The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

We have to kick this list off with today's guest! If you were a fan of Schitt's Creek, this novel will be your favorite book fo the summer.

Follow Chrissy, the owner of a Louisiana farm offering manners tours, as she grapples with her son's desire for a "big gay wedding" on her property, igniting a journey of acceptance in this small-town romance.

Lane's delightful storytelling, eccentric characters, and over-the-top wedding shenanigans make this closed-door romance a must-read for the wedding season.

Learn more in today’s Book Gang interview with Byron Lane as we discuss his inspiration for this charming story, including his own wedding proposal story to New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley.

This sapphic romance was one of my favorites of the year and was also hailed as a Best Romance Novel of 2022 by the New York Times.

This laugh-out-loud novel combines the excitement of 90 Day Fiancé with the thrill of The Amazing Race, as two women who've never met before must convince their families that they're in love and getting married within six weeks to win a cash prize on the reality show, Instant I Do.

Prepare for fast-paced drama, steamy open-door scenes, and thought-provoking exploration of family, identity, and faith, all accompanied by a Real World-inspired confessional cam.

Published by Carina Adores, an imprint of Harlequin committed to inclusion and representation, this page-turner is a perfect match for Pride month.

Byron brought this backlist classic to our wedding stack, describing it as a fun, warm, and thrilling story for any rom-com lover.

His favorite part? The exploration of scandal and what it looks like in politics, in the public eye, and in families.

Follow the son of the US President as he falls for the Prince of England.

When a compromising photo surfaces, their families hatch a plan for damage control—a staged friendship. But as their fake connection evolves into an unexpected romance, it threatens their reputations and the fate of the two nations.

McQuiston's meticulous research into the White House and Kensington Palace adds depth to this beautiful, funny, and charming love story. She described researching this as an, "eye-opening crash course in the queer correspondence that history has forgotten."

Don't miss the upcoming movie adaptation set to premiere on August 11th on Prime, featuring Uma Thurman as the newly elected U.S. President!

Byron Lane shared that this novel perfectly captures the struggle of torn loyalties and the complexities of friendship.

Domenic Marino is tired of being the token gay best friend and wants to focus on himself.

However, he's stuck in the middle of his two best friends' warring wedding plans and tasked with attending their bachelor and bachelorette parties, where unexpected romance and chaos ensue, putting everything at risk, including Dom's life.

With themes of love, choices, and self-discovery, this story delves deep into exploring identity and the true meaning of life, offering a captivating read for those who appreciate profound introspection!

Meddelin finds herself in a hilarious and chaotic predicament when her blind date dies.

With the help of her meddling mother and aunties, they embark on a wild journey to dispose of the body, leading to unexpected complications, especially when it's accidentally shipped to a luxurious wedding they are working at!

As the twists and turns unfold, the family's love and banter shine through, making this an uproariously funny and heartwarming tale of murder, romance, and family bonds.

I loved this first book in the Aunties series and readers have also praised the second installment, Four Aunties and a Wedding, if you need a lighthearted series to dive into this summer this is a fun one!

Nahnatchka Khan, the creator of Fresh Off the Boat, has joined forces with Netflix fo adapt this series into film, and I can't wait to watch!

As we screen book club contenders, top on my wedding book stack for this summer is this historical fiction escape from the author of The Kitchen Front featured in our favorite friendship stories for Galentine’s Day.

After losing everything in the London Blitz, renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott seeks refuge in her estranged family's manor house.

As she navigates rebuilding her life and business in a quaint country village, she unwittingly becomes the catalyst for a group of women who, inspired by her spirit, join forces to mend wedding dresses and discover love.

Recently released on paperback, this novel is highly rated with readers praising this character-driven novel as another eye-opening read on the rations system and endurance of female friendship.

Twin sisters Ami & Olive couldn't be more different. Ami always seems to have the best luck, and Olive is her poor, unlucky sister.

When the entire wedding party gets food poisoning at Ami's wedding, Ami decides to forfeit her honeymoon to Olive and Ethan (the brother-of-the-groom), who reluctantly partner up when they are the only two unscathed guests.

After all, Ami won the honeymoon free of charge (of course she did!), and this vacation is nonrefundable.

As they embark on their temporary truce, they discover hidden layers to each other's story in these close honeymoon quarters.

This backlist selection from the writing duo, Christina Lauren, is one of my absolute favorites. Readers are also praising their newest summer release, The True Love Experiment if you love their writing!

Delilah reluctantly returns to her hometown for her stepsister's wedding, as her photographer, only to find an unexpected connection and spark with one of her sister's friends.

As the wedding preparations unfold, Delilah and Claire navigate their complicated pasts and undeniable chemistry, challenging their perceptions of love and what they truly desire.

With a light-hearted backdrop and steamy encounters, this highly-rated novel is perfect for readers seeking an escape into a backlist sapphic romance with a wedding theme.

Keep in mind, this highly-rated small-town romance is the first installment in Blake's Bright Falls series. If you love it, be sure to grab the second in the series, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail.

This magical historical fiction story skillfully explores the rich history of Jewish matchmaking and is my top recommendation for a JOYFUL Jewish story. It's the author's first dip into magical realism, but she has promised it won't be our last!

Sara is a talented matchmaker in a time when men dominated the profession and finds herself unwelcome despite her natural gifts.

Neatly woven into the threads of this dual timeline story, her granddaughter Abby, a successful divorce attorney, uncovers Sara's story and her inherited gifts for the trade. This proves to be a hurdle to her identity and a risk to her job.

I selected this as part of our 2023 book club year, and readers loved learning more about Jewish wedding customs. Patrons can enjoy an hour with the author to learn more about the inspiration for this feminist-forward selection in our Book Gang Patreon.

The love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton inspired this enchanting royal romance.

During her time at Oxford, an American named Bex Porter unexpectedly finds herself falling in love with Nick, the heir to the British throne.

However, their relationship is not without challenges, including Nick's complicated family dynamics, intrusive tabloids, and the public's expectation that their future king would marry a fellow Brit.

As the highly anticipated wedding approaches, Bex reflects on her sacrifices for true love and the difficult decision she may ultimately have to make.

This novel is my favorite fictional Royal wedding retelling. If you love this novel, check out my interview with the authors, where we discuss what details they wanted to highlight from the William and Kate love story, and the second novel in the series, The Heir Affair (The Royal We 2)

Max Moody's carefully constructed life in New York City takes an unexpected turn when his best friend, Paige, announces her engagement and asks him to be her man of honor.

As Max grapples with the shocking news and adjusts to the idea of settling down, he finds himself caught between two men: the groom, Austin, and Chasten, Austin's charismatic and attractive gay younger brother who is also the best man.

The author brings his award-winning screenwriter background, in film and television, to this cinematic novel that Byron Lane says he's excited to champion and cheer on this year!