Becca’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023

Your Year of Reading Is Here!
I know what you’re thinking. “Becca, why are you doing this post in February when you should’ve told us what you’re looking forward to at the beginning of the year?” Well . . . I don’t exactly have a reason other than a few books on this list didn’t have covers yet, and they’re some of my most-wanted books this year, so I waited a little bit until they were here—and now they are! In fact, I am revealing one of the covers here today!! YES!! So, onwards . . .
First, let's reveal that cover . . .

YAY! It’s none other than resident favourite YA author Lynn Painter (Better Than The Movies, The Do-Over) with her newest read coming soon-ish (November ’23) called BETTING ON YOU. It follows Bailey and Charlie and is pitched as being in the vein of 10 Things I Hate About You, which is one of my favourite movies of all time, so I am BEYOND EXCITED. (Book artist is Liz Casal!) You can read all about the book here!
Happy Place by Emily Henry
As one of my favourite authors (ever) I think it’s fair to say that Emily’s books are an instant-buy, no matter the subject for me. This time around, the tropes are fake-dating set in Maine—one of my favourite places—so this one is already pre-ordered and I’m basically waiting at the door for it until release day.
The Prince & The Apocalypse by Kara McDowell
Kara’s books have always been well-loved by me (especially One Way Or Another) so I am really excited for a change of genre and setting from the usual style her books take place in! And as a Brit, I am always eager to see how true to life the characters are when written by someone not-British.
What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther
When I read my first K. L. Walther book (The Summer of Broken Rules) I was completely won over. And we’re getting TWO books by her this year, which feels like a real treat. The cover is giving Taylor Swift Midnights vibes and I am HERE for it.
A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey
Another book that only just got it’s cover released was Laura’s soon-to-come novel that has a character from A Cuban Girls Guide to Tea and Tomorrow taking center-stage. I love anything and everything Laura writes, so it’s no surprise this made the list. I am quite certain it’s going to be one of my favourites this year.
Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star by Laura Noakes
Now technically, I have already read this—but it’s still one of my most anticipated books to release this year! I’ve known Laura for years and this was one of the best middle grade stories I’ve ever read, and I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it!
Betting On You by Lynn Painter
What a surprise this was here?! I was eagerly anticipating the cover for this book and when Lynn did a call-out for anyone that wanted to release the cover today, I jumped at the chance! It has that same aesthetic that Better Than The Movies cover has and I am totally here for it.
We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard
I’ve never actually read anything by Wendy before, but when I saw this was a thriller/whodunnit style novel under the scope of Hollywood lore, I thought it would make the perfect late-Summer read this year.
Business Or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Since See You Yesterday was my second-favourite read of 2022, I knew that whatever Rachel was releasing this year had to go on my TBR! I’m actually in the process of reading some of her older YA books (I had one for Christmas that’s on my TBR) so I definitely can’t wait for this read about a ghostwriter!
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
Last year was the first time I’d ever read anything by Tessa and let me tell you . . . it was spicy. That being said, the plot was also really addictive and I am a firm new fan of hers. And this cover looks so sweet with major Valentine’s vibes. Plus it’s out today, so I will be snatching this up pretty soon!
The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
Another Lynn book?! YES!! Out in March is this sunshine-covered novel that sounds like an instant favourite already. It’s the sequel to Mr Wrong Number, which I loved, so I can’t wait to make this book my entire personality next month.
Maybe Meant To Be by K. L. Walther
My second K. L. Walther book on this list means we’re getting double the good reads this year! Out in September, it features a cover with all the prettiest autumnal colours with that same aesthetic of her previous books. I cannot wait for it!
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
I loved The Love Hypothesis last year, and I have Love On The Brain sitting pretty on my TBR, so this will make another great instalment to my Ali Hazelwood collection! I love reading about STEM with the romance weaved in, and Ali truly does have some of the best storytelling in her books.
She Started It by Sian Gilbert
The cover is giving dark summer vibes and I LOVE that. It’s a bit Revenge-esque. And it’s pitched as perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, and I love her books, so I’m pretty sure I’ll love this.
My Roommate Is A Vampire by Jenna Levine
Okay, so when I heard about this book, I JUMPED to add it to my TBR/find out everything about it. As an OG-vampire book lover turned romance reader, this book is at the top of my list!
Kismet by Becky Chalsen
Me, reading a book with a lighthouse on the cover?! No way . . . but in all seriousness, looking past my obvious favouritism of lighthouses (big, big fan) this seems like it’s going to be a sweet read and I’ve not read anything by Becky before, so I’m really excited for it.
Firsts and Lasts: 16 Stories from Our World…and Beyond
2023 has to have an anthology of amazing authors, and this one is going to be MINE this year. Featuring several of my favourite authors, this beautiful book boasts genre-crossing and coming-of-age stories for that teenage-to-adulthood stage. I’m very excited to read it this autumn!
So that’s my 2023 TBR sorted! I hope you’ve found something you want to read, too. Let me know in the comments or on twitter (here) what you want to read this year or any thoughts you have!
happy reading!
I’m definitely looking forward to Betting On You the most because obviously, 10 Things I Hate About You “retelling” is a must read. That movie started my obsession with enemies-to-lovers trope 😂 The Prince & The Apocalypse also sounds like a perfect summer read – fluffy romance filled with banter 😀
Definitely!! Lynn Painter books are always amazing, so I know Betting On You is high on my TBR! Tbh romances have become my go-to, so most of these have some sort of romantic theme 😂 thank you so much for stopping by my blog!! x