone again. Then Gareth's father dies, turning the shabby London clerk into Sir Gareth, with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh and a family he doesn't know.

The Marsh is another world, a strange, empty place…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London

Rose Prendeville Why did I love this book?

I read a lot of Regency, but Matthews made it fresh and new, taking me to a place I knew little about, the world of 19th-century fashion.

In Ahmad Malik she gave us a hero who was not another member of the ubiquitous aristocracy, but a working man and a tailoring savant. The writing of this book can only be described as lush. It painted a rich, vivid world that made me long for a handmade outfit perfectly tailored to me, and the romantic tension between Malik and Evelyn was literally breathtaking.

The whole series also feels like a love letter to horse girls everywhere, because the heroines are at their happiest and most confident astride their beloved mounts—the perfect cherry on top of a sensual sundae. 

By Mimi Matthews,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Bridgerton meets Jilly Cooper in this feminist historical romance that will have you swooning!

'Unflinching, tender and moving.' EVIE DUNMORE

'A rare treat to enjoy and savour.' KATE PEARCE

'A moving love story and a vivid recreation of Victorian life.' Anna Campbell

The marriage mart is calling, and Evelyn must answer . . .
Evelyn Maltravers longs for her perfect match. But with her family tumbling toward ruin. Her only hope is to distinguish herself is on horseback and to succeed she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks.

Ahmad Malik have always made women beautiful - but…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Love By Design

Rose Prendeville Why did I love this book?

At this point, I’m basically an Elizabeth Everett stan account. I love all of her books, and this just might be my favorite one yet. I’m a sucker for cinnamon rolls, a sucker for virgin heroes, and a sucker for second-chance romance.

Add all that together and give me a STEMinist architect and an adorable goofball hiding from a pack of angry geese? Perfection. In the first two books, we got to see Grantham the jokester, Grantham the rogue, but earnest Grantham trying desperately to win back his lady love is my favorite Grantham of all.

There is also so much delightful history and intrigue packed into this deceptively steamy package. I can’t wait to see what Everett’s next series holds.

By Elizabeth Everett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Love By Design as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

You couldn’t design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.

Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena’s Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and—at literally every turn—the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
 
George Willis, the…


Plus, check out my book…

Lady Len and the Mysterious Mac

By Rose Prendeville,

Book cover of Lady Len and the Mysterious Mac

What is my book about?

It was a marriage of convenience for everyone except the bride and groom. Silas never wanted to be a laird. Ellen never wanted to marry one. But their fathers had other plans. 

Unwanted but undeniable, the spark between them burns hotter by the day, even as they try to push each other away. When disaster strikes, can Silas fight the monsters within his clan—or at war within himself—without her? Or will Ellen disappear forever? Find out in this grumpy-sunshine, mistaken identity, marriage of convenience, cinnamon roll Highland romance.