Releasing on February 13th 2024, her hilarious debut adult rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is all about starting over that sparkles with intelligence, wit, and compassion—think Bridget Jones meets Steel Magnolias!

As a devoted romance reader, viewer, and now author, I’ve had a long time to hone my ideal love interest. Sure, I like the occasional dark, brooding, dangerous type that’ll help you with your dragon or whatever, but what really makes me tick, in real life and in fiction, is a hot, lovable goofball. I’m not alone, either. Matt Berry’s Lazlo in What We Do in the Shadows, Jessica Williams’ Gaby from Shrinking, every single character in New Girl—TV is full of lovable goofballs, and the good news is, so are romance novels.

What is it that makes a goofball so incredibly attractive? If the adage that we fall in love with how a person makes us feel is true, it makes perfect sense. Goofballs are fundamentally positive people. They look at life through a fun, playful lens, which makes them great flirts and someone you want around when life gets hard. Also, it takes confidence to be so unabashedly silly and positive. While sarcasm screams I make fun of others because I’m terrified of looking uncool, a goofball doesn’t care what others think of them—they just want everyone to have a good time. That kind of confidence is so mmmm.

My debut adult rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair was the first romance novel I’d ever written, and I knew as I set out to write this book, the love interest needed to be a goofball. Someone who is warm, loving, attentive, and playful, who can alternate between making you laugh and making you blush. There is simply nothing hotter to me! And once Hannah meets River, the handsome carpenter with a man bun and a cat named “Battle Cat” who lives in the tricked-out treehouse next door, she definitely agrees.

So, if you’re like me and you’d rather laugh and snuggle than manage some wicked fiend out of his cloak, grab one of these lovely novels featuring goofballs of the highest quality:

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

This is a Christmas rom-com, but Hall is so incredibly lovable, darling, goofy, and perfect, I suggest you break out your hot chocolate, put your coziest socks on, and curl up with the perfect man holiday spirit come to life and bask in the joy this novel evokes in every single page.

The Roommate by Rosie Danaan

You know who could really use a hot goofball porn actor for a roommate? Other than *checks notes* all of us? Clara Wheaton, the prim east coast socialite who stars in this laugh-out-loud, swoony, STEAMY rom-com. The couch scene is simply iconic. You’re welcome.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert writes some of the funniest, most adorable swoon-fest romances in the business, and she really knocked it out of the park with this installment of the Brown Sisters series. Don’t be fooled—Zaf has a gruff, grumpy exterior, but he is made of pure adorable, loving goofball energy.

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson

I love Alicia Thompson’s work (and also her newsletters, sign up if you haven’t yet), and this is my favorite of her romances so far. Asa is the best kind of playful, an amazing flirt, and would have my heart pounding if he were my co-worker at my run-down wintery amusement park in humid Florida. Two thumbs up, would definitely goof around with this guy.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

Now, I’m gonna be a bit mean here and share some of my favorites that are publishing later in 2024, but you’re going to forgive me once you read them! Kieran O’Neill is the best kind of goofball—one who can also cook. If you love chaotic, handsome chefs with a heart of gold, pick this one up! Out September 2024.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

In this sapphic, opposites-attract romance by the voicy Mazey Eddings, our lovable goofball is Opal who, after winning the lottery, decides to go off the grid and buy a flower farm because that’s how adorable she is. This one isn’t out yet, but keep your eyes peeled! Out April 2024.

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

Okay, maybe you like your goofballs to be of the Duke variety? Alexandra Vasti is my absolute favorite historical romance author because she gets every bit of it right—the voice, the period, the HEAT (OMG), and also the cheeky humor that makes me reach for historicals in the first place! I absolutely adored her Halifax Hellions novella series, and this is her debut full-length novel and y’all, it does not disappoint! Pick this up when you’re ready to blush, swoon, and pull the drapes closed for an evening. Out July 2024.

A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Cited by many as the ultimate goofball love interest, Colin from A Week to be Wicked is everything we love in a hot goofball. Amazing flirt, confirmed rake, and an all-around good time.

Grab this classic if you’re ready to jump into the best aspects of historical romance.

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Another classic, Jeremy Wentworth is primo goofball love interest—mischievous, sexy, loving, hilarious—and also the owner of the whole village. Being serious isn’t generally how he rolls, but he’s serious as sin when it counts. Whew!

Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey

In this delightful novel, we get to watch two soft, sweet goofballs fall in love! Teddy works in a vintage toy store (adorable) and has a crush on the host of the local children’s television show, Everett (extremely adorable). Kerry Winfrey has a knack for writing sweet, heartfelt, funny romance, so try this one out next!

New Adult by Timothy Janovsky

I loooove me a time loop/travel story, and if you add in a goofball, I’m there. New Adult is everything I love most about romance—laughter, learning how to live the life you want, and falling in tender, beautiful love. Add this one to your TBR!

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by me, Laura Piper Lee!

In case you haven’t noticed, I know *a lot* about being goofy. If you’re interested in a messy millennial new mom letting go of the life she thinks she should live and grabbing hold of the happy life she truly deserves, which happens to include a handsome goofball who’s an impeccable flirt, a loving and supportive partner, and a beam of sexy sunshine, then please support this goofball today and pick up a copy of Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair!

Happy laughing/reading/falling-in-love!

The post These Goofs Can Get It—Sexy, Funny Goofball Love Interests that Have It All appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover new romance reads and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any of these recommendations!

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine comes the clever, funny, and unforgettable story of a muscular, tattooed man hired as an assistant to two old women under the watchful eye of a beautiful retirement home manager.

The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Naomi and Ethan will test the boundaries of love in this provocative romance from the author of the ground-breaking debut, The Roommate.

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of You Deserve Each Other comes a charming and unconventional romantic comedy about a woman who inherits a sprawling estate with a groundskeeper whose stoic exterior masks a surprising vulnerability.

To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

 The author of the hilarious To Have and to Hoax returns with an effervescent, charming, and swoon-worthy novel about a man and woman who never agree on anything until they agree to a no-strings-attached affair in this Regency-era romp.

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of “You’ve Got Mail,” a young woman juggles pursuing her dream job in radio while helping her family compete with the new halal restaurant across the street, in this sparkling new rom-com by the author of Ayesha at Last. 

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

Hot Copy by Ruby Barrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A meet-cute-gone-wrong on his first day leads an intern to prove to his boss that he’s not the type of man she thinks he is, and they’re both forced to choose what matters more: work, or love.  

Maggie Finds Her Muse by Dee Ernst
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sparkling romantic comedy starring a bestselling author who goes to Paris to overcome writer’s block and rediscovers family, independence, and love along the way.

The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An artist stumbles upon a naked duke and an unlikely love story begins in this captivating Victorian historical romance.

The Warlord by Gena Showalter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter begins a dark, sexy new series–Rise of the Warlords–with a fan favourite character from her beloved Lords of the Underworld series, Taliyah Skyhawk. The ice maiden faces off with her greatest enemy, a villain brutal beyond imagining.

Meet Me in Another Life by Catriona Silvey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A powerful and poignant speculative love story about a man and woman whose paths continue to cross in different lifetimes—a thrilling and imaginative exploration of what truly defines us and how our choices can change everything, perfect for fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Life After Life.

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

The post April 2021 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.