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

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

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

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

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

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

Winter’s Wishfall by Ceri Houlbrook

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

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

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

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

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

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

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

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

Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

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

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

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

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

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

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

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

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

Season of the Witch by Sophie Morgan

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

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

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

Consider this is your orange flag to start sprinting for the closest knitted blanket. Then fire up the coffee machine, grab the most thickly frosted cinnamon bun, and gather all forms of pumpkin-shaped novelty item that you can find. The weather (at least here in London) is finally miserable enough for us to declare Spooky Season 2024 officially open, and I can feel myself returning to my ultimate form. At this time of year there is no leaf too crunchy, no knitwear too maroon and most importantly, no Halloween-themed story too magical for me.

If you’re a firm believer in the enduring power of the pop culture witch that inspired my debut novel Rewitched, then this might just be the list for you. Here’s a rundown of the very best of witchy rom-coms across books, movies and television that are all guaranteed to make your ‘ber months a little more spellbinding… As if some of these haven’t been doing exactly that since about 1995, but still.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Now, how did that get in here…? Rewitched is the ‘90s-inspired, cosy and comforting story of Belle Blackthorn, a burnt out witch who’s just about to turn 30. She’s working at her beloved Lunar Books, protecting all of its charm of her awful toxic boss, and there’s also the small task of keeping her magical powers hidden from the non-wicche world.

But the day before her milestone birthday, Belle receives an unexpected summons from her estranged coven. It’s time for her EquiWitch Trial, where they’ll decide once and for all whether Belle is worthy of keeping her magic, or whether her neglected powers will be stripped from her for good.

At its heart, Rewitched is about rediscovering the power of your potential as you get older, and remembering that your own magic is worthy of attention and nourishment when life says otherwise. I hope you enjoy it!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A firm favourite of mine if you’re looking for a cosy story that sparks real, heartwarming magic. Mika is a witch who mostly keeps as much of a low profile as her powers will allow. But she does dabble in ‘pretending’ to be a witch on social media. The fact that her magic looks oh so real is such a funny coincidence…

One day, she receives a letter begging her to travel to Nowhere House, currently home to three baby witches who are learning to get to grips with their magic. Here, she meets a wonderful gang of side characters including an absent archaeologist, an effervescent actor and two long-suffering caretakers, along with the grumpy but handsome librarian named Jamie. It’s the found family trope that I adore, and a comforting story about stumbling across love when you least expect it.

Practical Magic

Of all the witchy movies, Practical Magic is surely one of the strongest contenders to take the very top spot. Whether it’s Nicole Kidman’s simply sensational hair, the house that I would willingly trade all of my loved ones for, or just the prospect of midnight margaritas, this classic is a film that ticks all of the ‘perfect witchy rom-com’ boxes.

The aesthetic is incomparable, and the storyline of supportive sisterhood that unfolds between Gilly and Sally is poignant. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

And while we’re on the subject, the prequel book has a very special place in my heart too. The Rules of Magic is the story of the wonderful, mysterious aunts who we know from Practical Magic, but this is their life as teenagers alongside their brother Vincent.

At the dawn of the ‘60s, troublesome Franny, beautiful Jet and heartbreaker Vincent visit their Aunt Isabelle in Massachusetts, where their family are blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong. Their mother warns them of all the usual rules; no walking in the moonlight and no wearing black. No books about magic, and never fall in love. But there are some kinds of magic and fate that you just can’t escape. Hoffman’s writing is utterly exquisite, hazy and lyrical. This book feels as enchanting as magic itself.

Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

A debut author who should definitely be on your witchy radar this year is Nadia El-Fassi, who’s first novel Best Hex Ever is coming your way soon. While still perfectly cosy and featuring an excellent, cheese-obsessed cat, this one has a healthy helping of (pumpkin) spice to go alongside your latte.

Dina is a cafe-owning kitchen witch who’s holding onto a big secret. No big deal, but she was cursed by an ex, ensuring that Dina would hurt anyone who she dared to fall in love with. Meanwhile, Scott is about to begin his new job as a curator at the British Museum. His best friend’s wedding is on the horizon, but little does he know that he’s about to be completely spellbound by the Maid of Honour. Three guesses who that is… Best Hex Ever is simultaneously lovely and extremely steamy, like some kind of extra delicious hot chocolate.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

I know the brief said ‘witchy’, but a vampire or two thrown into the mix never hurts (unless their fangs are out). An honorary shoutout for Buffy The Vampire Slayer here, purely for the inclusion of one of the greatest TV witches of all time, Willow Rosenberg.

Her arc over the years from cute, clever best friend to complex and compelling witch is a large part of why I continue to rewatch this classic show over and over. At one stage, Willow’s magic goes full ‘dark forces’ for understandable reasons, and many of her spells are morally questionable, which adds even more depth to her wonderful character. Throw in some truly inexplicable but nostalgic ‘90s fashion, and it makes the Must Watch list.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

The premise of this TikTok fave really spoke to my soul. Back in the day, Vivienne was faced with a particularly painful breakup, so of course she handled it the only way that a young witch knows how. It involves vodka, a bubble bath, and a very messy curse.

Fast forward nine years later, and Rhys is finding that every move he makes seems to always end in one big mess. That includes when he returns to the quaint town of Graves Glen to recharge the magical ley lines. The curse that has befallen Rhys begins to affect the town, resulting in murderous Halloween toys, a particularly outraged ghost and a very chatty cat. Vivienne and Rhys are going to have to put their bitter feelings aside to work together and break the curse… Cue spooky fun and romance.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch

I am of course referring to the original rather than the Netflix remake. In my humble opinion, the ‘90s were the unrivalled season of the witch in her coolest and most relatable form, and the top of that list for me will always be Sabrina Spellman. Actually, she might be third behind Hilda and Zelda. I grew up obsessed with this show and the nostalgic love for it has never really left, it was a huge inspiration for Rewitched.

Sabrina, in all of her chaos and constant mistakes, embodies why I love that age of pop culture witch. The magic is there not to solve all of her problems, but help her to understand herself further, to learn life lessons, and grow as a person. She is hilarious, and best of all, her powers are FUN. Surely that’s the whole point of having magic at your finger tips, anyway?

The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst

For a sprinkle of innocent, warm and beautiful cottagecore, it has to be The Spellshop, a cosy fantasy that follows wallflower Kiela’s unexpected dabbling in illegal spell-selling.

Up until now, she’s been librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, and she and her assistant Caz (a sentient spider plant, because of course) have been holed up among the empire’s precious spell books, protecting the magic for the elite. But there’s a revolution afoot, and suddenly the library is up in flames. Magic usage is banned for anyone who isn’t a sorcerer, but Kiela has crates full of spell books… If you’re looking for a highly magical and witchy story combined with Studio Ghibli vibes, this is the book for you.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

Like all good fictional witches, the Revelare witches are horribly cursed. Providing they continue to put their magic to use, they’ll be doomed to four heartbreaks through a lifetime. Sadie is already at her third, so she’s doing everything she can possibly do to protect herself from facing tragedy all over again. It’s not looking good, though. Her grandmother is sick, and Sadie’s not sure she can handle losing her.

Her third heartbreak was Jake, her first love, who has returned to town after a decade away just as Sadie’s life is starting to unravel. Sadie must face that age old question that always rolls around just in time for spooky season… Love or magic? Heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once, the autumnal vibes are strong, and it’s peppered with some delicious food-related spell work.

Charmed

And last but not least, when it comes to witchy rom-coms there are three sisters who can never be forgotten. In fact, that probably applies to Hocus Pocus too, now that I really think about it.

Another nostalgic classic, Charmed follows the lives of the three Halliwell sisters who, after their mother dies, discover that they are descendants of a line of good witches. That’s the fortunate news, but the unfortunate side is that they’re destined to fight five seasons worth of the forces of evil. The show is everything that ‘90s witches stood for—girl power, slightly cheesy one liners, occasionally hilarious special effects, and killer outfits. What more could a witch want?

The post The Best Witchy Rom-Coms For Spooky Season appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

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

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

JULY 2024

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

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

Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

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

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

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

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

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

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

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

What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate

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

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

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

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

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

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle

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

AUGUST 2024

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

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

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

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

Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno

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

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

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

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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

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

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

Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

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

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller

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

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

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

SEPTEMBER 2024

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

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

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz

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

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

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

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard

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

Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

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

Fall For Him by Andie Burke

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

The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose

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

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

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

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

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

One On One by Jamie Harrow

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

OCTOBER 2024

Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore

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

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

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

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky

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

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay

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

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

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

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

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

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

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

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña

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

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

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

Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts

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

Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux

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

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison

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

NOVEMBER 2024

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

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

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

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

The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt

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

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

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

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

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

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

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

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith

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

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

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

Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane

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

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

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

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

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

DECEMBER 2024

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

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

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

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

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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.

The Kiss Curse is a small-town witchy romcom perfect for fall and Halloween with it featuring the enemies to lovers, grumpy with sunshine, and forced proximity tropes. I would definitely recommend you read The Ex Hex before picking up a copy of The Kiss Curse as many conflicts (and relationships) between the Jones and Penhallow witches from The Ex Hex carry over into The Kiss Curse. Some themes present in The Kiss Curse include revenge, quest for power or status, love and loss, loneliness and isolation, identity, and family. This book is perfect for fans of fantasy romances or “enemies to lovers” romances like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert, Lore & Lust by Karla Nikole, The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen, My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey, or To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise.

Firstly, I have to say that I personally enjoyed Wells and Gwyn’s “enemies to lovers” romance in The Kiss Curse more than Rhys and Vivi’s second chance romance in The Ex Hex. All of the comedic moments Sterling included in The Kiss Curse were stellar, especially Gwyn’s enthusiastic and often mischievous trainees (or “Baby Witches”), Gwyn’s outspoken talking cat, Gwyn’s fondness for witchy puns, and a hilarious incident involving a glittery “love spell”. The sweet and swoonworthy moments were also delightful, especially the meaning behind Wells’ fondness of Gwyn’s pink hair streak. I appreciated that Sterling kept me guessing and I didn’t feel like the ending was predictable. The autumnal vibe of the small-town of Graves Glen is dreamy with all the Halloween and fall festivals in Graves Glen reminding me of beloved fictional small towns like Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) and Halloweentown.

On the downside, I thought that the conflict was wrapped up too quickly in the last couple of chapters and I felt like everything wasn’t fully resolved by the end of the book; although, this does leave the story open for a possible sequel for Rhys and Wells’ brother Bowen. I was also disappointed that Rhys and Vivi (the main characters in The Ex Hex) were absent for most of this book.

The Kiss Curse is a light and fun witchy romance perfect for the fall and Halloween season!

The Kiss Curse is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Kiss Curse? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Welcome to Spooky Season!! The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry.

Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.

Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.

When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.

The post Review: The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Erin Sterling’s The Kiss Curse, which releases on September 20th 2022.

Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she’s running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she’s started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there’s only one problem—Llewellyn “Wells” Penhallow.

Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family’s connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow’s, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he’s gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn.

When their professional competition leads to a very personal—and very hot—kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.

“Ladies, what are our feelings about crystals?” she asked, but when she turned back around, none of the party was looking at her.

They were all staring at the door to the dining room or, more specifically, at the man standing in the doorway.

Gwyn couldn’t blame them. He was tall, dark hair curling over the collar of a navy wool peacoat, a neatly trimmed beard accentuating the sharp angles of his face. He was holding a large leather bag, his expression some-where between wary and baffled as he took in the scene before him, and Gwyn’s eyes narrowed. He was older, and the beard had thrown her for a second, but she knew exactly who she was looking at.

“Is he . . . a stripper?” one of the women tried to whisper, but since her bloodstream was probably about 60 percent alcohol, it might as well have been a shout.

“He doesn’t look very strippery,” someone else replied, and the man kept staring around the table, his gaze finally settling on Mel, the one bridesmaid who had decided to go the traditional route when it came to headgear and, instead of a witch’s hat, was wearing a bright pink headband, two plastic penises bobbing like antennae over her blond hair.

Gwyn watched his eyes follow those penises for a beat before he finally looked up and seemed to notice her for the first time.

The scowl deepened. “May I ask what is going on here?”

His voice was rough, his accent a slightly thicker version of Rhys’s lilting tones, deeper than it had been thirteen years ago.

Gwyn folded her arms over her chest. “Party,” she said succinctly, and just as she’d anticipated—just as she’d hoped—his posture somehow went even more rigid.

“This is the Penhallow house,” he said, shoulders going back even as his eyes once again dropped to Mel’s headband.

“It is, yeah,” she said. “But we’re using it tonight.”

The man lifted his gaze to hers again, brows drawing together. “With whose authority?” he asked, and Gwyn smirked, leaning

back against the sideboard.

“Well, first of all, ‘authority’ is not one of my favorite words, and secondly, I’m not sure that it’s really your business, but Rhys is letting us use it tonight.”

His expression cleared at the mention of his brother, but before he could say anything else, Gwyn pointed at him. “Ladies, this is Llewellyn Penhallow,” she told the bridesmaids. “Rhys’s brother. Who didn’t come to Rhys and Vivi’s wedding, I should add.”

She heard a slight gasp from the bridesmaids but didn’t look over at them as she moved closer to Llewellyn.

He was scowling now.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but there were reasons I was unable to attend the wedding.”

“As I was the maid of honor, it was extremely my business,” Gwyn countered, and Llewellyn’s brow furrowed.

“You’re Vivienne’s cousin. Gwyn.”

“The one and only,” she replied, wondering if he remembered her from Penhaven. They’d only ever seen each other that one time, and her hair had been purple back then, plus he’d seemed more interested in showing her up than anything else.

“Are we trespassing?” That was Amanda, looking a little more sober and a lot less happy than she had just a few minutes ago. Gwyn threw a dirty look at Wells.

“No,” she said, making herself smile, the perfect hostess again. “No, we have the owner’s permission to be here, this is just a . . . a family mix-up. You know how that goes. Llewellyn here is leaving, aren’t you?”

“I am not, actually, given that this is my house.”

Okay, this was getting ridiculous. The happy, silly mood of the bachelorette party was quickly dissipating, the women muttering to each other and looking between Gwyn and Wells, and she was pretty sure she could forget about any future bachelorette parties if she didn’t nip this in the bud right now.

“Let’s chat in the other room!” she said with forced brightness and then, wrapping her hand around Wells’s arm, practically dragged him out.

That wasn’t easy to do, either, given that he was surprisingly solid, but Gwyn was determined, an unstoppable force that had never given way to an immovable object.

“Look,” she said in a low voice once they were in the living room, a truly horrifying chandelier of antlers overhead. “If you don’t want us being here, take it up with Rhys later. But for now, let me talk a little astrology with these ladies, maybe teach them about moon phases, and send them on their happy and well-paying way, okay?”

Wells was staring down his nose at her, probably because that was his default expression, and now his eyes flicked past her, back toward the party. “Is this something you do often?” he asked. “Throw . . . these kinds of parties?”

He said that like he’d caught her running some kind of brothel/casino out of his family dining room, and Gwyn gritted her teeth.

“Trust me, there won’t be any more if you don’t find somewhere else in this eldritch horror you call a house to hang out

while I finish up here.”

Now it was his turn to clench his jaw. “My father built this house. Everything in it was either created with his magic or brought from our home in Wales.”

“I feel like you think that’s a flex? It is definitely not a flex.”

A trio of grooves deepened on his forehead, and then he pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

“I was prepared for Rhys,” he muttered to himself. “How is this actually worse?”

Then, lifting his head, he fixed her with a steely gaze. “Fine,” he said. “Finish your party, and I’ll stay out of your way. But let this be the last one thrown in this house.”

With that, he turned away, heading for the stairs, and Gwyn couldn’t help but call out, “I mean, there won’t be another one while you’re visiting, but once you’re back in Wales, all bets are off!”

Pausing, Wells turned back to her. In the dim light, she realized he looked almost exactly like the portrait on the wall behind him. Take away the powdered wig, trade the breeches for a pair of dark jeans, and it could basically be the same man.

“I’m not visiting, Ms. Jones,” he said, and Gwyn doubted his aristocratic ancestor there behind him could’ve sounded frostier or that anything in this house was scarier than that pronouncement.

“I’m staying in Graves Glen. For good.”

From THE KISS CURSE by Erin Sterling, published by Avon Books. Copyright © 2022 by Rachel Hawkins. Reprinted courtesy of HarperCollinsPublishers 

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘The Kiss Curse’ by Erin Sterling appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Erin! Thanks so much for joining us today! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Thank you so much for having me! So yes, I’m Erin Sterling AKA Rachel Hawkins, and I’ve been writing over a decade now. I started in YA before moving onto thrillers for adults, and The Ex Hex is my first romance. I live in Alabama with my husband, my son, and Entirely Too Many Cats (one of whom may be the inspiration for a certain talkative feline in The Ex Hex.)

Now, onto The Ex Hex! What can readers expect?

I like to say this book is taking the concept of “Pumpkin Spice” to a new level. It’s all the coziest bits of autumn- woodsmoke, brilliantly colored leaves, full moons, caramel apples- and adding a little bit (okay, a lot) of kissing, and a fair bit of Magical Mayhem.

What inspired you to write The Ex Hex?

I’m a lifelong romance reader, and have wanted to write a romance for ages. I had several false starts, all sort of normal contemporaries, and none of them were really working for me. Then I saw someone on Instagram saying they wanted to read a “paranormal romcom,” and it was like my whole brain lit up. I’d gotten my start writing about witches and magic, just in the YA sphere. Suddenly it occurred to me that I could do that in adult romance, too! I had been working on a book about a woman who has to deal with the rockstar she had an intense summer fling with coming back into her smalltown. With a little adjusting, that story eventually became The Ex Hex.

Who are your favorite witches, wizards and warlocks in pop culture or in general?

I have so many, so I really have to narrow it down! To start with a classic, I definitely have to go with The Wicked Witch of the West (or, if you’re a Wicked fan, Elphaba.) I also love Sabrina in all her various iterations over the years, and the Owens sisters from Practical Magic.

If you were a witch, what powers would you love to have and what do you think would be your specialty?

I really, really love to cook, so I’d hope I’d end up with some impressive Kitchen Witch Skills! Especially if that power could also be used to help with the massive clean-up always required after I’ve made something.

Speaking of powers, if you could create only one spell that was guaranteed to work, what would you create and what would it do?

Some kind of teleportation spell, definitely. I love to travel, but there’s always so much hassle from packing to traffic to security lines to uncomfortable plane seats. Be able to magically pack up a bag with everything I could possibly need and just appear in my desired spot? The best spell I can think of.

The Ex Hex is so much fun and really feels like watching your favorite comfort movie. What was the writing experience like for you?

It was actually funny because it was very much a two-stage process. I wrote the first 1/3 of it in the fall, so I was very easily inspired and just had a ball coming up with all kinds of Fall Goodness to put in the book.  However, when it came time to finish the book, it was spring! Thankfully, I’d saved a ton of apple and pumpkin candles, and I’d burn one of those every day to get into the perfect autumnal headspace. But it was definitely weird to be writing about Halloween and cold nights while looking out at a very sunny and green Alabama in April.

There’s loads of magical mayhem in The Ex Hex and quite the hilarious circumstances (e.g. murderous wind-up toys). Were there magical mayhem scenes that didn’t make it into the finished version or rejects you thought of initially?

I’d initially wanted to do more with ghosts in the book (although there are several who still made it in there!), and something with an even bigger haunted house than the one we see in the final book. Luckily, I can always use those ideas for the next book!

If The Ex Hex were to be adapted into a movie, what three songs would you need to be on the soundtrack and during which scenes would you love them to play?

• Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift. This was my go-to song when thinking of Rhys and Vivi’s ill-fated summer romance. There are no real flashbacks in the book, but I think it would be very fun in a movie to get to see some hints of that summer.
• Sisters of the Moon by Fleetwood Mac because is it even a witchy book if you don’t invoke Stevie Nicks? I think this song would be amazing over the big climactic moment near the end of the book.
• Magic by Julianna Hatfield. I grew up in the 80s which means I have a deep love for the movie Xanadu, roller skates and all. Olivia Newton-John’s version of this song is one of my all-time faves, but I love this cover so much, and think it would be perfect for the very end of The Ex Hex.

With The Ex Hex releasing soon, are you already working on another project? If so, can you share a bit about it with us?

I have another book set in Graves Glen coming out in 2022, so we’re not done with the Joneses and the Penhallows yet! This one follows two characters you meet in The Ex Hex, two people who have nothing in common, and definitely do not want to fall in love with one another at all, but….

Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

We are spoiled for choice this spooky season, so if you’re looking for more paranormal romcoms, I highly recommend Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond, Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper, and Witch Please by Ann Aguirre.

 Will you be picking up The Ex Hex? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Erin Sterling, Author of ‘The Ex Hex’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

The Bones of Ruin by Sarah Raughley
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An African tightrope walker who can’t die gets embroiled in a secret society’s deadly gladiatorial tournament in this thrilling historical fantasy set in an alternate 1880s London, perfect for fans of The Last Magician and The Gilded Wolves.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
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A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Nice Girls by Catherine Dang
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A pulse-pounding and deviously dark debut, written with the psychological acuity and emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls, that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask what is most dangerous to a woman: showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
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Lee Mandelo’s debut Summer Sons is a sweltering, queer Southern Gothic that crosses Appalachian street racing with academic intrigue, all haunted by a hungry ghost.

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
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From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
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From New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer comes a blockbuster fantasy series about a kingdom divided by corruption, the prince desperately holding it together, and the girl who will risk everything to bring it crashing down.

My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa
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Paloma thought her perfect life would begin once she was adopted and made it to America, but she’s about to find out that no matter how far you run, your past always catches up to you…

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow
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Four young Black sisters come of age during the American Civil War in So Many Beginnings, a warm and powerful YA remix of the classic novel Little Women by national bestselling author Bethany C. Morrow.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
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New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers comes a novel that looks at marriage, siblings, and how the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
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In this much-anticipated series opener, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they strike a dangerous alliance to hunt down the creature menacing their home—and uncover ancient deadly secrets.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
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Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget. Rock Paper Scissors is the latest exciting domestic thriller from the queen of the killer twist, New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney.

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin
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Two best friends say “I do” to living together, for better or worse, in this bold women’s fiction novel from Alexa Martin.

What September 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post September 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Witch stories are making a comeback in 2021 and after reading The Ex Hex, I want all of them in my grabby hands, right this second.

Never mix vodka and witchcraft, that is Vivi’s aunt’s rule. But when Vivi unexpectedly gets her heart broken by Rhys Penhallow, a Welsh charmer from one of the most influential lines of witches, Vivi and her cousin Gwyn forego that rule just once and accidentally curse Rhys who has fled town. None the wiser, Vivi only learns that their curse has actually worked when, nine years later, Rhys returns to Graves Glen to recharge the town’s ley lines. What should have been a short trip turns disastrously wrong as one calamity after the other strikes and the town of Graves Glen finds itself wreaked havoc upon by the simple Ex Hex Vivi and Gwyn created. Reluctantly, Vivi and Rhys will have to put aside their differences, and their off-the charts chemistry, to save the town before it’s too late.

The Ex Hex was so much fun. The story very much has the vibe of an episode of Charmed—you have witches in a contemporary setting that find themselves in all kinds of trouble that they have to fix with and without magic, you have a suave and sexy love interest you also want to strangle sometimes, and above all, you have fierce female friendships and familial support that warms your heart from the inside out. Those elements make for an entertaining cocktail and that really is what it all boils down to—you can’t help but smile and laugh while reading The Ex Hex.

Sure, there are some rather sad moments and the fact that Vivi has essentially gotten her heart broken by Rhys isn’t easy to get over—for her or the reader—but beyond that, this is a super light-hearted read that feels like watching a comfort movie while you’re submerged in a soothing bath, sipping on chilled wine.

Speaking of Rhys, what a charmer of a man. Honestly, no wonder Vivi fell in love with this dude—he’s funny, self-deprecating, has a Welsh accent, and doesn’t take anything seriously, which yes, causes a lot of his problems but also means that the chances are high you’ll be laughing when side effects of the curse hit him without warning. Vivi, meanwhile, worries she’s not powerful enough as a witch and that insecurity goes a long way to making her feel inadequate compared to her family and Rhys. Both Rhys and Vivi struggle with expectations and unspoken rules handed down by their family members and not quite measuring up to the standards others have set in terms of magic or success in general. We also have family relationships that are very enticing, on the one hand Rhys and his very punishing, rigid father and Rhys’s hilarious brothers, and on the other Vivi and her Aunt Elaine and cousin Gwyn that imbue the story with lots of comedic relief and tension in turn. However, these elements didn’t overshadow the sweet and cataclysmic relationship between Rhys and Vivi and thus, this really felt like the perfect witchy romcom. Really, whether you read this in summer or around Halloween, whether you come to this book for witchy goodness or good old-fashioned escapism, The Ex Hex is one hell of a good time.

All in all, The Ex Hex is perfect for anyone who needs more witchy content in their lives, loves Hocus Pocus, Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and above all, anyone who’s in need of a fluffy romcom!

The Ex Hex is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 28th 2021.

Will you be picking up The Ex Hex? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

The post Review: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

JULY

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong. 

Too Good to be Real by Melonie Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To save her job as a writer for a popular website, Julia plans to prove there’s a dozen reasons why life isn’t like a romantic comedy, only to discover the one reason it is…

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza? But the second Kate meets—or rather, accidentally maims—the drop-dead-hot Drake Matthews, her well-ordered life quickly transforms into an absolute nightmare.

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy featuring Ben Stephens, Theo’s brother from The Wedding Party, and a famous actress as they struggle to keep things purely professional while working together.

AUGUST

The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them.

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

If the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own. Best-selling author Julie Murphy’s reimaging of a beloved fairy tale is an enchanting story of self-love and believing in the happy ending each and every one of us deserves.

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits. Perfect for fans of baking shows and royal love – with Parker’s signature romance kryptonite sprinkled on top!

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.

SEPTEMBER

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Helena Hunting makes sparks fly with the best-friends-to-lovers trope! When an unexpected car accident renders event planner Avery immobile, her best friend offers to become her caretaker, and the lines between the two friends start to blur.

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The national bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola returns with a seductive second-chance romance about a commitment-phobic Latina and her childhood best friend who has finally returned home.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

OCTOBER

All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade returns with another utterly charming romantic comedy about a devil-may-care actor—who actually cares more than anyone knows—and the no-nonsense woman hired to keep him in line.

Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Gwenda Bond, Not Your Average Hot Guy is a hilarious romantic comedy about two people falling in love, while the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox  
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A feel-good, holiday-themed romantic comedy about identical twins who switch lives in the days leading up to Christmas–perfect for fans of Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze and Josie Silver’s One Day in December.

NOVEMBER

A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sparkling contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the tantalizing world of New York City burlesque, perfect for fans of The Kiss Quotient and The Roommate.

I Hate You More by Lucy Gilmore
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The Hating Game meets Best in Show in this delightfully quirky romcom by beloved author Lucy Gilmore. A former pageant queen, Ruby Taylor, trades in her high heels and joins the dog show circuit, only to fall in love with one of the judges on the panel.

The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu
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Julie Tieu sparkles in this debut romantic comedy, which is charmingly reminiscent of the TV show Kim’s Convenience and Frankly in Love by David Yoon, about a young woman who feels caught in the life her parents have made for her until she falls in love and finds a way out of the donut trap.

Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath
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The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

DECEMBER

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Rachel Lacey comes a playful romance about a Manhattan bookstore owner and a reclusive author who love to hate—and hate to love—each other.

The Love Con by Seressia Glass
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He’s cosplaying as her boyfriend but their feelings for each other are real in this romantic comedy from Seressia Glass.

Fools In Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales
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Join fifteen bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they reimagine some of the most popular tropes in the romance genre.

Hidden Treasures by Michelle Adams
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A reunited couple search for a valuable treasure, a precious jewelry box, stolen from the Nazis and hidden away since World War II, in this powerfully emotional and romantic novel of rekindled love – perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Josie Silver and Jill Santopolo.

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

The post Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2021 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.