As we welcome 2023, a new year means it’s time for new books to add to your never-ending TBR. Even though I have a new year goal not to buy any new books until I read AT LEAST three unread books on my bookshelf, that doesn’t mean there aren’t books out there piquing my interest. So in honor of the new year, I have transferred all the books on my notes app to share the ten books I’m most excited to read this year.
Brutes by Dizz Tate
February 7th, 2023
In Dizz Tate’s first novel, The Guardian called Brutes “a whip-smart and warped coming-of-age Florida fairytale.” The story follows a group of thirteen-year-old girls after the local preacher’s daughter disappears, discovering the secrets of this fictional Florida town. While born in London, England, Tates grew up in Orlando, Florida. As a native Floridian, I can’t wait to get my hands on this page-turner.
Not to mention if you’re in the St. Pete area, if you buy a copy of Brutes from Tombolo Books, you’ll be able to attend a virtual conversation with Dizz Tate! More information can be found here.
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
February 7th, 2023
Jen Beagin’s latest novel follows Greta, a sex therapy transcriber, who falls in love with her boss’ latest client, “Big Swiss.” After noticing Swiss’ voice in the park, Greta introduces herself with a fake name and they soon begin a relationship. “Big Swiss is a dark party; a hilarious romp through new age pop psychology, romantic obsession, sapphic acrobatics, dogs, and the desire to end it all,” praises Melissa Broder, the author of Milk Fed.
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
February 21st, 2023
I love to read from all genres and am always on the lookout for the perfect thriller, and The Writing Retreat hits all the marks. The Writing Retreat follows Alex, a wannabe author when she gets an exclusive invitation to a month-long writing retreat. The event takes a turn when the host reveals that all attending must write a novel from scratch, and the best one will win a million-dollar publishing deal. This book will surely keep you reading all night.
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh
April 4th, 2023
Historical fiction? Enough said. Cursed Bread is based on the (true!) story of the unsolved mass poisoning of spoiled bread in a French village in 1951, which caused the residents to go crazy. This novel centers around Elodie, a baker’s wife, who becomes engrossed in a new couple that moves into town. “Cursed Bread is a fevered confession, an entry into memory’s hall of mirrors, and an erotic fable of transformation.”
Happy Place by Emily Henry
April 25th, 2023
BookTok’s favorite author, Emily Henry, known for her books People We Meet on Vacation, Beach Read, and Book Lovers, released her latest novel this April. While I chronically rate her books three stars on Goodreads, I’ll still happily read this newest release. Happy Place follows Henry and Wyn, a recently broken up couple, going on their friend group’s yearly vacation, but the only thing… they haven’t told their friends yet. So if you’re a fan of fake dating, forced proximately, and “there’s only one bed” tropes- then I’m sure this will be a must-read.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carly Fortune
May 2nd, 2023
While I have yet to read Carley Fortune’s debut novel that everyone and their mother knows about, Every Summer After, I can’t wait to go to my local bookstore and pick up both these books. In Meet Me at the Lake, 32-year-old Fern returns home to her mother’s lakeside resort when she runs into Will. She and Will met once nine years ago and became close friends for 24 hours. “A beautiful, heart-tugging love story about secrets, lies, missed connections, and second chances,” praises Jill Santopolo, author of Stars in an Italian Sky.
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
July 11th, 2023
Ripe follows Cassie, who is struggling with her job in the corporate world and her CEO’s illegal demands; she feels isolated. Her only friend is a black hole that grows with her distress, and when she finds herself pregnant, she wonders if it’s all worth it. “A surreal novel about a woman in Silicon Valley who must decide how much she’s willing to give up for success—perfect for fans of My Year of Rest and Relaxation.”
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
July 18th, 2023
I’m super excited about the release of this book as I’ve read Velvet Was the Night and Mexican Gothic. While I have mixed feelings about Garcia’s writings at times, I’m interested in her latest novel. Silver Nitrate follows the story of Montserrat, who is invisible to her best friend, Tristan. But when they meet a movie director who fears he’s cursed and is never able to finish the final scene in his movie about a Nazi occultist. “As they work together to unravel the film’s mystery and the obscure occultist who once roamed their city, Montserrat and Tristán may find that sorcerers and magic are not only the stuff of movies.”
Rouge by Mona Awad
September 2023
A new novel by Mona Awad, author of Bunny, with the cover yet to be revealed. I recently read Bunny, and I loved it, and while there are absolutely zero details on this novel online- I can’t wait to read Rogue later this year.
The Wedding Wish (The Ex Hex #3) by Erin Sterling
October 3rd, 2023
This final novel, with the cover yet to be revealed, is the third in a series of Halloween season novels by Erin Sterling (pen name for thriller author Rachel Hawkins). This novel will follow the third Penhallow brother, Bowen, and a girl he meets during the Winter Solstice, that sends them 50 years in the past. This time-traveling tale is sure to be a classic in this series of spooky stories.