Hi, Carlyn! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’m a bi Jewish  author who primarily writes romance and thrillers in YA and Adult. Director’s Cut is my second solo work, where I also co-wrote a YA Contemporary with Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner last year. I’m a film school graduate, formerly worked various low level development jobs in Hollywood, and now work for a book packager. I love pop culture rabbit holes, ghost tours, and my 3-year-old chihuahua papion mix named Phoebe.

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

I’ve been a huge reader since I was a little kid, and the instinct just kind of came to me somewhere around age ten or so. I wrote fanfiction (not knowing the term yet) for a few years. Then, at age 13, I saw The Dark Knight, got super emotionally effected by it, and decided to try my hand at writing my first YA thriller. From there, I experimented with a ton of different genres and age categories and I can’t imagine my life without it. At some point, my characters just started chatting and my brain started coming up with new scenarios and it just hasn’t stopped.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Kittens in the Kitchen by Lucy Daniels
• The one that made you want to become an author: Going Bovine by Libba Bray
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Your latest novel, Director’s Cut, is out June 11^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Celebrity falls for professor coworker.

What can readers expect?

It’s kind of the whole package – it’s a love story first and foremost, so the usual banter, yearning, sexual tension, spice, and HEA does happen. But on top of that, it’s a story about rediscovering your passions, about mental health and navigating relationships when you do bring baggage to the table, about the discomfort that can come with your identity change after you come out (particularly as a public figure). It’s also a love letter to Los Angeles and the entertainment industry as so many of my books are and contains a ton of musical references.

Where did the inspiration for Director’s Cut come from?

I went to USC and saw firsthand how there was this strange phenomena of celebrities coming in as visiting professors. I one day checked the course catalogue and realized that a regular professor was always assigned to work with the celebrity and thought that must be such an interesting dynamic. When I wrote Sizzle Reel, I realized that this would be the kind of dynamic Val would 100% get into and decided to write that story.

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

Moments wise, I am really proud of the first kiss in this book. It has this extremely specific vibe sensatorially that made it so unique and specific to this book and this book only. Beyond that, I really loved writing Val’s actor friend and fellow gay, Charlie. I love wlw and mlm solidarity and so showing what fundamental LGBTQ+ glue holds them together while contrasting the stark differences in their lives was so fun.

What do you love about writing within the romance genre?

I really love creating these pocket moments where the yearning rises to the next level. Scenes like “only one bed” or “we’re alone for the first time together how are we going to navigate this?” There’s just something so fun about characters butting up against moments where they can’t deny their attraction any longer – but are they going to act on it now or down the line?

What’s next for you?

Funny enough, my next book that’ll be out is a YA Thriller! It’s called MURDER LAND and it’s out Summer 2025 with Sourcebooks Fire. It follows a 17-year-old ride operator who has one night to discover who killed her coworker in a beloved SoCal theme park built on dark secrets. It’s an all queer cast, but given the 12-hour timeline, it’s a lot of more yearning, exes-having-to-tolerate-each-other love letter to messy queer friend groups than an outright romance.

My agent and I are also working on getting an adult thriller on submission that has a bi protagonist and a messy sapphic romance that…turns out happily albeit in a bit of an unconventional way. Even as I genre hop, I don’t think romance will ever leave my work entirely.

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

Please note I read extremely eclectically, so my answer ranges from SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn (I finally read that after adoring GONE GIRL like everyone else on Earth) to THE LOVERS by Rebekah Faubion to FINALLY FITZ by Marisa Kanter. In terms of most anticipated, I am so excited for COMPOUND FRACTURE, Andrew Joseph White’s next YA horror (thriller?), COME OUT COME OUT by Natalie C. Parker, and YOU’RE THE PROBLEM, IT’S YOU by Emma R. Alban.

Will you be picking up Director’s Cut? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Carlyn Greenwald, Author of ‘Director’s Cut’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Get ready to swoon over these delightful new romance books hitting shelves this month! With new releases from the likes of Alicia Thompson, Katherine Center, Christina Lauren, Farrah Rochon, and many more, along with those making their debut, there’s certainly something for everyone to add to their TBR!

Read on to discover our picks and let us know in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them!

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

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The romantic and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past, by the bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script.

Match Me If You Can by Swati Hegde

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A young magazine writer in Mumbai must prove her matchmaking skills—and contend with growing feelings for her close family friend—in this debut desi romance.

Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

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A grumpy, rich recluse meets his match in this steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling—with a Succession twist. Fans of fairy tale adaptations, and readers of Julie Murphy and Falon Ballard, will adore Mae Bennett’s debut romance.

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

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A professional baseball player and his heckler prove that true love is worth going to bat for in the next swoony romance by USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.

Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald

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After taking a guest teaching gig, Oscar-winning Valeria Sullivan finds herself trapped in a battle of wits with her sexy co-professor, but can she keep her cool when things heat up in and out of the classroom?

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

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A struggling writer is forced to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with the man who gave her book a very public one-star rating in this fresh romantic comedy from Laura Hankin.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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The New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s next laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story.

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle

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For fans of Emily Henry, a debut about a rom-com screenwriter who doesn’t believe in love and a divorce attorney who does, forced together at their high school reunion fifteen years after their breakup

Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren

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A witty and deeply romantic modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled, by the New York Times bestselling author duo Christina Lauren, part of the acclaimed and bestselling Meant to Be collection.

Hot Summer by Elle Everhart

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Sparks fly when a young woman finds herself cast on a Love Island-inspired reality show and has to choose between her heart and her strategy in this sizzling new queer romantic comedy from the beloved author of Wanderlust.

We Could Be Heroes by Philip Ellis

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Uproarious and touching, We Could Be Heroes is an ode to queer joy and a romance that just might save the world.

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

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The daughter of an aging rock star finds herself working for the hottest musician on the planet and is shocked when sparks start to fly—especially since she swore she’d never, ever date a celebrity—in this unputdownable romance that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry.

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

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A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

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When a Mexican heiress defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her…

A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell

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A delightfully queer Victorian love story, featuring a boldly brash trans hero, the beguiling botanist who captures his heart, and a buoyant bicycle race by the British seaside — from the author of The Duke Undone.

Business Casual By B.K. Borison

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Two opposites decide to test their chemistry with one steamy night together. But will once be enough?

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

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A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science—from New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon

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The New York Times bestselling author of Almost There delivers the start of a new rom-com series with an enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for readers of Abby Jimenez and Jasmine Guillory.

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

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Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Survival of the Thickest in Danielle Allen’s CURVY GIRL SUMMER, a smoking-hot, hilarious novel about the perils of online dating.

Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon

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Perfect for fans of Carly Fortune and Lucy Score, Right Where We Left Us is a searing and unforgettable romance.

Birding With Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

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A divorcee embarks on her “year of yes” and crosses paths with a shy but sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life in this charming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood.

All Roads Lead To Rome by Sabrina Fedel

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When the daughter of a diplomat fake dates a Scottish celebrity in Italy, she soon finds herself living her own Roman Holiday until the feelings get real and the paparazzi’s knives come out.

Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong delivers a fun romantic comedy about a woman writing under a male pseudonym and the man she hires to play the role in public.

But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson

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A burned-out bisexual confronts old demons, her estranged chosen family, and the ex she maybe shouldn’t have walked away from when she attends her five-year college reunion.

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

The post 24 New Romance Reads To Pick Up In June 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Approaching the halfway mark of 2024, there’s no slowing down on the incredible new books hitting shelves this month! From new releases from the likes of Kalynn Bayron, Riley Sager, Tomi Adeyemi, Paul Tremblay, and so many more, there’s bound to be at least one book you’ll be adding to your TBR!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and let us know in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them. 

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

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In her breathtaking debut—part space odyssey, part sapphic rom-com—Emily Hamilton tells a tale of galaxy-spanning friendship, improbable love, and found family.

The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle

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A dream vacation turns deadly when secrets from the past catch up to a married couple in Paris in this new edge-of-your-seat thriller from USA Today bestselling author, Kimberly Belle.

Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron

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New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron returns to fairytales with a lush, thrilling and original YA Snow White retelling that brings a new and exciting voice to this familiar tale. Perfect for fans of Cinderella Is Dead.

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

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In the latest jaw-dropping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager, a man must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend—and the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighborhood.

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

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Tomi Adeyemi’s #1 New York Times-bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series comes to an earth-shaking conclusion.

The Wren In The Holly Library by K.A. Linde

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Set in an alternate day New York filled with monsters, The Wren in the Holly Library is a dark, spicy romantasy loosely inspired by Beauty and the Beast — perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and Leigh Bardugo.

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland

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After the Jacobson siblings win a life-changing fortune in the lottery, they assume their messy lives will transform into sleek, storybook perfection—but they couldn’t be more wrong in the new laugh-out-loud novel from beloved author Elyssa Friedland.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

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A chilling twist on the “cursed film” genre from the bestselling author of The Pallbearers Club and The Cabin at the End of the World.

Two Sides To Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

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From the author of How to Survive Your Murder comes a propulsive thriller about two teens who return to the site of the famous murder case that sealed their fates.

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

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A professional baseball player and his heckler prove that true love is worth going to bat for in the next swoony romance by USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

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From the acclaimed author of The Deep Sky comes a thrilling anti-colonial space heist to save an alien civilization.

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

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In this sly and dazzling contemporary fantasy, the most notorious nine-tailed fox in Korea pairs up with a trickster god–turned–detective to track down a wrathful demon . . . before it can destroy the mortal world.

Anna Bright Is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall

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The Dropout meets Inventing Anna in this cinematic and page-turning summer read! A ripped-from-the-headlines story set in the glossy offices of Silicon Valley startups and NYC new media, Anna Bright Is Hiding Something explores our fascination with female founders breaking barriers—and sometimes behaving badly in the process.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

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A bold, laugh-out-loud funny, and heartwarming story about one young woman’s attempt to navigate adulthood, new motherhood, and her meager bank account in our increasingly online world—from the PEN/Faulkner finalist and critically acclaimed author of The Knockout Queen.

Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald

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Oscar-winning Valeria Sullivan finds herself trapped in a battle of wits with a sexy professor, but can she keep her cool when things heat up in and out of the classroom?

Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart

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In this clever, surprising, page-turner, the world’s most lethal assassin gives up the violent life only to find himself under siege by mysterious assailants. It’s a kill-or-be-killed situation, but the first option is off the table. What’s a reformed hit man to do?

What June 2024 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 16 New Book Releases To Pick Up In June 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Long-lost twin princes tackling coming out, frenemies-with-benefits at magical boarding schools and sapphic crushes forever trapped underwater—2023 is bringing us some truly magical, whimsical and heartfelt queer stories! With a focus on learning to love yourself, standing up for your right to love and eschewing antiquated gender norms, we’re ready to let these brand-new stories take over our hearts and minds!

Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Romance lists!

JANUARY

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
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From the author of Spin Me Right Round, a fresh, modern story about learning how to love–starting with yourself–as three teens who know each other online meet up and find themselves questioning everything.

A Tale of Two Prince by Eric Geron
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When Edward, Crown Prince of Canada, and Billy, small-town boy with a big heart, meet by chance in New York City and discover that they are long-lost twins, their lives are forever changed. Will the twin princes—“twinces”— be able to take on high school, coming out, and coronations together? Or will this royal reunion quickly become a royal disaster?

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
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An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon
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From the Coretta Scott King and Printz Honor-winning author of How It Went Down, Light It Up, and Revolution In Our Time comes a moving contemporary YA novel about the bonds between a group of teens whose lives have been upended by tragedy. Kermit finds a mysterious invitation in his locker, signed anonymously with “-1.” He has no idea what he’s in for, but he shows up to find out. Dubbed the “Minus-One Club,” a group of his schoolmates has banded together as a form of moral support. The members have just one thing in common—they have all suffered the tragic loss of someone they loved.

Then Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
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Girard offers a stand-alone sex-positive coming-of-age story about a teen named Baylee who’s torn between her heart and her hormones as she navigates her feelings for her best friend, Freddie, and new friend, Alex. Perfect for fans of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega.

The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
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From debut author Hadeer Elsbai comes the first book in an incredibly powerful new duology, set wholly in a new world, but inspired by modern Egyptian history, about two young women–Nehal, a spoiled aristocrat used to getting what she wants and Giorgina, a poor bookshop worker used to having nothing–who find they have far more in common, particularly in their struggle for the rights of women and their ability to fight for it with forbidden elemental magic

FEBRUARY

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Afterglow by Phil Stamper
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After a summer of life-changing, these four friends are finally ready for senior year. As graduation nears and the boys prepare to enter the real world, it’s clear their friendship will never be the same. Can they find a way to stay connected and pursue their dreams? Don’t miss the conclusion to Stamper’s duology!

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
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A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things.

If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla
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For fans of Kacen Callender and Mason Deaver comes a heart-tugging coming-of-age YA debut that takes a poignant look at gender identity, sexuality, friendship, and family–both the one we’re born into and the one we find for ourselves.

Planning Perfect by Haley Neil
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In this charming, heartfelt YA romcom about being on the asexual spectrum, a girl tries to craft the perfect wedding for her mother but discovers that sometimes the best parts of life can’t be planned.

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley
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What happens when your enemy becomes your friend … with benefits? Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker – classmates at Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept – have never gotten along. But when they both get dumped the day before the big egg-baby assignment, they reluctantly decide to ditch their exes and work together.

MARCH

Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
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Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose—but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly
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From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men’s sweeping journey across the Western wilderness.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
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Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles.

The Immeasurable Depth of You by Maria Ingrande Mora
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In the devastating but uplifting tradition of Adam Silvera and Nova Ren Suma comes a queer supernatural coming-of-age story from acclaimed author Maria Ingrande Mora.

Ravensong by Cayla Fay
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A demi-god who refuses to cohabitate with humans accidentally falls in love with one in the first book of a pulse-pounding teen duology that’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Celtic mythology.

Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel
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Two destined rivals fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.

APRIL

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
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Finding home. Falling in love. Fighting to belong. Andi & Santi Were Here is a love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy.

Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar by Jessamyn Violet
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Acclaimed musician Jessamyn Violet’s debut LGBTQA+ novel sizzles with a coming-of-age story set in an industry of ambition, secrets, lies, and utter joy.

In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune
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A queer retelling of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio starring an inventor named Victor, a mysterious android called Hap (Hysterically Angry Puppet), an anxiety-riddled Roomba vacuum named Rambo, and a sociopathic nursing machine, the Registered Automaton To Care, Heal, Educate and Drill (Nurse Ratched, for short), this is the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay
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A vibrant and emotional novel from debut author Dan Clay about a boy who turns toward love, self-acceptance, and drag performance when the unthinkable happens.

Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald
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An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood. For aspiring cinematographer Luna Roth, coming out as bisexual at twenty-four is proving more difficult than she anticipated.

No Boy Summer by Amy Spalding
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Lydia and her younger sister Penny make a pact to avoid boy drama for the summer—but Lydia can’t help looking for a loophole when she falls for a cute girl.

MAY

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
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A queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You The Sun meets Dawson’s Creek with a dash of HBO’s Euphoria in this story that follows twins who have different ways of dealing with their father’s incarceration—and then his untimely death—and the complications that arise when one discovers a secret third sibling and keeps them from his sister, even after they move to their Adirondack lake-side town.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
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With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

The Song of Us by Kate Fussner
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This stunning debut and wholly original queer middle grade novel-in-verse retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice adds a new chorus to the songs of great love, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World. 

JUNE

Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See
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Less than a year away from graduation, seventeen-year-old Joy is too busy overachieving to be worried about relationships. She’s determined to be Caldwell Prep’s first disabled valedictorian. And she only has one person to beat, her academic rival Nathaniel. 

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush.

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
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The First Bright Thing is a spellbinding debut for fans of The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue.

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
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A queer Sliding Doors YA rom-com in which a girl must choose between summer in NYC with her dad (and the girl she’s always wanted) or LA with her estranged mom (and the guy she never saw coming). In Going Bicoastal, there’s more than one path to happily ever after.

Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
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Perfect for fans of Red, White, & Royal Blue and Perks of Being a Wallflower, Darkhearts is a hilarious, heartfelt novel about fame, romance, and what happens when the two collide.

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
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Inspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history—or tear it apart.

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

The post Must-Have 2023 Queer Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.