Emma Lord Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/emma-lord/ All Things Nerdy Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:44:10 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://i0.wp.com/thenerddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-Nerd-Daily-Logo-Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Emma Lord Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/emma-lord/ 32 32 122026701 Review: For The Record by Emma Lord https://thenerddaily.com/review-for-the-record-by-emma-lord/ https://thenerddaily.com/review-for-the-record-by-emma-lord/#respond Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=58212 Once bitter rivals on stage and off, pop princess Mackenzie and punk bad boy Sam set the music world on fire—until their bands imploded and so did their maybe-something-more. Now, years later, Sam’s a dad and Mackenzie’s singing in secret. Their big comeback? A joint album that forces them back into each other’s orbit. The catch? They have to play nice. With fans watching, tensions rising, and sparks flying, this hilarious, high-voltage romance proves the best songs (and second chances) […]

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]]> Once bitter rivals on stage and off, pop princess Mackenzie and punk bad boy Sam set the music world on fire—until their bands imploded and so did their maybe-something-more. Now, years later, Sam’s a dad and Mackenzie’s singing in secret. Their big comeback? A joint album that forces them back into each other’s orbit. The catch? They have to play nice. With fans watching, tensions rising, and sparks flying, this hilarious, high-voltage romance proves the best songs (and second chances) come from the heart.

Fans of the second-chance romance trope are likely to sing their heart out with Sam and Mackenzie.

Emma Lord gets an easy and almost effortless rapport going between Sam and Mackenzie early on, showcasing how the chemistry just seemed to flow between them no matter how much they tried to ignore it (or in Sam’s case, pretend to ignore it). You also get thrown into the plot fairly quickly and intrigued by Mackenzie’s secret and fear of exposure. The stakes are high for both Sam and Mackenzie and while Sam had a lot to gain, it felt like Mackenzie had a lot more to lose, which made for great tension.

Still, some of the choices in this book made me question the length of it. This is quite a short book that you can read in one sitting but at some points I did ask myself at what cost? Staples in the romance genre (and what feels like bread and butter to a dedicated romance girly like me) were sometimes left out completely for—apparently—the sake of shortness. A good example of this is that Sam and Mackenzie decide to work together quite quickly in the beginning of the novel but then the parts that are usually the most amazing for romance readers (you know, the push-and-pull, will-they-won’t-they paired with the first unsure steps of working together and fighting that attraction that makes you kick your feet in the air and giggle), are completely glossed over with a two-week time jump and a few summarising sentences of what happened. I felt cheated because I would have loved to see how they dealt with this pressure of having to work together, the rushed timeline given by the execs and how they are coping with it especially when both parties carry so much history. Sure, it comes later on but it feels like an unnecessary time jump in an already short book. Similar moments occur throughout the novel that make the pacing a bit out of balance.

Also, and I don’t know if this is because I’m so used to Lord’s YA books, Sam and Mackenzie read incredibly young to me. Many of the things they say and do feel very much high school (as well as some sideplots that weren’t fleshed out enough to fully make an impact), which then made the steamy parts just feel so…jarring. Admittedly, I was also confused by the timing of the steamy scenes as they somehow seem to be engendered by talking about trauma or other heavy topics. I get being vulnerable as a way of deepening a relationship but I don’t know, opening up about your family’s issues does not get me into the hot and heavy mood. To each their own, I guess.

Do take this critique with a grain of salt, though, as I had the same issues with Lord’s previous adult release, so it might just be my inability to reconcile adult actions with the young adult voice of it all. Chances are this won’t be an issue for other readers.

All these critiques aside, I still enjoyed my time with For The Record.

Mackenzie’s story was particularly compelling and I loved how we got to see her grow on her own and how fiercely she continued to pursue music even when things (or her health) didn’t quite go her way. The subplots with her former band members were, if not completely fleshed out, intriguing and kept me invested in seeing how they would feel about Mackenzie’s musical trajectory.

Sam remained more of a “character” than a fleshed-out person (not helped by the constant full-naming of him on every page), but I did enjoy the glimpses we got of the softer side of him that wanted to protect his son and Mackenzie from the turbulent world they both live in.

Unsurprisingly, my personal highlight were the Taylor Swift lyrics casually weaved into sentences. While some are easier to spot than others, it always tickled me whenever I saw a folkmore or evermore song lyric out of context in the middle of a conversation. You can tell the author knows her stuff. Swifties are sure to scour the pages for these.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a quick, easy read with a sweet second-chance romance, For the Record might hit the right note for you!

For The Record is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 12th 2025.

Will you be picking up For The Record? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis

An electrifying rom com of rivalry and redemption, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Daisy Jones and the Six, from New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord.

Once the most notorious rivals in the music scene, pop princess Mackenzie Waters and punk rockstar Sam Blaze electrified audiences as their bands clashed on stage. But behind the scenes, their simmering tension grew into something more ― until suddenly both bands fell apart, and the idea of Mackenzie and Sam did, too.

Two years later, Sam has traded the rockstar lifestyle for a quiet life raising the son he didn’t know about. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is dealing with a postoperative change in her voice by only singing under a pseudonym. The only way to revive their public careers? A joint comeback album.

With fans over the moon and their futures on the line, Sam and Mackenzie face their biggest challenge yet: giving up their old rivalry and learning to work together. But as old sparks fly and new secrets emerge, they set off a chain reaction neither of them could have anticipated ― one that proves that sometimes, the greatest hits are the ones yet to be written.

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/review-for-the-record-by-emma-lord/feed/ 0 58212 Read An Excerpt From ‘The Rival’ by Emma Lord https://thenerddaily.com/the-rival-by-emma-lord-excerpt/ https://thenerddaily.com/the-rival-by-emma-lord-excerpt/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=53860 Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again. Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Emma Lord’s The Rival, which releases on January 21st 2025. At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When […]

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]]> Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Emma Lord’s The Rival, which releases on January 21st 2025.

At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.

But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one.

Chapter One

I take a breath and stare at the wide brick building, a small thrill working its way up my spine—not fear, but anticipation. I earned this opportunity. Every test I pulled all-nighters studying for, every school newspaper deadline I raced the clock to meet, all so I could get into Maple Ride University and have a chance to try my hand at getting a staff position on Newsbag, arguably the most famous college zine in the country.

Maybe I should be scared. It’s taken me years to get this close to the thing I want most, but now I have to prove myself all over again.

“You’re at your dream school. You’re finally away from your family drama. You’re hot as hell and have the best roommate in the world.” I roll my eyes at Christina’s pep talk but bite down a grin. “And you—how did you phrase it? ‘Vanquished your nemesis

at long last.’”

By “nemesis” she means Sebastian Adams, whose favorite and only hobby growing up was one-upping me at every turn. It only got worse in high school when we both clearly took an interest in journalism. I’d get the editor position on the school paper, but he’d become the school’s most beloved writer. Seb would get a coveted recommendation from our recluse of an English teacher, and I would win the year-end student departmental award. The competition was so absurd that we started competing in every other way we could, forcing the school to declare the first-ever tie for salutatorian—our GPAs and mutual accomplishments were such a dead tie that nobody could decide who won.

But I broke the cycle. I got into Maple Ride. Seb didn’t.

I breathe back out, decidedly grounded again. “You’re right,” I say, nodding into the phone. “Thanks. You’re right.”

And she is. At least until five seconds later, when a boy rounds the corner at top speed, lets out a surprised, “Shit, sorry, shit!” before colliding right into me, depositing half his smoothie on my human form.

Naturally, I open my mouth to say “sorry” right back, a reflexive smile already poised on my lips. Avoiding conflict is quite literally in my DNA. Or at least I assume it is, since my sisters seem to have absorbed all the conflict-creating genes, leaving me to play family peacekeeper more often than not.

But then I glance up into the wide, apologetic brown eyes directly in front of mine and realize this is not just any boy. This is the aforementioned archnemesis, looking distinctly unvanquished in the late August sun.

“Sadie!”

A grin cracks across Seb’s face—that trademark wide-open-sky one that somehow only got more dazzling in the last few days. There’s a dusting of new freckles on his newly tanned skin, and his dark-brown hair is even more tousled than usual, like it’s still salty from the beach trip I know he took this past weekend. He looks like he should be recruited for a billboard for an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort.

Unfortunately for Seb, I’m immune to every inch of it.

“What, no hello hug?” he asks, extending his arms out in a gesture made more absurd by the fact that he is also now covered in smoothie.

In lieu of answering him I stare briefly up at the sky as if it’s going to explain to me why Seb Adams is two feet in front of me instead of clear across Virginia at Blue Ridge State University. Unsurprisingly, it does not answer. Worse still, when I lower my head, Seb is still standing there.

“I really am sorry,” he says, reaching out as if he’s going to help with the disaster zone that is my dress and clearly thinking the better of it. “Shit. I got you good.”

I sigh. At least the smoothie will distract from the pit stains. “What on earth are you doing here?” I demand.

“Enriching my young mind. Widening my cultural horizons. Trying to figure out where I’m going to drink tonight.” He looks me up and down again, slower this time—apology mingled with mischief. “You should wear green more often. It suits you.”

“You should shut your mouth more often. It suits you,” I say, plucking what remains of the smoothie from his hand.

I take an experimental sip. Something with banana. It’s not half-bad.

“This is mine now,” I inform him, knocking the remaining inch of green goop back.

Seb’s grin is back in its usual insufferably effortless way, but his eyes linger, widening with surprise. “You got a haircut.”

More like a hair eviction. Two days ago when my parents dropped me off I had strawberry-blond locks that fell to my waist. Now they’re ten inches shorter and curling up so aggressively in the humidity that I’m pretty sure this lob thinks it’s a bob. Not that it really matters—the cut was less about vanity

and more of a “lean into a full main-character cliché” of shaking off my old hair and my past right along with it.

But now the past is upsettingly present, in the form of Seb saying “It’s very you.”

I have no idea what the hell that’s supposed to mean, but that doesn’t stop my face from flushing. I use it as motivation to move faster.

“So where are you headed?” Seb asks.

Maybe if I just keep walking he’ll disappear. He’s just a panic mirage, is all. The ghost of academic rivals past.

“Apparently hell, if you’re here.”

“Satan does make a killer smoothie.” Seb gestures at the backpack slung over his shoulder. “I’ve got a sweater in here you can borrow.”

I’m too fixated on Seb following me into the building to consider the offer. “I’ve got a one-way ticket out of my sight you can keep.”

“I hope you can get a decent refund, then,” says Seb, taking a few quick paces ahead of me to open the door. “I just moved all my stuff into my dorm.”

He’s holding open the door for me, but I’ve suddenly forgotten how to pass through it, like a vampire that needs to be invited in.

“I am begging you to unsay every single one of those words.”

Seb leans in close, his hand braced on the door. He smells the way he always does—a salty honey sweetness. Equal parts nostalgia, irritation, and something loud and warm in me that doesn’t deserve any kind of name.

“No can do,” he tells me, with enough glee that I know he imagined this moment long before now. “I got off the waitlist. You’re looking at a fellow Maple Ride Sweetie,” he says, referring

to our school mascot.

From The Rival, by Emma Lord. Copyright © 2025 by the author, and reprinted with permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/the-rival-by-emma-lord-excerpt/feed/ 0 53860 20 New YA Books To Read In January https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-young-adult-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-young-adult-book-releases/#respond Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=54928 From fairytale retellings and academic rivals, to royal drama and hilarious rom-coms, there are so many new young adult books to get excited about in January 2025!  Read on to discover new books from Brigid Kemmerer, Megan Lally, Gayle Forman, Ann Liang, and many more! Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.orgAn Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince. Breath […]

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]]> From fairytale retellings and academic rivals, to royal drama and hilarious rom-coms, there are so many new young adult books to get excited about in January 2025! 

Read on to discover new books from Brigid Kemmerer, Megan Lally, Gayle Forman, Ann Liang, and many more!

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

All the Love Under the Vast Sky by Kip Wilson

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Twelve short stories in verse by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the highs and lows of love – romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love.

Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The spellbinding series by New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues.

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue by Kate Pearsall

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
In this haunting companion to Bittersweet in the Hollow, a girl who can smell the lies of others uncovers the incendiary mysteries of her small Appalachian town.

The Rival by Emma Lord

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Some secrets just won’t stay hidden in this twisty new thriller from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Megan Lally!

Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A cozy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Heartstopper meets Derry Girls in this wonderfully hilarious rom-com about finding your first love when your personality might be too big for the world around you.

After Life by Gayle Forman

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death, examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the bestselling, and award-winning author of If You Could See The Sun comes a new page-turning speculative YA about a girl who wishes she could be as perfect and successful as her cousin… then wakes up the next morning in her cousin’s body.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

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A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . . Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . . A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . . This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia

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In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it . . .

Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough

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This historical novel in prose and verse tells the story of a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and of the women who risk everything to provide care for those with nowhere else to turn, perfect for fans of Blood Water Paint and The Lost Apothecary.

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
For fans of Frankly in Love and Tokyo Ever After comes a romantic dramedy about finding love and reconnecting with your culture in the most surprising ways.

Build A Girlfriend by Elba Luz

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A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.

The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears

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Uprooted meets Children of Blood and Bone in this dark fantasy inspired by a Malian fairy tale about a princess whose suitors are challenged to gruesome trials.

Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga

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In this story filled with “romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets” (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom.

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

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-young-adult-book-releases/feed/ 0 54928 January 2025 Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-book-releases/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=54924 A new month and new year calls for some new reads! January is kicking off the year with some stellar books, including new releases from Julian Winters, Grady Hendrix, Rebecca Yarros, and more! Read on to discover some of our picks and let us know if you’ll be picking any of them up! Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.orgA young warrior dreams of proving his worth in […]

The post January 2025 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> A new month and new year calls for some new reads! January is kicking off the year with some stellar books, including new releases from Julian Winters, Grady Hendrix, Rebecca Yarros, and more!

Read on to discover some of our picks and let us know if you’ll be picking any of them up!

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A group of young women in a home for unwed mothers in 1970s Florida who find a book to witchcraft—a guide which may just be the key to regaining their power or the source of their worst nightmares.

Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Iron & Embers is the breathtaking first installment in the epic fantasy romance series, The Ashes of Thezmarr. With its lush world-building, sizzling chemistry, and heart-pounding action it’s perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, From Blood & Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom.

The Rival by Emma Lord

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
In an alternate London in 1923, one girl accidentally breaks the tenuous truce between dragons and humans in this sweeping debut and epic retelling of Bletchley Park steeped in language, class, and forbidden romance. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.

Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A struggling vineyard owner gets a second taste of her first crush in this romantic comedy that sparkles with humor and heat.

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A twisty domestic thriller about an author who travels to a remote Scottish island to write his next book…only to run into a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

Lightfall by Ed Crocker

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A novel of vampires, werewolves and sorcerers, Lightfall is the stunning debut epic fantasy by Ed Crocker, for fans of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Girl in 2A and The New Neighbor comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question: are murderers always the bad guys?

Unromance by Erin Connor

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
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 . . .

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

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From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan

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A young ruler must forge a delicate alliance with the untrustworthy yet magnetic God of War to protect her kingdom in this stunning romantic fantasy filled with dangerous secrets, forbidden magic, and passion, from Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

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

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/january-2025-book-releases/feed/ 0 54924 Anticipated Book Releases Hitting Shelves In 2025 https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-book-releases-hitting-shelves-in-2025/ https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-book-releases-hitting-shelves-in-2025/#comments Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:00:07 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=54097 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! 2025?! How!? Nevertheless, the upside of a new year is all of the new books that will be hitting shelves! We’ve rounded up some highly anticipated  books from a range of genres releasing between the months of January and June 2025. You can expect new releases from the likes of Taylor Jenkins Reid, […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

2025?! How!? Nevertheless, the upside of a new year is all of the new books that will be hitting shelves! We’ve rounded up some highly anticipated  books from a range of genres releasing between the months of January and June 2025.

You can expect new releases from the likes of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry, Samantha Shannon, Richard Swan, Kate Alice Marshall, Tessa Bailey, Suzanne Collins, Chuck Wendig, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Christopher Golden, Becky Albertalli, Rebecca Yarros, VE Schwab, Maggie Stiefvater, Fredrik Backman, and so many more, plus many making their 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 2025 lists, which we’ll be releasing over the next month! This article will also get updated with those links so you can easily find them… We apologise in advance to your TBR pile and wallet!

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

JANUARY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
She has his dead wife’s heart; the one she wants is his. The author of The Family Plot brings her signature prose to a twisty novel about a heart transplant patient who becomes romantically obsessed with her donor’s husband.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
In an alternate London in 1923, one girl accidentally breaks the tenuous truce between dragons and humans in this sweeping debut and epic retelling of Bletchley Park steeped in language, class, and forbidden romance. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.

Unromance by Erin Connor

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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 . . .

The Rival by Emma Lord

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Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

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A group of young women in a home for unwed mothers in 1970s Florida who find a book to witchcraft—a guide which may just be the key to regaining their power or the source of their worst nightmares.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this new rivals-to-lovers romance set in Rome, Kentucky—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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A twisty domestic thriller about an author who travels to a remote Scottish island to write his next book…only to run into a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. 

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young

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In this captivating atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow, a woman investigates her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting the ghosts of her own haunted past.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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Get ready to fly or die in the breathtaking follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

FEBRUARY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

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Set against the violent wilderness of the moors and the uncontrolled appetite of the industrial revolution, Hungerstone is a compulsive feminist reworking of Carmilla, the book that inspired Dracula: a captivating story of appetite and desire.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle–inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon

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The highly anticipated fifth novel in the New York Times bestselling Bone Season series-an epic and spellbinding fantasy from the author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

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A woman invited to her wealthy fiance’s family retreat realizes they are hiding a terrible secret―and that she’s been there before, by the bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

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The third installment in the heartwarming and enchanting Emily Wilde series, about a curmudgeonly scholar of folklore and the fae prince she loves.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

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An addictive thriller about a new mother’s world upended when her husband commits a terrifying crime. How well does she truly know the man she loves? And what danger does she face if her entire life has been built on a lie?

Grave Empire by Richard Swan

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From critically acclaimed author Richard Swan, Grave Empire begins the epic tale of an empire on the verge of industrial revolution, where sorcery and arcane practices are outlawed – and where an ancient prophecy threatens the coming end of days.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

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A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget about takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

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The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Wooing The Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis

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In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion…and love turns their world upside down.

The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore

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With dark academia twists and enormous heart, The Dollhouse Academy is a novel about the complexities of friendship, our desire to be seen and understood, and the true cost of making our dreams a reality.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

MARCH 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue meets This is How You Lose The Time War in this fantastical love story that defies death as two souls reincarnate through the centuries.

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander

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From the acclaimed author of Chef’s Kiss, a groundbreaking trans Regency romance that’s both delightfully witty and refreshingly iconoclastic.

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

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From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave―the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid

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The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

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From the national bestselling author of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and Midnight is the Darkest Hour comes a chilling, compulsive story of five amateur sleuths, whose hunt for an elusive killer catapults them into danger as the world watches.

The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth

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From the author of White Horse comes a terrifying and resonant novel about a woman who uses her unique gift to learn the truth about her sister’s death.

The Hymn to Dionysus Natasha Pulley

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A timely reimagining of the story of Dionysus-Greek god of ecstasy, revelry, and ruin-and a captivating queer love story for readers of The Song of Achilles and Elektra.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

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Date night goes off the rails in this hilariously insightful take on midlife and marriage when one unhappy couple find themselves at the heart of a crime in progress, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.

They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran

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The author of the New York Times bestselling horror phenomenon She Is a Haunting is back with a novel about the monsters that swim beneath us . . . and live within us.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman

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Hilarious and twisted, propulsive and furious, All the Other Mothers Hate Me is a mix of Catastrophe and Fleabag with a dash of Nancy Drew.

Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker

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One fake prime minister, one ridiculously hot handler, and one Italian summer collide in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

APRIL 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell

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Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

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Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yiğit Turhan

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A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic and Hereditary.

City of All Seasons by Oliver K. Langmead and Aliya Whiteley

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A vibrant and emotional science fantasy about cousins trapped in mirrored worlds – the resplendent and verdant summer city and the ice-carved wastes of the winter city. For fans of Every Heart a Doorway and This is How You Lose the Time War.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

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From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.

The Staircase In The Woods by Chuck Wendig

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A group of friends investigates the mystery of a strange staircase in the woods in this mesmerizing horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents.

The Folklore of Forever by Sarah Hogle

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From the acclaimed author of Old Flames and New Fortunes comes a steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a paranormal skeptic who is roped into a ghost hunting romp by the charming boy next door . . . who might just show her what real fantasies are made of.

Don’t Sleep With The Dead by Nghi Vo

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From award-winning author Nghi Vo comes Don’t Sleep with the Dead, a standalone companion novella to The Chosen and the Beautiful, her acclaimed reimagining of The Great Gatsby.

Senseless by Ronald Malfi

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A page-turning, supernaturally-tinged LA puzzle-box thriller – Zodiac with teeth, from the Bram Stoker Award-nominated and bestselling author of Come with Me. Perfect for fans of Riley Sager and Lauren Beukes.

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Mercy Street, a tense, propulsive family drama set in Shanghai, where a fractured American family faces its complicated past

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

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Knives Out meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy stand-alone romantasy set in the same world as USA Today bestselling author Kaylie Smith’s BookTok sensation Phantasma! The print edition includes custom silver foiling on the cover.

MAY 2025 BOOK RELEASES

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

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Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ―along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis

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In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

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In this spellbinding historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea and The Wind Knows My Name, a young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself.

Overgrowth by Mira Grant

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Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Day of the Triffids in this full-on body horror/alien invasion apocalypse.

The Incandescent by Emily Tesh

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Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series meets Plain Bad Heroines in this sapphic dark academia fantasy by instant national and international bestselling author Emily Tesh, winner of the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards.

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

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In this opposites attract romance for fans of Begin Again and Better Than the Movies, a fresh start doesn’t have to mean changing yourself.

The Night Birds by Christopher Golden

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The next gripping, atmospheric horror novel from NYT bestselling author Christopher Golden, set in a deteriorated, half-sunken freighter ship off the coast of Galveston, TX.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

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A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that “encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games” (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

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From NYT bestselling author Rachel Gillig comes the next big romantasy sensation, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess who is forced on an impossible quest with the one infuriating knight whose future is beyond her sight. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leigh Bardugo.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

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A brand-new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie, featuring a notorious band of anti-heroes on a delightfully bloody and raucous journey

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin by Alison Goodman

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In Regency England, the eccentric Colebrook sisters are amateur detectives who use their wits and invisibility as “old maids” to fight injustice in this delightful and fiercely feminist novel of mystery and adventure from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.

JUNE 2025 BOOK RELEASES

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program and the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by Victoria E. Schwab

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From V. E. Schwab, the No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: a new genre-defying, unforgettable novel to sink your teeth into.

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

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#1 New York Times bestselling novelist Maggie Stiefvater dazzles in this mesmerizing portrait of an irresistible heroine, an unlikely romance, and a hotel—and a world—in peril.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

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The beautiful and heartwarming new romance from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh

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#1 NYT-bestselling YA author Renee Ahdieh’s adult debut novel, about a young lawyer who gets pulled in to manage a crisis with her firm’s biggest client, a family whose Korean beauty brand is worth a billion dollars, pitched as Crazy Rich Asians meets Succession.

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

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A hitmaking songwriter and a bitter musician share a startling and inexplicable connection that they’ll do anything to shake, in the next sparkling, magical book from Ashley Poston.

Realm of Thieves by Karina Halle

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Two thieves vie for dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

He’s to Die For by Erin Dunn

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Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: it’s murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

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A blistering literary suspense novel about a ghostwriter who is hired to write the last book for her estranged father and finds herself investigating the brutal murder of both his siblings in the summer of 1975.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten

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Scream meets The Guest List in this wickedly compelling and compulsively page-turning thriller of friendship and murder from the author of The Lost Village, Camilla Sten.

What books are you looking forward to picking up in the first half of the year? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Book Releases Hitting Shelves In 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-book-releases-hitting-shelves-in-2025/feed/ 1 54097 Review: The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-break-up-pact-by-emma-lord/ https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-break-up-pact-by-emma-lord/#respond Fri, 09 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=50445 June and Levi, once inseparable friends, haven’t spoken in ten years. Now, both reeling from humiliating break-ups that went viral, they find themselves the subject of a new rumour: the internet thinks they’re dating. Desperate to boost June’s struggling tea shop and help Levi win back his ex, they agree to fake a romance. As they stage swoon-worthy dates to keep up the ruse, old feelings resurface. Can they navigate the charade without their hearts getting involved, or will this […]

The post Review: The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> June and Levi, once inseparable friends, haven’t spoken in ten years. Now, both reeling from humiliating break-ups that went viral, they find themselves the subject of a new rumour: the internet thinks they’re dating. Desperate to boost June’s struggling tea shop and help Levi win back his ex, they agree to fake a romance. As they stage swoon-worthy dates to keep up the ruse, old feelings resurface. Can they navigate the charade without their hearts getting involved, or will this pretend romance become the real deal?

Fans of the miscommunication trope, rejoice! You are certainly in for one hell of a treat in Emma Lord’s adult debut!

Haters of the miscommunication trope…come join me in my misery. Did I bum myself out while reading this book? Absolutely. But a girl can only handle so much. And if you don’t like the miscommunication trope and the main miscommunication is cleared up at 55% of the book…only to be immediately followed by the next miscommunication five pages later that will drive the rest of the story to its final conclusion…you’re just out of luck.

I know this is a very subjective preference, but I just can’t stand miscommunication where everything—the entire plot—could be resolved with one honest conversation. Now, if you give me some extra reasons for this miscommunication? Great, hit me up, give me something to rally against immature characters. But here, we have two adults, and especially our main character June, who will actively utter sentences like “If I win this race, we never talk about what happened again” multiple times to evade an honest, mature conversation and I just don’t want that in my romances. I love open communication, honesty, trusting your partner with your vulnerable parts and this is just not what you’re getting with this book.

Unfortunately, while I usually adore all the tropes Lord brings us and always give her books five stars, this time around, the miscommunication just infused every other part of this story that could have been great with a bad feeling.

One thing is the combination of childhood best friends and fake dating and second chance romance. All great tropes that Lord has handled perfectly in the past, yet here a lot of the character development and even the nostalgia for June and Levi’s childhood years felt superficial and more show than tell. Their connection was tainted by their miscommunication and made it a real challenge to connect to their rekindling of their friendship and eventual romance.

Similarly, the fake dating was quite hindered by the fact that Levi was literally still somehow sort of but not really engaged to a woman who publicly cheated on him—yet he still couldn’t make up his mind. That made the whole fake dating turning into real feelings even harder to appreciate since the miscommunication from their youth further complicated an already insurmountable amount of issues. So while I did think there was a lot of potential here, it just didn’t appeal to me.

For me, the highlight in The Break-Up Pact was really June’s and Levi’s individual journey of growth. June undergoes quite the self-discovery as she struggles with listening to her gut in the face of losing her sister and their old dreams yet eventually learns to go for what she wants and bet on herself even if the odds don’t look good. She’s a go-getter in the end and I think that journey deserves all the love and will be very relatable to a lot of readers.

Meanwhile, Levi also has some roadblocks to overcome and while I won’t get into the whole fiancée situation, the way writer’s block and Levi wanting to go after his dreams but feeling pressure to be what everyone wants him to be in the literary world felt so real and raw that it made me ache for him.

Beyond the things that made me want to scream, Lord still brings her usual charm and humour to The Break-Up Pact. There are moments of utter hilarity, fun bits like a certain scream poetry scene and quirky characters that deserve to have their own book just because they turn out to be absolute show-stealers. So if you’re a fan of the miscommunication trope, you’re sure to enjoy this fun, beachy romp and if you’re not, you still find find a lot to love in Lord’s newest adventure.

Two viral break-ups, one fake relationship, childhood best friends and a whole lot of miscommunication meet in Emma Lord’s adult debut The Break-Up Pact, perfect for fans of Elena Armas and Abby Jimenez!

The Break-Up Pact is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 13th 2024.

Will you be picking up The Break-Up Pact? Have you read it already? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

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 new novel from New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord.

June and Levi were best friends as teenagers—until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop, Levi is living a New York cliché as a disillusioned hedge fund manager and failed novelist, and they’ve barely spoken in years.

But after they both experience public, humiliating break-ups with their exes that spread like wildfire across TikTok rabbit holes and daytime talk shows alike, they accidentally make some juicy gossip of their own—a photo of them together has the internet convinced they’re a couple. With so many people rooting for them, they decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact to fuel the fire. Pretending to date will help June’s shop get back on its feet and make Levi’s ex realize that she made a mistake. All they have to do is convince the world they’re in love, one swoon-worthy photo opp at a time.

Two viral break-ups. One fake relationship. Five sparkling, heart-pounding dates. June and Levi can definitely pull this off without their hearts getting involved. Because everyone knows fake dating doesn’t come with real feelings. Right?

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-break-up-pact-by-emma-lord/feed/ 0 50445 Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2024 Romance Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/romance-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/ https://thenerddaily.com/romance-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/#respond Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=51202 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! Any commissions received go back into funding giveaways 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 […]

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

]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! Any commissions received go back into funding giveaways 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.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/romance-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/feed/ 0 51202 Here’s 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2024 https://thenerddaily.com/2024-anticipated-young-adult-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/2024-anticipated-young-adult-book-releases/#comments Sat, 06 Jan 2024 08:00:50 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=47832 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! From magic, fairytales, romance, and thrillers, to monsters, rebels, pirates, and friends, there’s certainly something for everyone to look forward to amongst the young adult books releasing between January and June 2024! From new releases from the likes of Emma Lord, Brigid Kemmerer, Kacen Callender, Morgan Matson, Tomi Adeyemi, Kalynn Bayron, Rachel Lynn […]

The post Here’s 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

From magic, fairytales, romance, and thrillers, to monsters, rebels, pirates, and friends, there’s certainly something for everyone to look forward to amongst the young adult books releasing between January and June 2024! From new releases from the likes of Emma Lord, Brigid Kemmerer, Kacen Callender, Morgan Matson, Tomi Adeyemi, Kalynn Bayron, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and many more, to those making their dazzling debut, you will be spoilt for choice!

Read on to discover some wonderful new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2024 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated and our Swoonworthy Romance lists!

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

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.

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

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Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

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Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power.

My Big, Fat Desi Wedding

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These genre-bending stories focus on the magic (and tension) of the biggest family gathering. Both award-winning and debut authors share stories of broken hearts, rekindled flames, unlikely romances, and one particular auntie who loves to meddle with stories from Prerna Pickett, Syed Masood, Tashie Bhuiyan, Aamna Qureshi, Payal Doshi, Sarah Mughal, Noreen Mughees, and Anahita Karthi.

This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill

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Dash & Lily meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Edward Underhill’s new whirlwind rom-com about two queer teens who spend one life-changing day together in New York City.

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

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Two girls reluctantly bound by fate must weather a dangerous courtship as a prophesied war grows ever closer in Jasmine Skye’s high-stakes, queernormative dark fantasy debut, Daughter of the Bone Forest.

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

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From the New York Times–bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame comes the first book in a hotly-anticipated fantasy duology teeming with romance and revenge, led by an orphan girl willing to do whatever it takes to save her self-made kingdom.

The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

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NYT bestselling author Melissa Albert returns with THE BAD ONES, a supernatural horror novel about four mysterious disappearances in a town haunted by a sinister magical history

Kindling by Traci Chee

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From bestselling and award-winning author Traci Chee comes a standalone fantasy set against a war-ravaged world where kindling warfare—the use of elite, magic-wielding teenage soldiers—has been outlawed. In this rich and evocative novel, seven kindlings search for purpose and identity as they prepare for one final battle. For fans of the classic films Seven Samurai and The Magnificent Seven.

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang

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Unforgettable, snarky, and romantic, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

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Enemies-to-lovers doesn’t get more high stakes than a witch and a witch hunter falling in love in bestselling author Kristen Ciccarelli’s latest romantic fantasy

If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin

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An intensely emotional and gripping companion novel to Laura Nowlin’s USA Today and New York Times Bestselling novel If He Had Been With Me about the love that both breaks and heals us. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer

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After being magically gifted with incredible luck, a boy discovers this gift just may be a curse when it comes to love, in this sweet romantic comedy by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer.

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

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A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power in this young adult fantasy perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens and House of Salt and Sorrows.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

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The tantalising romance of These Violent Delights meets the mechanical wonders of Cinder in The Last Bloodcarver , the first in a two-book debut – with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired fantasy world.

Bad Like Us by Gabriella Lepore

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Two friend groups collide when someone turns up dead over spring break in this heart-thumping YA thriller for fans of One of Us Is Lying and We Were Liars

The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso

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From the author of Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets and They’re Watching You, a compelling new thriller!

Icarus by K. Ancrum

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Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, this suspenseful queer YA romance from critically acclaimed author K. Ancrum reimagines the tale of Icarus as a star-crossed love story between a young art thief and the son of the man he’s been stealing from—think Portrait of a Thief for YA readers.

Promchanted by Morgan Matson

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Modern-day teens wander into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty in this enemies-to-lovers rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson.

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain

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The New York Times bestselling author of Dark & Shallow Lies delivers another chilling supernatural thriller filled with murder, romance, and a decades long mystery that haunts a small Florida town.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

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In Where Sleeping Girls Lie ― a YA contemporary mystery by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades ― a girl new to boarding school discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears.

We Are Mayhem by Beck Rourke-Mooney

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Filled with messy, complicated characters, We Are Mayhem is a debut YA novel about finding your strength, embracing your weird, and being who you truly are – no matter what.

Ariel Crashes A Train by Olivia A. Cole

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Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning, lyrical writing, this novel-in-verse conjures a haunting yet hopeful portrait of a girl on the edge. From the author of Dear Medusa, which New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed called “a fierce and brightly burning feminist roar.”

The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall

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Julie Murphy meets Casey McQuiston in this unforgettable queer romance about a teen girl whose foray into fantasy tabletop roleplaying brings her new confidence, true friends, and a shot at real, swoon-worthy love.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright

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In this gorgeous stand-alone fantasy romance perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Allison Saft, a rebellious witch undertakes a last-ditch quest to restore magic to medieval Wales—as two princes vie for her heart.

The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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The Poisons We Drink is a potent YA debut about a world where love potions are weaponized against hate and prejudice, sisterhood is unbreakable, and self-love is life and death.

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Something Kindred by Ciera Burch

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Magical realism meets Southern Gothic in this commanding young adult debut from Ciera Burch about true love, the meaning of home, and the choices that haunt us.

We’re Never Getting Home by Tracy Badua

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HBO’s Insecure meets Dazed and Confused in this messy, tender YA novel about a friendship breakup, set against the backdrop of a chaotic night at a music festival, from rising talent Tracy Badua.

The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray by Christine Calella

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The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray follows the asexual daughter of a notorious pirate queen and her anxious half-sister braving the sea and its pirates to find themselves

Fate Be Changed: A Twisted Tale by Farrah Rochon

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What if the witch gave Merida a different spell? This New York Times best-selling series twists Disney Pixar’s Brave into a fast-paced story in which Merida is sent back in time.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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From the author of the multimillion-copy 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 mother’s disappearance while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo

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Not Like Other Girls is a stunning debut that takes a hard look at how we treat young women and their trauma, through the lens of a missing girl and a girl trying to find herself again.

Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens

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A skeptic and a supernatural being make a crossroads deal to achieve their own ends only to get more than they bargained for in this lively young adult romantic adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of Spell Bound and So This Is Ever After.

The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Gracia

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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants goes to the French Open in an emotionally honest and openhearted novel for fans of Yamile Saied Méndez and Mary HK Choi.

To A Darker Shore by Leanne Schwartz

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A da Vinci-esque teen girl inventor on a Dante-esque journey through hell to save her best friend.

Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

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New York Times bestsellers P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast return with a new duology set in a dark and magickal world filled with incredible danger and irresistible romance.

Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter

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A bisexual teen girl tries to make her ex jealous by faking an Instagram romance that leads to surprisingly real feelings in this hijinks-filled rom-com perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and She Gets the Girl.

Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin

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Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, weaves a dreamy gothic romance worthy of the heavens in Song of the Six Realms.

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza

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Equal parts tender and edgy, this inventive queer romance imagines what it might feel like to come of age in the afterlife.

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.

Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

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A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical. Enroll in this fresh fantasy debut with the emotional power of Legendborn and the redefined ancestral magic of Lovecraft Country.

The Ballad of Darcy and Russell by Morgan Matson

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From New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson comes a sweeping romantic novel about love, fate…and that one night that can change everything.

The Only Light Left Burning by Erik J. Brown

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What If It’s Us meets They Both Die at the End in this sequel to the beloved postapocalyptic queer YA adventure romance All That’s Left in the World by USA Today bestselling author Erik J. Brown.

The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe

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Four teens. Three henchmen. Two thousand acres of remote forest. One very bad man. And a whole lot of new secrets to unearth. The unmissable, thrilling follow-up to THE GIRLS I’VE BEEN (soon to be a Netflix film).

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Reached Sam in this love story in which explosive secrets threaten to tear everyone apart, including best friends (or maybe more?), Natalia and Ethan.

Bite Me, Royce Taslim by Lauren Ho

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Acclaimed author of Last Tang Standing and Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic in her YA debut: a sharp yet sweet rivals-to-romance romp through Kuala Lumpur—perfect for fans of Emiko Jean, Abigail Hing Wen, and Kat Cho.

The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell

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In a quaint 19th century whaling village, a young woman seeks to expose the dark truth behind the village’s eerie disappearances at the risk of the lives of everyone she loves . . . assuming anyone will listen to a female in the first place.

In the Shallows by Tanya Byrne

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From the acclaimed author of Afterlove comes a beautiful sapphic second-chance love story drenched with longing, loss and mystery.

Keepers of the Stones and Stars by Michael Barakiva

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Keepers of the Stones and Stars is a witty young adult contemporary fantasy about a group of five teens chosen by magical gems to save the world.

Have You Seen This Girl by Nita Tyndall

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Fans of Courtney Summers and Tess Sharpe will devour this standalone YA thriller following a nonbinary teen investigating a series of copycat murders targeting girls in their small town—murders based on their serial killer dad’s MO.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

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

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six (under the penname Olivie Blake) comes Twelfth Knight, a YA romantic comedy and coming of age story about taking up space in the world and learning what it means to let others in.

Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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They fell for each other in just twenty-four hours. Now Rowan and Neil embark on a long-distance relationship during their first year of college in this romantic, dual POV sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen

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Mulan meets Iron Widow in this thrilling silkpunk fantasy about a girl who must disguise herself as a boy and enter the famed and dangerous Engineer’s Guild trials to unravel the mystery of her father’s murder.

Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin

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Pitched as The Hating Game for teens, the story follows childhood rivals Juliette and Priya, who are forced to be summer camp cabinmates, and must decide what they want more: to kill each other, or to kiss.

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.

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

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The Inheritance Games meets Ocean’s 11 in this thrilling YA adventure about a vengeful daughter determined to pull off the perfect heist in the midst of her father’s wedding.

We Mostly Come Out At Night: 15 Queer Tales of Monsters, Angels & Other Creatures

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An empowering cross-genre YA anthology that explores what it means to be a monster, exclusively highlighting trans and queer authors who offer new tales and perspectives on classic monster stories and tropes. Contributors include editor Rob Costello, Kalynn Bayron, David Bowles, Shae Carys, Rob Costello, H.E. Edgmon, Michael Thomas Ford, Val Howlett, Brittany Johnson, Naomi Kanakia, Claire Kann, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Sarah Maxfield, Sam J. Miller, Alexandra Villasante, and Merc Fenn Wolfmoor.

Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee

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In a society where conformity is valued above all else, a teen girl training to become an Imperial pilot is forced to return to her rebel roots to save her world in this adrenaline-fueled sci-fi adventure—perfect for fans of Iron Widow and Skyward!

There Is a Door in This Darkness by Kristin Cashore

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A magic-tinged contemporary YA about grief and hope from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm novels.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

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A Darker Shade of Magic meets Six of Crows, in this alternate day New York where monsters live among humankind, from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde.

Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Before she was the super hero Storm of Marvel’s X-Men, she was Ororo of Cairo—a teenaged thief on the streets of Egypt, until her growing powers catch the eye of a villain who steals people’s souls.

What YA books are you looking forward to picking up in 2024? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Here’s 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/2024-anticipated-young-adult-book-releases/feed/ 1 47832 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 https://thenerddaily.com/january-2024-young-adult-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/january-2024-young-adult-book-releases/#respond Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:00:09 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=47937 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! Ready for some new YA books? There are so many new books to look forward to in January 2024 with new releases from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Ayana Gray, Emma Lord, Kaylie Smith, Goldy Moldavsky, and many more, along with those making their exciting debut! A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel […]

The post 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

Ready for some new YA books? There are so many new books to look forward to in January 2024 with new releases from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Ayana Gray, Emma Lord, Kaylie Smith, Goldy Moldavsky, and many more, along with those making their exciting debut!

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

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My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She’s All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and She Gets the Girl.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao

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The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

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From the bestselling author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love… until they fall in love themselves.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

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In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

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.

Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

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From the author of Counting Down with You and A Show for Two comes a new YA contemporary about a girl who accidentally sabotages an up-and-coming local band and falls for the guitarist while secretly trying to make up for her mistake.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Dungeons and Drama By Kristy Boyce

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What do you get when you pair a charming gamer with a stubborn theatre nerd? Dungeons and Dragons is a new rivals-to-lovers gaming romance from Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend and Hot Dutch Daydream!

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson

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Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must claw his way to the top in this thrilling YA fantasy debut

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

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Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.

Red by Annie Cardi

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A Christian girl is stigmatized by her peers after seeking an abortion in this modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era.

Just Say Yes by Goldy Moldavsky

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Inspired by Goldy’s childhood as an undocumented immigrant, Just Say Yes is full of heart and laugh-out-loud humour, while also tackling important themes related to immigrant issues with honesty and nuance.

A Reckless Oath by Kaylie Smith

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In this sequel to the spellbinding A Ruinous Fate, more action, romance, and magic abound as Calla and friends must deal with their losses and come to grips with their own part to play in the Fates’ War ahead.

A Place For Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

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A teen girl and her family return to her mother’s childhood home, only to discover that the house’s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.

Not Dead Enough by Tyffany D. Neiheiser

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Girl in Pieces meets Cracked Up to Be in this raw and candid look at trauma about a girl who is being haunted and stalked by her definitely dead ex-boyfriend.

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

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Magical heists. Deadly secrets. Come along for the ride . . . if you dare. This heart-stopping, seductive fantasy is perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill

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In this new pulse-pounding thriller from the author of The Black Queen, two brothers must come together to solve the murder of the most popular girl in school after one of them is caught fleeing the scene of her death.

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

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This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws readers into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk―perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.

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

The post 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/january-2024-young-adult-book-releases/feed/ 0 47937 Review: The Getaway List by Emma Lord https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-getaway-list-by-emma-lord/ https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-getaway-list-by-emma-lord/#respond Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=47352 On the day of her high school graduation, Riley realises two things: one, she has no idea what she is going to do now and two, she misses her best friend Tom more than she can bear. Rejected from every college she applied to and her days being dictated by her mother for the past four years, Riley has no clue who she even is anymore beyond the good kid she needed to be for her mom and decides that […]

The post Review: The Getaway List by Emma Lord appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> On the day of her high school graduation, Riley realises two things: one, she has no idea what she is going to do now and two, she misses her best friend Tom more than she can bear. Rejected from every college she applied to and her days being dictated by her mother for the past four years, Riley has no clue who she even is anymore beyond the good kid she needed to be for her mom and decides that enough is enough and that she needs to take her life back into her own hands. Impulsively, she moves to New York City for the summer to reunite with her childhood best friend to complete The Getaway List, a list full of all the adventures they’ve always wanted to do together ever since he moved away. Maybe by reconnecting with her best friend, Riley can figure out who she is and more importantly, who she wants to be. As their dynamic comes back to them effortlessly and their days are spent together, Riley learns that there’s one item she never expected to land on the Getaway List but can tick off without even trying: falling in love with her best friend.

From now on, this book will be the evidence I cite whenever I need to convince someone that friends-to-lovers (if done well) is the superior trope. Excuse me, who needs enemies to lovers when you can have best friends who haven’t seen each other in ages finding their way back to each other? No one, that’s who. I can always trust Emma Lord with my favourite tropes because she delivers every single time. Tom and Riley’s chemistry was impeccable from the very first moment they graced the pages. Tom’s cinnamon roll vibes and Riley’s vivacious attitude meshed so well together and as they fell right back into rhythm with each other, there’s no way you can read this without grinning like a Cheshire cat.

In every interaction, you could tell just how much they mean to each other and how formative their friendship – as well as the time in between reuniting—really is. Slow burn is one of my least favourite tropes but hot damn, did it work in this novel. I was giggling, groaning, sobbing watching Tom and Riley figure out how much they are into each other and that they are a perfect match. Also, their relationship is literally the song Timeless by Taylor Swift, I will take no criticism on this point, thank you. No one deserves a happily ever after more than they do and they certainly have to work for it as they tick off items on their Getaway List, which by the way, is such a cool concept and gave this love story the perfect frame.

The found family in The Getaway List may just be one of my favourites. Their shenanigans while trying to help Riley and Tom to finish the Getaway List makes for fun storytelling but there’s the added bonus that all of them are intricately linked to each other and have their own struggles which only add to the enjoyment of the overall story instead of taking away the focus from Riley and Tom. The way Riley finds her place with Mariella and Luca but then also somehow strengthening her relationship with Jesse that seemed almost too good to be true was so wholesome. It’s a tough balance to make sure side characters are well-rounded without making them more important than the main plot and Lord balances this perfectly.

As with all stories by Lord, there are also more emotional topics covered and this time around, we really hone in on relationships with parents and just how much they can shape the way you not only approach other people but your own sense of self and future. Both Riley and Tom struggle with their mothers for very different reasons (one is hovering while the other is basically absent) and their attempts to come to terms with that

There is so much vulnerability shown in Riley and Tom confronting their respective mothers and the heart-to-hearts feel cathartic to a degree where you will most likely shed a tear or two. All I can say is, this might just be my favourite Lord book yet.

Hopeful, inspiring and escapist in the most wonderful way, The Getaway List is the joyous coming-of-age story that is a must-read for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope and Taylor Swift’s Welcome to New York.

The Getaway List is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 23rd 2024.

Will you be picking up The Getaway List? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

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 day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List — a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away — will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.

Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart.

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/review-the-getaway-list-by-emma-lord/feed/ 0 47352