2023 was filled with fantastic young adult novels ranging from enemies-to-lovers romances, gripping whodunit mysteries, and spellbinding fantasies. Here’s a list of titles readers couldn’t stop talking about.
The She Reads audience voted on the Best Young Adult Book of 2023, and here is what you chose:

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Ross delivers a swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with witty banter, hope, and a fierce protagonist. It’s safe to say readers are obsessed with Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt and are desperately awaiting the sequel.

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Congrats Rebecca!


Make sure you check out more of the great young adult novels our editors chose as the best of 2023!

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

A tender coming of age romance bursting with vibrant characters and heartwarming family dynamics. Ander and Santi explores the intricacies of life, the people and places we call home, and the significance of finding your voice.

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Everyone's Thinking It

Everyone’s Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni

This brilliantly entertaining debut novel is a beautiful combination of mystery, coming of age, and friendship. Iyanu and Kitan are estranged cousins who attend the same prestigious boarding school but the circles they are in are polar opposites. But when Iyanu’s camera is stolen and everyone’s secrets are exposed, Iyanu and Kitan are forced to reunite to uncover the truth.

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Check and Mate

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Fan favorite Ali Hazelwood delivered her debut YA novel that readers quickly devoured. Chess destroyed everything for Mallory Greenleaf and she’s determined to leave the past where it belongs and focus on her future. But when she decides to play in a final charity tournament and beats the current world champion, Nolan Sawyer, she’s not ready to give up this feeling. No one can figure out how Nolan lost to a rookie but he’s eager to play Mallory again.

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Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

This tantalizing debut was described as Squid Games meets The Bachelor. The stakes are high when Adina Walker enters The Finish to reclaim what is rightfully hers and the tension is palpable as each character demonstrates how far they’re willing to go to win.

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Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

The author of Firekeeper’s Daughter returned with her much awaited sophomore novel, Warrior Girl Unearthed. Illustrating the power of familial bonds and the intensity of a heist, Boulley takes readers on a ride as she examines the complexities of cultural identity and indigenous history.

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Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

This mind-bending sequel enchanted fantasy romance readers with its gothic tones and perilous mysteries. As Signa and her cousin Blythe fight to uncover family secrets and murders, the two must play Fate’s games in order to win.

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Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

A refreshing enemies-to-lovers romance with positive mental health and queer representation had readers giddy with delight. Bradley Graeme and Celine Bangura are fierce competitors but now they’re teammates who must rely on one another to survive the outdoors and win the grand prize. What would seem like a simple task turns into quite the ordeal filled with witty banter and laugh out loud moments.

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Foul Heart Huntsman

Foul Heart Huntsman by Chloe Gong

Fantasy lovers cannot get enough of Chloe Gong and the second book, Foul Heart Huntsman, in her latest duology captivated readers. The race continues for Rosalind Lang, a national spy who has just been exposed. Time is ticking as she plans to find Orion, but this complicates things a bit.

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Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

A provocative psychological thriller following the disappearance of two girls a decade apart. The mysterious mansion and sinister characters create an ominous vibe reminding readers that the most dangerous monsters are right in front of you.

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