About Every Version of You: For fans of The Love of My Afterlife and The Seven Year Slip, Reese’s Book Club LitUp Fellow Natalie Messier’s heartfelt contemporary romance debut follows a woman who gets a second chance at a formative time in her adult life—this time to win the “one that got away.” Releases on July 7th 2026. 

Like many women (most women, perhaps?) I’ve expended a lot of energy trying to make myself as likeable as I can, whittling myself down into the most palatable version of myself. So when I encounter a story where the main character simply hasn’t bothered to do the same, I’m intrigued. As a woman, there’s a million ways to do things wrong and seemingly no way to do things right, so it’s refreshing to see a woman who refuses to play the game.

Or, perhaps, she plays the game wrong. She makes a mess. She works so hard to be likeable that in her attempts, she loops back around and becomes insufferable. She tries to do the right thing, only to make everything worse. Women who care too much what people think, or women who don’t care at all—give me all the messy women. Without further ado, please find some of my favorite messy female leads in books, movies, and TV shows.

Buffy and Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Nothing says messy quite like a vampire slayer falling for a vampire—and Buffy does it twice! To be fair, some mess is to be expected—is earned, even—when you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. But when I say I love messy women, I mean messy, so I’d be remiss not to mention my favorite Buffy character: Faith. Even though Buffy errs on occasion, she always tries to follow the right path and do good. Faith messes up way more, on a bigger scale, and she does so unrepentantly. She looks out for herself, and though she comes back around, she ends up on the side of evil—lured there by a father figure who preyed on all her insecurities and desire for familial love. And you know what, I loved her through it all.

Evangeline Jenner in Devil in Winter

It’s undeniable that Lisa Kleypas writes some of the best MMCs in romance—and her heroines are just as compelling, entertaining, and easy to root for! I have a particular soft spot for all of the ladies in her Wallflowers series. Each one messy in their own way, it was hard to pick who to include on this list. From Lillian’s bold and brash demeanor, to Daisy’s fanciful imagination. I love Annabelle and the way she determinedly schemes to catch a husband—but I’d argue that Evie is the messiest. I mean, propositioning a marriage of convenience to the man who kidnapped one of your closest friends…I never would have guessed Evie would have it in her earlier in the series, and that to me makes her one of the historical queens of mess.

Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place

I’ll just say it: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fictional character who loves shrimp as much as Eleanor Shellstrop. I don’t know why I think that adds a tally in her “mess” column, but it does. I won’t ever forget how hard I laughed the first time I saw the pilot episode when Eleanor tells Chidi she doesn’t belong in the Good Place. In life, Eleanor was selfish, callous, and uncaring—but in death, she gets a second chance. Does she nail this second chance right off the bat? She wouldn’t be messy if she did. But Eleanor, like many women on this list, embodies what is to me one of the most important things about messy women—they deserve love too.

Solange Pereira in The Wedding Crasher

I’m a huge fan of Mia Sosa. Her FMCs are strong, sassy, and thoroughly entertaining. Solange in The Wedding Crasher is a perfect example of the fact that sometimes, mess can come well-intentioned. Was she right to crash Dean’s wedding? Absolutely, but that doesn’t make it not messy. Not that I minded, since it led to one of my favorite, messiest tropes—fake dating. I eat it up every time.

Isabel Conklin in The Summer I Turned Pretty

Falling for two brothers is peak messiness as far as romance FMCs go (special shout-out to Percy in Every Summer After for doing the same!), but Belly is such a lovable character. She’s coming of age, she’s torn between two boys who both give mixed signals and have histories with her. And you know what, everything that happened in these books and show was messy of Conrad and Jeremiah too, so I for the record am Team Belly all the way.

Nicole Speyer in The Best Worst Thing

I’m almost hesitant to call Nicole in The Best Worst Thing messy because everything she does is completely justified. Showing up unannounced on the doorstep of her former coworker who she had a will-they-won’t-they thing going on with years ago? Well, why not, considering she walked in on her husband sleeping with their dog walker. Nicole’s story and romance with Logan is undeniably messy, but she does the best with the circumstances she’s given. Still, she’s so undeniably human, and I think she’s earned her place on this list.

Julie in The Worst Person in the World

Julie might be the messiest woman on this list. She’s lost, listless, struggling in her career and in her romantic life. The other day, my partner asked if I remembered the scene where she and Eivind really want to cheat on their partners but are determined not to, so they push the boundaries of what “cheating” is. And you know what, personally, I think they cross that line pretty early on! But watch it and decide for yourself. Regardless, I found Julie easy to root for and empathize with in all her missteps.

June Wood in It’s Different This Time

Joss Richard’s debut was one of my favorite books I read last year. June Wood is my girl. It’s so relatable how she gets in her own way with her avoidant tendencies. She waits for the other shoe to drop, scared that Adam is too good to be true, and haven’t we all been there? But all of June’s insecurities and fears only makes it all the more satisfying when she finally accepts that good things can happen to her and gets her HEA.

Issa Dee in Insecure

Issa in Insecure is a very real kind of messy. Her mess is often driven by her awkwardness and the fact that she’s a young woman in her twenties, trying to find her way in life. Issa can be an unreliable and selfish friend at times, but who among us hasn’t hurt a few people while in crisis? She doesn’t always know what she wants, and she missteps in her pursuit to figure out what it is. Personally, I don’t know what’s more relatable than that.

Angela Gutierrez in Kiss Me, Maybe

You want to talk about messy? Creating a scavenger hunt on TikTok where the winner earns your first kiss. That’s pretty messy—and it’s exactly what Angela does in Gabriella Gamez’s sophomore novel after she goes viral from posting a video about being ace and a late bloomer. Luckily, she needs help pulling off the event. Enter Krystal, the hot bartender Angela’s had a crush on for years. Krystal isn’t ready for romance yet, and Angela is in the process of figuring herself out. It’s swoony, it’s romantic, and yes, it’s a bit messy.

Tashi Donaldson in Challengers

Love triangles are messy by nature, and a love triangle that spans 13 years like the one at the center of Challengers is all the more so. To be fair, everyone in this movie is a bit unhinged—but this is a list of messy women, so forget the guys for a second. Tashi shows that mess can be calculated. It can be intentional. Tashi is such a puppet master in this movie—but everything she does is messy, it’s fantastic to watch. From kissing both men as teenagers and telling them she’ll give her number to the winner of the next day’s tennis match, to everything she does before their match as adults, Tashi knows she has the guys wrapped around her finger, and she utilizes her power to its most chaotic degree.

Fleabag in Fleabag

A list of messy women wouldn’t be complete without Fleabag. She basically rewrote the book. In terms of influential characters, she’s top of the list when it comes to what I write. Every move she makes is questionable, yet thoroughly entertaining and empathetic. Season 2 of Fleabag might be one of the best seasons of television ever written—Hot Priest, anyone?—and so much of it is because of the growth we get to see her go through.

A Few More Messy FMCs Releasing in 2026

If you’re a fan of the aforementioned messy women, there are several books releasing in 2026 whose FMCs should be on your radar!

First up is Kaia Harper in Adrienne Thurman’s Don’t Tell Me How It Ends (out now). Kaia is a floundering twenty-something who has sworn off romance—only to be roped into her meddling sister’s matchmaking business. When Kaia begins falling for Ro, she pushes him away because it’s what’s familiar to her.

Next, Violet Lumani’s Not Good Neighbors (out now) is about Penny Huff, who is so irritated about the tragically thin wall between her apartment and her neighbor’s that she attempts to soundproof it…only to literally blow a hole in it, trapping the two in each other’s spaces.

Commitment-phobic Norah Gold in Rachel Pologe’s Now That We Don’t Talk (out 10/20) is a certified bolter who avoids emotional situations at all costs. So when she returns home for the holidays, her goal is to avoid Henry Cole, the boy who broke her heart back in high school. Easier said than done, since she discovers that their mothers are dating.

Alix Kelinda’s The Christmas Curse (out 10/20) is about Devra, a Christmas-hating recluse convinced her family is cursed due to the catastrophes that have tormented them every December for the past 30 years. So of course, when holiday-obsessed Bradley moves in next door, she’s certain he’s been sent by the curse.

A young adult romance to check out is Angelica Cheng’s The Fast Track (out 8/4) about a 17-year-old up-and-coming young driver Justine Kwong, who is trying to make it to F1 and falls for her biggest rival on-track.

Lastly, Harper Kinsley’s Spikes, Dice and Other Variables (out 9/15) centers on high schooler Riley McMahon, who struggles to keep her grades up and pretends to know how to play D&D to get her love interest to like her enough to tutor her. Sounds like teenage messiness at its finest!

The post Natalie Messier’s Favorite Messy Female Leads appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

She’s lonely, rich, and ten years too young for him—but she’s also his “sugar daddy,” and they couldn’t have less in common. Opposites attract in Sweeten The Deal, a charming new romance by Katie Shepard.

Dukes fall in love. Werewolves fall in love, and so do small town bakers and big city billionaires and farmers and firefighters. Neurodivergent people also fall in love in some of my favorite romance novels, and it’s even sweeter watching how the same beloved tropes play out when the full range of human diversity is represented on the page.

Chloe Liese’s Two Wrongs Make a Right

Liese has long promoted her philosophy that “everyone deserves a love story,” and many of her books feature main characters with physical or mental disabilities. In Two Wrongs Make a Right, autistic free-spirit Bea falls for uptight Jamie, an anxious pediatrician with daddy issues. Liese’s characters’ disabilities are never portrayed as the obstacles they’re overcoming to find true love—instead she focuses on their relationships, communication, and steamy moments. 

Mazey Eddings’ Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake

The titular Lizzie is a joyful, movable disaster with poorly managed ADHD. She’s always late, can’t keep a job, and just got knocked up by her two-night stand. But instead of seeing her life as a tragedy, Lizzie is a drop of sunshine throughout the steamy romp to happily ever after with the bemused and lovestruck Australian who only thinks he can manage to platonically coparent with the roommate he can’t keep his hands off. 

Talia Hibbert’s Act Your Age, Eve Brown

This grumpy/sunshine romcom in which both main characters are autistic hits a lot of pleasure centers in my brain. I love an awkward meet cute—Eve literally hits Jacob with a car!—I love forced proximity—Eve takes over Jacob’s B&B!—and I love that these two characters portray different parts of the autism spectrum, with white, male, analytical Jacob’s more stereotypical presentation and his sweet, feminine and Black love interest Eve illustrating a less-depicted experience. 

Lisa Kleypas’ Love in the Afternoon

The first time I ever read romance novels that featured main characters with mental illness or conditions like alcoholism, it was in historicals. It’s often more subtle, because Regency England did not exactly have a robust mental health system, but characters like Captain Phelan deal with the same challenges as contemporary love interests, just using different language. This book has a heart wrenching mistaken identity plot complicated by what modern readers will realize is PTSD arising out of Phelan’s service in the Crimean War. Kleypas deftly contrasts the lovers’ points of view, demonstrating that Phelan’s mental illness isn’t the problem—it’s his fear of it.

Helen Hoang’s The Heart Principle

Hoang doesn’t shy away from showing the pain of unaccommodated autism and untreated mental illness in the middle of a tender love story. This romance has a lovely steamy slow burn but also makes brilliant points about a character trying to push herself into a role her brain will simply not let her perform. Raw and beautiful. 

The post Katie Shepard’s Favourite Romance Reads Featuring Neurodiverse Characters appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

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

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

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

One Day in December by Josie Silver

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

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

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

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

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

The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk

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

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

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

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

Friends Don’t Fall In Love is about long-time friends, taking chances, and finding out that, sometimes, your perfect person was right there in your corner all along.

A year or so back, I was texting in my favorite group chat about, what else, romance novels, and I asked my best friends what they wanted in their love interests? We’re a diverse group of 40-year old women with complex backgrounds and preferences, but the feedback was unanimous: they wanted, no needed, regular guys. We all love an alpha billionaire with cut abs and a growly bedroom voice, but none of us have ever met one of those in real life. They wanted someone they could actually see themselves encountering at the grocery store, or who might pack their lunch with a note about kicking ass in their board meetings… and not only that, they wanted that to feel just as hot as the (oft toxic) alpha stories they were reading.

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever written an alpha male in my life, so this was good news for me. I married my college sweetheart who is the most secure beta male you’ve ever met. He’s my partner, my best friend, and my biggest fan… and he’s inspired every love interest I’ve ever penned.

Out of this conversation, Craig “Huckleberry” Boseman was born. I’d initially planned for Lorelai’s love interest to be her superstar alpha ex Drake Colter, but… I couldn’t stand the guy. Certainly not enough to put Lorelai through the task of falling for him. Craig had just the tiniest cameo in my debut Built to Last. A paragraph or two, tops. He was just some guy I threw in there as a space holder.

And hold space he did. Craig writes erotic poetry, wears reading glasses, has a motorcycle, and likes to hang out with his 12-year-old nephew. He owns his own indie record company, has a soft middle, and loves to give over receive in the bedroom. He drinks good wine, takes care of Lorelai when she’s sick, and wants nothing more than for her to realize her worth. He thinks she hangs the moon and loves her for exactly who she is, and isn’t threatened by her potential.

If you know me, you know I’m a reader first, writer second. So I asked Craig to help me put together a list of our Top 10 “Secure AF Beta Love Interests” for all of you. Mind, these are in no particular order because, obviously, it’s not a competition for these fellas (unless we were comparing how their ladies rank… then they might, I don’t know, raise their voices or write a strongly worded email, I guess).

West Ravenel in “The Devil’s Daughter” by Lisa Kleypas

Ah, West. Ruggedly handsome, utterly masculine, with a voracious appetite for food, life, and sex. Former childhood bully and wastrel, West doesn’t think he could possibly deserve Lady Phoebe even though he’s built his own small empire, complete with a glowing reputation as a fair and honorable man of the people. Despite his self-deprecating ways, he’ll stop at nothing to give Lady Phoebe everything he has if only to make her smile.

Beck Ryder in “America’s Geekheart” by Pippa Grant

Former boyband member and current underwear model and fashion mogul, Beck Ryder has it all. Except for the ability to impress the smart and beautiful girl next door, especially after he accidentally insults her in front of his millions of social media followers. You’ll fall in love with Beck’s heart, unwavering goodness, sense of humor, and appetite as he convinces Sarah to take a chance on him.

Sebastian Malheur in “The Countess Conspiracy” by Courtney Milan

Notable rake Sebastian has been best friends with the Countess, Violet Waterfield, since they were children and he’s probably been in love with her just as long (though he’d never admit it). After becoming a widow, she wants to publish her scientific research, but, of course, times being what they were, she couldn’t. Sebastian and Victoria concoct a plan, and for five years, Sebastian puts his name on Violet’s work, sharing it widely, speaking about it and often taking the heat for her controversial findings. Until one day, Sebastian is forced to quit and the two friends must discover who they are, really, when they aren’t hiding behind their separate masks and Sebastian takes on the daunting task of helping Violet discover her worth within the safe confines of his big love.

Malkom Slaine in “Demon from the Dark” by Kresley Cole

Is it strange to have a demon on this list? Maybe. But Malkom Slaine defies reason. He’s massive, fearless, and loyal. He’s hidden away for centuries, ashamed of who he’s been turned into until it turns out exactly who he is, is exactly who Carrow needs. He’s protective, which maybe some might call an alpha trait, but I don’t see it that way. Protective is fine as long as he sees her value and what she brings to the table, and boy does he! Also, a half demon, half vampire, and his fated witch mate? Sheesh. *fans self*

Meyer Harrington in “Funny Feelings” by Tarah DeWitt

Meyer is a former superstar comedian who stopped touring in order to raise his deaf daughter (DILF alert!) and manage the younger, prettier, up and coming comedic genious Farley Jones. His admiration and respect for Fee, letting her be exactly who she is and pushing her to challenge herself… while clearly pining for her, well. The result is both hilarious and bittersweet. Just like the best comedies.

Rhys, High Lord of the Night Court in “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas

“High Lord” doesn’t exactly say “beta” but hear me out. Rhys is secure A.F. He would do anything for his friends (including giving himself up for fifty years of torture to hide his kingdom). He would do anything for Feyre (including watch her marry his enemy). The pride Rhys displays at Feyre’s growth and ascension into power is unmatched and sexy as hell.

Noah Barden in “In a Jam” by Kate Canterbary

Childhood friends to (modern day) marriage of convenience? Yes please. But the real highlight for me is that Noah has been in love with Shay for most of their lives, so much so, that he’ll put himself through the sheer torture of “fake marrying” her just so she can gain possession of her late grandmother’s tulip farm. Oh, and did I mention he’s a dirty talking beta, who makes jam and is ALSO raising his niece as his own?

Jamie Fraser in “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

Jamie Fraser has position and power, but not when we first meet him and never when it comes to his relationship with the headstrong and brilliant Claire. It’s not only their age difference, or even the jumping back and forth through the centuries, it’s his straight up loyalty to Claire and his self-assuredness when it comes to handling everything that comes the pair’s way. There’s is a true partnership grown out of respect, adversity, and love.

Josh Im in “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” by Christina Lauren

Hazel is the perfect characterization of “if I’m too much, go find less” and Josh Im doesn’t want to. They become best friends on a mission to help each other find love, but as Josh watches time and again as different men fail to understand the brilliance of Hazel, he realizes their mistake is his gain. She’s not too much for him, she’s exactly who he needs and he’s secure enough to love her out loud.

Jason Orson “The Line Up” by Meghan Quinn

It was hard to wrap up this list, but if any one of these characters would be comfortable being last, it would be Jason Orson. Major League baseball player, loyal brother, amateur chef and owner of the “best ass” in baseball (at least according to him). Jason’s undeniable sincerity and unwavering self-confidence hold up to and eventually melt Ice Queen Dottie’s chilly façade. He wears down her rough edges and convinces her to take a chance on him.

Alright, those are mine… what do you think? Who would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments belo!

The post Top 10 Secure AF Beta Love Interest In Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

1. Heartbreaker Bay Series by Jill Shalvis
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The Heartbreaker Bay series is set in San Francisco where a group of friends either live or work in the same building complex. It’s a contemporary romance series with a dash of mystery and some humour. Each book follows a different set of couple, so each book can be read as a standalone. Jill Shalvis has a knack for writing fun contemporary romances and you are always left with a smile after reading any of her books. On that note, on to recommending another series by Shalvis!

2. Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis
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If you’re a fan of small-town romance, it’s a must-read series for you! The characters are all from the small town called Lucky Harbor, the first three books follow three sisters who have come back to the town where there now dead mother lived and then it follows each character that is introduced in the series. But having said that, each book can be read as a standalone. It’s a good series to just curl up and read.

3. Heather Wells Series by Meg Cabot
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Going back to some old school mystery romance, here is Meg Cabot’s Heather Wells series. This series is perfect if you’re looking for some light mystery romance books. Heather Wells is a former pop-idol, who, now an adult, has left her singing career behind after a few life-changing events. She now works as an assistant dorm director at one of New York’s colleges and lives in a brownstone which is owned by her ex-boyfriend’s cousin who is a P.I. She tries to solve crimes that occur in the college she works at and gets in some trouble.

4. Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn
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If you enjoy historical romances or are new to them, this series is for you! This series is about the Bridgerton sibling clan and each book has a heartwarming romantic story filled with humour. This is a good series to distract you from the current or any stressful times.

5. Wallflowers Series by Lisa Kleypas
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Lisa Kleypas is a great historical romance author and once you start reading her historical books, there’s no stopping. This series is about a group of women who are wallflowers in the 1800s, so they promise to find each other’s husbands. The relationship between the wallflowers is really nice and interesting to read about.

6. Love at Stake Series by Kerrelyn Sparks
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Who doesn’t love a good vampire romance series? This series not only has witty book titles, but the stories and characters are fun too. It’s light and a classic old school paranormal romance series, though to be honest, not the best paranormal series, it’s still delightful.

7. Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella
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Sophie Kinsella’s books are light and fun, so they’re perfect when you need a distraction to uplift your mood. In this book, Emma is struggling to find the right career and being successful at it. After having a crappy day, she is suddenly bumped to a business class seat on a plane, where she ends up spilling all her secrets to a stranger from America. But, of course, that stranger later turns out to be the head of her company. It’s hilarious and quite enjoyable.

8. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
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Lucy thinks Joshua is the bane of her existence and they have a hating game going on. If you like rivalry, hate to love stories, office romance trope, you will enjoy this contemporary romance standalone. It’s quite funny and entertaining.

Staying strong and positive is very important right now, so hopefully, these recommendations will prove helpful to you and enjoy reading whichever book you decide to choose.

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

The post Eight Romance Books To Uplift Your Mood appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to learn more about some great romance reads and you can check out the full collection on OverDrive.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime—maybe even love—in this romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling authors of Roomies.

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

From the author of Surprise Me comes an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be “the one,” and an IOU that changes everything.

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

A husband’s secret life, a wife’s new beginning: escape to the Caribbean with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand.

American Royals by Katharine McGee

What if America had a royal family? If you can’t get enough of Harry and Meghan or Kate and William, meet American princesses Beatrice and Samantha. Crazy Rich Asians meets The Crown. Perfect for fans of Red, White, and Royal Blue and The Royal We!

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, the “queen of witty dialogue” (Rachel Van Dyken, New York Times bestselling author), comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

A big-hearted romantic comedy in which First Son Alex falls in love with Prince Henry of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends…

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Beard Necessities by Penny Reid

This second-chance romance brings back the entire Winston gang, playing cupid in one last story of love, hi-jinks, and family collusion.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

From the critically acclaimed author of The Kiss Quotient comes a romantic novel about love that crosses international borders and all boundaries of the heart…

After by Anna Todd

Experience the internet’s most talked-about book, now a major motion picture, from Anna Todd, the writer Cosmopolitan called “the biggest literary phenomenon of her generation.” Now with new exclusive material!

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Fall in love—from the very beginning. Discover the first book in the captivating, #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series.

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

An arranged marriage leads to unexpected desire, in the first book of Alyssa Cole’s Runaway Royals series.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

A witty, hilarious romantic comedy about a woman who’s tired of being “boring” and recruits her mysterious, sexy neighbor to help her experience new things—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Jasmine Guillory, and Helen Hoang!

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren

From the New York Times bestselling author behind the “joyful, warm, touching” (Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author) The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas returns with the next dazzling romance in the Ravenels series – perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Debut author Sally Thorne bursts on the scene with a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.

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

The post Feel The Love This Valentine’s Day With These Romance Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our January to June picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be checking any of these out!

JANUARY

Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3) by Lauren Layne
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From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, comes the final instalment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
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New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with a unique, sexy romantic comedy about a young married couple whose rocky relationship needs a serious renovation.

You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
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Acclaimed author Colleen Oakley delivers a heart-wrenching and unforgettable love story about a woman who must choose between the man she loves and the man fate has chosen for her in a novel that reminds us that the best life is one led by the heart.

A Favor for a Favor (All In #2) by Helena Hunting
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Pucked and A Lie for a Lie, a new stand-alone romance about trading favours, battling wills, and winning love.

And Then One Day by Samantha Chase
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Courtney Baker is ready to put small town life—and the man she can’t have—behind her. At least she’ll be able to forget all about it when she leaves town in less than 48 hours. It takes a lot to surprise Dean Jones, but a kiss from the girl he’s been secretly attracted to for years does just that and he doesn’t want to let her go. But she’s his sister’s best friend and that’s a line he knows he should never cross.

Frenemies by Emma Hart
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There are some things you just have to deal with. Like your hot as hell college booty call moving in next door with his adorable daughter. The only time we’ve ever gotten along is under the sheets. My roommate is determined to see me married before she bites the dust. Unfortunately for me, she’s got her eye set on Cameron Black.

FEBRUARY

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
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Critically acclaimed author Mia Sosa delivers a sassy, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman whose new job requires her to work side-by-side with the best man who ruined her wedding: her ex-fiancé’s infuriating, irritating, annoyingly handsome brother. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Sally Thorne!

A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison
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Tyson Trice finds himself tossed into the wealthy coastal community of Pacific Hills after recovering from being shot and surviving the rough streets of Lindenwood. Golden girl Nandy Smith has spent most of her life building the pristine image that it takes to fit in when it comes to her hometown Pacific Hills where image is everything. After learning that her parents are taking in a troubled teen boy, Nandy fears her summer plans, as well as her reputation, will go up in flames.

The Kissing Game by Marie Harte
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Rena Jackson is ready. She’s worked her tail off to open up her own hair salon, and she’s almost ready to quit her job at the dive bar. Rena’s also a diehard romantic, and she’s had her eye on bar regular Axel Heller for a while. He’s got that tall-brooding-and-handsome thing going big time. Problem is, he’s got that buttoned-up Germanic ice man thing going as well. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Rena’s about ready to give up on Axel and find her own Mr. Right.

Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie Grazer
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Been There, Married That is a drop-dead hilarious battle of wills that will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and keep turning the pages to see what crazy disaster will happen to Agnes next…and how she’ll rise from the ashes.

Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas
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Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.

Loud Mouth by Avery Flynn
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Don’t miss the next hot, hockey romcom from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

MARCH

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
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From the New York Times bestselling author behind The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
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Perfect for fans of Me Before You and One Day—a striking, powerful, and moving love story following an ambitious lawyer who experiences an astonishing vision that could change her life forever.

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
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Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assist Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way to Liv’s heart… even while she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned.

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
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Internationally bestselling author Mhairi McFarlane returns with another heartful romantic comedy perfect for fans of Josie Silver, Sophie Kinsella, or Sally Thorne.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
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In this next captivating love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of One Day in December, a young woman is reunited with her late fiancé in a parallel life. But is this happy ending the one she really wants?

All I Ask by Corinne Michaels
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From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Time comes a breathtaking story about first love, second chances, and starting over.

APRIL

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
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From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher
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An office attraction becomes something more when they’re off the clock in this delightful romantic comedy by the USA Today bestselling author of Not the Girl You Marry.

The Ingredients of You and Me by Nina Bocci
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From the USA TODAY bestselling author of On the Corner of Love and Hate comes a sizzling and sweet small-town love story that follows a bakery store owner who decides to take her chances on a truly hopeless romantic.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
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When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters
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In this fresh and hilarious historical rom-com, an estranged husband and wife in Regency England feign accidents and illness in an attempt to gain attention—and maybe just win each other back in the process.

The Business of Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey
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All is fair in love and lust in New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey’s tale of two brothers, four women, and the business of desire.

MAY

The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel
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A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy debut about first impressions, second chances, and finding the love of your life in the most unexpected way.

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
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A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance.

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha
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Orphan Black meets the post-apocalyptic Avengers in the vein of Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author duo Kit Rocha.

Beach Read by Emily Henry
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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.

The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
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When Graham Barnett named his diner The Tourist Trap, he meant it as a joke. Now he’s stuck slinging reindeer dogs to an endless string of resort visitors who couldn’t interest him less. Not even the sweet, enthusiastic tourist in the corner who blushes every time he looks her way…

Hideaway by Nora Roberts
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A family ranch in Big Sur country and a legacy of Hollywood royalty set the stage for Nora Roberts’ emotional new suspense novel.

JUNE

The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
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Making it up the aisle was the easy part: After marrying the heir to the throne, Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals as she adjusts to life in the glamorous British royal family, in this “highly anticipated” follow-up to The Royal We.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
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Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral…

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
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A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
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USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon launches a new series about three young women who become friends when the live Tweeting of a disastrous date leads them to discover they’ve all been duped by the same man.

The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
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Two girls embark on a summer of montage-worthy dates (with a few strings attached) in this hilarious and heartfelt lesbian rom-com that’s perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Jenny Han.

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
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New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the much-anticipated final book in her Bareknuckle Bastards series, featuring a scoundrel duke and the powerful woman who brings him to his knees.

What romance release are you looking forward to the most? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2020 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.