My Favorite Thriller and Romance Book of 2023

While I have debated this post for a while, I decided why not! I am declaring the best thriller and romance books of 2023... according to me. And as always, just because I like a book does not mean that you have to agree. 

With any romance book, please make sure to get the trigger or content warning prior to reading. 

As an lifelong fan of thrillers and mysteries, I have struggled in the last few years to be drawn back into the category. Nothing has truly caught my attention and held me fast with an amazing plot and writing. Until, thanks to NetGalley, I was able to obtain and advance copy of Kellye Garret's Missing White Woman. 

If I had to describe the hold this book had over me, from a few chapters in, it would be hard to describe. I have not read a book in one sitting in quite some time but I literally could not put Missing White Woman down. Garrett is a master of storytelling! The way she weave the well developed characters into this fast paced tale is rare to find. The characters are so very relatable that they start to feel like long lost friends. 

Missing White Woman centers around Breanna, a woman who has experience loss and hardship in her life. She and her boyfriend go away for the weekend. He is an absolute workaholic. Working much of their weekend getaway, so they decide to stay an extra day. Yet, when Bree wakes up the next morning, he is nowhere to be found and there is a dead woman in their AirBnB. Could this be the same woman who's face is all over the news? Her story since coming to the town she disappeared from has captivated Bree but is it really her. 

What follows is Bree's search for answers. Along with a long lost friend she sets off to find the truth. There is definitely some drama in this relationship but it adds to Bree's backstop and gives us a glimpse as to what made her the woman she is today. 

I am afraid, if I keep going I will give the whole book away! Just know there are some amazing twists and turns throughout this absolutely captivating book. That is why this is my best thriller that I have read in 2023. Although this book is slated for release in April 2024, add it to your TBR now! 

And on to my top romance book of 2023 and this one is definitely a book that people either love or hate. Despite it ripping my heart out (definitely have tissues ready), I absolutely loved the story. 

Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger centers around Kayla who has recently become a widow. The book opens at her husband Michael's funeral.

When she arrives home from the funeral, she discovers a letter from Washington State Penitentiary. She has no clue who would be sending her a letter from prison. She quickly opens the letter to discover a short message. 

“I’ll wait forever if I have to.”

The letter is signed, Dante. She has absolutely no clue who Dante is. This sets her on edge, yet she responds. This starts a curious correspondence with this mystery man. From there, we read about her going through her days spent with headaches and grief. As time goes on strange things begin happening and Kayla is left questioning if this is all because of Dante. 

I have to stop here or I will ramble on and give the whole story away. This is another book that I couldn't put down. J.T. Geissinger weaves an intricate story that is well written and draws you in. Geissinger is a master storyteller and you will never see the twists and turns coming until they hit you square in the face. 

Again, this book had split reviews. However, if you like a great story that will wrap it's fingers around you and not let go until the very end then this book could be for you. 

Please let me know what your top books are for 2023! You never know who needs your favorite added to their TBR.