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

Hi. Thank you for inviting me. I’m a South African author of romance and fantasy. I’m a mom, an engineer, and instead of sleeping, I spend my time figuring out exciting ways to make (fictional) people fall in love.

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

I fondly remember using both mine and my mother’s library cards to take out ten books instead of the four I was allowed on just my kiddie card. While I can’t pinpoint the discovery of my love for stories (I do believe I was born with that), I can tell you that, around the age of ten, I wrote a story titled The Treasures of Zombie Island. There wasn’t a single zombie, but there was a tortured, morally gray character with a sloppily written redemption arc.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Something by Roald Dahl, but I can’t remember which one. Possibly Matilda?
• The one that made you want to become an author: Also possibly Matilda.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Also Matil— No, I’m kidding. I don’t think there’s any one book I think about all the time. It depends on my mood. Most recently, for obvious reasons due to my new release, The Hobbit has been on my mind.

Your latest novel, Playing Flirty, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Sexy geeks do fun things.

What can readers expect?

Playing Flirty is equal amounts swoon, sexy, and silly. Readers can expect a lot of banter as the two protagonists, Rose and William, attempt to outplay one another at every opportunity: board games with friends, arcade games, video games, and even flirting.

Readers should also expect hobbit references. Many of them. Actually, it’s a love letter to the Lord of the Rings disguised as a romantic comedy.

Where did the inspiration for Playing Flirty come from?

It’s a little strange how this upbeat novel was inspired by my sadder moments. Playing Flirty came to me during the pandemic when we were all working remotely and social distancing. I missed my friends so much. I missed the simplicity and joy of playing a board game with them. And it was that longing that brought Rose, William, Shaun, Neema, Claire, and Lincoln to me.

In addition to this, I’ve always wanted to write stories featuring brown people who are just having fun.

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

I enjoy each of them for different reasons. But one of my favorite things was being able to write about adults who still love board and video games, adults who cosplay and fangirl. We’re often expected to outgrow these things and leave them behind in our teen years, but why should we?

While I’ve always been a lover of board and video games, writing Playing Flirty inspired me to play more. I’ve gone back and rediscovered my love for games, old and new. So far, I’ve had a few readers tell me that too.

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

Plenty. Playing Flirty was the book that taught me how to write romcoms. I had to be patient as I revised and rewrote and edited and edited and edited until it was coherent. The learning curve was steep, but Rose and William kept it fun. As long as I’m having fun while writing, I know I’m doing something right.

What’s next for you?

Another book in the Playing Flirty universe will be announced soon. Different games, different geeks.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

I’ve been lucky enough to read a few 2025 debuts: Unromance by Erin Connor, Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift and You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon. I’d recommend all three. I’m really excited about Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid, Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan, and Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie. I’ve been promised a steamy holiday novella by Nuhaa Bardien, and Suzanne Collins is the (traumatic) gift that keeps on giving.

There are more I’m forgetting, but I don’t keep a physical list. I just have titles and trope graphics floating around in my brain.

Will you be picking up Playing Flirty? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Shameez Patel, Author of ‘Playing Flirty’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and let us know in the comments if you’ll be picking any!

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.

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.

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

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A swoony, steamy, STEM romance in which two curators at a science museum—a handsome but grumpy astronomer and an anxious but sunshine-y entomologist—realize they are the perfect match. 

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.

Single Player by Tara Tai

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Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Helen Hoang.

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.

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.

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

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In this Latinx adult romance debut from National Book Award Finalist Sonora Reyes, two friends enter into a marriage of convenience to save one from deportation—but everything changes when they unexpectedly fall in love.

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 . . .

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.

Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde

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A spicy small-town, brother’s best friend, sports romance “packed with sizzling tension, heat, and sweet, swoon-worthy moments” (Peyton Corinne, author of TikTok sensation Unsteady) between a college football coach and the one that got away that you’ll want to devour in one sitting.

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.

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.

Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel

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The game is on for two nerds who love to outplay each other . . . even when their hearts are on the line, in this charming and geeky romantic comedy perfect for fans of Olivia Dade and Jen DeLuca.

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.

Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen

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After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.

A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

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Get ready to swoon for this dreamy, forget-me-not romance that’s filled with the delightful tartness of Jane Austen and the sweeping, unputdownable drama of Bridgerton.

Flirting With Disaster by Naina Kumar

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She needs a divorce from her husband—but a hurricane threatens to dredge up their stormy, passionate past in this sizzling romance from the bestselling author of Say You’ll Be Mine.

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

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A married couple joins a week-long wilderness expedition to help them reconnect in this heartfelt companion novel to the viral TikTok sensation Out on a Limb.

Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday

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Summer camp heats up for a grumpy rockstar and a cynical dance instructor in this funny and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke

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With a colorful cast of characters and a cellar full of wine, anything can happen―from murder to a second chance at love―in Jenny Elder Moke’s half mystery, half romance adult debut set at a lavish destination wedding.

The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee

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There’s more than one way to love and more than one place to call home in this rousing small-town romantic comedy that’s sure to charm fans of Hannah Bonam-Young’s Next to You and Ashley Herring Blake’s Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date

Book People by Jackie Ashenden

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When a fledgling bookseller opens a shop and café celebrating popular genre fiction across the street from a well-established upscale bookshop, she incurs the wrath and disdain of its highbrow owner, until a long-held family secret that connects their pasts comes to light during a literary festival . . .

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

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A stolen latte results in a meet-cute for the ages in this brand-new edition, with bonus content, of New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter’s rom-com Accidentally Amy.

All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles

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Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.

The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns

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A heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance about the magic and mayhem of weddings – and what happens when everything you thought you knew about love is turned upside down.

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

The post 28 New Romance Reads Hitting Bookshelves In January 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.