5 Books to Read in 2023

Loveboat Reunion by Abigail Hing Wen

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed romance novel, Loveboat Reunion is expected to come out on January 25th, 2022. For those wanting to know, readers will be plunged back into Taipei and go on an adventure with characters Xavier and Sophie as the main leads.

Personally, I think Sophie is a bit of a bully character. And I don’t like bullies, I believe they deserve a horrible end in a story, not a redemption arc. But for those who adored Xavier, I’m sure this book will be a wild ride, and I cannot wait to read it. Abigail Hing Wen never fails to amaze, and this time, I’m sure her story will be better than the last one.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska

A very interesting book just from the summary, this fantasy story might be one to read as soon as you can. Featuring LGBTQ+ romance, a Polish coded cast, and fantasy elements, Midnight Girls seems like the perfect read on a wintry day.

One should remember, winter is ending soon, so pick up this book and read it. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I think this book has beautiful cover art and an amazing storyline. As a standalone novel, it’s also less intimidating to people who don’t like reading long book series. 

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

If you haven’t already, read Three Dark Crowns, a chosen-ones high-stakes Hunger Games reenactment to make you say, “Finally, we needed a story like this one.” We all need strong, murderous female leads to fuel our passion for books. The story of these enchantresses is as enchanting and enthralling as they are. Katharine, Arsinoe, and Mirabella are all very different people with very different love interests.

Honestly, the powers of the main characters are quite overpowered, explaining why they each have loyal factions. (I have a feeling everyone fears them.) Overall, the first book is a medium-paced political story that sets the scene for our epic hunger games battle in the second book. I can’t wait to read this one!

Castles in their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Three girls raised as pawns in their mother’s evil plans for world domination, Princesses Beatriz, Sophronia, and Daphne each have their own skillsets and personalities. Vaguely similar to Three Dark Crowns, Castles in their Bones is a story about becoming Queens and uniting a continent. However, the three sisters learn they can’t trust each other, leading to some misunderstandings.

Overall, the story is intriguing and imaginative, and I love how we have an evil mother with evil plans. It reminds me of what could’ve happened had Disney decided to make their villains actually big brains.

Finally, for my last rec, we have the book:

Belle Morte by Bella Higgin

Now then, I have never read vampire romance before. I haven’t even read twilight before because of the reviews saying that Edward gaslights Bella. However, Belle Morte seems interesting. Not only is the forbidden love trope done somewhat correctly, but the plotline is also about how the mc genuinely cares for her sister.

It’s done wonderfully. Many times, the mystery of a family member’s disappearance is left as an unknown, and the family member is simply assumed dead. I like how Higgin has managed to turn this into a story. Definitely would recommend if you want a change of pace from the normal type of romances these days. Beware however, wattpad novels have the tendency to read like fanfiction, which may not be suitable for all.