Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin, which releases on May 26th 2026.

Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?

Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.

As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.

EXCERPT

Maybe it’s because I’m outrunning them with the well-timed efficiency of an adult girl boss who is running away from her feelings, but much to the surprise of the insecure, anxiety-riddled teenage girl always lurking in the back of my mind, I don’t even notice when the hordes of teenage boys start running on the track with me. I round the curve of the track for my third mile, and the only thing on my mind is keeping my breathing even with the ever-increasing burn in my muscles. I’m so in the zone that nothing could distract me.

Nothing.

Except a pair of onyx eyes that somehow managed to haunt the few hours of sleep I had last night.

I pull out my headphones and slow to a walk as I approach him on the side of the field.

“It’s you,” I say. “I guess you were right about this being a small town.”

“Lived here almost my entire life.” His voice is as quiet among the rowdy boys as it was in the bar. I have to strain my ears to hear him. “Trust me, there’s no hiding from anyone here.”

“You were hiding from me? Maybe that’s why I almost didn’t recognize you,” I tease, and a spark of pleasure twists my stomach when the lips that have taunted my memories curve into a whisper of a smile. I’ll figure out why this practical stranger’s smile lives in my mind rent-free another day.

Or never.

“It’s this.” He points to the navy floppy bucket hat he’s wearing. “Nobody knows it’s me when they don’t see the locs.”

He’s not wrong—the bucket hat hiding his locs and shielding his face does make him hard to spot—but that’s not why he looks so different today. He’s as stoic as he was the other night and his eyes are just as dark, but there’s a lightness about him that wasn’t there before. The hardness to his jaw is softened, and the lines around his eyes look suspiciously like smile lines. I don’t know this man from Adam, but he looks . . . happy.

“That must be it,” I lie. “I didn’t take you as a monogrammed polo and khaki shorts kind of guy.”

Not that I have room to talk about clothes right now. Other than the mint I spend on keeping my running shoes in tip-top condition, I think I may be one of the few women in the world who doesn’t see the appeal of a matching workout set. I got the shirt I’m wearing now at a soccer tournament in tenth grade and my shorts on clearance at the Nike outlet five years ago. Something I’ve never regretted until this very moment.

“I’m not,” he reassures me, and a happy thrill zaps through my veins knowing I was right. “I only wear this for football. I’ll change before I leave.”

“Don’t let him trick you. This is his favorite outfit.” A kid with an impish grin that promises as much fun as it does trouble appears next to Tate. “He has a closet full of khakis, don’t you, Coach?”

“You’re supposed to be running laps, so why are you talking to us, Aiden?” Tate’s deadpan voice cuts through the noise, but instead of seeming alarmed, the kid, Aiden, seems amused. “I’m trying to help you out in front of your lady friend.

Girls like it when guys dress good.” He drapes a sweat-covered arm over Tate’s shoulder and turns his attention to me.

“Right?”

“Well—”

“Don’t answer that.” Tate shakes his head, and his hard gaze cuts from me to the jokester beside him. “If you’re not running in five seconds, I’m adding four sets of barrel rolls for you and two laps for everyone else.”

“Dang, Coach T! I know you didn’t act like this when you were all big, playing college ball. Why you gotta be like that?” Aiden clutches his heart, and I bite back my laughter at his dramatics. “I was trying to run, but your lady friend here was embarrassing the rest of us with how she was lapping us.”

“Aiden.” Tate points to the track. “Go.”

“Fine, fine. I see how it is.” Aiden throws his arms in the air and starts to jog away backward with a smirk that says he absolutely does not see how it is. “Showing out in front of the hot new girl in town. I thought you had more game than that.” Nobody is braver than a child without a fully developed prefrontal cortex. If Tate was looking at me the way he’s looking at Aiden, I’d be shaking out of fear, not laughter. But going off the roar of laughter that breaks out all around us, I’m the only one.

“Five sets of barrel rolls!” Tate shouts to Aiden’s back as he sprints away. “And the next person who says anything can join him.”

“Don’t worry, Coach T,” another kid says as he jogs by. “We all know your game is as good off the field as it is on it.”

“Dammit, Josh.” Tate shakes his head. “You threw up the last time you did barrel rolls. Don’t make me have you rolling across the field with him.”

“I would never.” Josh holds up his hands in surrender. “But you should know Coach Linc promised to send twenty dollars to the person who gets you the most worked up in front of your friend.”

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘By the Bootstraps’ by Alexa Martin appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This was so hard. I can go on and on with the number of upcoming diverse reads I’m excited about, but here are eight books by authors I admire that I think you should put on your radar:

Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow

I love a good slow burn, and I’ve heard that Keshe will deliver one in this romantasy. Make it happen at a magical college for aspiring veterinarians, and I’m already hooked. Add in academic rivals with animal familiars and a unique magic system to give the plot even more appeal. I can’t wait to read Strange Familiars. Out 5/19/26

By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin

A cowboy romance? Say less. Alexa Martin writes her heartfelt books with lots of humor, and I’ve heard this one is no exception. By the Bootstraps is set in a small town with Friday Night Lights as a comp and home renovations gone wrong. Which means it sounds like it was made for me. And perhaps for you too? Don’t even get me started on its stunning cover. Out 5/26/26

The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

I haven’t read this one yet, but I already know I’m going to love it because, in my opinion, Kristina never misses. Her writing is sweet and fun, with a world and characters that feel so relatable and lived in. The Summer Girlfriend features a dual point of view for the lovers and fake dating where he falls first. I think this is going to be the perfect book to bring to the beach and its cover is sure to catch eyes while you’re there. Out 6/9/26

Die For Me by Shirlene Obuobi

If you haven’t yet heard of Die For Me, I am happy to be the one to tell you about it. Though, I refuse to spoil anything because the mystery is my favorite part of this book. At its base level, Die For Me is a paranormal romance but it also bends genre in the best ways. It’s sensual, thrilling, compulsive, and a little twisted. Featuring an intelligent interventional cardiologist and the sexy younger man she can’t seem to figure out. You might find yourself wondering just how gray you are on the moral scale while you’re reading this one. I devoured it. Out 7/14

Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

I adore Naina’s romance books for their emotional richness. Even with familiar themes and comps, they feel very specific to her experiences. Just a Highland Fling features a main character who travels to her estranged father’s wedding and goes on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands to track down his runaway bride. What’s more fun? She goes on this adventure with her one-night stand. Out 7/21/26

Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson

This book is addicting. Rioghnach is such a clever storyteller. Every single line matters. A true enemies-to-lovers, this contemporary romance book comes with teeth and tension. I was biting my nails as I flew through pages, only to force myself to slow down and savor the words. These characters are realistically imperfect, they are messy, which made watching them realize they want each other that much more delicious. There’s no purity policing in this book. It’s not careful, in the best way. And that includes all the important commentary on the publishing industry. Out 10/6/26

Sunflower Season by Danica Nava

I had the honor of reading Sunflower Season in its early stages and it’s such a heartfelt, sweet second chance romance, set in a charming town with a callback to late 90’s-early 2000’s romcoms like Sweet Home Alabama and Hope Floats. Danica is witty on and off the page, so expect to laugh while you swoon over these characters finding their way back to each other. I adore them! Out 10/20

Two Can Play That Game by Zakiya N. Jamal

This book doesn’t come out for a bit, but I’m anxious for it. That cover? Sexy. Fake Dating? I love. Basketball? Yes, please. Sex positive sapphic romance? Take my money. Imagine sitting courtside and almost taking a basketball to the face before having the meet-cute of your life with a charming WNBA star? I already know I’ll be giggling and kicking my feet. Out 11/17/26.

Happy Reading!
Xx
Riss

The post Upcoming Diverse Reads To Add To Your TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If your romance-loving heart needs a good dose of swoon, then you’re in luck because 2026 holds many delightful new romance reads for you! Releasing between the months of January and June, you’ll see new releases from Julian Winters, Tessa Bailey, B.K. Borison, Ashley Herring Blake, Meghan Quinn, Falon Ballard, TJ Alexander, Abby Jimenez, Rainbow Rowell, Chloe Liese, Carley Fortune, Eloisa James, Katherine Center, Mazey Eddings, Ashley Poston, and many more, plus spectacular debuts too!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2026 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Anticipated YA Books and Anticipated Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books lists!

JANUARY 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Sparks fly in this second chance m/m rom com when an unlucky-in-love event planner realizes the man-of-honor at the high profile wedding he’s planning is the same man who broke his heart.

Our Ex’s Wedding by Taleen Voskuni

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Two people who can’t stand each other must come together to plan their mutual ex’s wedding in this new romantic comedy by Taleen Voskuni, author of Lavash at First Sight.

Definitely Maybe Not A Detective by Sarah Fox

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this delightfully charming rom-com mystery, a woman becomes accidentally entangled in a murder investigation (and with a handsome stranger) when her fake detective agency is enlisted to solve a real homicide.

Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers sports romance about a baseball catcher and the burlesque club owner he can’t get out of his head.

Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Miss Congeniality meets The Bachelor in this action-packed rom-com debut about an investigative journalist who sneaks onto reality TV only to fall for the wrong guy.

We’ve Hit Turbulence by Jessica L. Cozzi

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this swoony young adult rom-com, things get bumpy when a girl gets stuck on a cross-country flight with her ex—as if flying couldn’t get any worse. . . .

Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Sparks fly when an up-and-coming team principle and her new hot-shot driver—and former childhood crush—are forced to work together to save their careers and team in this deliciously winning Formula 1 romance.

A Killer Kind of Romance by Letizia Lorini

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this new romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Letizia Lorini, a crime podcast host must solve a chilling serial killer case while navigating an unexpected romance with her mysterious next-door neighbor.

Like In Love With You by Emma R. Alban

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Mean Girls meets Northanger Abbey in this brand new, sapphic, rivals-to-lovers Regency Romance by USA Today bestselling author Emma R. Alban!

Sunk in Love by Heather McBreen

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A second chance at love sets sail when a couple on the verge of divorce pretends they’re still together for one last family trip, from the author of Wedding Dashers.

Enchanting the Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Stephanie Burgis delivers another irreverent, sparkling, and sexy installment in the Queens of Villainy series, where a seductive fae queen meets her unexpected match in the enemy empire’s valiant general.

For Our Next Song by Jessica James

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The decade-long friendship between two rock goddesses is thrust into the spotlight after their mutual desire strikes a perfect—and very public—chord.

FEBRUARY 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

Still Into You by Erin Connor

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Two exes reunite for a make-or-break interview that will either bring them back together … or drive them apart forever.

Game, Set, Match by Jennifer Iacopelli

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
She’s a tennis superstar on the rise. He’s the bad boy champ who broke her heart. When they meet on the court, their competition is hot—but their chemistry is even hotter.

Love and Other Brain Experiments by Hannah Brohm

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An academic-rivals-to-lovers rom-com set at a New York conference about two neuroscientists who are forced to pretend they’re dating, leading to unexpected chemistry and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.

And Now, Back to You by B. K. Borison

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Two competing meteorologists are forced to find common ground in this opposites attract, When Harry Met Sally inspired romance, from New York Times bestselling author B.K. Borison.

Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A small-town, opposites-attract romance about two people who end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling.

Get Over It, April Evans by Ashley Herring Blake

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A summer job at a lake-town resort brings together two women with an unlikely connection in this new contemporary romance by USA Today bestselling author Ashley Herring Blake.

Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The weather might be icy, but the tension is red-hot in this fake―dating hockey rom―com from the author of Let the Games Begin.

Just for the Cameras by Meghan Quinn

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a sizzling sports romance full of flamingo feathers, slow-burn heat, and one grump-meets-sunshine love story that’s anything but fake.

One & Only by Maurene Goo

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In Five Years meets a millennial The Joy Luck Club in the adult debut from the author of YA Reese Pick Throwback— a funny and fresh love story of a woman thrown a curveball by fate, and the family secret that will make her question everything.

Over and Over by Becky Hunter

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A sweeping speculative romance following two soulmates who have met in past lives—but are still searching for their HEA—in this angsty novel, perfect for fans of Josie Silver and One Day.

Hunter’s Treasure by Olivia Jackson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A brand new spicy forced proximity action adventure romcom set on a desert island, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jo Segura and Meghan Quinn.

How To Kill A Guy In Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A humorous, swoony, and downright terrifying slasher rom-com in which a cinephile gets caught in the middle of a murder spree at a speed-dating event and must use her encyclopedic knowledge of the romance and horror genres to make it as a real-life Final Girl.

MARCH 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The newest book from bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited sensation Catherine Walsh, in which an ambitious editor travels to Ireland to help the daughter of a fantasy author legend complete her father’s final book, only to fall in love with her in the process.

Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Cat Sebastian’s long-awaited foray into contemporary romance! A witty, emotional, and deliciously slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance between two costars on a popular sci-fi television series.

Toe to Toe by Falon Ballard

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Allegra Hart’s dream of becoming a principal ballerina is in doubt when a director doubts her allure. Seeking help from dancer Cord Donovan, she enters a dangerous partnership. As chemistry ignites and loyalties are tested, Allegra must choose between ambition, desire, and the life she’s built.

The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
This charming rom-com is filled with Chinese traditions, second chances, and a luck-changing love story that will appeal to readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams.  

The Bridge Back To You by Riss M. Neilson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Exes discover they’ve both inherited the restaurant they love in this sparkling, emotional new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of A Love Like the Sun.

No Place Like You by Jillian Meadows

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Childhood friends turned high school rivals fall into a small-town fake dating scheme in this sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible romance from the author of Give Me Butterflies.

To Cage A Wild Bird by Brooke Fast

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Enter the brutal world of Endlock, a prison where the wealthy hunt the inmates for sport. The first novel in an electrifying dystopian romance series, this high-octane debut about forbidden love, found family, and a fight for survival will leave you breathless.

A Lady for All Seasons by TJ Alexander

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the acclaimed author of Chef’s Kiss and A Gentleman’s Gentleman comes a riotous Regency romp, featuring a charming and unforgettable genderfluid lead.

Thirty Love by Tom Vellner

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports rom-com, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Casey McQuiston.

Anderson In Bloom by Jennifer Dugan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the author of Love at First Set, a hilariously sexy enemies-to-lovers, second-chance rom-com about a reclusive former child star turned florist whose quiet life is turned upside down when her annoyingly hot ex (and former costar) shows up in town, with plans to write a tell-all memoir.

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the #1New York Times bestselling author of Say You’ll Remember Me comes a beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way.

In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Reese Remington, baseball’s first female owner, battles scrutiny while proving her worth. Focused and guarded, she clashes with Emmett Montgomery, a former star turned manager. Forced together, rivalry ignites chemistry. With careers and the team at stake, they struggle to resist feelings that could jeopardise everything during a high-stakes season.

APRIL 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

Unbound by Peyton Corinne

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A new “angsty, sexy, emotional” (Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author) lyrical romance by Peyton Corinne that follows a college couple through first love, heartbreak, and the struggle to come together again.

Fast Lane by C.S. Quill

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The Flatshare meets Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series in this opposites-attract campus romance where a brooding bad boy and a heartbroken girl become reluctant roommates amid fast cars and faster chemistry.

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Can fake dating lead to real love? In Kasie West’s next sexy adult romcom two people must decide where the lie ends and the chemistry begins.

How to Fake It in Society by KJ Charles

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Bridgerton meets The Goldfinch in How to Fake It in Society, a stunning queer romance by rising genre star KJ Charles.

The Auction by Sadie Kincaid

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The queen of dark mafia romance, Sadie Kincaid, begins her new explosively sexy Wages of Sin series with The Auction. Beauty and the Beast meets organized crime in this tense slow-burn romance with scorching spice, thrilling suspense, and life-altering secrets. 

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A man and a woman with the same name are looking for a fresh start only to discover they have landed the same job in this charming new romance by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell returns with a breathtakingly honest novel about a woman who lost everything — and isn’t sure she wants it back.

Happy Ending by Chloe Liese

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From USA TODAY bestselling author Chloe Liese, a clever and heartwarming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Annabel Monaghan about two best friends who must fake a relationship for their exes.

Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the author of Partners in Crime, comes a sparkling new adventure rom-com where a con woman and a lawman team up on an epic cross-country road trip to save their families…and each other. 

We Become Darkness by Grace Morrow

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A human and a Vampyr forge an unsteady alliance in this marriage-of-convenience romantic fantasy, perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and One Dark Window.

Our Rogue Fates by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
On the hunt for hidden treasure, two former best friends turned adversaries must put the past behind them if they hope to make it home. This childhood friends-to-lovers male/male romantic fantasy for fans of Tusk Love and Sara Raasch crackles with tension and heat.

Don’t Tell Me How It Ends by Adrienne Thurman

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A floundering twenty-something, who’s sworn off romance finds herself roped into her meddling sister’s matchmaking business—in this sparkling debut rom-com that asks: can we protect ourselves while falling in love?

MAY 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

Broken Dove by Dani Francis

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In the heart-pounding sequel to the New York Times bestselling dystopian romance Silver Elite, lines will be crossed, loyalties will be tested, and the fight for the Continent is only just beginning as Wren Darlington finds herself caught in the middle of two wars: one for the fate of her home and another for the fate of her heart.

Soon by You by Dahlia Adler

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
27 Dresses meets The Intimacy Experiment in this sexy, emotional, opposites-attract rom-com set in New York City’s Modern Orthodox community.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

The Last Lady B by Eloisa James

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Lady B may have married Bluebeard; she may have fallen in love with a gorgeous, grumpy solicitor; she may have met a ghost and survived to tell the tale! New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Eloisa James delights with witty historical romance with a gothic twist.

Bromantasy by Máire Roche

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
BROMANTASY is a cozy, queer fantasy about the mortifying ordeal of being known by your totally platonic best friend and the epic quest that might force you to confront the truth.

By The Bootstraps by Alexa Martin

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A cowboy romance enthusiast discovers that everything’s bigger in Texas—even love—in this swoony novel from beloved author Alexa Martin.

The Shippers by Katherine Center

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship.

First and Forever by Lynn Painter

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A football star and his team’s die-hard fan find themselves entangled in a PR stunt—that only one side knows is fake—but it might just be the right play…

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A hardworking single mom returns to her seaside hometown and stumbles into a fake dating situationship with a wealthy, workaholic scion, from the New York Times bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script.

It Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Only Murders in the Building gets a rom-com twist in a laugh-out-loud mystery-romance following one woman who will have to pair up with an unlikely ally to solve a murder in their quaint New Jersey beach town.

Take Me with You by Steven Rowley

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In Take Me With You, Steven Rowley brings his resonant wit and emotional insight to an epic love story – an exploration of the forces that draw two people into the same orbit and the gravity that threatens to pull them apart.

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

JUNE 2026 ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES

Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A not-so-evil villain strikes a deal with a not-quite-perfect hero to fake a feud, boost their reputations . . . and try not to fall in love in the process—in this hilarious, tender, sexy, and outrageously fun romp that blends the humor of Assistant to the Villain with the unforgettable romance of Red, White, & Royal Blue and the cozy fantasy vibes of Legends & Lattes.

White Lights by Lauren Kate

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate, whose Fallen series has over 10 million copies in print and has sold over 11 million copies of her novels around the world, is returning to the romantasy world of angels that’s perfect for Fallen fans and new audiences alike.

You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Cubby Clark is spiralling—her band is broken, her ex is famous, and inspiration is gone. As tabloids spin a love triangle and a summer tour amplifies tensions, Cubby and her best friend Darcy must confront buried feelings or risk losing each other and the music they love.

The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Bridgerton meets Emily Henry in this fresh take on regency romance about a wallflower writing a dictionary of bawdy slang who arranges her own marriage to the ultimate instructor: the town rake.

The Shrouded Queen by Ashley Tropea

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In the first book in this romantasy duology inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology, a slave and a princess switch places during an enemy attack, igniting parallel journeys of love and survival.

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A desperate debutante meets a ragtag smuggler in this sexy Regency romp by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti.

Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver comes the second book in the devilishly steamy Seasons of Carnage trilogy where dark romantic comedy meets thrilling suspense—and where love is ripe for ruin.

Witch Season by Julia Bianco

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Exhilarating, dangerous, and seductive, Witch Season is an action-packed and fiercely romantic contemporary fantasy from debut author and screenwriter Julia Bianco.

The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

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The new head gardener at the enchanting Lilymoor House stumbles upon a secret garden . . . with a mysterious man trapped inside, in the next magical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Sounds Like Love and The Seven Year Slip.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

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New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams returns with an intensely romantic, deliciously sexy tale about a woman searching for her handsome seatmate on a European flight—and the unexpected places her hunt for love leads her.

The Open Era by Edward Schmit

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Austin Hardy’s Grand Slam debut makes history and headlines as the first openly gay competitor. With anxiety mounting and a complicated bond forming with rival Diego Cruz, Austin must fight pressure, expectations, and his own heart at the US Open.

Tropesick by Lauren Okie

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In this lush, slow-burning romance, two childhood neighbors, connected by a shared tragedy, unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author. Spending the summer at her secluded Hamptons estate, they soon discover that dozens of classic romance tropes, including the ones they’re crafting on page, are mysteriously playing out in real life.

Will you be picking up any of these romance reads? Are there any others you’re looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below! Plus be sure to check back later in the year for our July to December picks!

The post Swoonworthy 2026 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Alexa Martin’s How To Sell A Romance, which is out July 15th 2025.

Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder…until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?

I don’t want to be a downer among the girlbosses of the world, but something feels a little off about buying my own business with five clicks and for the low, low price of two hundred dollars.

Well, two hundred dollars before Nora and three other very persuasive, very tipsy, and slightly scary women convinced me that I just had to add the signup bonuses. The “discounted” products were apparently imperative to my success as a Petunia Lemon consultant, and since they’re the experts and I’m the people pleaser, how could I say no?

No, really. How do people say no? Much to my dismay, it’s a skill I never acquired.

By the time we got to the payment page, my quaint little business came out to a whopping total of over five hundred dollars. I had to use my emergency credit card to pay for it.

I’m going to have to get a side job to pay for my side hustle!

Money-back guarantee. Money-back guarantee. Money-back guarantee.

If it hadn’t been for Nora sitting next to me, acting as my personal hype woman and promising that it would pay for itself within the month, I’m not sure I would’ve gone through with it. But she was and I did. Now I’m a little more in financial debt, but I have a friend surplus.

And you know what that sounds like to me?

Balance.

I’m here for a good time, not a long time.

Plus, what’s five hundred more dollars on top of the bone-crushing, soul-sucking amount I have left to pay for my student loans? And with these products I just ordered, at least I won’t have to worry about the anxiety causing me to age faster anymore. Goodbye stress lines and pimples!

“Are you sure you don’t want to come out with us?” Nora asks again, the words slightly more slurred than when she asked me five minutes ago. “We’re going to get nachos and margaritas!”

If there is one thing that can tempt me in life, it’s nachos and margaritas. Tequila is my frenemy. I love her so much, but she always leaves me with regrets. And as much as I love Nora, she’s still my boss, and I cannot allow Tequila Emmy P to make an appearance around her.

“I really wish I could, but I have to head home.” The regret in my voice is authentic, but it doesn’t stop the rest of the table from trying to change my mind.

“Please come, Emerson!” Ashley . . . I think her name is Ashley? No. Alice? Amber? Alyssa! Alyssa shouts from across the table. “It’s going to be so much fun!”

“It sounds like fun and I wish I could, but I have to—” I try to think of an excuse, but it’s been so long since I’ve been asked out that I’m rusty. “I have to go home and . . . water my plants.”

As far as excuses go, plants are pretty terrible ones.

Add this to the growing list of reasons I should get a cat. I’ve been a volunteer at The Barkery for over three years now. It’s a great way to get my cuddle fix in, but one of these days I’m going to have to give in and bring a new kitty friend home.

Or move into the shelter. I’m down for either.

“Oh boo!” Nora shouts, even though I’m right next to her. “You’re no fun!”

“Excuse me?” My hand flies to my chest, and an extremely offended gasp escapes my mouth. “How dare you!”

I may be a lot of things, but no fun isn’t one of them! I’m a delightful, hoot and holler, fantastic freaking hang . . . something Nora knows firsthand since I’m the most fun teacher at Nester Fox Elementary.

“You’re right. I’m sorry!” She wraps her arms around me and pulls me into a sloppy, Pinot Grigio–scented hug. “You’re the most fun! You created Karaoke Wednesdays at school!”

See? Point proven.

But even if she didn’t admit her wrongs, I already have a plaque to prove it . . . and by plaque, I mean a custom-painted canvas that my best friend (and art teacher coworker) made for me after I complained that nobody appreciated how much fun I was.

But it still counts.

“Apology accepted.” But only because her apology was swift and she’s so drunk that I know she won’t remember this in ten minutes, let alone the morning.

“So now will you come with us?” she asks. Again.

“Answer’s still no.” I pull away, trying to remove myself from her drunk clutches as discreetly as possible. If I’m going to make a clean getaway, it’s now or never. “I’ll call you tomorrow so I can hear all about it.”

And coming from me, a person who has a strict text, don’t call policy, this is a big deal . . . an honor, if I might say so myself.

She opens her mouth to say something else, but before she does the waitress appears with another round of tequila shots, and all thoughts about me joining the party fly out the window.

The second her attention focuses on the packed tray, I dart out of the booth with no hesitations and not a single goodbye.

It’s not that I don’t understand the appeal of an Irish goodbye, it’s just not for me—most of the time. Not only am I a people pleaser to the nth degree, but in general, I’m just a people person. I love talking and I thrive in crowds. When I was a kid, my mom would avoid taking me to the grocery store because I’d strike up conversations with every person who passed.

Stranger danger? I don’t even know her.

I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I can hold full conversations with anyone, anywhere, at any time. And even though I am perpetually and tragically single, I’ve never been on a date where conversation lulled.

All of that to say that I’ve never understood when a person tells me they “don’t like peopling.”

Until now.

And listen, it’s not because everyone hasn’t been absolutely lovely. They have! It’s just been . . . a lot.

A lot of yelling. A lot of enthusiasm. A lot of wooing. A lot of drunkenness.

A lot of everything.

Which, coming from a kindergarten teacher who once cleaned up a domino throw-up situation, an entire canister of glitter, and a bloody nose in a single afternoon and still managed to organize an after-school happy hour? That’s saying something.

And not anything good.

By the time I reach the elevator that goes to the parking garage I paid an absurd fifty dollars to park in for the day, I feel like I felt that one week I decided to train for a marathon. I’m beyond exhausted, my body aches, and my head throbs, but at the same time, I’m so amped up that if I go home, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to fall asleep.

I should definitely go home.

I need to go home and go straight to bed.

I absolutely should not go up to the rooftop bar and have a quiet nightcap.

That’d be a terrible decision. Horrible. I absolutely cannot spend another cent tonight.

The elevator doors slide open, and I mean to push the button to the garage, but somehow my finger slips and I accidentally push the button to the rooftop bar instead.

Oops.

[…]

Unfortunately for my personal life and my waistline, food and a good craft cocktail will always beat out any and all competition.

I grab the bowl of nuts off of the table, carefully pushing the almonds to the side in favor of the pecans and walnuts, surprised when the waitress returns like the freaking Flash.

Except, when I look up with grateful eyes expecting to see a gorgeous cocktail garnished with a maraschino cherry and orange and lemon peel, I’m stunned to silence when I’m met with something impossibly more gorgeous and welcome than an old fashioned.

Or more accurately, someone more gorgeous.

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw—and just like that, this night just got a whole lot more interesting.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘How To Sell A Romance’ by Alexa Martin appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Releasing on January 23rd 2024, their latest swoony romance release The Breakup Tour follows a rising-star musician who has a second chance at love with an old flame she remembers all too well.

We’re in our reading era (okay, when are we not)? Whether or not you’ve experienced the worldwide phenomenon of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, these music- and fame-focused romance and YA novels have everything, from heartfelt writing and memorable characters to sweeping scope and iconic contemporary resonance. Non-Swifties needn’t worry—every reader will find something charming and compelling in these picks. Loving them is re(a)d. 

1. The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Greta James is an indie music star whose reputation couldn’t be worse. Embarking on a cruise with her father following the death of her mother (and possibly her career), Greta reckons with old mistakes and new love. Smith’s lyrical and introspective writing resonates the way our favorite songs do. This romantic, multifaceted drama peers into the quiet parts of what life looks like when the lights go down and reckons with public criticism and how to find one’s way back onstage.

2. Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman

Sussman’s second novel for adults, following her equally incisive and compelling Funny You Should Ask, squares with the challenges and complicated legacies of pop stars. Its central character, former number-one pop singer Kathleen “Katee Rose” Rosenberg, stars in a Broadway production directed by the man she blames for destroying her career. Friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers tension foreground a story about the ways we judge our idols, and Sussman’s keen characterization and unflinching cultural eye make this a must-read for pop fans.

3. The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford

Holford’s debut young adult novel is marvelously complex and deeply heartfelt, a timeline-shifting Mamma Mia! story following future country superstar Tori Rose in the past, making life-changing career and romantic decisions, and in the present, her daughter Mia, unraveling the love(s) and legacy of the now-deceased Tori in a scavenger hunt hidden within Mia’s late mother’s letters and lyrics. This one comes out on April 9, and its perfect mix of intrigues and heartrending emotion is unmissable.

4. Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

A recognizable title sets the tone for debut author Emma Alban’s wonderful period romance, a sapphic Bridgerton meets The Parent Trap about two debutantes who conspire to set up their widowed parents and end up falling for each other, leading them to contend with the quandaries and priorities of the Marriage Market. Like our favorite songs, Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend is a little classic and a little modern, a lot romantic and a whole lot of fun. Following a motif, its sequel You’re The Problem, It’s You comes out in August.

5. Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova

Córdova’s contemporary update of the Little Mermaid, featuring singer Ariel Del Mar, eager to escape her youthful career and the aegis of her father, the head of Atlantica Records. When Ariel encounters rock singer Eric Reyes, she wants to be part of his world, even if it means leaving behind the life she knew. The music industry combines perfectly with the Disney classic in a wonderfully clever update that will have readers humming some of their oldest favorite songs.

6. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ask anyone—the ultimate literary musical romantic drama, Daisy Jones is exactly as excellent as you’ve heard. The story of larger-than-life singer Daisy Jones and conflicted frontman Billy Dunne in the 1970s classic rock scene, Reid’s immortal work intertwines the stuff of real Rolling Stone legends—borrowing from Fleetwood Mac, Springsteen and more in one immaculately realistic rendering—with a heart-shaking emotional core.

7. The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin writes with depth and razor intensity about The Daydreams, a former cast of a popular teen music show whose fame imploded during a live TV special, and who open old wounds and fan old flames for a reunion special thirteen later. Lyrical and unputdownable, it’s a compelling and sharply entertaining look into the perils of fame. 

8. The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Centered on a newly famous pop star who goes on tour with the ex who inspired her career-making breakup hit, The Breakup Tour is our ode to our every favorite song and every tour we couldn’t wait for. We hope it sweeps readers up as a second-chance romance and resonates as a discussion of the passion, pain and sacrifice hiding within the most famous music in the world. It’s out January 23, and we can’t wait for readers to join Riley and Max on tour.

9. Bonus: Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Okay, this one doesn’t center on popstars or music. It does, however, center on a football player. Alexa Martin writes with warmth, wit and steam about NFL girlfriend Marlee, whose relationship with one player implodes only for a new superstar to enter her life. Anyone who’s noticed a certain couple at Chiefs games will doubtless enjoy the addictive, high-drama romance of Martin’s The Playbook series. 

The post Missing The Eras Tour? Read These 9 Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you thought the first half of 2023 had some swoonworthy, unputdownable romances in store, you ain’t seen nothing yet. July to December is levelling up the romance game even more and we’ve got our eyes on all of them! Check out the hottest contenders for romance of the year below and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them!

Looking for our January to June releases? Check them out here.

JULY

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
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From New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center comes Hello, Stranger, a novel about finding love, confronting a haunting past, and figuring out what, and who, really matters…

Kiss Me, Mi Amor by Alana Quintana Albertson
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It turns out that a fake relationship is the perfect recipe for a love that sizzles hotter than Santa Barbara’s spiciest salsa—when it’s between enemies.…

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin
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Internationally bestselling author Sophie Irwin brings us another fresh, witty take on a romantic escape led by a deeply lovable heroine determined to start living on her own terms

You, With A View by Jessica Joyce
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Two high school enemies must reunite for a road trip inspired by their grandparents’ broken engagement in this electric debut romance.

To Have and To Heist by Sara Desai
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To exonerate her best friend, one woman must mastermind a jewelry heist during the wedding of the season in this hilarious romantic-comedy caper from the author of The Dating Plan.

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
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An ambitious wedding planner must work with her grumpy florist ex, whose heart she broke, on the most high-profile wedding of her career, in this spicy and emotional romance from popular fanfic author Julie Soto.

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
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From Cathy Yardley, author of Love, Comment, Subscribe, comes an emotional rom-com about two middle-aged gamers who grow their online connection into an IRL love story.

The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre
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From New York Times bestselling author Ann Aguirre comes the magical town of St. Claire, where anything is possible…

The Dane of My Existence by Jessica Martin
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When the history and character of her Shakespeare-obsessed hometown is threatened, a powerhouse lawyer goes toe to toe with a commercial developer in a hilarious rom-com from the author of For the Love of the Bard.

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy
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AUGUST

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert
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Aphrodite has never flinched at getting her perfectly manicured hands dirty, and she’s not about to start now—even if that means marrying Olympus’s enemy number one, the new Hephaestus…leaving a trail of broken hearts in their cruel wake.

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
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In this charming romantic comedy, a hometown hero comes to the rescue of a chef unexpectedly left to care for three little girls—who may end up saving him too.

Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
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In the hilarious follow-up to the breakout rom-com Dating Dr. Dil, Nisha Sharma adds shakkar and mirch to Shakespeare’s iconic comedy Much Ado About Nothing for one sweet and spicy love story.

The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley
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Perfect for fans of Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, The Roommate Pact follows Claire as she nurses her friend and firefighter Graham back from an injury – and their slippery slope from friends with a FWB pact to possibly something more.

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Córdova
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A modern tale of unexpectedly falling in love and finding your voice, Kiss the Girl is the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed and best-selling Meant to Be collection.

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
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Fans of Ali Hazelwood, Lana Harper, and Jessica Clare will devour this madcap paranormal romance, replete with fan-favorite tropes like roommates-to-lovers, force proximity, and the hilarious added bonus of a romance between a mortal from the 21^st century and a centuries-old vampire who knows nothing of the modern world.

New Adult by Timothy Janovsky
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Nolan Baker longs to be “thirty, flirty and thriving” in this charmingly quirky LGBTQIA+ romance that’s one part 13 Going on 30 and one part One Last Stop.

Rent to Be by Sonia Hartl
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Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey and Beth O’Leary, in this bright, laugh-out-loud rom-com, the grind of the millennial struggle is a lot more fun when you add falling in love to the mix.

Curves for Days by Laura Moher
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Readers of Olivia Dade and Lucy Score will love this sexy Southern curvy girl romance which follows Rose Barnes, a curvy heroine with an infectious spirit, as she crosses paths with Angus Drummond, a gruff yet undeniably charming contractor.

The Love Plot by Samantha Young
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There’s a magnetic attraction when a happy-go-lucky gig worker agrees to a fake relationship with a rich, uptight New Yorker in this steamy romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

The Witch Is Back by Sophie H. Morgan
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Love is a hex of a thing. Former childhood sweethearts fake a relationship in this charming, witchy romcom.

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson
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She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn’t on it–yet somehow he’s become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.

SEPTEMBER

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
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Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel by K.J. Charles
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Bridgerton goes Gothic in this sweeping Regency romance by celebrated author KJ Charles.

The Ex-Mas Holidays by Zoe Allison
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It’s hard to escape your ex when you’re working together over Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, but being stuck together might be the best possible present in this sparkling new contemporary romance.

Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk
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A feelgood, sunshine-filled, friends-to-lovers romcom, Love Me Do is a dreamy summer love story, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry.

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
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A witchy rom-com from New York Times bestseller Meg Cabot about a plus size witch who must team up with a handsome stranger to help protect her village from an otherworldly force–but will she be able to protect her heart?

A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee
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An emotionally powerful romance novel about two people finding love after struggling with addiction–ultimately discovering what it means to be completely and unapologetically themselves.

Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez
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Gillian Armstead-Bancroft—Pride of the East Side and once-perfect bruja, wife, and mother—is going to spend her summer getting good at being bad.

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
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A sapphic rivals to lovers rom com for fans of Ted Lasso and A League of Their Own, where two soccer teammates are at odds before falling in love as their team gears up for the World Cup.

My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley
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The riotous Wynchester family has taken on a new case to expose a forger, but the prime suspect isn’t at all what he seems in this captivating Regency romp from a New York Times bestselling author.

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary
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Two hotel receptionists—and arch-rivals—find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher
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When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Score returns to spicy-sweet Knockemout, Virginia with Lucian and Sloane’s story.

OCTOBER

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
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Following the success of A Merry Little Meet Cute, a new holiday rom-com cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone–about an actress and a perpetually single former boy-band member reunited as costars on a steamy holiday film.

Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese
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Childhood enemies discover the fine line between love and loathing in this heartfelt reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Friends Don’t Fall in Love by Erin Hahn
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Erin Hahn’s Friends Don’t Fall in Love is about long-time friends, taking chances, and finding out that, sometimes, your perfect person was right there in your corner all along.

A Dish Best Served Hot: A Novel by Natalie Caña
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Santiago “Saint” Vega gets a second shot at love with Lola León, but when duty to his family forces him to do something she’ll never forgive, will everything he’s built come crumbling down?  

Love Interest by Clare Gilmore
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Love Interest is Clare Gilmore’s sparkling debut, a co-worker enemies-to-lovers rom-com that proves falling in love is the risk and the reward.

Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg
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Filled with the romance and angst that defines the years you come to know yourself, with a shifting timeline covering two decades and ratcheting up the tension, Maybe Once, Maybe Twice is a novel of second chances and finding your own way.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake
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A fake relationship after a horrible one-night stand is anything but an act in this witty and heartfelt new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake.

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey delivers a sexy, hilarious standalone holiday rom-com about the adult children of two former rock stars who team up to convince their mothers to play a Christmas Eve concert…

Sweeten the Deal by Katie Shepard
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She’s lonely, rich, and ten years too young for him—but she’s also his “sugar daddy,” and they couldn’t have less in common. Opposites attract in this charming new romance by Katie Shepard.

The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin
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A talented genetic analyst and a detective who’s haunted by an elusive cold case team up in the new standalone romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
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Sparks fly in this delightful novel about two burned out professionals who meet at a ramshackle resort on the British seaside—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher.

The Takedown by Carlie Walker
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An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister’s criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.

NOVEMBER

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert
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Sail the magical high seas with this first book in a new sexy fantasy romance series from Katee Robert, the New York Times bestselling author of the TikTok smash-hit Neon Gods.

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan
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Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance from “go-to author” Rosie Danan (The New York Times Book Review).

The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
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Perfect for fans of romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy, like 13 Going on 30 and Freaky Friday, and authors like Josie Silver and Rebecca Serle, this funny and heartfelt novel follows a downtrodden twenty-six-year-old as she magically wakes up to the life she’s always wanted, but is it really a dream come true?

Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath
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Next-Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin
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Two rival candidates for a homeowner’s association presidency are about to find out how dirty suburbanites fight in this steamy new romantic comedy from Alexa Martin.

A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley
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Calladia Cunnington curses the day she met Astaroth the demon, but when he shows up memoryless, why does she find him so helpless . . . and sort of hot?

The Rom Con by Devon Daniels
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A modern battle of the sexes about a journalist who hatches an elaborate plan to take down her industry adversary, from the author of Meet You in the Middle.

Fancy Meeting You Here by Julie Tieu
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 Opposites attract when an always-the-bridesmaid florist and a grumpy caterer mix business with pleasure in this swoony romantic comedy in the vein of 27 Dresses from Julie Tieu, author of The Donut Trap and Circling Back to You.

Plot Twist by Erin La Rosa
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A hilarious and spicy romance about romance author Sophie Lyon’s ironic secret going viral: she’s never been in love. Though her debut novel made readers swoon, Sophie’s having trouble getting her new characters to happily-ever-after. To overcome her writer’s block, she’ll reconnect with her exes to figure out what went wrong with the help of her best friend’s brother/reclusive landlord/teen heartthrob and his social media skills. 

Mom Com by Adriana Mather
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From New York Times bestselling author Adriana Mather comes a sweet new romcom about old friends and second chances.

For Never & Always by Helena Greer
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One surprise inheritance, two best friends (now bitter exes), and three months to prove he loves her, forever and always , in this swoony second-chance romance for fans of Alexandria Bellefleur and Ashley Herring Blake.

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
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In this clever and swoonworthy YA debut from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, life’s moving pieces bring rival chess players together in a match for the heart.

DECEMBER

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
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Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

Technically Yours by Denise Williams
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Seven years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

This Spells Love by Kate Robb
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Reeling from a recent breakup, a young woman tries to heal heartbreak with a spell–only to wake up in an alternate reality where she’s lost more than she wished for–in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut rom-com.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe
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What Not to Wear and Queer Eye meet All the Feels in this sparkling romantic comedy by Jenny L. Howe, in which the new guest on a popular plus-size makeover show has her style―and her love life―transformed.

Housebroke by Jaci Burton
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A millionaire and a woman who thinks he’s a house flipper are stuck living in a house together with a menagerie of rescue dogs as roommates, in this heartfelt romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton.

Game On by Seressia Glass
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When an unexpected Player Two enters her life, a gamer must decide if their relationship is worth leveling up in this new romance from the author of The Love Con.

Gold by Raven Kennedy
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‘Find me in another life. Find me in all of them’ It all ends now. Discover the heart-stopping finale to the international and Amazon bestselling fantasy phenomenon.

The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore
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Bookish suffragist Catriona Campbell is busy: An ailing estate, academic writer’s block, a tense time for England’s women’s rights campaign—the last thing she needs is to be stuck playing host to her father’s distractingly attractive young colleague.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander
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A trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex in this charming rom-com about family and second chances from the author of the “delectable” (Time) Chef’s Kiss.

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
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Rival archaeologists must team up on a secret Aztec expedition, or it could leave their careers—and hearts—in ruins.

What July to December book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2023 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Alexa Martin’s Better Than Fiction, which is out now!

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best–meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From river rafting to local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

Alice Young was the best person I’ve ever known. The best person anyone has known. Every stranger who walked into her little bookstore walked out with more books than they probably wanted— and a new friend. The Book Nook sells books, obviously, but the real draw was getting to come and chat with Gran. She was wise beyond her seventy-two years and had a way of listening that made you feel like your biggest problem was actually just a pebble in your shoe. She made you feel as if you could accomplish anything. In the age of the e-book conglomerates and chain bookstores dominating the market, the Book Nook never struggled.

Until she left it to me.

It’s not that I have self-esteem issues as much as I know my strengths and weaknesses. And my strength is definitely not sitting with a sympathetic ear and listening to other people’s problems. I’ve never been good at it, but I’m especially terrible at it when my own problems seem so big.

Huge.

Gigantic.

Insurmountable.

Because yeah, this isn’t my dream job or anything, but Gran left the bookstore to me. And sure, sales were through the roof the first couple of months after she passed away, with well-wishers coming to show their support. But now that the months have crawled by, people are going back to their lives. Unfortunately for me, that doesn’t include spending money at a store where Alice no longer greets them with her cheerful smile and welcoming ear.

If I don’t figure it out soon, I will lose the only tangible link I have left to my grandma.

On that thought, the bell above the front door rings and I look just in time to see Collette, Vivian, Mona, Ethel, and Beth file through the front door.

Oh shit.

I really need to check my calendar more often.

“Drew!” Mona’s voice bounces off the overstuffed bookshelves. Even at seventy, she strides through the store in her trademark three-inch stilettos, which make my feet wince. Her gray hair has not a strand out of place and her pink-painted lips stand out on her pale, gently wrinkled face, which has aged gracefully over the years. “What are you doing standing over here looking all sad? Is it because you’re wearing those sandals again?”

“The way you come for me every time you see me is still completely unnecessary, Mona.” We live in Colorado: Birkenstocks are not only a completely reasonable footwear choice; it’s practically mandatory for all Denverites to own a pair.

Also, it’s still strange for me to call her Mona instead of Mrs. Fuller, but as I transitioned into adulthood, she insisted that I call her by her first name only. It’s weird, but I acquiesced. Respect your elders and all that jazz.

It is kind of nice to feel like I’m on an even field with them now. Even though they’re a lot older than me, they’re still the coolest people I know.

“Coming for you? I just want you to join us and sit with some old ladies for a little while.”

“Well, if you insist.” I play it cool, but there’s actually not a chance in hell I’d ever pass on the opportunity to listen to them very self-righteously talk shit about every person they know.

I aspire to be just like them when I grow up.

Excerpted from BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin, published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2022

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Better than Fiction’ by Alexa Martin appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
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From Susan Dennard, the New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series, comes a haunting and high-octane contemporary fantasy, about the magic it takes to face your fears in a nightmare-filled forest, and the mettle required to face the secrets hiding in the dark corners of your own family.

White Horse by Erika T. Wurth
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White Horse is a gritty, vibrant debut from Erika T. Wurth about an Indigenous woman who must face her past when she discovers a bracelet haunted by her mother’s spirit.

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix
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Love and duty collide in this richly imagined, atmospheric young adult debut about a witch whose dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war between the only family she’s ever known and the enemy who makes her question everything.

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle
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USA TODAY bestselling author Kimberly Belle returns with a deeply addictive thriller exploring the dark side of the digital world when a mommy-blogger’s assistant goes missing.  

Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin
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Love isn’t always by the book in this charming romantic comedy about a bookseller discovering how to be the main character in her story.

Wicked Little Things by Justin Arnold
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A campy teen horror novel that follows Dane as he returns to his hometown of Jasper Hollow intent on solving his cousin’s grisly murder with the help of a coven of mean girls intent on making him over.

Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse
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Celeste, a card sharp with a penchant for trouble, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class in the mining town of Goetia, in a new world of dark fantasy.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
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The author of the “swoon-worthy debut” (Harper’s Bazaar) The Charm Offensive returns with a festive romantic comedy about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister.

When Franny Stands Up by Eden Robins
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The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel meets A League of Their Own in this inspiring story Buzzfeed calls “a warm hug of a novel.”

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
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When their now famous ex-boyfriend asks them to participate in a teen reality show, two eighteen year old girls―one bent on revenge, the other open to rekindling romance―get tangled up in an unexpected twist when they fall for each other instead in Never Ever Getting Back Together by nationally and internationally-bestselling and Indie Next Pick author Sophie Gonzales.

Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli
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Someday, Maybe is a stunning, witty debut novel about a young woman’s emotional journey through unimaginable loss, pulled along by her tight-knit Nigerian family, a posse of friends, and the love and laughter she shared with her husband.

A Matter of Happiness by Tori Whitaker
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A cherished heirloom opens up a century of secrets in a bittersweet novel about family, hard truths, and self-discovery by the author of Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish.

What November releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post November 2022 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ice cream, wine, and an endless loop of sad movies on Netflix.

We all know what that is.

There’s a well-known formula to take when you end a relationship. Countless movies, shows, and songs have prepared us for these moments, showing us the steps to navigate breakups. We know to call our friends and they know to tell us we were way too good for that jerk in the first place. They hype us up, reminding us of everything we have to offer and how much better off we’ll be without that person in our lives. Your friends rally around you so at the end of the day, your confidence doesn’t waiver and when you’re ready to date again, you’re prepared to swipe with gusto.

But what happens when that breakup isn’t between you and a potential love match? What happens when you breakup with your friend?

From the time we’re kids, we are asked who our best friends are. We partner up in class, bond over shared commonalities on the playground, and share our treats in the lunchroom. Plastic, glitter coated tchotchkes and pinky promises sealed with a kiss of solidarity are exchanged. We’re told how boyfriends and girlfriends will come and go, but friends are forever.

And it’s a rude awakening when we inevitably discover that’s not always the case.

My novel, Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes, chronicles the lives of Jude Andrews, an Instagram famous fitness influencer, and Lauren Turner, a medical school dropout and single mom. They have been best friends since third grade and now, in their late twenties, have decided to move in together for emotional and financial support. Even though they live together and are what they call, unofficial sister wives… without the husband, their lives are vastly different and so are their struggles. Both use their friendship as the touchstone that keeps them grounded. When outside influences are bringing them low, they depend on the other to lift them up.

The problems Jude and Lauren face are common between so many friends and most of them stem from communication. While the terms and expectations between romantic partners are clearly defined from dating, engagements, and then even getting the good old law involved for marriage, the same cannot be said for friendship. This can make our friendships infinitely more delicate. We haven’t normalized speaking about our expectations within friendships which can lead to sabotage down the line. Jude, who is afraid she is taking too much from her friendship with Lauren, doesn’t open up about the struggles she’s facing with her mom. Lauren, on the other hand is the consummate people pleaser who is nervous to push Jude too far. By not opening up to one another and communicating not only what they want to receive, but also what they want to give in their relationship, it results in tension, arguments, and ultimately, a friend break-up.

The lack of communication in friendships can stem from many reasons. Not only are we afraid that voicing our needs will come off as nagging or annoying, I believe there’s a deeper fear that our needs will still be ignored. It doesn’t help that many people tend to describe friendships as “effortless” when really, any relationship that is important requires effort. And in a time where so many of us are dealing with more hardships and loneliness than we’ve ever faced before, aren’t our friends worth a little extra time and love?

Another hardship that many adults face when dealing with a friendship breakup is the lack of closure. Where there is often a formal conversation that signals the end of a romantic relationship, many friendships don’t have that. As humans, we grow and evolve and it’s only natural that we drift away from people who were once our closest confidants. The lack of acknowledgment that comes with a friendship fizzling out can add to feelings of confusion and loneliness. Even though it’s not discussed, there is grief that comes with the loss of a friend—even if it was a natural progression—that must be processed.

As adults are waiting longer and longer before settling down, having the support of a strong friendship is more important than ever. These are the people you frequently turn toward in times of need. They are your chosen family and sometimes, your true soulmates. Take the time to honor these relationships. Communicate your needs, offer them support when they do the same, and if the time comes when you must go your separate ways? Grab that chocolate and turn on Romy and Michelle. Friend breakups are hard, so let’s stop pretending they aren’t.

The post The Friendship Breakup appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Everyone loves a good Netflix binge, but sometimes it’s nice to put down the popcorn and snuggle up with a good book. Actually, you can keep the popcorn, because it pairs just as well with these amazing reads as it does with your flatscreen.

If you can’t figure out what to read next, here’s a handy dandy guide to books you might like based on your viewing favorites:

If you like Cinderella, you should read IF THE SHOE FITS by Julie Murphy
Everyone is talking about Cinderella these days, thanks to Amazon Studios’s new adaption of this classic fairytale, starring Camila Cabelo in the title role. Whether Camila is your new fave fairytale princess or you still live for Lily James and her pretty glass butterfly shoes, you will enjoy THE SHOE FITS by Julie Murphy. Murphy, author of Dumplin’ (also a fab Netflix movie), brings us a modern, body-positive Cinderella who competes on a Bachelor-style reality show. This book is the first in a new series of adult Disney Princess romcoms from Disney Hyperion, so there’s even more fairy tale magic to come.

If you like Never Have I Ever, you should read DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Who isn’t completely charmed by the creative brain of Mindy Kaling? Based somewhat on Kaling’s own upbringing, this coming-of-age story of an Indian-American teenager dealing with the death of her father will make you laugh one minute and get all teary-eyed the next. One of the best things about the show is its emphasis on family. If you love this Netflix treat, DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto is the read for you. When the main character accidentally kills her blind date (oops!), her mom and an entire squad of meddlesome-but-well-meaning aunties comes to her rescue. Things only get more complicated (and more hilarious) from there.

If you like You’ve Got Mail, you should read TO SIR, WITH LOVE by Lauren Layne

You’ve Got Mail is an oldie but a goody, and since its release in 1988, this Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks treasure has inspired loads of romcom novels. One of the very best is this summer’s TO SIR WITH LOVE by Lauren Layne. It’s like You’ve Got Mail with a heaping dose of champagne. Yes, please.

If you like Ted Lasso, you should read THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB by Lyssa Kay Adams

Ted Lasso has made kindness cool again, just when we needed it most. If you want to feel those same warm fuzzies, complete with sports team vibes (baseball instead of soccer, but still…) and men supporting one another in a healthy way while uplifting the romance literary genre at the same time, head to your nearest online bookstore and one-click THE BROMANCE BOOK CLUB by Lyssa Kay Adams immediately.

If you like Grace and Frankie, you should read MOM JEANS AND OTHER MISTAKES, by Alexa Martin

Alexa Martin’s MOM JEANS AND OTHER MISTAKES is a great read for anyone drawn to the strong female friendship storyline in Grace and Frankie. The main characters are a bit younger, but just like in the Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin Netflix favorite, they become unexpected roommates and the supporting cast of family members provide lots of drama and laughs.

If you like The Great British Baking Show, you should read BATTLE ROYAL by Lucy Parker

Soggy bottom, anyone? If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping up a batch of cupcakes worthy of that ever-elusive Paul Hollywood handshake, BATTLE ROYAL by Lucy Parker is definitely your jam. It’s like a royal wedding meets THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW, and fair warning: you will definitely want to have some cake on hand while reading it. Trust me on this.

If you like Fleabag, you should read HOT UNDER THE COLLAR by Andie J. Christopher

Let’s be real. When I say Fleabag, I’m specifically talking about season two and the Hot Priest (which absolutely deserves to be capitalized). If you’re still longing for those episodes or even just rocking your fabulous black Fleabag jumpsuit, HOT UNDER THE COLLAR by Andie J. Christopher will fill that aching void in your heart.

If you like Emily in Paris, you should read THE PARIS CONNECTION by Lorraine Brown

Emily in Paris has left hordes of us crying into our croissants and wondering why we never moved to France and accidentally fell in love with charming chef downstairs. If you enjoyed Netflix’s romp through the City of Lights starring Lily Collins and her amazing wardrobe, you will adore THE PARIS CONNECTION by Lorraine Brown. This delightful new book has the same magical armchair tourist quality and plenty of will-they-ever-get-together angst. Fantastique!

If you like Cruella, you should read A SPOT OF TROUBLE by Teri Wilson

If Cruella has you seeing spots (the good, furry Dalmatian kind), I’ve got you covered. A SPOT OF TROUBLE was written by yours truly, and it’s a whimsical romantic comedy for anyone who loves Emma Stone in Cruella or Disney’s other 101 Dalmatians movies. Bonus: no one wants to make a coat out of the sweet dogs. I promise.

Will you be picking up Teri’s new release? Tell us in the comments below!

The post What To Read Next: Popular Movies & TV Shows Paired With Rom-Com Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.