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It’s only a few days into 2023 and I am beyond eager for some of these books to be released later this year. If you’re looking for books to add to your to-be-read list, look no further! With that being said, let’s jump right into some of the most anticipated book releases of 2023.
If I’m being honest, I don’t really plan out what books to read + when to read them. However, if you have any reading goals this year, I hope this list is able to help you continue working towards reaching your goal. One of my reading goals for 2023 is to read every day. The format doesn’t matter, but getting in some reading every day has moved up on my priority list. Having books to look forward to helped me greatly with this particular goal.
I am also still not super picky about genre. I like to read whatever catches my attention. I am 100% guilty of buying some books solely based on their covers. So this list doesn’t cover a single genre, but rather multiple genres. I also listed out other books by some of the authors on this list in case you would like to read some of their already published works while waiting for their next release. *Just a note that the links are affiliate links, there is no extra cost to you but I will earn a small commission from your purchase which helps me keep the blog running.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Synopsis: Athena Liu and June Hayward graduated the same year from Yale and debuted in the same year in publishing. Despite this, Athena finds literary success while June feels as though nobody wants stories about “basic white girls”. When June witnesses Athena’s untimely and sudden death, June steals Athena’s work. June rebrands herself as Juniper Song and becomes a bestselling author. However, June will not be able to outrun Athena’s shadow and as she races to protect her secret, she discovers just how far she will go to protect what she thinks she is entitled to.
Why it made the list: Babel was my first introduction to R.F. Kuang. I have recently started that book and LOVE it so far. So I have no doubt that R.F. Kuang is going to become one of my favorite authors. This story is also compelling for a variety of reasons and I am interested in R.F. Kuang’s take on it.
Babel / The Poppy War / The Dragon Republic / The Burning God
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Lore Olympus: Volume Four by Rachel Smythe
Synopsis: As the rumor mill continues to churn, Hades struggles to find support and Persephone spends her days feeling more ostracized than included. Hades and Persephone decide to take it slow, but despite this decision, they find themselves inextricably pulled toward each other despite the chaos. Their destiny cannot be denied.
Why it made the list: Lore Olympus is a series of graphic novels that focus on Hades and Persephone. There are some heavy/dark topics but I have absolutely loved/devoured the first three Lore Olympus books. If you haven’t read them, consider checking them out/grabbing a copy below.
Lore Olympus: Vol. One / Lore Olympus: Vol. Two / Lore Olympus: Vol. Three
Release Date: May 23, 2023
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
Synopsis: A man who loves fairytales, marries a beautiful but mysterious woman. They both believed in happily ever after and thought they would live as much together. Despite promising to not pry into his bride’s past, her aunt falls ill and they are pulled back into her world as they go to the House of Dreams. The groom finds himself unable to resist prying into his bride’s past. As secrets of the past are revealed, a couple must decide what their fate will be.
Why it made the list: With other authors like V.E. Schwab and Holly Black leaving positive reviews and comparisons to Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I can’t help but be pulled into this upcoming world full of secrets and intrigue. I also tend to enjoy stories where there are secrets to be uncovered and rose-colored glasses to be pulled off of the main character(s).
Release Date: February 14, 2023
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Synopsis: In a sequel to The Ninth House, Alex and Dawes are unable to call for help during an attempted rescue. So they decide to assemble a team of allies to try and rescue the gentleman of Lethe. Together they will set off on a journey through arcane texts and artifacts that will uncover the society’s secrets. As faculty members begin dying, Alex knows something much more sinister is going on in New Haven. And she will have to overcome the demons of her past and the darkness upon which the university walls were built in order to survive.
Why it made the list: The Ninth House is upcoming on my to-be-read list and I have a feeling that by the time I have finished it, I’ll be hoping that this has been released so I can devour it next. Though I will admit, I am not a fan of the cover. If you haven’t read The Ninth House yet either, grab a copy below.
The Ninth House
Release Date: January 10, 2023 (Looks like I’ll get my wish sooner than later!)
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Synopsis: Despite being the perfect couple, Harriet and Wyn attend their annual trip to Maine with their closest friends, while hiding a secret. They broke up six months ago. Now sharing the main suite, Harriet and Wyn fight the feelings that still linger for each other. As the cottage is put up for sale and the group of friends try to come to terms with this week being their last together in Maine, Harriet and Wyn put up an act, for one last time?
Why it made the list: Emily Henry has made a name for herself in the contemporary romance genre and I expect this story to be no less than her usual fare. I do worry a bit about this novel having a miscommunication trope to it as Wyn doesn’t start fights and Harriet is laidback. If you haven’t read any other books by Emily Henry, consider giving them a read.
People We Meet on Vacation / Beach Read / Book Lovers
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
Synopsis: With a cottage core backdrop, this standalone YA novel focuses on Clara. Whose powerful magic is uncontrollable and comes with terrible consequences. When Clara needs help with a spell to save her father’s life, she is forced to seek help from her childhood friend, Xavier. Who was once sweet and naive, now quiet and distant. The two must work together to save Clara’s father, as Clara uncovers her magic is the only magic powerful enough to save the queendom.
Why it made the list: If I am being honest, I don’t read too much YA. Even when it comes to dark academia or novels with academic settings, it’s generally college-age characters. However, the aesthetic and “loss of innocence” themes really drew me in and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
Synopsis: Princess Atalanta is born a daughter, much to her parent’s dismay. She is then left on a mountainside to die but instead survives. Raised by a mother bear, under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Atalanta grows up wild and free, though she is warned that if she is to marry, it will be her undoing.
Atalanta loves her forest home and dreams of adventure. So when Artemis offers her the chance to fight in her name alongside the argonauts, Atalanta seizes her opportunity. She proves herself to be equal to the men she fights alongside. She is swept into a passionate affair and begins to question Artemis’s warning. Atalanta begins a quest to discover if she can carve out her own legacy in a world of men, while staying true to her heart.
Why it made the list: I am an absolute sucker for mythological retellings or any sort of story related to mythology. I bought a copy of Elektra as soon as it was released and cannot wait to dive into that world either, as well as Ariadne. I suspect if I enjoy Elektra and Ariadne, I will enjoy Atalanta just as much. I feel more like a collector of Jennifer Saint’s novels than a reader of her novels if I am being honest, but I have big reading goals for this year.
Elektra / Ariadne
Release Date: April 13, 2023
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
Synopsis: Olivia Huang Christenson is about to take over her grandmother’s matchmaking business, when a dating app arrives to threaten her family’s legacy. As though the app weren’t bad enough, Olivia discovers the app’s creator is none other than Bennett O’Brien who also happens to be LA’s most eligible bachelor. The two strike a deal, they’ll set each other up and whoever falls in love first, loses. But Olivia begins to question Bennett’s true intentions and her own feelings.
Why it made the list: I never really go out looking for these cute, rom-com-type books, they come looking for me. I always seem to enjoy them and rarely find myself disappointed by the tropes in them. These also tend to be a bit of a “palette cleanser” for me as I tend to enjoy heavier novels with darker subjects.
Release Date: January 10, 2023
Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
Synopsis: Based on the hit song GIRLS LIKE GIRLS by Hayley Kiyoko, 17-year-old Coley finds herself at a loss again. After losing her mother and relocating to Oregon, Coley meets Sonya and the attraction is immediate. But Coley does not want to get hurt again and Sonya has never been with a girl before Coley. It isn’t until both are able to accept the love they deserve, that the song begins to make sense.
Why it made the list: I have definitely enjoyed some of Hayley Kiyoko’s songs but she is also an actor?! And now a debut author? I can be weary sometimes of debut celebrity authors, but it seems Hayley Kiyoko has come up with a semi-normal plot line for this story and I am looking forward to grabbing a copy when it is released.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Synopsis: Shifting through time and perspective in contemporary India, this is an action-packed story about wealth, corruption, and violence of the Wadia family. Loved by some, loathed by others, but most of all, feared. Equal parts crime thriller and family saga, this story transports readers from small dusty villages, to urban and modern cities.
Why it made the list: I’m kind of regretting not picking this book for my Book of the Month pick. Instead, I chose Queen of Thieves by Beezy Marsh. Which I am still looking forward to but I will definitely be getting my hands on a copy of this book as well. This just seems like an action-packed story about an Indian family with no shortage of entertaining drama with lots of twists and turns.
Release Date: January 3, 2023
The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Synopsis: Alyssa Macallan’s powerful and wealthy husband is leaving her and Alyssa can feel the impending divorce. She begins to suspect that her soon-to-be ex-husband is scheming to leave her penniless. When the FBI shows up on her doorstep, Alyssa realizes what she really needs, is a friend. Alyssa then meets Bree Lorrance, who is running from a dangerous relationship of her own. They quickly become confidantes and Alyssa offers Bree her guest house. But not everyone is what they seem and sometimes, you can’t always get what you want, but you can sometimes get exactly what you deserve.
Why it made the list: A thriller full of twists and turns, toxic exes, scheming women, and dangerous lies. Sign me up! This book sounds like a cat-and-mouse game and I am very excited to dive in. Hank Phillippi Ryan also has a whole list of novels similar to this title and so if the other books are enjoyable, I’ll be eagerly awaiting the release of this novel.
Her Perfect Life / The First To Lie / The Murder List / Trust Me (to name a few)
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Synopsis: You were born promised to a King, but instead find yourself married to a tyrant. You helplessly watch your child be sacrificed to placate the gods. War is waged on foreign shores as you only find comfort in your own violent thoughts. This is not the life you deserved nor will this be your undoing. So you begin to plot. And when your husband returns in triumph, a decision must be made. Acceptance or vengeance. So bide your time and be prepared to force the gods hands as you begin to understand that power isn’t given, but rather taken.
Why it made the list: Can I just, can I just have a minute to process this synopsis? This gives me major bad b*tch vibes and I am here for it, all of it.
Release Date: March 2, 2023
Honorable Mentions
Begin Again by Emma Lord – January 24, 2023
The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood – February 21, 2023
The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry – February 21, 2023
Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong – February 28, 2023
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto – March 14, 2023
Final Thoughts
As if all of the book releases this year wasn’t exciting enough, 2023 will be the first year I’ll be reading for pure enjoyment. I spent 2019-2022 reading academically while I pursued my Bachelors of English. While I loved reading classic texts and studying and analyzing Shakespeare, I missed reading for the pure enjoyment of it. And being able to pick up a book just because it looked interesting, without needing to worry if the book I picked would work for my assignment.
I am also not the best at keeping up with what is being released and by whom, but I am trying to get better at staying up to date. I suppose this list was a way for me to keep my word to myself.
With that said, however, I hope that this list inspired your own reading for 2023. What are you looking forward to reading in 2023?
