My 8 favorite romance reads of 2023

It was honestly a slow reading year for me.  But still, I found a few fantastic romance gems that are worth talking about. In no particular order, here they are:  

Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

I had never heard of a "dark rom com" until I saw an ad for this book. I read a sample chapter and was sold immediately. This one isn't for the squeamish, but for me, it was utter perfection.  

Criminals Need Love Too by Isabel Jordan

I definitely need more romances with morally grey heroines. I mean, you can't swing a dead cat in Romancelandia without hitting at least one morally grey hero. But heroines? They're few and far between. The heroine in this book is FLAWLESS. She's smart, hilarious, snarky, and has a heart of gold hidden under her tough exterior. So, if you're into amazing heroines, ex con heroes, and caper romances, this one's for you. (So, so many laughs)

The Coldest Winter by Brittainy Cherry

When I'm in the mood for emotional contemporary romance, I know I can always count on Brittainy Cherry to deliver a heart-wrenching read that will leave me in a book hangover for days to come. She never misses. This book is no exception. 

Secrets of Shooting Star Lake by Susanna Strom

This is one of the best series starters I've ever read, and it's definitely VERY high up on my favorite wolf shifter reads of all time. Highly recommend! 

The Muse by Emma Scott

Gorgeous M/M paranormal romance in a series that I am OBSESSED with so far. Can't recommend this book (or this author) highly enough. 

Ruling Sikthand by Victoria Aveline

This series has some of the best world building I've ever seen in sci fi romance--and it's super sexy, too. If you want to start with this series, start with Choosing Theo and I'll never look back.  

His Proposal by Angel Rayne

This series and its predecessor, the His Game trilogy, had me in a CHOKEHOLD. At the end of each book, I was simply dying to know what was going to happen, and how the author could possibly fix what was wrong with these couples and get them to happily ever after. She did it, though. And I was hooked on every word. (Note: read trigger warnings. This is a dark romance series. It's one of those series that will make you question things about yourself and your kinks. Don't say you weren't warned.) 

Knockout by Sarah MacLean

She's an explosives expert. In a historical romance. I mean, if that doesn't sell you on the book, I just don't know what will. 

But those are just a few of MY faves. What about yours? Let's discuss!