Hey Guys! As many of you know, I restarted my reading journey in January 2023. That year I had eight books that I gave five stars to. I found that I like more YA fantasy and dark romance books; I know weird combo. That being said, here are my five-star reads for 2023. Disclaimer: I tried to add all the trigger warnings I could find, so do your research before diving into some of these books!
8. The Sinner: Shantel Tessier
She was born into a world that revolved around power and wealth. Her father is a Lord, so she knew that meant eventually she would be married to one. Just when she thought everything was planned, tragedy struck her family, and her “Hero” came to her rescue.
“If life has taught me anything, it’s that it doesn’t stop when you need rest. You swallow your cries and you lift your chin. Because life doesn’t give a fuck about you. You either take it, or you let it kill you.”
7. Throne Of Glass: Sarah J Maas
The King is looking for a new champion. He decides to host a contest with twenty-four people fighting to become the winner. Among these is an assassin released from prison, Celaena Sardothien. Will she be able to gain the king’s favor and become his champion?
You could rattle the stars,” she whispered. “You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That’s what scares you most.
6. A Touch Of Darkness: Scarlett St. Clair
A Touch of Darkness is a beautiful retelling of Hades and Persephone. This book takes place in a world were the gods and the mortals interact and Persephone is trying to fit in as a mortal. Her plan gets derailed as hades begins to medal in her plans of being descrite by bringing her into his world.
“Respect could build an empire. Trust could make it unbreakable. Love could make it last forever.”
5. Haunting Adeline: H. D. Carlton
Haunting Adeline is a dark romance that follows Adeline as she lives alone in her deceased grandmother’s house. Before long, she finds old journal entries from her late great-grandmother, learning she once had a stalker. As strange things start happening around the house, Adeline begins to wonder if she now has a a stalker as well.
“When you make someone fall in love with the darkest parts of you, there’s nothing you can do that will scare them away.”
4. Corrupt: Penelope Douglas
I was Erica Fane wanted to experience life and feel alive.To do this she sought out the four horsemen and went out for Devils Night. Little did she know she would make choices that would change the course of all of their lives, including Michael, her boyfriends brother, one of the four horsemen.
“I wanted to get into a little trouble. I wanted to catch some rain, find something to make my heart pump again”
3. Assasins Blade: Sarah J Maas
Celaena is the best of Arobynn Hamel’s assasins. She doesn’t trust anyone except for her fellow assassin, Sam. She finds herself beginning to want a different life and questioning if she really is where she wants to be.
“Life isn’t easy, no matter where you are. You’ll make choices you think are right, and then suffer for them.”
2. Stolen Heir: Sophie Lark
Stolen Heir is the second book in the Brutal Birthright series by Sophie lark. This book follows the youngest Griffin, Nessa as she gets kidnapped by Mikolaj. Mikolaj is seeking revenge on Nessa’s family by holding her hostage all while they start to realize they have more in common than they think.
“Moja mała baletnica. My little ballerina.”
1. Killswitch: Penelope Douglas
After Winter sent Damon to prison she knew he was going to get his revenge. She didn’t expect that to include marrying her sister. Damon ruined her life more than anyone else, and he doesn’t seem finished yet. Will he ever feel she got what she deserved?
“Because pain in the body quiets the pain in the head. It feels good, like a kill switch for your brain.”
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