Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding, which releases on October 28th 2025.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Anne of Avenue A’ by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Audrey and Emily! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?

We met while working at a television production company in New York over ten years ago. Our first assignment was to shoot a pitch reel at a county jail in Pittsburgh where we definitely found ourselves in some interesting situations, so our friendship solidified fast! Fast forward a few years, and the pandemic put the TV industry on an indefinite hold, so while we were quarantined, we ended up sending each other different short stories we were writing. Then, after a glass of wine or two, we were texting and decided to write something together. That’s when we came up with the concept for our first book, Emma of 83rd Street, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since!

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

We’ve both loved writing since we were young, but we had no idea the other shared that love until the pandemic. It was the silver lining to a really awful time.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading:
  Audrey: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  Emily: Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
• The one that made you want to become an author:
  Audrey: Reading Judy Blume books
  Emily: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about:
  Audrey: For real-  it’s Pride and Prejudice
  Emily: Absolutely!

Your latest novel, Elizabeth of East Hampton, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Swooning, surfing, and baked goods.

What can readers expect?

Whether you’re a Jane Austen fan or not, Elizabeth of East Hampton is a rom-com that anyone can relate to and love! At its heart, it’s a romance about two people who are sure they couldn’t be more different, but it’s also a story about family and community, and the lengths we’ll go to for the people we care about.

Where did the inspiration for Elizabeth of East Hampton come from?

While we were writing our first book, Emma of 83rd Street (a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma set in New York City’s Upper East Side), we thought it would be fun to throw in a few Easter eggs for fellow Austen fans, including some characters from her other books. We couldn’t stop thinking about how great it would be if all these different characters knew each other, maybe they were even friends. By the end, we had Darcy in our heads and knew his story had to be next.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Audrey: I think reimagining a modern day Bennet family in particular the sisters and how each of their personalities would be now.

Emily: Yes, the sisters were so fun to write! I also loved the opportunity to get into Darcy’s head. Our book is dual POV, so seeing how he’s feeling and thinking was really interesting.

Can you tell us a bit about how your process works when it comes to co-writing?

It’s an ever-evolving process! First, we do an outline and really try to plot out exactly where the story is going to go, then we alternate chapters until we get a rough draft. After that, everything gets thrown together in revisions! There’s rewrites, restructures, re-everything. But having two sets of eyes helps so much to iron out the pacing and story, so it ends up being a lot of fun.

What’s next for you?

Good question! We’d love to stay in Jane Austen’s world for as long as we can, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?

Audrey: A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales was so perfect. It’s Knives Out meets Jane Austen that had me laughing the entire time. And my tbr list is very long! but I’m looking forward to reading The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren.

Emily: I had so much fun reading Nicolas DiDomizio’s latest, Nearly Wed. It’s a romcom but one with so many complex themes that it’s on an entirely different level. I loved it! And I can’t wait to read Lauren Layne’s latest, Miranda in Retrograde.

Will you be picking up Elizabeth of East Hampton? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding, Co-Authors of ‘Elizabeth of East Hampton’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We know what you’re thinking: is this a joke? After all, Jane Austen’s Emma might be one of the most iconic romances in English literature, but its titular character isn’t exactly known for her relationship prowess. Her entire character arc is inextricably linked to her naivete in all matters of love, and the fact that this doesn’t stop her from dispensing relationship advice to everyone she knows is as charming as it is nonsensical.

And we couldn’t agree more. Emma’s complete lack of self-awareness makes for some of Austen’s most comical scenes. But while writing our new novel, Emma of 83rd Street, we pored over Austen’s original book and made a startling discovery: Emma Woodhouse actually had some sound advice. Don’t believe us? Here’s the proof:

#1: “A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”

Emily: This is the 1815 version of “you don’t owe him anything!” and I love it. Even though Emma’s assumptions about Harriet’s feelings here ultimately prove to be wrong, the advice still holds true for any woman who finds herself trying to convince herself that she’s interested in someone simply because they are interested in her.

Audrey: When I was in my twenties, I probably would have saved myself and my dates a lot of time if I had taken Emma’s words to heart. Just because someone likes you, doesn’t mean you have to like them back or even say yes to a date. Of course, in this instance, Harriet was actually very interested in the man Emma does not want her to marry.

Emily: There’s a reason Amy Heckerling’s 1995 adaptation was called Clueless!

#2: “I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.”

Audrey: I love this one. I see it as: even though I’m at the point of obsession-bordering-on-stalking madly in love stage with someone, I know who I am and am not going to act like a complete idiot.

Emily: Exactly. And it’s so easy to fall into the complete idiot category.  We all need Emma Woodhouse to remind us that falling in love doesn’t mean you should lose yourself in the process.

#3: “I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.”

Emily: Truer words have never been said in the history of the English language. Know your worth.

Audrey: This is all about self-worth! And about truly believing that you are good enough and deserve greatness– from love to mundane things like your favorite coffee order, no matter how complicated. When it comes to dating, if you think you are worthy, you won’t stand for being treated badly and you’ll find it very easy to walk away from the wrong guys.

#4: “What is passable in youth is detestable in later age.”

Emily: Forget for a moment that Emma is doling out this advice while trying to convince her friend that the man she loves will someday become a “completely gross, vulgar farmer.” Because her complete lack of self-awareness shouldn’t take away from the surprising wisdom here. When any of us are newly in love, we might overlook or make excuses for behavior or traits that we think are “passable” or worse, that these things will change. The truth is that many times, they don’t. And after time, what was passable only becomes more glaring.

Audrey: You know for a young girl, this is excellent advice. Something that bothers you now will 100% drive you batty after ten years of marriage. If you can, address it now.

#5: “You must be the best judge of your own happiness.”

Audrey: This is spot on. Trust yourself and don’t listen to others when it comes to what you want. At the end of the day, you’re the one that is in the relationship and only you can judge if your partner is right for you. Perhaps Emma should take that advice to heart a bit more and not meddle so much!

Emily: So true. Although I don’t think she’ll ever stop meddling, I love that her burgeoning self-awareness means that she wakes up to the realities of everything she’s been pontificating on throughout the novel. And I think that’s really the heart of all of this: her advice isn’t wrong. It’s actually great! She just needs to apply it to herself first.

The post 5 Times Emma Woodhouse Gave Us the Best Relationship Advice Ever appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From bittersweet endings to a romance trilogy following three sparkling sisters, to magical shenanigans that find characters fake dating a demon to please their family and steamy marriage of conveniences with your secret crush and romance books cover model—our romance-loving hearts are beating faster just looking at what’s on the menu for the first half of 2023!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

JANUARY

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With her signature charm, Hunting completes the Spark sisters’ trilogy in Make a Wish, a second chance-romance sure to leave you reeling. Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel.

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Business consultant Rose Josten might not have officially reached “pug lady” middle age, but she’s already got the pugs—along with their little Gucci coats and trash-lovin’ appetites. Still, life is good, with her work, her sisters, and a secret hobby creating incredibly tactile (if surprisingly sexy) mindfulness videos. So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough? Which is exactly when former filmmaker Ash Stewart enters camera left, and Rose’s world suddenly goes full technicolor . . .

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Always a matchmaker, never a match…Olivia Huang Christenson is excited-slash-terrified to be taking over her grandmother’s matchmaking business. But when she learns that a new dating app has made her Pó Po’s traditional Chinese zodiac approach all about “animal attraction,” her emotions skew more toward furious-slash-outraged. Especially when L.A.’s most-eligible bachelor Bennett O’Brien is behind the app that could destroy her family’s legacy . . .

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From The Astronaut and the Star author Jen Comfort comes a wildly electric romance about two musicians who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

Back in a Spell by Lana Harper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An awkward first date leads to a sparkling romance between one of the most powerful witches in town and a magical newbie in this rom-com.

Do I Know You? By Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.

FEBRUARY

Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex’s Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

Radiant Sin by Katee Robert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

There’s nowhere more dangerous than Olympus…and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm…and the only man Cassandra is powerless to deny. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TikTok favorite Tessa Bailey comes a steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn…

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A shy bookworm enlists her charming neighbor to help her score a date, not knowing he’s the obscure author she’s been corresponding with.

Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a thirty-something American food writer moves to a Scottish village for one year to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook she finds more than inspiration–she meets a handsome Scotsman she can’t resist.

MARCH

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men’s sweeping journey across the Western wilderness.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping LGBTQIA+ Regency romance from award-winning author KJ Charles! 

Ellie Is Cool Now by Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, one woman finds that to keep her dream job, she’ll have to face her worst nightmare: high school.

Right Girl, Wrong Side by Ginny Baird
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Baird brings her signature charm to this multicultural story about two disputing families sharing a beach house and the messiness that comes from falling in love with someone who your family is determined to despise.

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two people make a wager on who can find love first, not realizing what they should be betting on is each other, in this new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Wrong Number.

APRIL

Happy Place by Emily Henry
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from Emily Henry.

Just As You Are by Camille Kellogg
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Equal parts witty and steamy, this debut rom-com brings a healthy dose of queerness and a whole lot of heart to a Pride and Prejudice-inspired enemies to lovers romance. This page-turning, sexy, and delightfully funny rom-com celebrates queer culture, chosen family, coming of age, and falling in love against your better judgment.

The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Lambda Literary award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur returns with a steamy Sapphic rom-com about a quiet bookseller and a romance novel cover model who agree to a modern-day marriage-of-convenience…

In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kae
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With a gorgeous beachfront mansion, salty ocean breeze, steamy nights, and ALL the summertime feels, this funny, sexy queer rom-com is a celebration of summer love, as a cinnamon roll of a pastry chef finds his indie rocker crush suddenly within reach.

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is a Regency rom-com set in the world of Waters’ previous books, in which a woman attempts to trick her new husband into thinking his ancestral home is haunted in order to finally get some peace and quiet, only to find herself enjoying his company instead.

Ana Mariá and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

MAY

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Turns out you’re never too old for a summer camp romance. Or a change of heart. When a divorced woman attends a sleepaway camp for adults only, she reconnects with a man from her past–only to catch feelings for his sister instead.

Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This irresistible adult debut from beloved YA author Jennifer Dugan is a queer romcom for fans of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and Written in the Stars, in which a woman gives a drunken bathroom pep talk to a hot stranger, only to find out it’s the bride-to-be she has convinced to leave her fiancé the night before the wedding.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this witty and romantic debut novel, Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene as two lifelong friends discover that, in the search for love, you sometimes don’t have to look any further than your own backyard.

Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The highly acclaimed author of Accidentally Engaged delivers a delightful rom-com of one woman trying to shed her perfect image at a destination wedding with hilarious—and moving—results.

Love Buzz by Neely Tubati Alexander
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this spectacularly enjoyable and serendipitous adventure, a chance romantic encounter during a wild night at a Mardi Gras bachelorette party sends strait-laced Serena Khan’s carefully constructed life into chaos.

JUNE

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On screen, they’re in love. Off screen, they can’t stand each other. Two co-stars with a complex history reunite to film the final season of a beloved paranormal drama in this tension-filled will they won’t they romance from the author of How to Fake It in Hollywood.

A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The fur is about to fly between a cheerful cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd in this hilarious and charming rom-com by the New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After, from the author of Nora Goes Off Script comes the ultimate summer nostalgia read, about a woman whose return to her family’s beach house to plan her wedding brings her and her fiancé unexpectedly face to face with her first love who she hasn’t seen in fourteen years, but who she spent every summer with from age five to seventeen when he broke her heart, calling into question everything she thought she knew about their love story, and herself.

The First Date Prophecy by Kate Tamberelli and Danny Tamberelli
Amazon | Book Depository

Danny Tamberelli, 90’s Nickelodeon star from All That and The Adventures of Pete and Pete, teams up with his real-life wife Kate Tamberelli for a zany, big-hearted, and truly laugh-out-loud debut rom-com set in Brooklyn, steeped in 90’s nostalgia, and inspired by their very own love story. For two talented romantic misfits who’ve been looking for love for so long, a prophecy from a psychic could be just another disastrous-first-date anecdote—or it could be the beginning of a love story for the ages . . .

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

What 2023 romance books are you looking forward to picking up ? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2023 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.