Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez

A sunny, emotional new adult (NA) contemporary romance set in small-town Rhode Island with a friends-to-lovers romance, slice-of-life narration, and thoughtful exploration of burnout.

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen

A sweet, welcoming young adult (YA) contemporary romcom set in Los Angeles that’s a love letter to books, cats, libraries, and Southern California.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

A thrilling, fierce YA fantasy romance with pirates, enemies-to-lovers tension, and found family.

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

A sexy, compelling contemporary romance with sapphic love, immersive settings, and, of course, flirting lessons.

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos 

A riveting, achingly beautiful YA contemporary romance infused with sapphic love, found family, and nods to Fast & Furious.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

A playful, uplifting YA medieval rom-com inspired by Arthurian legend, brimming with queer love and witty banter.

If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey 

A tender, atmospheric YA contemporary romance set in small-town Oregon with mystery, summer adventures, and a paranormal love story.

Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst

A magical, exhilarating cozy fantasy romance with music, a sea serpent, sweet treats, sailing, and found family.

Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon 

A campy, vibrant YA contemporary romance following a wilderness game show with rivals-to-lovers tension and reality TV drama.

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

A hilarious, witty contemporary romcom with a fake-dating romance, creative plot, and beautiful exploration of family and friendship.

These Kindred Hearts edited by Shari B. Pennant 

An enchanting, heartfelt YA fantasy romance anthology brimming with pulse-pounding action, touching love stories, diverse characters, and clever magic systems.

The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill 

A sweeping, tender queer contemporary romance set in a Cape Cod cottage with a magical twist.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther 

A joyful, vivid YA contemporary romance set at Martha’s Vineyard following a propulsive game of assassin during a summer wedding.

The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett 

An adventurous, cinematic NA contemporary romance set in small-town Michigan with childhood friends-to-lovers yearning, perfect for fans of National Treasure.

This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede 

An atmospheric, captivating YA fantasy romance set in an Italy-inspired world with a bodyguard romance, hilarious cast, and lethal magic.

Tropesick by Lauren Okie 

A twisty, laugh-out-loud funny contemporary romance with an emotional core that presents fan-favorite romance tropes with heartwarming and heart-wrenching flair.

From small-town adventures to big-city jaunts, harrowing high-seas quests to heartwarming sun-soaked shenanigans, these sixteen captivating romances will bring fun, joy, and love to your summer TBR. Happy reading!

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 16 Swoonworthy Summer Romance Reads appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Jasmine Guillory’s Flirting Lessons, which is out now.

Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she’s tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially women), flirt with everyone she sees, wear something not from the business casual section of her closet—all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One problem: Avery doesn’t know where to start. She doesn’t have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn’t have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.

Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley’s biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can’t make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It should keep her busy and stop her from texting people she shouldn’t. And it might take her mind off how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.

At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. With Taylor’s help, Avery finally has the life she always wanted. The only issue is: now she wants Taylor. Their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn’t serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn’t know what to do—and most importantly, if she’s already ruined the best thing she’s ever had.

One

Taylor Cameron was hot. She picked up an ice cube, slipped it down the back of her tank top, and sighed with relief as it slid down her back. Why had she worn jeans today when she knew she had to be outside all day in the middle of the summer, serving hundreds of glasses of wine to guests at the Noble Family Vineyards anniversary party? Sure, this pair of jeans was comfortable, and one of her favorites, but still.

She laughed at herself as she greeted the next person in line. She knew why she’d worn these jeans. They made her ass look fantastic, and she knew she’d see a whole lot of people today, that’s why. She was single again, after all.

“Welcome to Noble Family Vineyards,” she said, picking up the bottle in front of her. “Would you like some rosé?”

As she poured wine, smiled, chatted with guests, and checked them off the list, she looked around the party to see how it was going. A lot of people were already there, though none of her friends had arrived yet. That didn’t surprise her; her friends weren’t the arriving-early type. But despite her boss Margot’s anxiety about the party, Taylor wasn’t worried. Noble had recently been on a bunch of lists of up-and-coming wineries in Napa Valley, and she was pretty sure there would be a fun crowd.

Luke walked by and waved at her. She grinned and waved back. Up until about a month ago, Luke worked here at the winery with her; Taylor assumed he was at the party today because he still had an enormous crush on Margot. She wondered if anything would ever happen with that. He was here with Avery Jensen, one of his best friends and a local event planner whom Taylor had met a few times at other jobs. Taylor gave herself a moment to-respectfully!-ogle Avery. She was always so immaculate, so perfectly dressed from head to toe; the kind of woman who could wear a white dress at a garden winery party and go home spotless. And that dress looked great on her; her golden brown skin stood out against the stark whiteness of the dress that clung to her long legs as she walked, and her hair was caught up in a knot at the nape of her neck that Taylor ached to unravel. Granted, if Taylor had her way, that dress wouldn’t be buttoned up quite so high, but hey, you couldn’t win them all.

Luke always talked about Avery, but he never mentioned how gorgeous she was. Taylor shook her head. Men. No matter how great they were, if they weren’t interested in sleeping with a woman, they didn’t even register how attractive she was. Taylor was . . . not like that.

“There you are!” a very familiar voice said. Taylor looked away from Avery and threw her arms around her best friend Erica.

“What are you guys doing here so early?” she said to Erica and her wife, Sam. “I didn’t expect you until at least an hour from now.”

Erica glared at her, but her eyes betrayed her amusement.

“Are you trying to say that I’m always late to things? Because if so, I resent that!”

Taylor laughed as she poured glasses of wine for each of them.

“Erica. Please. We would have been late to your own wedding if your mom hadn’t forcibly removed us from the kitchen that morning. And yes, I know what you’re going to say, I am the exact same way. The difference is I don’t deny it.”

Erica’s attempt to keep a straight face failed.

“Okay, you have a good point. And it was Sam who got us here early, of course. She’s got work to do this afternoon, so we can’t stay long.”

Sam was a partner at a law firm in San Francisco and worked constantly. Despite that, Taylor liked her a lot and was glad Erica had found someone who cared about her so much. It still felt weird to her, though, that Erica was so . . . settled now. They’d met and become friends in their early twenties, when they were both pretty wild and carefree. Now Erica was married, to a corporate lawyer, of all things. And a few months ago, Erica and Sam had moved out of the apartment complex that the three of them had all lived in and bought a house a few miles away. A whole house! Taylor didn’t think she’d ever own a house, especially not in Napa Valley.

“Sucks that you have to leave early, but don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you before you go,” she said, and handed full wineglasses to Erica and Sam. Erica, though, immediately handed her glass to Sam, with a significant look.

“No wine for me today,” Erica said to Taylor. And then a wide grin spread across her face. “Because I’m pregnant!”

Taylor yelled, immediately attracting the attention of everyone in line, and threw her arms around Erica again. She turned to her boss, whose concerned expression softened into a smile.

“Margot, can I have a second? You’ve met my friend Erica; I’ve got to go freak out with her and her wife about their news.”

Margot waved her away, and Taylor pulled Erica and Sam over into the corner and then into a three-person hug.

“Ahhh, I’m so happy for you both! How are you feeling? When are you due? And all those other questions that people who know stuff about babies would ask!”

Taylor was very much not a baby person, but she knew Erica was, and she also knew how much Erica had wanted this.

“I’m due in November, I’m twenty-one weeks along now and feeling good!” She took a step back and put her hand on her stomach, which Taylor could now tell was more rounded than usual. “I’ve done a pretty good job of hiding it, since it’s not like my belly is small at normal times, and I’ve been wearing lots of oversized stuff, but I’m relieved I can stop that now that it’s so hot out. I was sure you already knew, though, after I canceled with you a few times when I was pretty sick in the early stages.”

Taylor shook her head.

“I had no idea. Wait, you’ve been pregnant for twenty-one weeks and you didn’t tell me?”

Erica’s smile faded.

“I know, I’m sorry. But after the last time, we thought . . . we didn’t . . .”

Taylor nodded and pulled Erica back into a hug.

“Right, it’s okay, I get it.” Erica had gotten pregnant last fall and lost the baby. That time, they’d told everyone about it in the very early stages. Taylor had assumed she would still be in the inner circle of those who found out about something like this early, but now wasn’t the time to bring that up.

“We wanted to wait until we got the all clear from the doctor,” Sam said.

Erica squeezed Taylor hard before she stepped back.

“Which, full disclosure, we got last week, but I wanted to tell you in person, and you’ve been so busy lately that this was the first opportunity, so we had to take it.” Erica waggled her eyebrows at Taylor. “I assume you’ve been making the most of your newly single state?”

Taylor shrugged.

“I guess so.” Taylor had broken up with her most recent ex-girlfriend just a few weeks ago. “I mean, sort of. Not that I regret the breakup,” she said quickly, after seeing the hopeful look on Erica’s face. Erica had always liked Gemma. Taylor had, too, just . . . not enough. “But I don’t know, I’m just tired of the drama. While I like the idea of dating someone new, actually dating doesn’t sound fun anymore. Maybe I just need a break.”

Erica shook her head.

“I can’t believe Taylor Cameron, the hottest catch in Northern California, is already bored of being single. Here’s something to make it fun: Pick a hot girl at this party. Any one of them. I bet you that you can get her into bed.”

Taylor thought about Avery, just for a second, but shook her head.

“Okay, I could do that, but I’m not going to bet against myself like that. Plus, I said I wanted less drama, not more. But also, that’s kind of mean to do to someone-I don’t want her to find out that I slept with her because of a bet!”

“She has a point there, you know,” Sam said.

Erica sighed. She and Taylor constantly bet each other about random stuff, mostly ridiculous things like this.

“Good point. Okay, then, here’s a bet that’s mean only to you. If you’re bored with being single already, let’s make it a little more challenging: I bet you that you can’t make it through the summer without sleeping with someone.”

Taylor’s eyes widened involuntarily.

“The whole summer?”

Erica nodded with a very smug look on her face.

“Until Labor Day. You said you wanted less drama; that’s a good way to accomplish it.”

Taylor had never turned down a bet from Erica and vice versa (which had caused the two of them to spend one very memorable overnight in an IKEA after they’d bet each other to do it), and unfortunately her pride wouldn’t let her turn down this bet. She held out a hand to Erica.

“Done,” she said as she and Erica shook hands. “Margot is swamped, so I need to run back to the bar, but you’d better come up with a good prize for me for when I win this bet.”

She heard Erica’s laughter behind her as she raced back to the bar.

Avery took a sip of wine as she looked around the winery from her slightly out-of-the-way corner. It was nice to not have to work this party like she usually did-when you were an event planner, most parties that you went to were work. Instead, she could just relax and observe. People watching at parties was so much fun: she got to see who was checking each other out, who was flirting with whom, the couples who had clearly had a fight right before they’d gotten out of the car but were pretending they were so happy together, the person everyone was trying to go home with, that person who just really needed to break up with her boyfriend.

She let out a long, relieved sigh. She had been that last person, just a few months ago. Thank God, she’d finally done it. Everything would be different today if they were still together, if he were here with her. It had always been so stressful to be at parties with him. If it was a party with her friends, he always wanted to leave early; if it was a party with his friends, he never introduced her to anyone, and she was bored the whole time. But most of all, he never seemed particularly happy to be with her, no matter what she did. Until she’d broken up with him, she hadn’t realized how much happier she’d be without him.

Even though it seemed like everyone else in her life had.

She shook those thoughts off. Today, she was going to just enjoy this party. Free wine, good snacks, beautiful weather, and a day off. And not only free wine, free good wine; free wine was easy to come by when you lived and worked in Napa Valley, but free good wine was a different story.

She glanced over at the makeshift bar, where the Noble staff was pouring wine for the growing crowd. Speaking of the person everyone at the party wanted to go home with, there she was: Taylor Cameron, pouring wine, laughing, gently flirting with the guest in front of her. Everyone walked away from her with a smile on their face, and most of them looked back at her to see if she was still looking at them. Avery had met Taylor a few times but mostly knew her by reputation. Her best friend Luke had talked about her, of course, when he’d worked with her here at the winery, but that wasn’t just it. Taylor had dated at least half of the eligible women in Napa Valley-okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but only a bit of one. People were always falling for Taylor, and most of them got their hearts broken-that, she did know.

Avery watched her, trying not to be obvious about it. She was short, in a black tank top that showed off the tattoos on her upper arm as well as her significant curves, and jeans that clung to her wide hips and round butt. She had short curly hair and light brown skin. Avery hoped she was wearing sunscreen; too many people thought just because you were Black you didn’t have to. That was a good reminder; she should reapply some soon.

Taylor grinned at the person she was talking to, and Avery smiled at her. Oh my God, what was she doing, Taylor wasn’t even looking at her! Was Taylor just so magnetic that Avery was smiling at her from across the party? Apparently, yes! No wonder she had that reputation, goodness. Avery turned away.

“Avery! It’s so lovely to see you!”

Avery hoped her face didn’t show her surprise at being accosted by her old English teacher.

“Hi, Ms. Cunningham, it’s so nice to see you,” she said.

Her teacher laughed.

“You can call me Liza now, you’re an adult, you know!”

Why did old teachers always say this? She would never be grown-up enough to call Ms. Cunningham by her first name.

“How are you?” her teacher asked. And then she laughed. “Though I don’t even have to ask, your mom tells me all about how you’re doing.” Her mom was a teacher at her former high school. “She always talks about you; you’re the same as you’ve been since you were a teenager. You were always so well-behaved and reliable, and now you’re such an upstanding member of our community. We’re so proud of you, Avery.”

Avery smiled automatically.

“Thank you so much, Ms. Cunningham. I try.”

“Liza! And how’s that boyfriend of yours? Things going well there?”

Yes, right, her mom still didn’t know about her breakup, because she’d been too stressed out at the time to have that conversation, and just . . . kept procrastinating it.

“Um, oh, he’s-”

“Oh, there’s my husband waving at me. We have to head to a wedding, but we wanted to stop in to Noble before we left, and I keep running into people I know, he’s going to kill me if I delay us any more. Great to see you, Avery!”

“Great to see you, too,” Avery said.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Flirting Lessons’ by Jasmine Guillory appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

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

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

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

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

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

Love In The Time Of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

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

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

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

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

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

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

Scandalized by Ivy Owens

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

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

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

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

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

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

Winging It With You by Chip Pons

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

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

In The Event Of Love by Courtney Kae

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

Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun

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

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

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

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

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

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

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson

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

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

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

Everyone Can See It But Them
No explanation necessary.

You, With A View by Jessica Joyce

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

Love & Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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

Love Interest by Clare Gilmore

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

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

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

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

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

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

Hot Summer by Elle Everhart

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

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

You Between The Lines by Katie Naymon

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

Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

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

What Is Love? by Jen Comfort

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

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

Unromance by Erin Connor

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

The post 25 Rom-Com Book Recommendations From Author Erin Connor appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Prepare your romance-loving heart as there are some stellar romance books releasing in the first half of 2025! Between the months of January and June, you’ll see new releases from Emily Henry, Charlotte Stein, TJ Alexander, Jasmine Guillory, Ali Hazelwood, Meryl Wilsner, Abby Jimenez, Sarah Hogle, Katherine Center, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Ashley Poston, and many more, along with so many debuts too!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2025 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, YA books, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, and Fiction books list.

JANUARY 2025

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.

Work In Progress by Kat Mackenzie

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A warm, sexy, laugh-out-loud rom-com about a woman who, desperate for a fresh start, books a literary bus tour across the UK that consists of a lively group of elderly ladies plus one infuriatingly handsome Scottish driver.

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 . . .

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

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Archaeologist Miriam and journalist Rafael are destined to be rivals and must journey together to find the Lost City of the Moon. As they navigate treacherous paths and rival crews, their hearts become entangled in a thrilling adventure where love and duty collide in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti

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USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti returns with another hot, hilarious Regency romp about a reclusive earl and the wallflower-turned-radical-pamphleteer who turns his life upside down.

Yin Yang Love Song By Lauren Kung Jessen

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In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

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From the author of The Reunion, a cozy rom-com about a writer who decamps to a Vermont lodge for work but finds herself distracted by the charming ski instructor next door.

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.

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

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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.

For One Night Only by Jessica James

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When two former bandmates—and bedmates—are thrust back into each other’s lives in a fake dating scheme for publicity, they’ll be forced to face the music.

Let’s Call A Truce by Amy Buchanan

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Let’s Call A Truce is a sexy contemporary romance about second chances at life and love, bursting with humor and a touch of angst from debut author, Amy Buchanan.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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Star-crossed lovers learn that practicing romance leads to the perfect happy ending in this steamy reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

FEBRUARY 2025

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera

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Aurora Montalban, an ambitious doctor breaking societal norms to help women in 19^th century Paris, and Apollo Sinclair Robles, the reluctant Duke willing to risk everything for her.

Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan

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A second chance at love, small-town romance that’s all sweet with just a hint of heat from the “queen of sweet romance” (Falon Ballard) Sophie Sullivan.

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.

I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped In A Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

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A hilarious and sexy romance about a woman who gets dropped on a strange planet only to fall for not one, but two, aliens, from the author of I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf.

Never Planned On You by Lindsay Hameroff

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A glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance that reminds us true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned on.

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 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.

You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon

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In this “brilliant, poignant love story perfect for fans of Emily Henry,” a former sorority girl starts a prestigious poetry MFA program only to discover that one of her classmates is her high school crush-turned-nemesis—​and he can’t stop writing about her. 

Change of Heart by Falon Ballard

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From the beloved author of Right on Cue and Lease on Love comes a whimsical new rom-com about a workaholic forced to aim for a goal she never thought she’d love.

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin

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An upbeat production exec is tasked with reining in the cynical director who was her forbidden college heartbreak in this sparkling, sexy contemporary romance.

The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator

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In this witty and fun rom-com debut from Annabelle Slator, rival coworkers become reluctant daters after they’re forced to work together on a brand-new dating app in hopes of winning a promotion—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

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A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

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An R&B singer and a corporate executive find love that hits the right notes in this romance by Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of The Partner Plot.

MARCH 2025

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch

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It’s enemies to lovers in this sexy and delightful holiday mash up that pairs the spare prince of Christmas with the crown prince of St. Patrick’s Day!

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.

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo

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The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life.

Something Cheeky by Thien-Kim Lam

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A steamy new rom-com from the popular author of Happy Endings and Full Exposure, where two friends get the opportunity to work together on their dream project—a Cinderella rock musical with an all-Asian cast—and discover that falling in love was the easy part…

My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

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Perfect for fans of Ted Lasso, this delicious slow burn romance turns a pretend marriage into real love.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

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Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not.

Fan Service by Rosie Danan

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The truth is stranger than fan fiction in the next sexy paranormal rom-com from the beloved author of The Roommate.

Cover Story by Celia Laskey

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A hilarious, emotional love story about an extremely anxious publicist who’s tasked with keeping an extremely gay starlet in the closet—but who ends up falling for her instead.​

The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett

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A Lady with a past. A man with ambition. A romance far from London society that might bridge their divides.

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams

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A lottery ticket + donuts = love in this steamy new fake dating romance from beloved author Denise Williams.

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.

Love and Other Paradoxes by Catriona Silvey

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One of the greatest love stories in history gets derailed when a struggling poet at Cambridge runs into a time-traveler who agrees to help him find his muse—a thoughtful and uplifting romantic comedy for fans of About Time and The Midnight Library.

APRIL 2025

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

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A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this earnestly spectacular debut by a stunning new voice.

The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton

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Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.

Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey

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A small-town waitress and a big-city Broadway press agent swap homes to escape the messiness of their personal lives, only to find new purpose—and new love.

My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner

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Meryl Wilsner’s spicy romance, their first with a nonbinary lead, where two lifelong best friends go on a nonrefundable honeymoon together and discover sometimes to find a happily ever after, you just have to ask.

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

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Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

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.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.

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.

Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage

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From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which past lovers get a second chance to rediscover what they lost.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

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A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

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The exciting new contemporary romance—and her first to feature a queer romance—by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

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A society matchmaker realizes she’s in danger when her clients’ weddings are sabotaged in increasingly disturbing ways—an utterly original mystery from the New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed.

MAY 2025

A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher

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A witch and a shifter get a second chance at love in this new paranormal romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author April Asher.

Flirty Dancing by Jennifer Moffatt

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Sparks fly in this summer romp for fans of Casey McQuiston when dancers at a Catskills resort try to pull off the perfect show, and find happiness and a place where they belong on the way.

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

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From the international bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós comes a steamy love story of a divorced schoolteacher who discovers that her perfect no-strings fling is anything but…

Not So Fast by Karen Booth

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It’s Formula One—getting revved up is all part of the fun in this sizzling, high-octane rom-com for fans of Rush and The Hating Game.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

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A radiant, new escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.

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.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

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A former adolescent TV punch line has left her awkwardness in the rearview mirror thanks to a fake-it-till-you-make-it mantra that has her on the cusp of success, until she tells a lie that sets her on a crash course with her past, spending a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt

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An emotional, irresistible second-chance romance filled with sparkling humor, big feelings, and “melt your face off intimacy” (Jessica Joyce).

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.

Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake

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A small-town waitress and a Hollywood star’s worlds collide in this new romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date.

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

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No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

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A hilarious, unputdownable second-chance-romance about the most unlikely, gay roommate mishap. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

JUNE 2025

Winging It With You by Chip Pons

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Popular bookstagrammer Chip Pons’s gay rom-com about two men who impulsively pose as a couple to compete in a reality show contest just minutes after meeting at an airport, and their run-in with the very real feelings that start to simmer between them.

The Ripple Effect by Maggie North

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A grumpy burnt out physician and a sunshine psychologist must fake an engagement to save his whitewater canoeing/ relationship therapy startup in Maggie North’s sparkling second novel about starting over.

If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel

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Ms. and Ms. Smith meets The Pairing in this heart-racing romance of secrets, spies, and steam.

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.

Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter

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Cleat Cute meets Friday Night Lights in this funny, spicy, emotional new sapphic romance from Jodie Slaughter.

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

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

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson

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A band reunion may be enough to change two musicians’ tune on love in this electric romance from USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.

I’ll Pretend You’re Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan

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In this contemporary novel from the author of Counting Down with You, singer-songwriter Summer Ali shakes things up with a PR stunt “dating” actor Jules Moradi, but the lines between real and fake begin to blur.

When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa

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The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a fun and flirty rom-com about a pact between friends that goes awry when one of them unexpectedly announces they’re getting married.

Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja

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In this charming, delightfully original rom-com, a struggling writer’s muse suddenly comes to life, but can they create their own happily-ever-after?

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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Mulan is reimagined as a contemporary romance about family expectations, mistaken identity, and high stakes mergers—of both business and the heart.

Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle

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From the author of Just Some Stupid Love Story, an irresistible rom-com about what happens when a cruise ship romance goes…overboard

What 2025 romance books are you looking forward to reading? Any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2025 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Her latest novel The Wake-Up Call is out now and follows two hotel receptionists–and arch-rivals–who find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

For me, the perfect holiday read will transport you to Christmassy cosiness even if you’re reading in the height of summertime. It’s all about the essence of this time of year: the feeling of keeping warm indoors when it’s bitingly cold outside; the taste of cream-laced hot chocolate or spicy mulled wine; the heart-warming reminder that people can be incredibly kind and generous when we’re at our best.

I loved filling my latest novel, The Wake-Up Call, with all kinds of festive goodness, and the old-fashioned hotel where the story is set was the ideal location for it. Think grand staircases, roaring open fireplaces festooned with firs, and lots of sexual tension to keep things warm…

These five romances all give me that same lovely festive feeling.

One Day in December by Josie Silver

This book is just so romantic. Our main character, Laurie, spots a man through the bus window who she forms an instant connection with – only for the bus to drive away and leave them as strangers. But fate has other plans, and this gorgeous love story follows Laurie and her Bus Boy through ten years of love and heartbreak. Snowy, sweet and moving, this one captured my heart.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

I adore Jasmine Guillory’s books. This novel has not only a beautiful festive setting but also a royal family (what is it about royals that just feels Christmassy, somehow?) Expect simmering sexual tension and lots of flirtatious banter between our protagonist Vivian and the formal, upstanding Brit Malcolm, who is private secretary to the Queen.

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Set in stunning Edinburgh, Scotland, this cosy Christmas read is definitely a romance, but it’s also a love story between sisters. Carmen moves in with her sister Sofia after losing her job, and it’s beautiful to read the slow rebuilding of their relationship. We also follow Carmen’s adventures working in a quirky bookshop in the city, which is at real risk of having to shut down – another trope I absolutely love for a Christmas read.

The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk

Have you ever wished it was Christmas every day? You might change your mind after reading this hilarious, heart-warming rom com from Lindsey Kelk, who never fails to make me smile with her books. It’s a Groundhog Day story – so Christmas literally happens every day, over and over. Gwen Baker has to try to break the cycle while also finding herself rekindling her crush on the seriously distracting boy-next-door, now all grown up…

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

Historical romance is my go-to genre for when I want to cosy in under a blanket and relax (maybe because it’s not what I write myself, which makes it easier for me to switch off!) Lisa Kleypas is one of my favourites, and her Wallflower series is such a brilliant place to start with her books. This festive treat brings back the four stars of that series, but you can definitely read it as a gorgeous Christmas standalone too.

The post Beth O’Leary’s Favourite Holiday Romance Reads appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Releasing on November 14th, Mom Com is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and pastry perfection.

It’s the time of lights and cookies! Of cozy blankets and silly pyjamas. But is it truly the Christmas season until you’ve watched at least one Christmas movie, or maybe binged seventeen of them? Preferably curled up on a couch in front of a fireplace with a steaming cup of cocoa. If you’re anything like me you have your set list of fav holiday movies you’ve been watching every year since you were little, adding to them as you grow. Which is why it’s a double dip of pleasure to pair these movies with equally compelling books.

Do you watch Love Actually every year? Try Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory.

If you swooned and giggled over Huge Grant and Martine McCutcheon in Love Actually, give Jasmine Guillory’s holiday romance a twirl. In Royal Holiday, Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his accent, and his unyielding formality. This story is infused with British charm!

Love The Holiday?  Check out The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox.

There is nothing more fun than watching two people switch lives, make mistakes, and learn things about themselves while they scramble to fix it. In The Holiday Swap is a feel-good romantic comedy about identical twins who switch lives in the days leading up to Christmas. Will the twins’ identity swap be a recipe for disaster, or does it have all the right ingredients for getting their lives back on track?

Did you swoon over Happiest Season? Read Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur.

What’s not to love about sapphic romances with sparkly twinkle lights holiday backdrops? In Written in the Stars, two women who are complete opposites find themselves embroiled in a fake relationship stemming from a white lie. It’s a feel-good holiday novel following a free-spirited astrologer and an uptight actuary who made a pact to keep up their relationship ruse until New Year’s Eve. Love is definitely in the air!

If you habitually watch A Christmas Story, try Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb.

Of course A Christmas Story is based on Jean Shepherd’s book by the same name, but if you’re looking to shake things up with story that embodies the same heady nostalgia, try Wishin’ and Hopin’. The story follows a feisty parochial school fifth grader named Felix Funicello and is filled with Christmas dreams, a whole lotta laughs, and a dose of Christmas magic.

Charmed by Dash and Lily? Try The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park.

There is nothing like young love. And if you were enchanted by Dash and Lily (based on the book Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn) then you will love the vibe of Suzanne Park’s YA. Chloe Kwon can’t stand Peter Li. It’s always been that way. Their families don’t get along either: their parents operate rival restaurants in the Riverwood Mall food court―Korean food for the Kwons and Chinese food for the Lis. Now it’s the holiday season and Chloe’s the photographer at the mall’s Santa’s Village, and Peter works at the virtual reality North Pole experience right across the atrium. It’s all Chloe can do to avoid Peter’s smug, incredibly photogenic face.

A fan of The Family Stone? Read 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall.

Love a complicated and emotional family story that centers around the holidays? Try this awesome queer romance with fake amnesia and real feelings! In 10 Things That Never Happened Sam believes his boss Jonathan is going fire him and his entire branch. He panics, trips, and bumps his head, accidentally implying he doesn’t remember anything? Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan’s guilt―as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side. Can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

And if like me, you desperately wish The Gilmore Girls had a Christmas movie, read Mom Com by Adriana Mather.

While the Gilmore Girls is an all year favorite, the show embodies the warmth, joy, and humor of a great holiday romp. In Mom Com, Maddi reluctantly returns to her tiny gossipy town (where she’s the town scandal) for the holidays with her nine-year old. What Maddi doesn’t know is that there’s an issue with her father’s will and his beloved bakery that mysteriously involves the one person she’s vowed never to speak to again—her childhood best friend, Wilder. It’s a story laden with pastries, heartfelt and complicated families, and swoony romance, all wrapped up in a heaping dose of banter!

The post Book Actually: Pairing Books With Favourite Holiday Movies appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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…

Out of Character by Annabeth Albert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

It’s friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers in this LGBTQIA+ Romance for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue and The Pros of Cons who enjoy ex-best-friends falling in love, gaming, conventions, fandom & cosplay, nerd culture at its finest, and learning how to be true to yourself.

Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To All the Boys I Loved Before meets World of Dance in this delectable love story that combines food, dance, and a hint of drama to cook up the perfect romance.

Heartbreak for Hire by Sonia Hartl
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A smart, sexy, and witty romantic comedy—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne—about a twentysomething who lives out every woman’s fantasy: getting paid to give men who do us wrong a taste of their own medicine. But when a previous target unexpectedly shows up at her office, she’s forced to rethink her life as a professional heartbreaker.

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.

Isn’t It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville. Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.

The Rehearsals by Annette Christie
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this delightful and romantic debut novel―with a Groundhog Day twist―a couple calls off their wedding after a disastrous rehearsal dinner, only to wake up the next morning trapped in a time loop. Together.

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. 

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.

Love Next Door by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes an evocative small-town romance about family loyalty, finding oneself, and falling in love.

Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The author of Recipe for Persuasion—“not only one of the best but one of the bravest romance novelists working today” (Shelf Awareness)—adds an Indian American twist to Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility in this delightful retelling that is a feast for the senses.

The Man Ban by Nicola Marsh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Harper Ryland has been on a self-imposed man ban for the last twelve months, after a particularly horrible breakup. Instead, she’s focusing on the one thing she can control: her career as an up-and-coming food stylist. Harper’s latest gig is her best friend’s wedding, and she receives glowing praise throughout the night. When the Best Man, Manny Gomes, belittles her hard work, she wants to stab him with skewers from the buffet table, but she can think of something much better: to lead him on the entire wedding and then humiliate him in sweet revenge.

What July 2021 romance books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post July 2021 Romance Book Releases 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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.

This month sees new releases from the likes of Elizabeth Lim, Karin Slaughter, Jasmine Guillory, Max Barry, and so many more!

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

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse… Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A fast-paced, thrilling horror novel that follows a group of heroines to die for, from the brilliant New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.

The Good Lie by A.R. Torre
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Six teens murdered. A suspect behind bars. A desperate father. In a case this shadowy, the truth is easy to hide.

Song of the Forever Rains by E.J. Mellow
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From the award-winning author of the Dreamland series comes a new dark romantic fantasy about a young woman finding hope in her powers of destruction.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
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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. 

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times best-selling author Lexi Ryan, Cruel Prince meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts and their dangerously seductive princes.

False Witness by Karin Slaughter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Pieces of Her and The Silent Wife, an electrifying standalone thriller.

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 by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

XOXO by Axie Oh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jenny’s never had much time for boys, K-pop, or really anything besides her dream of being a professional cellist. But when she finds herself falling for a K-pop idol, she has to decide whether their love is worth the risk. A modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and exclusive world of K-pop, XOXO is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
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USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the critically acclaimed author of Jennifer Government and Lexicon comes mind-bending speculative psychological suspense about a serial killer pursuing his victim across time and space, and the woman who is determined to stop him, even if it upends her own reality.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Packed with irresistible romance and irrepressible heart, bestselling author Leah Johnson delivers a stunning and cinematic story about grief, love, and the remarkable power of music to heal and connect us all.

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

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

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller (326 pages)

A great read for those who want to embrace their inner Slytherin. The Shadows Between Us tells the story of the devious Alessandra and her carefully-plotted rise to power. Overlooked and neglected by her family, Alessandra sets her eye on the Shadow King, intent on wooing him, killing him, then claiming his kingdom for her own. The author does a fantastic job of completely inverting classic YA tropes, all while keeping the storyline fresh and fun.

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters (544 pages)

At over 500 pages, The Rage of Dragons is hardly a short read. However, the storytelling is extremely fast-paced, and once the plot gets going, you’ll find yourself hurtling along at a breakneck speed. Brimming with painful betrayals, breathtaking fight scenes, and illustrious lore, The Rage of Dragons will snatch your attention and hold it hostage all the way to the end. Plus, the sequel, The Fires of Vengeance, recently released on November 10th 2020!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (320 pages)

If you’re looking for a light and zippy read, The Wedding Date is the perfect book to pick up. What starts out as two strangers getting stuck in a broken elevator quickly turns into a faux relationship, then rapidly spirals out of control. Full of adorable hijinks and a quirky ensemble cast, The Wedding Date is a quick fun read to get you to your 2020 goal.

Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth by Rick Remender, Wes Craig (160 pages)

In the mood for something a bit darker? Deadly Class is an amazingly fast-paced comic series that follows Marcus, a teenager who has been scouted by an elite private school after burning his orphanage to the ground. Think Hogwarts…but for killers. His classmates are the children of crime lords (think the mafia, the yakuza, the KBG). In a place where having no affiliation can put a very literal target on your back, Marcus must learn to navigate the dangerous waters of his new home, all while figuring out how to pass Dismemberment 101.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (306 pages)

While Long Way Down may be a quick read, it’s by no means an easy one. Jason Reynolds is a master of written verse, and his tale of a young Will reeling from the murder of his older brother will pull all sorts of heartstrings. Diving deep into the intersection of family, loyalty, vengeance, and oppression, this book will take you down the painful path of internal reconciliation. A graphic novel version of Long Way Down has also been recently released.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (218 pages)

A timeless childhood classic, A Wrinkle of Time serves as many readers’ gateway into science fiction. Written for children, but appealing to all ages, the story follows socially awkward Meg Murray and her genius kid brother on a whirlwind chase across galaxies to save their missing scientist father. Accompanied by a crew of otherworldly guides and a popular classmate, the group uncovers a treacherous plot to overthrow the universe. Despite its small size, A Wrinkle in Time contains immensely complex narratives and an immersive fantastical experience.

Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi (176 pages)

Riot Baby is a masterpiece of a novella that follows two siblings, Ella and Kev, both bestowed with mysterious powers, in a world defined by systemic and brutal racism. The story intertwines fantasy elements alongside stark commentary of an all too familiar oppressive society. When Kev is wrongfully incarcerated, Ella will stop at nothing to bring him justice – even if that means bringing the entire world down around her. Brimming with magical realism and profound imagery, Riot Baby offers a startlingly profound view into the fierce battle that precedes a dystopian world.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer (222 pages)

If you’ve ever wondered how The Evil Queen in every fairytale ends up so…evil, Fairest will show you exactly what went down. A quick novella companion to the Lunar Chronicles series, the story provides insight into the turbulent childhood of a young royal and the struggles that warped her into an evil queen. Fairest can be read as a standalone or as a part of the full Lunar Chronicles series (P.S. if you enjoy a good evil queen backstory, also check out Heartless by Marissa Meyer which dives into the Queen of Hearts backstory).

The Deep by Rivers Solomon (166 pages)

This poetic novella tells the riveting history of an ocean society descended from drowned African slave women, pushed overboard to their deaths during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. These women did not drown, but instead transformed into a race of merpeople residing in the deep. With memories far too painful and traumatic to bear, members of the society rely on a single historian to bear the burden of their past, a task assigned to Yetu, the youngest to ever receive the hold. With the generational pain being too much to bear, Yetu escapes to the surface, only to discover the truth about her people’s past along with the promise of their future.

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James (352 pages)

A quick read, but a truly spectacular one, The Quiet at the End of the World brings a fresh take to the apocalypse genre. Instead of the world ending in violent chaos, this particular apocalypse story depicts how a worldwide phenomenon causing global infertility has gently brought about the end of humanity. Lowrie and Shen are the last two children on Earth, and spend their days living among a small elderly community. A truly profound look at the mental state of humanity when faced with its demise, The Quiet at the End of the World is a quick, gentle, and introspective read.

Wishing all readers the best of luck in finishing your 2020 reading goal.

Which books will you be speeding through to meet your goal? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Fast-Paced Books To Help Reach Your 2020 Reading Goal appeared first on The Nerd Daily.