Kat Mackenzie Archives | The Nerd Daily

Q&A: Kat Mackenzie, Author of ‘Work In Progress’

Elise Dumpleton — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000

We chat with author Kat Mackenzie about Work In Progress, which is a warm, sexy, laugh-out-loud rom-com and follows 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.

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

Well, hello! I’m Kat Mackenzie, bookworm and muffin enthusiast, and my debut novel, Work in Progress is out on January 14th. All of this is new to me, and I am very excited to be doing this Q&A. My debut is a travel romcom. As a person living with incurable wanderlust, I’ve done lots of silly and dangerous things in the course of my travels (howling for wolves in Russia, swimming with crocodiles in Borneo, getting matchmade in Ireland, eating deep-fried Mars bars in Scotland, etc.), so that my readers can enjoy visiting these places in their pajamas from the comfort of their squashiest armchair.

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

I think I was about eight the first time I attempted to write a novel – I think there was a ghost in there, and maybe a treasure chest discovered in an old tree? I made it all of about two chapters in and gave up. It was roughly thirty years later the next time I attempted to write a novel. That one was a dark historical, magical realism that is still unfinished and languishing in a (virtual) drawer somewhere. The thing about that story is that it was about a Victorian Anthropologist, and I wanted it to all be historically and anthropologically accurate, which required a lot of research. I’m lazy by nature, so I decided to take a break from that tome and write something light and fun – and that’s how I ended up with Work in Progress.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

The first book you ever remember reading: The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree
The one that made you want to become an author: Oh goodness – everything, all the time. Writing has always been my dream job. But to answer the question, let’s say, for very different reasons, Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: As a writer, sometimes I read something that I wish I had been the one to write. I’m extremely jealous of Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries. It’s fabulous.

**Your debut novel, Work in Progress, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?**

Snark, Scones, Kilts, & Golden Girls

**Where did the inspiration for Work in Progress come from?**

Well, I lived in the UK for eight years, and part of my heart lives there, so imagining myself on a literary tour of Scotland, England, and Wales with a handsome historian was a joyful form of escapism. When I first started writing Work in Progress I was going through a painful transition in my life. I felt trapped and depressed and sadly lacking in romance. So, in writing, I took myself on a little adventure, and as the story of my life has progressed, that little adventure for my characters has become a grand adventure and a new career for me. And now the adventure is living on in my readers, who have been messaging me to say that they are using the tour in the book to inspire their own trips to the UK. Even my cafe and restaurant locations in the story are real, so readers can use it as a travel guide with my personal recommendations.

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

Abbotsford is one of the few locations in the book that I wrote about without having been there myself. It’s the gorgeous fairytale castle that Sir Walter Scott built as a writing retreat and filled with all sorts of curious and mysterious items and collectables, as well as a massive library including a large catalog of rare historical books on witchcraft and the occult, and of course, beautiful art, furniture, and a garden prettier than any I’ve ever seen.

I had researched Abbotsford thoroughly in order to write it as a tour stop for my characters, and did so with as much detail and authenticity as I could manage. To then see it come to life in person was almost like walking into a fantasy that I had spun myself. It was a unique pleasure. My book had not yet been published at that point, so I could then go back and add details and experiences from being there in person.

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

Oh, loads! My dyslexic brain is sort of like a toy box that has tipped over and spilled its toys all over an unswept floor. I procrastinate like nobody’s business. I can’t spell for carp. My ability to focus on nothing at all and all things in the omniverse at the same time should be studied by science. I am easily distracted by shiny things, etc. etc. Wait. What was the question? The key for me has been learning how my brain works, and more importantly how to trick it! I’m a night owl, but I must work first thing when I wake up to get into the right mindset, and if I don’t, my entire day is shot. I use the Pomodoro Technique for timed writing sprints, otherwise there would be no Kat Mackenzie books at all. If I need to write and I’m resisting so hard that I would rather drown myself in a public toilet than write a single paragraph, I make a little deal with myself that I only have to write 150 words, because even I am not so lazy that I cannot write 150 words. But by the end of it, I’m almost always in the zone and can finish my scene and keep going – if I’m not, I allow myself to walk away. Long dog walks without music or audiobooks are a great way to brainstorm. I have also decided that it is acceptable to change directly from daytime pajamas into nighttime pajamas. People will try to tell you that it’s wrong. They are dumb. I officially give you permission.

I have a million different tricks, and despite knowing that they are tricks, I fall for them every time!

This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

I hate to say this, but it was lovely and easy for the most part! I know that makes me massively unlikable, but it’s true, I’m afraid.

I got extremely lucky. I queried 25 agents, got 2 offers, one of which was from my phenomenal agent, Jane Dystel, who is a legendary dream-agent. We went on sub and sold within a couple weeks to my editor, Tessa Woodard at Avon, who is just incredible and supportive, and magically always in a good mood.

I have a pretty thick skin with rejections, and I think this has been exceedingly helpful in the publishing business. Rejections from agents or editors didn’t hurt too badly, because I was grateful for their advice. I check my Goodreads reviews every day, and while some people really hated my book, I often screenshot these to send them to friends and family, because I find them hilarious. But far more often I am shocked and delighted by how many people absolutely loved my quirky little book. It is, every damn time, a surprise and a wonder when I get a good review. Even better than that, some people say that Work in Progress moved them or helped them through a difficult time, and that is more precious to me than just about anything.

I have had many jobs and a few different careers, many that were exciting and that I loved, but I have never felt so obsessed with any of them the way I do about being a writer. It fully possesses me. It’s all that I think about. Becoming a writer was like discovering my true identity suddenly halfway through my life. And, one of the very best things about it is that in becoming a writer I became part of a community of writerly people with whom I could gush, and brainstorm, and learn, and just talk books all the time. I have met so many incredible people through writing and it fills me with joy.

What’s next for you?

I’m about to go to bed soon and I have big plans for waffles in the morning.

After that, I’ll be sending my editor my second book in a few days. This one is another travel romcom about the annual matchmaking festival in Ireland (a real thing that I researched thoroughly in person, by the way. You’re welcome!). I sold this book on proposal… so, you know… finger’s crossed they don’t hate it! *unhinged laughter*

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?

Oh my goodness! My TBR could crush a Bison. But you asked for it, so here goes nothing.

There are many books written by author friends, recently published or releasing soon, that I am over-the-top excited about!

Work Trip by Chloe Ford, Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander, Love Sick by Deidra Duncan, Press Trip by Breea Keenan, Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti, Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher, Crash Landing by Annie Mcquaid, Crash Test by Amy James, Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel, Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen, Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop by Tricia O’Malley, Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan, Unromance by Erin Conor, The Stars of Scotland by Erica Mae, Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley, Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham, You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon, A Lady Would Know by Emma Theriault, Single Player by Tara Tai, For One Night Only by Jessica James, and last but not least, Doomed Souls by the incomparable, pee-yourself hilarious D.M. Guay

And these are books that are either waiting for me on my bedside table, or releasing in 2025, and I’m already fangirling over!

The Wood at Midwinter by Suzanna Clarke, Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett, and Tartufo Kira Jane Buxton.

Will you be picking up Work In Progress? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Kat Mackenzie, Author of ‘Work In Progress’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

28 New Romance Reads Hitting Bookshelves In January 2025

Elise Dumpleton — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:00:00 +0000

A new year brings new reads and you are going to swoon over the romance books that will be hitting bookshelves in January! The first month of 2025 sees new books from Chloe Liese, Sarah Adams, Jo Segura, Hannah Bonam-Young, Jenny Holiday, and so many more, along with delightful debuts!

Read on to discover our picks and let us know in the comments if you’ll be picking any!

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.

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.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

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A swoony, steamy, STEM romance in which two curators at a science museum—a handsome but grumpy astronomer and an anxious but sunshine-y entomologist—realize they are the perfect match.

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.

Single Player by Tara Tai

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Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Helen Hoang.

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.

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.

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

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In this Latinx adult romance debut from National Book Award Finalist Sonora Reyes, two friends enter into a marriage of convenience to save one from deportation—but everything changes when they unexpectedly fall in love.

Unromance by Erin Connor

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A recently dumped TV heartthrob enlists a jaded romance novelist to ruin romance for him—one rom-com trope at a time—so he never gets swept off his feet again . . .

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.

Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde

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A spicy small-town, brother’s best friend, sports romance “packed with sizzling tension, heat, and sweet, swoon-worthy moments” (Peyton Corinne, author of TikTok sensation Unsteady) between a college football coach and the one that got away that you’ll want to devour in one sitting.

Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee

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A struggling vineyard owner gets a second taste of her first crush in this romantic comedy that sparkles with humor and heat.

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.

Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel

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The game is on for two nerds who love to outplay each other . . . even when their hearts are on the line, in this charming and geeky romantic comedy perfect for fans of Olivia Dade and Jen DeLuca.

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.

Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen

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After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.

A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

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Get ready to swoon for this dreamy, forget-me-not romance that’s filled with the delightful tartness of Jane Austen and the sweeping, unputdownable drama of Bridgerton.

Flirting With Disaster by Naina Kumar

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She needs a divorce from her husband—but a hurricane threatens to dredge up their stormy, passionate past in this sizzling romance from the bestselling author of Say You’ll Be Mine.

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

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A married couple joins a week-long wilderness expedition to help them reconnect in this heartfelt companion novel to the viral TikTok sensation Out on a Limb.

Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday

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Summer camp heats up for a grumpy rockstar and a cynical dance instructor in this funny and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke

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With a colorful cast of characters and a cellar full of wine, anything can happen―from murder to a second chance at love―in Jenny Elder Moke’s half mystery, half romance adult debut set at a lavish destination wedding.

The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee

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There’s more than one way to love and more than one place to call home in this rousing small-town romantic comedy that’s sure to charm fans of Hannah Bonam-Young’s Next to You and Ashley Herring Blake’s Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date

Book People by Jackie Ashenden

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When a fledgling bookseller opens a shop and café celebrating popular genre fiction across the street from a well-established upscale bookshop, she incurs the wrath and disdain of its highbrow owner, until a long-held family secret that connects their pasts comes to light during a literary festival . . .

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

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A stolen latte results in a meet-cute for the ages in this brand-new edition, with bonus content, of New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter’s rom-com Accidentally Amy.

All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles

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Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.

The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns

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A heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance about the magic and mayhem of weddings – and what happens when everything you thought you knew about love is turned upside down.

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

The post 28 New Romance Reads Hitting Bookshelves In January 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Swoonworthy 2025 Romance Book Releases You Need

Elise Dumpleton — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

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

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

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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

Unromance by Erin Connor

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti

Yin Yang Love Song By Lauren Kung Jessen

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

For One Night Only by Jessica James

Let’s Call A Truce by Amy Buchanan

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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.