Who Are The Authors Of Goodreads Best Romances In 2023?

I’ve been diving into the Goodreads Romance category this year, and the authors who stood out in 2023 are a mix of seasoned favorites and fresh voices. Tessa Bailey continues to dominate with her steamy, character-driven stories like 'Unfortunately Yours'. Emily Henry’s 'Happy Place' was another huge hit, blending wit and emotional depth in a way only she can. Ali Hazelwood’s 'Love, Theoretically' brought her signature STEM romance flair to the top ranks.

Newcomers like Mazey Eddings ('The Plus One') and Hannah Grace ('Icebreaker') also made waves with their debut or sophomore novels, proving readers crave both heart and heat. Then there’s the evergreen Colleen Hoover, whose 'It Starts with Us' kept her fanbase hooked. Each of these authors brought something unique—whether it’s humor, tension, or raw emotion—to the table, making 2023 a stellar year for romance lovers.

Romance novels in 2023 on Goodreads were a delightful mix of tropes and tones, thanks to the authors who mastered them. Casey McQuiston’s 'I Kissed Shara Wheeler' showed their range beyond 'Red, White & Royal Blue', while Helen Hoang’s 'The Heart Principle' solidified her reputation for sensitive, neurodivergent representation.

Historical romance fans couldn’t get enough of Julia Quinn’s 'Queen Charlotte', a Bridgerton spin-off co-written with Shonda Rhimes, proving adaptations can breathe new life into beloved worlds. For fantasy romance, Sarah J. Maas’s 'House of Flame and Shadow' (though more fantasy-leaning) still had readers swooning.

Contemporary standouts included Christina Lauren’s 'The True Love Experiment', a meta take on romance tropes, and Talia Hibbert’s 'Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute', which brought YA romance to the forefront.

What’s fascinating is how these authors balanced escapism with real-world issues—whether it’s mental health, identity, or societal pressures—without losing the swoon factor. The diversity in subgenres (from rom-coms to dark academia) meant there was truly something for every mood.

As someone who tracks romance trends, the 2023 Goodreads list was packed with authors who nailed emotional storytelling. Tessa Dare’s 'The Bride Bet' reminded us why she’s the queen of witty historicals, while Lyssa Kay Adams’s 'The Bromance Book Club' series kept delivering laughs and heartfelt moments.

On the steamier side, Katee Robert’s 'Neon Gods' series pushed boundaries with its modern myth retellings. For quieter, poignant love stories, Annabel Monaghan’s 'Same Time Next Summer' and Katherine Center’s 'Hello Stranger' proved slow burns can be just as addictive.

I’d also highlight the rise of indie authors like Ruby Dixon, whose 'Ice Planet Barbarians' spin-offs kept sci-fi romance thriving. The year’s list wasn’t just about big names—it celebrated voices that resonated deeply, whether through quirky meet-cutes or gut-wrenching conflicts.