Guest post written by Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair author Laura Piper Lee
Laura Piper Lee writes lots of things: texts to her partner to buy her emergency Coke Zeros, pointless replies to ignorant social media posts, to-do lists that never get done—but she only gets paid to write adult romantic comedies featuring characters as hapless as she is.
Releasing on February 13th 2024, her hilarious debut adult rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is all about starting over that sparkles with intelligence, wit, and compassion—think Bridget Jones meets Steel Magnolias!
As a devoted romance reader, viewer, and now author, I’ve had a long time to hone my ideal love interest. Sure, I like the occasional dark, brooding, dangerous type that’ll help you with your dragon or whatever, but what really makes me tick, in real life and in fiction, is a hot, lovable goofball. I’m not alone, either. Matt Berry’s Lazlo in What We Do in the Shadows, Jessica Williams’ Gaby from Shrinking, every single character in New Girl—TV is full of lovable goofballs, and the good news is, so are romance novels.
What is it that makes a goofball so incredibly attractive? If the adage that we fall in love with how a person makes us feel is true, it makes perfect sense. Goofballs are fundamentally positive people. They look at life through a fun, playful lens, which makes them great flirts and someone you want around when life gets hard. Also, it takes confidence to be so unabashedly silly and positive. While sarcasm screams I make fun of others because I’m terrified of looking uncool, a goofball doesn’t care what others think of them—they just want everyone to have a good time. That kind of confidence is so mmmm.
My debut adult rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair was the first romance novel I’d ever written, and I knew as I set out to write this book, the love interest needed to be a goofball. Someone who is warm, loving, attentive, and playful, who can alternate between making you laugh and making you blush. There is simply nothing hotter to me! And once Hannah meets River, the handsome carpenter with a man bun and a cat named “Battle Cat” who lives in the tricked-out treehouse next door, she definitely agrees.
So, if you’re like me and you’d rather laugh and snuggle than manage some wicked fiend out of his cloak, grab one of these lovely novels featuring goofballs of the highest quality:
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
This is a Christmas rom-com, but Hall is so incredibly lovable, darling, goofy, and perfect, I suggest you break out your hot chocolate, put your coziest socks on, and curl up with the perfect man holiday spirit come to life and bask in the joy this novel evokes in every single page.
The Roommate by Rosie Danaan
You know who could really use a hot goofball porn actor for a roommate? Other than *checks notes* all of us? Clara Wheaton, the prim east coast socialite who stars in this laugh-out-loud, swoony, STEAMY rom-com. The couch scene is simply iconic. You’re welcome.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Talia Hibbert writes some of the funniest, most adorable swoon-fest romances in the business, and she really knocked it out of the park with this installment of the Brown Sisters series. Don’t be fooled—Zaf has a gruff, grumpy exterior, but he is made of pure adorable, loving goofball energy.
With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson
I love Alicia Thompson’s work (and also her newsletters, sign up if you haven’t yet), and this is my favorite of her romances so far. Asa is the best kind of playful, an amazing flirt, and would have my heart pounding if he were my co-worker at my run-down wintery amusement park in humid Florida. Two thumbs up, would definitely goof around with this guy.
The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain
Now, I’m gonna be a bit mean here and share some of my favorites that are publishing later in 2024, but you’re going to forgive me once you read them! Kieran O’Neill is the best kind of goofball—one who can also cook. If you love chaotic, handsome chefs with a heart of gold, pick this one up! Out September 2024.
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
In this sapphic, opposites-attract romance by the voicy Mazey Eddings, our lovable goofball is Opal who, after winning the lottery, decides to go off the grid and buy a flower farm because that’s how adorable she is. This one isn’t out yet, but keep your eyes peeled! Out April 2024.
Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti
Okay, maybe you like your goofballs to be of the Duke variety? Alexandra Vasti is my absolute favorite historical romance author because she gets every bit of it right—the voice, the period, the HEAT (OMG), and also the cheeky humor that makes me reach for historicals in the first place! I absolutely adored her Halifax Hellions novella series, and this is her debut full-length novel and y’all, it does not disappoint! Pick this up when you’re ready to blush, swoon, and pull the drapes closed for an evening. Out July 2024.
A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare
Cited by many as the ultimate goofball love interest, Colin from A Week to be Wicked is everything we love in a hot goofball. Amazing flirt, confirmed rake, and an all-around good time.
Grab this classic if you’re ready to jump into the best aspects of historical romance.
The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan
Another classic, Jeremy Wentworth is primo goofball love interest—mischievous, sexy, loving, hilarious—and also the owner of the whole village. Being serious isn’t generally how he rolls, but he’s serious as sin when it counts. Whew!
Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey
In this delightful novel, we get to watch two soft, sweet goofballs fall in love! Teddy works in a vintage toy store (adorable) and has a crush on the host of the local children’s television show, Everett (extremely adorable). Kerry Winfrey has a knack for writing sweet, heartfelt, funny romance, so try this one out next!
New Adult by Timothy Janovsky
I loooove me a time loop/travel story, and if you add in a goofball, I’m there. New Adult is everything I love most about romance—laughter, learning how to live the life you want, and falling in tender, beautiful love. Add this one to your TBR!
Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by me, Laura Piper Lee!
In case you haven’t noticed, I know *a lot* about being goofy. If you’re interested in a messy millennial new mom letting go of the life she thinks she should live and grabbing hold of the happy life she truly deserves, which happens to include a handsome goofball who’s an impeccable flirt, a loving and supportive partner, and a beam of sexy sunshine, then please support this goofball today and pick up a copy of Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair!
Happy laughing/reading/falling-in-love!
