So far this year, I have read sixty-four books. My goal was ninety, but sometimes I like to think highly of myself. In my opinion, out of those sixty-four books I’ve had many five-star reads. A few in particular, from different genres, have stood out to me.

 The books that I am usually most drawn to consist of romance novels. However, I expanded my taste a little more this year. This list contains autobiography, romance, fantasy, adventure, dystopian, and fiction genres. 

Reading can be fun if you find the kind that interests you. There are all different types/stories in this selection. I highly recommend reading the books in this article and I hope it will inspire you to read more.

10. Night by Elie Wiesel

Night is based on a true story. It’s a memoir about a young Jewish boy who is taken from his home and put in a concentration camp, set in the years 1941-1945, during WWII. Through his time in the concentration camps, Wiesel faced grief, starvation, dehydration, struggle with his relationship with God, and guilt. This novel is very heart-touching, emotional, and serious. It is difficult to find another book like this that will give the readers more insight into real-world events. 

This book helped open my eyes to the cruelty of the world. It helped me understand WWII more in-depth. I gave this read five stars.

9. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire is a fantasy adventure book. It’s the fourth in a seven-book series. This book follows Harry Potter returning to Hogwarts for his fourth year. During this year, the Triwizard tournament takes place. Two other wizarding schools attended Hogwarts to compete. Since Harry is only in his fourth year, he cannot compete in the tournament. Until, suddenly, he is competing. 

I gave this book five stars. I love the whole Harry Potter series. However, this one was my favorite. 

8. Wildfire by Hannah Grace

Wildfire was recently released. It is the second book in the Maple Hills series. It follows Aurora Roberts and Russ Callaghan as they spend their summer counseling at a summer camp. They have been going to the same school but just met each other a few days before their summer started. During this time they become closer friends and go through hardships together. 

I gave this book five stars because I liked it much more than the first one. I think this book had more thought and planning than the first. 

7. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Love and Other Words is a cute and short love story following two people as they grow up, fall in love, separate, and then meet later in life. Macy is in a one-sided engagement when she runs into  Elliot who is in a relationship. Love does crazy things to people. This book perfectly defines ‘right person, wrong time.’

This is the only romance book that made me teary-eyed this year. If you are one to read emotional love books, read this one. With no surprise, I gave it five stars. 

6. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Caraval is the first book of a fantasy fiction trilogy. Scarlett is the sister to Tella who both live on a tiny island with their abusive father. They have dreamed of attending the infamous Caraval show, but don’t have any more hope that they will be able to attend because of Scarlett’s upcoming arranged marriage. Until one event leads to another and they somehow end up at Caraval. 

In my opinion, this book was amazing. It is fairly long but I got through it in two days. I did not finish the second book so it was not my favorite. I gave this novel five stars.

5. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight a very famous book and movie series. It is the first in a seven-book series. The main character, Bella Swan, has moved to Forks, Washington to live with her father. While in Forks she meets and falls in love with Edward Cullen who has a very big secret. This book is mostly romantasy (a fantasy story that has romance) but there is a little action as well. 

I love the Twilight movies so I decided to read the first book this year, and I absolutely LOVED it. The books are so much better than the movies. I gave this book five stars. 

4. The Deal by Elle Kennedy

The Deal is a college hockey romance book. It is the first in the Off-Campus series. The book is about the well-known hockey player Garrett Graham and the smart and sassy Hannah Wells. To keep his hockey career Garrett has to keep good grades, he’s in desperate need of a tutor. Hannah agrees to be his tutor on one condition; a fake relationship.

If you know me, you know I prefer a hockey romance over any romance any day of the week. I have over twenty hockey romance books in my collection and this one tops them all. I gave this five stars.

3. Assistant To The Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer 

Assistant To The Villian is the story of Evie and the Villian. It was released in August and became very popular. It is a romantasy adventure novel. Throughout the book, they face many challenges together which brings them closer. In their workplace, there is an undiscovered mole. Evie and the Villian have to put their heads together to find this mole. It is a dual POV of both the assistant and the Villain. 

I liked this book because it was equally funny and serious. I also love a good romantasy. I gave this book five stars.

2. Kingdom Of The Wicked by Kerri Manidcalco

Kingdom Of The Wicked is a fantasy novel. If follows Emilia who is a twin witch in the 1800’s. Both she and her sister are witches. Her sister is found murdered and Emilia is bound to find out who it was. She has to fight off evil spirits to find out what has happened and save her magical family. This is the first book out of three. 

I gave this book five stars because I read it all in one sitting. Literally, did not put it down one time. It was my number one book for the year until I read Shatter Me. Great read. 

1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me is a dystopian romantic thriller novel; the first in a six-book series. It is based on the character Julliete Ferras, a teenager who cannot touch anyone without causing the victim a great deal of pain. When one event leads to another, she realizes she can use her lethal touch for good. The Reestablishment is the new government of the world, and they are not the good people. Julliete plans to fix this. 

I gave this book five stars. However, if I could I would have given it six. It only took me one day to read, I recommend this book more than any. 

Well, these are my top ten books of 2023. I hope you recognize some on the list. Most of them fell into the fantasy/romance section, so definitely reach out to me if you need more recommendations, and leave a comment about your own recommendations!