Luca and Emery prove once again what this powerful author duo does best: creating characters that somehow feel like real people you’ve known forever.

From the very first chapter where we get to see how Luca and Emery meet and get together, I was head over heels in love with Luca (just like everyone else in that scene).

How Christina Lauren can make me root for a couple who gets married after an insanely short amount of time knowing each other is beyond me but man, was I rooting for them. Emery is incredibly confident, smart and sassy. Even though most of what she does on a daily basis she can’t talk about, you can tell as the reader how driven, passionate and altogether goal-oriented she is and that kind of translates to how she sees Luca and immediately decides yes, this one’s mine.

Meanwhile Luca is an absolute sweetheart, someone that oozes charisma and that could probably seduce a lawn mower. The man somehow manages to make everyone want to be around him and I can’t even be mad about it because the way he’s written made me want to crawl into the book and give him a hug. He’s so understanding and supportive of Emery and her career (even when he doesn’t know what she does exactly) and would move heaven and earth for her…even though he gets discarded and forgotten time and again when Emery’s work comes between their plans or their relationship.

I think the first few chapters truly shine here because you immediately get the feeling that this isn’t going to be a flirty summer romance and instead have a lot more meat to it. The more serious, sophisticated tone pairs well with the couple in question and makes you realise that something is afoot way before Luca’s accident.

Now, for the romance. I love me a good amnesia plot and am an absolute sucker for someone trying to make their partner fall in love with them again, but I admit, I thought this could have been handled better here. While the foundation is there, I wanted more tension, more focus on their relationship and finding their way back to each other. There was an emotional connection, yes, but sometimes the sci-fi plot did overpower the romance. And while we do get short glimpses at the reconnection between Emery and Luca and both deliver on the funny quips to lighten the somewhat heavier read, the story’s anxiety and tension was mostly driven by the external factor of Emery trying to hide the technology she invented – or the fact that she kind of illegally used it on her husband (and succeeded!).

The focus of the story was more so on the actual scientific revival and its implications than the romance, which isn’t bad, just not what I was hoping for. In the end this does come down to personal preferences I’d say.

While I’m not the biggest fan of romances that involve a lot of technical or science-y exposition (don’t get me wrong, we love women in STEM, I just don’t have the brain capacity to understand anything no matter how often I ask people to explain it to me like I’m 5, it’s a problem, I’m aware of it) and therefore found myself with my eyes glassing over during the more explanatory stuff especially once it started spanning more than three pages, when it comes to Luca’s revival, I still thought the concept was really unique. It also made me chuckle at the cheeky title and the double meaning. Talk about resurrecting a marriage in crisis, alright.

I also couldn’t help but think time and again that people who adore Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis would probably be frothing at the mouth over this and that alone made me persevere even when scientific things went over my head.

Something that I love about this author duo is that they’re not afraid to try out new formats or plots within the romance genre.

Yes, they have cornered the market and are firmly placed at the top of contemporary romances, yet many years later, they still stretch their creative muscles and shoot their shot at something out of the ordinary. And, as it is with all books, that might work for some readers and not for others – but it’s the way they combine this new set-up with their trademark funny banter and heartwarming characters that make you invested whether you dig the plot or not.

So, while this might have not been completely up my alley, it is and always will be a treat to dive into a new Christina Lauren book!

Putting an altogether new spin on the concept of reviving a marriage in crisis, Christina Lauren’s The Romance Revival is a second-chance romance with a heap of we love women in STEM vibes that’s perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood!

The Romance Revival is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 14th 2026.

Will you be picking up The Romance Revival? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren returns with an unforgettable romance in which a fateful accident erases a troubled marriage from memory—and a scientific breakthrough gives love one extraordinary do-over.

Three years ago, scientist Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.

But now, Emery is consumed by her top research, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge discoveries come to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.

Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule, using the classified technology she’s developed to bring him back to life. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together…all of it is gone.

It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving.

The post Review: The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart: In this holiday romance with an enchanting twist, a magic-averse witch returns home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival.

What happens when you take holiday “magic” and make it literal? Stories that will completely sweep you up in cozy wonder this holiday season. Ever since the Christmas Carol, writers have been using magical plot devices to create a sense of adventure and force their characters to travel down a path toward becoming the best version of themselves in time for Yuletide. Adding romance into the mix adds a delicious stake to that journey—fix your heart, or watch it break when love slips through your fingers.

From time travel to magical archives to charming ghosts, all of these books use magical twists to add an enchanting sparkle to familiar holiday romance tropes. The end result is a collection of delightful, satisfying reads that will help you get through those long winter nights.

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Maelyn Jones is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same holiday trip to Utah, and must figure out how to break free. Could it have something to do with the two brothers between whom she also finds herself stuck? Holiday romance meets Groundhog Day in this timeloop romance that was both hilarious and touching. Family takes center stage, as Maelyn’s evolving relationships with both her biological family and found family prove critical to her escape.

Childhood friends to lovers pairs well with the story themes of nostalgia, tradition, and learning to let go and move on, all wrapped up in delightfully festive wrapping.

Winter’s Wishfall by Ceri Houlbrook

Ellie Lancaster flees heartbreak to take a job on a remote Scottish island where she finds her job is to archive centuries of scrolls that all begin “Dear Father Christmas…” There she is swept up in the magic and mystery of her task and learns to take charge of her life again. Along the way she also gains a found family, and a slow burn romance with a grumpy caretaker is the icing on the cake.

Enchanting, whimsical, and romantic, Houlbrook’s background in folklore comes through in how richly folkloric the whole tale reads. It leaves you wanting to believe in holiday magic.

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

Holly Chase had her shot at redemption when she was visited by three Ghosts, but she didn’t take it, and died shortly after. Given yet another shot at redemption, she is enlisted by Project Scrooge to be their latest Ghost of Christmas Past. Her first five years of afterlife proved to be as miserable as her life had been, but then she meets her newest Scrooge and everything begins to change for the better.

A beautiful, modern retelling full of the Scrooge story full of second chances and a whole lot of heart.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

The Wedding Witch follows the third Penhallow brother, Bowen, a reclusive witch from the mountains of Wales, and Tamsyn, a procurer of magical artifacts, as they attend a Yuletime wedding in a fake relationship and end up swept back to 1957 to solve a magical mystery that spans generations. They struggle to set things right while not unraveling too much of the future they hope to return to, all the while navigating a growing attraction for another.

My personal favorite of Sterling’s popular Graves Glen series, Bowen and Tamsyn’s escapades are equal parts festive, intriguing, and sexy.

Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Nightmare Before Kissmas brings us into the world behind all of the holidays, which is run by elaborate courts each ruled by monarchs and grow in power with the celebration of their holidays. Courtly politics takes front-and-center as Coal, the prince of Christmas, is forced to be betrothed to his best friend, the princess of Easter. This gets even more complicated as Hex, the Prince of Halloween, arrives to compete for her hand. As these things go, the princes of these holidays end up much more interested in each other than the princess.

The romance between the golden-heated prince of Christmas and the broody, guarded prince of Halloween has all the swoony, festive, slow-burn enemies to lovers charm you could hope for, and the magic is charmingly drawn directly from the holidays themselves.

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

People pleasing Harriet finds herself haunted by a Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan, who insists he must’ve been sent because she has something that needs fixing. But though he is able to take her on a magical journey through her memories, neither of them can find anything in her past behavior that would justify his assignment to redeem her. The longer the assignment drags out, the more his magic begins to go haywire, and the closer they are drawn together.

 The end result is magic, mayhem, and a deeply cozy and sexy story about learning to trust that you are enough and finally letting down the walls that kept you safe.

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

Bettie Hughes, a once wealthy influencer now secretly broke and squatting in a dead woman’s house, has been dreading facing her family at the holidays—that is, until she accidentally plays a record backward and conjures Hall, the Holiday Spirit, a charming if offbeat man who offers to grant her wishes in order to help her rediscover joy and connection. They attend her family’s Christmas gathering as fake fiances, with Hal granting Bettie’s wish after wish, but the happier she becomes, the shorter his time on earth grows.

This book has Hogle’s trademark hilarious mayhem and delightfully eccentric characters, alongside the magic of second chances.

Season of the Witch by Sophie Morgan

High on my winter TBR for this year is the third in Sophie Morgan’s Toil and Trouble series. Season of the Witch forces together a pair of magical exes, Tia and Henry, who are forced together in a fake dating arrangement in order to secure a deal for the benefit of their recently merged family potion companies. Henry wants to win Tia back, but his efforts are complicated by the fact she erased memories of their time together.

This festive enemies to lovers promises banter, shenanigans, and a deeper story about family, identity, and vulnerability.

The post Eight Magical Holiday Romances to Enchant and Delight appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Erin lives in the PNW with her spouse, two large dogs, two lazy cats, and more houseplants than she can count. When not exploring fictional worlds, she enjoys hiking, cooking, emo nostalgia, and slowly but surely actualizing her lifelong goal of becoming a forest witch.

About Unromance (out Jan 14, 2025): A recently dumped TV heartthrob enlists a jaded romance novelist to ruin romance for him—one rom-com trope at a time—so he never gets swept off his feet again . . .

My upcoming debut novel, Unromance, is a love letter to rom-coms, celebrating all the tropes and cliches that readers have come to know, love, and expect. Each chapter of Unromance begins with a trope definition, and I wanted to pay my respects to some of the authors that inspired me, as well as books that excelled at making these tropes their own, making the familiar feel both fun and fresh. Here are a few of my favorite rom-coms that live rent free:

The Meet Cute
The love interests meet. It’s cute. It upends their entire lives.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Our heroes meet by getting stuck in an elevator together, and over a shared meal of purse cheese, our heroine agrees to be our hero’s fake date to his ex’s wedding. Guillory understands that couch time and pizza is a love language, and I really respect that about her books.

Love In The Time Of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

If a strange man shows up in the middle of the night to help you move the massive desk off your car, it’s completely reasonable to assume he might be a serial killer and not just a cute neighbor who has a totally legitimate reason to have a garage covered in tarps. Thompson writes my favorite female protagonists.

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

Our main character saves her hot new neighbor from a dangerous midnight intruder—the rental house’s Roomba. This is a small-town romance, so of course the local officials who answer the 911 call are her brothers. This meet cute is equal parts bonkers and endearing, a masterclass in situational humor.

The One-Night Stand
Romance math dictates that the less likely a character is to have a one-night stand, the more likely they are to run into said one-night stand again.

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

I respect Solomon for writing a one-night stand that’s bad, actually. I respect her even more for writing the sex lessons trope where the female main character is the expert, with a male main character that is very eager to learn. This book contains one of the hottest first kisses I’ve ever read and should be studied.

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

Sometimes you have a one-night stand with a hot MILF only to realize it’s your best friend’s mom. Wilsner said “MILF”, and I said “Add to cart.”

Scandalized by Ivy Owens

What, your flight gets cancelled and you run into your childhood crush at the airport hotel and you’re not going to have a one-night stand with him? This book reads like fanfiction and a daydream all rolled into one, and I can’t think of a higher compliment than that.

The Contract
When two characters make a pact, replete with rules, which they are totally going to follow.

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

It’s completely reasonable to fake date the girl you had a disaster blind date with to get your brother to stop setting you up. And if she needs you to be her fake girlfriend for the holidays, it’s a win-win. This sapphic rom-com is equally swoony and steamy, as is everything Bellefleur writes.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

If you’re concerned about your bedroom prowess, hiring a professional sex worker and creating lesson plans with him is the logical solution. I dare you not to become completely enamored by this couple as their sex lessons become dating lessons, and eventually, dating for real. This book will always be one of my first recommendations to any reader looking to get into the genre.

Winging It With You by Chip Pons

If you get dumped at the airport right before embarking on an adventure reality show, the only solution is to enlist the hot, grounded pilot to be your fake boyfriend for the duration of the competition. If you like the only one bed trope, you’re really going to love having it over.. and over.. and over… all across the globe as these fake boyfriends compete on national TV, learning and growing together in this tender yet steamy romance. (*Out 06.10.25)

Holiday Hallmark Movie
Equal parts twinkling lights and patterned scarves, three dashes of hot-as-cocoa lingering looks, sprinkle in a tree-lighting ceremony, and serve up, at an ice skating rink in the town square.

In The Event Of Love by Courtney Kae

Okay, so what if you crashed into your childhood crush’s tree farm sign and fell into her hot, lumberjane arms and are now roped into a scheme to save your small town from the big, evil corporation. It doesn’t mean you’re going to fall in love with her… Right? This rom-com intentionally leans heavy into Hallmark cliches, but makes them feel fresh and new whilst still as cozy and endearing as you would expect.

Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun

This book is an absolute dream of a tropefest. It’s like the lyrics of Last Christmas had a baby with a Hallmark movie. Our protagonist agrees to a marriage of convenience with her landlord, and goes home with him for Christmas to keep up their fauxmance ruse, only to realize his sister is the woman she fell in love with last Christmas Eve—and was betrayed by the very next day. This book has all the mess and hijinks you could ever want from a holiday romp.

You’re A Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

Pitched as Schitt’s Creek meets Red, White, & Royal Blue, what else could you need to know? Our grinchy protagonist gets shipped off to a small, winter wonderland town where he discovers a found family, the miracle of forced proximity, and—of course—the true meaning of Christmas. This book is so warm and charming that even the grinchiest of readers will find their hearts growing three sizes.

The Quirky Best Friend
They’re weird, know how to push all your buttons, and you love them for it. No notes.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

This sassy best friend was such a fan favorite that she ended up getting her own book, The True Love Experiment. Start with TSE to meet her as we all did and fall in love with her, then read TTLE and watch her fall in love on a trope-based reality dating show.

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson

Sometimes the snarky best friend is an eighty-year-old woman. Not enough books feature older characters, much less ones that get to be as feisty and spirited as this one, full of wisdom dispensed as hilarious anecdotes. I would read an entire book of just these two talking about everything and nothing.

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

The entire supporting cast of characters in this book is an absolute riot. Situational humor is difficult to pull off in text, but this book has it in spades. As a queer person from the south, this book set in the mountains of Georgia is the hug I didn’t know I needed.

Everyone Can See It But Them
No explanation necessary.

You, With A View by Jessica Joyce

In the wake of her grandmother’s passing, our protagonist uncovers photos of her grandmother’s first love—and the honeymoon road trip she never went on. With the help of the internet, she finds her grandmother’s former love. Lo and behold, he’s her high school nemesis’s grandfather. The three of them set out to complete the road trip, and no spoilers, but the way this sweet grandpa sees what’s coming before our protagonists do… Get your tissues ready. This rivals-to-lovers romcom is one of the sweetest, most heart-warming books, whilst also being sexy and witty. A true masterpiece.

Love & Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

A conspiracy theory skeptic and a true believer team up to make a web show hunting cryptids, and their back-and-forth chemistry leaves viewers wondering if there’s more to the duo than just co-hosts. There’s nothing better than reading a book where you can tell how much fun the author had writing about their niche interest, and even if you’re a skeptic like our main character, you’ll believe in this couple.

Love Interest by Clare Gilmore

Our protagonists agree to be filmed as part of an online series following Gen Z in the workplace, and viewers instantly ship the two of them, not knowing our love interest stole the promotion our protagonist was gunning for. But when they have to work on a project together, they realize the internet might have been onto something. This debut is a knockout.

Secrets, Secrets
Romance statistics calculate that if you have a secret, the odds of it coming out at the absolute worst possible moment are 100 percent.

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

With both their acting careers on the line, our protagonists take rehearsing their scripts very seriously, and if that means practice-kissing your incredibly hot costar, it’s all in service of the craft. Until it’s not, and their behind-the-scenes romance could risk exposing our hero’s closely guarded secret.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

Perfect for fans of a You’ve Got Mail premise. Our two writer protagonists fall for each other via email correspondence—not knowing they’re actually neighbors. There’s something so delicious about watching people fall for each other online and then in person, knowing they’re the same and waiting for them to realize—especially when one of them realizes it first and knowing the secret will have to come to light—? Chef’s kiss.

Hot Summer by Elle Everhart

In this Love Island-esque premise, our protagonist agrees to go on the dating show and make it to the finale in exchange for a promotion at work—one of the show’s partners. Her connection to the show has to remain secret, but that becomes harder and harder as her connection to one of the contestants grows genuine—and puts her winning strategy at risk.

Just Once, To Get It Out Of Our Systems
The heroes are convinced their feelings are purely physical and the only solution is to act on them. Once. Just once. The heroes are also probably really bad at math.

You Between The Lines by Katie Naymon

I love a meta moment, so when this trope gets referenced by the swoony poet love interest saying, “So did you get it out of your system?” and “That’s not going to be the only time.” To quote Paris Hilton, “That’s hot.” (* Out 02.18.25)

Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

She’s a romance cynic. He’s a hopeless romantic. They can totally fake date and casually sleep together, right? Talia Hibbert is romcom gold and a true smut queen. This entire series is required reading for any romance aficionado. 

What Is Love? by Jen Comfort

In this Jeopardy-inspired rom-com, two rivals team up to beat the show’s top ranked competitor in an All Star round. While the two couldn’t be more different, as they study together, they find an unlikely connection, and that maps can be quite sexy, actually.

One Night Stand To Strangers To Friends To Lovers To Idiots To Lovers
Invented by Mason Álvarez-West and Sawyer Greene, probably.

Unromance by Erin Connor

When a jaded romance author gets stuck in an elevator with a handsome stranger, she recognizes it for what it is: not a meet cute, but an opportunity for a one-night stand and a little inspo for her next book. But when they run into each other again, they realize they can help each other: she can cure him of the hopeless romanticism that keeps landing him in the tabloids, and in return, he can use it to help her with her writer’s block. Surely, acting out romance tropes together won’t have them hurtling towards a happily ever after neither of them saw coming.

The post 25 Rom-Com Book Recommendations From Author Erin Connor 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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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.

Now, with the inheritance finish line in sight and his wealthy family eager to meet his better half, West ropes in his not-so-ex-wife, Anna, for one more performance. Under the spotlight, West worries less about Anna’s rough edges, though, and more about the corrupting claws of his family’s wealth. As the charade deepens, West must decide if his multimillion-dollar inheritance is worth jeopardising the unexpected, genuine love that has grown from their faux marital roots.

Fake marrying (and dating) a Stanford professor to snag a huge inheritance? Not too shabby for me and certainly not too shabby for our favourite writer duo.

Christina Lauren use a well-tested formula for their novels which might be a downfall for any other writer pairing after so many books but when the formula’s that good, you don’t mess with it. Yes, while the formula may remain the same, none of their books ever feel bland or

Instead, every novel brings with it good times, laugh-out-loud moments, witty banter and at least one chapter that will make you ponder your own life choices. The Paradise Problem proved to fit right into that formula and yet felt completely unique.

Anna was one of my favourite protagonists the author duo has created so far. I loved how creative and down-to-earth she was and I found her all the more relatable for her struggles. Anna went to college with ambition and drive but—like so many of us—her options on the job market do not reflect the talent and her degree. Anna was so ambitious in nature but also struck down by a system that makes you question your own merit and I think anyone who’s ever tried to get a job (or venture out with your own artistic talents) will relate to the feeling of being lost even when you made all the right choices in life.

Liam took a bit of a backseat when it came to personality (he does have to compete with one of the most shining stars here), but it’s his reflective moments, love for his family even though they often don’t deserve it and his desire to make his family whole again that truly enamoured me with him.

Now, as you can tell, this is a true opposites attract romance. Anna and Liam couldn’t be more different yet it’s those differences that make for such a fun pairing. Anna’s sassiness pairs so well with Liam’s struggles and secrets he’s keeping because it causes him to let loose and try to actually enjoy life again, even with the burden he’s faced with. Meanwhile, Liam’s quiet strength and tenacity give Anna a place to feel appreciated and valued for her artistic talent and her vivacious personality. And of course, there’s a lot of mutual pining and attraction before Liam and Anna give in to their feelings – and the long wait definitely pays off because their chemistry is electric.

The family dynamics in this novel were also so well-matched. Liam’s family is…well to phrase it nicely, a trainwreck. The whole story builds up to a huge scandal that had me grinding my teeth. Every interaction with most of the adults made me want to tear my hair out (the kids were adorable though) whereas Anna’s dad and best friend is just so supportive and kind that it soothed my soul. There’s a lot to be said about how the people you surround yourself with determine your life’s trajectory and never does it feel quite as prominent as when Anna and Liam have tough choices to make. Yet both dynamics added so much depth to the story overall.

My only gripe with The Paradise Problem is that it features a third-act break-up (which is my absolute pet peeve) and while it may have its reasons (no spoilers here), I still think it could have been dealt with through a nice adult conversation. Then again, the lowkey grovelling was pretty cute. If you can set that little pet peeve aside though considering the novel ends on a sweet note with some excellent character growth on the secondary characters

Escapism at its finest, Christina Lauren pairs fan-favourite tropes such as opposites attract and marriage of convenience with wholesomely chaotic yet undeniably relatable characters in their latest not to be missed, feel-good romance The Paradise Problem!

The Paradise Problem is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 14th 2024.

Will you be picking up The Paradise Problem? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Christina Lauren, returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways.

Three years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance. There’s just one catch.

Due to an antiquated clause in his grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents—his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife.

But in the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam will have to ask himself if the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie.

The post Review: The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

It’s no secret I’ve always loved romantic adventurous stories. Half of the TV shows or movies I watch usually fit this genre. I consider it the perfect blend. After all, what’s not to like? Action, romance, comedy? You can’t go wrong! Put them all together and you’re bound to be entertained. It’s the same thing with books, so if you’re like me, I’ve put together some of my favorite reads that I think you should try:

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

This lighthearted read flips the script and has the woman protecting a famous male celebrity. In order to best protect him though, she has to pretend to be his girlfriend, so if you like the fake-dating trope, put this one at the top of your list. There’s plenty of action too, as Hannah (the main character) tries to protect Jack (the hero) from his stalker. The funny moments hit just right and none of the stakes ever get so serious that you feel like you need a break. It was also a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee, so I’m not the only one who thought it was great.

Soulless by Gail Carriger

This is the first in the Parasol Protectorate series, and I’ll admit, when I first heard what it was about, I was skeptical. Vampires and werewolves in a reimagined steampunk Victorian England? It seemed so far-fetched and I usually read more contemporary books. But I do love adventure rom-coms and it came recommended.

This series is worlds of fun. It never takes itself seriously,  pokes fun at society and always leaves you wondering what will happen next. The main character Alexia Tarabotti has no soul and this gives her a unique ability that no one else has. I’ll let you read the book to learn more, but I admired Gail Carriger for the way she was able to blend not only action and romance but also multiple genres as well.

To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai

Who doesn’t love a good heist novel? And when you do that heist in the middle of a wedding, with a ragtag crew that is keeping secrets? That’s the stuff dream books are made out of. I loved reading about Jack and Simi, the two main characters, as they fell in love, but where this book really shines is its humor. You won’t be able to stop laughing. Trust me.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

If I could describe this book in one word and one word only, it would be “witty”. This book is a romping good time. Cecilia is a Victorian lady, but she’s also a thief and pirate. This is another book that straddles genres and does it marvelously. There’s plenty of action and humor (flying houses anyone?), lots of romance (I adored Cecilia and Ned together), and overall felt like everything was perfectly paired to keep me entertained.

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Written by Christina Lauren, the pen name for writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, Something Wilder is the story of Lily who takes tourists on fake treasure hunts through the red rock canyons of Utah, using her absentee father’s maps as a guide. And then one day her ex shows up with a bunch of his friends in tow, and everything about the trip goes completely sideways (that’s where the action comes in. And the romance). Maybe I love this story so much because I currently live in Utah and I could imagine the red rock canyons vividly, or maybe it was the Indiana Jones vibes, but this one was such a charmer.

The Takedown by Carlie Walker

With my latest book being about a CIA operative, you knew I had to include at least one spy rom-com on this list, didn’t you? This one is Christmas themed, which makes it super fun for the holidays. Sydney Swift is a CIA officer who is sent home at Christmas to investigate her sister’s new criminal fiancé. But Johnny, the fiancé in question, has a handsome bodyguard named Nick. As Sydney and Nick grow closer, Sydney has to dodge her family and the bad guys. I loved the banter, the way it stayed light while still having action and suspense, and of course, the romance. Make sure you pick this one up!

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

If you liked the movie The Lost City, you need to pick up this book. It also gives off Indiana Jones vibes with a character that is a lot like Laura Croft from Tomb Raider (that’s a lot of movie references, I know, I’m sorry). Basically, if you like archeological women who know their stuff, mixed with romance and adventure? This book is for you. There’s a lot of witty banter between Corrie and Ford, who are two rival archeologists on the same dig site. Popular tropes in this one to consider are, only one tent, rivals to lovers, and rule-follower vs rule-breaker.

The post Seven Must-Read Adventure Rom-Coms appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Prepare your romance-loving heart as there are some stellar romance books releasing in the first half of 2024! Between the months of January and June, you’ll see new releases from Katee Robert, Christina Lauren, Anita Kelly, Olivia Dade, Tessa Bailey, Lynn Painter, Alison Cochrun, Kevin Kwan, Carley Fortune, and so many more, plus those making their exciting debut!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2024 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated list and Anticipated YA list.

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Opposites attract in this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy of feuding neighbors and dueling hearts from Jayne Denker, the author of The Rom-Com Agenda.

Love, Me by Jessica Saunders

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Reminiscent of novels by Sophie Kinsella and Rebecca Serle, Love, Me is a sweet, honest foray into love, marriage, and the fantasy of a second-chance romance with the one that got away. Readers will find this lively debut romance book easy to devour and hard to put down.

Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan

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A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.

Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

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In this utterly charming debut romance, a teacher with big dreams joins forces with a no-nonsense engineer to survive an ex’s wedding and escape matchmaking pressure from their Indian families. Their plan? Faking an engagement, of course.

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

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Orpheus lost everything when he lost Eurydice’s love…but now he’s ready to brave the Underworld to take her back, even if that means going toe-to-toe (and heart-to-heart) with the right-hand man of Hades himself.

Take Two, Birdie Maxwell by Allison Winn Scotch

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Hollywood’s biggest rom-com star tries to recover from her damaged reputation by staging her own rom-com and following a lead on a lost love in the new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch. (Update: This title now releases on 5 March 2024)

Never Blow a Kiss by Lindsay Lovise

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In this delightfully witty Victorian romance, a governess spy running away from her past falls for an ex-soldier turned railroad magnate—perfect for fans of Manda Collins and Bridgerton!

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden

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After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected in this delicious novel from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Principles of (E)motion by Sara Read

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Lessons in Chemistry meets advanced mathematics in Sara Read’s heartwarming, STEMinist novel, PRINCIPLES OF (E)MOTION follows a female genius who solves a famously elusive math problem only to struggle with anxiety and prejudice when challenged to prove that the work is her own.

Not Bad for a Girl by Anastasia Ryan

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From hilariously awkward lunch breaks to cringe-worthy Zoom calls, this workplace comedy of errors is sure to put a smile on your face.

Last Call At The Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

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Opposites attract when a free-spirited American singer-songwriter with ADHD teams up with a charming Irishman to revitalize his family’s pub in the next heartfelt romance from the author of Luck and Last Resorts.

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

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A rising-star musician has a second chance at love with an old flame she remembers all too well in this swoony romance from the acclaimed authors of The Roughest Draft.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

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A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle

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A romcom perfect for fans of Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder and Sarah Morgenthaler’s Moose Springs, Alaska, about a city girl lost in the wilderness with only a grouchy mountain man to guide her…and there’s only one sleeping bag.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron by April Asher

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In April Asher’s new Supernatural Singles novel, a witch takes a stroll on the wild-ish side, sparking an alert that saddles her with her very own Guardian Angel…who happens to be her secret crush―and new roommate.

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

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A new mom repairs her broken dreams in this hilarious rom-com about starting over that sparkles with intelligence, wit, and compassion.

Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff

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Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

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Chemistry sizzles in this workplace rom-com set in the world of high school basketball as the author of Love & Other Disasters delivers a sapphic romance full of humor and heart.

At First Spite by Olivia Dade

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Bestselling author Olivia Dade welcomes you to Harlot’s Bay in this delightfully sexy rom-com about a woman who buys the town’s famous Spite House, only to realize the infuriating man she can’t stand lives right next door—and their unwilling proximity might spark something neither can ignore.

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard

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From the beloved author of Just My Type and Lease on Love comes a new romantic comedy in which a former actress-turned-screenwriter finds herself back in the spotlight, only for her romantic lead to be the one man she can’t stand.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

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A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.

The Catch by Amy Lea

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A grumpy lobster fisherman tosses a fashion influencer’s impeccably curated life overboard in the next romantic comedy from international bestselling author Amy Lea.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

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Two sisters roll up their sleeves to run a dilapidated inn but must learn to work with the locals in this deliciously spicy novel inspired by Sense and Sensibility.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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What should have been a family celebration of Chinese New Year descends into chaos when longtime foes crash the party in this hilariously entertaining novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

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Told with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart, Rebecca Serle has finally set her sights on romantic love. The result is a gripping, emotional, passionate, and (yes) heartbreaking novel about what it means to be single, what it means to find love, and ultimately how we define each of them for ourselves. Expiration Dates is the one fans have been waiting for.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander

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The author of Love Buzz follows her acclaimed first novel with a delightful Caribbean-set romp about an ambitious designer of apocalyptic video games with a strategy for (almost) everything who discovers what happens when her best-laid plans go off course . . .

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

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Travel consultant Addie Macrae discovers more than just the countryside when she’s sent to help a struggling tour company in Alexandra Kiley’s debut Kilt Trip. Set against the vibrant Scottish countryside, this enchanting romcom features a spicy enemies-to-lovers tale full of clever banter and relatable family dynamics.

Trouble by Lex Croucher

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A Regency-era romantic comedy with a deliciously feminist and queer twist, from the New York Times bestselling author of Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

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A humorous and unique rom-com that sees two wedding crashers fall for each other. This intriguing premise delivers on its promise with so much feeling and so much fun.

The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett

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When a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

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For fans of Tia Williams and Colleen Hoover comes a deeply moving and personal novel about sacrifice, self-reliance, and finding true happiness from “one of the finest romance writers of our age.”

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

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From the author of the BookTok sensation Done and Dusted comes the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring opposites attract and forced proximity.

Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja

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A bride-to-be convinced she’s cursed in romance finds her luck changing—at exactly the wrong time.

Flirty Little Secret by Jessica Lepe

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You’ve Got Mail meets Abbott Elementary in this sweet, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lynn Painter and Lyssa Kay Adams. 

A Governess’s Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins

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Bestselling author Manda Collins continues the Ladies Most Scandalous series with this delightful, witty historical romance in which two friends reunite —and discover hidden feelings—perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore and Netflix’s  Bridgerton!

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

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A sexy, sapphic, opposites-attract romance with Mazey Eddings’ signature sparkling voice!

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

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A steamy, riotous second-chance romance about a magical florist’s unexpected reunion with her high school sweetheart . . . while she fake dates his soon-to-be stepbrother.

Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez

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A sharp and scintillating summer novel that will make readers laugh out loud and cry happy tears from the New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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The author of the “sexy, insightful, and utterly charming” (BuzzFeed) Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

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The brilliant contemporary romance novel debut from Yulin Kuang, the acclaimed screenwriter of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation and director of the forthcoming Beach Read feature film.

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

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In this sweeping second chance romance from debut author Myah Ariel, the unexpected spark of two former flames may force them to choose between their dreams and each other.

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

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College exes break all the rules when they reunite years later in this enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, the highly anticipated companion novel to the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet—from the New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

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A clever con woman must convince a skeptical, sexy farmer of his property’s resident real-life ghost if she’s to save them all from a fate worse than death, in this delightful new novel from the author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes.

Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

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“A story of love, healing, and second chances ” (Emily Henry) following a down on his luck country musician who, in the throes of grief after a shocking loss, moves back home and rekindles a relationship with his high school sweetheart, from award-winning author Jeff Zentner.

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

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Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer who has sworn off relationships agree to cohost a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers, in Truly, Madly, Deeply, the next steamy queer rom-com from Lambda Literary Award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

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It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series.

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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This Summer Will Be Different offers an idyllic coastal setting, enticing vacation descriptions, and a story that is equal parts sexy romance and female friendship.

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

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From the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent tropical wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners from the iconic author of Crazy Rich Asians.

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

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Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward

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Three wildly different sisters reunite for a destination wedding at an English castle in this heartfelt and rollicking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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A time travel romance, a speculative spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingeniously constructed exploration of the nature of truth and power and the potential for love to change it all: Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilarating debut novel by Kaliane Bradley.

One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette

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From the creator of viral TikTok account Betty’s Book List, a debut romance about a supermodel and a photographer with a past marriage pact who meet again ten years later on a photoshoot in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown

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From The Bachelorette star and New York Times bestselling author Hannah Brown comes an irrepressibly funny romantic comedy about two frenemies on the verge of making the biggest mistake of all . . .

Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni

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Sparks fly between two women pitted against each other in this delectable new romantic comedy by Taleen Voskuni, author of Sorry, Bro.

Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters and Fay Stetz-Waters

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One hook-up is about to become one seriously hilarious situationship in this vibrant and lively romantic comedy about taking chances . . . and breaking the rules.

Love, Lies and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau

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The author of the “full of heart” (Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author) The Stand-Up Groomsman returns with a charming and clever rom-com about a young woman’s desperate attempts to fend off her meddling mother…only to find that maybe mother does know best.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar), returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

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When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

One Last Summer by Kate Spencer

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From the cohost of the award-winning and uber-popular Forever35 podcast comes a dreamy, laugh-out-loud summer romance that asks: What do you do when the life you’ve planned isn’t what you’ve dreamed? 

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.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s latest laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

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

The post Swoonworthy 2024 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Well, 2024 is almost here so it’s time to start thinking about all of the books which will be heading your way! In this round up, we take a look at an array of highly anticipated books releasing between the months of January and June! You can expect new releases from the likes of Sarah J. Maas, Jay Kristoff, Ali Hazelwood, Kristin Hannah, Stephen King, Tana French, Sally Hepworth, Leigh Bardugo, and many more, plus some dazzling debuts.

You’ll find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other January to June 2024 lists, which we’ll be releasing over the next couple of weeks! This article will also get updated with those links so you can easily find them… Your poor TBR!

You can find our Swoonworthy Romance Releases here, Anticipated YA Releases here, and our SFF releases here.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’ll be picking up any!

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

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A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder ― from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

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In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt’s world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

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From the celebrated New York Times bestselling author of Such a Fun Age comes a fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

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From the author of New York Times bestseller House of Hollow comes a darkly seductive witchy thriller where, though both men and demons lurk in shadows, girls refuse to go quietly into the night.

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

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In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, a woman whose life is guided by her belief in the red-string of fate finds her perfect match—but his skepticism about true love puts a knot in their chances.

The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James

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A dazzling magical realism western in the vein of Cormac McCarthy meets Gabriel García Márquez, The Bullet Swallower follows a Mexican bandido as he sets off for Texas to save his family, only to encounter a mysterious figure who has come, finally, to collect a cosmic debt generations in the making.

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

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In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

The Longest Autumn by Amy Avery

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For fans of Ariadne, a spellbinding debut fantasy about a human who gets trapped with the god of Autumn, who brings with him life-threatening danger and a forbidden romance.

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

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A swoon-worthy debut queer Victorian romance in which two debutantes distract themselves from having to seek husbands by setting up their widowed parents, and instead find their perfect match in each other—the lesbian Bridgerton/Parent Trap you never knew you needed!

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins returns with a twisted new gothic suspense about an infamous heiress and the complicated inheritance she left behind.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

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When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late, in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

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During the Great War, a combat nurse searches for her brother, believed dead in the trenches despite eerie signs that suggest otherwise, in this hauntingly beautiful historical novel with a speculative twist from the New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

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A Holmes and Watson–style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

The Women by Kristin Hannah

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From master storyteller Kristin Hannah comes the story of a turbulent, transformative era in America: the 1960s. The Women is that rarest of novels—at once an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided by war and broken by politics, of a generation both fueled by dreams and lost on the battlefield.

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

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A stunning Romantasy debut about an enchanted library, two handsome Fae, and one human who brings them all together. 

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is an epic love story one hundred years in the making…

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

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After her private school is rocked by a gruesome murder, a teen tries to find the real killer and clear her brother’s name in this psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Taking of Jake Livingston and Ace of Spades.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

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A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa

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Set in 19th century Sri Lanka and inspired by local folklore, the daughter of a traditional demon-priest—relentlessly bullied by peers and accused of witchcraft herself—tries to solve the mysterious attacks that have been terrorizing her coastal village.

My Throat An Open Grave by Tori Bovalino

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Labyrinth meets folk horror in this darkly romantic tale of a girl who wishes her baby brother away to the Lord of the Wood.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

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Chemistry sizzles in this workplace rom-com set in the world of high school basketball as the author of Love & Other Disasters delivers a sapphic romance full of humour and heart.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Murder Road by Simone St. James

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A young couple find themselves haunted by a string of gruesome murders committed along an old deserted road in this terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Cold Cases.

The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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In a country divided between humans and witchers, Venus Stoneheart hustles as a brewer making illegal love potions to support her family.

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

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For fans of Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club, an enormously fun mystery about a woman who spends her entire life trying to prevent her foretold murder only to be proven right sixty years later, when she is found dead in her sprawling country estate…. Now it’s up to her great-niece to catch the killer. 

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black

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An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes the stunning blood-soaked conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology.

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

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New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a mesmerizing novel about a first-generation Ivy League student who uncovers the genius work of a female artist decades after her suspicious death

The Hunter by Tana French

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From the writer who is “in a class by herself,” (The New York Times), a nuanced, atmospheric tale that explores what we’ll do for our loved ones, what we’ll do for revenge, and what we sacrifice when the two collide.

Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison

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Luck is its own kind of magic, in this first book in an electrifying new contemporary fantasy series from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows novels.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

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A humorous and unique rom-com that sees two wedding crashers fall for each other. This intriguing premise delivers on its promise with so much feeling and so much fun.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander

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The author of Love Buzz follows her acclaimed first novel with a delightful Caribbean-set romp about an ambitious designer of apocalyptic video games with a strategy for (almost) everything who discovers what happens when her best-laid plans go off course . . .

The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and The Lioness, a Princess Diana impersonator and her estranged sister find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of money and murder in this twisting tale of organized crime, cryptocurrency, and family secrets on the Las Vegas strip.

The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist by Sophie Gonzales

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A fanfic writer brings her favourite TV character to life in this friends-to-enemies-to-lovers novel full of humour and heart.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling sensation Empire of the Vampire.

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age.

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

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In this magical epic fantasy, a young woman cursed with the power of death must decide if saving her family is worth betraying her country—the first installation of a gripping new series.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

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A thrilling page-turner of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass

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The Paris Apartment meets The Wrong Family, this thrilling tale of crime, passion and murder is set in a run-down apartment complex packed with shady characters willing to go to deadly lengths to keep their darkest secrets from the stranger in their midst.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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From the author of the multimillion bestselling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series and Five Survive comes a new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her missing mother while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

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An ICU nurse accidentally uncovers a patient’s frightening past in this chilling thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing and Just the Nicest Couple.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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The author of Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa

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When a Mariachi star transfers schools, he expects to be handed his new group’s lead vocalist spot—what he gets instead is a tenacious current lead with a very familiar, very kissable face.

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

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Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow, a blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

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A sexy, sapphic, opposites-attract romance with Mazey Eddings’ signature sparkling voice!

Knife by Salman Rushdie

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From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring—and surviving—an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

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Step into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to make their weapons, and witches always take more than they give.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar), returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Celebrants comes the much-anticipated sequel to the Thurber Prize-Winning novel The Guncle, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties… this time for a big family wedding in Italy.

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

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June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

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Harkening to Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None, this high-tension and ingenious thriller follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them.

The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood

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A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities.

It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass

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The very first thriller from Rick Riordan Presents! Drawing from the darkest corners of Caribbean mythology, acclaimed author Sarah Dass crafts a chilling tale of magic, murder, and how far we’ll go to protect what’s ours—perfect for fans of Angeline Boulley and Tiffany D. Jackson.

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

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When a family curse threatens David’s life, he will turn to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend, Rhys—which means he will have to open his heart to Moira, Rhys’s wife. Dark academia and urban fantasy combine in this richly imagined novel set in a fictitious, magic-riddled Boston.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

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The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

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From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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An achingly nostalgic love story about two friends-with-benefits who can’t be together but can’t seem to stay apart. This Summer Will Be Different offers an idyllic coastal setting, enticing vacation descriptions, and a story that is equal parts sexy romance and female friendship. It has all the ingredients for another book of the summer!

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

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In classic Alex Finlay form, If Something Happens to Me is told by several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The novel cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

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A dazzling new work of literary fiction from the author of The Essex Serpent, a story of love and astronomy told over the course of twenty years through the lives of two improbable best friends.

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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The third in the New York Times bestselling Maple Hills series follows fan-favourite Henry and a bookish fellow student who come up with a plan to help them both overcome their respective challenges in a difficult year.

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 neighbourhood.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s latest laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse

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The interwoven destinies of the people of Meridian will finally be determined in this stunning conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky trilogy.

Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu

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Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Ally Carter, the dazzling sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu’s Stars and Smoke, is “a brilliant, breathtaking ride” – Tahereh Mafi, #1 internationally bestselling author.

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

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In her breathtaking debut – part space odyssey, part Sapphic rom-com – Emily Hamilton weaves a suspenseful, charmingly irreverent, and ultimately joyous tale of galaxy-spanning friendship, improbable love, and found family.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

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The heart-tugging 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 Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script.

The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks

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For fans of Piranesi and The Midnight Library, a stunning historical fantasy novel set on a grand express train, about a group of passengers on a dangerous journey across a magical landscape

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.

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.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

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Horror Movie is an obsessive, psychologically chilling, and suspenseful feat of storytelling genius that builds inexorably to an unforgettable, mind-bending conclusion.

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

The post The Most Anticipated 2024 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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 year or so back, I was texting in my favorite group chat about, what else, romance novels, and I asked my best friends what they wanted in their love interests? We’re a diverse group of 40-year old women with complex backgrounds and preferences, but the feedback was unanimous: they wanted, no needed, regular guys. We all love an alpha billionaire with cut abs and a growly bedroom voice, but none of us have ever met one of those in real life. They wanted someone they could actually see themselves encountering at the grocery store, or who might pack their lunch with a note about kicking ass in their board meetings… and not only that, they wanted that to feel just as hot as the (oft toxic) alpha stories they were reading.

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever written an alpha male in my life, so this was good news for me. I married my college sweetheart who is the most secure beta male you’ve ever met. He’s my partner, my best friend, and my biggest fan… and he’s inspired every love interest I’ve ever penned.

Out of this conversation, Craig “Huckleberry” Boseman was born. I’d initially planned for Lorelai’s love interest to be her superstar alpha ex Drake Colter, but… I couldn’t stand the guy. Certainly not enough to put Lorelai through the task of falling for him. Craig had just the tiniest cameo in my debut Built to Last. A paragraph or two, tops. He was just some guy I threw in there as a space holder.

And hold space he did. Craig writes erotic poetry, wears reading glasses, has a motorcycle, and likes to hang out with his 12-year-old nephew. He owns his own indie record company, has a soft middle, and loves to give over receive in the bedroom. He drinks good wine, takes care of Lorelai when she’s sick, and wants nothing more than for her to realize her worth. He thinks she hangs the moon and loves her for exactly who she is, and isn’t threatened by her potential.

If you know me, you know I’m a reader first, writer second. So I asked Craig to help me put together a list of our Top 10 “Secure AF Beta Love Interests” for all of you. Mind, these are in no particular order because, obviously, it’s not a competition for these fellas (unless we were comparing how their ladies rank… then they might, I don’t know, raise their voices or write a strongly worded email, I guess).

West Ravenel in “The Devil’s Daughter” by Lisa Kleypas

Ah, West. Ruggedly handsome, utterly masculine, with a voracious appetite for food, life, and sex. Former childhood bully and wastrel, West doesn’t think he could possibly deserve Lady Phoebe even though he’s built his own small empire, complete with a glowing reputation as a fair and honorable man of the people. Despite his self-deprecating ways, he’ll stop at nothing to give Lady Phoebe everything he has if only to make her smile.

Beck Ryder in “America’s Geekheart” by Pippa Grant

Former boyband member and current underwear model and fashion mogul, Beck Ryder has it all. Except for the ability to impress the smart and beautiful girl next door, especially after he accidentally insults her in front of his millions of social media followers. You’ll fall in love with Beck’s heart, unwavering goodness, sense of humor, and appetite as he convinces Sarah to take a chance on him.

Sebastian Malheur in “The Countess Conspiracy” by Courtney Milan

Notable rake Sebastian has been best friends with the Countess, Violet Waterfield, since they were children and he’s probably been in love with her just as long (though he’d never admit it). After becoming a widow, she wants to publish her scientific research, but, of course, times being what they were, she couldn’t. Sebastian and Victoria concoct a plan, and for five years, Sebastian puts his name on Violet’s work, sharing it widely, speaking about it and often taking the heat for her controversial findings. Until one day, Sebastian is forced to quit and the two friends must discover who they are, really, when they aren’t hiding behind their separate masks and Sebastian takes on the daunting task of helping Violet discover her worth within the safe confines of his big love.

Malkom Slaine in “Demon from the Dark” by Kresley Cole

Is it strange to have a demon on this list? Maybe. But Malkom Slaine defies reason. He’s massive, fearless, and loyal. He’s hidden away for centuries, ashamed of who he’s been turned into until it turns out exactly who he is, is exactly who Carrow needs. He’s protective, which maybe some might call an alpha trait, but I don’t see it that way. Protective is fine as long as he sees her value and what she brings to the table, and boy does he! Also, a half demon, half vampire, and his fated witch mate? Sheesh. *fans self*

Meyer Harrington in “Funny Feelings” by Tarah DeWitt

Meyer is a former superstar comedian who stopped touring in order to raise his deaf daughter (DILF alert!) and manage the younger, prettier, up and coming comedic genious Farley Jones. His admiration and respect for Fee, letting her be exactly who she is and pushing her to challenge herself… while clearly pining for her, well. The result is both hilarious and bittersweet. Just like the best comedies.

Rhys, High Lord of the Night Court in “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas

“High Lord” doesn’t exactly say “beta” but hear me out. Rhys is secure A.F. He would do anything for his friends (including giving himself up for fifty years of torture to hide his kingdom). He would do anything for Feyre (including watch her marry his enemy). The pride Rhys displays at Feyre’s growth and ascension into power is unmatched and sexy as hell.

Noah Barden in “In a Jam” by Kate Canterbary

Childhood friends to (modern day) marriage of convenience? Yes please. But the real highlight for me is that Noah has been in love with Shay for most of their lives, so much so, that he’ll put himself through the sheer torture of “fake marrying” her just so she can gain possession of her late grandmother’s tulip farm. Oh, and did I mention he’s a dirty talking beta, who makes jam and is ALSO raising his niece as his own?

Jamie Fraser in “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

Jamie Fraser has position and power, but not when we first meet him and never when it comes to his relationship with the headstrong and brilliant Claire. It’s not only their age difference, or even the jumping back and forth through the centuries, it’s his straight up loyalty to Claire and his self-assuredness when it comes to handling everything that comes the pair’s way. There’s is a true partnership grown out of respect, adversity, and love.

Josh Im in “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” by Christina Lauren

Hazel is the perfect characterization of “if I’m too much, go find less” and Josh Im doesn’t want to. They become best friends on a mission to help each other find love, but as Josh watches time and again as different men fail to understand the brilliance of Hazel, he realizes their mistake is his gain. She’s not too much for him, she’s exactly who he needs and he’s secure enough to love her out loud.

Jason Orson “The Line Up” by Meghan Quinn

It was hard to wrap up this list, but if any one of these characters would be comfortable being last, it would be Jason Orson. Major League baseball player, loyal brother, amateur chef and owner of the “best ass” in baseball (at least according to him). Jason’s undeniable sincerity and unwavering self-confidence hold up to and eventually melt Ice Queen Dottie’s chilly façade. He wears down her rough edges and convinces her to take a chance on him.

Alright, those are mine… what do you think? Who would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments belo!

The post Top 10 Secure AF Beta Love Interest In Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re after more books like this, read on to discover nine contemporary romance book recommendations without a third act break-up!

Reckless by Elsie Silver

After leaving a toxic marriage, Winter has a steamy one-night stand with professional bull rider Theo that ends in accidental pregnancy.

Why you’ll love it:

• Cowboy romance
• Small-town setting
• He falls first
• Reformed playboy
• Spicy

Iced Out by Veronica Eden

After swearing off hockey players, Maya catches the eye of the captain of her brother’s rival hockey team, Easton, while dancing on top of a bar.

Why you’ll love it:

• College hockey romance
• Brother’s rival / rival’s sister
• He falls first
• Boy obsessed
• Spicy

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Lily organises fake treasure hunts using her father’s old maps but when her latest trip goes horribly wrong and happens to involve her ex, Leo  the group starts to wonder if the hidden treasure is real.

Why you’ll love it:

• Second chance romance
• Treasure hunting
• Danger, suspense, and mystery elements
• Forced proximity
• Scenic setting

Breakaway by Grace Reilly

Ready to get back into the dating game, Penny proposes a secret “friends with benefits” arrangement with Cooper, a hockey player on the team her dad coaches.

Why you’ll love it:

• Spice coaching
• College hockey romance
• Coach’s daughter
• Forced proximity
• They’re both bookworms

Shutout by Avery Keelan

After moving in with her brother and his teammates, Sera discovers that one of her new roommates, Ty, is her anonymous, spicy hook-up from Halloween.

Why you’ll love it:

• Forced proximity / roommates
• Brother’s teammate
• College hockey romance
• Spicy
• ADHD representation

A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy

High-schoolers Wren and Crew are total opposites, but when they’re partnered together for a project, they find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other.

Why you’ll love it:

• High school / boarding school romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Grumpy with sunshine
• Forced proximity
• He falls first

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

While recovering from heartbreak, Pippa takes a job as a live-in assistant to professional hockey player Jamie Streicher, whom Pippa had a crush on in high school.

Why you’ll love it:

• Hockey romance
• Forced proximity/ roommates
• Will they/ won’t they vibes
• High school crushes reconnect as adults
• Spicy

Road Trip to Forever by Chelsea Curto

Sparks start to fly between childhood best friends Lola and Patrick whilst taking a road trip to Florida so that Lola can compete in a fashion competition.

Why you’ll love it:

• Childhood best friends to lovers
• Bookstore dates
• He falls first
• Boy obsessed
• Spicy

Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese

When Kate’s childhood neighbour Christopher learns the real reason behind Kate’s hostile behaviour towards him, he vows to make things right and soon after, sparks start to fly between the once enemies.

Why you’ll love it:

• Childhood enemies to lovers
• Retelling
• ADHD representation
• Forced proximity
• Spicy

The post Contemporary Romance Book Recs Without A Third Act Break-Up appeared first on The Nerd Daily.