It’s a wrap! 2023

According to Goodreads, I have read 79 books this year. My hopeful target was 100 so I didn’t quite get there. But I read some fantastic books took part in some really fun blog tours and readalongs and went to some lovely bookish events.

I managed to complete the 2023 Popsugar Reading Challenge, ticking off the last of the prompts in the last day of the year. I’ll share a separate round up in a couple of days.

To end the 2023, here are 12 of my favourite reads of the year:

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Not a huge sports fan I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a novel that focused so much on competitive sport but I found this absolutely compelling. I think it really captured The pain and passion, dedication and sacrifice needed for success.

My review is here

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Oh my goodness, this book gives you all the feels! I read it in one sitting. It’s just beautiful – heart-warming and tear-jerking and the character will stay with you long after the last page.

My review is here.

The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith

This was by far the longest book in my TBR this year and it did not disappoint. Complex and fascinating, you definitely need to immerse yourself in this one. Fans of the series will love it.

My review is here.

The Lido by Libby Page

The Lido was published in 2018 and had been on my TBR for far too long. It’s all about the importance of community and friendship and I though it was wonderful.

My review is here.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutano

I loved the main character, Vera. She brings people together and allows them to heal and love and her found family give her a renewed sense of purpose and energy. And there’s a great mystery at the heart of the book. A fun read.

My review is here.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This book has really taken the world by storm and the hype is thoroughly deserved. I was lucky enough to meet Bonnie Garmus and hear her talk about this wonderful book.

My review is here.

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

I love Laura Wood’s YA fiction so was very excited to receive an advanced copy of her adult romance. This is such a fun enemies to lovers style romance. Look out for it in 2024.

My review is here.

If I Can’t Have You by Charlotte Levin

This is fantastic, tense thriller. The characters manage to be both vile and sympathetic at the same time and the line between victim and villain is blurred.

My review is here.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Brilliant YA novel exploring identity and love. It takes place on one momentous day when Natasha and Daniel meet. Natash is facing deportation and Daniel is feeling the weight of his parents’ expectations.

My review is here.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett.

I love everything Janice Hallett writes! I love the style of her writing and cleverness of her plots. True crime, cults and mysteries galore in this fantastic read.

My review is here.

The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley

Fun musical theatre based LGBTQ+ romance, I really enjoyed this. It had been in my NetGalley shelf for far too long and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My review is here.

The Girls by Emma Cline

This is one of those books where you know what is going to happen from the outset. The story is how it gets to that point. There is such a growing sense of dread and it was utterly compelling. Dark and disturbing and beautifully written.

My review is here.

My goal for 2024 is to clear as much of my physical TBR as possible as the books definitely seem to have multiplied this year.

See you in 2024!

Happy reading

E x