The Friend Zone is the second book in the Game On series; it can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading book one, The Hook Up, if you plan to read it at some stage! The Friend Zone is a spicy slow burn “friends to lovers” football romance dealing with themes and topics like family and found family, the pressures of fame and success, cancer, death of a parent and loss, infidelity and divorce, abuse, overcoming fears, identity, and pregnancy complications. This would be perfect for fans of “friends to lovers” sports romances like Unloved by Peyton Corinne, Fair Catch by Kandi Steiner, Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy, The Homerun Proposal by Maren Moore, The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award, and The Wingman by Stephanie Archer.

Since Ivy and Gray’s texting friendship started in chapter one and they met in-person soon after, the main story or action started right away without unnecessary preamble, which was really appreciated. Both of the main characters were a little quirky or nerdy, so I found that relatable; for example, they have funny nicknames for each other (Ivy is “special sauce” and Gray is “cupcake”), they tell each other dad jokes, and Gray is obsessed with numbers. There was some conflict or obstacles that Gray and Ivy had to overcome together, but I really liked that there wasn’t a third act break-up as that is my least favourite trope.

This might be a bit of a spoiler, but the inclusion of the accidental pregnancy trope was surprising. Although it made sense for Ivy and Gray’s story, if you’re not a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope or you find pregnancy complications triggering, The Friend Zone might not be for you.

I’m very interested in continuing to read this series, especially because book three is set to feature Ivy’s sister Fiona and Gray’s teammate Dex, both of whom we’re introduced to in The Friend Zone. If you love spicy slow burns, “friends to lovers”, and sports romances then I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Friend Zone!

The Friend Zone is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 1st 2025.

Will you be picking up The Friend Zone? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

An all-new print edition with exclusive bonus content, the #SpicyTok favorite GAME ON series by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan brings the heat. Are you ready for it?

They started as strangers texting…

The last thing star tight end Gray Grayson wants to do is drive his agent’s daughter’s hot-pink car. But he needs the wheels and she’s studying abroad.

Unknown: Mr. Grayson, my father tells me he lent you my car. I don’t care if he’s going to sign you or not. As said agent’s daughter, I know football players & their ways. So let me be clear. There will be no shenanigans taking place in it or you’ll answer to me. You want to hook up with someone, do it in a bed and not in my car. Sincerely, Ivy Mackenzie

GrayG: Hey, Miss Mac. You do realize your car is a bubblegum-pink Fiat, right? Even if I could get it up surrounded by all that heinous pink, the car is better suited for Lilliputians. So don’t worry, there will be no shenanigans (Shenanigans? Srsly? What are we, 80?) anywhere near the car. I’m not about to pull a hamstring in the pursuit of pleasure. BTW beds are overrated. Branch out a little.

Soon became best-texting buddies…
Gray Grayson drives Ivy nuts. He’s irreverent, sex on a stick and completely off-limits. Because Ivy has one golden rule: never get involved with one of her father’s clients.

But when they finally meet in person, everything goes haywire. Game on.

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The Hook Up is an opposites attract football romance and the first book in the Game On series. It deals with themes and topics like body image, self esteem and self worth, mental health, dealing with past trauma, bullying, death of parents, parental abandonment, parent-child relationships, love and heartbreak, fear of commitment, cheating, finances, friendships, and injury. This would be perfect for fans of sports romances like The Deal by Elle Kennedy, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams, and Fall with Me by Becka Mack.

I thought that The Hook Up was unique in that there was lots of spice at the beginning of the book and the majority of the relationship building happened in the second half of the book, which seemed almost the reverse order of most other romances I’ve read. Furthermore, even though Drew and Anna’s physical relationship was the opposite of a slow burn, the plot was slow to start and hard to get into, however the second half of the book was a lot more engaging and hard to put down! This book also dealt with some more serious and emotional topics in comparison to other books, including dealing with grief and trauma, which made the plot more memorable and meaningful. I also have book two, The Friend Zone, on my TBR list and I really appreciated that the male main character and even some plot points for book two were introduced in The Hook Up to create more anticipation!

The Hook Up is told from a dual point of view, which was great, but I found that the point of view changed a lot, sometimes multiple times per chapter, which I found unnecessary and challenging to keep track of. Additionally, there was almost too much conflict in The Hook Up; I’m typically not a fan of conflict or break-ups in romance novels so this was definitely a negative for me.

If you’re like me and The Hook Up has been on your TBR list forever, this rerelease is the perfect excuse to finally pick it up, especially if you are a fan of spicy football romances! 

The Hook Up is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 7th 2025.

Will you be picking up The Hook Up? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

An all-new print edition with exclusive bonus content, the #SpicyTok favorite GAME ON series by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan brings the heat. Are you ready for it?

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone and above all…no falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is most definitely not on her to-do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy, right?

Football has been good to Drew—two National Championships and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turn him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she’s shut him down. Completely.

That is…until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives. Anna wants it to remain a hook up, but Drew sees the possibility of something great. Now it’s up to him to persuade her. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning. As the saying goes, All’s fair in love and football…Game on.

The post Review: The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Now available from bookstores, Codename Charming is a delicious romantic comedy about a fake relationship between a grumpy royal bodyguard and the charming, sunny assistant who melts his cold, hard exterior.

Managed by Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan’s Managed became an instant grumpy/sunshine classic from the day it released—and for good reason. On her way to London for a job interview, the incredibly likeable Sophie ends up sitting next to Gabriel “Scottie” Scott, the tightly-buttoned, grouchy manager of one of the world’s most popular rock bands. They’re oil and water, but the reluctant sparks are there from the beginning, and when they end up working and touring together, and chronic insomniac Gabriel discovers that he can relax and sleep for the first time…as long as it’s cuddled up next to Sophie, the path is laid for one of my all-time favourite pairings.

The War Priest by Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre excels at opposites-attract pairings (for anyone who enjoys sci-fi romance, I also highly recommend Renegade Love, in which an abducted human heroine is taken yet again, this time by the universe’s most feared bounty hunter, Toth Krag, who’s been trained as the ultimate weapon of destruction and vengeance, taught to follow orders without question—and who falls like a ton of bricks for the strange “Tiny Nightmare” who’s having none of it.)

In her paranormal series “Ars Numina”, however, The War Priest is one of my favourite romances of the past few years; it sees another unlikely pairing in a soul-singing, soft-hearted lynx shifter and the bear-shifter warrior monk she adores. He’s taken vows of celibacy, there’s a war knocking on the door, and every chance that neither of them will survive the coming weeks—and the bond between them is so heartfelt it just resonates off the page.

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

I have a long list of beloved tropes, but grumpy/sunshine and fake dating will always be top-tier for me, and Alexandria Bellefleur’s totally delightful rom-com Written in the Stars hits on both counts—and in every other way. After a terrible blind date, straight-laced, practical Darcy and starry-eyed astrologer Elle are in no doubt whatsoever that they haven’t met their perfect match. However, when Darcy skews the truth to avoid any further family matchmaking, the pair find themselves embroiled in deception, having to pull off the image of romantic bliss until New Year’s Eve. Naturally, sparks begin to fly, and their journey from “absolutely not” to soulmates is witty, sexy, and an instant comfort-read.

Coldest Fire by Juliette Cross

Taking a turn into urban fantasy, an icy archangel set on vengeance is forced to call on a human witch for help, a woman he remembers with bitterness from one of the worst moments of his existence—but as they fight against a common enemy, they both realise that the other isn’t what they assumed. Coldest Fire is another excellent romance from Cross and the epitome of love and light triumphing over evil.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert’s writing is just a pure joy to read—even when it’s packing an absolute emotional punch, it remains a comfort read, because she infuses every paragraph with such warmth and love, for her characters, for their world, and for the story, in a way that draws the reader in and makes them immediately part of the experience. The first in the Brown Sisters trilogy was one of my first Talia Hibbert books, so holds a place in my heart—but I think Eve’s story is my favourite of the trilogy. 

On the surface, Eve is the epitome of the sunshine character, but she’s worked to have that positive attitude despite her earlier dreams not turning out as she’d hoped—and when she meets Jacob, the grumpy B&B owner (…and then accidentally runs him over), she can let her guard down for the first time, and the two find strength in each other. Through what they become together, they can more clearly see themselves for who they are as individuals. It’s a beautiful book and an amazing love story.

Hunt the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Part of Alexandra Ivy’s paranormal “Guardians of Eternity” series, Hunt the Darkness is the happy-ever-after of vampire clan leader Roke—notorious for his icy, practical nature—and the unintentionally chaotic (and lonely) witch Sally. After Sally accidentally casts a spell that triggers Roke’s “true mate” instinct, the pair find themselves seemingly irrevocably tied together—to their equal horror. It’s a road-trip romance as Sally takes off to find a way to break this seeming curse, with Roke in hot pursuit, as like it or not, she’s his mate and in potential danger. As they transition from enemies to reluctant allies and then lovers—with the well-intentioned but disastrous assistance of a tiny gargoyle named Levet—it’s an excellent mix of adventure and romance. 

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

It’s a Jackie Lau romance called “Grumpy Fake Boyfriend”; it couldn’t have been more obvious this would land on my keeper shelf if there were neon signs pointing at it. I adore Lau’s writing—it’s warm and heartfelt, but it’s also frequently laugh-out-loud funny. I loved the banter between sci-fi writer Will and event-planner Naomi, as the introvert and the extrovert pretend to be dating, in order to help Naomi save face in front of an ex. A relatively low-angst, warm hug of a story, like all of Lau’s novels, in which two very different people find common ground and accept and love each other for who they are.

The post Lucy Parker’s Grumpy-Sunshine Romance Book Recommendations appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Today, we’re granting the spotlight to the most delicious of tropes: enemies-to-lovers. Because we all know the rule…opposites always attract…especially if they initially hate each other’s guts. From sweet to steamy work rivals, and to bitter enemies, we have got you covered with this list!

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Vying for the promotion of a lifetime, co-workers and enemies-for-life Lucy and Joshua begin to walk a fine line between love and hate as their games to annoy each other turn into more. Thorne’s debut is going to be adapted into a movie, so the time to dive into this delicious and delightful workplace comedy is now!

Beach Read by Emily Henry
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters – and each other.

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn’t plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove opposites attract in this sweet and savory romcom.

Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Meet Melody Joo, a fierce woman who gets her dream job as a video game producer – only to be stuck with an infuriating – yet devilishly handsome – intern that makes her question all her morals after a mass troll attack online changes everything.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On the quieter, more pensive side of the enemies-to-lovers spectrum, we have an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. What begins as a taunt grows into something epic that could change the course of history.

Work for It by Talia Hibbert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Filled with angst and steamy goodness, follow this small-town story featuring a cynical city boy and a gruff, soft-hearted farmer as they bridge their differences and the distance between them.

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game on the ice —definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate. Except Ilya Rozanov might be more than just the handsome, rugged boy on the other team – he might be even playing for Shane’s, if you catch my drift. Warning: There are scenes so steamy in here, you’ll probably need to fan yourself – while wondering how these two ice hockey gods don’t melt the damn playing field.

Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again. Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text and sets a slew of events into action that will shatter their world.

Face Offs and Cheap Shots by Eden Finley and Saxon James
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

No one does enemies-to-lovers like this author duo does. When carefree and careless Beck surprisingly vies for the captain spot of their university’s hockey team – a spot that hard-working, stubborn Jacobs already had in the bag – pucks…and sparks fly.

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

The post Romance Book Recommendations: Enemies to Lovers Trope appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below which one you are most excited for!

Muffin Top by Avery Flynn
Goodreads | Amazon

The only thing about me that’s a size zero is the filter on my mouth. I’ve got a big personality, a big rack, and a big number on the scale. And I’m perfectly fine with that. But when some random guy suggests I might not be eating alone if I’d ordered a salad instead of a hamburger I’m shocked silent, which is a feat, trust me. That brings us to one sexy fireman named Frankie Hartigan. He’s hot. He’s funny… And he’s just apologized for being late for our “date” then glared at the fat-shaming jerk. Next thing I know, he’s sitting down and ordering himself dinner. I have no problem telling him I don’t need a pity date… unless of course it’s to my high school reunion next week. Oops where did that last bit come from? And what do I do now that he’s said yes?!

Consumed by J.R. Ward
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series comes a brand-new novel about arson investigator, Ann Ashburn, who is consumed by her troubled past, her family’s scorched legacy, and her current case: chasing a deadly killer.

Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the romantic tradition of The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with a story about a chance encounter that becomes a touchstone for two vastly different individuals — transcending decades, continents, and the bittersweet workings of fate.

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn’t hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava’s ever had. And that’s all it was–until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.

Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Knox of Iviland has spent his life competing in the All Wars, where vicious warriors with supernatural powers fight to the death to claim new realms. One winner takes everything—and all losers die. Vale London craves a fun arctic getaway with her foster sister before settling down to open a bakery. Street-tough but vulnerable, she is unprepared to find ancient gods escaping a frozen cave—merciless beings who target her when she inadvertently enters their war. Though Vale is now his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can prove victorious, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian. Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful.

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of The Princess Diaries and The Royal We comes a fun and daring novel about a modern-day princess who teams up with a spy to find out what happened to the fiancé who left her at the altar—and who just might get her own fairytale in the process.

A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When freelance writer Nikole Paterson goes to a Dodgers game with her actor boyfriend, his man bun, and his bros, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. Saying no isn’t the hard part–they’ve only been dating for five months, and he can’t even spell her name correctly. The hard part is having to face a stadium full of disappointed fans… At the game with his sister, Carlos Ibarra comes to Nik’s rescue and rushes her away from a camera crew. He’s even there for her when the video goes viral and Nik’s social media blows up–in a bad way. Nik knows that in the wilds of LA, a handsome doctor like Carlos can’t be looking for anything serious, so she embarks on an epic rebound with him, filled with food, fun, and fantastic sex. But when their glorified hookups start breaking the rules, one of them has to be smart enough to put on the brakes…

Fall by Kristen Callihan
Goodreads | Amazon

The first time I met Jax Blackwood things went a little sideways. In my defense, I didn’t know he was Jax Blackwood—who expects a legendary rock star to be shopping for groceries? More importantly, a blizzard was coming and he was about to grab the last carton of mint-chocolate chip. Still, I might have walked away, but then he smugly dared me to try and take the coveted ice cream. So I kissed him. And distracted that mint-chip right out of his hands. Okay, it was a dirty move, but desperate times and all that. Besides, I never expected he’d be my new neighbor.

Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust. Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.

One Day In December by Josie Silver
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn’t exist anywhere but the movies. But then, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic…and then her bus drives away. Certain they’re fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. Instead they “reunite” at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It’s Jack, the man from the bus. It would be. What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered.

Check out what else is coming out this month on our Goodreads list!

What book are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

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