About Still Into You: Two exes reunite for a make-or-break interview that will either bring them back together … or drive them apart forever. Released February 10th 2026.

One of my favorite parts of writing a book is the brainstorming phase, where I consume anything and everything I can get my hands on that might inspire me. I want to know what’s out there already, and what I could bring to the conversation that hasn’t already been said.

My latest novel—released February 10, 2026—is a love letter to elder emos. Still Into You follows Sloane Donavan, an aspiring music journalist struggling to break into the industry. When elusive metal frontman Dax Nakamura agrees to give her his first interview in eight years, she should be jumping at the opportunity. The catch? He’s her ex. Unable to pass up a shot at making her name—and helping Dax clear the reputation that’s plagued his—Sloane agrees. It’s only a conflict of interest if anyone finds out. But the article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane’s editor is expecting are two completely different stories. And as old feelings resurface, Sloane’s journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. This is the career-making piece she’s been waiting for, but it comes with a price: the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love.

As an emo kid in the early 2000s, I pulled heavily from my own experiences going to shows at skate parks and random parking lots. That said, I don’t possess a single crumb of musical ability. I would prefer not to be on a stage thankyouverymuch, and being a touring musician sounds really exhausting, actually. But I had so much fun researching Still Into You, diving into movies, tv shows, podcasts, and—of course—books that centered around musicians. Here is a selection of music-focused books that I loved, as well as a peek into my TBR:

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel

Pop superstar Ella Simone and MLB player Miles Westbrook team up to turn their tabloid scandal into an opportunity—a PR relationship that will shore up both their reputations. But as the lines between reality and PR begin to blur, will Ella stick to the choreographed life she knows so well, or surrender to a love that could set her free?

I fell in love with Ariel’s debut, and her transportive writing quickly made her an autobuy author for me. The way her MMCs go all in for the FMC will never fail to make me swoon.

Feels like: The opening notes of Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby.

Some Kind Of Famous by Ava Wilder

In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other—until a house renovation forces them together.

I’m obsessed with Wilder’s writing. Her ability to craft such raw, real characters with believable flaws and hurts that have you wanting to hug and shake them as you’re rooting for them, their happily ever after so well-earned and fought for.

Feels like: Alanis Morissette girlies in their lovergirl era.

August Lane by Regina Black

Luke Randall didn’t write the love song that made him famous—August Lane did. A secret that August threatens to expose unless he writes a new song with her for her mother’s concert celebrating her induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame. As the concert nears and their passion bond rekindles, August will have to choose between an overdue public reckoning with the boy who betrayed her, or trusting the man he’s become to write a different love song.

Regina Black is every author’s favorite author. If you’re not already reading her books, 1) what are you doing? And 2) know that I’m jealous you get to experience them for the first time.

Feels like: Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter.

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson

When two ex-bandmates and former best friends reunite to perform on a cruise ship, sparks fly. John has been in love with Micah since they were kids, but never said anything for the sake of the band. But when the two reunite, Micah can’t help but see John with brand new eyes. As the discordant band’s tension grows to a breaking point, they must decide if their relationship is more than a one-hit wonder.

I think about this book constantly. You can always tell when an author is writing about something they love, and Thompson’s love of music shines through in this novel. Childhood friends to lovers, second chance, angst, nostalgia, this book is everything I wanted it to be and more.

Feels like: The Twilight soundtrack.

The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

Antonia Bennette is not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note…or the start of something that’ll change your life forever.

Axelrod is a musician herself and it really enriches so many aspects of this novel. It’s equal parts a slow burn, childhood friends-to-lovers romance and a love letter to female musicians. Bonus: The sequel, Girls With Bad Reputations, is already out, with two more books in the Lilly’s series teased on Axelrod’s website.

Feels like: An Ecca Vandal album.

For One Night Only by Jessica James

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.

Sometimes the blurb is so good that I don’t even know what to add. Exes forced to fake date for PR? Say less. Come for the angst and the longing and stay for the sweeping feelings, the found family, and the nuanced exploration of mental health. The second book in this series, For Our Next Song, just released January 13, and I cannot wait to dive in!

Feels like: Hayley Williams hitting the high note in All I Wanted.

Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly

Karaoke is the only time Lily Fischer can step outside of her quiet shell. When there’s a mic in her hand, she’s no longer merely a receptionist harboring big dreams. At Moonie’s, Lily can pretend to be someone else: someone bold, who takes what she wants. And tonight, what Lily wants is the way Sam looks at her across the room as she sings her signature opening song, like they see her exactly as she wants to be seen. Like Moonie’s Lily is real.

Confession: I have never done karaoke, nor do I intend to. However, I yearn to be the type of person who enjoys it. Thankfully, there are three novellas in the Moonlighters series where I can live vicariously through people who do. Check out the accompanying playlists on Kelly’s website for the optimal reading experience!

Feels like: Bringing the house down with the perfect karaoke song choice.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

Iris, a career-focused single mom and young widow, travels for work with popular R&B singer Angel and finds herself falling for him along the way.

A man with a long-held crush? He wrote a song about her?!? We’re into each other but we’re working together and have to keep it professional?!?!? This premise is music to my ears!

Feels like: May I Have This Dance by Francis & the Lights ft. Chance The Rapper

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

A wildly electric romance about two musicians, Broadway star Erika Greene and German hair metal band frontman Christof Daae—who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

If there were a Venn diagram of Phantom of the Opera and Jareth from Labyrinth, this book would be the overlap. You can always expect to laugh in a book by Comfort, but I especially appreciate her FMCs. They’re a little sharp, don’t always have it together, and top from the bottom (iykyk).

Feels like: The hilarity and hijinks you’d expect in a Twisted Sister music video.

Where Are Your Boys Tonight? by Chris Payne

An oral history of the rise and fall of emo from 1999 to 2008, featuring My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional.

I was a chapter into this audiobook when I ran out to grab a physical copy because I needed to highlight and underline every other line. Immediately after finishing the book, I began rereading. If you were an emo kid in the early 2000s, this is required reading.

Feels like: The G note at the start of My Chemical Romance’s Welcome To The Black Parade.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

A powerful and transportive new novel about a music executive desperately trying to bring a rock band back from the brink. Their big break is here—if only they can survive it.

This just came out January 20, 2026, so this is a peek into my TBR. I cannot wait to dive into this one!

Encore by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang

In this music-filled queer romcom, ex-bandmates and successful solo artists Amelia and Ramona are forced to reconcile when their indie trio embarks on a reunion tour, five years after their breakout album, tour, and the one night that ruined everything.

Another peek into my TBR. This book isn’t slated to release until 2027, but this is just how seated I am for it.

The post Music-Focused Book Recommendations From Author Erin Connor 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.

When the band’s manager Christof, who’s dealing with his own secrets, reaches out to book Erika’s theatre, she’s quick to agree. After all, this could solve all her financial problems and save her from bankruptcy. What Erika doesn’t expect is the immediate chemistry she and Christof have once the band shows up. Both of them are carrying heavy secrets that threaten to tear them apart but with chemistry that is as electrifying as theirs, there must be a way to be together without setting the whole theatre ablaze…right?

Now, truth be told, I have never seen Phantom of the Opera BUT when I heard Midnight Duet being marketed as a contemporary gender-swapped version of the iconic musical, I just had to get my hands on it and I was not disappointed.

While I enjoyed the entire story, I think the best part of Midnight Duet were the two main characters. Unlikable characters can be a bit hit or miss, I know, but Erika was a delight. She’s highly ambitious, oozes confidence and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Even after her accident and the facial scarring, you can tell that this woman hasn’t lost her sharp tongue or her quick-witted mind. Now, Christof. Listen, despite being German I wouldn’t call myself familiar with Hair Metal but I had a very different image come to mind when I first heard that. Instead of a high-maintenance dude who cares about nothing but music, we get the sweetest himbo who is goofy and charming and trying desperately to keep it secret that one of the band’s members – his girlfriend – dumped him and is now MIA. I loved every scene told from his point of view because it showed his ambition and guilt and anxiety while also telling us just how much he cares for everyone in the band.

Together, Erika and Christof are glorious. Whether they’re sparring verbally (or between the sheets), their chemistry is undeniable. If you like steamy scenes, whoo boy, you’re in for a treat. If you like self-affirming, confidence-boosting moments of intimacy, you’ll also get them in here. On top of that, there are quite some secrets that cause drama, not only for them individually and for Christof’s band, but also for their relationship and I was desperate to find out how it all plays out in the end.

Add to that a kooky cast of secondary characters (especially Christof’s band) that bring so much charm to the page and you have a fascinating story. A definite highlight of Midnight Duet is that the story—and the characters —doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s just a wild ride, filled with hilarious, over-the-top moments that make this such an enjoyable read. While there are heavier topics of course, they paired really well with the easy, engaging prose and I think that if you’re into band stories like Daisy Jones and the Six, you’ll find another favourite read here.

Whether you’re a fan of Phantom of the Opera or not, this fun gender-swapped forced proximity romance with loads of heart (and German Hair Metal) is sure to keep you on your toes!

Midnight Duet is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Midnight Duet? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From The Astronaut and the Star author Jen Comfort comes a wildly electric romance about two musicians who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

Self-professed diva Erika Greene has it all: a starring role on Broadway, legions of fans, spectacular natural talent. But after an accident on stage leaves her face scarred and her career in shambles, Erika retreats to Paris, Nevada, where she’s inherited a ramshackle opera house in desperate need of some TLC.

Erika pours her savings into the building, but it’s not enough to stave off casino developer Raoul Decomte’s avaricious gaze. With foreclosure imminent, she leases the space to some unexpected tenants: a German hair metal band, fronted by glam rock god Christof Daae.

Erika is tempted by Christof’s low-slung leather pants—and even more so by his ambitious drive to make Nacht Musik international superstars—but he’s off-limits. The rest of his band thinks he’s still dating their beloved keyboardist, who is conveniently not present on this jaunt to the American Southwest. When Erika finds out Christof’s been unceremoniously dumped and is trying to keep it under wraps, she makes a deal to keep his secret…for a price, of course.

Christof is desperate to hold the rest of the band together after his keyboardist’s departure, but he can’t maintain the charade forever. Nor can he resist the opera house’s mysterious proprietor, who tempts him with midnight singing lessons. It isn’t long before sensuous nighttime interludes turn into smoldering backstage encounters.

But can their newly ignited passion survive the searing light of day? Or will their beautiful duet turn into a brokenhearted power ballad for one?

The post Review: Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

Sure! I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and after originally attempting to pursue astrophysics and then realizing I was absolutely not cut out for Serious Study (which I will later discover was due to my undiagnosed ADHD), I decided to major in hospitality and manage restaurants in NYC. Eventually—as with many 20-somethings who move to Manhattan for their careers—I decided I was done with being broke and tired all the time. I moved back home to Portland, and soon after that, I seriously pursued romance writing. (And by that, I mean I got a part-time serving job and spent five more years being broke and tired, while also writing sometimes).

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

I was always a very indoor child who liked books instead of sports. I also had a vivid imagination, and often got in trouble for making up lurid stories on the playground. But my first real foray into writing was some melodramatic, sexy fanfic about Bonnie and Damon from The Vampire Diaries–the books, not the show, because the books were all we had back then in ancient-times (1998).

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

Can’t remember my first book, but I did have all the Nancy Drew books and they were my first reading obsession.

Crown Duel and Court Duel by Sherwood Smith were my first experience with romantic fantasy, and that got me hooked on finding romance subplots in other genres, until I finally gave in and started reading pure romance. They were my gateway drug!

Speaking of romantic subplots, I’m currently listening to Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir on audiobook and I can’t stop thinking about this entire space necromancer series and how absolutely batshit bonkers it is. I never have any clue what the hell is going on and that’s fantastic, because I find that now when I read I get distracted by dissecting the HOW and WHY behind writing choices. I struggle to turn off my writer-brain. But I have absolutely no clue what Tamsyn Muir is doing and it’s a thrilling ride!

Your new novel, Midnight Duet, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Over-the-top, atmospheric, melodramatic, horny, and bonkers.

What can readers expect?

A gender-flipped, modern, rom-com retelling of Phantom of the Opera.

Gothy vibes, glam rock, and a pipe organ solo scene that will make you rethink how you feel about pipe organs.

Occasionally, some plot: Erika Greene, a disgraced Broadway star, has retreated to Paris, Nevada after a stage accident that left her face scarred—and a scandal left her career in ruins. She’s inherited an old brothel & theater which is badly in need of repair, and to prevent a casino developer from turning it into a water park, she agrees to lease rehearsal space to Christof Daae and his German glam rock band, who are developing their first English-language album. Christof is off-limits, but the attraction between him and Erika is electric, especially when she starts giving him clandestine singing lessons…

Where did the inspiration for Midnight Duet come from?

This is my homage to Phantom of the Opera with a Spinal Tap spin. But in this retelling, I wanted to explore how people would treat the “phantom” if it were a woman with a scarred face and a flair for drama.

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

I always have a ton of fun with my secondary characters, who get to be a little more exaggerated than the protagonists. They provide most of the com­ in my rom-coms.

I start by giving each of them one very strong character trait that I think has humorous potential and then I reverse-engineer a backstory to explain it.

Sibylle, the band’s bassist, for example, is intensely macabre and obsessed with murder and ghosts. Waldo, the drummer, is enthusiastically obsessed with Americana. And Sergei, their guitarist, is obsessed with… playing guitar. And he might also be a vampire.

Do you have any advice for those who may have set some writing resolutions for the new year?

Write what you want to read. Don’t worry about tropes and over-analyzing industry trends and trying to follow some magic formula for plot beats and structure. (Unless you’re writing category romance, because then it’s all about the magic formula.) But I have found my best writing is done when I’m writing with that old fashioned Vampire Diaries fanfic attitude—like I’m writing my alternative fantasy version of an original story I’m not satisfied with. Whenever I’m stuck and find myself getting bored, I step back and think, “If I was reading this, what would I want to have happen here?” And then I write that.

Sure, the plot goes off the rails sometimes. A lot of times. But that’s what revisions are for! At least you’re having fun.

What’s next for you?

A Jeopardy!-inspired rivals-to-lovers romcom featuring two top-ranked trivia champions who have polar opposite personalities and gameplay styles. It’s the nerdiest, sexiest, funniest thing I’ve ever written and I’m having the absolute time of my life.  

Lastly, what 2023 book releases our readers should look out for?

• “Will They or Won’t They” by Ava Wilder is in my all-time faves already—just read it!
• “Thank You For Sharing” by Rachel Runya Katz for friends-to-lovers and sexy museum sleepovers.
• “Role Playing” by Cathy Yardley for a fresh twist on You’ve Got Mail but with fellow RPG guild players.
• “Raiders of the Lost Heart” by Jo Segura for steamy adventure romance and a Latina Lara Croft-esque heroine.

Will you be picking up Midnight Duet? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Jen Comfort, Author of ‘Midnight Duet’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
Vibrantly funny, endearingly sweet, and a love letter to all things rom com, Jayne Denker’s The Rom Com Agenda is a story of two people finding love right when they least expect it.

The Reunion by Kayla Olson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
When two former teen stars reconnect at the reunion for their hit TV show, they discover their feelings for one another were not merely scripted in this charming and heartwarming novel perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.

A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
You couldn’t design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.

You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
When Vanessa Blair is fired because of her “resting bitch face,” her friends help her launch a revenge plan that’ll bring down the whole company.

One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
When his sister’s betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family’s honour.

A Thousand Miles to Graceland by Kristen Mei Chase
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
The journey of a thousand miles begins with sequins and a beehive wig in this sharply funny and achingly tender debut novel about mothers, daughters, and the surprising power of Elvis.

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A romance novel–obsessed social media influencer revisits her exes on her hunt for true love in this romantic comedy from the author of Set On You.

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
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Fans of Abby Jimenez and Meryl Wilsner will fall in love with this hilarious and refreshingly authentic novel about second chances, pugs, and finding the perfect muse . . .

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting
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With her signature charm, Hunting completes the Spark sisters’ trilogy in Make a Wish, a second chance-romance sure to leave you reeling. 

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort
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From The Astronaut and the Star author Jen Comfort comes a wildly electric romance about two musicians who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

Back in a Spell by Lana Harper
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An awkward first date leads to a sparkling romance between one of the most powerful witches in town and a magical newbie in this rom-com.

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
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This sweet, enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com filled with Chinese astrology will undoubtedly prove to be a perfect match with readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Helena Hunting.

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
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An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

Do I Know You? By Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
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With writing Jasmine Guillory has described as “emotional and real,” the acclaimed author of Love Lettering and Love at First weaves stories both transporting and relatable – modern love stories that readers immediately identify with and take to heart. Wise and witty, threaded through with a complex, emotionally fulfilling romance, Kate Clayborn’s unforgettable new novel echoes with timely questions about love, career, reconciling with the past, and finding your way.

Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a collection of steamy, STEMinist novellas featuring a trio of engineers and their loves in loathing—with a special bonus chapter!

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

The post January 2023 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From bittersweet endings to a romance trilogy following three sparkling sisters, to magical shenanigans that find characters fake dating a demon to please their family and steamy marriage of conveniences with your secret crush and romance books cover model—our romance-loving hearts are beating faster just looking at what’s on the menu for the first half of 2023!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

JANUARY

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With her signature charm, Hunting completes the Spark sisters’ trilogy in Make a Wish, a second chance-romance sure to leave you reeling. Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel.

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Business consultant Rose Josten might not have officially reached “pug lady” middle age, but she’s already got the pugs—along with their little Gucci coats and trash-lovin’ appetites. Still, life is good, with her work, her sisters, and a secret hobby creating incredibly tactile (if surprisingly sexy) mindfulness videos. So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough? Which is exactly when former filmmaker Ash Stewart enters camera left, and Rose’s world suddenly goes full technicolor . . .

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Always a matchmaker, never a match…Olivia Huang Christenson is excited-slash-terrified to be taking over her grandmother’s matchmaking business. But when she learns that a new dating app has made her Pó Po’s traditional Chinese zodiac approach all about “animal attraction,” her emotions skew more toward furious-slash-outraged. Especially when L.A.’s most-eligible bachelor Bennett O’Brien is behind the app that could destroy her family’s legacy . . .

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From The Astronaut and the Star author Jen Comfort comes a wildly electric romance about two musicians who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

Back in a Spell by Lana Harper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An awkward first date leads to a sparkling romance between one of the most powerful witches in town and a magical newbie in this rom-com.

Do I Know You? By Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.

FEBRUARY

Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
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In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex’s Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

Radiant Sin by Katee Robert
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There’s nowhere more dangerous than Olympus…and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm…and the only man Cassandra is powerless to deny. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TikTok favorite Tessa Bailey comes a steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn…

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
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A shy bookworm enlists her charming neighbor to help her score a date, not knowing he’s the obscure author she’s been corresponding with.

Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot
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Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow
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When a thirty-something American food writer moves to a Scottish village for one year to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook she finds more than inspiration–she meets a handsome Scotsman she can’t resist.

MARCH

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
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From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men’s sweeping journey across the Western wilderness.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
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Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
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Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping LGBTQIA+ Regency romance from award-winning author KJ Charles! 

Ellie Is Cool Now by Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren
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In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, one woman finds that to keep her dream job, she’ll have to face her worst nightmare: high school.

Right Girl, Wrong Side by Ginny Baird
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Baird brings her signature charm to this multicultural story about two disputing families sharing a beach house and the messiness that comes from falling in love with someone who your family is determined to despise.

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
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Two people make a wager on who can find love first, not realizing what they should be betting on is each other, in this new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Wrong Number.

APRIL

Happy Place by Emily Henry
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A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from Emily Henry.

Just As You Are by Camille Kellogg
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Equal parts witty and steamy, this debut rom-com brings a healthy dose of queerness and a whole lot of heart to a Pride and Prejudice-inspired enemies to lovers romance. This page-turning, sexy, and delightfully funny rom-com celebrates queer culture, chosen family, coming of age, and falling in love against your better judgment.

The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
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Lambda Literary award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur returns with a steamy Sapphic rom-com about a quiet bookseller and a romance novel cover model who agree to a modern-day marriage-of-convenience…

In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kae
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With a gorgeous beachfront mansion, salty ocean breeze, steamy nights, and ALL the summertime feels, this funny, sexy queer rom-com is a celebration of summer love, as a cinnamon roll of a pastry chef finds his indie rocker crush suddenly within reach.

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is a Regency rom-com set in the world of Waters’ previous books, in which a woman attempts to trick her new husband into thinking his ancestral home is haunted in order to finally get some peace and quiet, only to find herself enjoying his company instead.

Ana Mariá and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
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A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

MAY

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey
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Turns out you’re never too old for a summer camp romance. Or a change of heart. When a divorced woman attends a sleepaway camp for adults only, she reconnects with a man from her past–only to catch feelings for his sister instead.

Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan
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This irresistible adult debut from beloved YA author Jennifer Dugan is a queer romcom for fans of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and Written in the Stars, in which a woman gives a drunken bathroom pep talk to a hot stranger, only to find out it’s the bride-to-be she has convinced to leave her fiancé the night before the wedding.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
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Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding
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In this witty and romantic debut novel, Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene as two lifelong friends discover that, in the search for love, you sometimes don’t have to look any further than your own backyard.

Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron
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The highly acclaimed author of Accidentally Engaged delivers a delightful rom-com of one woman trying to shed her perfect image at a destination wedding with hilarious—and moving—results.

Love Buzz by Neely Tubati Alexander
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In this spectacularly enjoyable and serendipitous adventure, a chance romantic encounter during a wild night at a Mardi Gras bachelorette party sends strait-laced Serena Khan’s carefully constructed life into chaos.

JUNE

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
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Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder
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On screen, they’re in love. Off screen, they can’t stand each other. Two co-stars with a complex history reunite to film the final season of a beloved paranormal drama in this tension-filled will they won’t they romance from the author of How to Fake It in Hollywood.

A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting
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The fur is about to fly between a cheerful cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd in this hilarious and charming rom-com by the New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute.

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
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For fans of Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After, from the author of Nora Goes Off Script comes the ultimate summer nostalgia read, about a woman whose return to her family’s beach house to plan her wedding brings her and her fiancé unexpectedly face to face with her first love who she hasn’t seen in fourteen years, but who she spent every summer with from age five to seventeen when he broke her heart, calling into question everything she thought she knew about their love story, and herself.

The First Date Prophecy by Kate Tamberelli and Danny Tamberelli
Amazon | Book Depository

Danny Tamberelli, 90’s Nickelodeon star from All That and The Adventures of Pete and Pete, teams up with his real-life wife Kate Tamberelli for a zany, big-hearted, and truly laugh-out-loud debut rom-com set in Brooklyn, steeped in 90’s nostalgia, and inspired by their very own love story. For two talented romantic misfits who’ve been looking for love for so long, a prophecy from a psychic could be just another disastrous-first-date anecdote—or it could be the beginning of a love story for the ages . . .

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

What 2023 romance books are you looking forward to picking up ? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2023 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Astronaut and the Star is a unique romantic comedy featuring the close proximity, workplace romance, opposites attract, and grumpy with sunshine tropes. This book also features own voices ADHD representation, a bisexual main character, and a lot of science fiction elements. The Astronaut and the Star deals with themes such as darkness and light, rebellion, order and chaos, companionship, individual versus team, work-life balance, family and growing up, love and heartbreak, and quest for status and power. The moral of story is that sometimes it’s better to ask for help and work as a team instead of trying to do everything by yourself.

I loved Jon and Reggie’s immense chemistry, “will they, won’t they” vibes, and constant flirty banter. The humorous aspects of this novel were enjoyable, such as Jon’s clumsiness and joking personality as well as Reggie’s roommate Katya’s sassy and brutally honest attitude; I actually wish that we got to see more of Katya in The Astronaut and the Star but hopefully Comfort will write a companion novel featuring Katya’s love story (or even what happens if or when Katya meets her favourite actress, Zendaya). I really appreciated how the ending of the novel was unexpected and kept me guessing because this allowed me to stay interested and engaged in the story.

On the negative side, I didn’t think that the cover of the book really matched the romantic comedy vibe of the story; I know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I feel like I would have been more excited to pick up this book if the cover had featured a fun and flirty couple instead of a realistic-looking picture of the moon and stars. Moreover, even if the cover of The Astronaut and the Star doesn’t appeal to you, make sure that you read the book description before you count this book out! Another thing that I wasn’t a big fan of was the use of unfamiliar space lingo as well as the excessive amount of time that Reggie and Jon spend collecting rock samples as I wasn’t clear how studying rocks was going to help Jon prepare for his upcoming space flick.

The Astronaut and the Star would be perfect for fans of space science who also enjoy steamy romances. Reggie is a fierce woman in STEM and a strong female role model who reminded me of Olive from The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood; so, if you are a fan of that book, you should definitely check this out! I would also recommend this book to fans of romantic comedies like Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert, and science fiction romances like Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Astronaut and the Star and it definitely exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a unique, fun, and steamy romantic comedy filled with space science than I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Astronaut and the Star!

The Astronaut and the Star is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 1st 2022.

Will you be picking up The Astronaut and the Star? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

An out-of-this-world romantic comedy featuring an astronaut tasked with training a Hollywood actor for a space flick.

Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes wants to be the first woman on the moon—it’s all she’s ever dreamed of. But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.

Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.

Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.

Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon.

The post Review: The Astronaut and the Star by Jen Comfort appeared first on The Nerd Daily.