Regina Black Archives | The Nerd Daily

Music-Focused Book Recommendations From Author Erin Connor

The Nerd Daily — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:20:02 +0000

Guest post written by Still Into You author Erin Connor
Erin lives in the PNW with her spouse, two large dogs, two lazy cats, and more houseplants than she can count. When not exploring fictional worlds, she enjoys hiking, cooking, emo nostalgia, and slowly but surely actualizing her lifelong goal of becoming a forest witch.

About Still Into You: Two exes reunite for a make-or-break interview that will either bring them back together … or drive them apart forever. Released February 10th 2026.

One of my favorite parts of writing a book is the brainstorming phase, where I consume anything and everything I can get my hands on that might inspire me. I want to know what’s out there already, and what I could bring to the conversation that hasn’t already been said.

My latest novel—released February 10, 2026—is a love letter to elder emos. Still Into You follows Sloane Donavan, an aspiring music journalist struggling to break into the industry. When elusive metal frontman Dax Nakamura agrees to give her his first interview in eight years, she should be jumping at the opportunity. The catch? He’s her ex. Unable to pass up a shot at making her name—and helping Dax clear the reputation that’s plagued his—Sloane agrees. It’s only a conflict of interest if anyone finds out. But the article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane’s editor is expecting are two completely different stories. And as old feelings resurface, Sloane’s journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. This is the career-making piece she’s been waiting for, but it comes with a price: the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love.

As an emo kid in the early 2000s, I pulled heavily from my own experiences going to shows at skate parks and random parking lots. That said, I don’t possess a single crumb of musical ability. I would prefer not to be on a stage thankyouverymuch, and being a touring musician sounds really exhausting, actually. But I had so much fun researching Still Into You, diving into movies, tv shows, podcasts, and—of course—books that centered around musicians. Here is a selection of music-focused books that I loved, as well as a peek into my TBR:

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel

Pop superstar Ella Simone and MLB player Miles Westbrook team up to turn their tabloid scandal into an opportunity—a PR relationship that will shore up both their reputations. But as the lines between reality and PR begin to blur, will Ella stick to the choreographed life she knows so well, or surrender to a love that could set her free?

I fell in love with Ariel’s debut, and her transportive writing quickly made her an autobuy author for me. The way her MMCs go all in for the FMC will never fail to make me swoon.

Feels like: The opening notes of Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby.

Some Kind Of Famous by Ava Wilder

In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other—until a house renovation forces them together.

I’m obsessed with Wilder’s writing. Her ability to craft such raw, real characters with believable flaws and hurts that have you wanting to hug and shake them as you’re rooting for them, their happily ever after so well-earned and fought for.

Feels like: Alanis Morissette girlies in their lovergirl era.

August Lane by Regina Black

Luke Randall didn’t write the love song that made him famous—August Lane did. A secret that August threatens to expose unless he writes a new song with her for her mother’s concert celebrating her induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame. As the concert nears and their passion bond rekindles, August will have to choose between an overdue public reckoning with the boy who betrayed her, or trusting the man he’s become to write a different love song.

Regina Black is every author’s favorite author. If you’re not already reading her books, 1) what are you doing? And 2) know that I’m jealous you get to experience them for the first time.

Feels like: Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter.

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson

When two ex-bandmates and former best friends reunite to perform on a cruise ship, sparks fly. John has been in love with Micah since they were kids, but never said anything for the sake of the band. But when the two reunite, Micah can’t help but see John with brand new eyes. As the discordant band’s tension grows to a breaking point, they must decide if their relationship is more than a one-hit wonder.

I think about this book constantly. You can always tell when an author is writing about something they love, and Thompson’s love of music shines through in this novel. Childhood friends to lovers, second chance, angst, nostalgia, this book is everything I wanted it to be and more.

Feels like: The Twilight soundtrack.

The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod

Antonia Bennette is not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note…or the start of something that’ll change your life forever.

Axelrod is a musician herself and it really enriches so many aspects of this novel. It’s equal parts a slow burn, childhood friends-to-lovers romance and a love letter to female musicians. Bonus: The sequel, Girls With Bad Reputations, is already out, with two more books in the Lilly’s series teased on Axelrod’s website.

Feels like: An Ecca Vandal album.

For One Night Only by Jessica James

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.

Sometimes the blurb is so good that I don’t even know what to add. Exes forced to fake date for PR? Say less. Come for the angst and the longing and stay for the sweeping feelings, the found family, and the nuanced exploration of mental health. The second book in this series, For Our Next Song, just released January 13, and I cannot wait to dive in!

Feels like: Hayley Williams hitting the high note in All I Wanted.

Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly

Karaoke is the only time Lily Fischer can step outside of her quiet shell. When there’s a mic in her hand, she’s no longer merely a receptionist harboring big dreams. At Moonie’s, Lily can pretend to be someone else: someone bold, who takes what she wants. And tonight, what Lily wants is the way Sam looks at her across the room as she sings her signature opening song, like they see her exactly as she wants to be seen. Like Moonie’s Lily is real.

Confession: I have never done karaoke, nor do I intend to. However, I yearn to be the type of person who enjoys it. Thankfully, there are three novellas in the Moonlighters series where I can live vicariously through people who do. Check out the accompanying playlists on Kelly’s website for the optimal reading experience!

Feels like: Bringing the house down with the perfect karaoke song choice.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

Iris, a career-focused single mom and young widow, travels for work with popular R&B singer Angel and finds herself falling for him along the way.

A man with a long-held crush? He wrote a song about her?!? We’re into each other but we’re working together and have to keep it professional?!?!? This premise is music to my ears!

Feels like: May I Have This Dance by Francis & the Lights ft. Chance The Rapper

Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

A wildly electric romance about two musicians, Broadway star Erika Greene and German hair metal band frontman Christof Daae—who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.

If there were a Venn diagram of Phantom of the Opera and Jareth from Labyrinth, this book would be the overlap. You can always expect to laugh in a book by Comfort, but I especially appreciate her FMCs. They’re a little sharp, don’t always have it together, and top from the bottom (iykyk).

Feels like: The hilarity and hijinks you’d expect in a Twisted Sister music video.

Where Are Your Boys Tonight? by Chris Payne

An oral history of the rise and fall of emo from 1999 to 2008, featuring My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional.

I was a chapter into this audiobook when I ran out to grab a physical copy because I needed to highlight and underline every other line. Immediately after finishing the book, I began rereading. If you were an emo kid in the early 2000s, this is required reading.

Feels like: The G note at the start of My Chemical Romance’s Welcome To The Black Parade.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

A powerful and transportive new novel about a music executive desperately trying to bring a rock band back from the brink. Their big break is here—if only they can survive it.

This just came out January 20, 2026, so this is a peek into my TBR. I cannot wait to dive into this one!

Encore by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang

In this music-filled queer romcom, ex-bandmates and successful solo artists Amelia and Ramona are forced to reconcile when their indie trio embarks on a reunion tour, five years after their breakout album, tour, and the one night that ruined everything.

Another peek into my TBR. This book isn’t slated to release until 2027, but this is just how seated I am for it.

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Q&A: Regina Black, Author of ‘August Lane’

Elise Dumpleton — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

We chat with author Regina Black about August Lane, which is a small town romance about the visibility of Black women’s voices in country music, perfect for readers of The Final Revival of Opal & Nev.

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

I’m a former lawyer turned law school administrator, and a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a small town in Arkansas. I write about art, identity, and love in the modern South. My fun fact is that I’m an identical twin who married an identical twin.

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

I consider myself a reader first, a writer second. My writing came directly from my love of books. I always knew I’d write my own someday. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. I wrote my first poem at the age of nine and have been writing ever since. But really, it was reading that taught me how stories could transport you, how they could make you feel less alone in the world.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

The first book you ever remember reading: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.
The one that made you want to become an author: Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg. It’s about a woman whose husband is in a coma after a freak accident, and she’s the only one who believes he’ll eventually wake up. It was the first romance book that ripped my heart out and quietly stitched it back together. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Back in Blues by Imani Perry. She has a knack for making me see the American South, a region I’ve lived in all my life, in entirely new ways. The way she traces the role of the color blue through Black history is so creative and beautifully written.

**Your latest novel, August Lane, is out July 29^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?**

Black country music second-chance romance

What can readers expect?

Readers can expect an emotional, angsty second-chance romance that explores music history, family legacies, and the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. It’s about Luke Randall, a one-hit wonder Black country star, who lied about writing his only hit, returning home to face August Lane, his first love, and the woman he stole it from. The book is structured like a country song with dual timelines that weave together past and present. At its heart, it’s about flawed characters learning to love themselves and each other, set against the backdrop of Black country music’s forgotten legacy.

**Where did the inspiration for August Lane come from?**

The story started with a song. In 2010, Ben Folds released “Belinda,” about a singer forced to perform his only hit, a song about an ex-girlfriend he’d wronged. I couldn’t shake the idea: what happens when someone’s biggest success is built on their biggest regret?

Then, in 2021, I began listening to Rissi Palmer’s “Color Me Country” radio show. Around the same time, CMT awarded Linda Martell the Equal Play Award. She was the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. It made me realize there was this entire history of Black artists in country music that I didn’t know about.

I’ve always loved country music, but it never felt like something I could claim openly because the genre didn’t seem to welcome Black fans. Learning about Linda Martell and later delving into the research of Dr. Francesca Royster, the author of Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions, made me understand how deeply our roots lie in this genre. I wanted to write about what it feels like to love something that doesn’t always seem to love you back.

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

I loved creating JoJo Lane, August’s mother. She’s a 90s Black country music star who’s finally getting her flowers after decades of being overlooked. JoJo primarily appears through a podcast interview she recorded after the main events of the story. She represents the voice of Black women in the industry, their resilience, their talent, and their refusal to be erased.

I interviewed several Black women country singers while researching the book, and it was incredible to give voice to their experiences through JoJo’s character.

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

Writing the songs was probably my biggest challenge. I’m not a songwriter or musician, so my first attempts at lyrics were terrible. I told my editor to ignore them during her initial edits and treat them as placeholders.

Eventually, I realized I was approaching it wrong. These aren’t actual songs; they’re book songs. I needed to focus on how they read on the page rather than trying to create melodies no one would hear.

Once I studied the structure and themes of country music—the focus on the past, second chances, regrets, and the desire to go home—I could write lyrics that served the story and felt authentic to the country music genre while also staying true to my characters’ voices.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on another emotional romance with Black southern roots, but I’m playing with genre and structure in ways that have me excited. I can’t say too much yet, but it’s going to be different from August Lane while still exploring themes of identity, family, and what it means to find your creative voice.

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

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest and No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel are two recent romances featuring musicians that I loved. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of The Princess and the PI by Nikki Payne. It’s a brilliant blend of thrilling murder mystery and hilarious, steamy romance, set to be released in September.

I’m also excited to read Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton-Harris. Terah writes gorgeous southern fiction with strong romantic subplots, and I know I’m going to love this one as much as her previous novels.

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

The post Q&A: Regina Black, Author of ‘August Lane’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

8 Romance Novels By Black Authors and The Films/TV Shows To Pair With Them

The Nerd Daily — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:36:20 +0000

Guest post written by author Myah Ariel
Myah Ariel’s early love of movies led her from Arkansas to New York City where she studied film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She went on to earn an MA degree in specialized journalism for the arts from the University of Southern California where she now works as chief program officer of a research center for Black media and social justice.

Releasing on April 16th 2024, When I Think Of You is a sweeping second chance romance from debut author Myah Ariel where the unexpected spark of two former flames may force them to choose between their dreams and each other.

As a nineties kid with an old-soul, I feel like I was destined to become a romance author. Whether I was riding in the backseat of my mom’s station wagon belting out to R&B icons like Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton or getting dressed for school with the antics of Hillman College’s coeds as background noise–I’ve grown up surrounded by potent illustrations of Black Love. Naturally, when I sat down to write my first book, When I Think of You–which is itself a romance novel about making a romance film–I wanted to create something that felt just like the Black love stories that made me a hopeless romantic in the first place. One that evoked the chemistry and longing my favorite artists sang about, and that featured the vibrantly authentic characters that have been immortalized in movies and on TV. In that same spirit, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite romance novels written by Black authors, and the classic films and TV shows to pair them with based on vibes alone.

Vibe: When you find ‘the one’ but seemingly never at the right time…

Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan & Sylvie’s Love (Film, Dir. Eugene Ashe, 2020)

Read this contemporary romance that features a seering take on the childhood friends to lovers trope which brings us on an angst-filled journey of two soulmates with the worst timing–much like the gorgeously lyrical film Sylvie’s Love which, set in the 1960’s, highlights a “right person-wrong time” connection between a deeply conflicted woman who is soon to be wed and the jazz musician who swept her off her feet.

Vibe: When the world is harsh but in each other, you find a soft place to land…

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams & Poetic Justice (Film, Dir. John Singleton, 1993)

Read this second-chance love story about two tortured novelists who reunite after spending years calling out their unresolved passions for each other through their art. Then watch this West Coast road trip flick which chronicles a romance marked by vulnerability between a talented poet and hairstylist played by the Janet Jackson and an aspiring musician played by Tupac Shakur in his prime.

Vibe: When college provides a vivid backdrop for self-exploration with a test-run for the real world…

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola & A Different World (TV Show, Created by Bill Cosby, 1987-1993)

Read this contemporary romance which centers an outspoken college radio host who doles out dating advice to her Black women cohorts only to find herself embroiled in a very inconvenient situationship with her campus’ biggest f-boy. Then watch the canon television series that follows the exploits of students at Hillman College, a fictionalized HBCU, and produced one of the most pleasantly surprising and iconic “opposites attract” TV couples of all time.

Vibe: When a shared passion forges a connection you can’t shake…

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest & Brown Sugar (Film, Dir. Rick Famuyiwa, 2002)

Read this dreamy epistolary romance between two New Yorkers who eventually learn they have more in common than a deep appreciation for books. Then watch this timeless romcom starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs whose mutual affinity for Hip Hop sealed their friendship in childhood, but eventually blossomed into something else entirely–which neither one of them could deny.

Vibe: When the attraction burns brighter than all the reasons why this should never happen…

The Art of Scandal by Regina Black & Scandal (TV Show, Created by Shonda Rhimes, 20012-2018)

Read this sizzling contemporary romance about a woman who, fed up with her role as political trophy-wife to her philandering husband, finds an all-consuming connection with a younger artist who sees beyond the appearances she’s kept so well. Then watch (or binge, let’s be real) this gripping TV drama about brilliantly devious political fixers and the radioactively scandalous, yet wholly undeniable forbidden romance at its center.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert & Rye Lane (Film, Dir. Raine Allen-Miller, 2023)

Read this deliciously humorous and heartfelt romantic comedy between a jaded academic and a brooding ex-athlete who enter a fake relationship only to find something all too real. Then watch Raine Allen-Miller’s feature debut which puts a vivid and stylized spin on the timeless fake-dating trope, by following a down on his luck, just-dumped Dom and the vibrant Yas, who draws him out of his shell while nursing her own broken heart.

Vibe: When getting away means finding yourself in the eyes of someone you didn’t know you were searching for…

Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop & How Stella Got Her Groove Back (Film, Dir. Kevin Rodney Sullivan, 1998)

Read this viscerally escapist sensation about finding love where you least expect it– at your sister’s tropical destination wedding– to your ex, and the life-affirming connections that can take you by surprise. Then watch the classic age-gap romance between the one and only Angela Bassett, and Taye Diggs, who meet on the beaches of Jamaica and spark a passionate, if unlikely, romance that tilts both their worlds on end.

Vibe: When what sets you apart, actually makes you perfect for each other…

Pride & Protest by Nikki Payne & Something New (Film, Dir. Sanaa Hamri, 2006)

Read this brilliantly remixed Pride & Prejudice retelling about an activist DJ, fighting to save her neighborhood, and the well-intentioned billionaire who’s family business is primed to run afoul of everything she stands for. Then watch this nuanced interracial romance starring Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, whose characters perform the delicate, sometimes awkward, and often vulnerable dance of falling in love, authentically, across differences.

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Top Romance Recommendations Based on Your D&D Class

The Nerd Daily — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:08:58 +0000

Guest post written by Text Appeal author Amber Roberts
Amber Roberts writes contemporary romance about unabashedly nerdy characters in ridiculous situations. She lives with her husband, two children, and formerly feral cats in the Vermont woods, where eating maple creemees is a year-round activity. She spends her time copywriting, forgetting to water her plants, and awkwardly replying “you too” at inappropriate moments. STEM gets steamy when a coder takes up sexting to pay the bills in this daring debut novel Text Appeal, which is out now.

One way I slack off when I should be writing is to brainstorm new Dungeons & Dragons characters. I play too—but my favorite part is building characters. Maybe that’s why Lark, the main character in Text Appeal, uses her Dungeon Master skills as inspiration for those risqué texts she’s sending…

Whether you’re an RPG fan who has already sunk hours to the Baldur’s Gate III release, an old-school tabletop gamer like me, or just want some steamy romance recommendations—thank you very much—I’ve paired each of 5e’s 12 D&D classes with two romance recommendations based on tropes and character qualities that fit the vibe.

Barbarian

While Barbarians are mostly known for combat, I submit that a sharp tongue is as useful as a sharp sword. Therefore, I’m focusing on the class’s courage and connections, rather than brute force and tempers.

Okay, I’m not going to be quite so literal with the rest of these recommendations, but the obvious choice here is Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. Viv, an orc barbarian tired of the bounty hunting lifestyle, swaps her sword for an espresso machine. The story features a slow burn romance that, quite like classic drip coffee, is perfectly satisfying.
Barbarians often form strong relationships with members of their adventuring parties, like Dylan and Jack—the couple in Wanderlust by Elle Everhart. They grow close despite their differences while traveling the world. Both characters are ambitious and driven, too… important Barbarian qualities!

Bard

I firmly believe that the Bard—a performer, musician, or storyteller—is a seriously underrated class, which is why I’m giddy that Vox Machina gave us the spectacular Scanlan, and that Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves rewarded us Bard-enthusiasts with Chris Pine as Edgin. To fill your need for Bard books, check these out.

Hollis Hollenbeck, the broody, grumpy love interest in Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler, would smugly accept the label of Bard—but he’ll have to fight Millie for the title, since her road trip playlist is nothing short of magic.
In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kae features cinnamon roll Ben and the swooniest musician love interest, Adam, who woos with way more Bard energy than any one person should possess.

Cleric

A cleric serves a deity and is sworn to protect—sometimes by choice, sometimes against their wishes. Yep, we’re going with political intrigue here.

I’ve been watching the Red, White & Royal Blue trailer on repeat since it dropped and can’t wait to smash the play button when the movie releases. Not including Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston in this round-up would be unforgivable. Tradition-bound Prince Henry and the First Son of the United States, Alex, navigating love amid public scrutiny? Sounds like a couple of Clerics to me!
When Rachel catches her mayor husband having an affair in The Art of Scandal by Regina Black, the couple settles on an arrangement: to keep his political dreams alive, Rachel plays the role of the perfect mayor’s wife in exchange for a lavish lifestyle—until she finds unexpected love that’s worth risking it all.

Druid

With magic that revolves around a connection to flora and fauna, pairing books with the Druid class is easy-peasy—especially when you add shapeshifting to the mix.

The forthcoming The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson features two wolf shifters, Noah and Mackenzie, who agree to fake date, but catch feelings along the way. Yeah, this book was 100 percent written for Druids.
Jen Devon’s Bend Toward the Sun lands within the Druid category for another reason: emotions. Healing and connection during a year at a vineyard might be enough to restore balance in Rowan and Harry’s turbulent lives.

Fighter

A Fighter needs to be able to deal damage, but also take it. If you love the tension of winner-takes-all books that pit love interests against each other, then this is where to look.

Just My Type by Falon Ballard features Lana and Seth, two journalists set against each other to compete in a series of challenges to win a dream job. The catch? They’re high school exes with a whole lot of leftover tension.
Chef’s Kiss by TJ Alexander has all the opposites attract and enemies-to-lovers goodness that makes for great romance—and Simone and Ray also battle workplace discrimination alongside supportive friends and colleagues.

Monk

Some Monks choose a secluded lifestyle to focus on the study of powerful energy, which sounds quite a bit like disappearing into a small town or somewhere off-the-beaten-path to find oneself.

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle features Maybell, who inherits a house in the Smokies, and Wesley, the groundskeeper who co-inherited the secluded space. Elbow grease and introspection serve them the sweetest Happily Ever After.
You can’t get more isolated than being stranded on a deserted island, like in Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade. Unexpected co-stars filming together for six(!!) years on a desolate island after a one-night stand makes for some spectacular pining.

Paladin

Adventurous, loyal, and on a quest: Paladins have the power to heal and are driven to protect. This class stands for good and right and justice, but that doesn’t come without some internal struggle.

In Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly, Alexei and Ben meet while hiking the many-thousands-of-miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and end up journeying—and growing, and learning, and healing—together. This book is simply all the good things so it’s only natural it lands in the Paladin category.
Ruby Spencer, of Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow, is on a year-long adventure in Scotland to fulfill a personal quest: writing a cookbook, drinking whisky, and figuring out life. Falling for Brochan wasn’t part of the plan, but what kind of adventure doesn’t include side quests?

Ranger

Adventure and travel, that’s the life of the fiercely protective, independent Ranger. But there’s another layer to this class, too: A little vengeance may be unavoidable as Rangers answer the call.

Energetic Cassidy and uptight Luke are on separate missions with similar selfless goals in Planes Trains, and All the Feels by Livy Hart. In true Ranger fashion, their travel plans go awry, so they travel together—and discover fantastic procrastination techniques to delay them further.
Can we just pause a moment to admire Sarah MacLean’s strong, independent women characters? The Hell’s Belles series has it all: Vigilante shit, danger, and tough women hunting down real-life monsters (aka the patriarchy).

Rogue

The class that welcomes assassins, grifters, and thieves: Rogue is the class I’m most likely to play. There’s no question about the best romance tropes here: Hello, heist books!

Victorian fantasy romance is exactly the thing I never knew I needed in my life, until I found The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. Pirates? Check. Magic flying houses? Check. Cloak-and-dagger lady thieves? Multiple checks.
For more heist shenanigans, pick up To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai. The vibes here are spot-on: Simi and her topsy-turvy team must pull off a jewelry heist during a flashy wedding—but because it’s a romantic comedy, odds are her heart’s about to be stolen, too.

Sorcerer

Whether you play as a staunch, by-the-rules Sorcerer who honed their inherited magic through years of careful study, or you prefer messing around with raw, uncontrolled power to see what sticks, this class is all about paranormal romance books.

For those chaos gremlins who aren’t afraid of haphazard magic, try Every Wish Way by Shannon Bright. When Iza summons a personal wish-granter and asks him to provide a modern-day Mr. Darcy, she quickly learns that wishes and magic are more complicated than they seem.
Get your magical books fix with the Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper: Magic gone haywire, casting spells you shouldn’t be fiddling with, and strangers messing around with dangerous sorcery? The fourth in the series, In Charm’s Way, hits shelves in August 2023.

Warlock

Warlocks thirst for knowledge, but often must bargain to find what they seek. Obviously, with a bargain involved, I’m taking this one the fake dating route first.

In Fly with Me by Andie Burke, ER nurse Olive goes viral after saving someone’s life on a plane. Willing to do anything for a much-deserved promotion, Stella, the pilot from the flight, suggests a mutually beneficial fake relationship that turns steamier than originally planned.
In the “knowledge” category, we have eager Finn from Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon, who is a perfect match for the knowledge-seeking Warlock. I was equally gone for brilliant Chandler as I was for delightfully nerdy Finn while the School of Sexual Satisfaction was in session.

Wizard

While they’re magic-wielders, Wizards also have a scholarly streak. After all, where would they be without the mentors and apprenticeships that helped hone their skills? Wizards will appreciate adventurous romance books that feature discovery, ancient ruins, and maybe a little glimpse into the future.

Corrie (“Dr. Meija” please, she’s worked hard for that title!) treks into the Mexican jungle on an archaeological expedition in Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura. Her quest for knowledge is threatened first by her nemesis, Dr. Ford Matthews, butting in on her mission, then by smugglers, crime, danger—and love?
Rule-bending players who get their kicks messing with space/time via creative spellwork, check out Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip. Clementine “Lemon” West is protecting her heart while recovering from the loss of her beloved aunt, but a magical pinch in time brings hot chef Iwan into her life. The catch is that their timelines are mismatched…by seven years.

This Very Scientific List features two book recommendations for each Dungeons & Dragons class, but where do you start? My advice: Read them all. I have a few ideas of where my debut romcom, Text Appeal, fits in this list of classes, but I’m curious to see where everyone else thinks it lands

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