About Finders Keepers: Two estranged best friends find that their long-abandoned treasure hunt might be the key to a fresh start—for both their futures and their feelings, from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler.

I think the only thing more painful and life-altering than a friendship breakup is a friendship breakup where more than platonic feelings were floating around (whether acknowledged or not). But that angst is also what makes it a super fun dynamic to read about. So, in honor of my own estranged-friends-to-lovers romcom, Finders Keepers, I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite examples of this delicious romance trope for your own reading pleasure.

One on One by Jamie Harrow

Videographer Annie has returned to her alma mater to work for the university’s basketball team alongside Ben, another former intern who is now an assistant coach. The way Annie left before—suddenly and under circumstances Ben doesn’t understand—shoved a wedge between the two friends that is still very much present as she rejoins the Tigers staff. Jamie Harrow’s talent for making the atmosphere of a packed arena come alive on the page is second only to her talent for writing a swoony love story, and with Annie and Ben being both estranged friends and workplace rivals Harrow’s debut is absolutely one of my S-tier romances.

The Earl Who Isn’t by Courtney Milan

Lily returns from Hong Kong to the small English town of Wedgeford with proof that her estranged best friend, Andrew, is the rightful heir to an earldom. Andrew has actually known about his patrilineal inheritance for a long time now, and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. What he does want something to do with is Lily, whom he’s been desperately missing since the one night of passion they shared before she left. But the woman he adores is intent on revealing his biggest secret—and it could put them both in danger. What’s a hot amateur botanist who doesn’t want to be an earl to do??

A Rogue to Remember by Emily Sullivan

Road trip romances are my catnip—especially historical ones. When her uncle insists Lottie accept a proposal or he’ll do it for her, she decides to spread a scandalous rumor about herself to keep from having to marry. This brings her estranged childhood friend, Alec, to her doorstep in Italy to inform her that her reputation is still intact despite her efforts to ruin herself, and she needs to go back to England ASAP because her uncle is dying. As they journey home, they’re joined by the specters of their former friendship and a whole boatload of sexual tension. Oh, and by the way, Alec is a spy, so there’s a bunch of intrigue and related shenanigans woven into this second chance love story.

A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrissey

Dee is a podcast host and Ben is her estranged best friend who shows up on her doorstep requesting she accompany him on a long-ago planned road trip to his grandmother’s house to open the time capsule they buried there in high school. This forced proximity road trip romcom perfectly captures that aching feeling of loss when things go wrong with the person you care about most, and the uncertainty and hope that fills you when you might have a chance to fix it. I think about the cat at the baseball stadium scene at least once a week.

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Successful gaming hell co-owner Michael, Marquess of Bourne, lost everything in a game of cards many years ago, but now has an opportunity to get it back—by abducting his estranged childhood friend, Penelope, and compromising her virtue so that he can marry her and gain access to her dowry, which happens to include his ancestral estate. Not exactly an ideal way to reunite, but it is pretty hot in like, a problematic way! So Penelope, who wasn’t interested in a boring society marriage anyway, finds that she isn’t totally opposed to this situation. Which leads to Bourne being like wait no you aren’t suppose to like me, what the heck. Also, the letter excerpts in this one are some of the most effective (and affective) writing I’ve ever read.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Perhaps the most well-known example of this trope, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it. The past timeline slow reveal of what happened to drive Poppy and Alex apart plays so nicely with the current timeline of them repairing their relationship, and so much of it lives rent free in my head. Emily Henry certainly knows how to stick a story to your bones and make it part of you—the same way it feels to have a friendship so deep that it can’t help but transform into love.

The post Here You Come Again: Estranged Friends-to-Lovers Romance Book Recs appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

Hello! I am a lifelong New Englander who writes historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. When I’m not reading or writing, I love to spend time with my family, bake cookies, and work on my very small garden.

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

I don’t actually remember a time when I didn’t love writing. It was just something I did even as a little kid. Then at some point I must have realized that I could be an author when I grew up and here we are!

Your latest novel, A Death on Corfu, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Plucky widow solves a murder.

What can readers expect?

I love writing strong-willed heroines and Minnie Harper, my protagonist, is no exception. I think this book has a little bit of everything: humor, intrigue, family dynamics, long-buried secrets, and, of course, a touch of romance. It is also set on Corfu, so there are some Mediterranean island vibes as well.

Where did the inspiration for A Death on Corfu come from?

I had wanted to write a mystery series about a widow who becomes an amateur detective for a long time, so for a while it was just a vague idea in the back of my head. But one day I read a snippet about British people holidaying on a very small Greek island and thought that would make a good setting for a book. Then I thought it could work for my mystery and the idea just snowballed from there. Eventually, I chose to set the book on Corfu in part because I was inspired by the PBS series The Durrells in Corfu and the island’s history as a British protectorate.

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

This is my first novel set entirely in first-person POV, which was so fun to write, and I especially loved being able to do a deep-dive into Minnie’s character.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge currently is having enough time to work because I have a very busy preschooler. I’ve found that the best thing for me is to set a weekly word goal to work towards so I stay on track and meet my deadlines.

Can you tell us a bit about your research process?

One of my favorite sources to use when I’m researching are old guidebooks.  They are filled with all kinds of useful details that can help set the scene as well as logistical things like travel times and modes of transportation. They also contain really great descriptions of sights and scenery that I can’t find anywhere else and show what kinds of things would be of interest to tourists during that time.

I also love to find primary sources written by people who actually lived through whatever era I’m writing about, whether it’s diary entries, memoirs, or even newspaper articles. I find that there is often a marked difference between how we imagine people from the past and what they were actually like. I love discovering those points of commonality as well as the unexpected.

What’s next for you?

I am finishing up Minnie Harper #2 and then need to start plotting my next historical romance!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

So many! Liana De La Rosa’s Gabriella and The Duke, Alexis Daria’s Along Came Amor, and Ashley Weaver’s final Electra McDonnell mystery One Final Turn and Sherry Thomas’ newest mystery, The Librarians.

Will you be picking up A Death On Corfu? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Emily Sullivan, Author of ‘A Death On Corfu’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In need of a good swoon? Well get ready for all of the exciting romance books hitting shelves in the second half of 2024! With new releases from Emma Lord, Tessa Bailey, Jessica Joyce, Hannah Grace, Andie Burke, Carissa Broadbent, Lyla Sage, Nora Roberts, Sangu Mandanna, Lana Ferguson, and many more, along with those making their sweet debuts!

With just about every trope explored to historical romances and fantasy romances, you’ll be sure to find something for your romance-loving heart!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and also be sure to check out our Most Anticipated list.

JULY 2024

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

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In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife―the only problem is she’s starting to think that might be her.

Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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A small-town bartender juggles motherhood and a sexual awakening in this heartwarming queer friends-to-lovers romance from the author of Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with an all-new sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny…

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

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A fake engagement, second chances, and newfound family members come together in this new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the “swoon-worthy” (Business Insider) The Spanish Love Deception.

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

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A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up…

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

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A spicy, swoony frenemies-to-lovers romance, whilst full of heart, humour, and heft – and offers a moving ode to the people and places we call home.

What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate

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From # 1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate comes an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

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Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s Let the Games Begin is a page-turning debut rom-com about two strangers at the top of their game.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

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Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle

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The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

AUGUST 2024

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

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After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan.

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

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Two best friends who haven’t spoken in ten years pretend to date after break-ups with their respective exes go viral, in this delightfully fun and deeply emotional novel.

Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno

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The beloved New York Times bestselling author of Birds of California hits it out of the park with this smart, sexy, thrilling take on the celebrity-athlete story—a funny, sizzling, ripped-from-the-headlines romance between an international pop star and a major league baseball player who thought his best days were behind him.

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram

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A smart, tender, vivacious romantic comedy about mistaken identities, the line between love and sex, and the way one night—and one person—can change your life forever.

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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A Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more in this witty and irresistible rom-com by debut author Danica Nava.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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From the creator of the viral TikTok videos about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance comes the second book in the hotly-anticipated fantasy romance series.

You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban

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The enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance follow-up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins.

Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

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Diamond necklaces, billionaires, Mafia bosses, and student loans—it’s all in a day’s work for Simi Chopra and her ragtag heist crew in the next romantic-comedy caper from Sara Desai.

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller

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In this sparkling romance, two professors with a complicated past get a second chance to prove history won’t repeat itself.

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

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It’s love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits in this new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

SEPTEMBER 2024

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

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Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz

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After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romance.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

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Business or Pleasure meets Evvie Drake Starts Over in this delicious opposites-attract romance from debut author Sarah Chamberlain.

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard

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Two rival authors—and ex’s—are thrown together just in time for the holidays in this delightful new romantic comedy from beloved author Falon Ballard.

Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

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A rollicking, unforgettable romance about two strangers finding love despite their best efforts as they embark on a sweeping matchmaking tour through Việt Nam, perfect for readers of Carley Fortune and Abby Jimenez.

Fall For Him by Andie Burke

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In Fall for Him by Andie Burke, seven-hundred-fifty square feet isn’t enough for the home-renovation-fueled hatred and the building sexual tension.

The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose

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Equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet, The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean expertly weaves the wonder and terror of falling in love into a beautifully crafted story about the joy that can be found when you’re willing to dust yourself off and try again.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

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Nothing sucks more than fake dating a vampire in this paranormal romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

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A struggling waitress and the heir to a major Seattle company stumble into a high-profile fake engagement while simultaneously trying to keep up with their own love lives in this flirty fall rom-com!

One On One by Jamie Harrow

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For readers of The Hating Game and The Ex Talk, a workplace, enemies-to-lovers debut for anyone yearning for a courtside romance, perfect for anyone who can’t get enough sports rom-coms.

OCTOBER 2024

Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore

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A hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about having it all, slowing down to see the big picture, and finding out that the person you least expect could be your perfect fit

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

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From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom-com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky

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The Santa Clause meets Husband Material in this delightful holiday novel!

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay

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When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

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A big-hearted small-town romance from bestselling, award-winning author Elle McNicoll, Some Like it Cold is perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Talia Hibbert and Gilmore Girls.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

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In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder…and falling for each other in the process.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

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Erin Sterling brightens up the Winter Solstice with another delightfully spooky novel following Bowen Penhallow and the girl he feels strangely drawn to—especially when she becomes his only hope of salvation after a strong spell sends them to a Yuletide celebration… more than 50 years in the past.

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña

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The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

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Opposites attract when a buttoned-up professor and carefree doorman must restore a magically missing identity in this sparkling romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Ashley Poston.

Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts

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A dashing ghost hunter and the bookseller who made up the ghosts he’s chasing wind up entangled in more ways than one in this steamy contemporary romance from the author of Text Appeal, perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Chloe Liese.

Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux

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Madeleine Roux’s next season in Regency England follows a rebellious writer and the man who risks everything to publish her.

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison

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Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on.

NOVEMBER 2024

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

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After accidentally going viral on social media, a cupcake-baking football player gets assistance from a social media maven—and his best friend’s little sister—to help promote his new bakery.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

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From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year, a hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt

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Filled with crackling tension, The Co-op is a steamy second chance romance about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It’s about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

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New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante’s Inferno, in an epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

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She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other. From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

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When her student goes missing, an independent bluestocking must seek the help of the arrogant duke who spurned her in this sizzling tale of romance and intrigue, perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith

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When a pyrotechnic engineer discovers her biological father is an international criminal, she must work with a sexy CIA agent to take him down in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

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Two very indoor people rough it on a remote island after getting swept up in an archaeologist’s hunt for a famed jewel in this dazzling new adventure rom-com by Kerry Rea, author of Lucy on the Wild Side.

Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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In this hilarious and steamy rom-com, a hardworking city woman unexpectedly inherits her grandparents’ farm that comes equipped with a handsome horticulturist.

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane

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A sapphic romance in which two former hockey teammates turned rivals with unresolved feelings for one another are paired to host a popular morning show’s Olympic coverage and must remain professional amid a nation of fans closely scrutinizing their incredible chemistry.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the hauntingly spectacular Lost Bride Trilogy with book two, The Mirror.

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

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A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life’s swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy.

DECEMBER 2024

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.

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

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A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy—the opposite, in fact—in this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

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The Hating Game meets Beach Read in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice.

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

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When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe

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In this charming new rom-com from Jenny L. Howe, a young woman who’s fed up with dating challenges her family and friends to set her up on ten dates, but gets more than she bargained for when her best friend adds himself to the roster.

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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In this splendidly bittersweet romantic comedy, enemies forced together by a mutual loss are led on a cross-country journey toward a second chance.

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

The post Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2024 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.