Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler, which releases on July 28th 2026.

Antique store owner Callahan Leitner has an illegal taxidermy goose in his living room.

Why? It’s…complicated.

But it may end his career unless he finds a legitimate way to dispose of the bird ASAP. Except, there’s an unexpected wrench in his plans—the frustrating, effervescent Annie O’Neill.

Annie is happy to fill in for her uncle at his antique store; it’s the perfect opportunity to gain more experience before opening a shop of her own, plus she’ll finally meet his handsome young business partner. Unfortunately, Cal is nothing like the charming man she expected. She’s tempted to take his apparent dislike personally, until she stumbles upon the source of his moodiness: the contraband waterfowl hidden upstairs.

When the goose goes missing, both of their professional reputations are on the line. As Cal and Annie attempt to track down the bird before it can be traced back to the store, their tentative alliance turns into something much deeper. Will the hunt for their felonious fowl lead to true love, or end in ruin?

EXCERPT

“Good morning.”

“Baltimore,” I whisper-sing to myself as my distracted gaze slowly drifts from an art deco pendant light suspended from the ceiling to the source of the greeting.

Oh.

It’s as if my brain flickers off and back on again, unable to register the reality of someone I’ve only seen on television (and also on my phone screen as I innocuously stalked the business’s Instagram account to catch glimpses of him) standing in front of me. Callahan Leitner as a real-life person. One with dark hair and fair skin and eyes the exact color of the type of olives they put in martinis. Standing in front of me. Ripe for the picking.

I mean. For the learning from.

Although the idea that I could learn anything from this man about running an antique shop seems foolish right now, as I’m pretty sure there’s no room in my head for anything except a thick lust-based fog, permanently settling into all the crevices. Somehow, despite that, I’m still looping “Good morning, Balti-more.” But now it’s transposed over the footage of him carefully running his fingers over the fragile shade of a Handel lamp some guy in Philadelphia brought for televised appraisal that I’ve watched way, way too many times.

“Can . . . I help you?” he asks politely when I don’t respond. “Oh. Sorry. Brain broke for a second,” I say, moving toward him. I reach out my hand. “Hi. I’m Annie O’Neill, Harold’s niece. Reporting for duty!” My free hand comes to my fore-head and I find myself saluting. It is too enthusiastic, too weird.

Too me.

Ideally, Callahan Leitner’s first thought upon meeting me would have been, Wow, this woman is smart and sexy. But instead he’s probably thinking, This woman is a nut.

Despite the immediate impulse to throw up my shield, to protect myself from judgment and say something else that will make him warm to me, I instead cling to the hours and hours of therapy and self-reflection that got me this far. Being too me is kind of the whole point of everything I’ve been working toward. If he thinks I’m a nut, well, that’s better than having to pretend I’m not for the next four weeks.

He takes my hand, a frown on his face. “Callahan, but you can call me Cal. It’s easier,” he says, releasing me as soon as we get the cursory amount of shakes out of the way. “Sorry you had to come here with so little notice. If this whole thing is at all inconvenient, please don’t feel the need to stay. I’m sure I can handle it.”

Wow. I know that was not the best first impression I have ever made, but I don’t think it was bad enough that he should be actively trying to get rid of me already.

“Not at all.” I smile back in a way that may actually just be baring my teeth. “I was so glad that Uncle Harold asked me to come help out while he’s away. You know, I visited Virtu once when I was a little girl and I’ve secretly always dreamed of working here since.”

“Similar thing happened to me. Except I actually did work here,” Callahan says distractedly as he turns back to the counter and scribbles something down on a legal pad. “And now I own it.” Okay. What the fuck are these vibes? I can’t tell if he’s being standoffish, or apathetic, or . . . I don’t even know. I like to think I’m good at reading people, but whatever language this man is written in is not even remotely coherent to me so far. “Well, you half own it,” I say.

This gets his attention, his head popping back up so that he can glare daggers at me.

“Right?” I ask innocently. “Uncle Harold owns the other half. You’re equal partners.”

“We are,” he says, writing again. A moment later he adds, “Harold tells me you ‘upcycle’ antiques and sell them online.” He does not say this as if it’s a good or impressive thing. In fact, I think I can hear the dismissive quotes he’s mentally placed around the word “upcycle.”

“I do. It started as a pandemic side hustle and now it’s my full-time job. Which is nice, because it gives me flexibility to hop in the car and drive three hours to Baltimore on a moment’s notice to help rude men with the stores they half own.”

His pencil freezes for a second. Then it starts back up. Callahan—Cal, I guess—continues focusing on his task, ignoring my barb long enough that I have time to start wondering if I maybe shouldn’t have said it. Finally he finishes, tears the lined sheet of yellow paper off the pad, and holds it out to me with a little jut of his stupidly handsome chin that says, Come on, I don’t have all day.

I snatch the page and look it over. It’s a to-do list.

1. Dust all
2. Vacuum
3. Take photos for potential social media

“Let me know if you have any questions,” he says. “I’ll be in the office. Down the hall, to the right.”

Then he simply walks away, shattering every single fantasy I ever had about him into the tiniest shards that reflect myself back to me in a way that I’m not sure is particularly flattering.

“Good morning, Baltimore!” I sing quietly to myself again, even though I’m absolutely sick of it.

I barely see Cal the rest of the day.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Wild Goose Chase’ by Sarah Adler appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About Finders Keepers: 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.

I think the only thing more painful and life-altering than a friendship breakup is a friendship breakup where more than platonic feelings were floating around (whether acknowledged or not). But that angst is also what makes it a super fun dynamic to read about. So, in honor of my own estranged-friends-to-lovers romcom, Finders Keepers, I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite examples of this delicious romance trope for your own reading pleasure.

One on One by Jamie Harrow

Videographer Annie has returned to her alma mater to work for the university’s basketball team alongside Ben, another former intern who is now an assistant coach. The way Annie left before—suddenly and under circumstances Ben doesn’t understand—shoved a wedge between the two friends that is still very much present as she rejoins the Tigers staff. Jamie Harrow’s talent for making the atmosphere of a packed arena come alive on the page is second only to her talent for writing a swoony love story, and with Annie and Ben being both estranged friends and workplace rivals Harrow’s debut is absolutely one of my S-tier romances.

The Earl Who Isn’t by Courtney Milan

Lily returns from Hong Kong to the small English town of Wedgeford with proof that her estranged best friend, Andrew, is the rightful heir to an earldom. Andrew has actually known about his patrilineal inheritance for a long time now, and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. What he does want something to do with is Lily, whom he’s been desperately missing since the one night of passion they shared before she left. But the woman he adores is intent on revealing his biggest secret—and it could put them both in danger. What’s a hot amateur botanist who doesn’t want to be an earl to do??

A Rogue to Remember by Emily Sullivan

Road trip romances are my catnip—especially historical ones. When her uncle insists Lottie accept a proposal or he’ll do it for her, she decides to spread a scandalous rumor about herself to keep from having to marry. This brings her estranged childhood friend, Alec, to her doorstep in Italy to inform her that her reputation is still intact despite her efforts to ruin herself, and she needs to go back to England ASAP because her uncle is dying. As they journey home, they’re joined by the specters of their former friendship and a whole boatload of sexual tension. Oh, and by the way, Alec is a spy, so there’s a bunch of intrigue and related shenanigans woven into this second chance love story.

A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrissey

Dee is a podcast host and Ben is her estranged best friend who shows up on her doorstep requesting she accompany him on a long-ago planned road trip to his grandmother’s house to open the time capsule they buried there in high school. This forced proximity road trip romcom perfectly captures that aching feeling of loss when things go wrong with the person you care about most, and the uncertainty and hope that fills you when you might have a chance to fix it. I think about the cat at the baseball stadium scene at least once a week.

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Successful gaming hell co-owner Michael, Marquess of Bourne, lost everything in a game of cards many years ago, but now has an opportunity to get it back—by abducting his estranged childhood friend, Penelope, and compromising her virtue so that he can marry her and gain access to her dowry, which happens to include his ancestral estate. Not exactly an ideal way to reunite, but it is pretty hot in like, a problematic way! So Penelope, who wasn’t interested in a boring society marriage anyway, finds that she isn’t totally opposed to this situation. Which leads to Bourne being like wait no you aren’t suppose to like me, what the heck. Also, the letter excerpts in this one are some of the most effective (and affective) writing I’ve ever read.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Perhaps the most well-known example of this trope, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it. The past timeline slow reveal of what happened to drive Poppy and Alex apart plays so nicely with the current timeline of them repairing their relationship, and so much of it lives rent free in my head. Emily Henry certainly knows how to stick a story to your bones and make it part of you—the same way it feels to have a friendship so deep that it can’t help but transform into love.

The post Here You Come Again: Estranged Friends-to-Lovers Romance Book Recs appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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.

A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of contemporary romantic comedies and emotional women’s fiction. Her work has earned praise from Kirkus, Booklist, Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly, and has been featured in Women’s World, The Knot, and Book of the Month. Melissa’s novels will soon be translated into a dozen languages. 

About Wish I Were Here: In this witty and charming love story perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens, Ashley Poston, and Josie Silver, a buttoned-up math professor is forced to rely on her carefree doorman when her identity mysteriously disappears.

Are you the type of person who has ever wished you could go back in time for a do-over of the past? Or maybe you’ve wondered what it would be like to look into the future and change your fate. If you find yourself nodding your head, then chances are you’re a fan of magical and timeslip movies like Groundhog Day, 13 Going on 30, About Time, and Palm Springs. And you’ll probably love all the magical romance novels published recently!

There’s so much that draws us to magical tropes! They pull us out of ordinary life and show us what could have been if we’d made different choices. They let us imagine taking charge of our futures. They reassure us that love can be destined. If you’re in the magical romance mood, consider checking out these books that are perfect for fans of wishes, time travel, and fate!

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

I love magical tropes so much that I even wrote a couple of books about them myself! My upcoming novel, Wish I Were Here is the story of Catherine, a Type-A math professor who carefully calculates everything from her daily to-dos to her afternoon snacks. But one day, she wakes up and discovers her entire identity has mysteriously disappeared. There’s no evidence Catherine ever existed.

With no other options, Catherine reluctantly accepts help from her exasperatingly laidback—and infuriatingly attractive—doorman, Luca Morelli. Before long, by-the-books Catherine finds herself bending all the rules with the charismatic Luca…and in the process, discovering that losing herself might just be the key to finding where she truly belongs.

The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa

The Backtrack is the story of Sam, a pilot who returns to her childhood home after more than a decade away in order to help her grandmother move. In the process, Sam finds an old mix CD that her childhood best friend and “the one that got away” made for her in high school. To her astonishment, Sam plays the CD and discovers she can revisit her past and experience how her life might been if only she’d stayed instead of left all those years ago.

This book is the pitch-perfect mix of heartwarming second-chance romance, nostalgic music, and a hint of magic. It will appeal to anyone who has ever looked back on their first love and wondered “what if?”

Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb

Speaking of nostalgia… dreamy, early-aughts actors like Adam Brody and Joshua Jackson are having big moments in the spotlight this year, and their fans won’t want to miss Prime Time Romance! This book has all atmosphere and charm of a small town early-2000’s teen drama, but with a sexy, magical twist.

Brynn, a 30-year-old recent divorcee finds herself suddenly plummeted into the world of her favorite teen TV drama along with her sexy new roommate, Josh. To get back to their real lives, Brynn and Josh have to fulfill the happy ending that never happened on the show. But when they begin falling for one another, they deliver a plot twist that jeopardizes the show’s perfect ending. Any reader who has ever rooted for the bad boy to get the girl, or for the girl to get her long deserved happily-ever-after will fall for this book.

Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin

Witchful Thinking is another perfect choice for anyone who loves the charm of a small-town romance about “the one that got away.” Think of it like a Hallmark movie with magical beings and a whole heap of chemistry between a witch and a very sexy merman!

Lucy lives a pretty ordinary witchy life until Alex unexpectedly comes back to town. All of a sudden, his presence—and her impeding high school reunion—has Lucy wishing for more out of life. When her wish turns to a spell, Lucy finds herself magically opening herself up to all sorts of new experiences…and a romance with her old love. Witchful Thinking is the first of three books in the Elemental Love universe, all of which are out now…just in time to binge for Halloween season!

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

Happy Medium is a fresh, original, and entertaining story about a fake spirit medium named Gretchen who is hired by one of her elderly clients to “cleanse” the property of an old friend. It turns out that the friend is a 30-something smokeshow named Charlie, and the property is populated by a real ghost.

The moment I encountered the back cover copy of this book, I knew I had to read it, and it did not let me down! This book puts the “com” in romcom, and it genuinely had me laughing out loud!

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

Red String Theory is the dreamy, romantic story of Rooney, an artist whose whole life has been guided by fate, and in particular, the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by an invisible red string. When Rooney meets Jack—her perfect match—on an idyllic New York night, she’s sure she found The One…until she learns he’s a skeptic who doesn’t believe in destiny.

Rooney is hired as an artist-in-residence at Jack’s workplace…which if you believe in fate, you’ll know is no coincidence! And even more enchanting, Red String Theory is set at NASA so there are literal planets aligning and stars shining down on the couple. Readers will feel the magic on every page!

The post Do You Believe in Magic (Books)? appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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The author of Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

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In this magical epic fantasy, a young woman cursed with the power of death must decide if saving her family is worth betraying her country—the first installation of a gripping new series.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes a YA murder mystery noir set in 1930s Los Angeles’s Chinatown.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age.

The Gathering by CJ Tudor

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A detective investigating a grisly crime in rural Alaska finds herself caught up in the dark secrets and superstitions of a small town in this riveting novel from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

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A clever con woman must convince a skeptical, sexy farmer of his property’s resident real-life ghost if she’s to save them all from a fate worse than death, in this delightful new novel from the author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes.

Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles

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From the bestselling author of The Lincoln Highway, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Rules of Civility, a richly detailed and sharply drawn collection of stories set in New York and Los Angeles.

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

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College exes break all the rules when they reunite years later in this enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, the highly anticipated companion novel to the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet—from the New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect.

The Redemption of Morgan Bright by Chris Panatier

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From the subversive voice behind The Phlebotomist comes a story that combines the uncanny atmosphere of Don’t Worry Darling with the narrative twists of The Last House on Needless Street.

Knife by Salman Rushdie

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From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring—and surviving—an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

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A thrilling page-turner of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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From the author of the multimillion bestselling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series and Five Survive comes a new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her missing mother while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

Dragon Rider by Taran Matharu

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Discover a rich world of magic, warriors, and dragons, in which a fearless orphan and an ambitious handmaiden flee from the empire that would imprison them, with a dream to return to their homelands and a determination that’s unbreakable…

Off With Their Heads by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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Fans of Chloe Gong and Judy I. Lin will devour this Korean-inspired Alice in Wonderland retelling about two very wicked girls, forever bonded by blood and betrayal . . .

The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass

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The Paris Apartment meets The Wrong Family, this thrilling tale of crime, passion and murder is set in a run-down apartment complex packed with shady characters willing to go to deadly lengths to keep their darkest secrets from the stranger in their midst.

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

The post Book Releases To Check Out In April 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Prepare your romance-loving heart as there are some stellar romance books releasing in the first half of 2024! Between the months of January and June, you’ll see new releases from Katee Robert, Christina Lauren, Anita Kelly, Olivia Dade, Tessa Bailey, Lynn Painter, Alison Cochrun, Kevin Kwan, Carley Fortune, and so many more, plus those making their exciting debut!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2024 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated list and Anticipated YA list.

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take Two, Birdie Maxwell by Allison Winn Scotch

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Hollywood’s biggest rom-com star tries to recover from her damaged reputation by staging her own rom-com and following a lead on a lost love in the new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch. (Update: This title now releases on 5 March 2024)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

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A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle

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A romcom perfect for fans of Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder and Sarah Morgenthaler’s Moose Springs, Alaska, about a city girl lost in the wilderness with only a grouchy mountain man to guide her…and there’s only one sleeping bag.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron by April Asher

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In April Asher’s new Supernatural Singles novel, a witch takes a stroll on the wild-ish side, sparking an alert that saddles her with her very own Guardian Angel…who happens to be her secret crush―and new roommate.

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

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A new mom repairs her broken dreams in this hilarious rom-com about starting over that sparkles with intelligence, wit, and compassion.

Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff

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Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

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Chemistry sizzles in this workplace rom-com set in the world of high school basketball as the author of Love & Other Disasters delivers a sapphic romance full of humor and heart.

At First Spite by Olivia Dade

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Bestselling author Olivia Dade welcomes you to Harlot’s Bay in this delightfully sexy rom-com about a woman who buys the town’s famous Spite House, only to realize the infuriating man she can’t stand lives right next door—and their unwilling proximity might spark something neither can ignore.

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard

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From the beloved author of Just My Type and Lease on Love comes a new romantic comedy in which a former actress-turned-screenwriter finds herself back in the spotlight, only for her romantic lead to be the one man she can’t stand.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

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A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.

The Catch by Amy Lea

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A grumpy lobster fisherman tosses a fashion influencer’s impeccably curated life overboard in the next romantic comedy from international bestselling author Amy Lea.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance duology with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

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Two sisters roll up their sleeves to run a dilapidated inn but must learn to work with the locals in this deliciously spicy novel inspired by Sense and Sensibility.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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What should have been a family celebration of Chinese New Year descends into chaos when longtime foes crash the party in this hilariously entertaining novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

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Told with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart, Rebecca Serle has finally set her sights on romantic love. The result is a gripping, emotional, passionate, and (yes) heartbreaking novel about what it means to be single, what it means to find love, and ultimately how we define each of them for ourselves. Expiration Dates is the one fans have been waiting for.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander

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The author of Love Buzz follows her acclaimed first novel with a delightful Caribbean-set romp about an ambitious designer of apocalyptic video games with a strategy for (almost) everything who discovers what happens when her best-laid plans go off course . . .

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

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Travel consultant Addie Macrae discovers more than just the countryside when she’s sent to help a struggling tour company in Alexandra Kiley’s debut Kilt Trip. Set against the vibrant Scottish countryside, this enchanting romcom features a spicy enemies-to-lovers tale full of clever banter and relatable family dynamics.

Trouble by Lex Croucher

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A Regency-era romantic comedy with a deliciously feminist and queer twist, from the New York Times bestselling author of Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

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A humorous and unique rom-com that sees two wedding crashers fall for each other. This intriguing premise delivers on its promise with so much feeling and so much fun.

The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett

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When a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

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For fans of Tia Williams and Colleen Hoover comes a deeply moving and personal novel about sacrifice, self-reliance, and finding true happiness from “one of the finest romance writers of our age.”

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

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From the author of the BookTok sensation Done and Dusted comes the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring opposites attract and forced proximity.

Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja

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A bride-to-be convinced she’s cursed in romance finds her luck changing—at exactly the wrong time.

Flirty Little Secret by Jessica Lepe

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You’ve Got Mail meets Abbott Elementary in this sweet, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lynn Painter and Lyssa Kay Adams. 

A Governess’s Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins

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Bestselling author Manda Collins continues the Ladies Most Scandalous series with this delightful, witty historical romance in which two friends reunite —and discover hidden feelings—perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore and Netflix’s  Bridgerton!

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

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A sexy, sapphic, opposites-attract romance with Mazey Eddings’ signature sparkling voice!

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

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A steamy, riotous second-chance romance about a magical florist’s unexpected reunion with her high school sweetheart . . . while she fake dates his soon-to-be stepbrother.

Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez

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A sharp and scintillating summer novel that will make readers laugh out loud and cry happy tears from the New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

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The author of the “sexy, insightful, and utterly charming” (BuzzFeed) Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

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The brilliant contemporary romance novel debut from Yulin Kuang, the acclaimed screenwriter of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation and director of the forthcoming Beach Read feature film.

When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

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In this sweeping second chance romance from debut author Myah Ariel, the unexpected spark of two former flames may force them to choose between their dreams and each other.

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

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College exes break all the rules when they reunite years later in this enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, the highly anticipated companion novel to the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet—from the New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

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A clever con woman must convince a skeptical, sexy farmer of his property’s resident real-life ghost if she’s to save them all from a fate worse than death, in this delightful new novel from the author of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes.

Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner

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“A story of love, healing, and second chances ” (Emily Henry) following a down on his luck country musician who, in the throes of grief after a shocking loss, moves back home and rekindles a relationship with his high school sweetheart, from award-winning author Jeff Zentner.

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

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Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer who has sworn off relationships agree to cohost a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers, in Truly, Madly, Deeply, the next steamy queer rom-com from Lambda Literary Award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

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It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series.

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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This Summer Will Be Different offers an idyllic coastal setting, enticing vacation descriptions, and a story that is equal parts sexy romance and female friendship.

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

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From the iconic internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent tropical wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners from the iconic author of Crazy Rich Asians.

Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

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Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward

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Three wildly different sisters reunite for a destination wedding at an English castle in this heartfelt and rollicking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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A time travel romance, a speculative spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingeniously constructed exploration of the nature of truth and power and the potential for love to change it all: Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilarating debut novel by Kaliane Bradley.

One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette

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From the creator of viral TikTok account Betty’s Book List, a debut romance about a supermodel and a photographer with a past marriage pact who meet again ten years later on a photoshoot in Cinque Terre, Italy.

Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown

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From The Bachelorette star and New York Times bestselling author Hannah Brown comes an irrepressibly funny romantic comedy about two frenemies on the verge of making the biggest mistake of all . . .

Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni

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Sparks fly between two women pitted against each other in this delectable new romantic comedy by Taleen Voskuni, author of Sorry, Bro.

Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters and Fay Stetz-Waters

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One hook-up is about to become one seriously hilarious situationship in this vibrant and lively romantic comedy about taking chances . . . and breaking the rules.

Love, Lies and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau

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The author of the “full of heart” (Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author) The Stand-Up Groomsman returns with a charming and clever rom-com about a young woman’s desperate attempts to fend off her meddling mother…only to find that maybe mother does know best.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar), returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

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When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

One Last Summer by Kate Spencer

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From the cohost of the award-winning and uber-popular Forever35 podcast comes a dreamy, laugh-out-loud summer romance that asks: What do you do when the life you’ve planned isn’t what you’ve dreamed? 

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

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A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science—from New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s latest laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren

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A witty and deeply romantic modern reimagining of Disney’s Tangled, by the New York Times bestselling author duo Christina Lauren, part of the acclaimed and bestselling Meant to Be collection.

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

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A divorcee embarks on her “year of yes” and crosses paths with a shy but sensitive birdwatcher who changes her life in this charming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood.

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

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A professional baseball player and his heckler prove that true love is worth going to bat for in the next swoony romance by USA Today bestselling author Alicia Thompson.

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

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A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle

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For fans of Emily Henry, a debut about a rom-com screenwriter who doesn’t believe in love and a divorce attorney who does, forced together at their high school reunion fifteen years after their breakup

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

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A struggling writer is forced to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with the man who gave her book a very public one-star rating in this fresh romantic comedy from Laura Hankin.

Match Me If You Can by Swati Hegde

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A young magazine writer in Mumbai must prove her matchmaking skills—and contend with growing feelings for her close family friend—in this debut desi romance.

Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

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When a Mexican heiress defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her…

Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

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A grumpy, rich recluse meets his match in this steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling—with a Succession twist. Fans of fairy tale adaptations, and readers of Julie Murphy and Falon Ballard, will adore Mae Bennett’s debut romance.

What 2024 romance releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Swoonworthy 2024 Romance Book Releases You Need appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

The post Top Romance Recommendations Based on Your D&D Class appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

Hello! Thanks so much for having me. I’m Sarah Adler (she/her), and I’m the author of adult romantic comedies and one poem in fourth grade about a monster in my soup that was so good I got to read it over the morning announcements. I live in Maryland and spend my spare time hanging out with my family, reading (of course), and going on scenic drives that somehow always seem to lead to a bakery.

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

In elementary school, one of our yearly assignments was to write a story, which we got to take to the “publishing center” (a spare room full of PTA volunteers who typed the stories up and bound them). It was a pretty fancy operation, actually, with a few binding options depending on the book’s length, donated wallpaper samples to choose from for the covers, and even multiple color options for endpapers. I was constantly writing stories at home, but this felt different. Much more official. Getting to turn my words into a “real” book was the coolest thing I could imagine, and it kind of still is!

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

The first novel I remember reading on my own outside of school was Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons. There’s a twist in it that’s probably super obvious to grown-up readers but blew my mind reading it as a ten year old. Also, a boy kisses the main character on her collarbone, super awkwardly and absolutely out of nowhere, and I was like, oh hmm wow that is very… interesting. That was maybe my romance writer awakening, now that I think about it.

Your debut novel, Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, is out May 23^rd! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Zany, witty, hot, sweet, poignant. (Confession: I totally stole these from some of the wonderful blurbs and reviews Mrs. Nash’s Ashes has received.)

What can readers expect?

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes is a road trip romance filled with all of the super fun detours and zippy banter you’d expect from the trope. But it’s also about Mrs. Nash and the woman she never quite got over losing and never stopped loving, which adds an undercurrent of emotional heft to the story. Readers can expect to laugh a lot, possibly tear up a little, and hopefully come out of the experience feeling a bit lighter than when they went in.

Where did the inspiration for Mrs. Nash’s Ashes come from?

While driving and listening to the radio, I heard a snippet of an interview with a musician who talked about how, when his mother passed away, he took her ashes on tour with him to sprinkle on every stage he played. I immediately had so many logistical questions about that, and my brain did not want to let them go. Around the same time, I was thinking about what a modern day version of the 1934 comedy It Happened One Night would look like. Eventually the two ideas converged in my head, and I had the plot of Mrs. Nash’s Ashes.

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

I loved writing in Millie’s voice. It was like letting my natural impulses run unchecked, while at the same time she often took me places I wouldn’t have necessarily expected or gone on my own. Also, I wanted her to be a character who is very confident in who she is, someone who’s earnest even when other people might see that as weird or cringy. And I think writing someone doing that on the page helped me learn to do it more myself in real life.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey of getting Mrs. Nash’s Ashes published?

I started writing again after my daughter was born and I unexpectedly became a stay-at-home parent. Writing offered me a sense of identity outside of motherhood that I really needed at the time. My first manuscript was more women’s fiction, and it wasn’t very good, but I learned so much about craft and the market and the publishing process in general. My second manuscript was better, but still no agent offers. So I wrote Mrs. Nash’s Ashes in the thick of the pandemic, often banging out a chapter or two in the driver’s seat of my car, mooching off fast food WiFi in parking lots just for a change of scenery. I was powered by sheer determination after something like two hundred agent rejections. From the first page, it felt really different. Like I’d finally cracked the code and found my voice. And I guess people liked it, because within a week of querying, I had an offer of representation. I wound up with several and wound up signing with Taylor Haggerty at Root. We did a quick round of revisions on the manuscript before we sent it off on submission. Again, it only took a week. We wound up in a six-editor auction and decided to go with Berkley. It was all quite a wonderful whirlwind, especially juxtaposed with having spent the previous two years in the query trenches.

What’s next for you?

My second book is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2024. I can’t say too much about it yet, but it’s an enemies-to-lovers romcom involving a fake spirit medium, a hot farmer, and a ghost. Also, I’ve seen the cover and it’s amazing.

Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?

So many amazing books coming out this year! But in the interest of space I will narrow it down to a few I’ve read and loved recently: Amy Barry’s Marrying Off Morgan McBride, which is the second in an incredibly fun Montana-set historical romance series; Ava Wilder’s sophomore novel, Will They or Won’t They; Amber Roberts’s delightfully nerdy sex-positive romcom, Text Appeal; Rachel Runya Katz’s wonderful debut, Thank You for Sharing; and Kerry Winfrey’s hilarious holiday romance, Faking Christmas. And then for something completely different: Terrace Story by Hilary Leichter.

Will you be picking up Mrs. Nash’s Ashes? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Sarah Adler, Author of ‘Mrs. Nash’s Ashes’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.