Being an avid reader, I pride myself on my diverse taste in books, and there is never a moment when I’m not reading or searching for new books. In 2022, I finished 18 books, but this year improved significantly racking up a list of 40 books. Not in any particular order, these amazing books were my favorites and must-reads from 2023.

   First is Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston. While I don’t typically gravitate toward romances, I had heard raving reviews, and it was highly suggested. This book was absolutely adorable and easy to read. It follows the U.S. President’s son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry of England in their relationship and all the heartache and excitement of dating. The only catch is they must keep their relationship a secret because of their high-profile lives. But what happens if it all comes out in the media? What happens if their parents find out about their hidden romance? This book is your stereotypical enemies-to-lovers trope with a little bit of spice. It has also been adapted into a movie on Amazon Prime but I recommend reading the book first because you get the full story. Plus, the book is better (as it typically is).

   Coming up second is the psychological thriller The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison. This book was a whirlwind. This book was dark and disturbing. It is a classic “don’t read at night” book that will make you question what you’re reading in the first place. The FBI is investigating a twisted kidnapping case and their key source is one of the victims of the crime. Each scene alternates between the interview and the event. When the victim is recounting her experience, the FBI learns that many young women deemed butterflies were kidnapped and locked in a garden. The kidnapper, also called The Gardener, detrimentally obsesses over the women and is incredibly abusive. But, the crime is deeper and more gruesome than initially thought. Though vile, this book was well-written and compelling. Despite the occasional grave discomfort, I loved it and could not put it down. Keep in mind The Butterfly Garden contains trigger and content warnings for rape, abuse, and pedophilia.

   Next is This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. If I am being honest, this fiction was heartbreaking to read at times because of the treatment of the main character, Poppy, a transgender, elementary school girl navigating gender expression and dysphoria. Her parents are doing their best to support her, but in the wake of doing so, the entire family dynamic changes, and life is turned upside down. After moving across the country for a better life, everything changes for the better and worse. It is beautifully written and does a phenomenal job of portraying the struggles of being transgender and loving yourself in a world that may say otherwise. It explores the complexities of family, love, acceptance, and the dynamic between public and private life. Please note that this book comes with a slight content warning for transphobia.

   Last but certainly not least is When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore. This is hands down the most poetic, gorgeously written book I have ever read. This YA fantasy/queer romance is a story of best friends Miel and Sam, both outcasts in their community. Roses grow from Miel’s wrists, and Sam is infamous for the moons he paints and how cryptic he is. But, though Sam is the one the town knows little about, Miel has secrets she would fight to protect. The Bonner Girls, a trio of sisters rumored to be witches, desperately want Miel’s roses because they believe the flower’s scent can make anyone fall in love with them. The Bonner Girls would reveal every secret Miel has kept to get their hands on her roses. When The Moon Was Ours has mild content warnings for transphobia and homophobia.

   Of course, there are many other books I read this year that I adored. I cannot talk about my favorites without citing these honorable mentions; Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (heavy trigger warnings for sexual assault and rape in two sections), The Humans by Matt Haig, and The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Their summaries can be found hyperlinked in the text.