🌟 My Top TEN Books Read in 2023! 🌟

What a year it has been! Full of ups and downs, another year has concluded and it's time to look back at what we've read and today I'm rounding up my top ten books that I read in 2023.


Let me know what were some of your favorite books of 2023. Wishing everyone a happy New Year filled happiness, health and lots of books! 🎉

Here are my top ten books that I read in 2023 {In no particular order!} 

Three to Get Ready by Skye Warren

I loved the conclusion to the One for the Money Trilogy! Warren did a great job with the story, it was swoon worthy and heart warming. One of those series that I will definitely be reading again! 

→ MY REVIEW ←

Sincerely, Your Inconvenient Wife by Julia Wolf

The chemistry between the characters is off-the charts! Will definitely be reading more from the author in the future. :)

→ MY REVIEW ←

Gates of Paradise by Melissa De La Cruz

It took me a while to get to this book, but I can finally say that I have finished reading this amazing series. If you love vampires and Gossip Girl (the original show) then I would recommend checking out the books. The ending took by surprise, it was nostalgic and emotional. :)

I'll Always Be With You by Monica Murphy

This was my first read from Monica Murphy and it will certainly not be the last. I loved this book from beginning to end. We really get to see the characters develop over time and the ending was perfect for them. (:

→ MY REVIEW ←

Wait for Always by K.A. Linde

I was waiting for Ash's story and K.A. Linde did not disappoint at all! She gave us an emotional redeeming story that had me rooting for the characters until the very end. 

→ MY REVIEW ←

Forgive Me My Sins by Natasha Knight

This arranged marriage mafia romance is filled with sizzling moments, secrets and betrayals making it a definite must-read!

→ MY REVIEW ←

Just A Little Secret by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

This series between Phillips and Wilde is one of my favorites, the characters were lovable and relatable. Their stories will leave you hooked from beginning to end! :)

→ MY REVIEW ←

Last Comes Fate by Nicole French

Frankie deserved her own story and French outdone herself in the Silver Spoon Trilogy. Xavier and Francesca come to their own and they get their happily-ever-after.

→ MY REVIEW ←

Romance Rules For Werewolves by Linsey Hall

This was such a heartwarming and cozy read! I would highly recommend it if you love witches, werewolves and magical towns. Hall's descriptive writing made the story that much more enjoyable to read as well. There was humor as well as lots of romantic scenes. Will definitely be reading more from the author in the future. (:

→ MY REVIEW ←

Unscripted With Mila by Melanie Moreland

Unscripted With Mila is the heartfelt conclusion to Moreland’s beloved Vested Interest: ABC Corp Series. This page-turning romance is about new beginnings that will pull at your heartstrings and never let go. I fell in love with the series a few years ago, so I was sad to hear when this would conclude the end to such great books. But I can say that Moreland did the characters justice and it truly brings everyone together for one last hurrah. I would highly recommend checking out this series as well as any other books by the author, it won't disappoint! 

→ MY REVIEW ←

*Don't forget to check out my Top Ten Most Anticipated Books of 2024 list!*

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 In Your Wildest Dreams by Rebecca Jenshak

In Your Wildest Dreams by Rebecca Jenshak

Release Date: December 7, 2023

Series: Wildcat Hockey #4

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

He’s the cocky, pro hockey player that tried to get my number during a game. Now he’s sidelined with an injury and I’m his new nurse.

The first time I met Ash Kelly, he stripped off his jersey and gave it to a little girl in the crowd, charming an arena full of fans in the process. Then he tossed me a puck and asked for my number. I was with my jerk ex-boyfriend, who was less than impressed with the whole thing.

The second time he crashes into my life it’s as my patient. There’s no way he should remember me, but he does. Being Ash’s nurse is torture. He’s stubborn and frustrating, and he won’t stop flirting with me now that he knows I’m single. He’s even recruited the entire hospital to help him win me over. And it’s working.

The more time I spend taking care of him, the more he breaks down my defenses. He’s kind and considerate, and he makes my heart race.

But I’ve sworn off dating and getting involved with a charming, handsome hockey player like Ash feels like a terrible idea. We go our separate ways again, despite our undeniable connection.

I should have known it wouldn’t be the last time. For some reason, the universe keeps throwing us together.

I’m finally ready to give him a chance, but there’s one little problem. My ex-boyfriend just got a new job as the assistant GM of the Wildcats. And the only thing he wants more than me is to screw over the man I’m falling for.

In Your Wildest Dreams is a hockey romance with a cocky, cinnamon roll hero, spice, banter, and a happily ever after. It's the fourth book in the Wildcat Hockey series and can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Download today on read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon, Paperback, Audible

My Review:

Jenshak delivers a steamy and relatable sports romance in In Your Wildest Dreams. This fourth book in the Wildcat Hockey Series will keep you hooked from beginning to end!

Bridget never imagined in her wildest dreams that she would get asked for her number by the famous Wildcat hockey player, Ash Kelly. With the arena full of adoring fans, there is something about him that she can’t let go. But when her ex-boyfriend sees the exchange between them, he is furious with her and takes her home. Not knowing if Bridget is going to see Ash again, she focuses on her studies and job as a nurse. Little does she know that her VIP patient would end up being Ash Kelly. Now he’s discovered that she is single, Ash is set on to charm her to no end. He wants her, but she isn’t sure if she is willing to put her heart on the line again.

Ash Kelly has worked really hard to get to where he is in life, he has his team and any woman he could possibly want. But as he looks at his fellow teammates, they’ve all seem to found the one expect for him. He gives his all every time, yet as he looks around the stadium like the rest of his teammates look for their loved one, Ash sees a particular woman that has caught his attention. She isn’t looking at anything in particular, as her boyfriend is clearly ignoring her. Ash quickly finds himself skating towards her and asking her for her number. She is surprised and her boyfriend is mad. It hasn’t been a day since he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. It would be fate to bring them together the minute he ends up at the hospital and she walks in as his nurse. Ash is not about to give up on her this time around and he sets to win her over no matter the cost. But just as he was making progress, an obstacle gets thrown his way and won’t stop until he separates Ash and Bridget for good.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading In Your Wildest Dreams, it was charming and swoon worthy. It’s evident that both of the characters have great chemistry and it just keep evolving the longer they get to know each other. But soon they have to make big decisions when it comes to giving their relationship a chance. They have a great support system in their friends/teammates and they are able to face anything with them by the side. I loved Ash, he was sweet and protective of Bridget. He wants her in his life and he is willing to give up anything for her. On the other hand, Bridget really stands up for herself and for those around her. They are perfect for each other and the sweet ending shows us that. I would highly recommend checking it out, I cannot wait to read more form the author in the future! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Rebecca

Rebecca Jenshak is a USA Today bestselling author of new adult and sports romance. She writes sexy, feel-good stories with lots of swoon-worthy moments. Rebecca lives in Arizona. When she isn't writing, you can find her cheering on local sports teams, hanging out with friends and family, or curled up with a good book.

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills

My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Pages: 327

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

In a sizzling romance that sparkles with wit and depth, two wounded souls meet by chance in the desert and agree to get married, and their lives will never be the same.

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon

My Review:

Not having read any other books by Madden-Mills before, I didn’t know what to expect. Needless to say, the author delivers an emotional romance about second chances and new beginnings in My Darling Bride!

Emmaline “Emmy” Darling never imagine that she would be on the run from her now ex-boyfriend. But after the events that took place at their Las Vegas hotel, Emmy suddenly finds herself driving miles away to an Arizona hotel, hoping along the way that Kian would leave her alone. But just when she thought that he’d found her, another man steps out of a luxurious Lamborghini, exuding confidence and wealth. Reminding Emmy of the financial stability that she longs to have.

It would take bumping into the handsome stranger to change her life forever. Now she is on the run again, this time she is speeding away with his Lamborghini. A very expensive mistake that would follow her home, little does she know that the owner of said car would have other plans for her. A marriage arrangement between them, only Emmy would soon start to develop feelings for the football player that could end up costing her heart.

For New York Pythons’ famous football player, Graham Harlan, he is used to be in the spotlight surrounded by wealth and beautiful women. But it was a near-death experience on the field that has left him in chaos. There are ups and downs to playing football and he knows that. Yet, Graham fears of what his future would look like without playing the sport that he loves so much. With the hopes of finding answers and getting away from the city, he drives his Lamborghini to Arizona. Only for it to get stolen and wrecked by a beautiful woman he met at his hotel.

Feeling shocked and devastated, Graham is set to make her pay no matter what. To add to his stress, he needs to secure the family inheritance, and needs to get married fast. The only things is that he doesn’t have anyone he trusts to pretend to be his wife for a short time. Until his younger brother tells him about the beauty that works at his local bookstore, Emmaline Darling, and Graham immediately realizes who she is. Emmy owes him and he won’t take a no as an answer. Little does he know just how much having her around would change him in the process. Now he has to find a way to keep her for good, if that’s the last thing he does.

I absolutely loved reading My Darling Bride, the main characters had so much chemistry and the secondary characters added the humor that had me reading nonstop until the very end. It’s evident that both of the characters have been through so much already and having a lot in common made it easier for them to lean on each other. The heroine is a relatable bookworm who unexpectedly finds her forever and the football player is ready to support her no matter what. The ending was so sweet and perfect for them. I would highly recommend checking out this romance, I cannot wait to read more from the author in the future! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Ilsa Madden-Mills

#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling
author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and

Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring
unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Website, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bookbub, Newsletter, Text Updates: Text ROMANCE to (877) 207-0713

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi

Faked and Fumbled  Gina Azzi

Release Date: November 30, 2023

Pages: 230

Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #1

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary

Knoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Miller is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.

I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.

Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me. To bluff wanting me. To lay it on thick to convince my friends that I’m not heartbroken or hurt. I’m not damaged goods. That I have, in fact, moved on.

But during the trip, things change. Cohen’s longing glances make my heart race. His casual, familiar touches stir up new feelings. And his kiss? His kiss makes me yearn for things I’ve never experienced before.

Toss in one bed, an epic snowstorm, and a gossip circle a mile wide, and I’m praying we don’t fumble our fake relationship.

Obviously, I’m always wrong.

Amazon

My Review:

As the first book in the Knoxville Coyotes Football Series, Azzi delivers a second chance and new beginnings romance in Faked and Fumbled. This steamy romance will leave you wanting for more!

In her town, Raia Callaway has always been second best compared to her older brother, the football player and hometown hero. She has worked really hard to become a professional soccer player outside her home, until her life changes when her boyfriend of ten years brakes up with her before a game. A game that she would end up losing and getting hurt. Her dreams of playing in Europe quickly diminish and Raia finds herself going back home to recover from her injury. She is surprised to see Cohen Miller, her brother’s best friend and fellow Knoxville Coyotes football player.

It’s been years since she’s seen him, but she is grateful to have him around. He understands what it’s like to be a professional athlete and his concern for her makes her feel cared for. Until she gets a text that her cousin/best friend is dating her ex that completely crushes her heart. Raia feels betrayed, but she has to face them and doesn’t want to do it alone, so convincing Cohen to be her fake boyfriend for the week turns into so much more. Especially when they end up getting caught in a snowstorm, miles away from everyone else. Feeling begin to blossom and she doesn’t know if he feels the same way.

I throughly enjoyed reading Faked and Fumbled, it was a wholesome read that had me reading nonstop until the very end. I’m a huge fan of Azzi’s sports series and this was such a promising start that I cannot wait to read the next books in the series. While Raia struggles to fully feel at home and get past her cousin and ex’s betrayal. Cohen has worked really hard to get to where he is, he is a top football player who can get just about any woman he could possibly want, but struggles to find a deeper connection. Seeing Raia again, he feels protective towards her and there is a deeper feeling that he can’t deny. Pretending to be her fake boyfriend gets him that much closer to her and he realizes that they might just be perfect for each other, if he can convince her to give them a chance. Told in dual POV, this steamy sports romance ends on a perfect note that I would highly recommend checking it out! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Wright Together by K.A. Linde

Wright Together by K.A. Linde

Release Date: November 28, 2023

Series: Wright Vineyard #6

Pages: 322

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

A sexy opposites attract romance set in the Wright world about Whitton & Eve from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde.

Whitton Wright is too good to be true.

And I learned long ago that things that are too good to be true…usually are.

When he danced into my life, I accepted that this wasn’t going anywhere. He’s tall as sin with a tailored suit on his immaculate body, and full of charm, saying just the right thing to get me to melt. There’s no way that he could be real.

Not for a girl like me.

In Lubbock, Texas, Wrights are royalty. Even the illegitimate son of an exiled Wright is treated like a king. Especially when Whitt falls right into place in a job he was born for.

The only thing I was born into was a double wide and a life of good-byes.

Which is how I know he’ll be the same as all the others.

Until he isn’t.

Until he saves me.

And I start to wonder if maybe too good to be true isn’t a lie.

But my downfall nonetheless… 

Amazon, B&N, Apple, Kobo, Google Play, Audible

My Review:

As the sixth book in the Wright Vineyard, Linde delivers a steamy small town romance in Wright Together. This opposites attract story will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end.

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Eve Houston, whose past relationship ended up in a humiliating break up that completely changed her view on relationships. Deciding to focus on her career as a real state agent, Eve has worked really hard to get to where she is. But it has come with struggles along the way and she needs to secure her next job in order to help her family financially. She is shocked to see who she is going to be working with on her next project, Whitton Wright. The Wrights are royalty in their town, so even she knows that he is completely out of her league. Coming from the other side of the tracks, her upbringing was completely different from his. Yet, she can’t help to be drawn to Whitt. He is fierce, protective and he wants a relationship, something that Eve will never be able to give him. But as the two start to spend more time together, she starts to wonder if they might just be perfect for each other.

I throughly enjoyed reading Wright Together, the chemistry between the characters is magnetic and sizzling! There is no denying that there is an attraction towards each other, but one wants a relationship and the other doesn’t. So it’s up to them to figure out if they can let go of their pasts in order to start a future together. Told in dual POV and with unexpected twists, the ending was perfect for their story. I would recommend checking out this book as well as the rest of the series, you will not be disappointed. :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet K.A. Linde:

K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of both romance and fantasy novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was a head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.

Keep up with K.A. Linde and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.kalinde.com/subscribe/

To learn more about K.A. Linde & her books, visit here!

Connect with K.A. Linde:

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Just One Tease by Carly Phillips

Just One Tease by Carly Phillips

Release Date: November 14, 2023

Series: The Kingston Family #9

Pages: 194

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

He’s the last single Dare sibling standing.
She’s his lost love who disappeared.
Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger.

Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word.

Zach never expected the girl he once loved to walk into his bar. The last time he saw her, he’d dropped her off after school and promised to pick her up for prom. Except she disappeared.

Now, she’s back with a new name, but the same doe eyes and pouty lips, and she’s asking for the help he would have gladly given her all those years ago.

Zach agrees to protect them, but he refuses to fall for Hadley again. But late nights working side by side give them a tempting glimpse at the life they could have had…and all the reasons he loved her come flooding back.

He’ll have to keep her safe.

Before he can convince her to stay. 

Amazon, Apple, Kobo, B&N, Google Play

My Review:

Phillips delivers a heartwarming second chance romance in Just One Tease, the last book in the Kingston Family Series. This friends-to-lovers story will have you hooked from beginning to end!

As the end of the school year is approaching, Hadley Stevens can recall a time when her life used to be completely different. When her name was something else or when she got given a new life, forcing her to leave the love of her life behind. It’s been ten years since she’s seen Zach Dare, the friend who grew into something more and it hasn’t been a day since she hasn’t stopped thinking about him. But after a close encounter outside the school that leaves her shaking, Hadley is put in a position to take her younger sister away in order to protect themselves. So she finds herself packing up once again without knowing when they’ll be back home. With no destination in mind, she comes across a magazine with Zach’s face on it, reads what he’s done and decides on asking for his help. Little does she know just how much is her life going to change forever.

Zach never expected to see Hadley once again, especially after the way she left. She broke his heart and his life was never the same. His family name is well-known, but his reputation and businesses have made him very wealthy on his own right. Zach can also sense that there is so much more to Hadley and he vows to protect her at all costs. But his walls are high and he won’t be falling for her again, or so he thinks.

I throughly enjoyed reading Just One Tease, the characters were relatable and their chemistry was magnetic. We truly get to know them well as they get to know each other again. Feelings were hurt and a lot has happened in the past decade, but they are willing to trust each other again, this time to keep Hadley and her sister safe. But they don’t expect the twist in events that has them facing obstacles coming their way. Obstacles that could threaten to pull them away once and for all. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out Just One Tease and the rest of the series, I cannot wait to read what Phillips comes up with next. :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and three crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. Way back in 2002, Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa and was the first romance on a nationally televised book club. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive two free books!

https://www.carlyphillips.com/subscribe-newsletter/

To learn more about Carly Phillips & her books, visit here!

Connect with Carly Phillips:

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Mine to Honor by Natasha Madison

Mine to Honor by Natasha Madison

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Series: Southern Wedding #7

Pages: 265

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

From Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a small town, best friends to lovers, fake marriage, and forced proximity romance.

When your best friend asks you for the biggest favor of her life.

EVA

Things were finally looking up for me.
I was my own boss; I owned my own house—
and I recently was contacted by an older sister I didn’t know I had.
Everything was perfect…until tragedy struck.
All the things that had come into my life were suddenly gone—except for one thing: my niece.

LEVI

I was a confirmed bachelor.
I was married to my work and committed to nothing more.
No woman was going to change that.
Eva is my best friend and needed a life-changing favor:
Marry her so she could gain custody of her niece.
A marriage of convenience that would only last a year, tops.
But there were stipulations we hadn’t planned on.
Things got blurry—lines got crossed.
I would honor my commitment…I just hope I can walk away. 

Amazon

My Review:

Madison delivers a steamy friends-to-lovers romance in Mine to Honor. The seventh book in the Southern Wedding Series will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end!

As the owner of Envy Spa and Salon, Eva Meyers, is proud of what she has accomplished. After having a tough childhood, she is ready to enjoy her success. That is until one day Eva gets contacted by an older sister she didn’t know she had. She is given the chance to be part of a family again, then the unexpected happened and a tragedy changes her life forever. Now Eva is ready to fight for her niece no matter what, even asking her best friend to marry her in order to gain custody of her sister’s daughter.

Having been friends for the past ten years, Eva has witnessed Levi be surrounded by women. He is a confirmed bachelor who has no interest in getting married, but he is protective towards Eva and wants to make her happy, even if it means marrying his best friend for a short time. It was all supposed to be pretend, but the longer they spend together, the more Eva starts to fall for Levi. She just hopes that he feels the same for her.

I enjoyed reading Mine to Honor, though it can be read as a standalone, we get a cameos of previous characters from previous books. It’s evident from the very beginning that the characters have a strong bond, they are best friends who have been through so much over the years. They are there for each other no matter what so Levi does not think twice about helping Eva. Then things slowly began to change and their friendship starts to change to something more. Lines get crossed and they have to figure out if they are willing to give their relationship a chance or walk away from it. All in all, the story was sweet, romantic and full of steam. I would highly recommend checking it out as well as the rest of the books in the series! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

Meet Natasha Madison:

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Keep up with Natasha Madison and subscribe to her newsletter https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com/

To learn more about Natasha Madison & her books, visit here!

Connect with Natasha Madison:

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