When Sparks Fly is a smalltown contemporary romance featuring the age gap, opposites attract, grumpy with sunshine, and single dad tropes. It’s perfect for fans of books like Chasing the Fire by Paisley Hope, It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto, Sawyer by Jessica Peterson, and The Wild Card by Stephanie Archer. When Sparks Fly deals with themes and topics like cheating, abandonment, loneliness and isolation, single parenting, fires and firefighting, debilitating workplace injuries, finances, social status, and identity.

I was drawn to this book due to the hilarious cover art, and it definitely ended up being a fun read! I loved the beachy smalltown setting of Foxglove Bay. Wyatt and Rachel’s spicy and swoony chemistry was enjoyable as well as Rachel’s budding friendship with her roommate and coworker Paige. Lastly, having read some of Murphy’s other books, I appreciated that we got to see some familiar characters, such as Scarlett Lancaster.

The “will they, won’t they” tension and drama between Rachel’s roommate Paige and Wyatt’s brother Nate! was fantastic! It felt like a missed opportunity that Murphy didn’t delve into Paige and Nate’s story more in When Sparks Fly; but she does leave the story open for Paige and Nate to potentially get their own book in the future. That said, I wasn’t a big fan of some of the more serious topics that came up in Rachel and Wyatt’s story, like dealing with debilitating workplace injuries, but doesn’t detract from the story.

I think that this fun and spicy read would be the perfect addition to any romance reader’s summer TBR list!

When Sparks Fly is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up When Sparks Fly? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy comes a sweltering summer romance you won’t be able to put down.

Twenty-two-year-old heiress Rachel Henderson has one goal this summer: hide out at her family’s lake house and recover from the most mortifying breakup Manhattan society has ever witnessed. Sun, swimming, and zero paparazzi, what could go wrong?

But her quiet summer by the lake goes up in literal flames when a spa-day candle mishap sets her mother’s designer curtains on fire. When the local fire department shows up—specifically the ridiculously hot fire captain—the house is saved, but the captain scorches her pride with a lecture about fire safety.

Determined to prove she can handle life on her own without her family’s help, Rachel finds a new roommate and a new job—too bad she’s terrible at it. Oh, and she keeps running into Captain Tall-Dark-and-Infuriating (which definitely isn’t a hardship). The more time they spend together, the more their conversations start to get real, and Rachel finds herself falling for Wyatt. She thinks he might even feel the same way.

The only problem? Wyatt is all about roots and permanence, while Rachel is the very definition of flighty. But this summer, she just might be tempted to stay …

The post Review: When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from A Thousand Perfect Lies by Monica Murphy, which is out March 3rd 2026.

Secrets don’t die. They just transfer schools.

New York native Billie Vale arrives at Wickham Academy, England’s most elite boarding school, with a forged identity as Belinda Winters and one mission: clear her sister’s name. Isla lies in a coma, accused of killing her best friend. Billie has one shot to uncover the truth in a school built on privilege and deception. Succeed, and her estranged father will finally help her mother. Fail, and it will tear what’s left of her family apart.

But Wickham’s secrets run deep, and not everyone wants them exposed. The school’s golden prince and its brooding outcast both seem to know more than they’ll admit—and both have reasons to keep Billie close. As she digs into the lies that built Wickham’s empire, she discovers that loyalty is just another currency, every hallway hides a motive, and everyone here protects their own at any cost.

But someone at Wickham knows what really happened…
And they’ll bury Billie before they let her find out.

EXCERPT

The moment we’re alone, I glance around the room but don’t spot Sophia anywhere.

“She’s outside. Sophia.” It’s as if Connor can read my mind, or at the very least he’s paying attention to me. And while normally I would be defensive about that, I can’t deny that the consideration leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

I like that he pays attention. That he seems into me and wants to spend more time with me. I should probably stay far away from him, considering what an emotional wreck he is, but I can’t help being drawn to him. He may have been tipsy when he mentioned our connection, but that doesn’t make it less real.

“They seem nice. The Pembrokes.” I’m trying to break the weird silence that has fallen between us.

“They are.” He grabs hold of my hand. “Come on. Let’s go find somewhere quiet so we can chat.”

“Chat about what?”

Connor ignores my question and leads me through clusters of people. He walks as if he knows exactly where he’s going, and he doesn’t seem to notice the many curious stares directed our way as we pass. I feel each one, though, like dozens of tiny pinpricks on my skin. I’m sure they’re wondering who I am, which is fine. I’m wondering who they are, too. Specifically, I’m wondering which one of them put my sister in the hospital.

Only after we slip into a quiet room that looks like a library (what’s with rich British people and their over-the-top collections of books?) does Connor finally speak.

“Sorry. Couldn’t think in that crowd.” He scratches the back of his head. “I, uh, wanted to apologize to you.”

“Again? For what?” What did he do now?

“For last night.”

“You already did,” I remind him.

“Right. I did. But an apology over text is hardly an apology at all.” He takes a step closer, and I can smell his intoxicating cologne. His body heat radiates toward me, and I want to lean in. Press my body against his. “In person is more…genuine.”

I blink hard to snap myself out of his spell, but it doesn’t seem to work.

“You don’t need to apologize again. I accepted it the first time.” I smile, though it wilts when he takes another step toward me.

“Funny thing is, my memories from last night are still a little fuzzy. But I do recall telling you that I felt a…connection between us.” He touches me. A barely-there graze of his fingers across the top of my hand, but I feel it everywhere, leaving tingles all over my body.

“Yes.” I nod. Clear my throat. “You may have mentioned that. But you also said—”

“That I don’t trust it.” He scratches the back of his head again, and I wonder if it’s a nervous tic. “Let’s just say I haven’t had many reasons to trust people lately. But I want to trust you. And I think, probably, the best way to figure out if I should…”

He crowds me against the wall, his body pressed against mine. Blocking me from escaping, not that I want to leave. The air between us crackles with tension, and he dips his head the slightest bit, aligning our mouths so we share breath. He leans in closer, pausing just shy of pressing his lips to mine. “Yes?”

“Yes.” My lips brush against his when I whisper my reply. I can feel his breath ghost across my skin right before his mouth meets mine. Once. Twice.

And then he’s kissing me. Really kissing me. His lips are warm and smooth and undoubtably persuasive. One big hand curves around my cheek, holding me in place. I tip my head back and return the kiss, my lips parting, his tongue teasing. Circling mine over and over.

With a sigh, I give in, sliding my hands up the firm wall of his chest until I’m gripping his broad shoulders. His hands land on my waist, and his fingers press into my flesh, keeping me pinned against the wall. He shifts closer, our bodies pressed so tight a piece of paper couldn’t be slipped between us. I can feel him all over me, and I revel in it.

Want more of it.

Everything becomes a blur. His persuasive lips, the rhythmic slide of his tongue against mine. His fingers tease the hem of my sweater before slipping to the bare skin beneath. I gasp into his mouth, and he pulls away slightly. I open my eyes to find he’s watching me, concern in his gray gaze. I offer the tiniest nod.

The dimples appear briefly before he ducks his head, his mouth finding my neck. I tilt my head back to give him better access while I stare up at the ceiling. All of my thoughts and worries disappear the moment his mouth is on my skin, licking and nibbling, and I close my eyes, desperate to escape my life for even a few minutes and lose myself in this.

I hear voices in the corridor, but I ignore them, which is a bad move on my part, since the door cracks open mere seconds later, letting in a sliver of light.

Connor rears back, the panic on his face obvious. I decide not to think too hard about why he’d panic if we were caught making out and instead grab his hand to drag him down behind the nearby couch. Whoever’s coming into the room won’t spot us unless they purposefully walk behind the furniture. I rest my finger against my lips, and he nods, both of us remaining silent when someone begins to speak.

Excerpt from A Thousand Perfect Lies By Monica Murphy Copyright © 2026 by Monica Murphy. Edited by Rebecca Heyman

About The Author
Monica Murphy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Both traditionally and independently published, she writes mostly new adult and contemporary romance. She has also written as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson. A native Californian, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, children, one dog, and four cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge-watching something. Or traveling.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘A Thousand Perfect Lies’ by Monica Murphy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

1. Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

Viggo Bergman gets a chance for his own happily ever after when writer Tallulah agrees to help him open his romance bookstore in exchange for help with a challenging case of writer’s block.

Why you’ll love it:

• Last book in a series of interconnected standalones
• Both main characters are bookworms
• Forced proximity/ roommates
• Diabetes and ADHD representation
• Loveable, meddling family members

2. Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy

Despite wanting to stay away from athletes, English tutor Joanna finds it challenging to resist her newest student, hotshot footballer Knox.

Why you’ll love it:

• College football romance
• Opposites attract
• Forced proximity
• Reformed playboy
• First book in a series of interconnected standalones

3. Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher

When a broken engagement forces popular interior designer Dahlia to return to her hometown in Lake Wisteria, she reluctantly agrees to help her long-time rival Julian renovate a coveted historic house.

Why you’ll love it:

• Small-town romance
• Rivals to lovers
• Boy obsessed
• HGTV home renovation vibes
• Forced proximity/ workplace romance

4. Christmas in Coconut Creek by Karissa Kinword

Whilst spending Christmas vacation in Coconut Creek, teacher Ophelia agrees to a temporary “friends with benefits” arrangement with retired fighter pilot Frankie.

Why you’ll love it:

• Steamy
• Holiday romance
• Beachy vibes
• Forced proximity
• A swoony date at the butterfly museum

5. Collide by Bal Khabra

Sports psychologist in training Summer and hockey team captain Aiden are forced to work together when Summer needs a subject for her research paper and the coach volunteers Aiden as a punishment for his team’s reckless behaviour.

Why you’ll love it:

• College hockey romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Grumpy x sunshine
• He falls first

6. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

When barrel racer Emmy Ryder returns to her small hometown after a traumatic accident, she forms an unexpected and steamy connection with her brother’s best friend, “bad boy” Luke Brooks.

Why you’ll love it:

• First book in a series
• Forced proximity
• Steamy
• Small-town cowboy romance
• Brother’s best friend/ forbidden romance

7. The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

Things get complicated when budding sports agent Nora Mackenzie ends up accidentally marrying her new NFL footballer client Derek Pender (a.k.a. her college ex-boyfriend) after a wild night in Vegas.

Why you’ll love it:

• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity/ “fake” marriage
• Football romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Loveable, meddling teammates

8. Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman

Willow is a small-town witch who discovers that her cat is actually a demon who needs her help breaking a curse.

Why you’ll love it:

• Halloween-themed
• Paranormal romance
• Forced proximity
• Fated mates
• Novella length

9. Catching Feelings by Maren Moore

Despite regretting their one-night stand, Viv reluctantly agrees to move in with all-star catcher Reese when she needs a place to stay and slowly gets to know the real Reese hidden behind his cocky exterior.

Why you’ll love it:

• College baseball romance
• Steamy
• Forced proximity/ roommates
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Main character is an aspiring writer

10. The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award

Things heat-up between long-time best friends and neighbours, librarian Trixie and professional football player Chris, when Trixie asks Chris to be her “fake” date to her high school reunion.

Why you’ll love it:

• Bookish main character
• Body positivity
• Friends to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Steamy

The post 10 Romance Books Without The Dreaded Third Act Break-Up appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re after more books like this, read on to discover nine contemporary romance book recommendations without a third act break-up!

Reckless by Elsie Silver

After leaving a toxic marriage, Winter has a steamy one-night stand with professional bull rider Theo that ends in accidental pregnancy.

Why you’ll love it:

• Cowboy romance
• Small-town setting
• He falls first
• Reformed playboy
• Spicy

Iced Out by Veronica Eden

After swearing off hockey players, Maya catches the eye of the captain of her brother’s rival hockey team, Easton, while dancing on top of a bar.

Why you’ll love it:

• College hockey romance
• Brother’s rival / rival’s sister
• He falls first
• Boy obsessed
• Spicy

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Lily organises fake treasure hunts using her father’s old maps but when her latest trip goes horribly wrong and happens to involve her ex, Leo  the group starts to wonder if the hidden treasure is real.

Why you’ll love it:

• Second chance romance
• Treasure hunting
• Danger, suspense, and mystery elements
• Forced proximity
• Scenic setting

Breakaway by Grace Reilly

Ready to get back into the dating game, Penny proposes a secret “friends with benefits” arrangement with Cooper, a hockey player on the team her dad coaches.

Why you’ll love it:

• Spice coaching
• College hockey romance
• Coach’s daughter
• Forced proximity
• They’re both bookworms

Shutout by Avery Keelan

After moving in with her brother and his teammates, Sera discovers that one of her new roommates, Ty, is her anonymous, spicy hook-up from Halloween.

Why you’ll love it:

• Forced proximity / roommates
• Brother’s teammate
• College hockey romance
• Spicy
• ADHD representation

A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy

High-schoolers Wren and Crew are total opposites, but when they’re partnered together for a project, they find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other.

Why you’ll love it:

• High school / boarding school romance
• Enemies to lovers
• Grumpy with sunshine
• Forced proximity
• He falls first

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

While recovering from heartbreak, Pippa takes a job as a live-in assistant to professional hockey player Jamie Streicher, whom Pippa had a crush on in high school.

Why you’ll love it:

• Hockey romance
• Forced proximity/ roommates
• Will they/ won’t they vibes
• High school crushes reconnect as adults
• Spicy

Road Trip to Forever by Chelsea Curto

Sparks start to fly between childhood best friends Lola and Patrick whilst taking a road trip to Florida so that Lola can compete in a fashion competition.

Why you’ll love it:

• Childhood best friends to lovers
• Bookstore dates
• He falls first
• Boy obsessed
• Spicy

Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese

When Kate’s childhood neighbour Christopher learns the real reason behind Kate’s hostile behaviour towards him, he vows to make things right and soon after, sparks start to fly between the once enemies.

Why you’ll love it:

• Childhood enemies to lovers
• Retelling
• ADHD representation
• Forced proximity
• Spicy

The post Contemporary Romance Book Recs Without A Third Act Break-Up appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any!

Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

All’s faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author Jen DeLuca.

Postscript (PS, I Love You #2) by Cecelia Ahern
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Holly Kennedy is approached by a group calling themselves the PS, I Love You Club, her safe existence is turned on its head. Inspired by her late husband Gerry’s letters, the club wants Holly to help them with their own parting messages for their loved ones to discover after they’re gone.

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes the second delightfully charming installment in the Central Park Pact series, following a young widow whose newfound cynicism about love is challenged by a sexy, rough-around-the-edges contractor.

The Wonder of Now by Jamie Beck
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Peyton Prescott would give anything for the carefree life she knew before breast cancer changed everything. But instead of using her second chance to move forward, she’s stuck promoting the memoir her brother convinced her to write, thus reliving the very battle she wants to forget. If she hopes her European book tour will allow her to enjoy revisiting her favourite travel-writing destinations, she’s wrong: her PR whiz is too consumed with his own goals to consider her needs.

Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart
Goodreads | Amazon

What do a wrong number text, a burning building, and a quirky florist have in common? A hunky firefighter with an extra-large…hosepipe.

No Judgments by Meg Cabot
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The storm of the century is about to hit Little Bridge Island, Florida—and it’s sending waves crashing through Sabrina “Bree” Beckham’s love life…

The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the Forgotten Empires magic is forbidden, dreams are destiny, and love is the greatest power of all…

Fake Date by Monica Murphy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Working at Bliss Lingerie, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life. But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. And when Sarah walks into his office, demanding to know why, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse—be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.

The Last Letter from Juliet by Melanie Hudson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Soraya M. Lane, Lorna Cook and Pam Jenoff. Me Before You meets The English Patient in this stunning romantic novel from award-winning author Melanie Hudson.

If It’s Only Love by Lexi Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan comes a sexy new standalone romance in the bestselling Boys of Jackson Harbor series. Meet single dad Easton Connor as he leaves the NFL and returns to Jackson Harbor to fight for another chance with the love of his life.

Enchanting Sebastian by Kristen Proby
Goodreads | Amazon 

Turning thirty-five doesn’t mean much to most men. For Sebastian Wakefield, it’s the end of life as he knows it. When your father is the King of England, thirty-five is the year that a marriage will be arranged, a suitable bride cementing a future you didn’t choose. The obvious solution for escaping the archaic laws of the throne is for Sebastian to leave the country. And where better to go than America?

Wrapped Up In You by Jill Shalvis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Will you be picking up any of these September releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post September 2019 Book Releases: Romance appeared first on The Nerd Daily.