I finished 2023 having read 122 books. A majority of these books were fantasy romances – a new favorite. A lot of my books this year were backlist books including the Shatter Me, Once Upon a Broken Heart and Folk of the Air series. These series became favorites with Folk of the Air one of my favorite series this year – the books just kept getting better as the series progressed.
I also read a lot of KU this year with Ana Huang becoming a new favorite. Her books didn’t work for me when I tried to read them a few years ago, but I loved King of Wrath and went on to read her backlist. I finished the year reading Magnolia Parks. And while these books are not for everyone (lots of CW) – I’m obsessed with this series and can’t wait to continue.
I always have a hard time narrowing down my favorite books of the year. The books I chose this year are books that I can’t get over. I’ve already reread them multiple times and own multiple copies (typically audiobook, ebook & physical book) of each book!
I can’t wait to see what books 2024 has in store!
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1. Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
Multiple people have been recommending the Shatter Me series on bookstagram and booktok. I didn’t think I would enjoy a YA dystopian fantasy romance…how wrong I was! I loved everything about this series and Tahereh Mafi has quickly become a new favorite author. LOVED this series.
**Have to be read in order as it is a true series. You can see the reading order on my bookstagram.
2. The Wicked King by Holly Black
This is a series where every book got better and better. I gave all three books in this series five stars – which is rare for me. Start to finished I was intrigued. I’m so glad I read this series when it was already complete because the ending of The Wicked King left me heartbroken.
Although most people say this series is more fantasy and less fantasy romance I disagree. The romance is so swoony. Be sure to read Cardan’s letters to Jude once you finish the series.
3. The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
I went into this book blind…not really knowing anything about it besides what I saw on booktok. And yes I was instantly intrigued with Jacks, but I absolutely fell for Evangeline too.
Think whimsical fantasy turns into Alice in Wonderland – dark and sinister but also very romantic.
4. Daisy Haites by Jessa Hastings
Listen, I know the series is called Magnolia Parks but I’m a Daisy Haites girl!
This book was perfection from the moment I opened the first page. It was so different from Magnolia Parks. Still messy and toxic, but gah I loved the angsty romance between Daisy and Christian.Did this book leave me broken? Yes. Will I read it again and again and again? Also Yes.
p.s. if you’re an audiobook fan I highly recommend listening to this book!
**please check content warnings before picking up this series.
Thank you PRH Audio and Dutton Books for the gifted copies.
5. Love, Theorteically by Ali Hazelwood
I love Ali Hazelwood’s writing and Love, Theoretically was definitely Ali at her best! The banter, the sweet slow burn and the humor was perfect. Love, Theoretically is easily my favorite Ali Hazelwood book…after The Love Hypothesis of course!
Thank you Berkley for the gifted copy
6. King of Wrath by Ana Huang
I will admit…I didn’t think Ana Huang was an author for me. I tried one of the Twisted books and had to put it down because it wasn’t working for me. But I decided to give King of Wrath a try because it has my favorite tropes – marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers. I’m so glad I did because this book became one of my favorites this year.
I’m so excited to read the next book in the series!
Thank you Bloom Books for the gifted copy
7. Happy Place by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is a favorite author – her books have been five star reads, so I was expecting Happy Place to be amazing.
What I didn’t expect was to cry so much while reading Happy Place. I love second chance romance and miscommunication (I know!) in a romance so my heart was fully invested.
Thank you Berkley for the gifted copy
8. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Once again I was influenced to read a book after seeing a few TikTok’s. And Powerless did not dissapoint.
I loved the hunger games vibes of this book as well as the forbidden romance aspect between a girl thief + prince boy.
The banter in this book was off the charts good! I had a silly grin on my face throughout the entire book.
The next book in this series – Reckless – is easily one of my most anticipated reads of 2024!
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