Prepare your romance-loving heart as there are some stellar romance books releasing in the first half of 2025! Between the months of January and June, you’ll see new releases from Emily Henry, Charlotte Stein, TJ Alexander, Jasmine Guillory, Ali Hazelwood, Meryl Wilsner, Abby Jimenez, Sarah Hogle, Katherine Center, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Ashley Poston, and many more, along with so many debuts too!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2025 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, YA books, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, and Fiction books list.

JANUARY 2025

Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee

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

Work In Progress by Kat Mackenzie

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A warm, sexy, laugh-out-loud rom-com about a woman who, desperate for a fresh start, books a literary bus tour across the UK that consists of a lively group of elderly ladies plus one infuriatingly handsome Scottish driver.

Unromance by Erin Connor

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

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

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Archaeologist Miriam and journalist Rafael are destined to be rivals and must journey together to find the Lost City of the Moon. As they navigate treacherous paths and rival crews, their hearts become entangled in a thrilling adventure where love and duty collide in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti

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USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti returns with another hot, hilarious Regency romp about a reclusive earl and the wallflower-turned-radical-pamphleteer who turns his life upside down.

Yin Yang Love Song By Lauren Kung Jessen

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In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

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From the author of The Reunion, a cozy rom-com about a writer who decamps to a Vermont lodge for work but finds herself distracted by the charming ski instructor next door.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this new rivals-to-lovers romance set in Rome, Kentucky—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect.

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

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With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.

For One Night Only by Jessica James

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When two former bandmates—and bedmates—are thrust back into each other’s lives in a fake dating scheme for publicity, they’ll be forced to face the music.

Let’s Call A Truce by Amy Buchanan

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Let’s Call A Truce is a sexy contemporary romance about second chances at life and love, bursting with humor and a touch of angst from debut author, Amy Buchanan.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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Star-crossed lovers learn that practicing romance leads to the perfect happy ending in this steamy reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

FEBRUARY 2025

A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera

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Aurora Montalban, an ambitious doctor breaking societal norms to help women in 19^th century Paris, and Apollo Sinclair Robles, the reluctant Duke willing to risk everything for her.

Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan

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A second chance at love, small-town romance that’s all sweet with just a hint of heat from the “queen of sweet romance” (Falon Ballard) Sophie Sullivan.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle–inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

I Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped In A Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

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A hilarious and sexy romance about a woman who gets dropped on a strange planet only to fall for not one, but two, aliens, from the author of I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf.

Never Planned On You by Lindsay Hameroff

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A glittering, laugh-out-loud second chance romance that reminds us true love is sometimes the one thing you never planned on.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

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A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon

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In this “brilliant, poignant love story perfect for fans of Emily Henry,” a former sorority girl starts a prestigious poetry MFA program only to discover that one of her classmates is her high school crush-turned-nemesis—​and he can’t stop writing about her. 

Change of Heart by Falon Ballard

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From the beloved author of Right on Cue and Lease on Love comes a whimsical new rom-com about a workaholic forced to aim for a goal she never thought she’d love.

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin

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An upbeat production exec is tasked with reining in the cynical director who was her forbidden college heartbreak in this sparkling, sexy contemporary romance.

The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator

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In this witty and fun rom-com debut from Annabelle Slator, rival coworkers become reluctant daters after they’re forced to work together on a brand-new dating app in hopes of winning a promotion—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

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A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

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An R&B singer and a corporate executive find love that hits the right notes in this romance by Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of The Partner Plot.

MARCH 2025

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch

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It’s enemies to lovers in this sexy and delightful holiday mash up that pairs the spare prince of Christmas with the crown prince of St. Patrick’s Day!

Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker

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One fake prime minister, one ridiculously hot handler, and one Italian summer collide in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo

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The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life.

Something Cheeky by Thien-Kim Lam

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A steamy new rom-com from the popular author of Happy Endings and Full Exposure, where two friends get the opportunity to work together on their dream project—a Cinderella rock musical with an all-Asian cast—and discover that falling in love was the easy part…

My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

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Perfect for fans of Ted Lasso, this delicious slow burn romance turns a pretend marriage into real love.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

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Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not.

Fan Service by Rosie Danan

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The truth is stranger than fan fiction in the next sexy paranormal rom-com from the beloved author of The Roommate.

Cover Story by Celia Laskey

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A hilarious, emotional love story about an extremely anxious publicist who’s tasked with keeping an extremely gay starlet in the closet—but who ends up falling for her instead.​

The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett

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A Lady with a past. A man with ambition. A romance far from London society that might bridge their divides.

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams

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A lottery ticket + donuts = love in this steamy new fake dating romance from beloved author Denise Williams.

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander

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From the acclaimed author of Chef’s Kiss, a groundbreaking trans Regency romance that’s both delightfully witty and refreshingly iconoclastic.

Love and Other Paradoxes by Catriona Silvey

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One of the greatest love stories in history gets derailed when a struggling poet at Cambridge runs into a time-traveler who agrees to help him find his muse—a thoughtful and uplifting romantic comedy for fans of About Time and The Midnight Library.

APRIL 2025

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

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A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this earnestly spectacular debut by a stunning new voice.

The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton

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Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.

Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey

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A small-town waitress and a big-city Broadway press agent swap homes to escape the messiness of their personal lives, only to find new purpose—and new love.

My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner

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Meryl Wilsner’s spicy romance, their first with a nonbinary lead, where two lifelong best friends go on a nonrefundable honeymoon together and discover sometimes to find a happily ever after, you just have to ask.

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

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Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.

The Folklore of Forever by Sarah Hogle

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From the acclaimed author of Old Flames and New Fortunes comes a steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a paranormal skeptic who is roped into a ghost hunting romp by the charming boy next door . . . who might just show her what real fantasies are made of.

Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage

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From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which past lovers get a second chance to rediscover what they lost.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

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A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

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The exciting new contemporary romance—and her first to feature a queer romance—by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

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A society matchmaker realizes she’s in danger when her clients’ weddings are sabotaged in increasingly disturbing ways—an utterly original mystery from the New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed.

MAY 2025

A Simple Twist of Fate by April Asher

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A witch and a shifter get a second chance at love in this new paranormal romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author April Asher.

Flirty Dancing by Jennifer Moffatt

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Sparks fly in this summer romp for fans of Casey McQuiston when dancers at a Catskills resort try to pull off the perfect show, and find happiness and a place where they belong on the way.

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

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From the international bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós comes a steamy love story of a divorced schoolteacher who discovers that her perfect no-strings fling is anything but…

Not So Fast by Karen Booth

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It’s Formula One—getting revved up is all part of the fun in this sizzling, high-octane rom-com for fans of Rush and The Hating Game.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

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A radiant, new escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

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Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ―along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

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A former adolescent TV punch line has left her awkwardness in the rearview mirror thanks to a fake-it-till-you-make-it mantra that has her on the cusp of success, until she tells a lie that sets her on a crash course with her past, spending a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt

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An emotional, irresistible second-chance romance filled with sparkling humor, big feelings, and “melt your face off intimacy” (Jessica Joyce).

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake

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A small-town waitress and a Hollywood star’s worlds collide in this new romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date.

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

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No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

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A hilarious, unputdownable second-chance-romance about the most unlikely, gay roommate mishap. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

JUNE 2025

Winging It With You by Chip Pons

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Popular bookstagrammer Chip Pons’s gay rom-com about two men who impulsively pose as a couple to compete in a reality show contest just minutes after meeting at an airport, and their run-in with the very real feelings that start to simmer between them.

The Ripple Effect by Maggie North

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A grumpy burnt out physician and a sunshine psychologist must fake an engagement to save his whitewater canoeing/ relationship therapy startup in Maggie North’s sparkling second novel about starting over.

If I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel

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Ms. and Ms. Smith meets The Pairing in this heart-racing romance of secrets, spies, and steam.

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

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A hitmaking songwriter and a bitter musician share a startling and inexplicable connection that they’ll do anything to shake, in the next sparkling, magical book from Ashley Poston.

Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter

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Cleat Cute meets Friday Night Lights in this funny, spicy, emotional new sapphic romance from Jodie Slaughter.

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

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Two estranged best friends find that their long-abandoned treasure hunt might be the key to a fresh start—for both their futures and their feelings, from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler.

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson

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A band reunion may be enough to change two musicians’ tune on love in this electric romance from USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.

I’ll Pretend You’re Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan

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In this contemporary novel from the author of Counting Down with You, singer-songwriter Summer Ali shakes things up with a PR stunt “dating” actor Jules Moradi, but the lines between real and fake begin to blur.

When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa

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The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a fun and flirty rom-com about a pact between friends that goes awry when one of them unexpectedly announces they’re getting married.

Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja

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In this charming, delightfully original rom-com, a struggling writer’s muse suddenly comes to life, but can they create their own happily-ever-after?

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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Mulan is reimagined as a contemporary romance about family expectations, mistaken identity, and high stakes mergers—of both business and the heart.

Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle

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From the author of Just Some Stupid Love Story, an irresistible rom-com about what happens when a cruise ship romance goes…overboard

What 2025 romance books are you looking forward to reading? Any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2025 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About The Grump Whisperer: The Grump Whisperer is a charming grumpy-sunshine romantic comedy about tumbling down, falling in love, and getting back into the saddle when it counts. Perfect for fans of Western romances, witty dialogue, and of course, horses!

I was born a horse girl. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love horses, dream of horses, wish for horses, and generally obsess about horses. My mother was flummoxed—no one in our family was a horse person, and the idea of wrangling her kid’s riding lessons, trips to a barn, and purchasing horse-related accoutrements… well, it was understandably overwhelming. But I persevered and began riding at a local barn at age nine. And then through middle and high school, and college, and, and, and…

And I never, ever stopped being a horse girl.

I was also a reader, so of course a big part of my horse obsession involved reading “horse girl books.” If you’ve ever encountered any of these books, you know exactly what I’m talking about. A girl (or occasionally a boy, à la Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion) finds or buys or meets a horse, adventures ensue, and throughout all of their trials and tribulations the bond between horse and girl remains unassailable. My favorites (and I’m definitely divulging my age here) were Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Can I Get There by Candlelight? by Jean Slaughter Doty, The Pony Seekers and A Foal For Candy by Diana Pullein-Thompson, the Eventers trilogy by Caroline Akrill, and above all, the Jinny at Finmory series by Patricia Leitch.

Check them out, even if you’re not of horse girl age.

The problem with horse girl books, however, is that they are written for children. As an adult, I yearned for books that featured an immersive equestrian experience the way those children’s books did, but included adult characters, themes, romance, and perspectives. And it turns out that while there aren’t as many of these books as I’d like, there are some! Here are a few favorites.

Remember Summer by Elizabeth Lowell

Okay, this one’s a true old school romance. First published in 1984 as Summer Games and then expanded and republished in 1999, there’s a damaged, brooding hero bodyguard named Cord, and a beautiful, free-spirited heroine named Raine. Because of course there is. There’s also plenty of equestrian content, since Raine is an eventer competing in the Olympics. If you love a stoic, protective hero chasing after an innocent-yet-wild heroine, the way romances did it up back in the 1980s, you absolutely won’t be disappointed. This book installed many of my horse book AND romance reader buttons.

Ambition by Natalie Keller Reinert

Reinert’s Eventing Series was originally published from 2014 forward, but starting in December of this year the entire series is being reedited and released with new covers. The books follow eventer Jules and her rider boyfriend Pete as they try to survive and thrive in the tough world of competing and making a living with horses. If you want extremely accurate, immersive, and delightful horse world content in a whole series, this is for you!

Remedy by Alex Hall

If there’s anything better than adult horse book with romance, it’s an adult horse book with queer romance. And if there’s anything I like better than that, it’s a grumpy, damaged hero brought out of his shell by a meddlesome newcomer—in this case, nonbinary Reed Androku. The horse content is on point, the romance is delightful, and the sex is hot. I’m just hoping the author will write more in this universe!

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

Historical romance! Sure, there are lots of horses doing normal horse things in 19^th century romances. Because there weren’t cars. But Mimi Matthews brings those horses front and center in the entire Belles of London Series. A bluestocking needs to make a good match and decides that wowing the ton with her dressage skills is the perfect plan (which obviously it is). But she falls for the tailor who make her dazzling, rich-nobleman-attracting riding habits, which was… not part of the plan. It’s as delicious as it sounds.

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

Listen. Sometimes you read a book and you just know that it will stay with you forever. Pony Confidential is not a romance. No, it’s a murder mystery told in dual POV. The POVs in question being that of a woman accused of murder, and… her childhood pony. And not just any pony, but a pony so furious about the way he’s been treated that he only wants one thing: revenge. This book is both a love letter to former horse girls and their beloved ponies, and a clear-eyed, heart-wrenching examination of animal—and human—welfare. I cried at least twice, and laughed out loud more times than I can count. You’re welcome.

The post Author Katy James’ Horse Girl Book Recommendations For Adults appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews, which is the third installment in the Belles of London series, and releases on January 16th 2024!

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

Excerpt from Chapter Seven

“It appears the rumors are true,” Hart replied gravely. “Goldfinch Hall is a house of great spiritualist significance.”

“Mr. Drinkwater has called it such,” Lady Arundell said.

“Then you can understand the importance of the news in his column. To refrain from going to North Yorkshire at this particular moment would be to miss a rare psychic opportunity.”

“Yes, yes.” Her ladyship wafted her fan with increasing agitation. “A great pity. But it can’t be helped. As I reminded Anne only this morning—ah. Here she is.”

Anne stood in the doorway, a large rosewood writing box cradled in her arms. Her cheeks were flushed from exertion.

Hart was at once on his feet, all thoughts of the idiocy of the situation forgotten. He crossed the room to assist her, his blood warming just as it always did whenever he was in her presence.

“Permit me,” he said, reaching for the box.

She held fast to it for a moment before relinquishing it into his charge. A strand of hair, the color of golden wheat, had worked free from its coil of plaits to curl about her face. She looked adorably flustered—a rarity. Anne wasn’t often out of countenance

“What are you doing here?” she demanded under her breath.

“Satisfying my curiosity,” he whispered back. “What else?”

Lady Arundell’s booming voice put an end to their murmured exchange. “Do sit down, both of you.”

Hart gestured for Anne to precede him. She strode past with a flick of black silk skirts, her tresses shimmering in the sun that streamed through the tall, damask-draped drawing room windows.

He followed her, his smile broadening in spite of himself.

Lady Arundell pointed her fan in the direction of the chair next to Hart’s. Anne obediently sat down, arranging her full skirts all about her.

“Where would you like your writing box, ma’am?” Hart asked.

“On the malachite table,” her ladyship said.

He placed it where she directed, all the while aware of Anne’s sherry-brown gaze burning a hole in his back.

“I was just informing Hartford how disappointed we are that we must miss the opportunity of convening with the spirits in Yorkshire,” Lady Arundell said.

“Yes, very disappointed,” Anne agreed tightly.

Hart looked between Anne and her mother, puzzled, as he resumed his seat. Tension rarely existed between them. Not that he’d observed these half a dozen years and more. “Is there something that prevents you going?”

“We cannot travel such a distance unescorted,” Lady Arundell said.

“You’ve just returned from a lengthy journey,” Hart pointed out.

Lady Arundell and Anne had lately visited Birmingham in company with Miss Maltravers and her uncle, Harris Fielding. They’d gone to investigate the authenticity of a child medium reported to have made contact with the recently deceased Prince Consort.

A ridiculous enterprise, which Hart could only assume had achieved nothing more than exposing Anne to an even greater array of charlatans and their all-too-willing victims.

“We were accompanied by Mr. Fielding,” Lady Arundell said with a touch of irritation. “His presence is beyond reproach.”

The solution seemed obvious enough to Hart. “Perhaps Mr. Fielding might be persuaded to accompany you again?”

Lady Arundell gave an impatient snap of her fan. “If only he could! Alas, he’s suffering the remnants of an indisposition and isn’t sufficiently recovered to leave his rooms.”

Hart glanced at Anne. Her hands were clasped tight in her lap. “A footman, then,” he said. “Many ladies journey in the company of trusted servants. It’s perfectly unobjectionable.”

Lady Arundell waved the suggestion away before Hart had finished uttering it. “On no account. A lady can’t visit a site of spiritualist significance without a gentleman to attend her. Think of the dangers. No, no. We must accept the impossibility of the venture. A great pity, as I said.”

“It is a great pity.” Anne’s words were edged with palpable frustration. “For if we had gone to Goldfinch Hall, I could have seen Miss Wychwood. I could have assured myself of her health and happiness.”

“Miss Wychwood again?” Lady Arundell cast her fan aside in a flare of temper. “The tiresome girl! Will I have no peace now she’s wed?”

“I can have no peace,” Anne said. “I can’t rest until I know she’s all right.” There were shadows under her eyes. A weariness to her features Hart hadn’t seen before.

His chest tightened on a rush of familiar emotion. It was this blasted urge to come to her rescue. To make the way smooth for her, no matter how she might balk at his assistance. He felt it springing to life in him whenever Anne, or anyone dear to her, was in distress.

It was his own personal curse. One that was all tangled up with his sense of lingering resentment at the choices she’d made.

The woman had elected a life as her mother’s shadow over a life with him! It was worse than disappointing. It was downright insulting. Any self-respecting man would have washed his hands of her long ago.

But Hart’s self-respect was of little concern to him at the moment.

By God but it was intolerable to see her looking so worn down and defeated. This wasn’t Anne. Not the Anne he knew. He wanted her to be herself again.

The desire spurred him into action.

“All you lack is a proper escort?” he asked.

“A gentleman,” Lady Arundell reiterated.

Hart’s shoulders set with reckless determination. “If that’s the case . . .”

Don’t say it, his conscience warned. Don’t you dare say it. But what man ever prospered by listening to his conscience in circumstances such as these?

“I’m pleased to volunteer my own services,” he said.

Anne’s head jerked up. “You!”

“You?” Lady Arundell queried at the same time. Her eyes brightened at the possibility.

“Me,” he said. “Am I not a gentleman?”

Anne made a choked noise.

Hart’s mouth ticked up at one corner.

“A tempting offer,” Lady Arundell said. “But you’re a young man,” she added magnanimously. “Not a man of Fielding’s age. And Yorkshire is no small distance. It would be an imposition.”

“Not in the least.” Hart met Anne’s stunned gaze. “This is an occasion not to be missed. I’d be a fool to stay away.”

“You were intending to travel to Yorkshire yourself?” Lady Arundell asked.

“I was. Or rather, I am.” Hart vowed to atone for the falsehood at some point in future. “If you would entrust yourselves to my care, I’d be happy to see to the arrangements.”

“That’s very generous of you,” Lady Arundell said. “Is it not, Anne?”

Anne made no reply. She was still staring at him, eyes wide with both amazement and something very like horror.

“As I say,” her ladyship went on, warming to the idea, “we don’t like to be an imposition, but I suppose, if you’re already making the journey, we might avail ourselves of your escort.”

“It would be my honor, ma’am,” Hart said. “We are, after all, old family friends.”

Excerpted from The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews Copyright © 2024 by Mimi Matthews. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Need a little romance to kick start the new year? Well, look no further than these incredible January 2024 romance book releases! With new releases from Katee Robert, Jenny Holiday, Jayne Ann Krentz, and many more, along with some exciting debuts, read on to discover some new books!

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

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A rising-star musician has a second chance at love with an old flame she remembers all too well in this swoony romance from the acclaimed authors of The Roughest Draft.

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert

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Orpheus lost everything when he lost Eurydice’s love…but now he’s ready to brave the Underworld to take her back, even if that means going toe-to-toe (and heart-to-heart) with the right-hand man of Hades himself.

Last Call At The Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

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Opposites attract when a free-spirited American singer-songwriter with ADHD teams up with a charming Irishman to revitalize his family’s pub in the next heartfelt romance from the author of Luck and Last Resorts.

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

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In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, a woman whose life is guided by her belief in the red-string of fate finds her perfect match—but his skepticism about true love puts a knot in their chances.

Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker

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Opposites attract in this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy of feuding neighbors and dueling hearts from Jayne Denker, the author of The Rom-Com Agenda.

Not Bad for a Girl by Anastasia Ryan

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From hilariously awkward lunch breaks to cringe-worthy Zoom calls, this workplace comedy of errors is sure to put a smile on your face.

Never Blow a Kiss by Lindsay Lovise

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In this delightfully witty Victorian romance, a governess spy running away from her past falls for an ex-soldier turned railroad magnate—perfect for fans of Manda Collins and Bridgerton!

Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

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In this utterly charming debut romance, a teacher with big dreams joins forces with a no-nonsense engineer to survive an ex’s wedding and escape matchmaking pressure from their Indian families. Their plan? Faking an engagement, of course.

Love, Me by Jessica Saunders

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Reminiscent of novels by Sophie Kinsella and Rebecca Serle, Love, Me is a sweet, honest foray into love, marriage, and the fantasy of a second-chance romance with the one that got away. Readers will find this lively debut romance book easy to devour and hard to put down.

Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

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A swoon-worthy debut queer Victorian romance in which two debutantes distract themselves from having to seek husbands by setting up their widowed parents, and instead find their perfect match in each other—the lesbian Bridgerton/Parent Trap you never knew you needed!

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden

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After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected in this delicious novel from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

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Fate brings together a ballet teacher and a hockey player in this big-hearted novel about second chances and taking risks by the bestselling author Entertainment Weekly calls the “master of witty banter.”

Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan

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A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.

The Night Island by Jayne Ann Krentz

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The disappearance of a mysterious informant leads two people desperate for answers to an island of deadly deception in this new novel in the Lost Night Files trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

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Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Principles of (E)motion by Sara Read

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Lessons in Chemistry meets advanced mathematics in Sara Read’s heartwarming, STEMinist novel, PRINCIPLES OF (E)MOTION follows a female genius who solves a famously elusive math problem only to struggle with anxiety and prejudice when challenged to prove that the work is her own.

What January romance books are you looking forward to reading? Tell us in the comments below!

The post From Sweet To Spicy: New Romance Books To Read In January 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Mimi Matthews’s The Siren of Sussex, which releases on January 11th 2022.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

Evelyn urged Hephaestus back into a trot, and then into a canter. His hooves pounded down the strip of tan. She kept him to the same gait for a long while, enjoying the easy, effortless motion of his powerful stride. The hoofbeats of Lewis’s mount echoed a distance behind them.

As she rode, her gaze once again drifted to the rail. It was as empty as it had been when she’d arrived. Mr. Malik hadn’t come. She’d just about resigned herself to the fact when, up ahead, a slight movement caught her attention.

Her eyes widened behind her veil.

Good gracious, it was him.

He stood in the shadow of an elm tree, hardly noticeable at first glance. But once she set eyes on him, there was no mistaking his presence. Dressed in an impeccably cut black coat and trousers, he looked both handsome and dangerous. Like a fallen angel, reluctantly come to earth.

Awareness crept into her veins, warm and shivery. She didn’t know why. At three and twenty, she was no green girl. And it wasn’t as if he’d been particularly nice to her. Even now, the way he looked at her . . . That darkling glance. Frowning and sullen. As if he were weighing her in the balance.

She rode up to him at a canter, bringing Hephaestus to a slow halt in front of the trees. He piaffed for several steps—an elevated trot in place—before coming to a standstill. “Mr. Malik,” she said, a little breathless. “Good morning.”

He bowed. “Miss Maltravers.”

“Have you been here long?”

“Since you first entered Rotten Row.”

Her mouth nearly fell open. “That long? But . . . I didn’t see you.”

“Why should you? You were riding.”

“And you were watching? The whole time?”

“I was.”

Frustration knotted her stomach. So far, she’d done nothing but gallop on the straightaway. It had required little skill on her part—or on Hephaestus’s. Hardly the exhibition Mr. Malik would have been expecting. “I can ride a bit longer if you like,” she said. “Put him through his paces. He’s well schooled in dressage, and knows most of the movements of the haute école. I trained him myself.”

“I’ve seen enough,” Mr. Malik said.

Her heart sank.

Dash it all! It wasn’t fair. To have her riding skill dismissed out of hand. Then again, when had anything in life ever been fair? Her plan could still succeed. She wouldn’t permit his rejection to rob her of hope.

If it was a rejection.

He was still here, after all. That must mean something, surely.

“Well?” she asked. Her muscles tensed in anticipation.

“You’re an accomplished horsewoman.”

“I know that,” Evelyn said impatiently. “What I mean is . . . have you decided if you’re going to make me a habit?”

Mr. Malik’s mouth ticked up at one corner. Too late, she realized the double meaning in her words. “Do you know, Miss Maltravers, I believe I am.”

***

Ahmad thrust his hands into his pockets as Miss Maltravers rode away.

She looked different on a horse. Elegant and confident. Entirely at her ease.

In truth, he’d never seen anything like her.

She hadn’t been boasting when she’d said that she was a better rider than the Pretty Horsebreakers. From what he’d seen this morning, Miss Maltravers’s skill as an equestrienne was beyond compare. Galloping down Rotten Row on that great Spanish stallion of hers—a horse that would have intimidated most men—she’d been at one with her mount. Thoroughly in control, while at the same time seeming to exert not one ounce of physical force.

Impressive, to be sure. But it was more than that.

There was an inherent grace to her riding. A feminine ebb and flow that had riveted his gaze. It was almost sensual, the way the lines of her body had been in harmony with every movement. Still and sure, with gentle hands and a quiet seat.

He’d watched her with growing awe, a tightness forming in his chest. Good lord. Did she realize how much potential she had? All it would take was the right dressmaker—the right hairdresser and corsetiere.

The right habit-maker.

From THE SIREN OF SUSSEX published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Mimi Matthews.

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