What I read in 2022 and my monthly top picks. I had set a goal to read 24 books and I was able to complete 62. I wonder how many I can read in 2023, can I make it to 100?
I had a reading sprint in the summer but by September I suffered a severe book hang-over. I do feel a bit accomplished that I’m caught up on some hyped books in years past. I bite the bullet and jumped into the world of ACOTAR. I was pleasantly entertained and truly impressed by the Bat Boys’ fans base, nothing beats an army wing-span debacle. Do wing-spans really matter?
It may be an unpopular opinion but a stand-out author for me was certainly Penelope Douglas. I am sorely disappointed with myself that I haven’t read her work before this year. I remember when Punk 57 was on everyone’s must read list in 2016. I found an appreciation for her writing especially as a palate cleanser when high-fantasy became too tedious. I do have those spurts when reading too much of one genre becomes monotone. Although, Douglas’ very aggressive character basis is anything but fantasy, I was captivated that her books are centered in a singular universe. Also, as a 30-something-year-old reading high school and college drama, I rather enjoyed a bit of modern fantasy. Boyfriend drama, check. Generational trauma, check.
There were many books I did enjoy in addition to those ranked, trust me narrowing 62 to 12 was a difficult task. Especially, when I had personal favorites stacked in the same month. I did make my choices in true Marie Kondo fashion, did I have happy thoughts glancing at the cover? Yes, no, maybe. How did this book make me feel now compared to when I finished?
What are your thoughts on my picks?
Your Book Bestie, – T
January 2023
From Blood & Ash by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Tropes: Bodyguard Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Who did this to you?, Hidden Royalty, Strong Female Lead
February 2023
Kingdom of the Wicked by: Kerri Maniscalco
Genre: Romance, Goth Fantasy, Mystery
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Hidden Royalty, Strong Female Lead, Loss
March 2023
Of God’s & Monsters by: Zavi James
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Who did this to you?, Close Proximity, Guy Falls First, Strong Female Lead, Trauma Bonding
April 2023
Punk 57 by: Penelope Douglas
Genre: Romance, Fiction
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Trauma Bonding, High School Drama, Betrayal, Teenage Angst
May 2023
A Court of Mist & Fury by: Sarah J Maas
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Trauma Bonding, Strong Female Lead, Generational Trauma
June 2023
Fine Print by: Lauren Asher
Genre: Romance, Fiction
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy vs. Sunshine, Disneyland Fantasy, Betrayal
July 2023
Long Way Down by: Jason Reynolds
Genre: YA Fiction, Supernatural
Tropes: Generational Trauma, Systemic Trauma, Loss
Trigger Warning: Gun Violence, Death
August 2023
The Song of Achilles By: Madeline Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Tropes: One-Bed, Foreshadowing, Destiny, Hero
September 2023
The Ballad of Never After by: Stephanie Meyer
Genre: Romance, YA Fantasy
Tropes: Close Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Morally Grey Character with a Tragic Backstory, Betrayal, Love Triangle
October 2023
Falls Boys by: Penelope Douglas
Genre: Romance, YA Fiction
Tropes: Close Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Girl with Tragic Backstory, Trauma Bonding, Hero-complex
November 2023
Belladonna by: Adalyn Grace
Genre: Romance, Goth Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery
Tropes: New Found Family, Trauma Bonding, Enemies to Lovers, Guy Falls First
December 2023
Gallant by: V.E. Schwab
Genre: Goth Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery
Tropes: New Found Family, Strong Female Lead, Trauma Bonding, ASL
Don’t know what to read next? Check out my complete list of 2022.
Reading In Progress 
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