Now available from bookstores, Codename Charming is a delicious romantic comedy about a fake relationship between a grumpy royal bodyguard and the charming, sunny assistant who melts his cold, hard exterior.

Managed by Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan’s Managed became an instant grumpy/sunshine classic from the day it released—and for good reason. On her way to London for a job interview, the incredibly likeable Sophie ends up sitting next to Gabriel “Scottie” Scott, the tightly-buttoned, grouchy manager of one of the world’s most popular rock bands. They’re oil and water, but the reluctant sparks are there from the beginning, and when they end up working and touring together, and chronic insomniac Gabriel discovers that he can relax and sleep for the first time…as long as it’s cuddled up next to Sophie, the path is laid for one of my all-time favourite pairings.

The War Priest by Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre excels at opposites-attract pairings (for anyone who enjoys sci-fi romance, I also highly recommend Renegade Love, in which an abducted human heroine is taken yet again, this time by the universe’s most feared bounty hunter, Toth Krag, who’s been trained as the ultimate weapon of destruction and vengeance, taught to follow orders without question—and who falls like a ton of bricks for the strange “Tiny Nightmare” who’s having none of it.)

In her paranormal series “Ars Numina”, however, The War Priest is one of my favourite romances of the past few years; it sees another unlikely pairing in a soul-singing, soft-hearted lynx shifter and the bear-shifter warrior monk she adores. He’s taken vows of celibacy, there’s a war knocking on the door, and every chance that neither of them will survive the coming weeks—and the bond between them is so heartfelt it just resonates off the page.

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

I have a long list of beloved tropes, but grumpy/sunshine and fake dating will always be top-tier for me, and Alexandria Bellefleur’s totally delightful rom-com Written in the Stars hits on both counts—and in every other way. After a terrible blind date, straight-laced, practical Darcy and starry-eyed astrologer Elle are in no doubt whatsoever that they haven’t met their perfect match. However, when Darcy skews the truth to avoid any further family matchmaking, the pair find themselves embroiled in deception, having to pull off the image of romantic bliss until New Year’s Eve. Naturally, sparks begin to fly, and their journey from “absolutely not” to soulmates is witty, sexy, and an instant comfort-read.

Coldest Fire by Juliette Cross

Taking a turn into urban fantasy, an icy archangel set on vengeance is forced to call on a human witch for help, a woman he remembers with bitterness from one of the worst moments of his existence—but as they fight against a common enemy, they both realise that the other isn’t what they assumed. Coldest Fire is another excellent romance from Cross and the epitome of love and light triumphing over evil.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert’s writing is just a pure joy to read—even when it’s packing an absolute emotional punch, it remains a comfort read, because she infuses every paragraph with such warmth and love, for her characters, for their world, and for the story, in a way that draws the reader in and makes them immediately part of the experience. The first in the Brown Sisters trilogy was one of my first Talia Hibbert books, so holds a place in my heart—but I think Eve’s story is my favourite of the trilogy. 

On the surface, Eve is the epitome of the sunshine character, but she’s worked to have that positive attitude despite her earlier dreams not turning out as she’d hoped—and when she meets Jacob, the grumpy B&B owner (…and then accidentally runs him over), she can let her guard down for the first time, and the two find strength in each other. Through what they become together, they can more clearly see themselves for who they are as individuals. It’s a beautiful book and an amazing love story.

Hunt the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Part of Alexandra Ivy’s paranormal “Guardians of Eternity” series, Hunt the Darkness is the happy-ever-after of vampire clan leader Roke—notorious for his icy, practical nature—and the unintentionally chaotic (and lonely) witch Sally. After Sally accidentally casts a spell that triggers Roke’s “true mate” instinct, the pair find themselves seemingly irrevocably tied together—to their equal horror. It’s a road-trip romance as Sally takes off to find a way to break this seeming curse, with Roke in hot pursuit, as like it or not, she’s his mate and in potential danger. As they transition from enemies to reluctant allies and then lovers—with the well-intentioned but disastrous assistance of a tiny gargoyle named Levet—it’s an excellent mix of adventure and romance. 

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

It’s a Jackie Lau romance called “Grumpy Fake Boyfriend”; it couldn’t have been more obvious this would land on my keeper shelf if there were neon signs pointing at it. I adore Lau’s writing—it’s warm and heartfelt, but it’s also frequently laugh-out-loud funny. I loved the banter between sci-fi writer Will and event-planner Naomi, as the introvert and the extrovert pretend to be dating, in order to help Naomi save face in front of an ex. A relatively low-angst, warm hug of a story, like all of Lau’s novels, in which two very different people find common ground and accept and love each other for who they are.

The post Lucy Parker’s Grumpy-Sunshine Romance Book Recommendations appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

You’ll see titles from familiar and best-selling authors such as Helena Hunting, Meg Cabot, Cecelia Ahern, Christina Lauren, Jasmine Guillory, and Colleen Hoover—just to name a few! Plus there’s also quite a few authors making their debut this year including Zara Raheem, Jen DeLuca, Evie Dunmore, Melissa Ferguson, and more!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments what you’re looking forward to!

JULY

The Marriage Clock by Zara Raheem
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Zara Raheem’s fresh, funny, smart debut, a young, Muslim-American woman is given three months to find the right husband or else her traditional Indian parents will find one for her–a novel with a universal story that everyone can relate to about the challenges of falling in love.

Under Currents by Nora Roberts
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For both Zane and Darby, their small town roots hold a terrible secret. Now, decades later, they’ve come together to build a new life. But will the past set them free or pull them under?

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Alisha Rai returns with the first book in her sizzling new Modern Love series, in which two rival dating app creators find themselves at odds in the boardroom but in sync in the bedroom.

Making Up by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cosy Felton knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

All It Takes by Kristen Proby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s second novel in her Romancing Manhattan series delivers the sizzling story of a playboy who’s vowed never to commit until he meets the one woman he’s tempted to break his promise for.

All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

AUGUST

Playing House by Ruby Lang
Goodreads | Amazon

Romance blossoms between two city planners posing as newlyweds in this first in a bright new series by acclaimed author Ruby Lang.

Handle With Care by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author of SHACKING UP and I FLIPPING LOVE YOU Helena Hunting mixes humour and heart in this scandal-filled romantic comedy.

Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon 

Get ready to meet your new favourite hot jocks in this series of stand-alone novels. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series of athlete romances is perfect for you!

Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The bestselling author of The Simple Wild and Keep Her Safe and “master of steamy romance” (Kirkus Reviews) delivers a sizzling novel about an ambitious and high-powered executive who reconnects with her first love: the boy who broke her heart.

Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson
Goodreads | Amazon

New Hope, South Carolina is my home. It’s where I grew up, got into trouble, and fell in love for the first time. Scarlett Kincaid was more than the girl next door, she was my best friend, until she decided that small town life wasn’t for her. One minute she was here, and the next she was gone..

Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart
Goodreads | Amazon

As the reigning kissing booth contest champion, I have one goal: kiss as many people as possible to retain my dubious crown. But the only person I want to kiss is my best friend’s brother.

SEPTEMBER

No Judgments by Meg Cabot
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The storm of the century is about to hit Little Bridge Island, Florida—and it’s sending waves crashing through Sabrina “Bree” Beckham’s love life…

Postscript (PS, I Love You #2) by Cecelia Ahern
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Holly Kennedy is approached by a group calling themselves the PS, I Love You Club, her safe existence is turned on its head. Inspired by her late husband Gerry’s letters, the club wants Holly to help them with their own parting messages for their loved ones to discover after they’re gone.

Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

All’s faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

The Wonder of Now by Jamie Beck
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Peyton Prescott would give anything for the carefree life she knew before breast cancer changed everything. But instead of using her second chance to move forward, she’s stuck promoting the memoir her brother convinced her to write, thus reliving the very battle she wants to forget. If she hopes her European book tour will allow her to enjoy revisiting her favourite travel-writing destinations, she’s wrong: her PR whiz is too consumed with his own goals to consider her needs.

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes the second delightfully charming installment in the Central Park Pact series, following a young widow whose newfound cynicism about love is challenged by a sexy, rough-around-the-edges contractor.

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford Rebels, in which a fiercely independent vicar’s daughter takes on a powerful duke in a love story that threatens to upend the British social order.

OCTOBER

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners and the “delectable, moving” (Entertainment Weekly) My Favorite Half-Night Stand comes a modern love story about what happens when your first love reenters your life when you least expect it…

The Play (Briar U #3) by Elle Kennedy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A brand-new standalone novel in the New York Timesbestselling Briar U series! She’s the player he never saw coming…

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and “rising star in the romance genre” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a dazzling new novel about a spontaneous holiday vacation that turns into an unforgettable romance.

Seven Letters by J.P. Monninger
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

J. P. Monninger, author of the international bestseller The Map That Leads to You, the novel Nicholas Sparks called “romantic and unforgettable”, tells a poignant love story of the ways the world divides two souls—and the way that love brings them together.

Gypsy King by Devney Perry
Goodreads | Amazon 

The former Tin Gypsy motorcycle club has everyone in Clifton Forge, Montana convinced they’ve locked their clubhouse doors and ripped off their patches. Everyone but Bryce Ryan. There’s more happening at the club’s garage than muscle car restorations and Harley rebuilds. Her instincts are screaming there’s a story—one she’s going to tell.

Faker by Sarah Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Debut author Sarah Smith nails this fun and sexy multicultural romance where two office foes hammer out their differences to build a love that will last…

NOVEMBER

Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days gets a millennial makeover in this romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher.

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville’s top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it’ll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Talia Hibbert, one of contemporary romance’s brightest new stars, delivers a witty, hilarious romantic comedy about a woman who’s tired of being “boring” and recruits her mysterious, sexy neighbor to help her experience new things—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Jasmine Guillory, and Helen Hoang.

Inexpressible Island (End of Forever Saga Book 3) by Paullina Simons
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The third and final novel in Paullina Simons’ unforgettable End of Forever saga concludes Julian and Josephine’s heartbreaking love story that has spanned lifetimes.

We Met in December by Rosie Curtis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following a year in the life of a twenty-something American woman who falls hard for her London flat mate, this clever, fun, and unforgettable romantic comedy is the perfect feel-good holiday read.

Lethal Nights by Lora Leigh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh turns up the heat in her latest novel of high-stakes passion and persuasion featuring the men of Brute Force.

DECEMBER

Husband Material by Emily Belden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Twenty-nine-year-old Charlotte Rosen has a secret: she’s a widow. It could never have been predicted that her late husband’s ashes would land squarely on her doorstep five years later. Stunned but determined, Charlotte sets out to find meaning in this sudden twist of fate, even if that includes facing her perfectly coiffed, and perfectly difficult, ex-mother-in-law—and her husband’s best friend, who seems to become a fixture at her side whether she likes it or not.

The Intended Victim by Alexandra Ivy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her. Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger targeting women who look just like Remi.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Dani Wyatt
Goodreads | Amazon 

Enjoy this holiday wonder with a grunty alpha, a kind-hearted girl trying to rebuild her life, and a whole lot of yummy sexy times under the twinkling Christmas lights. Always safe, no cheating, a little angst, and for sure a happily ever after for all.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An all-new romance novel from best-selling author Colleen Hoover.

A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh welcomes you to a remote town on the edge of the world where even the blinding brightness of the sun can’t mask the darkness that lies deep within a killer…

Are there any upcoming romance books that you’re looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Fall In Love With The Second Half of 2019’s Romance Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.