About When Dealing With Dragons: Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal—now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight. Releases June 30th 2026.

Want to know a universal truth? Before every writer is a writer, we are readers. For me in particular, I’ve went from reader to bookseller to book buyer and event planner, writing along the way. So, I’ve recommended a book or two in my time (maybe even a few hundred).

Nerd Daily is one of my absolute favorite book outlets so when they asked for a list of my reader recommendations for this summer, I happily put my bookseller cap back on. Because what’s easier than talking about my own book, WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS, hitting shelves June 30^th from Wednesday Books? Talking about other books, of course!

Three Young Adult 2026 SUMMER releases I’ve read and adored:

CURSED EVER AFTER by Andy C. Naranjo

Okay, I’m biased with this first one, like really biased. But that doesn’t stop CURSED EVER AFTER being one of my favorite stories.

For a time, it felt like fantasy wasn’t allowed to be funny anymore and Andy said hold my witch’s hat and let me break that curse upon young adult literature with this one! This book is funny, heartfelt, diverse, and seeped in fairytale whimsy.

Even better on June 30^th Andy C. Naranjo and I will be hosting our joint launch event at BookPeople at 6:30pm CT. So, if you’re in or near Austin, Texas come see two friends who just so happened to luck out that our books come out the same day!

ROLLS AND RIVALRY by Kristy Boyce

I’m a huge Kristy Boyce fan and have been since we debuted together in 2021. I especially love her Gaming and Romance series! When I learned her new one starred a color guard captain I was sold because well, I was a color guard captain in high school.

This third installment in the series might even be my new favorite of Kristy’s because all the band references, the childhood friends turned rivals, and her sparkling dialogue? Nothing is more perfect for summer! I read it in one day!

OF FLAME AND FURY and OF VENOM AND VENGEANCE by Mikayla Bridge

The moment I read OF FLAME AND FURY last summer I was hooked! Phoenix racing, fake-dating, and a critique on capitalism wrapped up in one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen!

Therefore, you can imagine my excitement for the companion novel, OF VENOM AND VENGEANCE. Set in the same world this book follows two new protagonists, who you can expect to give you the most delicious romance.

Three Young Adult 2026 releases I haven’t read yet, but can’t wait for:

FIRE TO THE STARS by Morgan J. Watchorn

If you’re into dragons, then may I suggest dragon shifters? Because I can’t wait for this YA debut from Morgan J. Watchorn.

Written in dual points of view (my favorite) this is a story about two teens from opposing worlds forced to form an alliance. The cover is stunning too!

IMMORTAL GAME by Allison Saft

Do I know how to play chess? No. Will that stop me from reading the next Allison Saft release? Never! Add in Fae and deals and the lyrical whimsy I know this will have and I’m beyond sold.

This book is the next one on TBR because I’ve somehow been chosen for the honor to be Allison’s conversation partner for her Austin, Texas tour stop.

Link here to RSVP now if you would like to watch and join me fangirling over Allison Saft.

ALL WE HUNGER FOR by Anna Mercier

A magical baking competition with a side of brewing rebellion? Excuse me, Anna! What a concept!

It reminds me a little of WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS in that it’s a cozy premise bundled with high stakes and guarded secrets. I’m all for books with that combination. So excited for this debut that is out now!!!

Looking for something like WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS in a different age category?

Middle Grade: KINDRED DRAGONS by Sarah Mensinga

Sarah has crafted the perfect pitch for a book, as if it was written for me––Anne of Green Gables meets Dragons.

I don’t know if I need to say more than that, but this graphic novel is beautifully illustrated (also done by Sarah because she is amazing and talented and wonderful) and the story is heartfelt, with a magic system anchored in the bonds between people and dragons like WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS!

Also, I gave this graphic novel to my cousin’s seven-year-old daughter and have heard back that she loved it and thus I have received the brownie points for years to come because it’s the first in a series!

Adult: STRANGE FAMILIARS by Keshe Chow

If you want more magical veterinarian and rivals-to-lovers content, but for the adult audience, look no further than STRANGE FAMILIARS.

It’s set at a magical college with cute animal familiars. Nothing can be more perfect, except oh, it also has a delicious spicy romance too! Perfection!

Because it is always easier to talk, sell, and promote other books I deeply appreciate everyone, especially, Nerd Daily, for promoting WHEN DEALING WITH DRAGONS! I wrote this book for dragon lovers and kids who want to see protagonists who win through kindness. A few elements in the book I incorporated because of my bookselling background include:

• It can be read as a standalone. Though a companion novel is coming in summer 2027 for those who fall in love with the world.
• It fits firmly in the young adult category, with some reviewers even saying they see it as a bridge book between middle grade and young adult.
• It’s warm and heartfelt but doesn’t avoid high stakes and hard topics that make people think long after the last page.

I really hope you enjoy the story! Thank you!

The post Six Young Adult Books Perfect for Summer 2026 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce, which is out now.

Questing for love . . .

Hazel Buchanan has her senior year mapped out: Win respect as color guard captain, kick off her first D&D campaign, and steer clear of distractions. But her plan takes a critical hit when Max—her former best friend and longtime crush—returns to town with drumsticks in hand and an unexplained chip on his shoulder.

Hazel and Max can’t help bickering every time they’re together, and thanks to meddling parents, he’s invading her D&D game too. As Dungeon Master, she’s ready to shut him down, but D&D has a way of bringing people together like nothing else. Is this rivalry masking something more? With dice rolling and emotions spinning, Hazel might be in for more than she planned . . .

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The post Read The First Chapter From ‘Rolls and Rivalry’ by Kristy Boyce appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Kristy Boyce’s Dating and Dragons, which is available from December 31st 2024.

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

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The post Read The First Chapter From ‘Dating and Dragons’ by Kristy Boyce appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ready for some new YA books? There are so many new books to look forward to in January 2024 with new releases from the likes of Brigid Kemmerer, Ayana Gray, Emma Lord, Kaylie Smith, Goldy Moldavsky, and many more, along with those making their exciting debut!

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

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My Fair Lady meets the classic teen film She’s All That in this charming and swoony new rom-com from Brian D. Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country. Perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and She Gets the Girl.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao

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The epic sequel to the book Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, is a fast-paced, riveting YA fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

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From the bestselling author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love… until they fall in love themselves.

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

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In this epic conclusion to her New York Times bestselling series, Ayana Gray delivers a heart-pounding fantasy adventure filled with mythos, monsters, and mortal heroes who are astoundingly human.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan

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From the author of Counting Down with You and A Show for Two comes a new YA contemporary about a girl who accidentally sabotages an up-and-coming local band and falls for the guitarist while secretly trying to make up for her mistake.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Dungeons and Drama By Kristy Boyce

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What do you get when you pair a charming gamer with a stubborn theatre nerd? Dungeons and Dragons is a new rivals-to-lovers gaming romance from Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend and Hot Dutch Daydream!

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson

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Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must claw his way to the top in this thrilling YA fantasy debut

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

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Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.

Red by Annie Cardi

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A Christian girl is stigmatized by her peers after seeking an abortion in this modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era.

Just Say Yes by Goldy Moldavsky

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Inspired by Goldy’s childhood as an undocumented immigrant, Just Say Yes is full of heart and laugh-out-loud humour, while also tackling important themes related to immigrant issues with honesty and nuance.

A Reckless Oath by Kaylie Smith

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In this sequel to the spellbinding A Ruinous Fate, more action, romance, and magic abound as Calla and friends must deal with their losses and come to grips with their own part to play in the Fates’ War ahead.

A Place For Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

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A teen girl and her family return to her mother’s childhood home, only to discover that the house’s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.

Not Dead Enough by Tyffany D. Neiheiser

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Girl in Pieces meets Cracked Up to Be in this raw and candid look at trauma about a girl who is being haunted and stalked by her definitely dead ex-boyfriend.

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

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Magical heists. Deadly secrets. Come along for the ride . . . if you dare. This heart-stopping, seductive fantasy is perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill

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In this new pulse-pounding thriller from the author of The Black Queen, two brothers must come together to solve the murder of the most popular girl in school after one of them is caught fleeing the scene of her death.

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

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This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws readers into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk―perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.

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

The post 28 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Kristy Boyce’s Dungeons and Drama, which is out January 9th 2024!

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she’s grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.

Riley can’t waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.

But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan’s Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require as much acting as she would’ve thought…

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Dungeons and Drama’ by Kristy Boyce appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
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The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans.

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
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When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighbouring restaurants.

Game Changer by Neal Shusterman
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This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.

Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson
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From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Renée Watson comes a new YA–a love story about not only a romantic relationship but how a girl finds herself and falls in love with who she really is.

This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria
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An #ownvoices debut YA fantasy, This Golden Flame is an epic adventure full of magic, rebellion, and finding where you truly belong.

We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire by Joy McCullough
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From the author of the acclaimed Blood Water Paint, a new contemporary YA novel in prose and verse about a girl struggling with guilt and a desire for revenge after her sister’s rapist escapes with no prison time.

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
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In this wry and hilarious queer romantic comedy, fifteen-year-old Phoebe realizes that falling in love is maybe not just for losers.

Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce
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This enchanting debut teen romance novel, which follows one girl across the Atlantic in a quest to find adventure, love (preferably with a guy with a cute accent), and maybe even herself, is perfect for fans of Kasie West and Stephanie Perkins.

What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
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Rose Szabo’s thrilling debut is a dark and thrilling novel about a teen girl who returns home to her strange, wild family after years of estrangement, perfect for fans of Wilder Girls.

Love in English by Maria E. Andreu
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A fresh, breakout YA novel that is layered with themes of immigration, cultural identity, and finding your voice in any language. 

The Girl from Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher
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The Revenant meets True Grit with a magical twist in this thrilling and atmospheric debut fantasy about two teens who must brave a frozen wasteland and the foes within it to save their loved ones and uncover a deadly secret.

The Iron Raven by Julie Kagawa
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Wicked faeries and fantastic danger… Welcome to book one of the new trilogy in New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey fantasy series, as infamous prankster Puck finally has a chance to tell his story and stand with allies new and old to save Faery and the world. For fans of Holly Black and Cassandra Clare!

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

The post February 2021 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.