I read so many good books this year, but here are my favorite books of 2023 in no particular order.
nanny Written by Lana Ferguson
Kathy Evans is finishing her master’s degree when she loses her job and faces eviction. Fortunately, she was able to find single father Aiden a job as her live-in nanny at a high salary. He is busy as a chef and needs someone he can trust with his daughter. Sure he’s hot, but Cassie can be professional. Only after she moved and settled down did Kathy realize that she and Aiden knew each other. He was her online client when she was a digital sex worker.
I really liked the conflict in this book. Because a lot of it is just dealing with internalized emotional issues. Aiden and Cassie are both really well written and complex. And I always appreciate when kids in books actually act like kids. I gave this book an A in my review and I stand by it. I think the writing is top-notch and I’ve been looking forward to her next book. fake companionwhich was also one of my favorites this year.
Please purchase at Amazon
The secret life of country gentlemen Written by KJ Charles
I love KJ Charles so I was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. Gareth Inglis is an oft-exploited young man who was abandoned by his father at an early age and hasn’t had much luck since. Gareth finds joy in a casual relationship with a mysterious stranger, but that is interrupted by the sudden death of his father. Suddenly he is Lord Gareth, with a half-sister as his dependent and a house in Romney Marsh.
Joss Doomsday has been the leader of a family of smugglers in the swamps for many years, taking on the stress of shared responsibility and leadership. His only escape is to meet Gareth in London, but neither of them is initially aware of their tenuous connection. When Gareth attempts to testify to the crime, Joss blackmails him into silence. This is not a happy reunion, but the two live in the same swamp and cannot avoid each other forever. The mystery surrounding Sir Gareth’s father’s death may pull Joss back into his orbit and make them realize just how much the lonely baron and overwhelmed smuggler have in common.
Gareth is (pardon the pun) the good straight guy to the other eccentric characters, and it’s great fun to see him shake his beliefs. Although I enjoyed the mystery, my favorite parts of the book are definitely the quiet moments of emotional connection between Joss and Gareth. Both of them have had difficult lives in many ways, but the way they overcome their differences and focus on their commonalities makes for a true love story.
Please purchase at Amazon
unbridled power Written by Freya Maruske
This is the final episode last binding It’s a trilogy and best read in order, but it’s by far my favorite of the three. Marusuke’s writing is, for lack of a better word, magical. This world is full of interesting characters working together, both fair and foul, and has strong themes that lead to satisfying resolutions. I can’t give it a higher compliment than to say it’s a strong conclusion to a quirky and exciting series. Jack and Alan are both fascinating protagonists, and it’s easy to fall in love with them both as a couple and as individuals. While it’s fun to watch all the pieces of the puzzle come together, the romance can’t be ignored either. Despite the worldbuilding, the characters convey the emotional resonance of the story.
Please purchase at Amazon
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dates with the Devil Written by Sarah Hawley
I’m not a big fan of the Reylo (Rey/Kylo Ren) derivative fiction that has been such a big hit lately, but I really liked this book. Mariel is a witch from a family of powerful witches, but her only passion is plants. Frustrated by her mother’s constant demands, Mariel’s spell goes wrong and she accidentally summons the demon of her soul bargain. Ozros came to her small home with one purpose: to offer Mariel something in exchange for her soul. Mariel has no interest in handing over his soul, but once he is summoned, Ozros cannot leave without making a deal. The situation becomes even more complicated when Mariel claims that Ozros is her lover in order to try to hide the humiliating mistake from her family. The longer the witch and devil have to spend together, the more they actually like each other. But Ozros’s deal has a ticking clock, and no matter the outcome, happiness will never come to the false lovers.
I really enjoy conflict that seems inevitable. You’ll be hooked and root for the characters even more. I also love “The Wife Man” and Ozros defends Mariel even though he doesn’t understand why Mariel does it. The setting is appealing, but I think the world building leaves something to be desired. That’s my only complaint. I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
Please purchase at Amazon