This past year I took the Clifton's Strength test. And I am a #1 input. So not only do I find myself going down the rabbit-hole if I even have the slightest research to do, but I also read a lot. A lot. A lot.
But I also tend to forget the details of plot and things as soon as I move on to the next books. but these are the one that stick out in my head. The ones, I still think of -- my Roman Empire.
So without further ado, I present my top books of 2023!
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*Fourth Wing! Need I say more? I absolutely loved the stakes in this story. Plus, all that banter, not only with Xaden but also the dragons, yas! Loved it. Iron Flame is here too, but I wanted to keep this list to as much first in series as possible.
*Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli. Second in the series, but I read The Trial of the Sun Queen last year. And oh boy was it good! Hunger games x the Bachelor. Sold! Rule of the Aurora King wasn't centered around a contest, but it delivered on banter, sexual tension, and building out this world. Fate of the Sun King will be an anticipated 2024 release for me.
*The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten. This was a dark delight. I hesitate to say too much as I don't want to ruin it for anyone. I was gripped from page one. From the lush worldbulding to the forbidden romance, which for me was the perfect amount of tension and description. The Hemlock Queen will be an anticipated 2024 read.
*The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. This story has high stakes and such a good romance, but it does end on a massive cliffhanger. Thank goodness book 2 is out. This could be best described as the Hunger Games amongst vampires. If you asked me if I liked this more than Fourth Wing, I'd be hard-pressed to choose.
*The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber. I don't even know where to begin with this series. I adore it. This story and world jumped off the page for me. I was fully immersed in the magical, fairytale, storybook world that Garber created. I just want more. Lucky me that I have the rest of the Caraval series to read.
*To Bleed a Crystal Bloom By Sarah A. Parker and the rest of the series. A dark Rapunzel retelling. Another incredibly lush world and each book gets darker and more intense. I feel like after three books I very much know the world that the story takes place in and also don't. It's kept me on the edge of my seat.
*A Cursed Heart by Jenny Hickman. If you're subscribed to my newsletter, you'll know that I loved the first book of this series, A Cursed Kiss. I knew I would love this one just as much from the opening line: "Choosing a husband was like selecting the weapon for your execution..." The book delivers on banter and swoon. The third book was released in November and it's on my TBR.
Unmagical by Jenn Lessmann. A cosy, witchy mystery with an oh-so-subtle romance that had me kicking my heels in glee. Cate's up against the clock to find out what happened to her father before she's forced to decide if she continues her life inside or outside of her hidden magical community. I fell in love with Cate' snark and the world of Queen's Creek. This story absolutely delivers on witchcraft, family drama, and the secret community.
The Faye's Secret by Sarah Beth. This story had me grinning away. Abby and Wesley are too cute for words. And Sarah Beth has a way with switching things up and making the reader go from feeling like they are sharing a warm tea with the characters, to swooning over Wesley, to gasping at the stakes. The Faye's Secret has wolf shifters, witches, elvish faye, fated mates, and a protective LI. This is a re-release with the full trilogy out and a holiday anthology.
Goddess Kindled by Holly MacGregor. This one is a bonus as it releases on Dec 19th. I already have this one pre-ordered and can't wait to check it out. A portal fantasy with fated mates, prophecy, time travel, and spice. And just look at that cover!
And there you have it, some of my favorite reads of 2023 and anticipated reads of 2024. Were any of these yours? Let me know!
🖤
Kat
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