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

Hi! I’m a born and bred New Yorker and author of romance and romantic comedies. I have a day-job as a paralegal at a Manhattan law firm that I dream of being able to quit to write full-time. I’m a runner, recent OrangeTheoryFitness enthusiast, and self-proclaimed television addict. And, I read a lot …obviously.

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

I’ve always loved to read and although I would invent stories in my head as a child, especially during long road trips, I didn’t discover my passion for writing until my early 30s when I started an anonymous dating blog. While daydreaming on my walk to work one day, I was inspired to write a romance. I wrote three pages that day and never looked back!

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Betsy’s Little Star by Carolyn Haywood
• The one that made you want to become an author: The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

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

Inconvenient feelings for roommate’s grandson

What can readers expect?

Roommating is a cozy roommates to lovers romcom and a love letter to books and libraries, Manhattan, and grandmothers. Although the romance is central, the intergenerational friendship between Sabrina and Marcia is a strong subplot. There are a lot of author and book title drops! The sex scenes are open door but not super steamy.

Where did the inspiration for Roommating come from?

I came up with the idea for Roommating from a segment on The Today Show about an intergenerational roommate app that connects older adults looking to rent out a room to a younger adult for reduced rent in exchange for help around the house. 

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

I always love developing the central romance, and Sabrina and Adam were no exception, but in this book I was especially fond of the intergenerational friendship between Sabrina and her older roommate, Marcia. It was also really fun to center this book around libraries and reading because I was able to pull from my own passions. I even attended two orientations (one in-person and the other virtual) for a masters in library and information science and I was a little jealous that I couldn’t actually enroll!

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

The book was initially more enemies to lovers but at my editor’s urging during a video brainstorming call, I did a significant rewrite to rejig and better develop Adam and Sabrina’s relationship so that the romantic connection came before the later rivalry. It was intimidating at first but once I got into it, I loved every second and think it made for a much better romance.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently revising a romance in a new sub-genre. Stay tuned!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

I’ve already read eighty-one books this year and have loved so many. In particular, I enjoyed Passion Project by London Sperry, Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff, Long Live Evil by Sarah Brennan, and The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest. I’m excited to read Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler, Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun, Pugs and Kisses by Farah Rochon, Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston, and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Colllins (am waiting until Roommating is out for this one) among others.

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

The post Q&A: Meredith Schorr, Author of ‘Roommating’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

I’m not a romance trope monogamist. Give me all your second chance, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, fake dating romances and I will devour each and every one. But there’s something about enemies to lovers that draws me in every time. The tension? The banter? The heat? Yes, yes, and yes.

I love enemies to lovers romcoms in all their forms, but I’m especially keen on ones where the characters have a past. And so I wrote one. In Someone Just Like You, Molly and Jude lived across the street from each other growing up. The same age, both the youngest of three, and with parents who are best friends, they spent a lot of time together…and hated every second. Complete opposites, Molly thinks Jude is a too—charming slacker and Jude thinks Molly is allergic to fun. Now in their late twenties, they should be free to have nothing to do with each other. Instead, they live six blocks apart in Manhattan, are being forced by their older siblings to plan a surprise co-anniversary party for their parents, and oh yeah, they’ve both been unknowingly dating a version of each other’s doppelganger for a decade.

Here are some of my other favourite enemies to lovers romcoms from the last few years featuring characters who have a past:

ANNE OF MANHATTAN by Brina Starler

A modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables with former schoolmates and rivals, Anne and Gilbert, set against a New York City backdrop.

After an idyllic girlhood in Avonlea, Long Island, Anne has packed up her trunk, said goodbye to her foster parents, Marilla and Matthew, and moved to the isle of Manhattan for grad school. Together with her best friend, Diana Barry, she’s ready to take on the world and find her voice as a writer.

When her long-time archrival Gilbert Blythe shows up at Redmond College for their final year, Anne gets the shock of her life. Gil has been in California for the last five years—since he kissed her during a beach bonfire, and she ghosted him. Now the handsome brunette is flashing his dimples at her like he hasn’t a care in the world and she isn’t buying it.

Paired with the same professor for their thesis, the two former competitors come to a grudging peace that turns into something so much deeper…and sexier than either intended. But when Gil seemingly betrays her to get ahead, Anne realizes she was right all along—she should never have trusted Gilbert Blythe.

While Gil must prove to Anne that they’re meant to be together, she must come to terms with her old fears if she wants a happily-ever-after with the boy she’s always (secretly) loved.

THE HOOKUP PLAN by Farrah Rochon

London competed with Drew all through high school and now he’s the perfect definition of self-care in the form of casual sex. Until she falls for him.

Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings. But no one—least of all London—expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis.

Now London is certain the road to hell is paved with good sex. Because she’s found out the real reason Drew’s back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he’s a decent guy who actually cares. But London’s not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.

FOOL ME ONCE by Ashley Winstead

He’s the ex-boyfriend who screwed her over, or so she thought when she responded in kind. Now they are forced to work together on the most important project of her career to date.

Lee Stone is a twenty-first-century woman: she kicks butt at her job as a communications director at a women-run electric car company (that’s better than Tesla, thank you), and after work she is “Stoner,” drinking guys under the table and never letting any of them get too comfortable in her bed…

That’s because Lee’s learned one big lesson: never trust love. Four major heartbreaks set her straight, from her father cheating on her mom all the way to Ben Laderman in grad school—who wasn’t actually cheating, but she could have sworn he was, so she reciprocated in kind.

Then Ben shows up five years later, working as a policy expert for the most liberal governor in Texas history, just as Lee is trying to get a clean energy bill rolling. Things get complicated—and competitive—as Lee and Ben are forced to work together. Tension builds just as old sparks reignite, fanning the flames for a romantic dustup the size of Texas.

JUST MY TYPE by Falon Ballard

First loves now competing for the same job!

Lana Parker is an expert girlfriend. After a disastrous breakup with her high school boyfriend, she’s bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationhip and even works as the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles’s trendiest websites. But when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she’s ready to take a break, both personally and professionally.

That is, until her high school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana’s site. Having spent years traveling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth’s finally ready to put down roots. Seth and Lana’s chemistry is just as combative—and undeniable—as ever and quickly leads to a competition that could shape both of their careers. Pitted against each other by Lana’s boss, they are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana needs to write about being single and staying single, while Seth must learn to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever’s series is most popular wins a highly coveted dream job. But when the two square off, it’s not only their careers on the line—it’s also their hearts.

YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER by Sarah Hogle

An engaged couple who started out strong, but now she’ll try anything to get him to call the whole thing off.

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They’re preparing for their lavish wedding that’s three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there’s a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they’re finally being themselves—and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.

THE PLUS ONE by Mazey Eddings

Childhood enemies who are struggling as adults throw shade at each other while sharing living space until they realize they’re a perfect match.

Some facts are indisputable. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. Gravity exists. Indira doesn’t like Jude. Jude doesn’t like Indira. But what happens when these childhood enemies find the only thing they can rely on is each other?

On paper, Indira has everything together. An amazing job, a boyfriend, and a car. What more could a late twenty-something ask for? But when she walks in on her boyfriend in an amorous embrace with a stranger, that perfect on paper image goes up in flames.

Jude has nothing together. A doctor that’s spent the last three years traveling the world to treat emergencies and humanitarian crises, a quick trip home for his best friend’s wedding has him struggling to readjust.

Thrust into an elaborate (and ridiculously drawn out) wedding event that’s stressing Jude beyond belief and has Indira seeing her ex and his new girlfriend far more frequently than any human should endure, the duo strike a bargain to be each other’s fake dates to this wedding from hell. The only problem is, their forced proximity and fake displays of affection are starting to feel a bit…real, and both are left grappling with the idea that a situation that couldn’t be worse, is made a little better with the other around.

KISS HER ONCE FOR ME by Alison Cochrun

Ellie and Jack had a fling that ended badly. Now Ellie’s fake dating Jack’s brother.

One year ago, recent Portland transplant Ellie Oliver had her dream job in animation and a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. But after a betrayal the next morning and the loss of her job soon after, she finds herself adrift, alone, and desperate for money.

Finding work at a local coffee shop, she’s just getting through the days—until Andrew, the shop’s landlord, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will give him his recent inheritance and alleviate Ellie’s financial woes and isolation. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancée to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover it’s Jack—the mysterious woman she fell for over the course of one magical Christmas Eve the year before. Now, Ellie must choose between the safety of a fake relationship and the risk of something real.

The post 7 Enemies To Lovers Books You Should Read appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Let’s face it: we might not know what 2022 may look like while we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, but what we do know is that it will be a year filled with sweet, saucy, steamy, and sexy romances! Read on to find our most anticipated romance releases from January to June and dive headfirst into the loveliest of distractions – reading!

JANUARY

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this charming romantic comedy from the author of The Ex Talk.

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

They were cowriting literary darlings until they hit a plot hole that turned their lives upside down. Forced to reunite as they’re facing crossroads in their personal and professional lives, Katrina and Nathan will learn that relationships, like writing, sometimes take a few rough drafts before they get it right.

Electric Idol by Katee Robert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Lore Olympus meets Helen Hardt in this unspeakably hot take on Eros and Psyche. After delivering an unputdownable Hades/Persephone retelling, Robert returns to the Dark Olympus series with the second installment following socialite Psyche and involuntary hitman Eros.

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the acclaimed author of Boyfriend Material comes a delightfully witty romance featuring a reserved duke who’s betrothed to one twin and hopelessly enamoured with the other.

FEBRUARY

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher
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A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series. In Not the Witch You Wed, April Asher brings all the hilarity and sweet, sexy moments you love in a romantic-comedy—plus a fun dose of magic—to this spell-binding new series about being sexy, single, and supernatural in New York City.

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following Written in the Stars and Hang the Moon, national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur pens another steamy sapphic rom-com about former best friends who might be each other’s second chance at love.

I’m So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson
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A chance to rewrite their ending is worth the risk in this swoony romantic comedy from Kosoko Jackson. When Kian and Hudson end up fake dating to appease Hudson’s parents, old wounds and feelings return.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
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Once Delilah Green begrudgingly returns home for her step-sister’s wedding, all bets are off when she crosses paths with a former mean girl from her childhood and old feelings reignite. A clever and steamy queer romantic comedy about taking chances and accepting love—with all its complications.

MARCH

Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the follow-up to It Happened One Summer, Tessa Bailey delivers another deliciously fun rom-com about a former player who accidentally falls for his best friend while trying to help her land a different man.

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Things get textual when a steamy message from a random wrong number turns into a thrilling anonymous relationship in this hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy
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A debut #ownvoices rom-com about a plus-size heroine who gets a full-life makeover after a brutal breakup, with the help of an irresistible cast of friends and family, a kitchen reno, and a devastatingly handsome contractor.

A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Harper is anxiously awaiting placement into a top oral surgery residency program when she crashes (literally) into Dan. With the greatest of intentions and the poorest of follow-throughs, the two set out to be “just friends.” But as they get to know each other better, Harper fears that trading fillings for feelings may make her lose control. Blood, gore, and extra-long roots? No problem. The idea of falling in love? Torture.

APRIL

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
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After a wild bet, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable. Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery
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The West Wing meets Red, White and Royal Blue by way of The Hating Game in this debut enemies-to-lovers queer romcom in which a viral photo forces two ruthless political staffers to fake a relationship to save their presidential candidate’s campaign.

Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
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It’s one hex of an attraction in this romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare. When Reggie Johnson answers a job ad in the paper, she’s astonished to find that she’s not applying for work at her favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. Instead, she’s applying to be an actual familiar for an actual witch. As in, real magic. The new job has a few perks – The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer’s nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell.

Business Not as Usual by Sharon C. Cooper
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A woman learns the hard way about mixing business with pleasure in this hilarious new romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper. Dreamy Daniels dreams of making it big and nothing is going to stand in her way – not even her boss’s potential investor who has the social grace of the Duke of Sussex and the suaveness of Idris Elba – no distractions allowed.

MAY

Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky
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Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. In this warm, witty, and hilarious LGBTQIAP+ romcom, a hazy summer might just lead to the perfect kiss.

Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting
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Charming, hilarious and emotional, Starry-Eyed Love is Helena Hunting’s second installment in the Spark sisters series! London Spark just got her heart broken and wants nothing more than be single for a while – but when a mysterious man pays for her drinks on a night out only to end up being a future business partner of her family’s event hotel, sparks fly despite her vow to stay single.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
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One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…A by the book literary agent must decide if happily ever after is worth changing her whole life for in this insightful, delightful new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliot
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A chef’s journey to success leads to discovering the perfect recipe for love in this delicious romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella.

JUNE

Fake It Till You Bake it by Jamie Wesley
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A reality star and a cupcake-baking football player pretend to be a couple in order to save his bakery in this sweet and sexy romance from Jamie Wesley, Fake It Till You Bake It.

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
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A people-pleasing semi-closeted bridesmaid-for-hire meets her polar opposite in this delightfully heartwarming debut. Will she find her happily ever after?

The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon
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The Kiss Quotient meets Love Potion No. 9 in the next sparkling romantic comedy by Lily Menon, The Sizzle Paradox…

As Seen on TV by Meredith Schorr
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Emerging journalist Adina Geller is done with dating in New York City. Following the romance movies suggestion that real love can be found in a small town, she heads off the grid to Pleasant Hollow – only to learn that there isn’t all that much pleasant about it. That is, until Finn Adams makes her question whether the movies got it right, after all.

What 2022 romance releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2022 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.